Dijukno you don’t have to hike
very far or often to appreciate the changing seasons in Northern
California? This fall has proved that so
far. We’ve had cold nights, clouds,
rain, high winds, practically everything this fall including snow. There was recent snow
covering the Heart on Avalanche Gulch on Mt. Shasta. The snow is likely only days away on those mountains in the Sierra’s as well.
covering the Heart on Avalanche Gulch on Mt. Shasta. The snow is likely only days away on those mountains in the Sierra’s as well.
For day hikers, changing
weather and shorter days during the fall present additional challenges to those
encountered during a summer hike.
Besides
bringing proper clothing for the conditions, knowing fall weather patterns
helps keep hikers safe. Most experienced
hikers know that for comfort and safety on fall hikes they need to plan and
pack accordingly. Here are some trail
tested tips for a pleasurable fall hike.
(Leave No Trace Principle –
Plan Ahead And Prepare)
When you plan a hike, allow
time to complete the distance out and back before it gets dark which seems
obvious until you realize that it gets dark around 5:30 p.m. in the shaded,
forested approaches to most of Northern California mountain ranges. If you try to hike a 10 mile round trip hike,
for example, plan to leave the trailhead early in the morning. That way you’ll have plenty of daylight to
take your time and ensure a return back to the trailhead before dark. Also, if anyone needs help with their gear,
or has to tend to hot spots on their feet, there is more allowance for return
trip in daylight.
Read the trail descriptions in
your carefully, and be realistic in estimating your ability to complete your
hike in the given time. Set an early departure time, and more importantly, a firm turn back time. Once you are on a summit, you are only halfway
done on an out and back hike. Most
injuries occur on the descent, because people think the hard part is over and
they become inattentive, or impatient.
Loading your daypack
Fall temperatures are lower, so
pack extra layers. Wear polypropylene,
or Merino upper and lower base layers.
Read the ezine article by Brian Waspi.
“Merino Vs Polypropylene (Natural Vs Synthetic) For Base Layer Clothing”
http://ezinearticles.com/?Merino-Vs-Polypropylene-(Natural-Vs-Synthetic)-For-Base-Layer-Clothing&id=4222523
NO COTTON. The old sayings “cotton kills”, or the “cloth
of death” really applies in the fall.
The problem is, it is much harder to stay dry and warm when hiking than
most people think. Problems with cotton
occur when the cotton gets wet. Cotton
does not wick moisture and can become abrasive when wet. When this happens, you must watch out for
blisters and pack sores. Because cotton
holds so much moisture, it can hold that moisture against your body and sap
body heat from you. This can quickly
lead to hypothermia. Cotton also gets heavy when wet. Pack a fleece midlayer for rest stops. It’s better to have it with you, and not need
it than to regret leaving it behind.
Pack a breathable rain shell to
double as a windbreaker for breaks and summit stops. Carry at least 2 liters of water for any hike
longer than two hours. I prefer a 3
liter hydro-pack. Bring plenty of snacks
to carry in your pockets for easy access during breaks.
Eating calories equals heat to
your body, so plan to snack often before you feel hungry. If you pack a thermos of hot coco or cider,
you’ll be warmed from the inside when you stop.
Pack gloves, a hat, and a down vest or outer shell of your choosing for
the summit. Finally, go over your 10
essentials checklist. I have personally
changed it to the 11 essentials to include bags to pick up trash along the
trail.
Trekking the trail
Begin hiking by wearing as few
layers of clothing as possible to be comfortable. Put on a light fleece jacket, then start
hiking to warm up in the cool, morning air.
When you stop for breaks, throw on the breathable rain shell or
windbreaker to trap your body heat so you stay warm. Take it off and pack it before hiking again. You will quickly warm back up as you continue
trekking.
Drink water before you’re
thirsty. Heat exhaustion is not a problem in autumn, but dehydration could be. In fact, dehydration is common among hikers
who think that just because it’s cool, they don’t need to drink as much water. Actually, cold air is just as drying as warm
air. When you stop, find a wind break or barrier if it’s chilly or gusty. Look for sheltered spots behind a ledge or
tree barrier that blocks the full effect of the chilly fall wind.
While hiking, watch for fallen
leaves on the ground. Leaves can make
trails slick, slowing your hiking speed, and causing slips and tumbles. If you find that you’re not moving as fast as
you thought you would, this is where having a firm turn back time is comes in
to play. Keep in mind that temperatures
drop quickly once the sun sets. Finally,
be sure to pack enough food for an extra day in the event you can’t make it
back to the trailhead.
nice storyI have never been on such places for hiking. But I love this and want to go for it once in my life. Getting tips from the persons who were on such places to enjoy and experience a thrilling journey is very helpful because they know and experienced how to tackle the situation and get out of trouble, if something wrong happens. Thank you for sharing your story. http://www.hillwalkscotland.com/west-highland-way-overview
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