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Things you
need to know about hiking...
· A good pair of hiking boots is a must. They should be comfortable. Good ankle support is
important when hiking on the trails.
·
Good hiking socks (not cotton) are also important. Sock liners (a thin pair of
socks) will wick sweat away from your feet. Sock liners worn with a thick
pair of hiking socks will go a long way in ensuring that your feet will be
comfortable and blister free.
·
Wear comfortable clothing in layers doing cooler weather. Synthetic clothing next to
your skin will wick sweat away and keep you warm. Fleece and wool are good
for layering during colder weather. As you are hiking, you will find yourself
removing layers—this helps you to manage your body temperature.
·
Always bring water, spring summer, fall & winter. Bring at least 1 liter and more on
a hot day. You may want to bring a snack also.
·
Summer hiking clothing may include sunglasses, hat/visor, bandanna.
·
Bring or use insect repellant and sunscreen as needed.
·
You may want to bring one or two trekking poles, depending on the terrain.
·
Stretching prior to a hike is always a good idea.
Hiking Terms
- Altitude sickness - also know as acute mountain
sickness (AMS), is a pathological condition that is caused by acute
exposure to low air pressure. It commonly occurs above 8,000 feet.
- Blaze - a blaze can be a
painted symbol on a tree, a sign or a cairn (a pile of rocks placed for
a purpose of guiding). The Appalachian Trail is 2’ x 6” white, the
Buckeye Trail is 2” x 6” blue blaze. Blazes are painted at eye level
both directions.
- Break-in - a
period of time your body and mind or a piece of equipment takes to
adjust to the physical and mental strains of backpacking.
- Cranking - hiking
at a fast pace.
- Cross-country -
hiking across open country instead of on a trail (a slang term is
bushwhacking).
- Double blaze -
two painted blazes on a tree that denote a change in direction or a
junction in the trail.
- Hydration bladder -
a pliable container that has a tube and valve attached. Tube
allows you to drink as you walk by sucking on the valve. Two
well-known brands are CamelBak and Platypus.
- Side trail - usually
a dead-end path off a main trail. Side trails often lead to an
interesting feature, such as a waterfall or wildflower-choked meadow
that the main trail misses.
- Switchback - a
zigzagging trail up the side of a steep hill or mountain.
- Trail corridor -
all the lands that make up the trail environment as seen by the hiker.
- Trailhead - the
start of a trail, usually at a road. (also included space enough for
parking cars and sign designating where the trail starts).
- Leader - the
person that determines the route and distance of the hike. Has
sign-in sheet and forwards to statistician after hike.
- Rear guard - the last person in the hike
group that oversees the group so no one is left behind. Notifies the
leader when the hikers are getting too far apart.
- Pathfinder - the person/persons who plans
the hike.
This site was last
updated 04/27/10 |
