Choosing a Backpacking Route

Leading a good backpacking trip begins with tailoring the route to the ability of the group.

Mileage for mileage’s sake usually turns a good trip into an ordeal of endurance that Scouts may not want to repeat.

Better to have the Scouts eager to challenge a longer hike or a tougher trail than feel reluctant to try again.

Trail guides and maps for well-used trails are available from local equipment dealers, state agencies and libraries.

Guides are updated infrequently and trail conditions change often; be sure to use the most current information available. The only sure way to assess the suitability of any trail is actually hiking the route prior to the trip. If this is impractical confirm trail conditions by contacting whomever maintains the trail and reading what others have to say about it on the web.

Above all be flexible; plan alternative campsites and routes to accommodate changing weather, group performance on the hike, crowded campsites, etc. Terrain, Distance and Time Terrain, distance the size and ability of the group determine the time a hike requires. Be conservative in estimating time required to complete the hike.

Hiking with a group in the dark, or even in twilight, can be difficult and dangerous especially if weather conditions are less than ideal. Do not subject a group to discomfort and dangers; plan carefully.

Group size - Be considerate that some trails have adopted policies on the maximum size of hiking groups.

Larger groups move slower than smaller groups.

Levels of Difficulty Easy – Elevation changes of less than 250′ per mile, clear terrain.

Moderate – Elevation changes of 250′-500′ per mile and or clear or slightly rocky terrain.

Difficult – Elevation Changes over 500′ per mile and or rocky terrain. Time and Terrain Walking 1 mile level terrain = 1/2 hour 500 feet elevation gain or loss per mile + 1/2 hour {Note hiking downhill can be as challenging and require as much time as climbing; factor both positive and negative elevation changes into your final assessment.} Rocky or difficult trail conditions per mile + 1 hour Using these values an 8 mile hike that climbs 1000 feet and over two rocky miles will take about 7 hours.

Consider the slowest hiker, frequent stops and unforeseen difficulties. As a general rule first-time backpackers should not be expected to hike more than five or ten miles a day in moderate terrain under ideal conditions. selecting sleeting electing slating sledging Edit… Revert to “slecting” equals equal ls equal-ls equalise equally Edit… Revert to “equalls”