Introduction to Backpacking and Basic Wilderness Skills, 2nd Edition

By CDR Ronald M Carvalho Jr., USN(Ret)

A complete self contained reference manual and course book designed to teach fundamental Outdoor Skills and the Basics of Hiking and Backpacking in a safe structured manner. Intended to be used by individuals, students or Youth Group Leaders, the book is divided into 3 sections; "Introduction to Basic Wilderness Skills", "Backpacking Basics", and "Youth Leadership Development". The first two sections cover Hiking Essentials (clothing, essential equipment, environment), Basic Outdoor Skills (Fire Starting, Shelter Building, Water Procurement, Survival Basics), basic Land Navigation and Orienteering, Backpacking equipment selection ( tents, sleeping bags, and packs), and Trail Nutrition and Cooking. The 3rd section covers Youth Leadership Training, Development of Outdoor Skills Training Scenarios and Advanced Outdoor Techniques in knot tying and shelter building. The book contains easy to read Training Plans, and Course Templates for those who regularly work with youth or Outdoor Instructional programs.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Dec 29, 2015
• ISBN: 9781329785243

Book preview

Introduction to Backpacking and Basic Wilderness Skills, 2nd Edition

Introduction to Backpacking and Basic Wilderness Skills, 2nd Edition

An Integrated Approach for Teaching Basic Outdoor Skills to the 21st Century Youth

CDR Ronald M. Carvalho Jr., USN (Ret)

Introduction to Backpacking and Basic Wilderness Skills

Second Edition

Copyright © 2016

All rights reserved.

ISBN: 978-1-329-78524-3

This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without written permission of the author.

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About the Author

Ron Mr. C Carvalho is a life long backpacker, Eagle Scout, Scout Master and retired Naval Aviator.  A graduate of multiple military survival schools including Survival Evasion Resistance and Escape (SERE) training, Ron regularly backpacks through the White Mountains of New England or the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia during all seasons. He has taught backpacking and outdoor skills to Maryland and New Hampshire Scouts for nearly two decades. When he is not backpacking with his sons, Boy Scouts or dog Toby, he can be found scuba diving somewhere between Maine and Florida.  Ron resides with his family in Bedford, New Hampshire.

Preface

This Second Edition of Introduction to Backpacking and Basic Wilderness Skills adds a new section to present basic teaching techniques for developing self-confidence and leadership skills in individuals who participate in Scouting or other youth oriented programs. The original two course series was designed for teaching individuals with limited experience in the outdoors the fundamentals of hiking and backpacking in a safe, structured manner. The new third section is based on personal experience and teaching techniques developed in my nearly twenty years of being a Boy Scout Leader.  Much of the curriculum is based on training courses I developed for Troop 347 in Port Republic MD.

This first course, Introduction to Basic Wilderness Skills, focuses on the basics of outdoor preparedness and consists of 3 lectures addressing the following topics:

Chapter 1 Hiking Essentials: Covers the outdoor environment, proper clothing for the outdoors and the 13 Essentials for Hiking and Backpacking.  Survival priorities are also discussed at a basic level.  

Chapter 2 Basic Outdoors Skills: This chapter covers Knife and Fire Safety, Fire Starting with Flint and Steel, Safe Water Preparation using various types of water filters, and Emergency Shelter construction. 

Chapter 3 Basics of Land Navigation: Basic map reading and compass use, route planning, escape headings, pace counting, time/distance estimation and what to do when lost.  Skills include learning to use the Baseplate Compass and Topographic Maps.  Preparation of Hiking Trip Plans is also addressed. 

Outdoor Activity One Hiking and Basic Skills Practice.

The second course, Backpacking Basics, builds upon the skills developed in the first course but introduces additional concepts and information for those who wish to learn more about backpacking.   Topics include:

Chapter 4 Tents, Pads and Sleeping Bags:  This chapter teaches the fundamentals of identifying and buying quality gear as part of a Sleep System including various types of tents and shelters, sleeping bags and sleeping pads. 

Chapter 5 Trail Cooking:  Addresses the basics of caloric and nutritional requirements for backpackers and hikers under different conditions.  This chapter also introduces meal planning and camp cookware; various types of stoves and fuels and some sample trail menus.

Chapter 6 Backpacks and Backpacking:  Covers the various types of backpacks and their use under different trip conditions.  A thorough discussion on pack selection and fitting is included.  The chapter concludes with an explanation on how a backpack is worn and adjusted under different trail conditions.

Outdoor Activity Two (Introduction to Backpacking Fundamentals.

The third course, Developing Outdoor Youth Leadership, builds on the skills developed in the prior courses to establish self-confidence, self-esteem and basic leadership skills in youth involved in outdoor group activities.  This course is divided into three chapters:

Chapter 7 Youth Leadership Training:  This chapter introduces the basic concepts of leadership, team building and development of outdoor leaders from young men and women.  It has its roots in Montessori based learning and Dr. Maslow’s hierarchy of individual needs.

Chapter 8 Building Training Programs for Outdoor Skills Instruction:  Covering the essentials of outdoor teaching techniques, this chapter presents a structured curriculum for developing individual basic skills and cohesive team building through group problem solving.  Proper development of outdoor training areas is also covered including setting up the Worst Case Scenario and Mission Impossible training events.  Outdoor training course outlines for teaching critical skills are provided in Appendix B.

Chapter 9 Advanced Outdoor Skills; Knots and Shelters:  This chapter covers basic knots and basic tarp shelter construction. It is intended to provide a path for those who are interested in lightweight backpacking and traditional pioneering skills to begin to explore new venues beyond the basics.

This course workbook provides training material, review questions and group discussion scenarios designed to reinforce critical safety concepts with the student.  The final segment of the first course is intended to be conducted as an outdoor exercise in a local park covering hands on review of the basic skills taught in the lectures and in depth training of basic land navigation techniques.  Upon completion of this course a student should feel confident in planning and participating in day hikes under normal weather conditions and be able to safely handle unexpected weather and lost hiker scenarios.  Prior to starting the second course the student should be encouraged to participate in at least 5 or more day hikes to ensure they have mastered the basic skills of hiking including proper preparation and land navigation.

The second course is best conducted with actual materials and exhibits on hand.  It is very helpful if the instructor has access to a Wilderness Outfitter type store and can use the premises for instruction.  Upon completion of the second course the student should be able to select the appropriate equipment for their specific needs, plan menus and properly pack and carry a backpack.  A group overnight backpacking trip is an excellent way to complete this course.

The third course is built upon on the basic wilderness skills developed through the first two courses to establish a level of self-confidence and self esteem in the trainee.  Self-esteem is a logical follow on to self-confidence, and once firmly established forms a bridge into basic leadership skills.

Two youth training scenarios are provided that have proven highly successful with our scouts.  The first scenario is known as The Worst Case Scenario Weekend designed entirely to familiarize scouts with their 13 essential survival kit items and taught by our older scouts under the supervision of adult safety observers. The course was mandatory for any scout desiring to backpack with us and ensured that the scout understood survival priorities, how to stay safe for 24-48 hours and how to get found using only the 13 essential elements in their survival kit.  The second scenario is titled The Mission Impossible Weekend and is used to facilitate team building within a scout patrol or small youth group while participating in a fictitious mission to recover a lost aviator carrying important documents.  The story line is important in helping the Scouts role play which adds to the interest and success of the scenario.  During this event the group will learn different land navigation techniques and basic communications skills, develop group problem solving strategies, and compete against other patrols in locating the lost aviator (or whatever other scenario you may wish to build the event around!)

Acknowledgements

To my favorite backpacking companions Joe and Riley, never, ever stop exploring…

On the summit of Mt Lafayette, Franconia Notch NH, Fall 2014

Introduction

This book is the culmination of over a decade of teaching techniques developed for the scouts of Troop 347, Port Republic Maryland.  Working with youth has many rewards, the greatest being the creation of self-confidence in a young man as he begins his journey in life.   Gaining and maintaining the attention of youth in the 11-18 year old age group can be a very difficult thing, for that reason Scouts are taught to use the EDGE method (Educate, Demonstrate, Guide, Enable) when teaching other scouts their basic skills.  The EDGE method recognizes that most skills are best learned and retained by hands on practice, something we follow closely in this book and in our courses. The Educate part explains why a skill is important, what materials are required and how the skill is performed.   The instructor next Demonstrates the skill explaining each step as it is performed. Guiding the student in performing the skills themselves takes the longest amount of time and requires close one on one interaction with the student.  When the student practices the skill over a period of time we are Enabling them to remember the skill. 

Most of the available literature on Backpacking and Hiking skills tends to be either picture books filled with wonderful illustrations and very little skills training, or very descriptive explanations of skills training that quickly looses the interest of the reader.  In this book I have strived to reach a compromise between meaningful illustrations and explanation of basic techniques.  Most importantly however is the development of the proper priorities of thought during outdoor events to prevent those events from becoming serious incidents.  This book is designed to be a teaching aide and ready reference for those working with youth or adults new to the outdoors environment.  Scenario discussion topics are provided in each chapter designed to help students to begin to think with safety in mind.  Throughout the book I’ve started each Chapter with a photograph of some of my most memorable backpacking trips as motivation to get started and head for the woods!

R. M. Carvalho, 7 December 2015

Chapter 1: Hiking Essentials

Goshen Wilderness, Goshen Scout Reservation VA

Learning Objectives: 

Choose appropriate clothing for the outdoor environment and weather conditions.

Identify proper materials and features of outdoor clothing.

Know the dangers of wearing cotton when hiking or backpacking.

Describe the 13 Essentials that should be carried by hikers and backpackers at all times.

Chapter Overview:

This chapter is about the basics of preparing for your outdoor adventures.  Proper clothing may seem like a pretty simple topic, but people often wear the wrong type of clothing when they go hiking or backpacking.  Being improperly prepared can have tragic results when the weather suddenly changes, the trail disappears, or someone gets injured.  In this chapter you will learn what to wear, when to wear it, and what gear to have with you at all times. 

The Outdoor Environment:

There are four types of outdoor environments hikers and backpackers generally encounter: Cold/ Wet, Cold/ Dry, Temperate, and Hot climates. In general Cold environments are defined as the air temperature being below 45°F.  Cold/ Wet environments are those where rain, drizzle, wet snow, and hail are common. They are found throughout the northern coastal regions of the United States.  Cold/ Dry conditions are found in the northern plains and Alaska where dry blowing winds and fine snows are often encountered.  The primary danger of cold conditions is hypothermia, the condition of a person’s core temperature dropping to below 96°F. Hypothermia can occur in temperatures of 60°F and below, especially if the wind is blowing.  This combined effect of cold and wind results in the wind chill effect, which greatly lowers the apparent outside air temperature and increasing the risks for cold weather injuries such as hypothermia and frostbite. Proper clothing and preparation will prevent hypothermia in cold conditions and mitigate the effects of blowing winds.  The Wind Chill Chart below will give you a good idea of what the apparent outside temperature is under different wind speeds and when the hazards of frostbite and hypothermia exist.

Temperate environments are encountered in fall and spring with temperatures ranging from 45-75°F.  Rain is common in Temperate climates and rain gear is essential. 

Hot environments are those above 75°F.  Rain is typically of short duration in Hot environments, but can be intense with thunderstorms and lightning occurring suddenly.  Dehydration and heat exhaustion are the primary dangers of hot environments, thus plentiful water is essential.

Clothing Construction and Materials

Proper clothing is extremely important to the hiker.  Wearing the right clothes will keep you warm, comfortable, and dry.  Wearing the wrong clothing can result in discomfort, injury, or even death from hypothermia depending on the environmental conditions.

The Dangers of Cotton:

One of the most important safety rules of the outdoors is that Cotton does not belong in the Wilderness!  Cotton, although durable and comfortable in dry hot weather, is dangerous in the outdoors.  Cotton retains moisture, takes exceedingly long to dry, and is a major contributor to hypothermia.  Cotton blue jeans may look great on a backpacker in Hollywood commercials, but they are terrible to hike in when wet.  Cotton socks and t-shirts are also frequently encountered on the trail and for the same reason should never be worn on hiking trips.  A rugged alternative material is a 60/40 nylon cotton blend, which is used for military uniforms in temperate and hot climates.

Synthetics vs. Natural Materials:

As materials science progresses, scientists are able to develop high-tech specialty fabrics that better protect us from the environment-- think of a fireman’s fireproof jacket and pants, or a scuba diver’s wet suit.  Specialty outdoor clothing has been developed that is very lightweight, warm, and quick drying, waterproof and breathable.  These high-tech materials, or synthetics can vary greatly in price depending on their functional qualities.

Gore-Tex® is the best-known waterproof and breathable material. The latest generation is quieter and lighter than ever.  Other waterproof and breathable materials include EMS’ System 3® rain jackets and pants, North Face’s AlphaTec®, and many other generic versions.  Breathability is a critical feature of rainwear. During times of intense physical activity, sweat condenses on the inside of non-breathable fabrics and keeps you wet and cold.

Synthetic fibers like fleece are great insulators. The level of warmth depends on the thickness (100, 300, etc.)  Some types of fleece can also repel water and wind.  Fleece is warm, even when wet.  It dries relatively quickly and is very comfortable to wear.  Fleece can be made from recyclable materials, so it is green too.  Fleece does have some drawbacks-- it can be very bulky to pack and it will melt if exposed to flame.

Synthetic underwear, socks, and insulation layers are generally made from a blend of synthetic materials that include spandex, nylon, and tightly woven fleece.  Insulation layers (long johns) range from very lightweight to very heavyweight.   There are specially treated fabrics that contain silver ion threads, which are anti-bacterial and anti-odor.  Synthetic fabrics can be easily washed by hand using regular soap and dry very quickly.

Comparison of Outdoor Materials

Wool, silk, and down are the only natural fibers used in backpacking.   Silk makes great undergarments for comfort and warmth, but it must be specially laundered.  Wool is wicking, water repellant, breathable, and warm. However, wool can be bulky, heavy, and uncomfortable on bare skin.  Wool can be specially processed to be softer and less bulky. Itch-free wool can be found in many brands and makes excellent socks and base layers. Down is nature’s greatest insulator. It is extremely lightweight and warm compared to synthetic materials, but it is useless when wet.  Down is best used in Cold/Dry environments or when protected by a waterproof shell.  Recently new coatings to water proof down have been developed thus opening up down filled clothing and sleeping bags to cold wet environments, however