introduction to backpacking jan hackett hackett.jan@gmail.com
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Introduction to Introduction to Backpacking Backpacking
Jan HackettJan Hackett
Hackett.jan@gmail.comHackett.jan@gmail.com
Understanding Heat LossUnderstanding Heat Loss
• Conduction – Transfer of heat by direct contact
• Convection – Heat loss caused by the movement of a fluid or gas
• Radiation – Loss of heat due to infrared emissions
• Evaporation – Heat loss when a liquid changes phase
Basic DefinitionsBasic Definitions
• Layering – The practice of wearing multiple pieces of clothing for heat regulation
• Wicking – A fabrics ability to “pull” moisture away from your skin
• Breathable – A fabrics ability to allow moisture to “pass” through it away from the body
Rule to Staying WarmRule to Staying Warm
• Maintaining a comfortable body temperature during a variety of activity levels while outside comes down to one fundamental idea or principal.
• This principal combines the use of different fabrics worn in layers that can be added or removed depending on the activity.
LayeringLayering• Most important factor for cold/wet weather
activities• Never wear one layer when two or more will do
the job• Allows constant adjustment of body
temperature• Select items that are multi-functional• Use “hi-tech” materials• Wool & silk are acceptable• DO NOT USE COTTON!
Components of LayeringComponents of Layering
• Inner Layer • Middle Layer• Outer or Insulating
Layer• Shell Layer
Sleeping BagsSleeping Bags
• Considerations– Comfort rating– Insulation
• Down• Synthetic
• Weight• Size when compacted • Shape• Personal sleep tendencies
Insulation from the GroundInsulation from the Ground
• Air mattress– Easily punctured– Poor insulator
• Foam pads– Open cell– Closed cell – Self Inflating
Insulation from the GroundInsulation from the Ground
• Air mattress– Easily punctured– Poor insulator
• Foam pads– Open cell– Closed cell – Self Inflating
Insulation from the ElementsInsulation from the Elements
• Tents– 3 Season– 4 Season– Convertible
• Set up properly– Create “air space”
• Creates an additional 10 degrees of warmth
• Keeps moisture from “wicking” into tent
Tricks of the TradeTricks of the Trade
• Wear a hat
• Use a sleeping bag liner
• Do not breath inside your sleeping bag
• Avoid touching liquids
• Monitor your hands & feet
• Place a “hot” water bottle at your feet
• Turn water bottles upside down
Tricks of the TradeTricks of the Trade
• Warm clothing prior to putting it on• Vent your tent to avoid condensation• Change
– Clothes before going to bed
• Eat – Before going to bed
• Hydrate– Before going to bed
Back PacksBack Packs
• 2,500 to 3,000 cubic inches– High volume day back ultra light overnight
• 3,000 to 4,500 cubic inches– Ideal for 3 season weekend trips
• 4,500 to 6,000 cubic inches– Preferred long weekends & weeklong trips
• 6,000 plus cubic inches– Expedition or winter weather
Sizing Your BackpackSizing Your Backpack
• Determined by your torso not height
• Small– Less then 18”
• Medium– 18” to 20”
• Large– Greater then 20”
Back PacksBack Packs
External Frame
• On trail use– Weight further from body
• Better ventilation – Space between frame &
back
• Numerous compartments– Organization of “stuff”
• Items end up outside
Internal Frame
• On & off trail use– Weight close to body
• Poor ventilation– Limited space between
pack & back
• Limited compartments– Less organization of “stuff”
• Items on the inside
The BowlThe Bowl
• Nearby City: Salt Flat• Length: 13 total miles• Elevation Gain: 2,546 feet• Trail Type: Loop• Skill Level: Difficult• Duration: 8 hours• Trailhead Elevation: 5,900 feet• Top Elevation: 8,400 feet• Local Contacts: Guadalupe
Mountains National Park• Topo Map: Van Horn Quad • Guide Book: Hiking Carlsbad
Caverns & Guadalupe Mountains National Parks
Bush Mountain Bush Mountain
• Nearby City: Salt Flat
• Length: 17.8 total miles
• Elevation Gain: 2,809 feet
• Trail Type: Loop
• Skill Level: Difficult
• Duration: At least two full days
• Trailhead Elevation: 5,900 feet
• Top Elevation: 8,500 feet
• Local Contacts: Guadalupe Mountains National Park
• USGS Topo: Van Horn Quad
• Guide Book: Hiking Carlsbad Caverns & Guadalupe Mountains National Parks
Pine Springs to McKittrick CanyonPine Springs to McKittrick Canyon
• Nearby City: Salt Flat• Length:18.9 total miles• Elevation Gain:1,978 feet• Trail Type: Point-to-point• Skill Level: Moderate, but long• Duration: Best suited for a 3 day
trip, could be done in 2• Trailhead Elevation: 5,800 feet• Top Elevation: 7,650 feet• Local Contacts: Guadalupe
Mountains National Park• USGS Topo: Van Horn Quad• Guide Book: Hiking Carlsbad
Caverns & Guadalupe Mountains National
Four C Trail Four C Trail
• Nearby City: Longview• Length: 40 total miles• Elevation Gain: 190 feet• Trail Type: Out-and-back• Season: Fall through Spring.• Top Elevation: 390 feet• Local Contacts: Davy Crockett
National Forest • USGS Topo: Palestine • Guide Book: Hiking Texas
Guide Book
Lone Star TrailLone Star Trail
• Nearby City: Houston• Length:128 total miles• Elevation Gain: Minimal• Trail Type: Point-to-point• Skill Level: Moderate• Duration: 2 weeks• Season: Best in Spring• Trailhead Elevation:170 feet• Top Elevation:450 feet• Local Contacts: Sam Houston
National Forest• USGS Topo: Richards, Montgomery,
Shepard Hill, Moore Grove, Huntsville, Phelps
• Guide Book: 100 Classic Hikes in Texas Guide Book
Turkey CreekTurkey Creek
• Nearby City: Beaumont
• Length: 18.4 total miles
• Elevation Gain:65 feet
• Trail Type: Loop
• Season: Fall through Spring.
• Top Elevation:140 feet
• Local Contacts: Big Thicket National Preserve
• USGS Topo: Beaumont
• Guide Book: Hiking Texas Guide Book
Inner LayerInner Layer
• Worn next to skin – Transport moisture
away from skin
• Choice of fabrics– Wool– Synthetics– Silk
• Choice of weights– Light– Medium– Heavy
Shell LayerShell Layer
• Primary protection– Rain– Wind– Snow
• Minimize convective heat loss
• Fabric choices – Water proof & non-
breathable– Water resistant &
breathable – Water proof & breathable
Middle LayerMiddle Layer
• Absorbs moisture from inner layer– Provides some insulation
• Choice of fabrics– Wool– Fleece
• Layer consists of – Pants/Shirts– Turtlenecks– Vests/Sweaters– Jackets
Outer or Insulating LayerOuter or Insulating Layer
• Provides lots of insulation
• Choice of fabrics– Wool– Fleece– Synthetic or down
“filled” jackets
• Worn mostly during low levels of activity
Shell Layer Shell Layer
• Waterproof & non-breathable– Positives
• Least expensive• Completely waterproof
– Negatives• Traps moisture on the inside
– Uses• Moderate temperatures & conditions
Shell Layer Shell Layer
• Water resistant & breathable– Positives
• Repels wind & light rain• Moderate cost• Allows moisture to move
– Negatives• Not waterproof enough for extended periods of rain
– Uses• Short trips in good weather and warm conditions
Shell Layer Shell Layer
• Waterproof & breathable– Positives
• Performs in a wide range of conditions
– Negatives• Most expensive• Will trap some moisture during strenuous activity
– Uses• Widest range of uses
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