Backpacker – August 2019

JULY/AUGUST 2019

BACKPACKER.COM 73

No.

27

Do trail work.

NO.

29

HIKE TO AN

UNNAMED

LAKE.

No.

30

Pack

swimming

goggles.

no.

35

Bring a newbie on the trail.

(And show us on social with #takearookiehiking.)

1. This is not your
   hike. Adjust goa ls
   for your pa l—this is
   not the day to ta rget
   a huge pea k.


2. Start easy. Pick
   a moderate route (5
   or so miles a nd less
   tha n 2,000 feet of
   elevation ga in for a
   d ayh i ke).
   3. Make sure
   there’s a payoff.
   Views, wildflowers,
   lakes, swimming
   holes, a nd water-
   falls suffice.
   4. Pack good food.
   Some people think
   hiking is about
   deprivation. Prove
   them wrong.
   5. Do a gear check.
   Don’t let a newbie
   over- or underpack.
   6. Check the fore-
   cast. Reschedule
   in ca se of ra in or
   extreme temps.
   7. Go for a post-
   hike toast. Yo u
   both deser ve it.

no.

28

Climb

a tree.

NO. 34

Cook

dinner

over

a fire.

NO. 31

SLEEP UNDER

THE STARS.

1. Set up your tent. Just in ca se.


2. Stay comfortable. Clear rocks,
   sticks, and thorns to protect your
   sleeping pad. Pack a groundcloth.


3. Stay dry. Avoid va lley bottoms
   and other low-lying spots where
   moisture collects.


4. Stay sane. If bugs a re buzzing,
   retreat to your tent (see #1).

No.

32

Skinny dip.

No.

33

Spend a day in

one place.