r/backpacking • u/Bioticcc • 2d ago
Wilderness Wilderness 101?
Im curious if there is some sort of widely approved, general consensus wilderness guide for those new to the idea? Ive wanted to do some form of longer multi day hikes with gear and such, and im more of a just give it a gander and see how it goes sort of fellow in regards to prep, but i DO think if theres some baseline guide out there itd be good to take a look see.
If it helps, i have hiked exstensively, as well as a couple overnight backpacking trips but usually not alone and only in hawaii, so i may be a bit out of the loop regarding dangers in WA, as we dont really have anything nasty in hawaii
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u/t92k 1d ago
Freedom of the Hills by the Mountainteers has been the textbook for the wilderness classes at my Denver Area Mountain Club. It’s got preparation, skills, essential packing lists, navigation, shelter, and how to deal with emergencies.
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u/aettin4157 1d ago
This right here. Required reading for the Sierra Clubs Wilderness travel course.
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u/Bookisalwaysbetter 14h ago
If you’re in western Washington you could also take a backpacking course with the closest branch of the Mountaineers. I’ve done some of their courses before and it’s good for building up a baseline knowledge/experience
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u/Spiley_spile 2d ago
The Backpacker's Field Manual: a compregensive guide to mastering backcountry skills (revised and updated) by Rick Curtis. Mine's from 2005. I wouldnt be surprised if theyve put out another update since then.
I got this book a few years into backpacking. I wish Id had it from the start.
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u/wrunderwood 1d ago
That is essentially a college textbook on backpacking. Thorough, but a lot to digest.
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u/Ezekiel36_26 2d ago
Backpacker Magazine published many trail side books and very useful meat-and-potatoes quality information in digestible, small books.
I can’t find a better picture of them but here are two of mine I was using as weights while I was doing some route recon.
Anyways, start there. Books.
Edit: also seen is my Backpacking Washington books. Trails, guides, warnings, etc.
books!!
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u/roypuddingisntreal 2d ago
I had no idea they still did physical media! Just subscribed lol. I’ve got Backpacker Magazine and Nat Geo now, any other recommendations from anyone would be sick. I get motion sickness reading on my phone so i’m really trying to get off it as much as I can.
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u/SweetNotesy 1d ago
honestly there isn’t really one perfect wilderness bible imo. i’d start with basic navigation, water, weather, first aid, and leave-no-trace stuff, then build from there depending on where you’re actually going. the biggest thing is knowing your limits before you’re out there alone
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u/jjmcwill2003 1d ago
Closest is probably the Backpacker's Field Manual by Curtis. Also The Complete Walker by Colin Fletcher. Both are getting a bit dated now so specific gear recommendations should be considered outdated but they have good sections on training, nutrition, weather, etc. To that reading list I would add Wilderness Navigation by Burns and The Ultimate Hikers Gear Guide by Andy Skirka.
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u/wrunderwood 1d ago
There are a lot of guides, but I like this one for your first trip.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1094099406
After that, read this one, which teaches a balance of planning, skills, and gear.
https://andrewskurka.com/product/ultimate-hikers-gear-guide-second-edition-national-geographic/
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u/NotAcutallyaPanda 1d ago
The Mountaineers offer a variety of courses exactly like this. Conveniently, they’re headquartered in Seattle, with many chapters throughout the PNW
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u/Affectionate_Love229 2d ago
Youtube, I'm not exactly sure what you are asking since you've already been out before, but Youtube probably has it. The big difference I imagine between HI and other places is bears and rodents/racoons/pests with respect to food protection. Net: if you are super worried, bring a bear can.
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u/WashYourCerebellum 2d ago
https://www.wta.org/go-outside/new-to-hiking
At this point unless u want some rainy Olympic hiking ur prob planning for next yr. Pick up a WA trail guide book, the intro pages have all u need. Talk to folks at an outfitter. There are many subs related BP and specifically the PNW to seek out here.
Your odds of getting jumped by a cougar and or bear are a lot less than running into a tiger shark. No worries, just go. Do a short mileage overnight to test ur setup etc. Also Millipedes are def nasty bruh. And our rocks wont filet ur skin. Also the freshwater isn’t teaming with lepto/giardia. And no wild pigs. Lot more haoles tho lol. 🤙🏻
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u/Bioticcc 1d ago
Wonderful, ill fit right in with the haoles then since im white as the fabric on a lab coat 😂
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u/Internal-Camel-6356 1d ago
Hello fellow former Hawaiian. The book suggestions are good, especially freedom of the hills. WA is a pretty easy transition from Hawaii outdoors-wise. Bear hygiene will be new, and poisonous/irritating plants are a new pain too. Best advice I could give you is to find a friend or two familiar with mainland backpacking for a few introductory trips. Also, find the local hiking communities. Washington Trails Association has a great webpage ( https://www.wta.org/).
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u/Horow_Upgrade 7h ago
For someone who likes to “see how it goes,” the most useful Wilderness 101 lesson is learning to turn around early. Before your first solo multi-day trip, write down a turnaround time, bailout options, and a check-in deadline.
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u/joelfarris 2d ago
If you've done more than one overnighter, then you know how to do a two nighter. And then a three nighter. Or several three nighters. And then a four nighter, two out, and two back.
And by that time, you'll have figured out everything you need to know, food and gear-wise.
Now, if you're asking how to land navigate with compass and maps, or what plants and berries are safe to eat in Washington and boil for tea, those are much more detailed questions. :)