how to – 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.

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

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

The HykLyt Meal Plan For Camping

Disclaimer: this is a repost to make the meal plan article easier to access. It was originally posted in my guide to the Rocky Mountains.

I don’t want to brag here, but I kind of have an amazing chef as my trail partner (my wife). She spent a lot of time planning an entire week of breakfast, lunch, dinner, after-hike snacks, and even electrolyte reserves. So, when it comes to fuel, I was never running on empty. The good news is that I get to share this meal prep plan with you, pro-hiker!

First, you’re going to need a cooler that seals well. We used an Igloo brand. So long as you’re replacing your ice each day, the cooler should keep these meals over the course of a week. Be sure to eat it in the order listed, though.

The best order to eat your foods will be color-coded. This should ensure you make it through your trip without having foods spoil.

Color for foods to eat first.

Color for foods to eat second.

Color for foods to eat third.

Breakfast Menu

1) Over night oats with yogurt, almond butter, blueberries and granola

2) Eggs, bacon, orange juice, toast and jelly (cooked on a Coleman propane burner stove)

3) Bagels w/ cream cheese

Lunch or Brunch Menu

1) Egg salad sandwiches w/ chips

2) Tuna sandwiches and chips

Snack Menu

1) Baby bell peppers with cream chz and everything bagel seasoning

2) Cherries

3) Bananas

4) Strawberries and chocolate

5) Graham crackers, marshmallows, hersheys

6) High Sugar Snacks (Luna, Cliff, Etc.)

Dinner Menu

1) Meatballs with rice

2) Broccoli sausage rice

3) Salmon w/ white rice and broccoli

4) Shepherds pie

5) Ramen & Neguri

6) Red beans and rice

Hydration and Electrolytes

1) Water

2) Gatorade powder

For this, we grabbed a five gallon water and put it in the car to keep filling our Osprey bladders with. Then, anytime we needed mixing water for the powder we had it available.

*We used the Osprey bladders, they have a better mouthpiece in my personal opinion.*

Utensils You’ll Need

Cookware

• Large Frying pan

• Spatula

• Plastic and metal forks

• Spoons

• Knife

• Can opener

• Stove burner

• Small Propane x2

• Lighter

• Tongs

Cleaning Materials

• Wet ones

• Trash bags

• Laundry detergent

• Dish soap

For the Table

• Table cloth

• Folding chairs

• Folding table

• Paper plates

• Plates

• Paper Towels

For the Fire

• Fire starter sticks

• Lighter fluid

• Firewood

• Lighter

For Storage

• Ice chest

• Frozen water bottles

• Tupperware and foil pack meals and ingredients

*Another option to cook with is the MSR burner.*

Final Thought On Backpacking Meal Prep

It’s awesome. If you follow this list you can make it through a full week at your campsite. This allows you to store all of your food in bear safe containers and it doesn’t matter when you return, your food will still be ready to go. This is for our and back hiking. If you want to thru-hike you’ll need a provision list, which I’ll post at a later time. Thank you for reading!

This post was written by Evan

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

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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

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.

Keeping Your Dog Safe While Hiking

“The journey of life is sweeter when travelled with a dog.”
Anon

*Bring a small, clean bowl to supply water to your pup.* *This helps prevent altitude sickness.*

Do Dogs Like to Hike & Is It Good For Them?

The simple answer is, “Yes, dogs love to hike!” It is physical and mental stimulation, they get to see things they haven’t yet, and best of all, they get to use their noses! It can be a little worrisome to prepare a hiking trip with your furry companion, due to the risks involved with altitude, heat, and exhaustion, but if you read through these safety tips, you’ll feel more confident with your ability to take great care of your dog while hiking.

Helpful tip: carry a pup-medkit with you while you travel with your dog. Cuts, scrapes, and bruises can all present problems for you dog just as it would yourself.

Prevent Altitude Sickness In Dogs

H2O: There are a couple of things to consider when thinking about preventing altitude sickness in your dog. Primarily, make sure you keep water with you! Dogs need to be well-hydrated or they won’t be able to fight off altitude sickness as well. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! I recommend setting a bowl out for hydration every 15 to 20 minutes when hiking. Your dog should intake at minimum 8oz of water an hour while hiking.

Altitude: Your dogs ears are much more sensitive than your own, so altitude can be more uncomfortable for them than what you’re experiencing. If you live at sea level or lower elevations, and that is what your dog is used to, then I wouldn’t plan anything higher than 5,000 to 6,000 feet. You can train with your dog at these levels to start acclimating toward the 7,000 to 8,000 feet range. Anything higher than that, and you’re going to need to seriously watch your dogs behavior.

Symptoms: Your dog may become confused or exhausted if altitude sickness begins to set in. You know your dog better than anyone, so make sure you keep a close eye on how your dog is acting. Symptoms may include, but are not limited to:

• Vomiting

• Exhaustion

• Shortness of Breath

• Drooling & Excessive Panting

• Lack of Appetite

If any of these symptoms occur, stop, hydrate, and return to your home so your pup can rest.

Keeping Your Dog’s Paws Protected While Hiking

Did you know that dogs actually sweat through their paws?

A dogs paw consists of the metacarpal pad, the claws, the dewclaw, and the carpal pad (the smaller pad in the back). They’re comprised of fatty tissue which protects them from extreme conditions in the cold, such as the need to walk on snow and ice. However, the fatty tissue does not protect against extreme heat, such as a hot metal grate along the sidewalk (which my dog always avoids walking on).

What does the heat do? It causes the same problems you would have with your feet in extreme heat. Blisters form, skin tearing happens, and burns occur. A good rule of thumb while out with your dog is if it’s something you wouldn’t want to touch, then they shouldn’t either.

If your dog is prone to foot injuries, there is a wax you can by to spread across your pups paws. “Paw Balm” or “Mushers Secret” are examples of this wax. This helps keep the paw slick and hydrated so that tough surfaces while hiking don’t crack the dogs padding.

Helpful tip: Don’t forget to carry some tweezers with you! It’s very hard to remove a deeply rooted sticker from in between your dogs toes without tweezers.

Protecting Your Dog From The Heat While Hiking

*Help cool your dog down by carrying them when they seem like they are getting too hot. Wet their fur for extra cooling. Here, we’re carrying our trail buddy, Max, back to the car.*

As stated above in the altitude sickness section, hydration is going to be your friend, here. But there are some extra steps you can take to help reduce the chances of your dog becoming overheated.

One thing you can use is a doggie “cooling vest”. Cooling vests work by providing a larger surface for evaporation, essentially retaining moisture, which then cools your pup down. These are normally effective for 1.5 to 4 hours and work much better in humid environments than in dry.

Helpful tip: Just like running through a water sprinkler, if you fear your pup is overheated. Sprinkle some water all over it’s fur. This is a quicker way to decrease body temp than a cooling vest.

Protecting Your Dog From The Cold While Hiking

It’s actually theorized that dogs evolved in colder environments, based on how their foot padding works, and so, many of them can thrive in snow and ice. Even so, it’s important for them to have proper protection. Just as you would gear up for hiking in the cold, you’ll need to think of the same for your pup.

Items that come in handy for cold weather gearing your dog are “paw-booties“, “heated dog beds (upon return to campsite)”, and “dog-fitted sweaters”. Dressing a dog up for a hike in the winter weather is a lot of fun, great for pictures with the family, and more than anything, protects him or her from the elements.

Helpful Tip: Ice will form in longer hair on dogs just like they would on your hair or beard. Trim the foot fur on your pup before heading out on a hike in freezing conditions.

Keeping Your Dogs Energy Full While Hiking

Don’t take a long hike with your dog without taking some type of snacks. Your pup will thank you when you present a tasty treat on the trail. Some people are able to hike for hours without eating anything, but remember, it’s most likely after months (or even years) of conditioning for thru-hiking. Dogs are typically smaller than their owners, and aren’t capable of storing as much energy as we do. Many times, dogs have a low amount of body fat to store reserves.

It’s recommended to simply bring along your dogs usual kibble. Don’t feed a dog right before or right after a hike or they may get an upset tummy. If you plan to take a long hike (more than an hour), invest in some high protein kibble.

Can My Dog Carry Weight While Hiking?

You’ll want to spend time conditioning your dog for any pup-backpacking. Just going out on short walks, such as around the neighborhood, while your dog carries smaller amounts of weight, will help strengthen your dogs carrying capacity over multiple sessions of training. This isn’t something to rush into. That could be dangerous for your dog. Take time to train just the same as you would for yourself.

Helpful tip: A dog should only carry up to 25% of his or her body weight. Anything over that amount becomes limiting and cumbersome.

What Age Can I Take My Dog Hiking?

It’s suggested to wait until at least 12 months of age. You may check with your vet on your pups specific breed just to be extra-safe. Some breeds, such as those with shorter snouts, have a harder time adjusting their oxygen intake per breath, so as a puppy, the hike could be too challenging.

Plants to Avoid While Hiking With Your Dog

There are many plants to take into consideration when hiking with your pup. Some plants are toxic to dogs and should be avoided if at all possible. These plants include, but are not limited to:

• Ivy

• Elderberry

• Foxtails

• Bleeding Heart

• Mushrooms

• Lillies

Helpful tip: acorn tree nuts can also contain tannins that are harmful to dogs. Do not let your dog play with or chew on acorns. These will cause severe upset stomachs, kidney failure, and possible death.

Water Sources For Your Dog While Hiking

It’s a best practice to utilize the same water you drink, whether it’s spring water, purified water or tap water. Many times dogs will drink out of creeks and rivers while we hike past, and, although their stomachs are much stronger than humans, they are just as susceptible to parasites and bacteria.

Avoiding Ticks While Hiking With Your Dog

There are specific smells that will help avoid ticks while you’re out in the wilderness with your dog. Here’s a list of scents that repel ticks:

• Lavender

• Peppermint

• Citronella

• Lemongrass

• Citrus

There are also ultrasonic tick repelling collars available on the market to help repel ticks even more.

Dogs are susceptible to tick bites and tick borne diseases. In many cases, these tick borne diseases are not able to be vaccinated against. It’s important to use a tick preventive product on your dog.

Closing

Hopefully, you feel pretty confident taking your dog hiking with you after reading through these tips. If you have other tips that could be beneficial to others, I’d love for you to share them in the comments section below. Stay safe and have fun on the trail!

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