“TRIALS ARE NOT DUST
AND PEBBLES ON A HILL. NOR EVEN GRASS AND WILD BUDS BY A LAKE; TRAILS ARE
ADVENTURE AND A HAND TO STILL THE RESTLESS PULSE OF LIFE, WHEN MEN WOULD BREAK
THEIR MINDS WITH WEIGHT OF THINKING. TRAILS ARE PEACE, THE CALL TO DREAMS, THE
CHALLENGE TO ASCENT; TRAILS ARE THE BRISK UNFOLDING OF RELEASE FROM BITTERNESS
AND DISCOURAGEMENT.”
UNKNOWN
BEFORE SETTING OUT ON A
WILDERNESS
HIKE…….
It
will be idyllic to venture onto the trail clad in t-shirts and shorts,
with no goodies on our backs or hanging from our necks or shoulders.
Idyllic - but impractical - and also impossible, for this would imply
‘living of the land’ to survive. Not only are we ill-equipped for such
adventuring, but also destroying wild plants and animals both for food
and shelter are ‘luxuries” that modern man can no longer afford. Whether
we like it or not we are products of 20th century society – seeking
recreation on a shrinking planet. When we leave the security of our
homes to go trailing, whether on foot, horseback, in a canoe or on a
mountain bike, we must cater constantly for our needs – hunger, thirst,
protection from heat or cold, sleep, cleanliness and safety – and, of
course, our curiosity. Since we can no longer live off the land, or
interfere with it, we must prepare ourselves like an astronaut does for a
space mission. We must venture into the wild carrying all our creature
comforts in a backpack, taking care to leave as little trace of our
passage as possible. This is the new wilderness ethic. The technology of
our space probing era has produced an array of food, equipment,
clothing, and first aid items that are very compact, lightweight,
efficient and simple to use.
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL FITNESS………
A basic
fact is that the fitter you are, the more you will enjoy trailing and
hiking. Fitness is twofold: fitness of the heart (especially important
for backpacking, in the legs and knees, lower back and arms, and the
upper body.) Cardiovascular fitness is simply how efficiently your
heart-lung machine can use oxygen to supply energy to the working
muscles. You inherit 90% of your fitness potential, while the remainder
can be developed by endurance exercises such as jogging, cycling, and
swimming. However, the best sport to get your heart tuned for hiking is
hiking. The best way to strengthen muscles used to carry packs is
backpacking. Another type of fitness develops from trail use – mental
fitness. A hike should both be a mental and physical challenge – you
ought to feel a sense of achievement, a “Wow, I made it!” To many hikers
the feeling of complete independence, self-reliance and solitude is as exhilarating as the breathtaking scenic beauty experienced on most
trails.
To those
who have never hiked the trail can be many things – wonderful,
pleasant, unpleasant, harrowing or disastrous. Some hikers emerge from
the mountains with the scent of bushes and ferns on their clothing and
dust on their boots – enriched physically and mentally. Others stumble
out exhausted, footsore, sunburnt, dehydrated, or soaked to the skin –
sadder but wiser for their ordeal. Others are even less fortunate, but
basically the outcome of these ventures depends largely on the hiker:
proper preparation, clothing and equipment, good physical condition and
common sense.
How far can I walk? Here are some guidelines:
33 km a day if you are in top shape and want to see everything in a blur.
25 km a day if you are in pretty good shape and do not dawdle.
20 km a day if you are in poor shape and are intend on suffering.
10 to 15 km a day if you are in fair shape and want to enjoy yourself.
5 km a day if your companion is an attractive person and you both enjoy flowers!
Remember that
the trail is not a suitable place for anyone who considers it a loss of
face should he decide to turn back when conditions require it; and it
is no place for backbiting or sensitivity over small slights. Most of
the fun you have from backpacking depends on mental attitude.
From the American Harold Allen:
‘A trial is remote for detachment, narrow for chosen company, winding for leisure, lonely for contemplation.
The trail leads not merely North or South, but upwards to the body, mind and soul of man.’
This is the beauty of the trail and what backpacking is all about.
Trails……..
Hiking trails –
The main difference between nature rambles, day walks and hiking or
backpacking is one of degree – hikers go further, stay out for one or
more nights and carry more need-satisfying items. The hiker must be
familiar with various skills such as basic first-aid, recognizing the
signs of hypo and hyperthermia, altitude sickness, using maps and a
compass, using equipment and knowing its limitations and – most
important of all – being environmentally ‘literate”. When hiking you
should be able to use all your senses to “read” nature – wind direction,
vegetation, wildlife, insects, sounds and smells all provide clues for
understanding your surroundings.
Environmental literacy
and hiking skills develop slowly and with experience; by starting to
hike with qualified and reputable members of mountain clubs or organized
clubs, you will be pointed in the right direction.
Guided wilderness trails –
The novice will begin trailing on a guided wilderness trail, led by an
experienced guide. The degree of fitness required is that of any
healthy, keen individual and distances covered every day are relatively
short. Because the trail is being led by an experienced person, he will
modify the route, taking into consideration the weather and his party.
You carry a minimum of items, as most of your essentials are being
transported by porters, mules or jeeps. Much time is taken up with
discussions and observations in the veld – a most important aspect. The
trail officer will help you achieve orientation towards trailing – to
become aware of what you are ‘looking at’ – by imparting his knowledge
of the region, animals plants as well as the archaeology and bush lore.
Wilderness trekking –
Unlike the hiker, the wilderness trekker must carry everything he needs
- including his shelter – into an environment in which he must be able
to navigate and survive.
Self-guided nature trails –
These trials lead to an awareness of nature which we have lost because
we have become city orientated. The self-guided nature trial is where
you can start learning about your environment as, unburdened by sleeping
bags and tents, you can walk slowly and explore, observe and record,
using binoculars and field guides to aid your senses and expand their
potential. For many people, rambling, bird-watching, taking photos of
nature or just reaching a point and taking in sounds, scents and
movements is an incomparable high. Try it, but be beware …. Self-guided
nature trials are addictive and lead you towards the longer and more
challenging hiking trials.
Equipment………..
Boots – Boots are the foundation of a comfortable hike. Buy carefully. Trail boots are always recommended.
Synthetic hiking boots: In
recent years several new kind of boot have been developed. Improving on
all the features of the classic hiking boot, the synthetic boots weigh
little more than a pair of running shoes. Although they seldom last as
long as the classic boots and cost the same, they are recommended for
any trial. They are painless to break in, thus eliminating the
discouraging blister period. They also reduce damage to ground cover,
the first stage of the erosion process.
Leather boots: Look
for full grain-uppers that are foam-padded at the ankles and have a
padded ‘scree guard’ around the top for comfort. The toe and heel should
be hard. The tongue should be sewn to the uppers to keep out dirt and
water. Before using the leather boots on the trial, treat the leather
parts with boot polish, Neatsfoot oil or a similar product. Wear them at
home, in town and on short walks to break them in, so that the leather molds to your feet. A good pair of leather boots needs at least 75
kilometers of walking to wear them in properly.
If you
participate in a variety of trails, you will find it worthwhile to own
more than one pair of boots, each of different mass and quality, saving
the best boots for the more rugged trials.
The midsoles
determines the stiffness of the boot. Climbers need very rigid boots
for support, whereas those for walkers and hikers need not be so heavy. A
kilogram of boot when worn is equal to four kilograms carried on your
back! The most popular sole now is the Vibram sole.
The fit
of the boot is critical. A poorly made or badly fitting boot not only
leads to painful blisters, but also causes the feet to tire much more
quickly than a well-fitting boot. A heavy wool outer sock should be
fitted over a light cotton or woolen sock. Push your foot forward in the
unlaced boot until your toes touch the front. There should be room to
insert your index finger between the back of the boot and your heel.
Your toes should never reach the end of the boot, as this will cause
discomfort on any downhill stretches. Even when hiking boots get very
wet – which happens frequently – never dry them next to a fire or in
direct heat. It cooks the life out of the leather. Rather allow them to
air dry, stuffed with newspaper to aid drying and to retain their shape.
Backpacks –
Today most backpacks have internal frames, although external frame
packs still have their devotees amongst experienced hikers. Each has
advantages and disadvantages.
External frame
packs are stable, able to carry heavy weights or odd-shaped loads, and
are cool – the frame allows some air to flow between the back and the
pack. Internal frame packs are firm, flex to allow freedom of movement,
and the better models can be finely adjusted to fit the shape of your
body perfectly.
Whether you
choose a soft pack or an external frame model, buy one which has a
firm, foam padded hip belt and adjustable shoulder straps. The hip belt
takes much of the load from your shoulders and the padding is essential
to prevent sore, bruised muscles and bones.
To keep
the top of the pack from falling over backwards, look for the
suspension system type which uses the shoulder harness. Better packs
have ‘load-lifter’ straps that can be adjusted to lift the top of the
shoulder straps right off your shoulders. The only contact then is
against the front of your upper chest.
As with
boots, fit your backpack in the store before buying it. Make sure the
hip belt wraps around your hips and not your waist or torso. Do not buy a
pack that rides more than 5 centimeters above your head.
Women should
be aware that most packs are designed for longer bodied men, although
‘women only’ packs are being manufactured. These take into consideration
a women’s lower center of gravity, broader hips, narrower shoulders and
shorter torso.
The bag
itself comprises a number of compartments, often with two to four
pockets. Be sure these zipped or buckled pockets are large enough for
items you want handy – water bottle, bird book, first-aid kit, camera,
etc. A top loading bag is best for over-sized and
protruding loads – make certain that the storm flap that covers the top
is large enough to cover the bulkiest load that you will carry. Front
loading bags with large, zipped flaps are most accessible and easiest
for keeping your gear organized. No matter how waterproof your pack is
supposed to be, always wrap everything in plastic.
Check nylon
coil and plastic-toothed zips for clean stitching, reinforced at stress
points. Also look for quick release buckles which are not only more
convenient, but safer in some situations, such as when crossing streams.
Lift tabs are also useful as they make tightening or loosening your
shoulder straps easier, which in turn makes it easier to get a proper
adjustment. This lessons back strain, prevents blisters and gives the
legs more freedom.
When loading
your bag, pack the densest items closest to your center of gravity. In
other words, place the heaviest items on top and to the back of your
pack, with the smaller items in the lower side pockets; the water bottle
should be placed in an upper side pocket.
Women should
realize that they often suffer from weight pack too high because they
do not have the upper body strength of men. This weight can interfere
with arm movement and breathing. Therefore, a good suspension system and
hip belt are essential. A ‘moonbag’ worn around the waist is handy for
small items you are likely to need along the way – lip salve, tissues,
snacks, camera, permit and the like – and avoid unnecessary stops to
offload and open your backpack along the trail.
Although color
is a personal choice, remember that bright colors aid identification in
dense bush, heavy mist or snow and low light intensities.
SLEEPING GEAR –
The major consideration when buying a sleeping bag should be warmth. If
you plan to hike during winter or in regions with sharp nocturnal drops
in temperature, a natural down filling is highly recommended. Down is
not only light and warm but also soft, easily compressible and capable
of being stuffed into a carrying sack for long periods. Duck (as opposed
to goose) down is slightly less efficient, but cheaper. Some
manufacturers combine the two to produce a more economical bag. The
biggest drawback of any down is that it will not keep you warm if it
gets soaked. It is also allergenic and is becoming increasing expensive.
The highest
quality man-made fiber fills, however, have none of these drawbacks
and, most importantly, will keep you warm even when wet. They dry
quickly and are easily washed at home and, being less compressible,
insulate you better from the ground. On the minus side, they are not as
light or compact as down. However, new fillings have narrowed the gap
between synthetics and down considerably in recent years.
Whichever you
choose, make sure your zip fastener is nylon, backed by a ‘draught
tube’ filled with down or fiber to keep out the cold. Unless your
sleeping bag is used only in warm temperatures, you should avoid sewn
through constructions, which cause cold spots along the stitch lines. If
you buy a bag for cold weather but also plan to use it in warm weather,
make sure that it has a double zipper so that you can vent the lower
end to keep cool.
Never buy
a bag made of waterproof material. When you sleep you perspire and the
resultant condensation will soak you and your bag if it cannot
evaporate. The ideal combination is a cotton inner lining with a
water-repellent but breathable nylon material used for the outside.
The shape
of the bag is also important. Mummy bags give maximum warmth, and are
more compact than standard rectangular bags. If a mattress is required, a
thin, closed-cell foam mattress is ideal, being both waterproof and
very light.
A reasonably comfortable pillow can be made by stuffing clothes into the bag used to carry the sleeping bag during the day.
If you
intent hiking in an area where malaria is prevalent you should invest
In a lightweight mosquito net. With the current upsurge of multiple
drug-resistant strains of malaria in African countries, it makes sense
to avoid being bitten by mosquitos.
Tents -
When selecting a tent, look for one with a waterproof floor and roof
and a ‘breathing’ ceiling. All quality tents used to be double-skinned,
with a ceiling of breathable nylon, having a few centimeters or more
below a waterproof fly-sheet. Body moisture pass through the ceiling,
condenses on the impermeable fly and drips of harmlessly on the outside.
There are
waterproof materials available which let out body moisture yet repel
rain. These materials are patented as Goretex, Ventex, etc. Single layer
tents are constructed from these fabrics, the 1-person tent having
proofed most successful. Today’s tents come in a multitude of shapes.
Any of them is satisfactory if it has the specifications as mentioned.
However, dome or half-dome tents will stand without pegs or guy-ropes,
which make them particularly useful where staking is difficult. Dome
designs have flexible poles which tense inside fabric sleeves, pushing
outwards on the walls so as to support the tent.
Other features
to look out for when buying a tent are tight, preferably double, and
triple–row stitching; reinforced stress points, mosquito netting for
doors, windows and vent openings; and nylon zips. A 2-person
backpacker’s tent should weigh less than 3 kilogram. Good tents are
expensive but can last a lifetime, so don’t compromise on quality.
We as hikers, explorers, and
adventurers have the absolute duty to respect and protect our Wildernesses.
Nobody else will do it for us. Take ownership!
The End.
Safe Hiking.
References and Acknowledgements
From the book – ‘Walks and Trials in Southern Africa’– Jaynee Levi
Photos: Willem Pelser
Compiled by Willem Pelser
