Hiking Advice

• Be prepared to hunt for firewood if your campsite doesn't have any stocked up. A folding saw is highly recommended. 

• Mummy sleeping bags are nice because they're pretty compact and they keep your head warm. 

• There are relatively cheap sleeping pads with a built in pump if you need the extra support for any body aches or injuries! Just be sure to account for the extra weight, and be sure to practice inflating it, deflating it, and folding it back to its original state. Same goes for your sleeping bag --practice opening it up and folding it so that it fits compactly in its bag. This will help a lot when you are getting ready in the morning!

• Bring some extra cordage. Its super versatile and it helps to get the tarps set up on the shelters.

• Specifically "bungee ball cords"  are extremely helpful and a lot easier to use to set up the tarps. 

• Carry a lot of water. The water at some campsites takes a long time to filter, so its better to bring more water than you think you'll need. But don't bring so much that it weighs you down - water is heavy.

• Use electrolyte powder. It stops muscle cramping and makes the water taste less like nickels. 

• Try not to bring too much clothing. Use layers that you can re-wear a few times. 

•  Bringing short sleeve or long sleeve shirts is more of a personal preference. Long sleeves are great for colder weather and extra protection against bugs, especially ticks. Its also extra protection from the sun. Some people may find more comfort with shorter sleeves. Walking for a long period of time and with such a heavy pack will make you feel like you are overheating at times, so having a short sleeve is beneficial in those cases; just make sure to check your arms for ticks or other bugs consistently.

• Tucking your pants into your socks provides extra safety against bugs and ticks especially. Same goes for tucking your shirt into your pants. 

• Bandanas are great for protecting your hair from the sun/bugs! And they are convenient to carry too! 

• Bring or try to find a walking stick. This trail has a lot of hills and walking sticks are especially helpful on the down.

• Hiking can take a huge toll on your knees. Knee sleeves and a runner's knee strap can come in handy during especially taxing climbs. Also consider using atheltic tape for any knee, hip, back, or shoulder pain, but change the tape after 2 days. The longer you leave it on, the more likely it will get stuck to your skin and cause irritation!

• Pain relieving patches are nice to have in case you experience any aches, or if any injuries start to flare up!

• Keep your phone on airplane and low power mode rather than completely shutting it off between uses. Saves time and battery life if you're taking pictures pretty often.

• Bring rain gear even if the weather looks clear. Preferably something for yourself and something to cover your pack.

• Just for extra precautions, line the inside of your bag with a garbage bag and place all your items inside. this way, you can close the garbage bag and provide extra protection from rain!

• You should aim for just over 40 pounds of weight in your pack.

• It's better to bring a headlamp than a handheld flashlight, so that you have both of your hands free for eating, praying, and working.

• Some advice from last year's hikers, who encountered more weather difficulties than we did: 

Bring plastic bags to put around your socks to keep them dry while you hike. (you can bring rubber bands to secure them around your ankles, or tie the bag if it is a shopping bag)

Use ziplock bags to protect electronics and clothes from the rain.