Introduction to Backpacking Jan Hackett [email protected]

Introduction to Introduction to Backpacking Backpacking

Jan HackettJan Hackett

[email protected]@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

Sleeping Bag ConstructionSleeping Bag Construction

Box Wall Sewn Through


Double chamber Trapezoid


Double Box

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

Back Pack Weight DistributionBack Pack Weight Distribution

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

Q&AQ&A

Lone Star Trail 07Lone Star Trail 07Lone Star Trail 07

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


• 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


• 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

Shell LayerShell Layer

• Other features– Fit– Access– Adjustable openings– Vents– Pockets– Hoods– Storm flaps– Sealed seams

Documents

Introduction to Backpacking Jan Hackett [email protected]