HykLyt

Gloves and Mittens; HykLyt’s Light-Hiking Gear Guides – #1

Warmth and comfort can become everything when you’re out on the trail and find yourself in rapid cold-weather climate changes. If you’ve ever felt like you were freezing outside, then you know how important having the proper cold weather gear can be.

Being prepared for harsh weather conditions is the starting advice that any survivalist would give you. When you have the right gear, all weather conditions can be made comfortable.

That’s why it’s important to understand what you’re looking for in your gear, and plan for the worst, while hoping for the best, and packing your kit for both (lightly, of course). As the saying goes, “it’s better safe than sorry.”

In this HykLyt post, I’ll describe what to look for, and what the difference is, between gloves and mittens. It turns out, they aren’t only for cosmetic purposes.

Gloves vs. Mittens

Offering versatility and dexterity, gloves are a common pick when people shop for hand protection from the cold.

Offering more warmth, with less dexterity, mittens provide a “buddy-system” (finger to finger) insulation component for your hands, essentially locking in more heat for the harshest conditions.

Down vs Synthetic

Down gloves and mittens will be more breathable yet still stay very warm, the same way a down jacket works. Just don’t get them wet. Most down protective gear will come with a waterproof shell or system to keep them dry. Otherwise, they won’t hold any heat and actually work against you!

Synthetic fill is cheaper than the down version for gloves and mittens. Though synthetic fills are usually not high quality manufacturing and don’t hold up in the long run. These are better at staying dry without a cover, but some people tend to believe they aren’t very warm in comparison to down.

Gore-Tex vs Polar-Tec

You’ll want to find gloves or mittens with Polar-Tec or Gore-Tex if you’re looking for gear that’s fully impenetrable to water. There are other materials that can accomplish this task as well, but those two are the most common on the market and both are true to their word.

GoreTex is waterproof but still breathable. This technology is found in many different types of outdoor gear, from shoes to coats and many more. GoreTex is pricey, but worth the extra cost. It will keep moisture out of the glove while still allowing sweat to escape. a con to GoreTex is that it’s hot when you don’t want it to be. Although breathable in a one way valve system, it doesn’t allow for much penetration. If you are in the mountains and being rained on while it’s sunny, you’ll find yourself collecting a lot of sweat while attempting to stay dry. This is counterproductive at time.

PolarTec is less pricey but more breathable so will eventually “rainout” under heavy rain conditions. The pro to this material is it doesn’t overheat you because of the extra breathability.

To oversimplify, GoreTex when it’s cold and rainy/sleeting, and PolarTec when it’s warmer but rainy.

Keep this gear clean, as both tend to buildup dirt deposits over time.

Liner vs. Base vs. Shell

Liner gloves are great for 25-50 degree Fahrenheit weather. These can be worn year-round. Often found in wool or shearling, these can be stretchy and form-fitting. These typically are not waterproof.

Base gloves are great for temperatures less than 25 degrees Fahrenheit down to -30. These are usually waterproofed and can be worn layered with a liner for additional warmth, or work alone.

She’ll gloves are an improvement to either liner gloves or base gloves. These will increase insulation for either. They can also be worn as the third layer in your full glove system, if you prefer.

Leather vs. Polyester

Leather has been the primary water-resistant material that adapts for the weather conditions. Leather materials need proper care but will last a lifetime with the right amount of TLC.

Polyester, grouped with all other synthetics, unlike leather, are easier to care for, but not as durable. They are, however, better at heat regulation, and cheaper than leather.

Final Thoughts

It’s a hikers paradise out there when it comes to gear selection. There are so many different brands and different materials to try out that there may never truly be a definitive answer to which are the ultimate “best”.

Let me know in the comments below if you have a favorite glove brand (mines Overland currently, but Hestra is wearing on me).

Happy trails, and as always, thanks for reading.

How Hikers Get Their Trail Names

If you’re a part of the hiking community, then you have probably noticed that many hikers no longer go by their real-life name when they’re on the trail. Instead, they are referred to by a trail name.

A trail name is a nickname that a hiker uses to express a personality. Many people will dub themselves, but some may wait for a friend to point out a quality that makes for a good nickname.

That being said… trail names may be one of the only times it’s okay to choose your own nickname.

If you read some of the PCT and Appalachian 2,600 Miler Club logs, you’ll come across various names. Some, better than others.

*There are too many to post here, in this article, but PCTA ORG has the full list for you to peruse.*

2,600 Miler Club

The 2,600 Miler Club is led by the organization that covers everything PCT (Pacific Crest Trail). It is here that you’ll find the log books (which are now online) of all of the hikers who have fully completed the trail.

The Pacific Crest Trail spans from the US/Mexico border to the US/Canada border and is a top to-do on my life bucket list. People spend years preparing for it as they have to be physically, financially and most of all, mentally prepared to complete this grueling adventure.

To achieve full credit for most 2,000+ mile thru-hikes you have to complete it within twelve months. It’s okay to do it section by section, as long as it’s completed within that timeframe.

Plenty Of Time To Think

You’re going to have a long while to think about it if you can’t come up with anything, just yet. Just look at the list of cities you’ll hike through if you follow the PCT:

This isn’t the longest of the hikes, either.

California

Campo (mile 1.4)
Lake Morena (mile 20)
Mount Laguna (mile 41.5)
Julian (mile 77.3)
Banner (mile 77.3)
Stagecoach Trail RV Park (mile 77.3)
Ranchita (mile 101.2)
Warner Springs (mile 109.5)
Holcomb Village (mile 111.3)
Anza (mile 151.9)
Paradise Valley Café (mile 151.9)
Hemet Lake Market (mile 168.6)
Idyllwild (mile 179.4) – depends on side trail
Cabazon (mile 209.5)
Banning (mile 209.5)
Big Bear Lake/Big Bear City (mile 266.1)
Fawnskin (mile 227.6)
Cajon Junction (mile 342)
Wrightwood (mile 369.4)
Crystal Lake Cafe and Store (mile 383.5)
Acton KOA (mile 444.3)
Acton (mile 444.3)
Agua Dulce (mile 454.5)
Green Valley (mile 478.2)
Lake Hughes (mile 485.7)
Hikertown/Neenach/Wee Vill (mile 517.6)
Mojave (mile 566.4)
Tehachapi (mile 566.4)
Lake Isabella (mile 652)
Inyokern (mile 652)
Ridgecrest (mile 652)
Kennedy Meadows South (mile 702.2)
Lone Pine (mile 744.5) – depends on side trail
Independence (mile 789.1)
Bishop (mile 789.1) – depends on side trail
Muir Trail Ranch (mile 857.7)
Vermilion Valley Resort (mile 874.5)
Red’s Meadow (mile 906.6)
Mammoth Lakes (mile 906.6) – depends on side trail
Tuolumne Meadows (mile 942.5)
Bridgeport (mile 1016.9)
Kennedy Meadows North (mile 1016.9)
Markleeville (mile 1048.4)
Kirkwood (mile 1076.5)
Meyers and South Lake Tahoe (mile 1090.8)
Echo Lake (mile 1092.3)
Olympic Village (mile 1135.5)
Donner Ski Ranch (mile 1153.4)
Soda Springs (mile 1153.4)
Truckee (mile 1153.4)
Sierra City (mile 1195.4)
Graeagle via Gold Lake (mile 1211.6)
La Porte (mile 1234.8)
Bucks Lake and Lake Shore Resort/Haskens Store (mile 1263.5)
Quincy (mile 1267.9)
Belden and Caribou Crossroads (mile 1286.8)
Chester (mile 1331.1)
Drakesbad Guest Ranch (mile 1350.1)
Old Station (mile 1373.5)
Burney (mile 1411.3)
Fall River Mills (mile 1411.3)
Burney Falls State Park (mile 1419)
Castella (mile 1501.1)
Dunsmuir (mile 1501.1)
Mt Shasta (mile 1501.1)
Callahan (mile 1560.2)
Etna (mile 1599.7)
Seiad Valley (mile 1655.9)

Oregon

Callahan’s Lodge (mile 1718.7)
Ashland (mile 1718.7)
Hyatt Lake Resort (mile 1742.7)
Fish Lake Resort (mile 1773.4)
Mazama Village at Crater Lake (mile 1821.7)
Shelter Cove Resort (mile 1906.6)
Elk Lake Resort (mile 1952.6)
Sisters (mile 1983.8)
Bend (mile 1983.8)
Big Lake Youth Camp (mile 1995.1)
Olallie Lake Resort (mile 2045.6)
Government Camp (mile 2086.5)
Timberline Lodge (mile 2097)
Cascade Locks (mile 2146.7)

Washington

Stevenson (mile 2147.2)
Trout Lake (mile 2228.9)
White Pass (mile 2294.9)
Snoqualmie Pass (mile 2393.1)
Steven’s Pass Resort (mile 2464.1)
Skykomish (mile 2464.1)
Stehekin (mile 2571.9)
Mazama (mile 2591.1)

Canada

Manning Park Resort (mile 2650+)

The Hard Part

Even though you’ve got a long time to hike…

Most trail names are chosen on the first day of your thru-hike. This way, you can introduce yourself to the other hikers you come across on your trek.

What Do You Want To Be Known For

So, start up the self-assessment and come up with that perfect name!

Thanks for reading, hiker!

This post was written by Evan.

Happy Little Colorado Camper

Recently my wife and I went on a trip to the Rocky Mountain National Park. It was quite the drive for us to get there so we decided to make a pit stop just about four hours away from our destination. This led us to Stratton, Colorado. We rented an airBNB for the evening and let me just say, it was one of the prettiest nights I’ve ever experienced.

*After we moved our car, this was our view from the porch. Nothing but Great Plains.*

I’d like to share some of that experience with you here, on HykLyt. Just in case any of you are interested in renting out the same airBNB. If, after reading, you do want to try it out, email me at hyklyt@hyklyt.com and I will send you the Airbnb link.

Is It Kansas Or Is It Colorado?

Nobody can tell you when you crossed the line from Kansas into Colorado because the “line” would have to be a very specific blade of grass. Stratton, CO, in and of itself, looks no different than the flat farmlands of Kansas that I had driven through for the past seven hours. But, at last, we were reaching out rental cabin. We were in Stratton, at the cabin.

We were happy to get out of the car for a bit to stretch our legs, soak up sunlight and feel the breeze blowing over the flat farmland. There were no mountains in view to speak of and so it was very much different than what I had expected to see when driving into Colorado. But I guess with every reverb, there has to be surfaces for the sound waves to reflect off of.

Which brings me to the beauty of Stratton, CO. It was tough to see at first because when we drove up it was nothing more than a tiny cabin in the middle of nowhere! (Courage The Cowardly Dog, Anyone?) Which, by the way, my spouse and I loved that part! Getting away from it all (day to day rat race) made the trip worth it. So that was beautiful in its own way.

Let’s Talk About Finding Beauty In The Middle Of Nowhere

When my wife booked this cabin for us, she probably didn’t know that we were going to get the show of a lifetime that evening. Thunderstorms formed and we were able to sit on the porch while watching lightning light up the sky. Comulus clouds gathered that electricity up and created one of the coolest cloud formations I’d ever seen. We watched the sky for hours out there, on that little porch, just talking and resting.

The Perfect Setting

And so, I find myself in Stratton, CO.

I’m with my beautiful wife.

There’s no one else around for miles.

The cabin is located on 265 acres and there no city in sight, either.

A Hidden Gem

As for the inside of the cabin. It was cozy, and old. Older than just old. It was “original family on a farmland that had been passed down for generations old”. But everything worked. And that was all we needed.

Inside of the living room, a recliner and a small loveseat faced the television setup with a few DVD’s generously placed out for guests to enjoy. I watched “Little Miss Sunshine” that night. It was a great film.

The kitchen was a makeshift foyer kitchen but it had everything you needed to make simple meals and sit at the small table next to a window for a sunrise breakfast.

The bedroom was upstairs and, if you weren’t careful, you’d knock yourself out climbing those stairs because the stair set was built with sharp (and short) turns.

The greatest part of the house was the porch. The type of porch you can sit in the two wooden rockers (provided by the hosts) and gaze out over 260 acres of grain lands, complete with wildlife dancing their way through the meadows.

The Lay Of The Land

Directly next to the house there was a line of pine trees that had been planted in a v-stack formation. This allowed the whistling of the pines to be heard well when the wind would blow through. What a pleasant sound that whistling was. It was incredibly peaceful.

Because the pine trees were lined there near the cabin, birds were fluttering about. While sitting on the porch watching the sky, every now and then a songbird would swoop past you and give you some tunes to listen to as it did.

I could see birdwatching becoming a thing for me.

From that porch we watched the clouds form as if they were putting on the show of their lifetimes.

When it became dark out. The moonlight was the only real source of light on the 265 acres. This is a huge space and you’d think, “it must have been pitch black out there”. You’d be wrong, though. It was actually brightened by the moon so well that we could still see for miles. We could even still see the rabbits playing tag around the hay bales near an old barn.

Oh, right! There was that old barn, but we didn’t go in there. At night it seemed quite ominous. But that’s just us letting our imaginations go. We jokingly talked about what might be inside. Like telling scary stories around a campfire as kids.

The Bed Was Small

But, we slept great. This might have also been because we were so tired from the drive.

And when we woke up, we cooked eggs in the little kitchen (my wife is a chef around our campsites and she’s quick to whip something up for us, making me quite the lucky man). We cleaned up our mess, and head out for the last 3 1/2 hours of our drive to enter the Rocky Mountain National Park.

This Was An AirBNB

And if any of you are interested in staying a night in Stratton, CO. Let me know in the comments section below or email me at hyklyt@hyklyt.com and I can send you the link to the Airbnb. It’s the perfect romantic getaway!

If you enjoyed learning about this middle-of-nowhere stay, please consider subscribing to the blog. It’s free, and by simply entering your email in the block below, it will keep you up to date on everything HykLyt!

Thanks for reading, hiker!

Hiking For Treasure

Psst. Want an introduction to a secret world that exists right under our very noses?

Well, you’re in luck!

Geocaching is a real, GPS-enabled, outdoor treasure hunting game that many hikers have been participating in playing for over twenty years!

Somewhere, out there, there’s a swag box! If anyone is going to find treasure in this expansive world of ours, it’ll be my wife (pictured). She is able to see better than me. I’d walk right past it!

What Do You Need?

Yourself. Your GPS device. Swag-items for swap out (described below). Snacks, water, safety materials that you’d bring on any other hike. Trekking poles are great for poking around while searching for a container inside say, a log, or a hollowed out tree, as well.

How Do You Play?

Geocaching (geography + cache) has two different roles to play.

1) Seekers: As a seeker, you’ll follow coordinates to a specific location where another geocacher has hidden a container, know as a swag-box. To locate the coordinates you’ll utilize your mobile phone or other GPS-enabled device. Once you’ve arrived at the cache location, you’ll need to search around, as many of the cache locations are hidden, making it all the more fun and challenging. Upon discovery, you’ll open the cache filled with what are called swag-items, and swap out one piece of swag for one that you brought with you. 1:1 etiquette.

2) Cache-Owner: A person who has stashed their treasures for others to find and listed it on the main geocache website so that participants know it is available to be found. A cache owner may place multiple items into the cache container. So long as seekers are practicing proper geocaching 1:1 etiquette, the containers will never run out of new items to be discovered.

What Are The Rules Of The Game?

Geocaching does come with a set of rules to follow. The rules listed below are to ensure that you, and others, have a great time while joining in on the hunt.

1) Leave No Trace. This is the most important rule in many peoples opinions. You’ll hear this rule everywhere when you’re visiting the great outdoors. It’s a good habit to get into. When you are out in nature, it’s usually to get away from the business that circles our cities. There is nothing as exhilarating as finding yourself alone, in the wilderness. Therefore, it’s best to practice this rule with anything you do. Don’t leave food, trash or any other personal belongings out on the trails. And, this can’t be emphasized enough, don’t mark or graffiti the natural scenery along the trails. I’ve read complaints on different forums for things like this happening on trails such as the PCT or the Appalachian. It’s very sad to see it becoming a problem.

2) Caches Have A Logbook: When you find the cache, sign the book. Later, go to the main geocaching(dot)com website to let the owner of that swag-box know that you located the container.

3) Don’t Change The Cache Location: When you find the cache, remember, it’s the owner’s decision on where it is hidden. Do not change the cache location. Some will be harder to find than others. Some, you may think you could hide better. Unless you’re the cache owner, place the container back where you found it.

4) Take A Penny, Leave A Penny: Remember when you’d see a plate out at gas stations offering loose change that someone decided they didn’t need, and you could use it to round up your dollar on the sale; or, to not have to dig around for a nickel? Geocaching is similar, except, for every item you take, you are supposed to replace that item with a different one. When you open the cache there’s no telling what you may find. Many caches will have multiple items inside, and some may even hold value. Your job as the seeker upon opening the treasure chest is to choose one item, and then replace it, and return the container where you found it.

5) Some Items Are Not Allowed: You most definitely do not want to leave food items inside of a cache container. Even if it’s made to last a lifetime and dried. The scent will still attract wildlife and endanger them. Remember, Leave No Trace. Only use family-friendly items, and your items should fit into the ‘swag-box’ without force being required.

How To List Your Own Cache ‘Swag-Box’

To become a cache owner you must first understand what a good cache is. You can research other peoples containers or better yet, seek them out yourself and determine which ones you thought were the best.

Essentially, to hide your cache, all you need is permission from whomever manages the land you are wanting to hide your cache at.

Want a little-known fact reserved for only pro-hikers? There are multiple caches located within National Parks.

Most Importantly, Have Fun

You’re on a treasure hunt… have fun with it! Don’t forget to come back to HykLyt.com to let me know what you discovered on your geocaching adventures!

If you liked the article, please consider subscribing to the blog. It’s free, and helps the HykLyt dream continue. Simply enter your email in the box below to stay up to date with HykLyt articles.

Thanks for reading, hiker!

CoverArt by Andreasrochas

Mindful, Meditative Hiking

People have a hard time stopping. Usually, we start a new activity just as we wrap up a different one. You may be thinking, “Yea right, I can easily hang out on the couch and Netflix my day away.” But the truth is, this is still a form of engagement. Just because it’s sedentary doesn’t mean you’re not constantly processing imagery, perceiving emotions, and your mind is flaying with brain activity!

When we start new activities back to back in our normal, busy, day-to-day lives, we forget to take a few moments to simply stop. When we don’t stop, we don’t decompress. And, if something bad happened early on, it puts a real damper on the rest of the day. Ever heard the phrase, “tomorrow is a new day” …anyone? We’re constantly seeking the “what’s next?”, and we find ourselves losing touch with our own personality.

When we lose touch with ourselves, we carry the stress and anxiety of the previous activities into the new one that we’re about to embark on without even realizing it. Our brains are constantly storing memories and the bad memories will affect everything else, if you let them! Unless you actively change those thought patterns, you may find yourself dwelling and replaying scenarios over and over to catch a glimpse of the “what-ifs”. “What if I would have said this?”, or, “What if I never even bothered going to visit?”. “What if I just did the work myself instead of relying on others?”

The truth is that these “what-ifs” have now robbed you of the enjoyment you were seeking in whatever it is you’re doing (hopefully hiking). So, how do you regain your sense of self? How do you reconnect with the fun in life? How do you rediscover that positive aura you want to surround yourself with?

If you practice the following techniques, you can train yourself to see the silver lining in even the worst of times. Give them a try on your next hike and feel the negative energy dissolve from around you. Report back here, on HykLyt, in the comments section, if any of these exercises seem to work for you. And, if you like the blog, please think about subscribing. It’s free and will keep you up to date on everything HykLyt!

How-To Meditate While Hiking

1) Focus On The Steps: While you’re hiking, begin to train your mind to fully acknowledge each step. What do you feel around the soles of your boots? How does gravel give way underneath you? What about sand? Think about the dampened and matted grass underneath you as morning dew wets the trail. Staying grounded is simply that, live in the moment, and experiencing your surroundings.

2) Breathe In Your Nose & Out Your Mouth: It may seem silly, but this is a very calming exercise. I used this in the army. In fact, I used this technique to stay calm while treating casualties in a combat environment. It steadies your breathes and soothes the mind. Paying attention to involuntary breathing mechanisms can relax you and relieve stress even under the most extreme circumstances. Side note: This simple exercise actually helps with headaches and migraines, as well!

3) Find The Wildlife: As you focus on your steps, and you concentrate on your breathing, your next goal is to find the critters. We can learn so much from the wildlife that we cross paths with along the trails. Learning something new about any animal is a great exercise that will provide a friendly challenge to yourself while you hike. It’s a blast to discover new things and personally I have been surprised by wildlife plenty of times!

4) Bring A Sketchbook: Look, I’m far from a great artist (or even being called an artist), but there’s something special about art. As you hike, take a pit stop at a scenic overlook and stay awhile. Sketch the landscape or your close surroundings. Jot down the trail and date to look back on it in the future. Ever hear that “putting it on paper” makes it easier to remember? Well, I figure I might as well put my happy memories on paper in some form.

5) Move With Each Breathe: So, you’ve already been mindfully breathing while meditation hiking. Now, let’s add an element of fluidity. Feel your fingers by wiggling them at your sides. This breaks the outside distractions. Upon inhale, take a step, and on exhale, another. This will make you move slower, but deliberately. Concentrated.

6) Listen And Respond To Your Thoughts: I won’t call you crazy for talking to yourself when you’re out on your own in the wilds. This is a good time to really hear yourself out and work through anything that you feel may have been holding you back lately. Many times, our problems are only our problems because we continue to ignore them. They want to be validated, just the same as individuals. Everyone wants their place in life. Your problems do to. Address them. Work on solutions.

7) Practice Physical And Emotional Awareness: This could look different for each person, but as an adventure guide, I would recommend to hikers to feel out their surroundings and listen to themselves. This step is essentially putting all of the previous 6 steps into one. And once you’re able to do all of these things, you’ve found your way into mindful and meditative hiking.

Let Me Know What Works For You

This practice of mindful hiking is not the only way to expressly meditate while on the trails. I plan to write more articles on this subject but I’m curious to know what others have discovered that works for them. If you have grounding techniques that you practice often and it seems to help relax you, let me know in the comments or email me at hyklyt@hyklyt.com

Thanks for reading, hiker!

This post was written by Evan

How Hiking Can Impact Your Mental Health

I love to hike.

There’s something special about the feeling of pebbles under your boots. Or, the way dampened grass mats down beneath you as you cut through a meadow. The sense of touch.

The sounds of the bridge’s planks creaking while you crossover a rushing river, and the babbling stream against the sandstone riverbed. Birds will call out above you and the cicadas make music for their day to day dance. The sense of sound.

The visuals cannot be matched, as you gain elevation you will literally watch as the clouds form around you. Cities will become small, and treetops will become your new carpeting. The sense of sight.

You can taste the fresh air. Your breaths get shorter and more frequent as the oxygen thins around you, yet somehow, you are encapsulated in the truest form of freedom. The sense of taste.

The air smells of pines, wildflowers and rain. the raindrops flee past you as they race their way to the ground, though sometimes they take the long route and travel sideways with the wind. They carry all of the wonderful scents that nature has to offer, neatly packed into tiny water molecules. The sense of smell.

Hiking Appeals To All Of The Senses

Recently, I watched a “Ted Talk” about an experiment to create a new type of clock that was conducted by two researchers.

One man created a clock that would read time based off of shadow positioning, similar to a sundial. This clock only appealed to the sense of sight.

The other man created a clock that had multiple magnifying glasses. As the sun would rise and set throughout the day it would reach a point where it hit each magnifying glass. Those magnifying glasses would then beam the sunlight into a shot glass containing essential oils that would heat up and release a scent. People would be able to tell time based on the sense of smell, and also based on looking at which magnifying glass the sun was currently lighting. This clock appealed to two different senses; smell and sight.

What made the second clock so much better than the first? The stimuli. Also, what does that have to do with hiking?

Luckily for us, hiking appeals to all of the senses, providing a multitude of stimuli to respond to, which has been proven to effect the brain’s healthy chemicals. Serotonin, especially.

Smell – Pleasing smells reduce stress.

Taste – Eating natural foods such as trail mix (without added sugars) increases well-being and mindfulness.

Touch – Sometimes, you just need to feel some sunlight on your skin to boost your mood.

Sound – The acoustics of the great outdoors are what people evolved to hear. They are usually more subtle and less dramatic than sounds from inside the city. The decibel range is quite low. Many of today’s auditory disasters, are man-made.

Sight – Without mentioning the obvious views, let’s talk about something else that acts as an energy booster. The hiking community is genuine. Many times, it’s full of friendly people you may come across. As people seek peace in the outdoors, they generally respond to others in a peaceful light to match their surroundings. You may come across something as small as a hiker smiling as you trek past. This elevates your mood.

Engaging Mindfulness While Hiking

If you use your five senses to respond to stimuli around you with mindfulness, you’ll find that you’re happier. To engage in mindfulness you’ll want to practice grounding techniques.

As an example:

5, 4, 3, 2, 1 – This exercise requires you to name five things you can see, four things you can physically feel, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste. This exercise helps you to shift the focus of your anxious mind away from the thoughts that may be causing you to feel anxious. Repeated use of this exercise can help you to reframe negative or harmful thought patterns.

With hiking, you’re able to practice techniques such as the one above without even realizing it. Because no two hikes will ever be the same you’re constantly shifting your thought patterns, problem-solving, and allowing your creative juices to flow.

You can also participate in fun ways to learn, another great grounding technique.

Things like plant identification can make the hike more enjoyable and adventurous, you can read about some of the common ones you may see in the United States, here:

Releasing Serotonin

Immediately after you begin your hike, your brain will release serotonin, also know as the happiness hormone. This chemical is even more effective because you’re senses are stimulated. Think of it as “keeping your body in as healthy a state as possible”, because your mind doesn’t know what to expect next, it preserves your health in preparation, including your mental health.

It’s been proven in studies that moderate exercise results in a happier lifestyle, and hiking provides that exercise without feeling like a chore. After all, you’re simply going for a walk to get a good view, right?

Stanford University released a statement that, “being in the great outdoors reduces anxiety and leads to lower risk of depression.”

This study also noted that hiking helps to calm the portion of your brain that dwells on bad thoughts.

“Outdoor exercise has a direct correlation to greater feelings of positivity and energy and fewer feelings of tension, anger and depression.” -Environmental Science and Technology Journal.

Burning Calories For Your Mental Well-Being

Let’s face it, when we’re out of shape, we don’t feel good. We don’t feel good about ourselves and we don’t feel good about our lifestyle.

I know.

I’ve lived it.

For a long time I sold myself on the idea that I was happy with my way of life. It involved very little exercise, if any at all, and sedentary hobbies. In hindsight, I was nowhere near as happy as I am now that I’ve become active. I learned what the outdoors had to offer and it changed my life for the better.

This has helped my general thought processes greatly. I think in a much more positive, silver-linings way, and I really appreciate that I was able to discover this at a young age.

What Are The Top Benefits Of Hiking For Your Mental Health?

To wrap this post up I want to summarize some of the benefits acquired by hiking. If you have others that you’d like to see make the list next time, let me know by commenting below; or, send an email to hyklyt@hyklyt.com

Happy trails!

1: It Reduces Stress

2: It Makes You Happier

3: It Will Boost Your Self-Esteem

4: It Strengthens The Brain

5: It Decreases Negative Thoughts

6: It Increases Your Endurance

7: It Delivers A Creative Outlet

8: It Harbors A Friendly Community

9: It Presents The Most Memorable Views

10: It Challenges You

This post was written by Evan

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Thanks for reading, hiker!

Cover art by Snatti89 (Deviant Art)

Botany For Hikers

Have you ever been out hiking and thought to yourself, “Wow! I wonder what kind of berry that is. Is it edible?”. If so, then this course is for you! I studied plant biology in college and let me be the first to tell you that it’s quite interesting.

Plants are amazing things. The way they reproduce, the way they develop survival mechanism, or plans for soil invasion at that! What I find most amazing about plants, especially while out on the trail, is their ability to sustain our body’s energy reserves when necessary.

It can provide a great time on the trail, adding a complete new level of activity while hiking, actively seeking plant identifiers. It can also be lifesaving in some scenarios.

Plants That Are Useful On The Trail

Some plants that you could identify are useful. They can provide medication, food, and shelter. Here’s a list that shows some of the plants you may come across that you’d be able to use for good outcomes on the trail.

*Wood Sorrel have heart shaped leaves that are edible and they even taste like sour candy!*

*Planting Weeds are very common in the trails and can be broken down and pressed into bug bites and scrapes to reduce inflammation.*

*Stinging nettle, do sting! But if you soak their leaves for about ten minutes they can provide the means to make tea!*

*Known for their waxy leaves and bright, blue, edible berries, the Oregon Grape can provide food on the trail. Depending on which species you get, the berries may be sweet, or tart.*

*Thimbleberry provide fruits that are edible.*

The Bad Plants That You Would Want To Identify On Trail

Not all plants are good for you. There’s some out there on the trail that can bring about serious issues if you let them. Quick identification and knowledge about these plants in general will help you to better be prepared on the trail.

*Cow Parsnip secretes an oil that will make your skin sensitive to light, running the risk of a terrible sunburn!*

*Death Camas: Let’s take its word for it.*

*White Banesberry (creepy doll eyes): poison.*

Having Fun Identifying The Trail Flowers.

You can find yourself having a great time on the trail if you decide to embark on a mission to identify as many plants as possible. For some, you’ll find that the name is very descriptive of its looks. For identifying things like wildflowers, I suggest bringing a book along with you as a resource to utilize. Sometimes, the difference between two species are very small, such as the way the veins run in the leaves.

Heading Off Of The Trail As A Newfound Botanist (kind of)

So now you have some information on the plants you may come across on trails throughout the United States. Hopefully this article will help someone identify a plant at a time of need. If you know of some amazing plants that should be included with this list, please feel free to list them in the comments section below!

Thank you for reading!

This post was written by Evan

***Check out the HykLyt blog portrait page!***

How-To Guide To Advanced Ultralight Thru-Hiking

This post is for those who are already familiar with ultralight hiking and want to make changes to their pack to trek even lighter. I’m excited to share this post because this is what HykLyt is all about. Innovative gear design is the backbone of the HykLyt brand. For those thru-hikers out there who constantly want to hike lighter, I plan to launch our own items that are made with minimalist designs in mind that are not only lighter than what the market currently offers, but also eco and budget friendly.

*Sometimes the greatest memories can be found while climbing to the top. You don’t always have to be at the top to find the beauty of the view.*

Thru-Hike Clothing

Good clothing for your thru-hike is step number one. Here’s the crazy part: pack ONE set of hiking clothes, one set of sleepwear and one set of cold-weather thermals… and that’s it. You’d be surprised how much weight you can remove from your pack by doing away with all of the extra clothing you’re trying to bring along.

*But what about staying clean, and warm, and dry… and all the other things?*

Alternate the clothing as you would on a normal day at home, day clothes for the daytime, night clothes for bed time. Except this time, choose your alternation wisely. One thing about hiking light is that you have to hike smart. Let’s give an example of hiking smart when you only have two pairs of clothes to alternate if it’s not cold out (remember, thermals are your third set, but only to be worn underneath your ONE hike set or your ONE sleep set).

Example: If the evening is approaching and you only have another two hours of daylight, swap clothing. Wash the day set with unscented cleaner. Use little amounts of water to rinse the clothes. Then, hang the set on the back of your pack to dry while you slow your hike down on a cooldown as not to sweat in your sleepwear, keeping your night set dry and warm. In the morning, swap back to your day set. Also, you can save weight and skip the cleaner altogether. Water streams work wonders.

Thru-Hike Quilts

Quilts can save you more weight. Many people start out hiking with mummy-shaped bags with degree ratings lower than the weather that’s anticipated. That’s exactly what they should do.

Though mummy bags can be very comforting, they are by far the lightest option for overnight warmth. This tip is not to be taken lightly, I only recommended swapping to quilts if you know the weather you face, and are an experienced hiker with the knowledge to warm up via friction or fire making techniques if the weather drops quickly without warning, which can very well happen when you find yourself in the mountains.

Quilts are super comfortable and lightweight, but do not retain the heat a mummy bag can simply due to heat escaping from the top of your head. Take this into consideration if you choose to “quilt” instead of “bag”. A beanie is a good idea in case extra heat retainment ends up being needed.

Swapping your sleeping bag out to a lightweight quilt will save you a good amount of weight. In recent surveys of thru-hiker experiences, many are opting to bring a quilt instead of a sleeping bag.

Thru-Hike Sleeping Mats

Preferably, you’ll be carrying an ultralight foam cell sleeping mat on your bag. The air up mats may be a bit more comfortable than the foam cells that can sometimes feel rigid, but the foam cells are usually always lighter weight unless you’re venturing into the more costly ones like Klymits or Thermarest. as a budget friendly option, Nemo switchbacks are only around $50. If you do use an air up mat, leave the pump at home and breathe your way to inflation. Either of these options are both viable ways to cut down on your pack out weight.

Want an insider tip for foam cell mats to make it even lighter? Cut 1/3 of the foam cell mat off. You read that right. You most likely won’t notice much difference from your legs no longer being on the mat. Primarily, if you keep your upper torso on your sleep mat, then you’re getting it’s use as your hips, back and head are the heaviest pressure points.

Thru-Hike Water Storage

*Our HykLyt chef taking in the crystal clear water*.

One of the most popular brands of lifestraw squeeze tops are the Sawyer Squeeze tops. If you’re into thru-hiking you may already know this one, but I’m going to jot it down here just to cover all of our bases.

The Sawyer Squeeze top filters fit perfectly on a one liter Smartwater bottle. Don’t be surprised if you come across die-hard thru-hike enthusiast who do not carry a 3L water bladder with them. Not only are those super heavy, but take up precious space. Get yourself two one liter Smartwater bottles and fill the empty one every time you pass water sources. While setting up your sleep area, take the time to make sure both water bottles are filled.

You should be sleeping near a water source to be able to fill both for the night and to start your morning. Remember, you need at least a liter of water for every two hours spent hiking, and that’s on a ration. Don’t catch yourself straying too far from a water source for too long. This tip is not for beginner hikers! Take your bladder if you’re new to hiking!

Thru-Hike Rain Gear

My wife and I found ourselves battling the option of heavy duty rain gear in comparison to lightweight rain gear.

One one hand you have heavy gear but it provides warmth. On the other hand you have very little weighted gear but it is nearly breathable and the wind cuts right through it.

I recommend investing in ultralight weight non-breathable rain gear. Something made with impregnated silnylon will do wonders for warmth and rain protection. Adding to this, grab a lightweight rain cover for your pack. You don’t want to risk getting all of your stuff wet if you’re pushing long distance.

*Though this Patagonia jacket is really nice. It’s heavy and doesn’t fold down to a very small size, which takes up more pack space than I find worth when it comes to long-distance hiking.*

Thru-Hike Tent

Tents are one of those things that I consider to be of utmost importance. A good tent with good ventilation goes a long way, unless you like waking up in a puddle of water form moisture collecting on the inside walls of your tent. However, tents are often the heaviest portion of your kit. Even with an ultralight tent, you’re looking at around 2 to 3 pounds. Unless you’re able to purchase hyperlites which can run you upwards of 700 dollars!

To seriously reduce the weight in your pack, you can utilize a makeshift tent. To do so, find a cutout of impregnated silnylon (so it’s waterproof) that’s larger enough to circle you completely and still be raised in the center to cover you while sitting up. Then, use that cutout of fabric, a trekking pole, and six ultralight tent stakes. Voila! You now have an extremely light option for shelter.

This is an example of how a makeshift trekking pole tent would be setup. If you’re interested in buying a tent like this straight off of the market instead of finding a nylon fabric cutout, you can shop this brand at KUIU.

Tents like this won’t provide a whole lot of cover, so it’s best to prepare for the elements if you choose this option as shelter. However, in favorable weather conditions, saving a couple of pounds out of your bag is huge in the ultralight world.

Thru-Hike Pack

If your tent isn’t the heaviest thing in your bag, then it’s probably the bag itself that’s weighing you down. You can reduce your total weight by a great deal if you invest in a durable, but hyperlite bag.

A frameless bag is one of your best options when wanting to hike at the lightest weight possible. I recommend a Hyperlite Mountain Gear pack for this option, though, they are a bit costly.

Thru-Hike Recharge

*You can get turned around easily in snow. Everything can start to blend and look the same!*

This one will be short and sweet. Don’t go without a lightweight battery pack. You need the capability of charging Gaia GPS and your phone for downloaded map systems. These are getting lighter with new releases, so see what’s available on the market when you’re preparing. Do not risk your safety to shed a few ounces. This is one of the few times I’d tell you NOT to save weight.

Thru-Hike Final Thoughts

If you have taken these steps to lightening your pack, you’re probably amazed by how little your pack weighs in comparison to its prior state. Remember, sometimes lightening the load means sacrificing comforts and even safety measures. I strongly suggest slowly incorporating these tips into your thru-hiking routine. Just like HykLyt, take it One Step At A Time.

This post was written by Evan

What Are Trekking Poles Really Used For?

Trekking poles are a hiking accessory that helps hikers with their stability and rhythm while adjusting to different terrain. Typically sold as a pair, these hike accessories can help tone muscle groups in your arms while used in tandem and provide core support while walking. These are different than regular walking sticks because of the way they can provide propulsion, which is why you see cross-country skiers using them all of the time.

Even when used as a single unit (above), trekking poles are different than walking sticks. The ends of a trekking pole provide attachment options that can help overcome different types of terrain as well.

Trekking poles are not meant to hold up full body weight, rather, they are intended to support the body’s stability during movement. Similar to the mechanics found in a stair set’s railing, trek poles are a “lean-to” tool for mobility. These can be great for balancing while overcoming technical obstacles.

Looking to gain a leaner physique by using trekking poles? Great news! The Cooper Institute showed that Nordic walking increased energy expenditure and oxygen consumption by about 20% compared to walking without poles.

What is Nordic walking? It’s the act of walking cross-country with the aid of long poles. –Oxford

What Are Trekking Poles Made Out Of?

*Leki is a popular trekking pole brand and has produced many aluminum and carbon fiber options to choose from.* *Poles with natural cork handles provide a very comfortable grip.*

Trekking poles are usually made out of two primary materials, aluminum and carbon fiber. Where both are lightweight, the latter is the lightest. However, carbon fiber is known to crack when exposed to rough use, whereas aluminum is much more resilient. As an ultralight enthusiast, I’d go with the carbon fiber. For a more budget friendly pack out, aluminum would be the way to go.

Some hikers actually dislike using carbon fiber because it’s known to break. If you go the carbon fiber route be prepared to take good care of your poles. Many of todays hiking bags and backpacking setups have straps included to hold your trek poles.

How To Size Your Trekking Poles

*Your pole’s handles should reach your palms when your arms are bent in a 90 degree angle while standing on a flat surface. This allows for balanced angling on steep inclines.*

You should hold your arm outward to a 90 degree angle, and, with palm facing to the ground, the mid-handle of your trekking pole should reach your hand.

There are trekking poles available on the market that are adjustable and some that are collapsible as well. It’s worth mentioning that the collapsible ones help not to snag tree branches when they’re stowed and not in use.

The History Of Trekking Poles

The use of trekking poles dates to cross-country Scandinavian skiing. Also known as “Nordic skiing”. Skiers would utilize these poles to launch themselves forward, over expansive ski runs, and over passes.

Trekking Pole Attachments

*There are many different attachments to choose from. Most attachments are specifically designed for certain ground coverage.*

There are multiple attachments available but here I’ll list a few examples:

Mud baskets: designed for mud, beaches, sand and very grassy trails.

Snow baskets: designed specifically for soft ground textures such as snow or very light meadow grass.

Rubber Tips: are able to be used on any terrain, and provide a better “grip”-like traction while hiking.

Should You Invest In Trekking Poles?

I think trekking poles are just as important as any other piece of gear in your pack. That being said, it was also the last piece of gear I worried about getting. That probably isn’t the safest advice, but at the time I felt pretty confident with my stability and reaction while on trails. Once you start hiking with trekking poles, you’ll notice a big difference. They’re not for everyone, but everyone should at least give them a try. A good pair will set you back about $100-$200 depending on what brand and what material you choose. Well worth the price when you take your safety into consideration.

This post was written by Evan

***Click here to learn more about HykLyt!***

Things To Think About While Hiking The Desert

Hiking the desert can be one of the most rewarding experiences. It can also be one of the most relentlessly unforgiving experiences if not planned properly. Here, I’ll list a few things to consider before you face the sandy terrain.

*This image is enhanced, but you will find some amazing stargazing, even to the naked eye, if you’re okay with the isolation of the desert at night, that is.*

Howling Winds

Try to plan your routes on a day to day basis, moving with the wind. Hiking into and against the grain (literally) is not optimal.

You wouldn’t think about howling sounds in the middle of the desert, but you will certainly hear them. It’s wind. And the wind sounds more wild than the wildlife sometimes. As wind picks up speed with very little to block it’s path, it creates a whistling and tonal noise throughout the skies. This can sound like a ghost howling. When you’re in the middle of nowhere, that’s the last thing you feel like hearing. Do not fret! It’s normal. Also, do fret, it’s blowing sand into your equipment!

Keeping safe from the wind is important. Many people don’t take into consideration the wind speeds when they first start learning to hike, climb, or camp. Wind speeds cause windchill and windchill cause dry and irritated skin, cracking, or more serious injuries. Take a buff with you to protect your face. Goggles can really come in handy as well, but that is something I would only pack for a desert specific trip (I keep as light as possible).

The takeaway: Be prepared to dress for the occasion. The desert is known for being hot, but that isn’t always the case. Windchill can happen in any climate and this windchill also carries sand along with it, which could result in some irritation. I suggest utilizing a balaclava, neck-gaiter, or buff with eyewear to protect form the winds of the desert.

Dancing Sands

Sand is… well… a nuisance. I’ve been to parts of the world where you could see walls of sand similar to the picture above rushing your way, allowing you ample time to prepare for it to hit. Dust and sandstorms can pop up seemingly out of nowhere, though. Having a quick setup shelter, such as the tent I use in my Backpacking Gear List, will ensure you’re capable of getting coverage when and where you truly need it.

The takeaway: Sand can become bothersome. To avoid this I typically stow my gear under a v-shaped entryway to my tent. Many backpacking tents come with this option built in by unzipping the entrance and rolling one side, securing it to the frame. My tent is an ultralight quick setup framed NEMO. You’re not going to be able to block all of the sand that’s out there, but it’s a whole lot more comfortable if you’re not dealing with an excessive amount. Waking up and having to brush sand away from all of your stuff makes for a rough start to your morning.

Unrelenting Rainstorms

Rain doesn’t fall often in the desert, but when it does, it really rains. I was in the Middle East the first time I experienced a “rainy season” in a desert. The scarcity of plants in a desert does not mean it doesn’t get water, it just means the water doesn’t stand a chance of permeating the soil. The reason for this? Evaporation.

The heat that beams down on deserts is far too hot for the water to hold for very long. This is because there is oftentimes no cloud coverage to protect the water from the suns’ UV rays, essentially cooking the water out of the sand.

The takeaway: Although you’ll be preparing for desert backpacking, you can’t assume the weather will be always warm and sunny. As much as we’d all like to spend some time sunbathing like a lizard, it’s best to be prepared by packing some lightweight rain gear. I wouldn’t bother bringing Gore-Tex equipment unless you’re making up the weight difference by reducing how many thermals you pack. This opinion is only due to my constant want to shave ounces in my pack. Whichever you decide, make sure you have some warm gear, whether that’s Gore-Tex materials or thermals. The deserts do become cold as well, especially at night.

*Monsoon-type rainstorms can occur in the desert.*

Perfect Packouts

Packing light for desert hikes is the best way to setup your pack. I’ve posted about ultralight weight upgrades to gear previously so I will link that post here just in case anyone is interested in further preparation for a desert trip.

Plants To Know About

Desert plants do not mess around when it comes to defense mechanisms. They protect themselves with sharp spines, hardened shells, and even toxins at times. It is important to know about plants that may help you, instead of hurt you. Here, I’ll list a few of those plants. This is not an exhaustive list by any means, and these plants are not found in every desert environment. It’s important to plan ahead and research the plants and environment of the desert you plan to traverse.

Pinyon Pine – provide an edible seed, nicknamed “pine nuts”. These seeds are high in calories and actually quite tasty!

Agave – provide leaves, flower stalks, flowers, and seeds that are all edible.

Prickly Pear Cactus – provide an edible flat, green pad, and plenty of sugars within.

*In some places prickly pear is fried to eat. In the desert, it can be lifesaving.*

Juniper – provide wood and fiber for fire making and hunting equipment.

*Use the wood for “A-frame” shelters and fire making*, *also, the leaves are great as slow burning fire-starters.*

Animals & Critters

*UV rays can cause scorpions to glow at night. If you see a creepy-crawly that’s glowing, watch for the sting!*

Rattlesnake: venomous and deadly, avoid if possible. They do give off a warning with the rattle, but most of the deadly bites have come from complacency in the wild. Stay alert! They tend to leave humans alone so long as we aren’t crossing them.

*Rattlesnakes are mostly found in the southwestern region of the United States.*

Gala Monster: These are the most venomous lizard in the upper Mexico/southwestern United States regions. They have an extremely potent venom and lightning-fast strikes.

*These lil’ dudes will stick their tongue out at you as if adding insult to injury.*

Wild dogs: mostly in Australia or Africa, the desert packs of dingoes are known to hunt and attack humans when hungry.

*An African species of wild dogs; for you hunters out there; please don’t, these cute friends are endangered!*

Cougars: also known as mountain lions, these big cats are precise, stealthy, and extremely fast. They have a brute strength to them as well thanks to all of that muscle. These are mostly found within the western-US regions.

Killer Bees: Today, Africanized honey bees are found in southern California, southern Nevada, Arizona, Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, western Louisiana, southern Arkansas, and central and southern Florida. These guys can sting, and keep stinging, so don’t poke the bees nest!

A Final Word

The desert can be such a unique experience that I would suggest anyone to go. If you do, just make sure you’re prepared for it. Take your med-kits, bite-kits, and hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Thank you all for reading!

What About Hydration?

This post doesn’t specifically cover tips about hydration, however, it’s the number one rule while you’re in the desert. To learn more about proper hydration techniques, click in this link, which will take you to one of my former posts with a hydration section.

This post was written by Evan.

3 Best Waterfalls To Hike To In The United States

#3 Multnomah Falls, Bridal Veil, Oregon

Difficulty: easy, short length, tourist-packed

*620 ft falls! Includes a bridge midway to get a better view!*

This waterfall is extremely popular and that’s why it’s making number three on my list. If it were just about the view, I’d place it as my #2 on this list. This area is a popular birding and hike trail and easily accessible so you’re very likely to run into other people. Reservations are currently required to visit the falls.

The Quick Rundown

In July of 2021, reservations to the Multnomah Falls in Oregon became required. Information for the reservation permits required can be found by clicking on this link.

Multnomah Falls is part of the Columbia River Gorge (which by the way, was a primary topic in my latest post “Hiking The Columbia River Gorge”)

It is the tallest waterfall in the state of Oregon and spans two basalt cliffs. Being the most visited waterfall in all of Oregon as well, there is a lodge, visitor center, and gift shop on site. It is also the most visited natural recreational site in the Pacific Northwest.

Best Time To Visit

This waterfall is great to visit anytime of the year. In the summer it is a nice escape from the summertime heat many areas experience. In the winter it becomes a frozen wonderland.

*Multnomah Falls is absolutely stunning when frozen.*

Pricing at Multnomah Falls

Due to the limited parking capacity at Multnomah Falls, timed entry permits are required if you arrive in your own vehicle. Permits are available up to 14 days in advance. Reservations cost $2 per ticket. Visitors should access Multnomah Falls and the Historic Lodge from the Interstate 84 parking lot at Exit 31.

The Trail

This trail is located right off of a highway and the visitor center hands out free trail maps and brochures with information about the trail.

#2 Bridal Veil Falls, Telluride, Colorado

Not to be confused with Bridal Veil, Oregon, this trail is located in Colorado.

Difficulty: Moderate, elevation, technical terrain

*365 feet of waterfall makes this easily one of the most photogenic waterfalls in the United States.*

Overlooking Telluride, Colorado is a 365 ft. waterfall with a hydroelectric power plant positioned at the top of the falls. This is a picturesque waterfall as the landscape is gorgeous and the power plant is aesthetically pleasing.

The Quick Rundown

Off-road and hike trails pass through the area to get to the waterfall. This is the tallest free-falling falls in Colorado. This is listed as a moderate hike but is rather short at just 1.2 miles to the top from the parking lot at the trailhead. The path is open to biking and atvs as well.

The terrain at Bridal Veil Falls is considered moderately technical and there are no cabling systems, so trekking poles could come in handy.

*Very photogenic falls for a night hike!*

Best Time To Visit

During the late spring and early summer months there are some hazardous areas to cross to reach the top of the trail. Mid to late summer would be the best time to visit. As a bonus, the weather in Colorado during mid to late summer is very comfortable. In the winter months Bridal Veil Falls turns to ice and is stable enough for fearless ice climbers, if that’s something you’re in to.

Pricing At Bridal Veil Falls

It’s free!

And easy to get to from the main road.

The Trail

From the base of the falls to the top: 1.2 miles.

*Bridal Veil Falls, Telluride, CO* *still flows even with low amounts of recent rainfall.*

#1 Havasu Falls, Grand Canyon, Arizona

Difficulty: Moderate/Hard, length of trail, low elevation, pack mules available but keep in mind how that would contribute to animal cruelty.

*100 foot drop from a cliff, Havasu* *Falls also offers turquoise blue water to swim in. One of earths rarity’s!*

Tucked away within the Grand Canyon, lies an oasis. That oasis contains a 100 foot waterfall that has some of the United States’ bluest waters. A turquoise blue that can only be found at Havasu Falls.

The Quick Rundown

Part of the Havasupai Indian Reservation, and located within tribal lands, this one has become one of the hardest waterfalls to get to if you aren’t already living within the reservation. It once was open to the public but COVID-19 forced a change on that policy. Now, it is only available by reservation, and reservations are not easy to obtain.

To land a reservation is to play the lottery; literally. Permits to visit Havasu Falls typically go on sale on February 1st each year. Most permits are usually bought out within the first few hours of them going on sale.

If you want a chance at snagging a permit, make an account in advance by clicking this link, and then be ready to go at 8am February 1st.

Best Time To Visit

The warmer months are going to be your best best bet because the Havasu Falls are all about the swimming. I’d visit as early as possible after tickets go on sale.

Pricing At Havasu Falls:

Per person on weekday $100 per day.

Per person on weekend $125 per day.

Camping reservations require a 3night/4day reservation.

There’s a lodge available; though it’s rather small, with a quantity of just 24 rooms. These book quickly, of course. To book a room, call (928) 448-2111

You may add a helicopter tour for $170

Reservations cannot be transferred to other people. The person named on the reservation is the only person that reservation will allow in.

However, reservations can be resold at this link. So, if you didn’t get a permit on opening day, then you might still have a chance.

The Trails

Hualapai Parking Lot to Supai Lodge: 8 miles

Lodge to Havasu Falls Camping Area: 2 miles

Havasu Campground to Mooney Falls: .5 miles

Mooney Falls to The Colorado River: 8 miles

Not A Trail, But Still Fun

You can take a rafting tour of the river, available from the lodge as an add-on to your stay. If you’d like more information on the rafting availability you’ll want to inquire at the front desk upon arrival. These, like everything else within the oasis, are often booked out.

A Final Word

Havasu Falls is a bucket list item that every hiker should have on their list of places to hike to. Not only is the waterfall beautiful but the water color at the falls is worth the trip alone. It’s rare to find such a gem, and this one doesn’t fail to shine.

I do not receive any commission for this post. I simply want to provide my readers with information that I’ve learned over time, so that it can later be passed on to the next generation of hikers.

This post was written by Evan.

Hiking The Columbia River Gorge Via Eagle Creek Trail

The signature trailhead for the Columbia River Gorge is the Eagle Creek Trail. This trail is famous for its lush forest scenery and a hiking path that takes you through a waterfall. Yes, through a waterfall! Many trails offer views of the falls but nothing quite like this. Walking through what is known as “Tunnel Falls” gives you the exciting sounds of rushing water, the breathtaking views from the elevation gain, and the elemental feel that Oregon has to offer.

*The Tunnel Falls exit, a hike through a waterfall!*

Speaking of the elements, be sure to check the trail conditions before planning this hike. The trail is located in an area where icy weather is very possible, and, as a polar opposite, forest fires. You can see the trail conditions in the link below:

Eagle Creek Pass Weather Conditions

This trail is at risk of natural storms, high amounts of ice buildup, and forest fires, so it’s best to check the closures notifications as well. You may check the trail closure announcements here:

National Park Service Notice of Trail Closures and Conditions: Eagle Creek

The Trail

Hiking the Eagle Creek trail can be a very short trip of just 4.2 miles if you’re only doing the quick version of the hike. If you are wanting a quick, but moderate-difficulty day hike, this is your place to go. However, many people travel to Oregon to see the Columbia River Gorge because the the trip can be extended to a multi-day backpacking hike of 26.6 miles.

This is what brings me here. I currently live in the Midwest, so I wouldn’t be itching to travel to a hike that’s not worth the time. Believe me when I say, if you’re into thru-hiking and want a good training area, or if you simply want a trail that’s not packed with people, and it also offers the capability to setup camp in the wilderness, then Eagle Creek will not let you down.

How To Get There

If you’ve read my other post about planning a backpacking trip, then you’d know I highly suggest booking an Airbnb or hotel stay within 3 hours from your destination. In the morning it’ll be much easier to drive that final bit if you’ve travelled by car. Backpacking can be one of those things that make for less sleep depending on what type of environment you end up dealing with when you’re spending the night with Mother Nature. So, personally, I like to start off on the right foot *queue applause for corny joke*.

*The bridges on this trail offer amazing views.*

If you travel by plane. Portland is where you’ll be flying into anyhow, so I still offer the same perspective. Sometimes, my suggestion would change based on driving or flying, but, this is not one of those times.

For example: if driving to the Rocky Mountains, my wife and I found a nice little cabin in Stratton and also the city of Castle Rock was quite beautiful. If flying, then Denver is the place to stay.

I don’t get any commission for this, I just want my readers to know that there are options out there. I’ve stayed in some Airbnbs that were really nice, and I’ve stayed in some that were very sketchy. So, if you don’t mind spending a little extra, sometimes a nice hotel is a better pick in my personal opinion. Here’s a quick glance at what the prices look like per night in Portland, OR on Airbnb:

*Airbnb stays are available in the Portland area if you’re interested in visiting while planning your hike through Eagle Creek.*

*Eagle Creek trailhead is a 46 minute drive from Portland. If it’s your first time in Oregon, I highly suggest taking in the urban scenery the city has to offer either before or after your hike.*

Once you’ve planned your stay, you can get to Eagle Creek via Uber, Lyft, Shuttle, or driving. There is a parking fee if you park at the trailhead. There is also an Eagle Creek campsite that you can utilize for a fee. If you have the National Park Pass, then it’s free to enter the campsite, but you’ll still need to pay your parking fee per car. Do not attempt to park along the roadside or you will be towed.

How To Complete The Hike

You’ve got options:

It’s 4 miles to Punchbowl Falls

It’s 6.5 miles to High Bridge

It’s 12 miles to Tunnel Falls

It’s 26.6 miles to Wahtum Lake

The thing about The Columbia River Gorge is that waterfalls are concentrated in this area. There is a five mile stretch that contains 13 waterfalls. The highest waterfall available will be Twister Falls and it rises to 140 feet. So, if you’re looking for amazing waterfalls to hike to, this is one of the places to be!

*Don’t venture too far off of trail without placing markers, the woods in Oregon are dense and can begin to “blend” (looking the same the further you travel*, *risking navigation confusion).*

Completing this hike will require a couple of days so be prepared to setup camp. Wilderness campsites are not pre-plotted here, so if you hike past the 12 mile mark you’ll likely be able to find an area to yourself. There are crowds at the trailhead if you go during “busy hours” but as you hike further out they start to thin out until you find yourself only running into other hikers every now and then. Wilderness camping truly requires you to be prepared so if you need additional information on this you can read my blog post about planning your first backpacking trip.

Reminder: ice crystals form easily in the humidity out here. If the temperatures are expected to drop below freezing while you’re out on the trail, be prepared for it!

For safety, there are cables to hold onto on the high-drop off areas. It’s rainy and muddy in the Pacific Northwest, so watch your step! Trekking poles may get in the way of hanging onto the cable system when needed. A hiking pole may be more trail-friendly in this particular setting.

There are six campsites throughout the trail. You can find the main one here, along with links to the additional, smaller campgrounds available.

Side note: this is an out and back trail.

*You’ll start to see dynamic views as you climb. The best views are always from the top!*

What Gear To Take

I am very fond of traveling light. That includes when I’m backpacking. I don’t just travel light, I travel ultralight. It’s really the best way to backpack and hike. You can conserve energy, make it much further between rest areas, and need for less water.

I have a guide on ultralight equipment. Click here to read the post.

Eagle Creek Park Maps

Lastly, I want to post a couple of trail maps for you. These maps are just of the public park areas but are useful when you’re in the tourist-area.

*Photo credit: Eagle Creek Park Foundation*

Before closing out this post I want to mention the AllTrails app has the capability to download routes before going. This allows you to pull up your location and see where you need to go to get back to the trail if you become lost, even without cell phone reception.

Closing

If you’re looking for a beautiful escape into the wild, Eagle Creek can definitely offer you an amazing experience.

Hopefully, this blog article has helped you with getting more info on Eagle Creek to better plan your stay and help you to have an enjoyable hiking experience.

This Guide Was Written By Evan Erwin

**Visit the homepage to learn more about HykLyt**

Ultralight Backpacking, Saving Ounces & Increasing Costs

*We’re out there trying to walk on the clouds like Takayuki.*

“When there’s snow on the ground, I like to pretend I’m walking on clouds.”
Takayuki Ikkaku

Backpacking, in many ways, is the ultimate adventure. It exposes you to everything Mother Nature has to offer. The elements don’t take your comfort into consideration, and storms can brew seemingly out of nowhere. Harsh conditions require the right amount of preparation, and at times, a lighter footstep.

After your first few day-hikes or overnights, you may realize that all of that gear, neatly packed away into your pack of choice, gets heavy. When everything in your pack weighs 1lb or more, you quickly find yourself with a 26+lb setup.

Some hikers, especially thru-hikers, find that saving ounces enhances their experience on the trails. When your hike involves multiple overnights, and long distance traveling, it’s best to keep as much weight off of your feet as possible.

On any given day, a thru-hiker may complete 14 to 20 miles hiked!

For anyone interested in saving ounces, this post is for you. I will use base equipment (similar to many hikers’ starter gear), and compare its weight and cost to some of the top-of-the-line equipment that’s available. It’ll read a bit more like an analysis than my other articles, but I feel it will truly benefit new hikers who are interested in learning about how to upgrade their gear, while downgrading the weight they have to carry.

Cutting Your Ounces & Cost Comparison

*Looking through your kit, how much of your gear can you leave behind*?

It’s a loaded question, really. How much of your gear can you leave behind? Let’s be honest, we don’t want to leave any of our gear behind. Our gear keeps us safe, warm, and dry.

So why would you not take all of it?

Well, you can, in a lighter capacity. This is one of my favorite subjects when it comes to gearing. Upgrading!

I’ll break down the gear into a list format and then find ultralight-weight solutions to each piece individually:

Backpack

*At just 1lb 15.7oz, the Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Southwest* *is optimal for ultralight backpacking.*

One of the best ways to reduce weight from your pack is by reducing the pack weight itself. The bag I use on regular hikes is the Osprey Atmos AG 50, which weighs in at 4.5lbs.

4.5 pounds is not considered lightweight, but I love the bag and how well thought out it is for multi-day trips. The hyperlite bag pictured above would be my pick for serious elevation.

Backpack frames are one of the majority’s of your weight with new setups. Exchanging the Osprey Atmos 50 ($300.00) with the Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Southwest ($355.00) would cost $55.00 extra and reduce weight by 2.5lbs.

Difference estimate = $55.00, saves 2.5lbs

Sleeping Bag

*Sea to Summit’s Ultralight Spark Sleeping Bag is my favorite bag by Sea to Summit.*

I use a Hyke & Byke branded sleeping bag for usual outings. The brand makes a good quality bag, that’s durable, and very budget friendly. A Hyke & Byke “Quandary Down Sleeping Bag” weighs 2.24lbs whereas the Sea to Summit “Spark” weighs just 13.6 ounces. As for the pricing difference, the Hyke & Byke costs $155.00, whereas the Sea to Summit costs $359.00.

The cost starts adding up when seeking a fully ultralight setup, but if you do it, you’ll most likely never want to go back.

Difference estimate = $204.00, saves 0.5lbs

Rainjacket

Rain jackets add close to a pound to your kit. The Patagonia “Torrentshell 3L”, for example, weighs in at 13.9 ounces; however, the Patagonia “Houdini” full-zip rain jacket sits at 3.7 ounces. This saves you about 3/4 a pound.

The great thing about ultralight rain jackets is in this department you can actually save money to go with ultralight options. That’s because many rain jackets are made with heavier materials and therefore require more output cost to create. The “Torrentshell 3L” costs $149.00 whilst the “Houdini” only runs $99.00. Remember though, with ultralight jackets there are more chances for it not to hold up in a heavy storm.

I suggest carrying both types of jackets. Though, that adds a pound.

Difference estimate = -$50.00, saves 0.75lb

Tent

Tents are usually your heaviest piece of equipment in your kit. In this example I’ll use a popular REI tent, the REI “Passage 2”. The weight for it is 5lb 10oz. This is a great tent if you don’t want to fork over the additional cost for an ultralight, but compared to the “Ultamid 2” (pictured above), it is quite heavy.

The cost difference is much higher in tent selections; with the REI “Passage 2” costing $169.00 compared to the HMG “Ultamid 2” costing $825.00.

This is a deal breaking budget for many, and if that’s the case, I say pick an in between.

The NEMO Aurora 3P is the best tent I’ve every had and the price is in between the other two tents I’ve discussed, coming in at $349.00.

Tents have a lot of different options. What materials were used? How many people does it sleep? Are they designed simply for survival or for comfort? All of these questions play into the weight of the tent. So be mindful when selecting.

For me, “the lighter the better”, but also that means a minimalistic campsite.

Difference estimate = $656.00, saves 4lbs

Cookware

Odolands cookware set runs just $34.99 but weighs 1lb. This is actually lighter weight compared to other ultralight sets.

The MSR lightweight cook-set weighs 1lb 12oz. Also the MSR costs $85.00. So, I’ll just estimate on this one because there are plenty of cooking sets to choose from on the market. Let’s just go with a $0.00 change and reduces weight by 0.5lb.

Difference estimate = $0.00, saves 0.5lbs

Medical Equipment

*I’ve had to break into this kit before, it has plenty of emergency items stored inside.*

Medical equipment is another piece of equipment that will vary. With a lot of different ones being lightweight and around the same pricing, you can’t really go wrong here. I prefer the one pictured above because it comes in a water-tight bag, keeping your emergency equipment dry.

For this, let’s zero out the difference altogether and come to a final tally for all gear changes.

Difference estimate = $0.00, 0.0lb

*Sometimes, the best views are while you’re still climbing .*

The final count for change of cost is $865.00 and it reduces your backpacking weight by 7.8lbs! Of course, these numbers vary greatly based on what gear you actually have; but, my hope is that this article provides a little insight into how to get your pack under 16lbs when fully packed out.

Ultralight = Ultra-minimalist.

If you’re like me and you want to reduce your weight even further, you can start browsing ultralight versions of all of your gear, including utensils, rainflys, hammocks, and more. Every little bit counts when you’re thru-hiking and have 1600 miles to complete (or more). Some, would rather save the money and learn to live with the extra weight in their bag, and there’s nothing wrong with that.

Thanks for reading, pro-hikers.

Click here to return to the list of blogs.

Ultralight Gear List for Hiking

“The best view comes after the hardest climb.”
Unknown.

If you’ve read the post about how you should prepare for your backpacking trip by selecting the right boots, bag, and training for the adventure, then you’re ready to start learning about the essentials to gearing. Gear comes in all shapes, forms, and sizes and it can get a little overwhelming when you’re trying to sort out what you need and what you could live without. This list will introduce you to the gear that I find absolutely necessary for successful backpacking, especially if the trip is planned to be a multi-day.

Tent

I’m going to list a little bit of information about ultralight tents, as they have become my favorite gear piece and irreplaceable in my opinion, but feel free to select the type of tent you prefer, or one that works well with your budget. For some people the tent, is “just” a tent, but for me, it’s what makes my trip great vs. a little less great.

Choosing your tent (if you’re planning overnights) is going to be crucial to how you can pack the rest of your kit. Many tents take up a lot of space in certain bags so in this case, the smaller and lighter it stows away, the better!

I suggest spending a little extra to get an ultralight tent. These tents can be purchased from single person to four person in most cases and stow away around just 4lbs! The greatest thing I’ve found about ultralight tents is how quick they are to setup and stow away.

Many will have hooks on the outside of the tent that you can attach to the tent structure itself. See the image below. These make it very easy to setup camp. You simply lie your tent on the ground. Set the poles up over it, then clip the clips to the tent poles and cinch down the corners.

*NEMO Aurora 3P is a great example of how these ultralight tents are so simple to setup.*

*Most of the ultralight tents will come with their own rain fly to attach over the tent when necessary.*

Do you think ultralight means less durable? Think again! Many of the ultralight lines are actually built with a higher quality component such as Silnylon (nylon impregnated with silicone to create waterproofing). These lighter weight, high quality materials used in ultralight gear design have “ripstop” stitching and endure the elements of all 4 seasons. Some may only be made for 3 seasons; so double check the listing when purchasing. For tents that aren’t 4 season, they’re intended for this, and usually have a lot of venting for summer-time or very little venting for harsh winter storms. It’s important to know which seasons your tent is made for. The last thing you want is to wake up in a puddle because the tent you purchased didn’t have the proper breathability.

Fun fact: Did you know that are mm measurements in the stitching of tents? This isn’t millimeters, it’s micrometers. That’s right! There’s a micro-science to how the stitch patterns are sewn. “Ripstop” stitching is more than just “tough material”.

Sleep Gear

Important to note that when you are buying a sleeping bag, make sure to check it’s degree rating. You will want a sleeping bag with a rating lower than the lowest temperature you plan to be sleeping in.

Sleeping bags are an essential item. Do not skip it, even if the weather is supposed to be hammock-able (amicable?) (I crack myself up!). As noted above the degree rating could literally save your life!

Something else to think about when choosing your sleeping bag is the material used for insulation. You have plenty of options here: flannels, down, down-alternative, cotton, and many more. I like to use down-alternative sleepwear. It’s soft, lightweight and packs down small to leave as much space as possible in my pack.

If possible, stow your sleeping bag in a keep-dry stuff-sack. It’ll make for a very unfortunate evening if your sleep gear is soaked because you dropped your bag in a river! I get it, things happen… that’s why we prepare!

My wife and I love our ENO jungle hammocks. I’ve spent the night in mine on multiple occasions when the weather was nice and the sky was clear. There are rain fly separates purchasable for these as well if you just want a hammock setup more than a tent setup. I live with the extra weight and bring both.

Because sleep mats/pads aren’t really an essential, I’m going to leave them out of this post. Just know that those are an option as well. Life-hack: get an ENO hammock with bug net, a rain fly, light sleep bag and a lightweight mat, and you’ve got yourself a wilderness castle that folds down to the size of your tent pocket in the 50L bags, which leaves a ton of room (and carry weight) for other items. This life hack is not storm or snow friendly.

Click here for more info on jungle-hammock camping setups.

Attire

You’re going to want to have a change of clothes to stay dry and clean. Probably more than one, honestly. Especially if you find yourself in the mountains, where weather conditions change rapidly.

I’ve been on the mountainside and caught in three different storms within a four hour window before. Being properly outfitted made the journey so much better, and; while my wife and I were pressing forward, we watched as the less-prepared turned back to escape the harsh mountaintop elements.

We learned something that day. We learned that some rain jackets get way too hot for intermittent rainstorms in a temperate climate. We ended up finding lighter weight “The North Face” jackets that retained a lot less heat for this type of weather. I’d say Gore-Tex material is not really needed unless it’s going to be colder out, *or you’re planning to endure heavy rainfall.*

*Dress appropriately and be prepared for the weather to shift.*

Again, I’ll list something that’s very useful but not considered an essential: water-hikers!

With attire there are a few things you’ll want to keep on the list: a non cotton-top (such as a polyester, for easy and quick drying capability), if your trip involves any cold conditions then pack insulating gear such as thermals and down-alternative jackets. Things like beanies, gloves, buff, face mask, etc. are dependent on where your trail leads.

Smart-wool socks will keep your feet dry by wicking moisture away from your feet.

Cookware

Ask yourself: Are you staying long enough to need to cook? The cookware is awesome stuff, but remember, it adds weight to your pack, even if minimal.

Amazing campfire meals by Cass! For our campsites that we had booked in the Rockies, we used a Coleman propane double-burner and it perfectly suited our needs. For backpacking, an ultralight MSR burner would do the trick.

If you plan to cook, don’t forget the fire starter or the fuel! Without one or the other, the rainy days can really ruin your trek, especially when you’re out in the middle of “nowhere” (lucky!). There are people who put a lot of trust into starting friction fires, but I wouldn’t bet my life on it when push comes to shove. I highly recommend that no matter how good you are at starting a natural fire, you pack accordingly.

Many outdoors stores sell food provisions that come in full meal kits. You can have a salmon dinner with broccoli and rice tucked into your side pocket these days! Check out some of the local favorites as well. There are a lot of tasty options at places like Cabelas or REI (or any of your area’s large outdoor retailers).

Keep snacks like trail mix, protein  bars, or dried fruits stored safely. In a bear canister would be best. Yes, they take up space in your kit. Yes, they’re worth it. Check and know your local guidelines for wildlife safety precautions.

Lighting

Lighting is hard to come by when the clouds are out to play and there’s no city lights bouncing reflection back to you. Things like string lights and lanterns are good to have, but add weight. There’s really one solution I’ve found for this: my wife and I used many different lights but both of us agree that these were the most useful, packed small & light, and gave off plenty of light.

*Goal Zero Collapsible Lanterns. Fun fact: they make string lights too!*

Emergency Equipment

*Water filtration devices keep you from having to carry excess bladder space, which would add a lot of weight to your bag.*

Pack your emergency equipment.

Short note: first aid kit, snake bite kit, emergency blanket, bear spray, pouch of medicines, life straw, iodine tablets, epi-pen if you require one.

Long note: I’m posting another article just about emergency equipment.

Click here to learn more about emergency equipment.

Toiletries

To each their own on this. Just remember to pack your toiletries! For safety reasons, use unscented wipes that are also biodegradable. You’ll want unscented-everything. Scents attract bears! If you’re in bear county, have your toiletries stored safely in a proper bear canister.

What’s left?

Honestly, the rest is simply for comforts. If you have these things covered, then you’re packed! Next step? Step!

The only thing left to worry about your pack out now, is getting it lighter!

Click here to learn how to navigate the National Parks timed-entry.

Easy Campfire Skillet Recipe; Sausage, Broccoli, Rice

If you’ve ever climbed a mountain then you know there’s only one thing you’re worried about when you get back to the bottom. Food!

Here’s a tasty and healthy recipe that brings all of the nutrients your body needs to replenish after a long hike. It’s easy to cook up, and can be prepped beforehand for a fast cook time.

Ingredients

1 Tbs Olive Oil

1 Tbs Butter

1 lb Smoked Sausage

2 Cups Broccoli Florets

1 1/2 Cups Cooked White Rice

1 tsp Garlic Powder

1 tsp Onion Salt

1/4 tsp Pepper

1/2 tsp Salt

How to Store It To Be Cooked Out On The Trail

To store this meal prep to later be cooked on a trail skillet, you’ll want to leave it at your campsite in an ice chest until the day it is going to be used. If you do not plan to utilize a primary camp site and you are thru-hiking, this will need to be cooked on day 1. Provisions are better to take when thru-hiking.

For storing:

Put the sliced sausage, cut broccoli, cooked rice, butter, and mixed seasonings in separate ziploc bags. Put all of the ziploc bags in an airtight container and label it. If stored at primary campsite with an ice chest, this meal prep will stay good for five days before or after cooking.

How To Make It

1) Heat A Camp Skillet: Over medium high heat.

2) Add Butter & Olive Oil: Until Melted

3) Add The Sausage: Cook for about 5 min or until the sausage begins to brown.

4) Add The Broccoli: Cover and reduce the heat to low, cooking for about 5 min, and stirring occasionally.

5) Add The Cooked Rice

6) Sprinkle The Seasoning: Garlic powder and onion salt.

7) Stir Well: Then Serve!

After The Meal

Using the container that you had the ziplock bags in, you can store the leftovers by sealing them inside and replacing the container into the ice chest.

Let me know what you think about this campfire recipe, and, if you enjoyed learning about it, please consider subscribing to the blog. It’s free, and keeps the HykLyt dream growing. Just enter your email below, and you’ll be kept up-to-date on everything HykLyt.

Thanks for reading, hiker!

This post was written by Evan but the delicious recipe was designed by Cass.

Walk A Little Slower With Morning Hike Poetry

If you know me, you’d know that for awhile I studied literature in college (amongst many other majors before ultimately deciding on sociology). I found some of the most interesting reads during that time of growth.

I remember reading Dracula, and telling my instructor that it was too cliche and that I’d like to switch my study book. So, I changed it to Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice”. That book introduced me to the revolutionary era of literature during the worlds industrialization phase.

The romantic period they (scholars) call it. It was during the time that books became novels and characters in the books showed feelings and thoughts of their own, instead of what the royalty in society would expect the characters to think.

It was a monstrous time in the eyes of the kingdom, but an exciting breakthrough in the eyes of the lower and middle class.

Before novels, we had poetry. Everything was written in a poetic format. The news was introduced through poetry. Messages between one another; poetry. Promises written in ink; poetry.

I try to imagine what a world full of poetry would be like, but it escapes me as I am so used to today’s forms of literature.

You may have noticed in many of my other blog posts that I’ve referenced poetry by K. Tolnoe (you’ll find her short poems at the end of most of my posts). The reason for that, is I connect so deeply with many of those one liners. It is difficult to explain but it’s almost like those single sentence or two sentence poems were written for me to discover. It has a grounding effect for me and resonates deep within.

I liked her poems so much, I supported her by buying her book, “The Wolf”. It didn’t take long for me to finish cover to cover and from time to time I revisit those pages.

I have found a sense of peace through poetry and I have learned that something I really like to do is take that poetry with me on backpacking trips and day-hikes. The reason for it? It explores thoughts and perspectives that are not my own.

I want to share some of my favorite nature poems with you here, on HykLyt. Hopefully, you’ll find a small part of yourself that you didn’t know you had.

William Wordsworth; The Most Famous Nature Poet

K. Tolnoe; My Favorite Poet

Disclaimer: There is a typo in the poem. Kamilla is from Denmark and the language barrier may be the culprit.

Walt Whitman; The America Poet

Sara Teasdale; Wartime Poet

Tupac Shakur; Legendary Hip-Hop Artist

This post was written by Evan.

Land Navigation For Hikers

Terrain Association Via Topographic Map

Terrain association is a comparison of what you can see in real life and matching that with your map. The best terrain association develops when you’re able to locate specific ridges and mountain tops on your map thanks to what are called topographic maps .

With a topographic map you’ll be able to triangulate your location rather easily; simply by finding the largest landmarks around you. A tall rock formation, a tree line, or a riverbed can help you determine which way you need to go.

Topographic maps add contour lines where a regular atlas does not. You’re able to quickly find hotspot locations thanks to how much easier it is to follow the pathing when curvature and depth have been added to a map, unlike the paper maps you’ll come across at every travel center.

There will be multiple colors for different contour lines. These colors will represent a different level of “steepness” and when you have more than one contour line following the same path you can expect a very steep ridge.

Check the map legend for elevation measurements on contour lines.

After having a topographic map, you’ll see that your compass apps are a bit lackluster in comparison. There are apps such as AllTrails Pro that have some topographic features built into it, but those cost a subscription to continue to utilize.

So, How Do You Perform Land Navigation?

In its truest form, land navigation is done with a protractor tool, a 1:25,000 full color topographic map, and a compass that doesn’t stick.

The protractor would be used to encapsulate a radius and that radius would be laid out multiple times, plotting the landmarks along the way, until you reach your destination.

However, for the hiker’s land nav, all you need to do is practice your pace, and familiarize yourself with the direction you’re wanting to travel.

Practicing Your Pace

You’ll want to have a full understanding of how far your pace gets you while hiking. For many, 100 steps is equal to one Klik, or kilometer. A kilometer is also equal to a little over half a mile (0.62 mile/3280 feet).

How do you tell when you’re planning a klik off of eyesight alone?

When you are in the wilderness, a klik is usually going to be what you can clearly see along your horizon. Not the furthest back on the horizon, but the closest horizon object you can make out without any problem. On a clear day, with nothing blocking your view, a person can clearly see roughly 3 miles. So, if you are on flat ground and can see all the way to the curvature of your horizon line, then divide that out by six and there’s your klik!

Remember that terrain will affect your pace. It takes, on average, 100 steps to reach a kilometer on flat land, but if you’re heading uphill you can count on 120 steps, and if you’re heading downhill, you can reduce it to 90 steps.

Plotting Your Kliks

After you have a good understanding of what your pace looks like you can use the legend on your map to estimate how far your destination is, and how many kliks you will be trekking. The map-key should have a mile or half mile stretch measured on the legend of the map.

Use those half mile stretches to get a base understanding of which landmarks you should be able to see at each klik plot point. Then plot the point at these landmarks.

If you travel your first kilometer and reach your landmark, then check the horizon for your next landmark, rinse and repeat, then you’ve now learned how to Land Nav!

The Best Land Nav Checkpoints

You’re going to do a lot better with your land navigation skills if you learn to seek out the best plot points on your map.

The best land nav checkpoints are going to be rivers & streams, ridges, valleys, roads, trail crossings and railroads.

The second best land nav checkpoints will be elevation changes such as hills, cliffs, and spurs.

Now That You Are Ready To Practice Your Land Nav Skills

Keep in mind that you should have tie-offs in your pack. For survival purposes, if you are using land nav to get to safety, or find a source of water, use tie-offs on tree branches every few hundred feet to help guide your way back, if needed.

If you’re just out exploring and going for a trek, remember that the best thing for the great outdoors, is to leave no trace!

This post was written by Evan

The Seasoned Thru-Hiker; A Guide On Preparing For Destination Hiking

Training for a thru-hike, especially one rated “difficult”, is something that every hiker should do before taking the long journey to that end game. These are some tips to get you started:

Find Your Training Spot Close To Home

This is one I struggle with myself, because where I’m from, there isn’t much elevation to work with. I typically travel to destination hikes to get the real adventure going, but not all is lost if you live in the prairie-lands, like me.

One of the most important aspects to training, is having a training spot that is close to home. I found a Nature Park near my house and began to utilize that area as my “thru-hike” spot. Sure, there were lots of people there with their kids or churches and schools bussing group visits around (because this park was in the heart of the city), and they probably were wondering, “why in the world is that guy wearing a full climb get-up in this 3 mile stretch?”. I like to think they understand that I’m simply out there to train and I’m not as crazy as I look!

So, I walk the paths, and because each path is only 2 or 3 miles long, I walk them several times. This helps the legs stretch and get used to a cadence that will keep your momentum moving when you’re on a thru-hike that takes months to complete. You essentially change your walking/hiking stride. To cover lots of terrain you want a good stride, and you want to be able to work with that stride, even while wearing your full pack.

Should I Train On Other Things Besides Just Hiking?

Absolutely. I mountain bike regularly. In fact, I was mountain biking every day for quite some time. This helped shape me up, grow the muscles in the legs and really help with my core balance, strength and posture.

Recently, I’ve started adding the gym into the mix. I felt like the cardio from the bike alone was beginning to plateau and I needed to stir things up a bit. Now, I’m just as addicted to the gym, as I am to biking, hiking, backpacking, and writing!

There’s really no way to go wrong with training, as long as you’re training. So, don’t feel like you’re not owning up to some sort of expectations just because other people seem to know what they’re doing. The truth is, no one truly knows what we’re doing. As science and medicine and mathematics, etc, continue to evolve, and as humans continue to learn, we will continuously shape our ideas on what’s right.

What About Acclimation

Thru-hiking will take you on a serious journey. You’ll come across some of the lowest zones, and then find yourself on some of the highest elevation gains, all on the same trail as it spans across it’s 2,100 miles (or more!). Thinking about acclimation is definitely something to take into consideration.

The unfortunate fact of the matter is, for some thru-hikers it can take a month to fully acclimate. If that’s the case, then they’d already find themselves a third of the way into their thru-hike and guess what?… the terrain has shifted, no longer requiring the acclimation.

When it comes to acclimation there’s not much of a way to truly get used to the elevation gains unless you are nearby and can constantly train there. Another way would be to rent a place in the area for some time and live there for a bit, but that’s really taking a stretch just to go on a destination hike.

So, get out there, and have fun with it! Listen to your body, rest when needed, eat when you’re hungry. Thru-hiking doesn’t require someone to go on a full on keto (survival mode) diet. It only requires the person to be able to carry themselves well.

My best advice is that if you’re like me, and live somewhere that has very little elevation gain, you take it slow at first when you arrive to your thru-hike. The first time I experienced very high elevation gains was when I backpacked the Rocky Mountains. I could feel the air thinning out with every step up after a certain height. It made me feel lightheaded, almost dizzy at times, and exhausted. I wasn’t acclimated and wouldn’t have had the time to acclimate anyhow as I was only there for 6 days.

Something super important to note, is at times like the above paragraph, you need to understand what your body is trying to tell you. Do not push through a dangerous attempt when your body is literally trying to shut down on you. Stop, rest, sleep if you need, eat your snacks, hydrate and then go ahead and cancel the climb for now. The mountain will most likely still be there to try again later, when you’re not at risk of serious injury or illness.

Rangers are usually available to help someone off the mountains when needed. Know your emergency numbers at each location you trek.

Carrying That Backpack

One of the best (and worst) parts about backpacking is getting used to carrying that pack. I say it’s the best because once you’re familiar with your setup you will be prepared for anything. Did it just start raining out of nowhere? No problem, my rain jacket is easily accessible from the front stretch pocket. Do I want to setup camp but don’t feel like digging through all of my stuff right now? I can just pull my sleeping bag from the bottom stowaway pouch. Did I just get a bee sting? No worries, my safety kits are in the top zip-pouch.

Knowing your pack out like the back of your hand is going to help your hikes feel successful and second nature. To get used to carrying it everywhere, just take it training with you. Practice using the different slots and pouches available to see what works for you. And remember to add more miles each week. By the time you make it to your destination hike, you won’t even notice the weight of your pack.

Add Miles Weekly

Like I’ve mentioned above, this is how you’ll get used to the weight you carry, adjust your hiking stride, and prepare your lungs for efficient oxygen intake. You want to push your limits on this exercise.

For the first week, walk as much as you can until you’re noticing you really need a break. Then stop. Record how far you’ve made it and rest until the next week (you should get to the point where you’re hike-training three days a week, but when you first start it’s okay to feel like one day a week is plenty).

When the following week comes around, hit your recorded marker, then add a mile. Then record, and head back home again.

Continue this rinse and repeat until you’re hiking 10 miles a day without problem. Many thru-hikers hike around 16 miles a day. If you train at 10 that’s a great starting point for beginners. If you’re able to get it to 16 before your trip, even better!

Understand Provisions

Something we don’t want to skip: food!

You need to know what provisions you have and you need to understand how to ration them based on how much area you still have left to cover before a restock.

You’re going to feel hungry on a thru-hike. Let me reiterate, You’re going to always feel hungry on a thru-hike. It’s the nature of the beast when it comes to long distance hiking. Remember, thru-hiking requires you to burn an exceptional amount of calories every day while you’re on the trail.

A great way to prepare yourself and train for this, is to understand your body and to learn how to eat for fuel instead of pleasure or out of boredom. Eat healthy, provide the nutrients your body needs, and eat small portions five times six times a day. This will make sure your body is intaking the proper nutrients it needs. It will help with digestion. And, you’ll only be taking in the calories you need, instead of excess.

Have An Escape Plan

A seasoned thru-hiker doesn’t just head out into the wilderness without some sort of escape plan. Don’t allow yourself to get into a bad situation due to lack of preparation. Spend some time thinking over anything bad that could happen, and then prepare for it. Then do it again and make sure you didn’t miss anything.

Have maps downloaded and ready to show your routes even without cell phone reception (AllTrails is one of the apps that offer this).

Locate and know the ways to get in touch with “Trail Angels” along the paths of your thru-hike.

Understand where the restock locations are, and take note on where your at while on the trail so you know how much farther you may need to go. I’ll post a Land Navigation post and back link it here in the near future to help with this topic.

Have a way to signal that you need help.

This post was written by Evan