Route Planning

Planning a Backpacking Route

Planning a Route

A common mistake in backpacking is planning a route that is overly ambitious. Accurately judging the physical requirements necessary traverse the distances and terrain portrayed by a map requires some experience.

Generally a three to five mile hike loaded with full packs is a good rule to follow. When burdened only with day packs this distance can be doubled as long as the return distance is included. Although the hike in is a necessary and memorable part of any backpacking trip, the act itself is strenuous and unpleasant overall. It’s much more fun for everyone if the pace is slow and includes many rest stops. Don’t fall in the trap of racing the others in the group, when this happens (and it will) the group will become separated and so will the resources. Numerous expeditions fail because of injuries incurred on the beginning leg of the trail. A heavy pack can be awkward and dangerous when mixed with fatigue. Slips, trips and falls are much more likely on the hike in than at any other time and are usually the result of pushing too hard.

On average people walk 3-4 miles in an hour unloaded over flat terrain. On a trail with a full pack 1 mile an hour is a good pace. 3- 5 miles will require the group to strenuously exert for at least half of the day to reach base camp. That leaves the other half of the day to setup camp, prepare the first meal, gather water and begin building lifelong memories.

After choosing the location of a base camp some other excursions can be planned. These day excursions can be a little more ambitious because camp is already established and the gear needed is considerably lighter. Instead of backpacks the burden will be the contents of day packs, survival kits and water filter. Though the strategy is to return to base camp the same day, plan on spending the night as a precaution. The 3-5 mile guideline still applies as the recommended distance to the secondary destinations but is actually doubled because it requires a return trip. Expect the bulk of the fun to occur on these daily excursions. Some suggestions are orienteering exercises, wildlife sightseeing loops, fishing tour, climbing to the top of a peak or playing on a glacier.

It’s a good idea to plan on sticking around base camp the day before packing out. Use this day to relax cleanup and rest, pre-pack as much as possible and prepare for the hike out. Wilderness adventures physically and mentally test everyone in the group; temper flairs are normal and should be expected. This last day is the perfect time for a sweat hut (discussed in greater detail later). Highlight the day with a special feast some star watching and conversation.

Slips, trips and falls are less likely to occur on the hike out than on the hike in but a still a concern. The packs are lighter and the route is usually down hill but fatigue is high, plan to reach the trail end by mid day.

Planning a Backpacking Route

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