2012 Wilderness Basics Course Notebook

2012 Wilderness Basics Course Notebook
Sierra Club, San Diego Chapter, North County Group
Sierra Club, San Diego Chapter, North County Group Wilderness Basics Course
Contents
Schedule of Topics and Outings . . . . . . . . . . . Wilderness Basics Staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The purpose of the Sierra Club . . . . . . . . . The North County Group . . . . . . . . . . . . Information about the course . . . . . . . . . . Course Completion Requirements . . . . . . . Outing Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Physical Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Setting Personal Fitness Goals . . . . . . . . . Starting An Exercise Program . . . . . . . . . Wilderness Ethics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A necessary concept . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wilderness Permits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . National Forest Adventure Pass . . . . . . . . . Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Equipment selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The ten essentials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sleeping bags and pad . . . . . . . . . . . . . Equipment/Clothing, backpacking on the cheap Water Filters or Puriers . . . . . . . . . . . . Map and Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . World Coordinate System . . . . . . . . . . . . Map Symbols and Colors . . . . . . . . . . . . Map Nomenclature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Desert Travel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Desert travel and Camping . . . . . . . . . . . Desert Survival . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Your car can save your life . . . . . . . . . . . How long you can survive in the shade . . . . . Safety and Survival . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Staying found . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mountain Travel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mountain miseries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wilderness travel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Critical Hazards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cross Country . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Off the beaten track . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 7 8 8 8 9 9 10 13 18 18 19 19 21 22 22 22 22 24 27 36 39 39 39 41 44 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 50 52 53 54 54
Winter Travel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Winter mountaineering and travel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bivouac . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hypothermia is exposure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Loss of body heat terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . First Aid for Backpackers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Protecting your Food . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Snow Camp Backpack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Snow camping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wilderness Basics 2012 Snow Camp Backpack Outing Sheet Equipment checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . How to make mitten shells . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . How to make gaiters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . How to make snow stakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Where to go in Southern California . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Where to go . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . How to nd good areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . With whom to go . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Some suggested backpack outings in southern California . . . . Snow Camp Backpack Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Student Evaluation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
57 57 58 59 61 63 70 71 71 73 74 75 76 77 78 78 79 80 81 87 89
Schedule of Topics and Outings

Date Jan 10 2012 Wilderness Basics Course Activity Topic Staff Class #1 WBC Slide Show Bob Lundy Conditioning Hikes Roy Hussak What is WBC and how it func- John Tomlinson tions Equipment: Backpacking Cloth- John Tomlinson ing, Layering, and Fabrics Equipment: Sleeping Bags and John Tomlinson Pads The 10 Essentials Mark Dufva Ways to Decrease Class George Greer Class #2 Conditioning Hikes Equipment: Tents Equipment: Boots, Socks, and Foot care Wilderness Ethics Mt. Woodson Hike Announcement Roy Hussak Dr. Joe Godfrey Cheryl Knapp Karen Tynan Al Fein Text Notebook Pp. 1319 Pp. 513
Ch. 1 Pp. 5459 Pp. 6063
Pp. 2427 Pp. 2224 Pp. 2735 Pp. 1319
Jan 17
Pp. 5960 Pp. 5254 Ch. 2 & 9 Pp. 1922
Jan 21, 22 Outing Mt. Woodson Day Hike Jan 24 Class #3 Introduction to Map & Compass Equipment: Backpacks Equipment: Stoves & Cookware Outings Policy Car Camp Trip Overviews Jan 31 Class #4 Map and Compass Lightweight backpacking Pre-trip meeting: Car Camp Outing Car Camp Class #5 Food Preparation and Ideas for Menus Desert Backpack Overviews Film: Survival
Lee Ledford Ken Quigley John Tomlinson Jom Troch Trip Leaders Lee Ledford Cheryl Knapp Trip Leaders
Ch. 7 Pp. 6971 Pp. 6368
Pp. 3944
Pp. 1013
Ch. 7 Pp. 4850
Pp. 3944
Feb 45 Feb 7
Jaye Gleyzal Trip Leaders
Ch. 6
Pp. 4850
6 Date Feb 14 Activity Class #6
Topic Desert Travel Safety and Rescue Equipment: Water lters Mountain Backpack Overviews Pre-trip meeting: Desert backpack Desert Backpack NO CLASS Spring Break Basic First Aid Mountain Travel Pre-trip meeting: Mountain backpack Mountain Backpack COL Training Announcement Food Storage and Bear Bag Demo Snow Camp Fun & Winter Gear
Staff Lloyd Bittner Will Tapp PJ Krachenfels Trip Leaders Trip Leaders
Text Ch. 4 & 14 Ch. 17 P. 69
Notebook Pp. 4447 Pp. 4850 Pp. 3639
Feb 1819 Feb 21 Feb 28
Outing Class #7
Tony Kurtz Jeff Marchand Trip Leaders
Ch. 16 Ch. 13
Pp. 6369 Pp. 5054
Mar 34 Mar 6
Outing Class #8
Cheryl Knapp Cheryl Knapp Lee Ledford
Pp. 159165 Pp. 7071 Ch. 15 Pp. 7173 Pp. 7577 P. 87
Mar 10 Mar 13
Outing Class #9
What to bring next meeting for John Tomlinson equipment check Snow Camp Overviews Trip Leaders Mt. Woodson Hike Announce- John Tomlinson ment Mt. Woodson Day Hike (Makeup) COL Training Announcement Cheryl Knapp Film: Land of One Season Weather Chrissy Magee Snow Camp Backpack pre-trip Trip Leaders meeting and equipment check
Ch. 8
Mar 1718 Mar 20 Mar 27 April 2829
Outing Snow Camp Backpack Class #10 Final exam Class #11 Upcoming plans for future trips Reunion At Foster Lodge, Mt. Laguna
The WBC website is http://sandiego.sierraclub.org/wbc/nc/. Along with this manual and your textbook, our website is also a great source of information. Youll nd lists of the conditioning hikes, descriptions of each weekends backpacks, copies of class handouts, manufacturers web sites, and many other references to all kinds of hiking and backpacking information. Take a look.
Wilderness Basics Staff 2012

Chairperson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John Tomlinson Program Chair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bonnie Prescott Treasurer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rich Willis Secretary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Carolyn Tomlinson Teacher of Record, Escondido Adult School . . . . . . . . . . . . . Darlene Kruswick Outings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lloyd Bittner Maps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lloyd Bittner Audio/Visual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rich Willis, Bob Lundy Course Evaluation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mark Dufva Registration Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Darlene Kruswick Attendance Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mary Rountree Course Notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Peter Leven Patches and Certicates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mary Rountree Publicity Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Irene Manning Reunion Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Allan Fein Social Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jaye Gleyzal Student Discounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Irene Manning Webmaster & Databases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Clayton Holstun Swap Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . George Greer Textbooks and Compasses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jim Curts Testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Robin Johnson Map and Compass Staff Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lee Ledford Snow Camp Staff Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jeff Marchand Leadership Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cheryl Knapp Conditioning Hikes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Roy Hussak Mt. Woodson Hikes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Al Fein
General Information
The purpose of the Sierra Club
To Explore, Enjoy and Preserve The Sierra Nevada And Other Scenic Resources of the United States And Its Forests, Water, Wildlife and Wilderness; To Undertake and to Publish Scientic Literary And Educational Studies Concerning Them; To Educate the People with Regard to National and State Forests Parks Monuments And Other Natural Resources of Special Scenic Beauty; and To Enlist Public Interest and Cooperation in Protecting Them.
The North County Group

The North County Group is a regionally-oriented segment of the San Diego Chapter of the Sierra Club. A full program is conducted ranging from conservation and outings to socials. Social events are held throughout the year. The committee level is where the action is. You can become involved by working on one or more of the following committees: conservation, outings, publicity, social, leadership training, and programs. Persons desiring more information about the activities of the North County Group are urged to contact a staff member or write to the address below. All activities are open to all Sierra Club members and non-members. Non-members who participate regularly are urged to join the Sierra Club as paying members to support the clubs work nationally and locally. The best way to keep informed of our activities is to subscribe to the Chapters bi-monthly newsletter, Hi Sierran, included with Sierra Club membership. North County Group San Diego Chapter, Sierra Club P.O. Box 2481 Escondido, CA 92025 http://sandiego.sierraclub.org/wbc/nc/
Perhaps the profession of doing good may be full, but everybody should be kind at least to himself. Take a course in good water and air, and in the eternal youth of Nature you may renew your own. Go quietly, alone; no harm will befall you. Some have strange, morbid . fears as soon as they nd themselves with Nature even in the kindest and wildest of her solitudes, like very sick children afraid of their mother... John Muir, 1888, Steep Trails, Page 104
Information about the course

The 44th annual Wilderness Basics Course is presented by the North County Group of the San Diego Chapter of the Sierra Club in cooperation with the Escondido Adult School Adult Education Program. The course consists of ten lecture nights and ve outings. The goal we hope to achieve through these lectures and outings is to impart a knowledge of, and an alertness to, the basic elements of the safe enjoyment of our wilderness areas. In addition to technical knowledge and practical skills, we wish to convey to you a sense of responsibility for maintaining the purity and integrity of the wilderness enjoyment. We would hope that our children and those who follow us may share the same enjoyment. TAKE NOTHING BUT PICTURES, LEAVE NOTHING BUT FOOTPRINTS! Registration will be held on the rst and second nights of the course ONLY. Any person at least 14 years of age AND in the 9th Grade with an interest in the out-of-doors may register for the course. However, minors (1417) must be accompanied by an adult and provide written parental consent to participate in outings. Leaders of youth groups must petition the Leadership Training Committee to participate in the course. They must also help with the supervision of their group. In the interest of conservation, students will be encouraged to form car pools at outing registrations, and will be expected to share in the cost of gasoline. REGISTRATION FEES: Course Fee $100 Snow Camp-Tram $25 OTHER COSTS: The following has been approximated to inform you of additional costs. Miscellaneous equipment rental (depending on needs) $10 to $25 per weekend Boots $ 75 and up In order for class to start on time, the following rules should be followed: 1. Lectures start at 7:00 PM, so be there a few
minutes early. 2. Your Student Record Card will be punched at the door as you enter. Your card must be punched by 7:15 PM. NO CARDS WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER 7:15 PM! 3. Bring this handbook to every class. Be sure to read the chapters that are assigned in the textbook and the lecture supplements in the handbook. 4. If you bring a friend or family member to one of the lectures, they are expected to sit quietly and listen to the speakers. 5. If you have a problem with your Student Record Card (e.g., your dog ate it) please contact the registration personnel. 6. You will need to have your Student Record Card at every lecture and every outing, so bring it with you. It is your responsibility to keep your record and see to it that your card is punched or signed for credit.
Course Completion Requirements

Completion requirements for the course are as follows: 1. Attend all classes (second through tenth class meetings). The Student Record Card must be punched each class. 2. Successfully complete all outings. The Student Record Card must be signed by the leader at the end of each outing. 3. Complete hike to top of Mt. Woodson within 55 minutes to attend Snow Camp Backpack. 4. Pass the nal written exam. Questions will be based on the textbook, lectures, course notebook, and outing material. Any exceptions to these requirements must be approved by the Chairman and Program Chair.
10 Second year completion
Those students who nd it impossible to complete the course requirements during the 2012 course will be given the opportunity to complete the course requirements during the 2013 Wilderness Basics Course. The second-year completion is subject to the following conditions: If only a single lecture or outing was missed (but not both), you may complete the missed lecture or outing the next year without paying the course fee. The rst class night of WBC does not count when determining the number of missed classes and outings. To nish the course, please bring your Student I.D. card to the rst or second class of the 2013 course and talk to the registration chairperson. If it is an outing that you missed, you must also attend the class the week prior to the outing to sign up for the outing and receive information about the outing from the leader. If more than one lecture or outing was missed, you must re-enroll for the 2013 course and pay the course fee. However, you only need attend those lectures and outings that you missed. At the end of the 2013 course, you will turn in both Student I.D. cards.
Outings are limited to students enrolled in the Wilderness Basics Course. Guests are not allowed. Outing registration is at the lecture just before the outing (see the Course Schedule). Outing registration begins one half hour before the beginning of class and is rst-come, rst-served. When registering, each student reserves space on a trip for him or herself and may also register one additional student (e.g., a student with whom he or she is sharing a tent). In the interest of safety and full enjoyment by the group, the following rules must be observed: 1. No pets, no rearms, no radios, no sound generating items. (Upon approval by the outing leader a student may carry a cell phone, a two-way radio, or a weather band radio for emergency use only.) 2. Smoking is not permitted on any outing. 3. Students will be checked for the required equipment at the trail head prior to setting out on the outing. You must have the equipment required for a given outing. Present your Student Record Card to your leader at the trail head. 4. Transportation to and from the trailhead is each students responsibility. 5. Outings will begin promptly at the scheduled time. Allow ample driving time so that you can arrive at the starting point a few minutes early to allow for equipment check and introductions.
Outing Information
The outing leaders and assistants are trained Chapter Outing Leaders, chosen on the basis of knowledge, experience, ability to lead, and familiarity with the outing terrain. Chapter Outing Leaders are trained and certied by the San Diego Chapter of the Sierra Club.
We are now in the mountains and they are in us, kindling enthusiasm, making every nerve quiver, lling every pore and cell of us ... How glorious a conversion, so complete and wholesome it is, scarce memory enough of old bondage days left as a standpoint to view it from! In this newness of life we seem to have been so always. John Muir, June 6, 1889, My rst Summer in the Sierra, Pages 2021.
11
6. Do not wander away from your assigned group. If you must leave the group, let the leader or assistant leader know when and where you are going. 7. Cooperate with the leaders and the group at all times. Stay within sight and voice range. Do not, at any time, hike ahead of the leader or behind the assistant leader. 8. Misbehavior, or refusal to cooperate, may result in no credit for the outing and may even result in dismissal from the course. 9. If you nd that the pace is too slow or too fast, or that you cannot physically nish the outing, advise the leader or assistant leader and follow their instructions. 10. Be sure to check in with the leader at the beginning and end of the outing. At the end of the outing, make sure your leader signs your Student Record Card in order to receive credit for the outing. Keeping your records is your responsibility. 11. All outings will go as scheduled, rain or shine! Coping with inclement weather is part of wilderness travel. However, a weather decision may be made by the outing leader prior to the outing (usually the night before). IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, CALL THE LEADER.
Courtesy to leaders All course leaders and assistant leaders are experienced Chapter Outing Leaders and volunteer their time and effort for the Wilderness Basics Course. Leading an outing requires a lot of planning as well as responsibility. You should give your leaders the same consideration as you would a close friend who has organized an outing for you. If you sign up for an outing, be there on time with the proper equipment specied for the outing. If you must cancel out of an outing, LET THE LEADER KNOW as soon as possible. While on the outing, accept the leaders instructions, suggestions, and advice in good spirit. Do not leave your group without permission; your leader is responsible for you at all times. When the outing is over, the leader must account for everyone in the group. Be certain that you have been accounted for before leaving to go home. A word of thanks is always appreciated. Courtesy to fellow students Most of your fellow students are beginners. Be tolerant and patient with those who have less experience than you. Be friendly and helpful. Make a mental note of those behind you on the trail so that all can be accounted for. Some good advice Equipment While a limited amount of equipment is needed for wilderness travel, it is important that you have gear that is adequate, safe, and
Camp out among the grass and gentians of glacier meadows, in craggy garden nooks full of Natures darlings. Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Natures peace will ow into you as sunshine ows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storm their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves. John Muir, Our National Parks, Pages 515-516.
12
comfortable. Selecting this equipment is a major challenge. Help is available in this handbook and the equipment lectures. Rent equipment, if available; buy slowly and only after the lecture that discusses the specic equipment. Consider each item carefully. It is suggested that you do not need the most expensive equipment, but rather that which is adequate for your needs. Major attention should be given to selection and purchase of boots. Sleeping bags and backpacks can be rented. Cheap (self-destructing) equipment is not a bargain. We suggest RENTING or borrowing most items until you have determined your needs and can afford to buy your own quality equipment. Mt. Woodson Day Hikes The primary purpose of these day hikes (January 21 or 22, 2012, makeup March 10) is to get you in tune with your physical capabilities. In January, you can choose either the Saturday or Sunday hike, then also do the March Day Hike. If you can climb Mt. Woodson in 55 minutes or less, you will be allowed to attend snow camp backpack. If you nd you have difculty completing the hike, you should immediately begin a graduated exercise program to increase your stamina. Consider going on a few of the optional Conditioning Hikes to help you get into shape. If on the March day hike you still cant climb Mt. Woodson in 55 minutes, it would be dangerous for you to attempt the Snow Camp Backpack and you will not be allowed to participate in the Snow Camp Backpack for safety reasons. A seconday purpose of the Mt. Woodson day hike is for the hike leaders to get an estimate of your physical conditioning. At their discretion, hike leaders, particularly those leading strenuous trips, may establish a maximum time for climbing Mt. Woodson as a prerequisite for their trip. Desert car camp This is a car camp with no water or food available. The purpose of this outing it to provide a safe situation to learn how to set up camp, prepare meals, and generally live in the outdoors. This outing also provides extensive practical training in the use of maps and compasses. The use of canned food, gas stove, and
other typical car camping equipment is acceptable. This outing is a good opportunity to try any of your backpacking gear and get input from the trip leaders on its appropriateness for use on the other outings. Equipment for the map and compass training and day hike should include a small day pack, lunch, water, sturdy boots, and jacket. YOU MUST CARRY YOUR OWN TEN ESSENTIALS. Bring your Student Record Card! This outing will include one or more day hikes. Desert backpack The purpose of this outing is to provide an introduction to backpacking and the desert. This outing will also reinforce the map and compass skills. All equipment for this outing will be carried on your back. The following equipment is required: TEN ESSENTIALS, boots, warm clothing and sleeping bag, water, food, tent, stove with fuel (NO ground res), brimmed hat, Student Record Card, and any other equipment as desired. A minimum of one gallon of water per person per day is required for trips in the desert without available water. Mountain backpack The purpose of this outing is to reinforce the skills learned in all previous lectures and outings. All equipment for this outing will be carried on your back. The following equipment is required: TEN ESSENTIALS, boots, warm clothing and sleeping bag, water, food, tent, stove with fuel (NO ground res), brimmed hat, Student Record Card and any other equipment as desired. Trips in the mountains require three quarts of water per person per day. Occasionally, students will encounter snow on the mountain backpack trip. Snow camp backpack The purpose of this outing is to provide an overnight winter outdoor experience. Your equipment must keep you warm down to zero degrees. Weather will NOT cancel the outing. Improperly equipped students will not be accepted as participants. Use the layer system because you will get warm when hiking. Bring your Student Record Card. Requirements for attending snowcamp are:
13
1. Completion of car camp 2. Completion of one backpack (desert or mountain) 3. A time of 55 minutes or less for the Mt. Woodson hike. 4. Snow camp equipment check Suggested car pooling reimbursement The passengers should pay the full cost of gas (the driver is automatically paying for wear and tear, depreciation, and insurance). METHOD 1 Fill the vehicle with fuel before starting, rell as needed and at the end of the outing. Divide the total fuel cost by the number of passengers. METHOD 2 The average highway gas mileage for a small car is 25 miles per gallon, and the average for a large vehicle is 14 miles per gallon. Assuming an average cost of fuel as $3.00 per gallon, the per-passenger cost per mile should be as follows: SMALL CARS 1 passenger 12 per mile 2 passengers 6 per mile 3 passengers 4 per mile LARGE VEHICLES 1 passenger 21 per mile 2 passengers 11 per mile 3 passengers 7 per mile 4 passengers 5 per mile
when do we condition? We condition mind, feet, and body. Hiking is strenuous and we must want to do this activity intensely or we will fail. Our mental attitude or motivation must be as strong (or stronger) than our bodies. The feet are probably the most important. You are only as good as the condition of your feet. Your new boots are broken in by progression: wear them 1 mile, 3 miles, 5 miles, etc. Wear your boots with the proper socks. You condition your body for three purposes: strength, endurance, and elevation gain. We are not trying to make muscle builders or marathon champions or speed climbers, but whatever your present physical condition, you improve it by following the concept of progression: you crawl before you walk, and you walk before you run. Ideally, to train completely, you should have the following available: A running track for endurance. Steep stairs for elevation gain. A bicycle for overall exercise.
Conditioning
The purpose of conditioning is to prepare you for a favorable experience in the outdoors. Your speed of movement and enjoyment depends entirely upon your physical condition. The amount or extent of your physical activity is a balance (or equilibrium) between proper diet, sufcient rest and exercise training. A balanced diet is essential for good conditioning. The amount of sleep needed varies from person to person. Get the amount you needits tough to play catch-up. Exercise training for the wilderness consists of two concepts you should understand: progression and equilibrium. Progression is that method of exercise which results in improvement regardless of your starting level. Equilibrium is the balance maintained by
Physical Conditioning
The appeal of hiking is its simplicity. You are here, the summit is there, and you must climb it. Someone can lead the way but no one can help you after you start. So how can you best help yourself before you start? The best exercise for climbing a mountain is climbing a mountain. How and
14
your body to allow you to hike all day in relative comfort. Running is best accomplished on the local high school track. In running, your aim should be two to three miles. By the time you can run three miles your body is in equilibrium and the longer distances will depend only on your motivation because your body is prepared to do it. Progression in running starts by walking one mile, then two, then three. When you are ready to run, run a quarter mile, walk a quarter, run a quarter. Then as you improve, increase the running to a half mile until you can do two to three miles without walk breaks. More than 12 minutes per mile is considered walking. A 12 to 8 minute mile is jogging and 8 minutes and under is running. Try to step up your speed until you are running 8 minute miles. This will ensure ease in hiking. For speed, run 100 yards all out, walk 100 yards, run 100, etc. If you cant get outside, you can run in place with the knees high. This is boring, but very effective. Elevation gain training is unique to wilderness hiking. Train by climbing ights of stairs or re breaks in the foothills. Climb stairs part way,
then all the way, then every other step, increasing speed. Repeat this sequence ve to ten times. There is one basic rule: do it regularly and progressively. When it becomes easy, place a greater demand on yourself. Progression in training is closely related to equilibrium in the body.
Energy requirements
Energy needed for hiking is calculated approximately by: E = 100(10 + R + 2C + 4H ) where E is energy expenditure in kilocalories (kcal), R is distance traveled on roads or trails (miles), C is distance traveled cross country (miles), and H is altitude gain (thousands of feet). In building tness, start with routes in the 2,400 to 2,800 calories (moderate) category. Work up to
15
Prepare yourself both physically and mentally for your wilderness world so you will be comfortable, and it will be your world forever.
4,000 to 4,500 calories (anything over 4,000 calories is strenuous). Exhaustion is always a possibility; it becomes almost a certainty if routes requiring in excess of 4,500 calories are tackled without adequate training and preparation.
5. Body composition Body composition is Lean Body Mass versus Body Fat. Lean Body Mass (LBM) is made up of muscle, nerves, bones organs, and skin. These tissues have a high metabolic rate and make a direct, positive contribution to energy production during exercise and at rest. Body Fat is classied into essential and storage fat. Essential fat is needed for maintenance of life and reproductive function. Normal values for essential body fat is 36% for men, and 812% for women. Storage Fat is stored in fat pads under the skin as well as deep inside the body. Body fat is measured in percentages, percent body fat refers to its portion of total body weight. Body fat does not contribute to metabolic rate. Metabolic rate is the rate whereby your body utilizes fuel to perform all bodily functions and activities 24 hours a day, every day of
Aerobic conditioning and strength training

Cardiorespiratory/Physical Fitness is the capacity of the heart, blood vessels, lungs and muscles to function at their highest level of efciency. The Five Components Of Physical Fitness are: 1. Muscular strength 2. Muscular endurance 3. Cardiorespiratory endurance 4. Flexibility
16
your life. Percent body fat refers to total body fat and its portion of total body weight. A person is considered obese when their percentage of body fat is greater than 30% for women and greater than 24% for men. Three Principle Factors Involved In Cardiorespiratory Fitness: 1. Getting oxygen into the blood (a function of the LUNGS). 2. Delivering oxygen to the cells of the body (a function of the HEART). 3. Extracting oxygen from the blood to produce energy (ATP) (a function of the oxidative enzymes). The Most Important Muscle In The Body: The Heart How your heart works Monitoring your hearts pumping action Resting Heart Rate Target Heart Rate Recovery rate Taking your pulse gives you your heart rate, which is the number of times your heart beats each minute. Heart rate (HR) is a measurement of beats per minute (BPM), thus, an HR of 60 is 60 BPM. Your heart rate is important for you to know because it gives a clear message about how hard the body is working during any type of activity. Each heart beat sends a pulse through the major arteries that can be felt in several locations. The safest and most common place to feel your pulse on the thumb side looking at the wrist from the bottom side (the X in Figure 1). This pulse is called the radial pulse. Your resting heart rate is the rate at which your heart idles, and should be taken rst thing in the morning before rising from bed. Your Target Heart Rate (THR) is the heart rate range at which you will get the best conditioning effect from exercise. This rate is
Figure 1: The position on your wrist to measure your pulse rate. expressed in a percentage of the maximum amount that the heart can beat. For beginners, the heart needs to be stimulated between 60%70% of maximum heart rate. For intermediate to advanced, the heart needs to be stimulated between 70%85% of maximum heart rate. See Table 1 for a chart of heart rate versus age. Your heart rate slows in two stages after vigorous exercise. This decline is known as your recovery heart rate. First there is an immediate drop, then a plateau , then a slow gradual decline to the original rate. A more t person will have a faster recovery rate because their heart is able to respond to a workload more efciently. Note that blood pressure is different from heart rate. Blood pressure is the pressure inside of the arteries each time your heart beats as well as when it is at rest. With each heartbeat a surge of blood leaves the heart and the pressure in the arteries increases (systolic pressure, commonly known as the top number). When the heart rests between beats, no blood is ejected and the pressure inside of the arteries decreases (diastolic pressure or the bottom number). The average blood pressure of . healthy adults is approximately 120 80 When the body is at rest, most of the blood ow is to the organs such as the liver, kidneys and brain; very little ows to the muscles. However, during exercise, both aerobic and strength training, blood ow shifts from the organs to those
17
Table 1: Predicted maximal heart rates (MHR) by age and recommended target heart rates for submaximal exercise testing. Age (years) MHR 90% of MHR 85% of MHR 80% of MHR 60% of MHR 20 197 177 167 158 118 25 195 175 166 156 117 30 193 173 164 154 116 35 191 172 162 153 115 40 189 170 161 151 113 45 187 168 159 150 112 50 184 166 156 147 110 55 182 164 155 146 109 60 180 162 153 144 108 65 178 160 151 142 107 70 176 158 150 140 106 75 174 157 148 139 104 80 172 155 146 138 103
(Shefeld, adapted from Bruce)
muscles involved in contracting. As the demands of exercise increase, the amount of blood ow leaving the heart can increase as much as sixfold in trained athletes. This increased blood ow raises systolic (top number) blood pressure, but diastolic (bottom number) pressure generally stays the same or drops. A review of risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD) or coronary heart disease (CHD) is shown in Table 2. Exercise is the common denominator for decreasing all risk factors for coronary artery disease. Exercise: Can provide positive alternative to smoking Lowers blood pressure and heart rate Replaces sedentary lifestyle with active lifestyle Is mood lifting Is a necessary component to successful weight loss and maintenance program Reduces cholesterol, reduces LDL, reduces triglycerides, increases HDL Is important in the management of diabetes Triggers development of collateral circulation to the heart muscle Allows you to feel healthier, more active, stronger, mentally healthier, giving you a better quality of life
What types of exercise will provide the most benet? Aerobic Training Aerobic training improves the capacity of the heart, lungs, and blood vessels to deliver nutrients and oxygen to the working muscles and tissues. Aerobic Training is exercise that involves large muscle activity and rhythmic movements. This type of exercise conditions the heart and lungs through aerobic metabolism. Aerobic metabolism is achieved when the heart rate (HR) is elevated to the predetermined training heart rate (THR) and remains within the THR for a minimum of 20 minutes, 34 times/week. Examples of aerobic exercises include: biking, walking, rowing, stair climbing, aerobics class, swimming, biking, jogging, dancing, jumping rope, step aerobics, and circuit training. Strength Training Strength training is the improvement in muscular strength, endurance and exibility to optimize ones level of physical tness. Strength Training involves the use of moderate resistance, such as with light weights or exercise bands, with a high number of repetitions at a controlled speed. Benets include increased muscular blood supply and increased delivery of oxygen to the working muscles. This leads to an increase in muscle mass as well as an increase in resting metabolism. Through aerobic training and strength training, you can help your heart and muscles to be as strong and efcient as possible. Adequate mus-
18
Table 2: Risk factors for coronary artery disease. Alterable Cigarette smoking High blood pressure (Hypertension) Sedentary lifestyle Stress Obesity Abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels High cholesterol, high LDL, low HDL, high triglycerides Diabetes Unalterable Age Gender Family history Diabetes
cular strength is necessary for normal daily living activities as well as engaging in a variety of other activities. Achieving an adequate level of tness does not require intense training. By participating in an exercise program you can achieve a higher level of tness that will then require a life-long commitment to maintaining, this newfound level of tness. If you have known heart disease, and have been sedentary, it is usually advisable to rst achieve a low level of Cardiorespiratory tness and then add a regular strength training program to your exercise routine.
Starting An Exercise Program

When developing your exercise program, use the FITT principle to help achieve your tness goals: Frequency (how often should you exercise) 35 times per week Intensity (how hard to exercise6080% of maximal heart rate) determined by calculating your THR and monitoring your blood pressure and heart rate and your ability to monitor your own pulse the perceived exertion scale (RPE) Time (duration of exercise) 3060 minutes of aerobic activity, 1020 minutes of strength training Type (of exercise) walking on treadmill, bicycling, rowing stair climbing and use of the
Setting Personal Fitness Goals

What are your goals? 1. 2. 3.
19
exercise bands, free weights and weight machine Motivation Exercise must be a lifetime commitment. To be successful, pursue activities that you enjoy and people that you enjoy doing them with at a regular time each day so that exercise becomes a part of your routine, just like washing your face and brushing your teeth. Exercise with a partner or in a group. Vary the types of exercise/activities you do. Set realistic short and long term goals and reward yourself when you achieve them. Set yourself up for success and you will succeed! Being physically t makes possible a lifestyle that can truly be enjoyed. Improved physical tness reduces risk factors for heart disease; it improves your bodys ability to mobilize and use body fuels and provides for a greater quality of life. You have the power to control your attitude, and with the right attitude, anything is possible! Energy Production: The Chain Of Events The body cells require a continuous supply of energy in order to function. The food you eat in the form of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, ultimately supplies this energy when broken down to their simplest components of glucose, amino acids and fatty acids. All of these components contribute to ATP productions. The metabolic pathways are always working simultaneously. Glucose Without oxygen (anaerobic), metabolism of glucose yields 23 ATP. With oxygen (aerobic), metabolism yields 36 ATP. This form of metabolism uses less oxygen than fatty acid metabolism so your body burns more glucose for energy production at higher exercise intensity. Amino acids Amino acids are used for growth and repair of cellular structures or are excreted. Rarely used for energy production except in cases of starvation or severe calorie restricted diets. Fatty acids Metabolism of fatty acids with oxygen yields 129 ATP. The body uses fat stores
for fuel when exercise is of a low to moderate intensity and is sustained for longer than 20 minutes. If excess fat is not needed for energy production it is stored as body fat. For every pound of extra fat you carry on your body, your heart must pump blood through an extra mile of blood vessels. Special considerations for exercise include warm-up, cool-down, and injury prevention in addition to clothing, shoes, special equipment, and exercise environment.
Wilderness Ethics
A necessary concept
Wilderness today is at a premium. It can remain wild and unspoiled for future generations to appreciate and enjoy only if protected and cared for by those who use it now. It is imperative that todays wilderness visitors follow the high standards of the Wilderness Ethics for their use of these primitive areas to minimize their impact as much as possible. The ultimate objective of every backcountry traveler today must be to LEAVE NO TRACE. The measures needed to keep our backcountry clean and unscarred are briey outlined below. There is a deep sense of satisfaction and personal achievement to be realized from the knowledge that one has camped and traveled through the wilderness without leaving perceptible traces: it is akin to being in harmony with the spirit of the wilderness. Campsites Campsites should be at least 200 feet from stream or lake shores. This ensures a warmer camp as well as protects fragile vegetation and prevents water pollution. Never camp in meadows or other soft vegetated areas. Use existing campsites that are out of the sight of the trail. Any type of campcraft structure, whether for kitchen or bed site, is out of keeping with the Wilderness Ethic and is illegal in many places. Absolutely never cut boughs for bedding; use a lightweight sleeping pad instead. Dont put nails in trees; this is a starting point for disease. To avoid disturbing
20
the soil with drainage ditches, locate your camp so that rainwater will drain away naturally. When breaking camp, erase all possible evidence that you were there. In established campsites, only a cold replace should remain. Leave no other trace.
the touch. If you must camp at a virgin site, build a minimum replace. Spread the ashes around so they are not noticeable. Cover all traces. Sanitation Nature has provided biological disposers in the top six to eight inches of the soil that work to decompose organic material and human waste. Keeping this in mind, carry with you a small trowel and dig a hole no more than ten inches in diameter and no deeper than eight inches (to stay within the biological disposer layer). Keep the soil intact if possible. Fill the hole with loose soil and tramp in the sod. Cover everything completely. Heavy spring runoff carries with it a great deal of silt and soil and also any uncovered and non-decomposed human waste. This is one of the ways in which wilderness water sources become polluted. Under state law, every backcountry latrine site must now be located at least 150 feet away from the nearest water source and away from all dry watercourses. Garbage Burying garbage is not acceptable and is now illegal. Many people are using the backcountry and animals will generally dig up buried articles. Put candy wrappers, foil, orange peels, etc., in your pocket or pack for later disposal. In camp, burn paper if you build a re. Aluminum foil, cans, and bottles do not burn. Plastic will not decay in your lifetime. If you brought them in, you can pack them ALL out. Leftover edibles should also be carried out so animals will not become accustomed to eating it. Make a conscious effort to leave your campsite cleaner than you found it. Animals Animals should not be disturbed in any way. The backcountry is their home and you are the visitor. None of them will harm you unless rst provoked. Dont encourage them, however, by leaving food scattered about. In bear country, use provided food boxes, a bear canister, or suspend your food at least twelve feet above the ground and away from limbs and branches. In Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Yosemite National Parks and along the John Muir Trail, bear canisters are required; they are recommended throughout the Sierras. Elsewhere, to avoid problems from
Fires Fires should be kept small and to a minimum. Rotting downed wood provides a natural fertilizer for the forest oor and keeps it verdant. It is a signicant link in the forest ecosystem. Since the presence of downed wood has become rare in the heavily used mountain areas of California, we strongly recommend the use of lightweight backpacking stoves for cooking instead of wood res throughout the Angeles, San Bernardino, Cleveland, and Los Padres National Forests locally, and in the Sierra Nevada on all trails out of Eastern road heads, central Sequoia-Kings Canyon and Yosemite National Parks, and at all camps above 9,600 feet. At all other areas, use existing re rings whenever possible. Clear a wide ve foot diameter space (USFS regulation) down to mineral soil (sand, gravel, or dirt). Conserve wood and use downed wood only. If you cant break it using your hands, rocks, or feet, you have no business burning it. Never cut standing wood, living or dead. Snags are picturesque, a part of the forest setting, and should not be molested. Never build res near trees, meadows or against rocks where they will leave long-lasting scars, nor on vegetation, duff, or against logs or roots where it may easily spread. A re is dangerous: never leave it unattended. You are responsible for the cost of suppressing a forest re caused by your negligence. When breaking camp drown your re completely, stir the ashes and drown again until cold to
21
chipmunks and other rodents, suspend your food a few feet above the ground and three to four feet below overhanging limbs. It is also wise to keep your food separate from your pack at night and to use a stuff bag instead for the food cache. Water Water should always be drawn upstream from any trail crossing to guard against contamination. Do all your bathing, clothes washing, and pot scrubbing well away from the shores of lakes and streams by using a lightweight folding basin. Help prevent pollution by using only biodegradable soap and keeping it out of water sources. When bathing, lather and rinse ashore. After cleaning sh, be sure to bury the entrails ashore rather than throwing them back into the water. Water drawn from backcountry sources should be considered polluted at all times. Be suspicious of streams with an excessive amount of algae growth. Carry a water purication lter or iodine purication tablets and use them. Trails When traveling on a trail, stay on the trail. Trails are expensive to build and difcult to maintain, especially switchbacks. Cutting corners and cutting across switchbacks breaks down the edges and begins erosion and gullying. Dislodged rocks can injure people who might be out of sight below. If you are traveling cross-country, restrain impulses to blaze trees or build ducks and cairns. Let the next hiker nd his way as you did. Use a compass and plan your route with a topographic map for safety. On the trail, remember that pack animals have the right-of-way as horses and mules are sometimes unpredictable and difcult to manage. Anything unexpected may spook one jittery animal which can set a whole string to bucking or pull it off balance. When you see stock approaching, move off the trail where the animals can see you plainly, on the uphill side if possible, and stand quietly.
responsibility of the outing leader and, if necessary, will be obtained for all Wilderness Basics outings. Independent trips planned by the student may require these permits. The permit is generally free to anyone who will agree to follow simple rules intended to protect the visitor as well as the wilderness resources. The wilderness permit may also authorize building campres. A permit is issued for a single trip during a specic period of time. Only one permit is required for a group traveling together and a separate permit is necessary for each trip. Application for a permit is made at ranger stations and other Forest Service ofces throughout California. Applications can be made in person or by mail. To obtain a permit by mail, complete an application form and mail it to the ofce nearest the point of entry for your trip. If your trip extends through more than one wilderness area, or through more than one national forest, you must obtain your permit from the agency where your trip starts. If your trip starts in a national park, get a permit from the National Park Service backcountry desk. This permit will be valid in national forests, wilderness and primitive areas adjacent to the national park.
Wilderness Permits
A wilderness permit is required before entering many of the wilderness or primitive areas in the national forests of California. The permits are the
22
National Forest Adventure Pass

Visitors using the Angeles, Cleveland, Los Padres and San Bernardino National Forests are required to have and display a National Forest Adventure Pass. The National Forest Adventure Pass is a recreation pass used to generate funds that augment tax dollars to maintain and improve recreation sites and facilities and protect Forest resources and habitat. Local projects have included more and cleaner restrooms, better trails, higherquality natural environment and more frequent trash removal. Projects or facilities supported by the Adventure Pass funds are identied with special signs identifying Another National Forest Adventure Pass Investment Project. All forest visitors are required to display the Pass in their vehicles when parked on one of the participating Forests for recreation purposes. A pass is not need when traveling through the Forest and not stopping, when parked at a residence or an organization camp in its permitted area, or in an area covered by a special use permit. A Pass is not required for people stopping for information at Ranger stations, visitor centers and other Forest Service ofces. Visitors have a number of options when and where they purchase their Pass. Take the time to think about how often you visit the Forest and determine which pass is best for you. Passes are available from both Forest Service ofces and private vendors in and near the Forests (including stores like A-16 and REI). A Daily Adventure Pass is available for $5 and is good until 10 a.m. the morning after it is used. An Annual Adventure Pass is available for $30. A Secondary Vehicle Pass is available to holders of the Annual Pass and may be purchased at Forest Service ofces and at some private vendors for $5. Holders of Golden Eagle Passport, Golden Eagle Hologram, Golden Age Passport, or a Golden Access Passport may use these passes in lieu of the National Forest Adventure Pass. A clear hangtag, which may be used to display these permits, is available at Forest Service ofces. Passes are also available for purchase by mail. For more information contact:
National Forest Phone Number Angeles (626) 574-5200 Cleveland (858) 673-6180 (805) 968-6640 Los Padres San Bernadino (909) 383-5588 http://www.fsadventurepass.org/
Equipment
Equipment selection
The textbook and lectures give a good survey of equipment. You will also get a lot of good information in personal conversations with the instructors and outing leaders. Backpack shops, magazines and books will furnish hours of speculation about the choice of one piece of equipment over another. However, almost all outdoor groups universally agree on the inclusion of the Ten Essentials and they will be referred to often.
The ten essentials

The Ten Essentials TO FIND YOUR WAY 1. Navigation: map and compass 2. Illumination: ashlight or headlamp FOR YOUR PROTECTION 3. Sun protection: sunglasses, sunscreen, and hat 4. Insulation: extra clothing 5. Nutrition: extra food 6. Hydration: extra water FOR EMERGENCIES 7. Fire: restarter and matches/lighter 8. Repair kit and tools 9. Emergengy shelter 10. First Aid Supplies
THE TEN ESSENTIALS ARE REQUIRED ON ALL WILDERNESS BASICS OUTINGS
23
In an emergency, these essentials cannot be improvised and they can keep you alive. Keep them in a small bag in your pack. These items are considered by most to be the nucleus of their total equipment package. They are mandatory for any outing regardless of apparent conditions and circumstances. These items should be carried by each and every individual who travels beyond the end of the road. They can not be shared among members of a party. If you become separated from the group, you must be able to survive on your own. There are may other items that each of us would consider important and rightfully so. But these other items can never replace any of the Ten Essentials. Description of the ten essentials 1. For NAVIGATION in the wilderness, you need a map and a compass. The MAP is a guide to your wilderness adventure. Without it and without knowledge of how to use it, adventures may turn into something less than enjoyable. There are many maps available that show trails and landmarks in the wilderness areas but the one recommended is the U.S. Geological Survey Topographic Map. Without your COMPASS you cant really be sure about the map. The map is accurate but do you have it oriented correctly? The map and compass together provide the necessary tools for nding your way.
have at least eight hours of emergency light at all times. 3. Sun protection is an absolute must. The sun at high altitude is more intense because it has less atmosphere to go through; therefore it causes burns more easily. This is particularly true when traveling though snow and ice elds because of the glare. Sunglasses are good for protecting your eyes from the sun, though goggles are better for travel in snow and ice elds. It is always a good idea to carry a spare set of sunglasses for they are easily lost or broken. Sunscreen is needed to protect any exposed skin from the sun. Most manufacturers of sunscreen recommend that it be reapplied several times during the day for best protection. A hat can protect the top of your head where it is often difcult to apply sunscreen. In addition, the brim of the hat provides extra shade for your eyes to help you see better in certain conditions. 4. For INSULATION, extra clothing should include items specically designed for the application. Warm clothing is generally not windproof or waterproof. Wind parkas should be waterproof, but are not warm clothing. Rain gear is waterproof and therefore does not breathe and cannot be worn comfortably when hiking. Each item has its place and should be carried at all times. You can never tell when the weather might change. 5. For NUTRITION extra food means just that. Carry food in a special container and place it someplace away from your regular food supply. Carry food that is not particularly appetizing to you and it will tend to stay untouched until that emergency situation arises. High energy fruit bars, meat bars, and chocolate bars are suitable for this. 6. For HYDRATION, extra water means having about half again as much water as you
2. For ILLUMINATION, a ashlight or headlamp is basically an emergency tool and should be maintained with that in mind. It should, along with extra batteries and bulbs,
24
think youll need on your outing. The extra water is also necessary to digest the extra food you might need if your outing lasts longer than you expect.
7. For FIRE, you need both waterproof matches and a re starter to help start a re. Waterproof matches should be carried away from your normal daily supply so they will be available when you really need them. Waterproof containers are good but if you open them and the matches fall out in the rain, or if the container leaks, they become quite useless. Some waterproof matches require a special striker which becomes useless if it is wet. So protect the matches and striker. A candle or fuel tablet or other long burning re starter is essential when trying to start a re with damp kindling. A re starter that will burn for about ve minutes is desirable. 8. A Repair Kit is necessary to repair any of your gear that may break during the course of your outing. A pocket knife is a necessary all-around tool. It is especially good for splintering damp wood. This enables a re to get started more quickly by exposing the drier portion of the wood. A simple one or two blade pocket knife is adequate. Duct tape is useful for making temporary repairs to some of your gear. For example, it can be wrapped around your boot to keep the sole on long enough to hike back to your car (or sometimes to continue with your trip). 9. The Emergency Shelter can consist of your rain gear, your poncho, or other items, such as a space blanket, to help protect you in case you are caught out in the wilderness away from a tent.
FIRST AID KIT Moisture proof container Gauze bandage, sterile pads Water purier (Potable Aqua, etc.) Chapstick Aspirin or Tylenol, antacid tablets Tweezers (for pulling thorns) Adhesive tape, Band-Aids, Moleskin Liquid antiseptic Insect repellent (those containing DEET) Needles and thread, safety pins Whistle First aid information sheet One Quarter (for pay phones) Pencil and paper Optional: elastic bandage, triangle bandage or bandanna Emergency information: name, address, phone number plus emergency contact, medical insurance plan and patient number, allergies
10. The FIRST AID KIT could be called one of the most essential essentials. There are prepackaged kits on the market which provide a good start for the beginning backpacker. However, after spending much time in the wilderness and learning rst aid requirements, you will nd that only a homemade kit will provide all of the items that you will want when venturing beyond the end of the road.
Sleeping bags and pad

A sleeping bag works by slowing down the rate at which heat is dissipated by helping the body to maintain an equilibrium between heat generation and heat loss. Body heat is lost in numerous ways, we will discuss three of them: Convection Convection is the transfer of heated air from one location to another. Of concern for convection is air escaping from the sleeping bag once it has been warmed.
25
Sleeping bags protect against this by encircling the body with a dead air space and limiting direct contact with the outside environment. Convection can be controlled with choice of insulating material, a neck collar, hood, and draft tube. You dont want to loose any heat your body has worked so hard to generate. Conduction Conduction is the direct heat transfer (conducted) from the body to another surface, i.e., your body to the cold damp ground. Suitable loft and materials insulate the body from the outside environment. Since the bag is keeping you warm by trapping air around you, crushing one side against the ground defeats the purpose. Sleeping on cold damp ground in even the best sleeping bag will leave you cold and wet. A good sleeping pad is the key to good protection. Radiation Radiation is the transfer of heat by means of infrared radiation; that is, body heat escaping or radiating away from the body. Control radiation of body heat through the selection of materials which block and reect radiant heat energy back on to the body. Sleeping Bag Materials Shell materials: Cotton Absorbs moisture, avoid! Ripstop Nylon Wind resistant, not water resistant, very durable. Nylon Taffeta Wind resistant, smooth comfortable feel. Polyester Less abrasion resistant, absorbs less water, UV resistant. Microber Tightly woven ultra-ne bers, better water and wind resistance. DryLoft Water and wind resistant, breathable. Available in various weights and materials. Gore-Tex Breathable fabric with good water resistance (except at seams), expensive. Replaced by DryLoft.
Fill Materials: Synthetics and Down Down is still the most efcient ll material available. Ounce for ounce, down is lighter, retains heat better, compresses smaller for packing, uffs back to the desired loft more quickly and more evenly than synthetics. Unlike synthetics, down can ow on its own to spread evenly. Down will last longer, up to 10 to 15 years. However, down is typically more expensive, and soaks up water like a sponge. It loses its ability to insulate once it is wet. It dries slowly and clumps once wet. In addition, some people are allergic to down. Synthetics now are not that far behind down in insulating capability. They can be considerably cheaper than down, yet more expensive in hi-tech models. A big selling point is that synthetics possess the ability to keep you warm, even if they have gotten wet. (That does not mean you should sleep out in the rain nor does is mean you will be comfortable.) Synthetics typically last up to eight years (depending on use) before loft starts to fade noticeably. If you are meticulous about keeping your equipment dry, or are camping frequently in very cold (with snow) conditions, Down is your best bet. If you are going to be camping under humid or wet conditions, consider synthetics. Down quality is expressed by ll capability. There is no ofcial measurement of ll capability subject to government regulation. The industry standard for acceptable Down is 550-ll. 650ll and 700-ll are ufer still. 800-ll is the max. To minimize the shifting of Down within the bag, bafes are sewn into place transversely in the sleeping bag. You should literally be surrounded by tubes of feathers. You will usually see tubes running straight across the bag but some manufacturers use an angled technique. The direction of the seams does not appear to have an impact. Avoid any sleeping bag that has sewn through seams. These are guaranteed to create cold spots in the bag. Always check for 100% down or you could get a chicken feather blend.
26
Large zipper pull-tabs Pull-tabs on the inside and outside Anti snag tape Double ended self-healing zipper Long bag for people over 6 feet and womens sleeping bags
Care of a Sleeping Bag Keep it clean: Go out of your way to keep it from getting wet or soiled. Sleep with something on to keep body oils and salts away. Air dry for a day after a camping trip and before storing. Avoid frequent washing. Do not dry clean Synthetic or Down lls. Several detergents are now available for sleeping bags. Adventure 16 has a laundry service. Use a liner. Always use an insulating pad under your sleeping bag. Always store your sleeping bag loosely rolled or on a hanger, especially synthetic lls. Dont store for long periods of time in direct sunlight. Ultraviolet light breaks down synthetic materials over time. Do not store synthetic lls in the trunk of the car. The high heat can destroy its insulating properties. When shopping for your next sleeping bag: Know what type of bag you want, considering the amount of use you expect to give it, the conditions under which it will be used, the amount you can spend, the materials you like, etc. Kick your shoes off and slip into the sleeping bag to check for t and ease of use. REI has a special platform for this and encourages you to try out the bag. Backpacker Magazine is frequently reviewing new bags on the scene and the new technologies. Check the Internet, there is a ton of data and user groups.
Sleeping Bag Temperature Ratings Temperature ratings include -20, -10, 0, +5, +10, +20. These numbers are not guarantees! Use the rating as a guideline or an indicator of a bags ability to keep you warm when compared to other sleeping bags within a manufacturers product line. Many other variables will dictate how warm you will be at any given temperature. Some of these factors are: temperature, humidity, wind, whether you are sleeping in a tent or outside, whether you have other clothing on, whether you had a lling hot meal, whether you are on a sleeping pad, and whether you are properly hydrated. Shapes of Sleeping Bags Rectangular A lot of volume for your body to keep heated in cold weather conditions. Ok in summer. Heavy, but good for summer car camps in the mountains. Tapered Roomier than a mummy bag, less volume than rectangular to keep heated. Mummy Narrow, close-tting bags designed to save weight and maximize heat retention. Best bag for backpacking in colder weather and winter camping. Other Features to look for in a sleeping bag include: Draft Tube Neck Collar and Hood Spring-loaded toggles on draw strings
27
Talk to as many people as you can about their own sleeping bags for rst hand information and recommendations. Check Internet bulletin boards. Sleeping pads There are three basic choices for sleeping pads: Closed Cell Foam These pads are made of dense foam lled with tiny closed bubbles. These pads are inexpensive, nonabsorbent, durable, and good insulators. Self-inating Pads These pads are made of open cell foam contained inside an air tight waterproof nylon shell. These pads are comfortable and adjustable, but heavy and expensive. Other pad types Recent technology has increased the number of types of sleeping pads, from air-core pads to down-lled pads. Be patient with purchasing decisions Renting various types of gear before buying is recommended to gain perspective on the available options through use on our outings. Rentals are available at the major outdoor retailers around the county, including Adventure 16, REI (Recreational Equipment Inc), and Nomad Venture stores. Rental costs are very reasonable, and, in some stores, can be put towards a later purchase. Sharing a shelter and cooking equipment is another way to save a lot of pack weight and money. Find a partner in the class to share these items on outings. Rule #1: Never pay full price! Steals and deals are always out there. The local retailers mentioned above offer WBC students discounts (typically 10%) off all purchases at any time: just present your WBC student card at the register. Each store may also have special sales nights for WBC students with additional discounts applied to items purchased on those nights. It is common for major outdoor retailers, including many online sources, to offer a minium
Equipment/Clothing, backpacking on the cheap

Lower cost, less weight, and more fun! This section offers a general idea of value-based gear options with mainstream items currently available. Brand-name gear is recommended in most cases, both for long term and reliable use, while maintaining lower pack weights and higher levels of comfort, both on the trail and in camp. Estimates of equipment costs will vary for everyone. Finding that balance for different conditions and environments along with t concerns is all part of the process. You may nd yourself like many previous students, addicted to new gear.
28
20% off at various times throughout the year. Many of the internet-based stores have wellstocked clearance outlets with prices 4075% off at all times. Joining an online retailers email mailing list is advised to get updates on upcoming sales and special coupon code offers. Buy value, not cheap Dont waste money on low-end equipment from department stores, military surplus outlets, or discount sporting goods stores. This is especially important for the larger item purchases such as tents, sleeping bags, backpacks, and boots. Surplusstyle gear may be very durable, but it is typically obsolete in terms of current recreational market items (i.e., heavy or bulky). Discount sporting goods stores that offer only the most cheaplyconstructed items that can be found are no different. Backpacks sold in these stores tend to be lower quality and not as adjustable for proper t; similarly for boots. Cheap sleeping bags will be heavy, bulky, and extremely optimistic in temperature rating. Cheap tents will also be heavy, bulky, and have unreliable component specications in comparison with value brand-name options. On the other hand, for less hiking-specic items, the camping section of local department stores can have great deals compared to backpacking gear stores. These items include many of your Ten Essentials, such as rst-aid and travel-sized hygiene products found near the pharmacy aisles. There is often a decent selection of athletic wicking base layers and eece insulation clothing found in department stores as well. The key to nding value here is to consider proper t and seam construction for comfort. Cotton fabrics are not recommended for outdoor applications where moisture management is a concern, particularly in colder weather, and should be avoided for backpacking use in all clothing layers. Used gear is always an option. There are many early-adopters out there in the backpacking community who buy new equipment as soon as it arrives. These folks are always selling their old gear, which is often from the previous season. Others buy gear for a big summer trip and dont go out
again; their brand-new gear may end up for sale soon after. Ebay.com, Geartrade.com, and even the local Craigslist.com can be great resouces for these used items. REI also holds a "garage sale" a few times a year selling returned and used goods at low prices. Some manufacturers may offer their own demonstration or pre-production items on their websites for less than full price. Bigagnes.com is one of those equipment manufacturers that offers these types of items year round. Shopping on the Internet? Knowing t is key! The internet is a gear junkies favorite resource. There are many outdoor retailers on the web today. They generally offer the best prices available and the best selection of all stores. Other price advantages include no sales tax for stores not operating within the state, and many offer free shipping. These online retailers may also have outlet clearance sections with major discounts available. A list of many of these reputable online retailers can be found in Table 7. In addition, the internet is the best resource for customer and expert reviews, forum discussions, magazine articles, and search engines for research and comparison purposes. In may cases, you can make a successful purchase of items like boots or backpacks, but should only do so with the proper information and all sizing and adjustment concerns made prior to purchase. This typically means trying those items rst or buying with the intent of a trial run. With boots, many online shoe stores will offer free shipping and refunds or exchanges, and will match prices. Critical t and function information can often be found on these websites, which may provide more insight than can be found in the store on a wall display. A greater range of sizing and widths is often available as well. This allows you to walk around the comfort of your home with no penalty or pressure, with the ability to swap your favorite insoles and socks while you are at it. Proper t and gait function are crucial for hiking comfortably. A backpack is often the last piece of gear to buy. Proper t is the largest consideration, so buy-
29
ing online can be tricky without rst knowing your measurements and the volume and weight of gear you need to carry. Online retailers offer a much larger selection of backpacks than can be found in local retailers. There are also many specialty manufacturers, including a cottage industry of fellow backpackers producing high-quality options. Being frugal and crafty Rain gear is essential, but can be expensive for an item you hope to never use, particularly in the sunny San Diego area. Its still an essential item to carry in your pack. Dri-Ducks rain suits can be an excellent inexpensive option for emergency use. These jackets and pants are not as durable as more expensive rain gear options and dont have all the features, but will be ne for our outings up to Snow Camp. It is also the lightest waterproof clothing you will nd. This makes the Dri-Ducks a great choice for our likely dry desert camping trips, where water adds so much weight to your pack. A vinyl poncho wont be as reliable, comfortable, or as lightweight. In addition, simple large garbage bags can work great as inexpensive and light emergency rain protection. A garbage bag can be used as an effective pack liner. One can be slit up the sides and slipped over a backpack for use as an emergency pack cover. Slit the bottom end of a bag, step into
it, and you have a lightweight rain skirt in lieu of heavy, sweaty rain pants. Just pin or tape the waist, and toss them when you are done. Trash bags can also work as an emergency shell layer or to supplement failed items. A little creativity and household items can often go a long way. Transporting water is very important for our Desert Backpack outing. There is no need for fancy, heavy bottles or water bladders to accomplish this task. In fact, save yourself some pack weight with simple, lightweight, disposable water bottles. Wide-mouthed Gatorade or Aquana 1liter bottles are very durable and lighter than most reusable options. Crystal Geyser gallon jug containers are the perfect shape for packing in a back pack, with a solid-closing screw top. These options are highly recommended for keeping it simple and light, and the bottles can be reused or recycled. Many ideas for saving money and maintaining lower pack weights come from the through-hiking community. Through-hiking is basically backpacking for the long haul. These hikers cover long distances along trails like the Pacic Crest Trail, which runs from Mexico to Canada, often covering 2030 miles every day. These hikers have brought what is termed Ultralight (UL) backpacking concepts into the mainstream in recent years. Many of the ultralight ideas come in the form
30
of cheaper, more disposable options, homemade equipment, and "hobo" gear. Making your own gear can save a lot of weight over some of the latest and greatest fashion statements from the best known marketing companies sold at the major retail outlets for pennies.
found in the First-Aid section of this handbook. There will be several lectures regarding specic equipment throughout the course that offer more in-depth information and considerations for equipment purchases. You may already own many items that will work great for backcountry use. What will my pack look like? Table 4 and Table 5 show a comprehensive pack list with examples of value-priced items that will provide mid-range weights, comfort, and quality. All options shown are readily available either on the web or in local stores, and all listed examples are highly-rated within the backpacking community. The prices shown represent an average for new purchases and an estimate of total possible equipment costs, including rentals (Table 3) for the course outings. Shown in Table 6 are lists of specialty items for our Snow Camp outing and colder-weather use, some womens-specic options, and a few examples of high-end, cold-weather, alpine expedition options to provide additional perspective. It is important to be patient with equipment decisions, since most do not need to be made immediately. The class is designed for you to gain experience and perspective for your later purchases and endeavors. Important tip Get to know your gear before bringing it on an outing. Make sure that all parts are present, and you have an idea how to use them, at home. Test equipment to ensure it works before you get to the trailhead. This is particularly important for rental gear, since not all gear is examined by the rental store prior to each use.
Some cooking methods and equipment are great examples of UL principles. This includes alcoholburning stoves made from aluminum pop cans and cat food cans, sometimes called hobo stoves. These lightweight stoves can be made in a few minutes with minimal tools and work surprisingly well for boiling small quantities of water. A 25oz Heineken or Fosters keg beer can can be turned into a lightweight cook pot, and a freezer bag can be used with boiling water to rehydrate and cook dry food. Those cooking methods are the least expensive ways to enjoy hot meals on the trail, while also decreasing pack weight. Alcohol stoves are the preferred method for cooking in the Iditarod dog sled race, due to the lack of moving parts and ease of use for simple boiling tasks. More can be found about alcohol stoves at some sources mentioned on the equipment resources website list in this handbook. Pre-made rst aid kits can be heavy and expensive. You can build your own kit with items you know how to use and may already have in your bathroom cabinet. Dont buy an expensive EMTtype kit for your pack; keep it simple. A more detailed look at First-Aid equipment options can be
31
Rental items (3 day) Tent Tent Sleeping bag Backpack Trekking poles Snow tent Cold sleeping bag Snow shoes Weekend rental total Snow camp rental
Brand/model (A16) Price 2-man, 3-season $20 3-man, 3-season $28 20 bag (foam pad included) $20 Internal frame $18 Any $5 2-man, 4-season $35 0 (foam pad included) $30 Size for total body weight $20 2-man tent, bag, pack, poles $63 Snow tent, 0 bag, pack, poles, shoes $108
Table 3: Example rental costs (A16).
32
Brand/Model/Type Tarptent Rainbow Marmot EcoPro 30 (EN-rated) Big Agnes Insulated Air Core(R-3.0) Granite Gear Nimbus Ozone (<40lb) 30 48 25 51 10lbs 12(5/7) 4 7 12 13 6 5 5 4 5 6(4) 1 2 12 6lbs 7(6/1) 6(4/2) 3.5 7 1 2lbs 28 3 54 3 1 5.5lbs $0.00 $8(5/3) $40.00 $3.00 $0.00 $51.00 $20.00 $28.00 $180.00 $25.00 $20.00 $273.00 REI Travel Mug/S to S X-Bowl Optimus Terra Weekend Pot Set MSR Windpro Remote Stove MSR Iso/Pro 8oz (220g) Guyot Designs Micro Bites $25(10/15) $15.00 $15.00 $20.00 $15.00 $140.00 $50.00 $8.00 $7.00 $15.00 $30.00 $10.00 $15.00 $25.00 $390.00 Marmot Midweight Base Top Smartwool Baselayer Shorts Patagonia Capilene 2 Base Tights REI Power Stretch Pullover Marmot Power Stretch Pants Montbell UL Thermawrap (Synthetic Fill) Campmor UPF50 Travel Shirt Marmot Mica Sierra Designs Hurricane Zip REI Sahara Conv. Hiking Pants Smartwool Classic Hiker Crew Fox River Gripper Gloves (wool) Outdoor Research Ninjaclava Keen Venice H2 5 5 4 9 8 9 12 7 9 10 9(6) 2 2 26 8lbs 8(5/3) 8 11 13 1 3lbs Black Diamond Trail Sunday Afternoons Adventure Asolo TPS (wp) Integral Designs eVent Shorties (wp) Oakley M-Frame 20 3 60 2.5 1 5.5lbs $230.00 $160.00 $50.00 $200.00 $640.00 REI Quarterdome T2 Montbell Super Spiral #3 (30F) Thermarest Neo-Air(R-2.5) ULA Catalyst(<40lb) 66 31 14 47 10lbs $260.00 $200.00 $100.00 $235.00 $795.00 $45.00 $35.00 $45.00 $40.00 $60.00 $120.00 $45.00 $100.00 $70.00 $40.00 $48.00 $10.00 $20.00 $90.00 $768.00 $20(5/15) $28.00 $80.00 $5.00 $5.00 $138.00 $80.00 $38.00 $250.00 $30.00 $100.00 $498.00
Weight
Price
Alt Brands/Models/Types
Weight
Price
Polyester Wicking Tee (1 short, 1 long) Polyester Compression Shorts Lightweight Polyester Underwear/Tights Lightweight Polar Fleece Pullover Polyester Fleece Lounge Pants Montbell Inner Down Jacket Marmot Ion Windshirt Dri-Ducks (set) Dri-Ducks (set) Polyester/Nylon Athletic/Board Shorts Fox River AXT Quarter Top Hiking socks REI Fleece Liner Gloves Polyester Fleece/Wool Beanie Crocs (or Knock-offs)
Any Travel Mug/Gladware Disp Bowl Stanco Grease Cup (Kmart)/Pot Lifter (REI) Optimus Crux Canister Stove Snow Peak Gigapower 110g (4oz) Iso/Pro Fast Food Plastic/Chopsticks (2 sets)
Pack Items Base Items Shelter Sleeping Bag/Quilt Sleeping Pad Back Pack (Weekend Size) Basic Items Total Clothing Base Top (Short/Long) Base Bottom (Short) Base Bottom (Long) Insulation Top Insulation Bottom Cold Insulation Top Outer Top (Long) Outer Top (Rain Shell) Outer Bottom (Rain Pants) Outer Bottom 3-pr Hiking Socks (2-Packed) Gloves Head Insulation Camp/Creek Shoes Clothing Total Camp Kitchen Cup/Mug/Bowl Pot Stove Fuel Utensils Camp Kitchen Total Non-Packed Items Trekking Poles (pair) Brimmed Hat Boots (WP For Snow Camp) Gaiters (Req Snow Camp) Sunglasses 100% UV Non-Packed Items Total Outdoor Products Latch-Lock (Wal-Mart) The North Face Breeze Brimmer Vasque Wasatch (wp) Outdoor Research Flex-Tex (non wp) Any Wrap-Around Style
Table 4: Basic equipment list, part 1. Weights are in ounces unless otherwise specied.
Brand/Model/Type Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Day Pack Bic Lighter/Cotton Balls AMK Heatsheets (Space Blanket) Ozark Trail 50ft (Wal-Mart) Garden-Size Trash Bags Included W/Course Energizer Head Beam (Wal-Mart) 20% Picaridin Spray Travel Size (Wal-Mart) Travel Packs (Wal-Mart) Any (Wal-Mart) Any (Wal-Mart) Aspirin, Benadryl, Tylenol, Advil, Tums Johnsons Travel Size (Wal-Mart) Triple Antibiotic Benadryl Cream (Diphenhydramine) Wenger Swiss Clipper Any (Wal-Mart) Heavy Gauge Nylon/Diaper Pins Liberty Mountain Bandana Regular Duct Tape Charmin Travel Roll (Wal-Mart) Coghlans Plastic Trowel Katadyn Hiker Pro Filter Aquana Wide Mouth 1-liter Bottle (2) AMK Rescue Flash Mirror AMK Rescue Howler (2pk) Cell Phone Cell Phone Camera 2.5 1 3 2 0.25 2 6 1 1.5 2.5 0.25 0.25 0.25 1.5 1 1 3 1 0.5 1 0.25 1 2 11 1(2) 0.5 0.5 3.5 0 3.5lbs 20lbs 28 $1,530.00 $1,225.00 All Packed Items (incl. Pack) +2 Days Food & 2-Liters H2O (8lbs) All Items Listed 24lbs 32lbs $28.00 $1.00 $4.00 $2.00 $0.00 $0.00 $16.00 $2.00 $2.00 $1.00 $2.00 $1.00 $1.00 $1.00 $1.00 $1.00 $22.00 $1.00 $1.00 $2.00 $3.00 $1.00 $2.00 $65.00 $3.00 $7.50 $7.00 $0.00 $0.00 $177.50 REI Flash 18 Ult Survival Sparkie/Wet Fire Tab AMK Thermo-Lite Bivy Sack (same) Granite Gear Cloud Cover Garmin eTrexH GPS Princeton Tec Eos Headlamp (wp) 100% DEET Spray (Wal-Mart) (same) (same) (same) (same) (same) (same) (same) (same) Leatherman Squirt PS4 (same) (same) MSR Pack Towel High Temp Duct/Gorilla Tape (same) Ipood Metal Trowel Steripen Classic Ultra-violet Purier Camelbak 3-Liter Omega Reservoir (same) (same) SPOT Personal Tracker Canon Powershot SD1100 10 1 7 2 4 5.5 6 1.5 1.5 2.5 0.25 0.25 0.25 1.5 1 1 2 1 0.5 2 0.25 1 3.5 8 7 0.5 0.5 7.5 5 5lbs
Pack Items Day Pack Items Day Pack (10 Essentials+) Fire (Spark+Tinder) Emergency Shelter Rope (Nylon) WP Sacks/Pack Cover Map/Compass/Pencil Light (+extra batteries) Bug Repellent Sunscreen/Chapstick Wet Wipes/Hand Sanitizer Moleskin/Bandages Latex Gloves Meds Baby Powder Anti-biotic Cream Anti-itch Cream Multi-Tool/Knife Toothbrush//Paste/Flosser Needles/Thread/Safety Pins Bandana/Towel Tape/Rubber Bands TP Trowel (opt for class) Water Treatment (opt for class) Water Containers Signal Mirror Whistle Phone/Locator Beacon Camera(opt) Day Pack Total All Packed Items (incl. Pack) +2 Days Food (3lbs) & 2-Liters H2O (5lbs) All Items Listed
Weight
Price
Alt Brands/Models/Types
Weight
Price $30.00 $15.00 $30.00 $2.00 $28.00 $100.00 $32.00 $4.00 $2.00 $1.00 $2.00 $1.00 $1.00 $1.00 $1.00 $1.00 $25.00 $1.00 $1.00 $10.00 $6.00 $1.00 $17.00 $80.00 $30.00 $7.50 $7.00 $100/yr $150.00 $737.00
Total Pack Base Weight Total Weight+Consumables Total Retail Cost 20% Off Total Cost
$2,936.00 $2,350.00
Table 5: Basic equipment list, part 2. Weights are in ounces unless otherwise specied.
33
34
Snow Camp Options 0 Degree Sleeping Bag 0 Degree Sleeping Bag 0 Degree Bag (Roomy) Additional Pad Insulated Outer (Heavy) Mittens (wp) Ice Cleats Sleeping Bag Liner Warming Pads (4) Insulated Booties 3/4-season Tent 4-season Tent Snowshoes Womens Specic Sleeping Bag Sleeping Bag 0F Sleeping Bag Sleeping Bag (Roomy) Sleeping Pad Back Pack Back Pack Back Pack Luxury Items Chair/Stool Chair/Stool Pillow Pillow Cards/Book/Journal $$ Expedition Options $$ 4-Season Tent Expedition Bag (-10) High R-Value Pad Large Capacity Pack Multi-Fuel Stove Insulated Outer (Heavy) Smartest Purchase
Brand/Model Marmot Trestles 0 (EN-rated) Marmot Never Summer 0 Montbell Super Spiral 650 #0 Standard Blue Foam MH Sub-Zero Down Jacket Outdoor Research Snowline Stabilicers Lite Sea To Summit Thermolite Liner Grabber Hand, Toe, Foot Warmers REI Down Booties REI Cirque/Arete Tarptent Scarp 2 (solid body, x-poles) Any Brand/Model MH UltraLamina 15 Sierra Designs Diamond Spring 15 Marmot Teton (0) Big Agnes Roxy Ann (15) Womens Thermarest Prolite 4 Gregory Deva 60 (<50lbs) Osprey Ariel 65 (<50lbs) Granite Gear Vapor Ki (<30lbs)
Weight (oz) 83 57 56 10 25 7.5 11 8 8 14 92 71 60 Weight 47 46 56 47 24 80 72 37
Price $119.00 $250.00 $310.00 $15.00 $120.00 $40.00 $20.00 $50.00 $5.00 $30.00 $200.00 $375.00 Rent Price $180.00 $220.00 $250.00 $200.00 $85.00 $250.00 $240.00 $170.00
Thermarest Trekker Chair Camp Specialties Mini-Lite Stool Coghlans Inatable Camp Pillow Thermarest Compressible Pillow Any
10.5 10 6 9 6
$30.00 $25.00 $5.50 $18.00 ?
Exped Orion Western Mountaineering Lynx Exped Downmat 9 DLX Arcteryx Bora 95 Optimus Nova+ Feathered Friends Icefall Parka Kitchen Scale
125 56 48 120 16 34
$500.00 $620.00 $170.00 $400.00 $120.00 $475.00 $1$60
Table 6: Backpacking equipment options with cost of each option.
altrec.com backcountry.com backcountryoutlet.com backcountrygear.com basegear.com
campmor.com campsaver.com campsaveroutlet.com ccoutdoorstore.com e-omc.com frontcountry.com moabsports.com moontrail.com moosejaw.com
o2gearshop.com
Internet retailers sale prices, no tax, free shipping $50 20% off sales and coupons, 10% off w/chat , no tax, free shipping $50 sale prices, no tax, free shipping $50 sale prices 20% email sign-up, no tax, free shipping $50 sale prices, no tax sale prices, coupons (often 2025% off), no tax, free shipping $50 Sale prices, free shipping, no tax sale prices, no tax, free shipping $50 sale prices, no tax, free shipping $50 Discount prices, free shipping every item, no tax sale prices, no tax, free shipping $50 Sales prices, 20% coupons and sale prices often, 5 10% points, no tax, free shipping $50 sale prices, no tax, free shipping $50
Internet retailers (cont) prolitegrear.com sale prices, coupon codes, no tax, free shipping $50 rei.com Membership, clearance sales, 20% off coupons, free reioutlet.com shipping to store sierratradingpost.com closeouts, add coupon codes 1020% off, free shipping w/code, no tax steepandcheap.com One item at a time, 5060% off, Backcountry.com site, no tax, browser/desktop plug-in summithut.com sale prices, no tax, free shipping $50 travelcountry.com sale prices, no tax, free shipping $50 adventure16.com Sale ad, local rentals shoebuy.com sale prices, 20% coupons, 10% add after purchase, 110% price match, free return, free shipping, no tax onlineshoes.com shoes/boots, nb insoles. sale prices, coupons, free shipping, no tax, free exchange, 110% price match zappos.com shoes/boots, return policy, free shipping, no tax amazon.com free shipping over $25 ebay.com new and used, clearance, resell, clothing Online reviews and forums backpackgeartest.org In-depth gear reviews trailspace.com User reviews, articles, forums, search backpackinglight.com Editor and user reviews and forums forums.Backpacker.com Backpacker Magazine, gear reviews, forums practicalbackpacking.com Forums and podcasts outside.away.com/outside/gear Outside Magazine editor Reviews
Ultralight (UL) gear and inexpensive methods tarptent.com Lightweight shelters, 20% sales antigravitygear.com UL gear gossamergear.com UL packs and shelters ula-equipment.com UL packs sixmoondesigns.com UL packs and shelters RayJardine.com Do-it-yourself UL gear, kits thru-hiker.com Do-it-yourself UL gear, kits zenstoves.com alcohol stove and general camp stove encyclopedia bellsouthpwp.net/d/d/ddoggone/Homepage/Hikes/Descriptions.html alcohol stove tests freezerbagcooking.com Everything you need for lightweight cooking, including recipes wildernesscooking.com Dehydrated food and recipe info harmonyhousefoods.com Dehydrated food Onepanwonders.com Recipes
edealinfo.com
Online coupons and secure payment list of coupon codes and sale offers for online retailers paypal.com checking or cc direct, cc # generator, secured, payment discounts, browser plugin , auto form ll googlecheckout.com direct from checking or cc, secured payment, payment discounts
Table 7: Internet resources. 35
36
Water Filters or Puriers

A brief overview to help clean up the confusion surrounding which type of water-treatment system is right for you.1 1. Remember the difference between a lter and a purier. While both remove bacteria from water particles using a mechanical process of pumping then forcing water through a ltering device, only puriers can render viruses inactive using either an additional chemical or electrostatic process. 2. Waterborne viruses are believed to be less common in North American wilderness waters. But if youre traveling outside of the United States or Canada, you may want to opt for the more involved, and hence perhaps more expensive, purifying system. 3. When comparing lters and puriers, look for an absolutenot nominalpore size of 0.2 microns. This industry wide benchmark indicates the systems smallest ltering capability. No bacteria larger than 0.2 microns can get through. Though a larger pore size of 0.3 or 0.4 may sufce in most situations, why take chances with your health? 4. Depending on its function, a water-treatment system can have numerous parts, some of which will need to be maintained or replaced on a regular basis. If your travel plans include many nights away from a reliable water source, you will not only have to pack the lter but the back-up and replacement parts that go with it. 5. And nally, to get the cleanest water possible be sure to clean and dry your ltering system regularly. When in the outdoors, try to collect still, clear water. Whenever possible. The Murky Truth about Clear Water Free-owing mountain streams, for all their beauty and clarity, are not always the founNote: A special thanks to REI for providing such comprehensive water lter information.
1
tains of purity we imagine them to be. Backcountry water sourcescrystal-clear rivers, lakes and streamssometimes harbor microscopic pathogens (disease-causing agents) that are tough to pronounce, difcult to spell and, for many people, awful to ingest. Giardia lamblia. Cryptosporidium. Campylobacter jejuni. Hepatitis A. All are members of an invisible uvial zoo that may be present in pristine-looking backcountry water. How do they get there? When water becomes tainted by animal or human feces. What impact could such microbes have? They can leave you reeling with diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, weight loss and fatigue. How long might these symptoms last? Between 4 and 6 weeks. Maybe longer. Ugh. Explaining Water Filters and Puriers Portable water lters and puriers both operate on the same mechanical principle. Using a hand pump and intake hose, both slurp up raw water from a lake or stream and force it through an internal element (a ltering medium). This medium traps suspended elementsfrom ne sediment to invisible microorganismsbefore dispensing clean water into a container of your choice. Whats the Difference? Water lterA microbiological device that removes bacteria (e.g., Campylobacter jejuni) and protozoan cysts (Giardia lamblia, cryptosporidium) from contaminated water. Water purierA microbiological device that removes bacteria, protozoan cysts and viruses (e.g., hepatitis A) from contaminated water. Viruses are innitesimal organisms too tiny to be trapped by a lter. Devices identied as puriers usually cause water to interact with iodine (often in the form of iodine resins), which can render viruses inactive. Another purier uses a positive electrostatic charge in its lter medium to capture viruses. Viruses:
37
may exist in water wherever there is a reasonable chance of human fecal contamination; Are believed to be less prevalent in North American wilderness water sources than protozoan cysts or bacteria, but may be a greater threat in less developed countries. Over time, lters have proven that they reliably protect wilderness travelers from the most common waterborne pathogens found in the North American backcountry: giardia and cryptosporidium. Still, puriers and their antiviral feature offer an elevated level of security. To fully disinfect suspect water using a water lter, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends 1) mechanically ltering the water, 2) treating it with a halogen (chlorine or an iodine solution), 3) letting it sit 15 to 60 minutes, 4) then drinking. What Really Matters In an ideal world, a water lter or purier will be: Simple to use Easy to pump Capable of sustaining a steady, generous ow Effective against waterborne pathogens Slow to clog, easy to clean Long-lasting How can you tell if a lter or purier delivers in these areas? Look for clues in the specication chart that accompanies each product description. Understanding Specication Charts Heres how to interpret the information:
Filter medium This is the cartridge that actually traps pathogens (plus silt and other debris). The composition of the medium contributes greatly to the quality (and cost) of a device. Medium materials include: Ceramic: This is an effective, high-quality earthen material that can be cleaned many times before it needs a replacement. A ceramic cartridge captures most particles within .005 of an inch of its surface, so its easy to brush away clogged pores and expose new ones. Cartridges themselves are fragile and require careful handling. Ceramic elements are the longest-lasting mediums and make a good choice for frequent backcountry visitors. Ceramic with a carbon core: This additional layer helps lter out the taste of halogens (chlorine and iodine) plus some organic chemicals, herbicides and pesticides. Fiberglass (or glass ber): As effective as ceramic in straining out pathogens, but not as long-lasting. Structured matrix, or labyrinth: A dense, honeycombed material that effectively captures pathogens. Iodine resin: A chemical layer integrated with a puriers ltering medium that deactivates viruses, though it does not actually remove them. Field cleanable This is a desirable feature. This means you may open the lter to brush or scrub the lter medium and increase water ow. Clogging should not cause you alarm; it shows the lter or purier is working. Ceramic lter media can usually accept dozens of cleanings. Some models can be cleaned through backwashing (feeding clean water through the lter in reverse) but you need ample clean water in order to do so. Longevity How long will a lter or purier last? Ceramic lters that can accept cleaning will last
38
the longest, but the life of any lter depends on the clarity of water you pump through it. If possible, seek out clear water in still pools. Youre likely to nd less sediment in such water than in rushing water. Use a prelter if your device includes one. Manufacturers sometimes include an estimate of the number of liters a lter or purier is expected to treat effectively. Pump force The higher the number, the harder it is to pump. The Katadyn Pocket Filter, for example, has a pump force number of 16.5. While this is one of the longest-lasting lters available, it really gives users a workout as they pump. A few additional considerations not listed in spec charts include: Effectiveness All of the lters and puriers in REIs product mix will knock out larger microorganisms such as giardia and cryptosporidia. So what do you get for choosing a more expensive lter? Usually a longer-lasting lter medium, cleanability features and maybe a more efcient pump handle. Which lter is right for you? Heres a basic guide: If youre a recreational backpacker, someone who takes 1 or 2 overnight trips per year, an inexpensive lter will serve you well. Still, be careful about what type of water you send through it. Make it as clear as possible and the lter will last longer. If you visit the wilderness regularly, seek out a eld-cleanable model designed to provide years of service. People who explore terrain closer to urban areas, at lower elevations and who travel outside the United States and Canada are candidates for a purier. Pore size A familiar benchmark for determining a lters effectiveness is to establish that it is a point-2 (0.2-micron) lter. The number refers to the size of the pores (openings) in a lter medium. Its not a bad gauge, since the smallest bacteria
measure 0.2 microns, yet some microbiologists will tell you it is a simplistic standard. Factors such as maximum ow rate, minimum wall thickness and adsorptive capacity can inuence such a conclusion. Arguments can be made to show that a 0.3- or 0.4-micron lter can be as effective at trapping the particles as a 0.2-micron lter. Tip: Look for absolute pore size (the largest and least effective holes) when evaluating lters, not nominal pore size. Adsorption When lter media block particles while clean water streams through, the process is known as sieving. When particles stick to the media in the manner of a magnet, this is adsorption. Activated carbon, found in some lters and puriers, is especially effective at adsorption. Other Considerations Replacement cartridges are available for all of the lters and puriers REI carries. They cost roughly one-half of the original units cost. Some models attach directly to specic water bottles, which is a nice touch. It can prevent a heartbreaking spill in the eld. If youre visiting places where turbid water is a factor (say, the desert southwest), a cleanable ceramic lter should be at the top of your list. The same is true if youll be ltering for a group. Avoid ltering water in area where animal or human activity is obvious. Try to lter water from still, clear water sources. Many microorganisms tend to sink to the bottom of still water; a turbulent stream keeps them suspended. Rather than lter directly from the stream or lake, put water in a pot and lter from that. This gives you a chance to examine exactly how the water looks before you send it through your lter. This helps prevent clogging. If the water is cloudy, let it sit in the pot for an hour or so, then skim the clearest water off the top. Dont save the rst few streams of output from your lter. They dont taste as fresh. When you clean your lter, recognize you are handling a potentially contaminated object. Dont
39 Longitude North Equator South
handle food or put your hands to your mouth after cleaning your lter. Follow manufacturer instructions for cleaning and storage. At home, consider pumping a weak bleach-and-water solution through the lter to sterilize it. If you can disassemble your unit, allow it to dry out completely before storing it.
Map and Compass

World Coordinate System
All of us use a map at one time or another to nd our way around town. Reading the map and following street signs will get us to our destination. In the wilderness we will use a different map than before, and have different signs to follow as well. The maps we will use have terrain features that are called Topography maps or Topos for short. The United States Geological Survey has mapped the entire country, and sells maps to the public. These maps come in many different scales, but the most commonly used one for backpacking is the 7 minute series. In order to explain a 7 minute map, we should start by looking at the world segmented by imaginary lines called Latitude and Longitude. Latitude North 90 Equator 0 South 90 Latitude lines run East/West and start at the Equator as 0 and increase to 90 at the North or South Pole. Note that 30 in the southern hemisphere is also called 30 in the northern hemisphere; therefore we attach a name to the direction at which we are looking, e.g., North-Latitude meaning the northern hemisphere. Longitude lines run North/South and start in Greenwich, England as 0 and increase as they and travel east and west, with both ending at 180 . Note that 75 in the eastern hemisphere is also
called 75 in the western hemisphere, therefore we attach a name to the direction at which we are looking; i.e., west-longitude meaning the western hemisphere. To further sub-divide the degree units into a more accurate section, a square degree is cut into 60 minutes by 60 minutes units. To further subdivide a Minute unit for closer accuracy, a square minute is cut into 60 seconds by 60 seconds units. The location for San Pasqual High School is 117 3 00 West Longitude, 33 4 30 North Latitude. 1 of a one square deA 7 minute map covers 64 gree unit of the globe and has the scale of 1:24000 or 1 inch equals 24,000 inches. Another map less commonly used is a 15 minute map, which covers the area of four 7 minute maps. These maps show less detail and are scaled at 1:62500.
Map Symbols and Colors

Study the map carefully and you will see that color plays an important role. The color Black represents man-made features. Since these maps were surveyed over 50 years ago then checked and revised since, a lot of the features you may know will not be on the map. The latest additions are shown in the color magenta. The solid black boxes are buildings. Roads vary from double dashed (unimproved) to double solid with red inside (highways). Trails are denoted by a single dashed line. Blue features represent bodies of water. Lakes are obvious, year round streams are solid blue lines, seasonal streams are dashed blue lines. Look for springs and marshes on your map. Green color features designate vegetation. Solid green is forested and dotted green is shrub
40 and chaparral.
Brown color features tell the contour and elevation of the map. The hardest element to reading a map is understanding what these lines are telling you. At the bottom of the map, the contour interval is given. This is the distance vertically between lines. These distances change from map to map, usually from 20 to 80 feet. The low lying areas (deserts and coastal) will use lower contour intervals (20) and the mountain areas use higher intervals (80). The darker brown lines are index intervals and have elevations attached to them. Reading these contour lines will aid you in your journey in the wilderness. You will understand the best route to take or spot a feature that will help you locate where you are on the map. These are some of the features that you recognize.
A saddle is a low point between two peaks, and drops off on each side.
A spur will split away from another feature like a hill or a canyon.
The peak is usually shown with the altitude printed next to the highest point.
A ridge will run at along the top of a feature.
Valley is displayed between hills and mountains with long owing contour lines.
R M OD O R U IG N U TA E IN Z
41
ESCONDIDO QUADRANGLE
A O RC
RANCHO SANTA FE
D EL
POWAY
MN 14
Draws are similar to a valley but narrower.
SCALE 1:24,000
ESCONDIDO, CALIF
Magnetic North Vs True North/North Star True north and south are along the earths axis of rotation. This axis line, if extended into the sky, would eventually intersect Polaris, the North Star. The magnetic axis, or magnetic north, where all magnets point, is near an island called Bathurst in Canada, 1000 miles from the true North Pole. Magnetic south is near Wilks Land in Antarctica, 1,600 miles from true South Pole. If you would draw a straight line starting at the North Pole and through the magnetic pole then continue it into the United States, the line would pass near Memphis, TN. and other cities along the path. The Declination angle used on maps in the cities found along this path would be zero degrees. The further away from this line the greater the angle becomes; in the San Diego area, the angle of declination is 14 .
Cliffs are shown where the contours seem to run together.
Map Nomenclature
The borders of the map will explain a lot of information. The maps name is found on the top and the bottom. On older maps (as shown on the map below), eight adjacent map names are given, one on each side and one for each corner. On newer maps, there is a key showing the adjacent maps to the left of the map name at the bottom right-hand corner. Mileage, kilometers and feet are measured at the center bottom of the map. Latitude and Longitude tick marks run up the sides and across the top and bottom. The map declination angle is found in the bottom left corner.
Compass The compasses you have been given are oil lled to dampen the needle movement. The red end of the needle always points north. The bezel around the outside of the dial can be turned to hold bearing settings. Some compasses have additional means to sight features and bearings more accurately. If you purchase a more accurate compass, be sure to read and understand completely the usage of your compass.
SAN PASQUAL
TE EN R IC O V I N RV SA ESE R
N SA M S
VALLEY CENTER
42
North Pole Bathhurst Island Magnetic North
tate the compass, not the bezel, until the needle is boxed in the arrow box and pointing at the N. Now draw a line from the target feature along the edge of the compass. Repeat the exercise for the other two features. You now should have three lines intersecting in a triangle on the map. Your location is some where inside that triangle.
Zero line of declination San Diego

P
Memphis
Setting a course Now that you know where you are, and have the map oriented correctly, lay out your course; this may take many course corrections. With your direction now set, place the compass corner (nearest the bezel) on your current location. Rotate the compass until the edge of the compass is aligned with the direction in which you want to travel. Now rotate the bezel until the needle is boxed and pointing at the N. With the compass adjusted to the course you set, hold the compass out in front of you and rotate your body until the needle is boxed and pointing at the N. The needle is now aligned inside the bezel and you are pointing in the direction you set from the map. Look ahead and pick out a terrain feature as your forward target and look behind you and nd a rear target. This will help you set a straight course, because wilderness travel is seldom in a straight line. Once you arrive at the rst target, re-orient the map and set the new course.
Declination angle for San Diego is 14
Map Orientation The rst procedure when using a map in the eld is to orient the map to North. Start by locating the declination angle called out on the map. Rotate the bezel until the N is pointing in the direction of travel, or lined up with the white tick mark. Lay the map on a at surface, and place the compass on the printed edge of the map in the bottom left corner. Be careful that nothing is affecting the compass needle movement. With the compass lying at on the map, rotate the map until the needle points to the correct declination angle, like the image on the map. Now the map is oriented to true north. Finding your location on the map Look around you to nd prominent features that you can see on the map. Select three features, as far apart as possible in direction (angular separation) but not in a line with one another. Hold the compass and sight along the edge of the compass, and point to your rst feature. Carefully rotate the bezel until the arrow box inside the bezel aligns with the north (red) end of the needle pointing at the N. Find the feature you just sighted, on your map and place one of the compass corners (furthest away from the dial) on the map feature. Ro-
Map Care You will receive your map in roll form. It is difcult to work with in the eld if not folded. Two popular forms of folding the map are thirds and fourths. Folding in Thirds is like it sounds: start with the map face down and fold the bottom over of the way up. Now turn the and approximately 1 3 map over and fold the top over on itself. This exposes only the bottom portion of the map. Viewing the bottom portion, fold the left side over on itself. Turn the map over and fold the right side over on itself. This will leave the bottom corner with the map name visible.
43
It can be difcult to keep track of which map you already own or what maps you might need for a trip. The USGS prints out an index map that lists the maps name and shows the their coverage. This map is free if you call or write the USGS. You can use a highlight pen to record on the USGS index the maps you own.
GPS receivers A Global Positioning System receiver is a handheld receiver that is used for navigation by timing signals of orbiting satellites and triangulating the coordinate with amazing accuracy. GPS receivers come in a variety of formats, including wrist-watch, cell phone, and separate hand-held units. GPS units work on many different systems, Latitude and Longitude, Thomas Brothers Page and Grid, and, most popular, UTM grid. Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) relies on the metric system of a square kilometer. Most maps have a light blue tick mark along all the edges of the map, and the new maps have one-kilometer square grid pattern printed on them. These squares are aligned North, South, East, West. Location is done by reading the coordinates displayed on the GPS, once enough satellites have been recognized. Then, using a small grid protractor, you rene your location. Navigation is done by inputting the coordinates or waypoints you want to follow along your course in order of the occurrence. After waypoints are loaded in the GPS the display will point you in the proper direction. These units will track your distance walked but only calculate the direction to your destination as a straight line (as the crow ies). Speed is displayed, but not very accurate until faster than 10 mph. Altitude is given but not very accurate until more than four satellites are recognized. The GPS units are wonderful tools and a great way to navigate the backcountry, but they do require the knowledge of being able to read and follow a map. If the unit should fail, your only back up is the compass!
To fold the map in Fourths start with the map face up and fold the bottom up and over on itself, in half. Fold the bottom down in half, and ip the map over and fold the top down in half. The map is now its original size. Flip the map over and you should see the bottom portion of the map. Fold the left side over on to the right, in half, fold back the right side over to the left in quarter, ip the map over and fold the remaining side in quarter. This will leave the bottom corner with the map name visible.
The difference between the two is the 1 -fold 3 views more of the map, and will t into a one gallon zip-lock bag. The -fold will t in you shirt pocket and a zip-lock sandwich bag. Storing maps can be accomplished in an accordion folder, these can be purchased at any stationary store. Using the alphabetical indexing, maps can be quickly led or located.
44
Hiking and traveling 1. Carry your Ten Essentials (be sure you have tweezers and comb for cactus needles in your First Aid Kit). 2. Orient yourself with known landmarks. Also, take compass readings so you can nd your car in complete darkness. 3. Wear sturdy shoes (lug-soled boots) and clothing. 4. Use sun protection. Have sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. 5. Follow ridges and watercourses as they are more stable routes. 6. Be sure to carry enough water. For hiking in 85 degree heat youll need four quarts per day. At 65 degrees, two quarts. At 40 degrees you can get along with a single quart per day. Time for the desert Ordering maps You can order maps directly from US Geological Service at their online store http://store.usgs.gov/. This site feature search functions to help you nd the map. The cost for maps ordered from the USGS is $8.00 each plus shipping and handling. 1. During the summer and early fall seasons, the desert is very hot and dry and unsuitable for wilderness activities without special training. 2. During the winter and spring seasons, most desert regions are pleasantly cool and beautiful and hiking is comparably safe and pleasant. Camping
Desert Travel
Desert travel and Camping
Highway travelback roads 1. Better to not travel alone. 2. Carry emergency supplies. 3. Carry a map and compass. 4. Know where you are at all times. 5. In a caravan, watch the car behind you. Stop if it stops. Help if needed. 4. Use foods high in water contentfruits, juices, etc. 5. Carry extra water for camping, drinking, and the car. 1. Avoid camping in watercourses that may be subject to ash oods. 2. Learn and practice wise use of water. 3. Choose a safe campsite. Avoid dangers of plants, insects, and animal life.
45
6. Remember that the desert is fragile. It can be defaced easily and the scars may last a long time. LEAVE THE CAMPSITE AS BEAUTIFUL AS YOU FOUND IT. Danger of snake bites 1. The danger is small but very real. 2. Keep alert. See it rst. 3. Shake out clothing before putting on. 4. If a bite occurs: Dont panic. Chances of survival are excellent. Sit down. Apply a constricting band (NOT a tourniquet) above the wound. DO NOT cut the bite with a knife or razor blade. You wont get any venom out, but you WILL create permanent scars. If possible, apply suction within the rst three minutes. Get as much poison out as possible. Keep the bite lower than the heart. Send for help. Keep the patient calm and resting. Rattlesnakes, the most dangerous, will escape if possible. Give it a chance. It may strike if stepped on or closely approached. Watch where you put your hands. Although there are only about ve percent fatalities from rattlesnake bites, they are very painful.
You will use all the water you drink. So long as you want it, your body can store it better than your canteen does. Sweat, in the amounts naturally formed, is indispensable for work and health. Your water needs vary with your location, season, work, and body size. No advantage results from water rationing. You cannot be trained to maintain yourself on little water. Waste none that can be used and avoid unnecessary work and exposure to heat. Visible sweat on the skin or clothing is no index to your rate of sweat production in the desert. Acclimated people, under similar circumstances, sweat at similar rates. There are no signicant differences between people of different sizes. In desert sun, sweat is saved by wearing clothing, not by discarding it. Drinking water does not increase sweat, though momentarily some extra sweat may be secreted by reex in response to swallowing the water. Drinking water while working consumes no more water in the end than if forced to wait until after the work in order to drink. Under all conditions, salt tablets are dangerous and should not be used. Electrolyte replacement drinks, such as Gookinaid or Gatorade, are suggested. The only sound economy of water is achieved by avoiding the need for the production of sweatin other words, by inactivity! The most practical ways by which to economize water use are: shift the daylight work program to the cooler hours, and avoid wasting water. Avoid foods containing protein or salts (both require large amounts of water for excretion).
Desert Survival
The present information on water use may be summarized as follows:2
This information is a summary taken from the following sources: Afoot in the Desert, by A.W. Pond. Air Force Training Manual. Physiology of Man in the Desert, by E.F. Adolph.
2
46 Cease activity.
Keep your mouth shut. Dont talk, sing, yell, whistle, or gripe. Breathe through your nose and minimize exhaling water vapor. Avoid the sunloss of water can be through convection, radiation, or evaporation. Use non-potable water (pools, plants, urine, etc.) on clothing or skin to effect body cooling. If lost or strandedwalk at night, carry all the water available, eat little or no food, use the best possible shade during the daytime. SAVE YOUR SWEAT, NOT YOUR WATER.
Many a hunter has stayed alive over a tire re. A little gasoline will ignite a tire. An average tire will burn three to four hours. One family, their car broken down on a littleused re trail, carefully removed a sealedbeam headlight. Leaving it wired to the battery, they directed its beam upward in wide sweeping arcs, and drew the attention of a rescue team. Drastic you say to destroy your car. A highway patrolman says, Everything you need to stay alive, except food, is found in the average car, but few motorists, when up against it, think of the car as a survival kit. The rst inclination is to set out on foot for help. Too often he is beyond help when we nd him a few miles down the roaddead, from heat, exhaustion, or cold. Dont panic! Stay with your car! Use your imagination to make it a LIFE-SAVER! A car is much easier to spot than a body! Car equipment Gasoline (a full tank) Spare tire Tire patch/plug kit Hydraulic jack Tools Oil Tire pump Tire chains Extra water 66 plastic sheet 26 carpet Shovels
Your car can save your life

Statisticians point to over 38,000 highway fatalities in a single year, but it is generally overlooked that the family car can save lives too. In emergencies, your car is a fortress. Beneath its hood and within its steel body can be found materials for survival for your family or your friends. Hubcaps cleaned with sand pinch-hit for cups, for shovels, and for reectors. Your horn can alert rescuers from as far as a mile downwind. A hose from the engine will convert into a siphon for getting gasoline from your tank. The windshield washer tubing becomes an effective tourniquet to stop excessive bleeding. Door panels become ground blankets, insulating you from frozen, wet, or scorched ground. The glove compartment door and sun visors double as shovels. Seat covers, and oor mats, serve as blankets and clothing.
1212 plywood board
47
How long you can survive in the shade

Maximum Daily Without 1 quart 2 quarts Temperature Water (Degrees F) 120 2 days 2 days 2 days 110 3 days 3 days 3.5 days 100 5 days 5.5 days 6 days 90 7 days 8 days 9 days 80 9 days 10 days 11 days 70 10 days 11 days 12 days 65 10 days 11 days 12 days 50 10 days 11 days 12 days Source: Physiology of Man in the Desert, by E.F. published in Natural History, December 1956. 1 gallon 2.5 gallons 5 gallons
2.5 days 3 days 4.5 days 4 days 5 days 7 days 7 days 9.5 days 13.5 days 10.5 days 15 days 22 days 12 days 19 days 22 days 14 days 20.5 days 32 days 14 days 21 days 32 days 14.5 days 21 days 32 days Adolph. Quoted by W. Allen in his article Thirst,
Supplement to ten essentials Tweezers Sunscreen Chap stick Spare sun glasses
Rules for survival Tell someone where you are going Do not change plans Be prepared (plan ahead) Keep calm Set up signals Wait for rescue
48
Safety and Survival

How to live through emergencies Each year people die in emergencies that could have been avoided or they did the wrong thing after the emergency occurred. Prime consideration should be given to preventing emergency situations: Plan aheadalways have a margin of SAFETY. Carry your Ten Essentials and know how to use them. Let someone know of your plans and expected return. Have enough members in your party. If an emergency does occur, live through it. Emergencies generally come as a surprise and each is different. Improvise and make the most of whatever is available. If you are lost Stop and think. Dont panic! Consider the following: Can you nd your own way out? By following your footprints back to the last place that you knew where you were? By climbing high to get your bearings? By using your map and compass? Can you make it before dark? If you must wait to be found, select a spot where you can be located most easily and where you can wait in relative comfort. High open ground with shelter in nearby trees or rocks is best. Build a re (if safe to do so) for warmth and signal. Mark your area to help searchesletters tramped in snow, rocks, articles of clothing or your pack in a prominent place. Be conservative with your food and water, but dont ration them. You can last several weeks without food, but only a few days without
water. When help is near, aid searchers with audible signalscalls, whistles, etc.A SERIES OF THREE MEANS HELP! IN COLD (if you cant make it out) Dont continue on until you become exhausted. Energy is heatconserve it. Take shelter. Get out of the wind in rocks, trees, tarp or tent. Make a snow cave. Keep warmprotect your hands, feet, ears and face. Get off the snow if possible. If not, insulate yourself from ituse an Ensolite foam pad, branches, or your pack. To keep warm, tense and relax your major muscle groups until you are breathing harder. Dont whip your arms, stamp your feet, or do stationary running to increase circulation. Wiggle your toes. Put on dry socks and inner mittens. Sit on your feet or put them near the body of a companion to prevent freezing. Put hands between legs or under armpits. Use a hand warmer. Build a regather plenty of wood. Eat high energy sweets, fats and starches. Make a hot drink. Unless movement is necessary to keep hands and feet from freezing, rest, relax and sleep. Put on all the dry clothing you have available. Get into your sleeping bag. Wrap yourself in a Mylar survival blanket. Take a nap. Do whatever is possible to mark your location so that searchers can nd you. DO NOT DESPAIR. BE WARMED BY YOUR OWN CHEERFUL SPIRIT. IN HEAT (Desert) Keep cool: stop and think; analyze your situation. Heat related emergencies usually result from car failure in the desert terrain. How far is it to help or water? How hot is it? In extreme heat, stay in the shade (under the car if necessary). Scrape away the top layer of sand to the cooler layer underneath. Small desert creatures escape the heat by burying themselves under a few inches of sand. Avoid unnecessary exercise, but drink water as required. After it gets dark and cool, set up a desert distillery. If you must travel, do so only at night. Avoid exhaustion and overheating. TAKE IT EASY, YOULL MAKE IT!
49
IN CASE OF INJURY Avoid the possibility of a second accident. Act calmly. Follow all safety precautions. The rst three situations require immediate attention: STOP BLEEDING: Use pressureyour hands, bandages, buttery tapes to pull the wound togetheranything available (as clean and sterile as possible). If this does not stop the bleeding, use a constricting band. Use a tourniquet only as a last resort. RESTORE BREATHING: Be sure the tongue is not blocking the throat and use mouth-to-mouth resuscitation if necessary. RESTORE HEART BEAT WITH C.P.R. NOTE: Become trained in C.P.R. by taking an American Red Cross course. TREAT FOR SHOCK: Get the victim warmin a sleeping bag or between two companions, build a re and warm liquids, emergency blanket. CAUTION: Do not move the body of a fall victim unless absolutely necessary to save his life, then STOP AND THINK. Discuss the situation. Take time to get yourself in command of all the facts. If outside help is required, make a list of the following: Extent of injuries. Exact location of accident. Time of accident. Manpower, food and equipment on the scene and needed. Name, address, and phone number of the subject. Emergency contact name and phone number for the subject. Names of other members of the party. SEND FOR HELP: Two people if possible. Always leave someone with the injured person.
MARK ROUTE: On the way out, BE CAREFUL! You must be able to nd your way back. TELEPHONE: Notify county sheriff and the district ranger of the forest or park youre in. Tell them the following: The information listed above under CAUTION. Distance by road, trail, and off the trail. Type of terrain. Probable time needed to reach the accident. Nature of the injuries. REMEMBER: Stay on the phone until you are assured by the responsible rescue people that help is on the way. Wait for the rescue party and guide them to the scene (if possible). SUGGESTION: Before going on the trip it is a wise precaution to recognize the possibility of an emergency and to be prepared with the names, phone numbers, etc. of responsible rescue groups, sheriff and ranger. ALSO: It is wise to be sure that all riders in your car know where to nd the keys and be able to drive your car in case you are the victim!
Staying found
1. STAY PUT The hardest, but most important, thing to do is to convince yourself to stop and think of how not to make matters worse. With fatigue and stress, we become anxious and disoriented. We are then likely to panic, but by staying in one place, we can center our thoughts on creating better conditions for our survival and rescue. 2. FIND SHELTER Keep it easy. Do not waste energy trying to build or nd a perfect shelter. The objective
50
is to keep out of the threatening elements, whether it be cold, wet, wind or snow. Protection could be a trash bag, cave, tree, or just curling up in a fetal position. 3. CONSERVE ENERGY Our body gives us many warnings when we are headed for trouble because of exposure to the elements. If we ignore them and push on, we can lose the reasoning power to save ourselves or others. In HEAT, SAVE SWEAT, NOT WATER means to drink when you are thirsty, and not just one swallow at a time. Try to work or walk at night, stay in shade during daylight hours. In COLD, stay dry and out of the wind. Curl up, move as little as possible, do isometric exercises to warm your body. Use a trash bag to keep off wind and moisture. Never, in a survival situation, eat snow to get water. There is more air than water in snow and you will lose body heat bringing on hypothermia faster. Wet clothing wicks heat away from the body. Dry underwear is vital for insulation. After a day of hiking, change into dry underwear as soon as you stop. 4. MAKE YOURSELF BIG The larger target is easiest for a rescuer to nd. Lay things out on the ground: extra clothing or trash bags on branches and rocks. Think about making yourself visible from overhead or from a long distance. Look for bright or contrasting colors. Flares, mirrors, campres or cell phones can all be used to signal. HOW TO TELL IF YOU ARE IN TROUBLE? HEAT EXHAUSTION Progressive signs begin with thirst, lack of saliva, muscle fatigue, cramps, cold clammy skin to lack of perspiration, exhaustion and unconsciousness. HYPOTHERMIA You begin to have cold extremitiesears, feet and hands. Next comes chills, shivering, goose bumps, your
speech becomes slurred, coordination worsens, thinking slows, then shivering stops. Sleepiness ends with unconsciousness, and eventually death. These symptoms progress faster in Stress/Panic situations. REMEMBER THE FOUR STEPS: 1. STAY PUT 2. FIND SHELTER 3. CONSERVE ENERGY 4. MAKE YOURSELF BIG
Mountain Travel
Mountain miseries
Body chemistry changes associated with increasing altitude As the altitude increases, the amount of available oxygen decreases. Since the same amount of oxygen is required to burn a given amount of fuel at 10,000 feet as was required at sea level, the body adjusts by increasing the rate and depth of breathing, and by decreasing the amount of work done per unit of time. If a hiker tries to do too much work per unit of time, the oxygen delivery system (lungs, heart and red blood cells) cannot keep up and the emergency fuel supply is used with a buildup of lactic acid in the muscle cells and blood stream. The combination of oxygen deciency and acidosis causes replacement of some of the potassium in the body cells by sodium with associated shifts of water into the cells, causing them to swell and function poorly. Fortunately for most of the unwilling hikers who overexert in the mountains, the buildup of lactic acid is nearly balanced out by the alkalinity of the forced deep breathing (hyperventilation) which they must also do. However, at best, overexertion causes the body to lose much sodium in sweat. Potassium, calcium, and magnesium are lost in the urine with resultant muscle weakness and cramping.
51
Another effect of oxygen deciency (hypoxia) is a swelling of the brain which brings about all or most of the symptoms of acute mountain sickness: nausea, headache, loss of appetite, blurred vision, vertigo. If the overexertion is minor and spread over a considerable period of time, the kidneys are able to maintain the proper amount of body alkalinity and not too many of the unpleasant symptoms of increased altitude occur. Too fast a pace denitely decreases the total amount of work that can be done in a day of hiking and robs the hike of much of its enjoyment. Acclimatization Not everyone is capable of adjusting to high altitude and bitter cold. Some people could practice a lifetime and never make it. The following observations from Annapurna, by Maurice Herzog, express it well: Adaptability and speed of adaptation vary with each individual. Adaptability is, to an extent, determined by previous appropriate training. However, even with appropriate training some effects of an inability to fully adapt may be noticed. Altitude sickness, fatigue, and muscle cramping are symptoms of poor acclimatization. The following points concern these symptoms. Factors inuencing altitude sickness Age, physical tness, and general health Hemoglobin level (oxygen carrying capacity) of the blood Heart and lung capacities (smoking) Elasticity of the arteries (especially those to the brain) Weight Hiking speed The type and amount of food consumed The amount of water consumed
Symptoms of altitude sickness Loss of appetite Dull headache, pounding headache, unconsciousness Fatigue, falling asleep while standing Rapid pulse and shortness of breath Temporary visual loss Nosebleeds and bleeding into the interior of the eyes, brain, etc. Mental confusion and irritability Insomnia Vomiting Prevention of altitude sickness Be in good physical condition through exercise and conditioning hikes. Maintain a slow steady pace, not one requiring gasping or racing and pounding of the heart. Eat carbohydrate rich, easily digested foods. Drink water frequently, whenever thirsty. Inadequate water intake is inexcusable. A drop in circulating blood volume is the beginning of hypovolemic shock and causes a marked increase in the loss of body potassium by the kidneys and a denite decrease in ability to do muscular work. Treatment of altitude sickness Decrease altitude to increase oxygen. Take Compazine*, Tigan* or Dramamine for nausea Take Diamox* for prevention of altitude sickness Use Empirin* or Tylenol #3* (with Codeine) for severe headache
52
Get rest Prescription medications Prevention of fatigue Get a good nights sleep before each hike. Eat an easily digested, high carbohydrate breakfast. Wait thirty minutes after meals before hiking, but nibble small amounts of food along the way. Start out slowly. As your body warms up, increase the pace. Choose a pace you can use all day. Take short rest stops (three to ve minutes) to prevent stiffening up or cooling down. Treatment of muscle cramping Reduce fatigue and loss of sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Treated by buffered multiple salts and muscle relaxants such as Norex (prescription from your physician).
References: Mountaineering, Freedom of the Hills, Chapters 1819 and AppendixFood Requirements for Climbers. Medicine for Mountaineering, Wilkerson
Wilderness travel
Pace Start slow to warm-up respiratory system to a comfortable, steady state. Hike at a steady rate that the party can sustain for prolonged periods. Rest periods With an appropriate steady pace the primary reason for periodic rests is to decrease the lactic acid levels and other waste products in the blood. This can be accomplished with two to seven minutes of rest each hour. After lunch, time should be allowed for digestion to get well along (about thirty minutes). This process competes with exercise for the blood supply. Respiration The amount of oxygen used in mountain travel is twice the consumption for normal walking. Energy intake Plan a balanced diet of at least 2,500 to 4,000 calories a day. Include a high energy lunch and other snacks. Ideally, breakfast and
53
lunch should be light, easily digested complex carbohydrates to supply sufcient energy for the day without creating excessive demands on the blood supply for digestion. Supper should be a substantial, well balanced meal to ll out the total calorie requirements. Symptoms of low blood sugar (glucose concentration) level include feeling very tired, dizziness, headache, stars before the eyes, etc. Restore blood sugar level immediately. Sugary foods will accomplish this rapidly, but subsequently will decrease rapidly. You need good sugars like those from fruits or cheese. Water requirements: dehydration About pint is required per thousand calories in the winter, and twice this amount in the summer. Keep pace with body needs and drink when the opportunity arises (little and often). Drink more than required to quench thirst. A decit of only three to ve pints will cause decreased efciency; a decit of eight to ten pints may cause unconsciousness. Increased water drinking should continue as long as the urine is darkly colored. Salt deciency Salt and essential minerals are lost in sweat. When the sweating is profuse, this loss can lead to painful cramps of the abdominal walls or the muscles in the arms and legs. Leg cramps are the most common. To reduce the possibility of salt deciency, make sure that there is salt on the foods you eat. In addition, putting electrolyte powders (such as Gookinaid) in your water will keep your levels near normal. The use of salt tablets is dangerous. These will result in excessive salt levels in your blood and will impair your efciency. Temperature regulation A prerequisite to proper operation of brain and muscles and to survival itself is the maintenance of normal body temperature within narrow limits. Clothing Clothing helps to control heat transfer from the skin to the outer surroundings. Ideally, the clothing used, its adjustment and pace or other physical activity should allow a thick layer of still
dry air around the body. Key elements under the hikers control are fabric (Polypropylene, Capilene and eeced polyester are bestwool is OK but slow drying, cotton the very worst), amount used (use the layer system), windproong and waterproong, and physical activity. These elements should be manipulated to keep your body warm and dry. Helpful hints on clothing include the following: Clothingloose tting layers, windproof and waterproof outer shell, boots not too tight. Head coveringyour unprotected head can radiate a large portion of your bodys heat (the brain requires twenty percent of the bodys oxygen intake and blood supply). Normal brain temperature is vital. If you feel cold, cover your head. Dry clothing reserve, wrapped in a waterproof package. Prewarm inhaled air by breathing through a loose tting face mask or scarf. Sit and stand on an insulated pad. KEEPING DRY AND WELL INSULATED CANNOT BE OVEREMPHASIZED. Wet clothing loses most of its insulating value and can allow loss of body heat up to 200 times faster than dry clothing. Also, evaporative cooling can approach the conductive cooling effect found in water immersion. At 32 degrees, if cotton clothing is soaking wet with sweat or rain, the windchill factor is about zero.
Critical Hazards
Dehydration First warning of serious dehydration is dark yellow urine. Loss of about one and a half quarts of water reduces efciency about 25 percent from a level already degraded due to high air temperatures. Perspiration rate while hiking in hot conditions can be as high as two quarts an hour.
54
Heat exhaustion Peripheral blood vessels are so dilated that blood supply to the brain and other vital organs is inadequate; body temperature near normal, very heavy sweating, weak, faint, nausea, dizziness, headache, low blood pressure, heat cramps, skin moist and cool, pulse rapid, may lose consciousness. Heat stroke This is due to failure of the heat and sweating mechanisms. Symptoms are: elevated body temperature, skin dry and hot, weakness, nausea, dizziness, headache, pounding pulse. Sweating stops just before heat stroke becomes apparent. THIS IS A LIFE THREATENING CONDITION! Frostbite The surface temperature of the skin is too low. It is preceded by skin numbness. Hypothermia The body internal temperature is too low. Symptoms are: poor control of limbs, stumbling, lassitude, shortened attention span, uncontrolled shivering, drowsiness, confusion, muscular weakness. Also known as exposure, it is one of the most common causes of death outdoors. Cases can develop in 30 to 50 degree weather. THIS IS A LIFE THREATENING CONDITION.
ing very attractive.3 Whats Out There? In the Western United States, the choice of places to visit is so rich and varied as to almost defy cataloging. The many mountain rangesin our own Sierra Nevada, the Pacic Crest, John Muir, and other trails cover only a tiny percentage of the millions of acres available to hike in. The magnicent canyonsfrom the Grand Canyon, with its many unmaintained trails, to our local canyons in Anza Borrego. The spectacular Escalante river and water pocket fold canyons of Utah. The Mogollon rim canyons of Arizona: Grand Gulch, with Anasazi ruins, rock art and artifacts. The ghost towns, the petroglyphs pecked into the desert varnish, the pictographs painted in sheltered walls and alcoves, Anasazi burials high on cliff walls, the Indian pottery and arrowheads. Close to the trails, many of these things have been defaced and pillaged, but back in remote canyons, most remain to be rediscovered by the adventurous. The desert year-roundfor its solitude and wide open vistas and unique life forms. Traveling Across Country When traveling cross country, there are three golden rules: safety, safety, and safety. What would be an inconvenience in town or a nuisance on the trail could become a matter of survival in the trackless wilderness. All the safety requirements given in other parts of this handbook become doubly important when we step off the trail. Safety Pointers Tell someone responsible where you are going and when you will be back. Dont forget to check in with them when you return.
Written by Mike Brown, North County Group, San Diego Chapter, Sierra Club
3
Cross Country
Off the beaten track
Sooner or later, many people get the urge to get away from all vestiges of civilization. Even the trails in the wilderness tie us to the world outside, which tends to force us into a time table going from one trailhead to another. We become preoccupied with the getting from one place to another rather than in the being there. Off the trails there is less pressure to conform. This, plus the new scenery, sense of adventure, greater solitude, feeling of being the rst explorers, and the satisfaction of nding our own way around, make off trail hik-
55
Stick to your planned route. Travel with experienced, well equipped companions and never go alone. Always carry adequate gear and supplies (including the Ten Essentials) even on short hikes. Really know how to navigate. Allow adequate traveling time. Learn how to read the weather. Know the effects of hyperthermia and hypothermia. Get t and stay in good condition. Never travel in bad light or visibility. Always appoint a leader; the most suitable not Joe, just because he planned the trip! Support the leaderhandling an emergency by committee does not work. Plan the trip carefullydo not leave things until the last minute. Watch footing, warn others of the hazards. Pay attention to where you are at all times. Make allowances for other persons abilities. Allow time to acclimate to altitude or temperature. Above allNEVER ASSUME ANYTHING. Travel Time Cross country travel is sloweven on at terrain. Do not expect to make more than one mile per hour, at altitude expect less. If you have to scramble or bushwhack, especially with a backpack, progress will be even slower. We lose approximately 3% of the air pressure for every 1,000 feet we ascend. So, at 10,000 feet, there will be 30% less. Even when acclimated, this will slow us down.
A rule of thumb when climbing is to allow one hour per 1,000 feet of gain. Going down hill is frequently no easier or faster than going up. Just different. Navigation and Route Finding (Map and Compass) Get the best map you canlargest scale and latest issue (7 minute series are preferred). If you do not have adequate maps, do not go. Compare the map with the terrain before starting and review it regularlyyou cannot be too familiar with where you are. Dont assume anything, keep on checking; it is easy to make a mistake. Look back at landmarks before you start and repeat regularly. Learn what all the markings on the map mean. Learn to walk a bearing by using intermediate objects. This is achieved by picking an object on that bearing, walking to it, then repeating the process with some new object now in sight. This technique is very useful when it is not possible to see the nal objective at all times. For example, when in woodlands or crossing rolling country. Learn to use the simple technique of aiming off. This is deliberately traveling on a bearing to the right or left of the target spot. It is used if the target is on a road, stream, canyon, or a ridge. On arrival at the road, etc., we then know which way to turn to nd our objective. Use natural features, such as the sun or the direction of streams, to check where we are on the map. There is no substitute for experience and navigation skills. There will be surprises. The best topo map can fool the most experienced traveler. For
56
example, it is possible to hide a 160 foot cliff on an 80 foot contour map! When going uphill, even moderate brush can become impenetrable. Maps do not indicate if streams are crossable but atter terrain usually means slower ow. Dont assume you can swim; cold water is a killer. Choosing Gear Gear needs to be better because we will be relying on it more. Break in all gear on easier trips. It will be harder to carry the pack, so we must omit some luxury items. We can go for light weight, but serviceability is the ultimate requirement. Take multipurpose items whenever possible Dont compromise on safety, waterproong, or warmth. Good quality waterproofed boots are essential. First Aid kit needs to be well stocked, keep it dry! Add extra gauze bandages and sterile pads, and adhesive tape. Survival Techniques Survival techniques should always be practiced before it becomes necessary to use them. Learn how to build a snow cave or shelter Learn to Bivouac. Carry extra items to achieve this: Extra garbage bags, shing line and hooks, water purication, a whistle, Ensolite for insulation, bright surveyors tape to mark spot, Polypropylene underwear. Practice re building with damp wood, carry windproof and waterproof matches; remember that the striker must be dry or it will not work. Keep hands warm. Cold ngers lose dexterity rapidly. Carry a lightweight sun tarp and a spray bottle (for cooling victim) if heat is likely to be a problem.
Bouldering and Scrambling Be cautious. Better to be a live chicken than to be a dead duck. Dont overestimate your ability or nerve. Dont go places where exposure (fall would be dangerous) is present. Watch weather carefully, storms come up quickly in mountains. On a long climb up (or down) it is possible to go through several climate zonesbe prepared. On loose scree and rocks, split group into smaller parties of two or three. These should climb close together. In chutes, wait for party ahead to clear before climbing.
57
Dont kick rocks down, learn to tell which ones to leave alone. Dont climb above or below other climbers. This is especially important when descending as the lower climber cannot see a rock coming. Shout rock if you dislodge one. Test footholds before trusting them. Dont get rimrocked. That is, climb or descend only where you can retrace your route. Use legs to climb as much as possible. Avoid jumping onto sloping surfaces. These can pitch you backward or forward especially if wearing a back pack. Keep away from edges of waterfalls and fast owing water as rocks are frequently slippery. Mark route when going up to avoid going off a safe route when returning. A backpack makes climbing harder and affects balance. Allow for this. Rock Climbing This is an exhilarating, safe sport and a great condence builder. Unfortunately, due to insurance reasons, the Sierra Club no longer sponsors it. Instruction is available from local commercial companies and a number of good books and videos are available at backpacking stores. Remember, off the beaten track does not just mean the depth of the wilderness. Even in our local state parks most people do not stray more than a few yards from the trails and roads. So we can go have an exploring adventure in our own backyard if we wish.
It can smooth out the rough places and make travel easier and faster. It can be a delight to behold and in which to be active. It can be a thrilling experience. Snow is also cold, soft, and wet. It can make travel difcult, hazardous or even impossible. The snow temperature will always be below freezing. The air temperature can be warmer, but is often below freezing and when combined with strong winds the resulting chill factor can present a dangerous environment. SNOW IS WHITE Protection from the highly reective snow is required. Nearly all sunlight striking snow is reected, and sunburn can be severe. Use sunscreen. Wear light clothing for warm daytime, but cover arms, neck, headmaybe even the face. Snow goggles with wrap-around or shielded sides can help prevent snow blindness (eye sunburn). Use adequate sunburn protection: sunscreen for high altitude and Labiocan or chap stick for the lips. Lip burns can be ferocious. You may want a mask for the face if exposure is to be prolonged. SNOW IS COLD Warm dress is required. Thermal, Polypropylene, or Capilene underwear. Boots: Leather waterproofed with SnowSeal or fabric waterproofed with Silicone. Wool socks with polypropylene or silk inner socks. Warm jacket, sweater, and windbreaker. Waterproof mittens with warm (wool, down or polypropylene) inner mitts or gloves. Warm wool or pile cap with windbreaker parka for the head. Face protection (such as a balaclava or a ski mask) is often useful.
Winter Travel
Winter mountaineering and travel
ABOUT SNOW Snow is white, clean and beautiful. One of natures most decorative substances.
58
Sleeping bag must be insulated from the snow with an Ensolite, ThermaRest, or RidgeRest pad. SNOW IS SOFT port your weight. Generally snow will not sup-
Bivouac
Bivouac (biv-wak): A usually temporary encampment under little or no shelter: a camping out for a night; a temporary shelter or settlement. Webster has it right, a bivouac is simply an expedient way to get you through the night when you cant get back to your camp. But being comfortable can change a bivouac from a miserable survival to an adventure. The body needs sleep, perhaps more than usual considering the conditions under which bivouacking occurs. Our goal then is to enable you to sleep through at least part of the night, comfortably. The more prepared you are, the more shelter you carry, the easier the bivouac and the closer you are to having a true camp. So the rst rule is to carry at least minimum bivouac gear. Minimum bivouac gear is: Ten Essentials! Adequate warm clothing, using the layer system, wear wool pants. Remember to include mittens and a wool hatthey help. Ensolite, or some similar closed-cell foam pad. You can get by with two pieces 1 foot or inches thick. square, 3 8 Shelter, waterproof. Something to keep the rain or snow off. It will also be windproof, of course. Take your choicetube tent, emergency plastic tent, plastic tarp, space blanket (in good condition), or a waterproof bivouac sack. A bivouac sack, no matter how light, is a surprisingly efcient sleeping bag. When to bivouac
Snow shoes or cross-country skis are useful for deep snow travel. Neither are required for this class. Foot travel is difcult if your feet sink in more than six inches. New snow, wet snow, or snow in areas protected from the wind is generally soft. Avoid foot travel over soft snow if possible. Otherwise, wear snow shoes or cross-country skis. Old snow that has compacted and wet snow which has frozen is most suitable for foot travel. Snow shoes or skis may not be needed. Due to temperature variations, snow may be hard at night and the early morning hours but soft during the day. Learn to judge the hardness of snow to avoid breakthroughs or post holing. SNOW IS WET quired. Water repellent clothes are re-
Exterior clothing should be non-absorbent (wool or Capilene). Boots, mittens, and gaiters should be waterproof. After immersion in snow, brush off all surplus snow before it melts. Floor in tent (or ground cloth) should be waterproof.
The decision to bivouac is based on at least ve factors: Time Do you have sufcient daylight to return to camp? Safety Can you reach a place where it would be safe to travel at night?
59
Weather On warm, calm nights you might elect to either keep traveling or to bivouac. On rainy nights you should bivouac if youre unsure of your ability to continue. Condition of party A strong party might hike out. An injured, sick, or tired hiker must bivouac. Terrain Above timberline a bivouac may be precarious. Be conservative in your decision. If it looks like you wont be back to camp because of the above reasons, make the decision and prepare to bivouac. How to bivouac Select a spot which is level (this is very important if you are trying to sleep), dry and sheltered as much as possible from the weather. If you have a tube tent or similar shelter you can select a relatively open site. If you must bivouac in just your clothes, burrow into the most dense underbrush or thicket you can. Or make a big pile of leaves and climb under it. Use whatever native insulation you can nd. If there is more than one person, cuddle together. To keep warm, ex your muscles, wiggle your toes, etc. Swinging your arms and legs tends to force out the warm ambient air around your bodydont do this. If you nd you cannot sleep at all, try lighting a re. This may keep you warm for a while, but it requires constant attention. Two parallel res with you in the middle works if there is little wind, but requires twice as much wood. Better to sit with your back against a vertical rock face with the re in front, reecting off the rock. Eating a good meal before you turn in can really help make it an occasion. Psychological tricks help pass the night. Note the stars positions and estimate where they will be at dawn. Count to yourself. Note the time and keep telling yourself, only xxx hours to go. Think of your friends, job, etc., and how lucky you are to be out in the mountains. Think of all the songs you know. Before you know it that rst hint of gray light will appear and your bivouac will be over!
Hypothermia is exposure
Cold kills in two steps 1. EXPOSURE AND EXHAUSTION The moment your body begins to lose heat faster than it produces it, you are undergoing exposure. Two things happen: You voluntarily exercise to stay warm. Your body makes involuntary adjustments to preserve normal temperature in the vital organs. Either response drains your energy reserve. The only way to stop the drain is to reduce the degree of exposure. 2. HYPOTHERMIA If exposure continues until your energy reserves are drained: Cold reaches the brain depriving you of judgment and reasoning power. You will not realize this is happening. You will lose control of your hands. This is hypothermia. Your internal temperature is sliding downward. Without treatment, this slide leads to stupor, collapse, and death. Your defenses against hypothermia 1. AVOID EXPOSURE Stay dry. When clothing gets wet, it loses up to 90 percent of its insulating value. Polypropylene, Capilene, pile, and wool lose less; cotton, down, and acrylics lose a lot more. Beware of wind. A slight breeze carries heat away from bare skin much faster than still air. Wind drives cold air under and through clothing. Wind refrigerates wet clothes by evaporating moisture from the surface. Wind multiplies the problem of staying dry.
60
Understand cold. Most hypothermia cases develop in air temperatures between thirty and fty degrees. Most outdoor people simply cant believe such temperatures can be dangerous. They fatally underestimate the danger of being wet at such temperatures. Dont ask, How cold is the air?. Instead ask, How cold is the water against my body? Use your clothes. Put on rain gear before you get wet. Put on warm clothes before you start shivering. 2. TERMINATE EXPOSURE If you cannot stay dry and warm under existing weather conditions, using the clothes you have with you, terminate exposure. Be brave enough to give up reaching the peak or getting that sh or whatever you had in mind. Get out of the wind and rain. Build a re. Concentrate on making your camp or bivouac as secure and comfortable as possible. Never Ignore Shivering: Persistent or violent shivering is clear warning that you are on the verge of hypothermia. MAKE CAMP. Forestall Exhaustion: Make camp while you still have a reserve of energy. Allow for the fact that exposure greatly reduces your normal endurance. You may think you are doing ne when the fact that youre exercising is the only thing preventing your going into hypothermia. If exhaustion forces you to stop, even briey: Your rate of body heat production instantly drops fty percent or more. Violent, incapacitating shivering may begin immediately. You may slip into hypothermia in a matter of minutes.
Appoint a Foul-Weather Observer: Make the best protected member of your party responsible for calling a halt before the least protected member becomes exhausted or goes into violent shivering. 3. DETECT HYPOTHERMIA If your party is exposed to wind, cold and wet, THINK HYPOTHERMIA. Watch yourself and others for symptoms: Uncontrollable ts of shivering. Vague, slow, slurred speech. Memory lapses, incoherence. Immobile fumbling of hands. Frequent stumbling, lurching gait. Apparent exhaustion, inability to get up after a rest. 4. TREATMENT The victim may deny they are in trouble. Believe the symptoms, not the patient. Even mild symptoms demand immediate, drastic treatment. Get the victim out of the wind and rain. Strip off all wet clothes. If the victim is only mildly impaired: Get them into dry clothes and a warm sleeping bag. Well wrapped, warm (not hot) rocks or water bottles will hasten recovery. Give the person warm liquids (even warm water) to drink. If the victim is semiconscious or worse: Try to keep them awake. Give warm drinks.
61
Leave them stripped. Put them in a sleeping bag with another person (also stripped). If you have a double bag, put the victim between two warm donors. Skin-to-skin contact is the most effective treatment. Build a re to warm the camp. Hypothermia may be a new word to you, but it is the only word that describes the rapid, progressive mental and physical collapse accompanying the chilling of the inner core of the human body. Hypothermia is caused by exposure to cold, aggravated by wet, wind, and exhaustion. It is the Number One killer of outdoor recreationists. THINK HYPOTHERMIA.4
the wind speed and the lower the temperature, the greater the degree of wind chill. The greater the chill factor, the greater the danger of frostbite to exposed esh. RADIATION This is a leading cause of heat loss and the head is the most efcient portion of the bodys radiator system. Heat loss from the uncovered head is rapid. An unprotected head may lose up to half of the bodys total heat production at forty degrees. This proves the wisdom of the old mountaineers maxim When your feet are cold, put on your hat. CONVECTION For hikers, convection to the air from the body surface is a very active avenue of heat escape. The body continuously warms a thin layer of air next to the skin to a temperature nearly equal to that of the skin. If this warm air layer is retained close to the body by clothing, we remain warm. However, if this warm layer of air is constantly being removed by a brisk wind (convection), we feel cold and put on more clothing. EVAPORATION The evaporation of sweat from the skin, and exhaling of water from the lungs, accounts for a substantial loss of body heat. But there is very little that we can do to prevent this loss except to keep our mouths shut and breathe through our noses. CONDUCTION The loss of heat by sitting on the snow or on a cold rock. It is also caused by inadequate socks when standing on the cold ground. Reduce heat conduction by using an Ensolite sitting pad and wearing good quality wool socks. WATER CHILL The thermal conductivity of water is 240 times as great as that of still air. This means that wet clothing can extract heat from your body up to 240 times faster than dry clothing. When cotton, acrylic, and other non-wicking materials get wet, they no longer provide an insulating layer of warm air next to the skin. Instead, they rapidly conduct heat away from the body and dissipate it into the outer environment.
Some important terms relating to the loss of body heat
WIND CHILL The effect of wind and temperature acting on exposed esh. The greater
This item was written by Jim Lawless, producer of the lm titled By Natures Rules. It was printed in the Sierra Club Bay Chapters Yodler some time after the death of four climbers on Mt. Ritter.
4
62
Estimated Wind Speed (MPH) Calm 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40
-50 -50 -57 -83 -99 -110 -118 -125 -129 -132
Table 8: Wind-chill factor. WIND-CHILL CHART ACTUAL THERMOMETER READINGDEGREES F -40 -30 -20 -10 0 10 20 30 40 50 -40 -30 -20 -10 0 10 20 30 40 50 -47 -36 -26 -15 -5 6 16 27 37 48 -70 -58 -46 -33 -21 -9 4 16 28 40 -85 -72 -58 -45 -36 -18 -5 9 22 36 -96 -82 -67 -53 -39 -25 -10 4 19 32 -104 -88 -74 -59 -44 -29 -15 0 16 30 -109 -94 -79 -63 -48 -33 -18 -2 13 28 -113 -98 -83 -67 -49 -35 -20 -4 11 27 -116 -100 -85 -69 -53 -37 -21 -6 10 26 Great Danger Increasing Little Danger for Danger Properly Clothed Person DANGER TO EXPOSED FLESH BY FREEZING
Table 9: Wind velocity. ESTIMATION OF WIND VELOCITY IN MILES PER HOUR INDICATIONS Velocity INDICATIONS Calm, smoke rises vertically 01 Large branches in motion; Smoke shows wind direction 13 whitecaps on most waves; Wind felt on face; grass or 47 tents billow and strain leaves rustle; snow eddies Whole trees in motion; Leaves and small twigs in 8 12 walking against wind constant motion; light ag difcult; loose snow rises in extended by breeze air Dust or snow or leaves are 13 18 Twigs break off trees; raised; branches move walking generally difcult Small trees in leaf sway; 19 24 Branches break off trees; crested wavelets form on inland high waves and tides water; tents ap Seldom experienced inland; trees uprooted Shown in Table 8 is a wind-chill chart used by Environmental Services personnel. The combined effect of wind and temperature is expressed as an equivalent temperature which is the effective temperature acting on exposed esh. For example, we start a hike when the temperature is fty degrees and the air is moving at ten miles per hour. The chart shows that the chill effect on exposed esh is a cool forty degrees. But as we near a high point on our hike, the wind has picked up to thirty miles per hour and the temperature has dropped to forty degrees, giving us a very cold thirteen degrees on exposed esh.
Velocity 25 31
32 38
39 46 47 54 55 63
To use the chart, nd the estimated or actual wind speed in the left-hand column and the actual temperature in degrees in the top row. The equivalent temperature is found where these two intersect. For example, with a wind speed of 10 miles per hour and a temperature of -10 degrees, the equivalent temperature is -33 degrees. This lies within the zone of increasing danger of frostbite, and protective measures should be taken. It is emphasized that the wind-chill chart is of value in predicting frostbite only to exposed esh. Hikers
63
can easily be caught out in 30 degree temperature. Winds of 30 miles per hour will produce an equivalent wind chill temperature of 2 degrees below zero. WIND CHILL If there were no breeze at all (a rare occurrence), we could remain comfortable at zero degrees for long periods of time. But let the air stir even slightly and those calories will go, go, go. Shown in Table 9 is a chart you can use to estimate wind speed.
First Aid for Backpackers

General Information: First Aid5 is immediate and temporary care given to the victim of an accident or sudden illness until the services of a physician can be obtained. In the wilderness, the problem is the distance and the delay to get to a hospital. A solution is to minimize problems via selfhelp classes (rst aid, CPR, or EMT). Personal Information to Carry (Note: Group leader should be made aware of individual medical problems): Name, address, and phone Contact persons name, address, and phone List of personal medical problems (i.e. diabetes, heart trouble, asthma, allergies, etc.) List of medications regularly taken Allergy medications (bee stings) Date of last Tetanus shot (should be within the last ve years) Medical insurance company and policy number Medic Alert tag First Aid Kit contents (in addition to Ten Essentials First Aid Kit):
5
Antiseptic cleaners Antibiotic ointment (Bacitracin, etc.) Tweezers with points Safety pins Needle One quarter Small pencil and two sheets of paper Aspirin or Tylenol Antacid tablets Small Scissors Insect repellent Sting-kill swabs Sunscreen Foot powder Triangular bandage Ace bandage
Items to consider taking: Electrolyte mix or tablets Antihistamines/decongestants (Actifed or Sudafed) Biodegradable soap Cleansing pads for poison oak Water purication tablets (Globaline, Potable-Aqua, Halazone) Anti-diarrhea medication YOUR OWN DAILY MEDICATIONS Sanitary supplies Waterproof container for all of the above FIRST AID FOR BACKPACKERS: The Common Things Are Common
Band-Aids Moleskin Kling gauze roll (3" wide) Gauze squares Adhesive tape
This section was written by Mel Ochs, MD
64 Minor soft tissue injuries PROBLEM Blisters
SYMPTOM
PREVENTION Proper shoes, double socks, good foot hygiene.
Infections
Redness, swelling, local tenderness. Red streaks indicate advanced infection.
Splinters
Lacerations: Supercial Lacerations: Deep
TREATMENT a. Cover warm spots with tape or Moleskin. b. Leave intact if possible. c. Drain (with sterile needle) if large. d. Unroof to avoid infection. a. Warm soapy soaks for 30 minutes three times daily, keep the part elevated and avoid use of the area. b. Allow to drain (unroof if a blister, or open if a cut). c. If advanced, the partys overseek medical attention immediately. a. You must remove with needle and/or tweezers. b. Clean, use antibiotic ointment, c. Watch for infection. Cleanse, use ointment and dressing. Repeat daily. Cleanse, irrigate, cover with dressing. a. Suture within eight hours if possible. b. If suturing is delayed, consider buttery bandages and dressing. Wound closure prevents infection and bleeding. All bleeding stops . . . especially with ten minutes of CONSTANT PRESSURE. Usually stops with a simple dressing (capillary and venous). a. Direct pressure to stop bleeding. b. Pressure points if necessary. c. Pressure dressing with Ace bandage wrap. d. Check distal circulation. a. Use only to save a life. b. Be willing to lose whatever is on the other side of the tourniquet! c. Use a wide band and pad over an artery. d. Never loosen. e. Mark TK on forehead. f. Tell someone! Pressure for ten minutes. You may use a cotton plug. Ice and tilting head back are ineffective.
Bleeding Bleeding: Minor Bleeding: Larger cuts
Tourniquets
Nose bleeds
65
PROBLEM Shock
Burns: First degree Burns: Second degree Burns: Third degree SprainsLigaments stretched or torn. Dislocations: Minor and Major
SYMPTOM Dizzy, faint, clammy skin, cool and moist, rapid pulse Red skin, sunburn. Blisters. Charred tissue, painless, dry, leathery. Pain and swelling. Cant be differentiated from fracture.
PREVENTION
TREATMENT Keep victim warm, lay them at, give nothing by mouth, treat the cause.
Use sunscreen.
Wet tee shirt. Avoid Solarcaine. Cleanse, cover with cool compresses, remove dead skin, cover with ointment and dressing. Cover with dressing, obtain medical care. a. Cool compress, elevation, Ace wrap. b. Ankle support from boot. c. Limit use of area. Splint, obtain medical care.
Bone Injuries: Fractures Splint em where they lie. PROBLEM General SYMPTOM Look for swelling, pain, deformity. Injured person may have crepitus. PREVENTION TREATMENT Splint, elevation, cool area. Avoid use of area.
Long bones (arm, leg) Skull and spine Look for unequal pupils, blood from ears or nose, disorientation. Check level of consciousness. sensation in arms and legs. Pain on respiration is expected.
Improvised splints, triangle bandage, shirt sleeve, chest wall, opposite leg, wooden stick, etc. Immobilize. Give nothing by mouth, watch airway, keep warm. Send for help and evacuate.
Ribs
Try Ace wrap. Watch for shortness of breath or bloody sputum. Consider air evacuation.
66 Other Systems PROBLEM GastroenteritisUsually viral, occasionally bacterial.
SYMPTOM Nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea.
Constipation
PREVENTION Keep the latrine downstream. Keep eating and drinking utensils clean, purify water. Prevent with adequate uid intake and bulk foods.
TREATMENT a. Give nothing for one hour, then clear liquids onlysmall mounts at frequent intervals (one ounce every fteen minutes). b. You may try Dramamine or Kaopectate. c. Treat heartburn with antacid or bicarbonate of soda.
Appendicitis
Generalized abdominal pain, localized to the right lower abdomen, associated with nausea and fever. Usual course lasting twelve to thirty six hours.
Need hospital care.
Foreign body in the eye.
Allergic Reactions; Contact dermatitis (poison oak) Hives (urticaria)
Itching, redness, blisters.
a. Flush to the side, remove with the tip of a handkerchief. b. Evert eyelid. c. If embedded, bandage eyes and evacuate. a. Wash area with soap. b. Sodium bicarbonate compresses. c. Lotion of Cortaid or Rhulitol.
Severe allergy
Raised red bumps of welts associated with food or medication allergy. Occasionally seen with insect bites Wheezing, shock, swelling in throat.
Benadryl (non-prescription strength)check with your own Doctor.
AnaKit - TELL YOUR LEADER WHERE YOU CARRY THIS. THIS CAN BE FATAL.
67
Pesky Critters PROBLEM Mosquitoes SYMPTOM PREVENTION Use insect repellent. Avoid them or use repellents. Use extra care if sensitive. Avoid perfumes and bright clothes. Use repellent. TREATMENT a. Avoid scratchingmay cause infection. b. Kill the sting with baking soda paste. c. Aspirin helps itching. a. Remove stinger by scraping to the side. b. Cool compressesbaking soda compress. c. Antihistamine or AnaKit. WARNINGS a. Consult with your physician in advance. b. Inform your outing leader. a. Cover with oil or butter. b. Coax out with a heated match. WARNINGS a. Use care with the heated match trick ticks are no good fried. b. Infection can occur if the ticks head remains buried in the skin. NOTE: The very old and very young are at risk. a. Painful but not fatal (in California). b. Some in Mexico and Arizona contain a nerve toxin. c. Antivenin is available. a. Wash area. b. Lower the bite site below the heart. c. Cool compresses. d. Immobilize the bite area. e. Get to a hospital. If hospital is not nearby (more than two or three hours away): a. Incise bite site ( inch deep and inch long) and apply suction. b. Never incise (cut) on hands or feettoo many blood vessels. c. Avoid arteries and large blood vessels. a. May have rabies. b. If bitten, go to the hospital.
Bees and wasps
Ticks
Spiders black widow. Scorpions
Muscle pain is most common.
Rattlesnake AVOID.
a. Immediate pain and swelling at the site of the bite. b. Discoloration and oozing from the puncture.
Animals (fox, coyote, raccoon, skunk, squirrel) Cactus
a. Remove spikes with a fork or tweezers. b. Treat punctures.
68 Environmental Problems PROBLEM Heat Cause: sweat loss of 6-8 quarts per day of water and salts. Heat exhaustion
SYMPTOM Muscle cramps or fatigue.
PREVENTION
TREATMENT Rest and immediate replacement of water and salts.
Heat Stroke MEDICAL EMERGENCY
Sunsnow blindness (corneal sunburn from ultraviolet rays). Cold
a. Skin pale and sweaty. b. Nausea. c. Dizzy and faint a. Skin is hot and red and dry. b. Body core temperature may be 106108. c. Brain damage may occur. d. Involves failure of the cooling mechanisms of the body. Scratchy, painful eyes.
a. Seek shade b. Replace water and salts (use balanced mineral salt tablets). a. b. c. d. e. Immediate cooling. Seek shade. Douse with water. Fan to cool by evaporation. Get to hospital after cooling is completed.
Wear sun glasses.
a. Treat with cool compresses. b. Heals in 24 hours.
Areas are numb and pale.
Awareness, proper clothing, insulation, and dryness. Try not to act like a lightning rod. a. Proper conditioning. b. Pace. c. Hydration (water intake). d. Diet.
Lightning Altitude sickness. Causes: Lactic acidosis associated with increased work of breathing. Can occur over 5,000 feet if not acclimatized. a. b. c. d. Nausea. Headache. Cramps. Exhaustion.
a. Rapid rewarming in water at 104105 degrees F. b. Do not allow to refreeze. c. You may walk out on frozen feet, but not on thawed ones. Treat as cardiopulmonary arrest (use CPR). If mild, overnight rest.
69
PROBLEM High altitude pulmonary edema. Causes: Lungs ll with uid. Can occur over 8,000 feet. High altitude cerebral edema. Causes: Brain lls with uid. Can occur over 8,000 feet. ANTICIPATE
SYMPTOM a. Severe shortness of breath. b. Course cough. c. Rapid breathing. d. Chest tightness. a. Severe headache b. Stupor c. Coma
PREVENTION
TREATMENT a. Get to lower altitude at once. b. Give oxygen if available.
Get to lower altitude at once.
PREVENT AVOID In the words of the late Sergeant Esterhaus of Hill Street Blues: Hey, lets be careful out there!
70
Protecting your Food

Eurarctos americanus It stands about 40 inches high at the shoulder, is approximately ve feet from the tip of its nose to its tail, tips the scale at 300 or more pounds and loves to eat backpackers food. It is the black bear, a black or cinnamon colored omnivore. These and other animals frequently encountered by backpackers and campers have learned that a ready food source is often as near as your backpack or tent. The animals also consider non-food things such as toothpaste, scented soaps, cosmetics, cold cream, and lotions to be delicacies. As the animals have become more aware of this food source and also learned new ways to get at carelessly stored food, backpackers have had to redouble their effort to protect it. The easiest way to bear-proof your food is to use the bear storage boxes provides at several of the establised campsites. These metal storage boxes are designed to hold campers food bags; no canister is necessary. Be aware, however, of two issues: One, sometimes the sotrage box is full and two, the boxes are currently being permanently removed from the back country. Several forest service entities and national and state parks require the use of bear-proof canisters. There are several on the market of varying sizes and prices. It is best to call the wilderness area that you plan to visit and check on the requirements for that particular area (some canisters may be prohibited in certain areas). When bear canisters and storage boxes are not required or available, you must set up a system to protect your food but still allow easy access. The counterbalance method is the best and safest way to protect your food and, eventually, to also protect the bears. The materials needed for this are:
5 " 16 1 " 8
Small stuff sack Step 1: Select the perfect tree. This is a tree with a living branch approximately 4 inches in diameter where it joins the trunk. This branch must be 15-20 feet above the ground.
Figure 2: Throw stuff sack over branch. Step 2: Place the rope over the selected limb. To do this, place a baseball-sized rock in the small stuff sack and tie the sack to one end of the rope. Throw the rock/sack over the limb of the tree (Figure 2). Remove the rock/sack from the rope.
diameter nylon rope-60 f t.
diameter nylon cord-50 to 100 f t.
Optional: 2 D carabiners Figure 3: Attach food bag on one end.
71
Step 3: Divide your food lled stuff sacks into two equally-heavy piles. Tie a small loop into the end of the rope and clip in a carabiner. Clip one pile of food sacks into the carabiner. Run the nylon cord through the carabiner to its midpoint. Leave the cord dangling loose. See Figure 3.
over a bush (Figure 5). You now have a bear proof food storage system.
Figure 5: Final arrangement. To retrieve your goodies, take both ends of the nylon cords and pull down the rst stuff sack. Unclip or untie it and the lower the other stuff sack to the ground. If you are going to spend another night at this location leave the rope and cord in place. If you should happen to have a visit from a bear and he pulls your nylon cords down, get a long stick and hook it into the loop of rope you left dangling from the second stuff sack (Step 4). Pull down with the stick and retrieve your stuff sacks. Above timberline you wont need to protect your food from bears. However marmots are a real problem here. These marauders can make a real mess of your food if it is not properly protected. A rock cairn offers sufcient protection if large (20-30 pound) rocks are used to build the cairn.
Figure 4: Attach second food bag. Step 4: Raise the food-lled stuff sack up to the limb by pulling on the rope. Reaching as high as possible, tie the other stuff sack onto the rope. This is simplied by knotting a small loop into the rope and clipping a carabiner into the loop. Then clip the stuff sack into the carabiner. Coil up the excess rope and put it into the stuff sack leaving a loop hanging down (Figure 4). Make sure the stuff sacks are approximately equal in weight or the system wont be balanced and the heavier sack will gradually descend, placing it within reach of your friendly neighborhood bear. Step 5: Take both of the nylon cords and pull down until both of the stuff sacks are at the same level. Separate the nylon cords and drape each end
Snow Camp Backpack

Snow camping
Winter camping and hiking can be a beautiful and exciting experience if you are properly equipped
72
the signed checklist to the tram parking lot on the morning of the outing. Some of the equipment can be made (gaiters and mitten overshells). Snow stakes for your tent can be made from at pieces of aluminum or from large plastic lids from coffee cans. Wool or Dacron pants can be purchased from thrift shops (Goodwill, Amvets, or Salvation Army). If you plan to attend the snow camp backpack, it is suggested that you start assembling as much of this equipment as soon as possible. If you have any questions about the snow camp backpack, feel free to ask one of the Outing Leaders or staff members.
for the winter conditions. Our outing at Mt. San Jacinto is unique in that the backpacker travels from the desert oor to over eight thousand feet in less than twenty minutes. Because of this rapid gain in altitude, some people suffer from altitude sickness on this outing. If you know or think that you are prone to altitude sickness, bring whatever medication works for you. Tums and/or aspirin work for some people. A doctor may prescribe Diamox as a preventive medicine. The hike from the tram station to the camping area will begin approximately thirty to forty-ve minutes after you arrive at the upper tram station. The hike will feel more strenuous than it really is due to your body not having enough time to acclimate. If you experience any of the symptoms of altitude sickness, notify your leader or assistant leader immediately. The items listed on the outing checklist are essential for you to have on this outing in order for you to have a safe and comfortable weekend. You will be required to bring all of the items on the checklist to the class meeting prior to the snow camp backpack weekend. The only exceptions are food and items that you rent. If you rent gear, you must bring a receipt from the outtter indicating the brand and model of equipment you will be renting. Your leader for the outing will sign off your checklist if it is complete and you will bring
73
Wilderness Basics 2012 Snow Camp Backpack Outing Sheet

LEADER: ASSISTANT: Dates: March 1718, 2012 Equipment Checkout: Tuesday, March 15, 2012 Place Mt. San Jacinto State Wilderness. MAP: Mt. San Jacinto Quad (7- minute). The camping area is at an altitude of approximately 9,000 feet on the south east slope of Mt. San Jacinto. The area is reached by a trail approximately three miles in length starting at the top of the tramway. The weather may be sunny, but it is more often overcast with rain or snow showers. Night time temperature may drop to zero degrees or less. Time 7:00 am Saturday, March 17, 2012, at the bottom of the tramway in Palm Springs. BE ON TIME. We take the rst Trams up. If you cant be there by 7:00 am due to an emergency, car breakdown, etc., call the tram at (760) 325-1449 and leave a message. The outing should end by 3:00 pm on Sunday, March 18, 2012. Directions Distance is approximately 110 miles (allow 2- hours) to Palm Springs. Drive north on I-15 to #215 north. Go east on highway 60 to Interstate 10. Turn off on highway 111 to Palm Springs, then right to the tram station (watch for the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway sign approximately ten miles past the Interstate 10/highway 111 junction). Park in the upper parking lots (Lot A or Lot B) only. Parking lots are open at 6:00 am.no overnight camping is allowed in the parking lots or in your cars. Procedure Drive past the tramway entrance down to the parking lot on the left. Locate your leader immediately and give the leader your Student Record Card. Wait for your leaders further instructions. Your leader will also collect your signed off equipment checklist. Dont leave the parking lot or your camping area later without your leaders permission. Leave the area cleaner than you found it. Purpose To gain experience in snow camping and to enjoy the beauty and solitude of the mountains in winter. This outing goes snow, rain, or shine. Prerequisite Attended the Car Camp, at least one W.B.C. backpack outing, and pass the Mt. Woodson Day Hike Requirement. Outing Registration and Equipment Check No student will be allowed to participate in this outing unless they bring their clothing and equipment to the March 15, 2012 class meeting and have it checked by a leader for its adequacy. You will register before the lecture, then your leader will check your equipment. Refer to the checklist on the next page. Bring receipts for rental equipment. Bring money for registration. If you are sharing equipment (recommended), make sure that the person you are sharing with signs up for the same leader. NOTE This outing is required for completion of the Wilderness Basics Course because it gives experience typical of the conditions that may be encountered in even moderately advanced backpacking. Winter camping is fun and comfortable with the proper clothing and equipment. The mountains are quiet, uncrowded and particularly beautiful in the winter. If you have any difculty, tell your leader. Lastly, be prepared for a really enjoyable outing! PHONE: PHONE:
74
EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST March 15, 2012

ALL STUDENTS PARTICIPATING IN THE SNOW CAMP OUTING MUST HAVE ATTENDED THE CAR CAMP, AT LEAST ONE BACKPACK OUTING, AND HAVE PASSED THE MT. WOODSON HIKE REQUIREMENT. All students participating in the outings must have proper equipment. The following equipment must be brought to the class and checked by the leader. The leader will check off each piece of equipment on this sheet. The signed-off list will be required on the morning of the outing for admission to the group. NO GUESTS! Backpack Cap (Wool or polypropylene) Sleeping Bag (down or synthetic, rated at plus 10 degrees or lower) Sleeping pad (closed cell foam or ThermaRest), full-length recommended. NO AIR MATTRESSES. Lug Sole Hiking Boots (leather or fabric), well broken in and waterproofed. Snowshoes Two wide-mouth water bottles (1 quart each) Cooking Utensils (Stove, cook kit, extra fuel); may be shared. or 4 season only) with sewn-in oor Tent (3 1 2 and separate rain y and snow stakes; should be shared. No excessive netting inside tent. Insulated Cup Plastic Trash Bags (large size; 2 or 3) Rain suit (no rain ponchos) Long Underwear, (polypropylene) top and bottoms Wool or Poly Mittens or Gloves Wool Socks (2 Pair) Mitten Overshells, Waterproof Gaiters (Long Only) Walking Sticks/Ski Poles (1 required, 2 optional for Snow Camp Backpack) Pack Rain Cover or Large Trash Bags Food (Quick One-Pot Type) 1 Breakfast 2 Lunches 1 Dinner Student Record Card THE TEN ESSENTIALS
Shirt (Wool or polypropylene) Sweater (Wool or polypropylene) Pants (Wool or Fleece), loose tting (NO COTTON PANTS, NO JEANS, NO SKIBIBS) Loose Fitting Parka or Wind Breaker (This item may not be needed if a substantial rain suit is taken, i.e. Gortex, or similar quality).
Navigation: map and compass Sun protection: sunglasses, sunscreen, and hat Insulation: extra clothing Illumination: ashlight or headlamp (with spare batteries and spare bulb) First Aid Supplies Fire: restarter and matches/lighter Repair kit and tools (including knife) Nutrition: extra food Hydration: extra water Emergency shelter: raingear, poncho, or more Toilet Paper (Eleventh Essential)
REQUIRED FOR SNOW CAMP
NOTE: any of the new synthetic materials may be substituted for wool as long as they are the appropriate thickness (i.e., Capilene, Polartec, etc.). Student has all of the above:
COL Signature:
Date:
75
How to make mitten shells

BEFORE HAND. CUTTING, MEASURE YOUR
Measure hand and offsetting 1 inch all around.
Size Trace your hand outline on a pattern and offset the tracing 1 inch bigger. This will allow room for mittens and liners. Measure 2-3 inches past the wrist. Suggested Materials Materials for making your mitten shells: Waterproof Nylon Pack Cloth Cordura Nylon Gore-Tex inch wide 3 inch long Velcro hook and loop
Construction Directions for making the shells: 1. Fold two pieces of fabric in half. Place your pattern over the folded material with the folded edges on the centerline of the pattern. 2. Hot cut or sear the raw edges to prevent fraying or unraveling. 3. Unfold the material and lay out at. 4. Fold the bottom edge over inch and sew a seam to nish the edge. Note which side is too face outward. 5. Sew Velcro loop in place on the outside of the material. 6. Refold the fabric at the centerline and sew a inch seam all around. Capture the 3-inch Velcro hook in the seam, between the two layers. 7. An alternate to the Velcro strap is to use elastic in the bottom seam. 8. Turn the glove inside out and admire your $40.00 Mitten Shells.
Cut pattern when folded in half to create a symmetrical shape.
Mitten after sewing, prior to turning inside out.
76
How to make gaiters

BEFORE CUTTING, MEASURE YOUR LEG Height Gators should reach just below the knee, so there is no binding or bunching when the knee is bent. Adjust pattern accordingly. Width Gators should t snugly around the calf, but allow room for pant legs, under garments, and outerwear. Adjust pattern accordingly. Suggested Material Materials for making your gaiters: Waterproof Nylon Pack Cloth Cordura Nylon Gore-Tex inch wide Nylon braided strap Two inch Slide-Release Buckle Two Large hooks Nylon cord
Grommets can be used in place of the buckles with a cord instead of strapping. The cord should be knotted at one end and laced from the inside out, through the grommet. Cross the laces under the boot arch and back through the grommets, this will draw the Gators tight. Tie like shoelaces on top. Draw String Hem directions.
PATTERN: For length and width measure your own legs and adjust accordingly.
Construction Directions for making the gaiters: 1. Trace your measured pattern on the fabric. Two pieces are necessary. 2. Hot cut or sear raw edges to prevent fraying or unraveling. 3. Sew draw hem on the top, per the dimensions given. See example 4. Sew hem on the bottom, per the dimensions given. 5. Sew hook in the center at the bottom. Install upside down as shown. This will allow easy hooking into shoelace, and stay in place. 6. Sew straps on the side to dimensions shown. Strap buckle should be on the outside when worn. 7. Sew rear seam, or install a zipper, or Velcro hook on one side and Velcro loop on the other. This will allow easy on and off for the Gators. 8. Install the top drawstring. Gator installed on the right leg:
77
How to make snow stakes

CONSTRUCTION: Rolling Hitch tied around trailing end of the cord. 1. Use the lids from a coffee can or other similar size lids to make your anchor. 2. Punch two holes near the center of the diameter, about inch apart. 3. Thread a ve-foot length of nylon cord through the holes. 4. Tie a Rolling Hitch knot to secure the loose ends of the cord, and pull taunt. This knot should slide easily up and down the trailing end of the cord. 5. Make enough anchors to secure the main stake points of your tent. USING YOUR ANCHOR: 1. Tie the trailing end of the anchor cord to the main corners of your tent. 2. Place a standard tent stake through the loop end of the anchor. This will prevent the cord from pulling through the thin plastic lid. 3. Bury the anchor just below the surface of the snow or sand. Pack the anchor rmly below the surface. 4. Grab the Rolling Hitch knot with one hand and hold the trailing end of the cord with the other hand and slide the knot toward the tent. This will tension the cord, and can be repositioned as necessary. Anchor shown buried.
78
Where to go in Southern California

From our area in San Diego County, we have as many or more varied opportunities for hikes and trips than any place in the United States. As foot travelers, we have our choice of all the following within a two- or three-hour drive: Beach hiking for miles along the Pacic and Baja shores Foothill rambling all over the county Hiking around lakes and lagoons Hiking and backpacking in the low deserts to below sea level Hiking and backpacking in the high desert up to 6,000 feet Rock climbing Moderate-elevation mountain travel High-elevation mountain travel The type and area of trip is determined by the time you have available. Day hike from your home if you have an hour or more Day hike from a car if you have a half-day or more Day hike from a car camp if you have at least two days Weekend overnight backpack anytime you have a weekend free Extended backpack3 days to two weeks or more If you have your day pack or backpack ready, with trip food in a handy place, you can be ready to go in a very short time -whenever the mood strikes you, and you have the time available.
Where to go
Local areas (to keep you in shape year-round): Hike from local lakesmany have self-guiding hiking trails. Ask the local Ranger about good areas and trails. Hike undeveloped and unfenced areas, Climb local rocky peaks and hills. Hike or bike country roads. Hike sections of the Pacic Crest Trail. Go cross country skiing in the winter.
79
Practice rock climbing: Mission Gorge, Mt. Woodson, Stonewall Peak, Tahquitz Rock above Idyllwild. Low Desert (Fall, Winter, Spring): Anza Borrego State Park Death Valley National Monument High Desert (Year-round, but prepare for snow in winter; also wind): Joshua Tree National Monument Mohave Desert - San Bernardino County Local Mountains (Year-round) Palomar Mountain and Agua Tibia Wilderness - Cleveland National Forest Cuyamacas - Cleveland National Forest Laguna Mountains - Cleveland National Forest San Jacinto Wilderness - San Jacinto State Park San Gorgonio Wilderness - San Bernardino National Forest Santa Ana Mountains (West of Elsinore) - Cleveland National Forest Devils Canyon - Bear Canyon Wilderness (North of Azusa and Upland) - Angeles National Forest Los Padres National Forest - Santa Barbara/Ventura Counties
How to nd good areas

Collect wilderness, trail and backcountry guides. Follow the authors directions and check out the areas on your own. Several books giving excellent guidance are as follows: Anza Borrego Desert Guide Book by Horace Parker, Hendricks Printing The Anza Borrego Desert Region by Lowell and Diana Lindsay, Wilderness Press Afoot and Aeld in San Diego County by Jerry Schad Back Country Roads and Trails, San Diego County by Jerry Schad Afoot and Aeld in Orange County by Jerry Schad Backpacking Guide to San Diego County by Skip Ruland Day Hikers Guide to Southern California by John McKinney Backpackers Sourcebook by Penny Hargrove and Noelle Liebrenz (a book of lists of National Parks, National Forests, Wilderness Areas, State Parks, clubs, books, trails, and permits)
80
Hiking the Great Basin A Sierra Club Totebook by John Hart High Sierra Hiking Guides, Wilderness Press The Pacic Crest Trail, Vols. I and II, California Wilderness Press San Bernardino Mountain Trails by John W. Robinson, Wilderness Press Sierra South by Thomas Winnett and Jason Winnett, Wilderness Press Southern California Bicycle Trips by Jerry Schad and Don Krupp, The Touchstone Press Starrs Guide to the John Muir Trail and the High Sierra Region, A Sierra Club Totebook, by Walter A. Starr, Jr. Trails of the Angeles by John W. Robinson, Wilderness Press 100 Hikes in the San Gabriel Mountains U.S. Forest, National Park and State Park maps and pamphlets
With whom to go
Join a group or sign up to go on trips already planned, i.e.: Published outings in the Hi Sierran. National outings published twice a year in monthly Sierra Club Magazine. Sierra Club Singles Sectionunpublished outings (in their own Newsletter). Southern Mountaineering Section, Rock Climbing Section, and the One Hundred Peaks Section of the San Diego Chapter, all provide trips for interested persons. Obtain chairpersons name and phone number from Hi Sierran. Join friends in organized or spontaneous tripsLet everyone know you are interested and available for trips. They will invite you! Become a Chapter Outing Leader Training sessions scheduled in the Spring and Fall. Be sure to sign up at the end of the Wilderness Basics Course. Organize your own trip with family, friends, or relatives and go at a convenient time to check out the areas using your written guides and maps. Call, write, or visit the Rangers of the National or State Parks and the National Forest Ranger Stations near the wilderness. Ask them about the best routes, best areas, and possible problems. Have them send you a reservation and regulations for travel and camping in their area. Ask them about the least crowded areas and the best time of year to go. ENJOY!!!
81
Some suggested backpack outings in southern California

Mountains: San Bernardino Rim of the World Highway to Arrowhead Peak 6 miles round trip; 1400 feet gain/loss Classication: Moderate Season: All year Topo map: San Bernardino North 7.5 From San Bernardino, drive up Waterman Avenue, which becomes State Route 18. Fourteen miles up, 1.6 miles beyond the Crestline junction, park in a prominent clearing to the right of the highway. Walk past the gate and follow the trail as it switchbacks down to a saddle north of Arrowhead Peak. Trail climbs along the west shoulder of a ridge, high above Waterman Canyon, drops again, then climbs over the summit of Arrowhead Peak (4237 feet). Source: San Bernardino Mountain Trails by John W. Robinson. Mill Creek Canyon to Vivian Creek Trail Camp, High Creek Trail Camp, and San Gorgonio Mountain 14 miles round trip; 5300 feet gain/loss Classication: Strenuous (1 day), moderate (2 days) Season: June to October Topo map: Forest Falls 7.5, San Gorgonio 7.5 From Redlands, drive 14 miles east on State Highway 38 to Forest Home Road. Continue 4.5 miles on Forest Home Road up Mill Creek Canyon to parking area on left, just before reaching the closed Big Falls Campground. Walk 0.8 miles up the dirt road, through the closed campground, to the old trailhead parking area. Source: San Bernardino Mountain Trails by John W. Robinson. Mountains: San Jacinto Humber Park to Saddle Junction, Tahquitz Valley, Little Tahquitz Valley 9 miles round trip; 1700 feet gain/loss Classication: Moderate Season: June to October Topo map: Palm Springs 15 From Idyllwild drive 2 miles up Fern Valley to the parking area in Humber Park. Climb the Devils Slide Trail to Saddle Junction. At Saddle function, take trail to Tahquitz Valley. A good side trip here is to
82
the Tahquitz Peak Lookout. Source: San Bernardino Mountain Trails by John W. Robinson. Palm Springs Aerial Tram to Long Valley, Round Valley, Tamarack Valley, and Jacinto Peak 11.5 miles round trip; 2300 feet gain/loss Classication: Moderate Season: June to October Topo map: Palm Springs 15 From State Highway 111 at the northern edge of Palm Springs, turn west up Tramway Road and drive to the tramway. Ride the tram to Mountain Station, the upper terminus just above Long Valley. Register at the Ranger Station in Long Valley, then follow the trail to Round Valley, Tamarack Valley and San Jacinto Peak. Source: San Bernardino Mountain Trails by John W. Robinson. Mountains: Cuyamaca Harvey Moore Loop Trail 12 miles round trip; 1000 feet gain/loss Classication: Moderate Season: All year Topo map: Cuyamaca Peak 15 From Escondido take Highway 78 east through Santa Ysabel to Julian. Take Highway 79 to Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. The trailhead is 1 mile south of the Park Headquarters, 0.5 miles north of Green Valley near the Sweetwater Bridge on the east side of the highway. Source: Day Hikers Guide to Southern California by John McKinney. Desert: Joshua Tree Lost Palms Oasis Trail 8 miles round trip; 300 feet gain/loss Classication: Easy to moderate Season: November to May Topo map: Cottonwood Springs 15 Joshua Tree National Monument is reached off Interstate Highway 10 east of Indio. Enter the south end of the Monument, follow the park road 8 miles to Cottonwood Spring Campground and park your car at the campground. The trailhead is at the end of the campground. Source: Day Hikers Guide to Southern California by John McKinney. Desert Foothills: Anza-Borrego Cougar Canyon 10 miles round trip; 1100 feet gain/loss Classication: Moderate Season: November to May. Closed during summer, call Park Headquarters for dates. Topo map: Clark Lake 15, Borrego Palm Canyon 7.5 From Christmas Tree Circle in Borrego Springs, drive east for 1 mile to Di Georgio Road. Turn left (north) and drive 4.7 miles to the end of the pavement. The road is sandy and passable but becomes rocky further on. Passenger cars should use caution. Approximately 5 miles from the start of the unpaved road,
83
park at Ocotillo, Flat. Hiking begins at the stream crossing at Ocotillo Flat. Enjoy the beautiful sycamores and huge boulders. The stream runs year-round. Park Headquarters phone: (619-767-5311) Source: Backpacking Guide to San Diego County by Skip Ruland. Little Rockhouse Canyon Trail 7 miles round trip; 700 feet gain/loss Classication: Easy to moderate Season: Fall to Spring Topo map: Mt. Laguna 15, Carrizo Mountain 15, Sombrero Peak 7.5, Sweeny Pass 7.5 From Interstate 8 in Ocotillo, take County Road S-2 about 16 miles to the turnoff for Bow Willow Canyon and Campground. Destination is an old pioneer rockhouse approximately 4 miles from the trailhead. Source: Backpacking Guide to San Diego County by Skip Ruland, Day Hikers Guide to Southern California by John McKinney. Mountains: San Gabriel Mount Baden-Powell 8 miles round trip; 2800 feet gain/loss Classication: Strenuous Season: Spring, Summer, and Fall (snowcovered in winter) Topo map: Crystal Lake 7.5 min Drive I-15 north about 100 miles to Palmdale/Silverwood Lake, Highway 138 turnoff. Go west 17.3 miles to Highway 2 (Angeles Crest Highway) turnoff. Turn left there and proceed about 5 miles to Mt. Baden-Powell parking area on the left (restrooms available at trailhead). Noble Canyon/Laguna Mountains 8 miles round trip; 1200 feet gain/loss Classication: Moderate Season: March through November Topo map: Monument Peak and Mount Laguna Take Highway 8 east to Laguna Recreation Area, Sunrise Highway turnoff. Continue north on S-1 Highway to Penny Pines Plantation Trailhead, look for signposts near parking area between the 28 and 27.3 mile post. Source: Afoot and Aeld in San Diego County by Jerry Schad. Cuyamaca Mountains/Arroyo Seco/Airplane Ridge 7.2 miles round trip; 1200 feet gain/loss Classication: Moderate Season: March through November
84
Topo map: Cuyamaca Peak 7.5 minute USGS and Cuyamaca State Park map/brochure Highway 8 east to Highway 79 then north to Sweetwater Bridge parking area just north of Green Valley Campground in Cuyamaca State Park. Trail begins on north side of bridge; make a left turn on short spur trail that connects with West Side Trail. Source: Afoot and Aeld in San Diego County by Jerry Schad. Palomar Mountain/Barker Valley 6.5 miles round trip; 1000 feet gain/loss Classication: Moderate to easy Season: April through October Topo map: Palomar Observatory 7.5 minute USGS From Escondido take Highway 78 east to Highway 79, then west past Warner Springs to the turnoff for the Palomar Divide Road 6.5 miles. The entrance is to the left, opposite a small brown Highway 79 signs. Continue up the truck trail for 7.7 miles to gated abandoned jeep road on the left side. Park off the main roadway and hike down the old dirt road (Barker Valley Spur). Source: Afoot and Aeld in San Diego County by Jerry Schad, Backpacking Guide to San Diego County by Skip Ruland.
85
Medical Information Sheets Take one of these and a copy of your insurance card on each outing. This is used only in the event that you need medical assistance while participating in an outing. Keep one of these in your rst aid kit as part of your 10 essentials.
Medical Information Name Emergency contact name Emergency contact phone numbers Medical Insurance Company Policy Number Physician Group Number Phone Birthdate Relationship
The following information would be helpful to emergency medical healthcare providers in case you would need to be evacuated in an emergency: Normal blood pressure Current medications Current medical conditions Allergies Resting pulse Blood type
Medical Information Name Emergency contact name Emergency contact phone numbers Medical Insurance Company Policy Number Physician Group Number Phone Birthdate Relationship
The following information would be helpful to emergency medical healthcare providers in case you would need to be evacuated in an emergency: Normal blood pressure Current medications Current medical conditions Allergies Resting pulse Blood type
86
87
EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST March 15, 2012

ALL STUDENTS PARTICIPATING IN THE SNOW CAMP OUTING MUST HAVE ATTENDED THE CAR CAMP, AT LEAST ONE BACKPACK OUTING, AND HAVE PASSED THE MT. WOODSON HIKE REQUIREMENT. All students participating in the outings must have proper equipment. The following equipment must be brought to the class and checked by the leader. The leader will check off each piece of equipment on this sheet. The signed-off list will be required on the morning of the outing for admission to the group. NO GUESTS! Backpack Cap (Wool or polypropylene) Sleeping Bag (down or synthetic, rated at plus 10 degrees or lower) Sleeping pad (closed cell foam or ThermaRest), full-length recommended. NO AIR MATTRESSES. Lug Sole Hiking Boots (leather or fabric), well broken in and waterproofed. Snowshoes Two wide-mouth water bottles (1 quart each) Cooking Utensils (Stove, cook kit, extra fuel); may be shared. or 4 season only) with sewn-in oor Tent (3 1 2 and separate rain y and snow stakes; should be shared. No excessive netting inside tent. Insulated Cup Plastic Trash Bags (large size; 2 or 3) Rain suit (no rain ponchos) Long Underwear, (polypropylene) top and bottoms Wool or Poly Mittens or Gloves Wool Socks (2 Pair) Mitten Overshells, Waterproof Gaiters (Long Only) Walking Sticks/Ski Poles (1 required, 2 optional for Snow Camp Backpack) Pack Rain Cover or Large Trash Bags Food (Quick One-Pot Type) 1 Breakfast 2 Lunches 1 Dinner Student Record Card THE TEN ESSENTIALS
Shirt (Wool or polypropylene) Sweater (Wool or polypropylene) Pants (Wool or Fleece), loose tting (NO COTTON PANTS, NO JEANS, NO SKIBIBS) Loose Fitting Parka or Wind Breaker (This item may not be needed if a substantial rain suit is taken, i.e. Gortex, or similar quality).
Navigation: map and compass Sun protection: sunglasses, sunscreen, and hat Insulation: extra clothing Illumination: ashlight or headlamp (with spare batteries and spare bulb) First Aid Supplies Fire: restarter and matches/lighter Repair kit and tools (including knife) Nutrition: extra food Hydration: extra water Emergency shelter: raingear, poncho, or more Toilet Paper (Eleventh Essential)
REQUIRED FOR SNOW CAMP
NOTE: any of the new synthetic materials may be substituted for wool as long as they are the appropriate thickness (i.e., Capilene, Polartec, etc.). Student has all of the above:
COL Signature:
Date:
88
89
2012 Wilderness Basics Student Evaluation

We wish to continually upgrade the Wilderness Basics Course so as to keep up with new techniques and to better serve the needs of the students. Please assist us by lling out this rating sheet for each weeks lectures and returning it to us on the nal night of the course. Event (Speaker) WBC Slide Show (Bob Lundy) General Information About WBC (John Tomlinson) Equipment: Backpacking Clothing, Layering, and Fabrics (John Tomlinson) Equipment: Sleeping Bags and Pads (John Tomlinson) The 10 Essentials (Mark Dufva) Ways to Decrease Class Costs (George Greer) Equipment: Tents (Dr. Joe Godfrey) Equipment: Boots, Socks, and Foot Care (Cheryl Knapp) Wilderness Ethics (Karen Tynan) Introduction Map and Compass (Lee Ledford) Equipment: Backpacks (Ken Quigley) Equipment: Stoves and Cookware (John Tomlinson) Outings Policy Car Camp Trip Overviews Map and Compass (Lee Ledford) Great Good Fair Poor Comments
90 Event (Speaker) Lightweight Backpacking (Cheryl Knapp)
Great Good Fair
Poor
Comments
Food Preparation and Ideas for Menus (Jaye Gleyzal) Desert Backpack Overviews Film: Survival Desert Travel (Lloyd Bittner) Safety and Rescue (Will Tapp) Equipment: Water Filters (PJ Krachenfels) Mountain Backpack Overviews Basic First Aid (Tony Kurtz) Mountain Travel (Jeff Marchand) Food Storage and Bear Bag Demo (Cheryl Knapp) Snow Camp Fun and Winter Gear (Lee Ledford) Snow Camp Backpack Overviews Film: Land of One Season Weather (Chrissy Magee)
Additional Comments Below:

2012 Wilderness Basics Course Notebook

Diunggah oleh

Informasi Dokumen

Hak Cipta

Format Tersedia

Bagikan dokumen Ini

Bagikan atau Tanam Dokumen

Opsi Berbagi

Apakah menurut Anda dokumen ini bermanfaat?

Apakah konten ini tidak pantas?

Hak Cipta:

Format Tersedia

2012 Wilderness Basics Course Notebook

Diunggah oleh

Hak Cipta:

Format Tersedia

2012 Wilderness Basics Course Notebook

Sierra Club, San Diego Chapter, North County Group

Schedule of Topics and Outings

Ch. 1 Pp. 5459 Pp. 6063

Pp. 2427 Pp. 2224 Pp. 2735 Pp. 1319

Pp. 5960 Pp. 5254 Ch. 2 & 9 Pp. 1922

Ch. 7 Pp. 6971 Pp. 6368

Ch. 7 Pp. 4850

Jaye Gleyzal Trip Leaders

6 Date Feb 14 Activity Class #6

Text Ch. 4 & 14 Ch. 17 P. 69

Notebook Pp. 4447 Pp. 4850 Pp. 3639

Feb 1819 Feb 21 Feb 28

Tony Kurtz Jeff Marchand Trip Leaders

Pp. 6369 Pp. 5054

Cheryl Knapp Cheryl Knapp Lee Ledford

Pp. 159165 Pp. 7071 Ch. 15 Pp. 7173 Pp. 7577 P. 87

Mar 1718 Mar 20 Mar 27 April 2829

Wilderness Basics Staff 2012

The North County Group

Information about the course

Course Completion Requirements

10 Second year completion

Aerobic conditioning and strength training

(Shefeld, adapted from Bruce)

Starting An Exercise Program

Setting Personal Fitness Goals

National Forest Adventure Pass

The ten essentials

THE TEN ESSENTIALS ARE REQUIRED ON ALL WILDERNESS BASICS OUTINGS

Sleeping bags and pad

Equipment/Clothing, backpacking on the cheap

Table 3: Example rental costs (A16).

Weight (oz) 83 57 56 10 25 7.5 11 8 8 14 92 71 60 Weight 47 46 56 47 24 80 72 37

$30.00 $25.00 $5.50 $18.00 ?

$500.00 $620.00 $170.00 $400.00 $120.00 $475.00 $1$60

Table 6: Backpacking equipment options with cost of each option.

altrec.com backcountry.com backcountryoutlet.com backcountrygear.com basegear.com

campmor.com campsaver.com campsaveroutlet.com ccoutdoorstore.com e-omc.com frontcountry.com moabsports.com moontrail.com moosejaw.com

Table 7: Internet resources. 35

Water Filters or Puriers

39 Longitude North Equator South

Map and Compass

Map Symbols and Colors

A ridge will run at along the top of a feature.

Draws are similar to a valley but narrower.

Cliffs are shown where the contours seem to run together.

North Pole Bathhurst Island Magnetic North

Zero line of declination San Diego

Declination angle for San Diego is 14

Your car can save your life

1212 plywood board

How long you can survive in the shade

Safety and Survival

Some important terms relating to the loss of body heat

Estimated Wind Speed (MPH) Calm 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40

First Aid for Backpackers

64 Minor soft tissue injuries PROBLEM Blisters

PREVENTION Proper shoes, double socks, good foot hygiene.

Redness, swelling, local tenderness. Red streaks indicate advanced infection.

Lacerations: Supercial Lacerations: Deep

Bleeding Bleeding: Minor Bleeding: Larger cuts

66 Other Systems PROBLEM GastroenteritisUsually viral, occasionally bacterial.

SYMPTOM Nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea.