Red Green would be proud for the first item needed for your all-out, Swiss Army style backpacking repair list—Duct Tape (Duck Tape). Though heavy and cumbersome, duct tape (or Gorilla Tape or the like) can pretty much fix anything that breaks. The problem most people have with bringing along a roll of this gray magic adhesive is its weight. One roll of duct tape can weigh more than 2 pounds, or almost two full days of dried food. Really, though, unless you fall off the side of a cliff and shatter everything in one go, you won’t need an entire roll. You can simply unravel some strips of the stuff around your Nalgene water bottle or use an old toilet paper tube and wrap it in six to ten layers. That should yield around two square feet, enough to mend a broken bone or failed backpack strap.

Red Green would probably advise to bring along the broadax; however, a simple military style knife should do fine. A knife is needed for nearly ever task from chopping up an onion to dissecting a tick from your leg. The famous present day survivor Bear Grylls never leaves behind his knife when entering the unknown. If he brings it along, you can bet your life that the knife could someday save yours.

Another most-important must-have item to bring along when entering the wild is nylon cord/rope. This can be used for anything from dangling your food from a tree to keep animals and bears out to constructing a drying rack for clothes or fish or meat should you become stranded for days on end. Rope, too, can tie poles or small trees together for makeshift shelter and works well to lower yourself down from a precipice (climbing rope).

Other must-carry repair list items might include stove repair kits and extra bulbs and batteries for flashlights. It’s always smart to have a backup plan for anything you’ll have to have for survival. Some suggest that sleep is necessary to survival, so bringing along a mattress repair kit (Thermarest for example) may help you think clearly in the morning without the backache. Repair kits, too, should be kept in a separate compartment or sack and kept waterproof. Wrapping the kit in Duct Tape may prevent it from contamination by rain or snow. If you’re as anal as Red Green and as careful as Bear Grylls, then it’s also a favorable idea to bring along safety pins, cash and tent pole repair kits (in no particular order). The next time you’re in nature and the handsome man carries his dainty pack of ultralightness, you can be the handier of the two and unroll the Duct Tape, break out the knife and repair the tent all in the same day. “Oh, my Hero!”

Before we press upon you what to eat, it’s a good idea to keep the food you bring on a hike or backpack adventure to a certain standard.

All the foods you bring should pack easily: Dependable. This means that fruits with a peel, veggies that don’t bruise and packaged items that don’t go squish in your pack are all dependable foods. Moreover, the foods you bring should last: Longevity. Foods with longevity tend to require no Frigidaire and simply last a long time on their own. There are plenty of naturally preserved foodstuff on the grocery shelves these days. And, finally, the food you pack on your hike should take no time to prepare: Handy. That’s right, you don’t want to slave over the camp stove for hours after an eight hour tramp. Be sure to bring foods that are easy and thus handy to cook. If it takes more than twenty minutes, it may not be handy.

Now, like your mom used to say, it’s time to learn the nice foods to eat before, during and after your long hike.

It’s important, to be sure, to pack foods high in carbs but also high in proteins. The former helps energize you through the day while the latter helps rebuild muscle tissue and fibers during recovery. Aside from real foods that you can take along—like packaged tuna, dried beans, refried bean spread, lentils, spinach and so forth—you might want to think of mini power snacks for along the way. We’ve all heard of those Power Up Bars, gels, chewies and electrolyte drinks. Though eating these calorie dense foods while sitting on the sofa will have adverse fattening effects, they are awesome when active. These sort of snacks fit all the abovementioned categories—dependable, longevity and handy. Additionally, any other organic food bars, crushed nut bars, trail mixes or salty supplements will help you feel in tip-top shape.

These Power Up Snacks are so good for you because of their blend of nutrition. Many have so to speak magic formulas honed to make muscles work their best. They have carbs which is perfect for long activity with a strenuous side. Fat is something that can be good for you at times, but during intense activity, fat is the last thing your body chooses to burn. Most nutritional snacks, then, are low in fat.

Some snacks are both high in sodium and potassium, the latter being necessary to keeping muscles hydrated and from cramping. Sodium, on the other hand, is good if you’ve sweated a lot during the day. Salt essentially helps your body break down carbs into glucose, so, yes, they are quite important. Some of these snacks have vitamins and minerals too. Most of these are OK as long as they are not overdone. Many simple get expelled through urination when the muscles don’t need them. Watch out for snacks if you don’t want caffeine, as this can cause you to urinate more losing vital fluids too fast. Keep in mind what you put in and what comes out of your body and you’re sure to feel great and last longer when that 5000 foot peak beckons in the distance.

A properly fitted backpack will put most of the weight on your hips (by most we mean around 75% to 85% of the loaded weight). Some backpackers believe that holding the bulk of the weight between the shoulder blades works just as well; however, we’ll assume that your hips are carrying the majority of the weight. Ergo, in order to get a proper fitted backpack, start with these simple adjusting rules of thumb before heading out on that big backcountry bramble.

First you’ve got to get that pack hoisted onto your back. Hoisting a backpack that weights roughly a half or a third or more of your body weight can be daunting over time. There are developed methods for properly hoisting a pack to your back however. The easiest way assumes that you have no picnic table or tree branch to help you out, as that method may even be better. In any event, rest the pack upright on the ground. Use the lifting loop found on the top of every pack to raise the pack onto your thigh, close to your knee. You’ll want to have your knees bent and your legs parallel to the ground before the hoist. Pull your left arm through to the shoulder strap and then simply sway the pack to your back, simultaneously putting the right arm through the corresponding shoulder strap. The trick is to be fluid and conquer this move in one motion. After a few times, you’re destined to get it right. Adjust the pack using the next technique.

The first thing you’ll want to adjust is the waist (aka hip) belt. To do this properly, you’ll want all straps and cinches loosened on the backpack. While the pack is at least loaded with ten or more pounds, tighten the hip belt securely around the hips. Generally, these belts are thick and padded. Be sure that the belt is resting on your hips and not your waist. Be sure to cinch the belt into a comfortable position. You should notice that your hips are now carrying the pack.

After adjusting the hip belt to a comfortable fit, it’s time to position the shoulder straps. The trick to shoulder straps is simple: The straps are there to hold the pack closer to your back, not to carry the weight. If it feels that you are carrying the volume of weight on your shoulders, you do not have the hip belt adjusted correctly. You can now pull the straps on top of the shoulder straps just above the collar bone. This is there to bring the pack to the correct 40-45 degree angle. Don’t adjust these too tightly.

Additionally, be sure to position the small sternum strap across your chest. Again, this strap is not for holding weight but used to pull your two shoulder straps inward away from your shoulders to allow for more range of motion. There are two pull straps on the hip belt. Adjust those tighter a bit and loosen up your shoulder straps just a smidgen. Your pack should be comfortable and feel lighter than it actually is. After some practice, hiking 15 or 25 miles feels about the same.

Assuming you’ll be doing just a day hike with no overnight camping, you can be quite the minimalist. If the weather will be nice with no chance of changing, then be sure to have a daypack with first aid, water, food, energy snacks and cell phone (if there will be reception). Moreover, be sure you’re outfitted in worn-in hiking shoes or boots and pants. You should layer a breathable shirt and an outer long sleeve shirt that can double as a light rain guard. Gortex is the best, but the most expensive breathable gear you can buy out there. Today, cheaper Gortex-like gear exists and does just as well. It’s a good idea to bring sunscreen and a sun hat or visor for the day as well. As you climb higher in altitude, the sun will become stronger and more intense, though you won’t know it if the temps seems to fall. (Nature is a bit tricky like that.)

Backpack: It’s a good idea to carry a backpack unless you want to carry a twiddled stick and handkerchief tied to the end. You won’t necessarily need a pack that has a hip belt, but you will want a pack that is comfortable and light. Often, backpacks today have a breathable meshing set away from the backpack fabric that allows for more comfort while walking. You won’t be a geek because you carry a backpack.

Gaiters: Gaiters are a good idea if there’s a chance you’ll have to be picking rocks and other trail debris from your boots or shoes. There are different types of these for the various types of weather you could hike through as well. If you wear gaiters for no apparent reason, it may be considered a bit geeky, to be sure. If the path is free of debris, paved or of the interpretive variety, then gaiters will not be necessary.

GPS: These little gadgets have gotten more colorful, more functional and can do everything save dig a hole for going number two. However, this doesn’t mean you need one. If you’ve got a trail map, and the trail is well marked with tags, trail blazes or numbers, then buying or brining a GPS may seem a bit haughty, or even geek-like. Technology has its place in the woods, but to think that your life depends on this gadget is not true. You’ll get on fine with a little intuition and paying attention.

Two-Way Radios: If you do not like to hike with your group, then you may want to doll out two-way radios, just to make sure everyone stays in contact. However, two-way radios are not worth your weight if you’re going to be in sight with fellow hikers. These radios only have a range of perhaps a couple miles. They are in no way, then, a lifesaver. Be sure to pack other precautions in case of an emergency. You really won’t need the two-way radios unless clipping one to your belt makes you feel less the geek.

Hiking Poles: Though those who hike with hiking poles look sort of geeky (or even yuppie-ish) from a distance, rest assured that these do make the day go a lot easier. They, too, have their place however. If a simple scoot around the flat lake makes up the day’s itinerary, you can leave the hiking poles in the car. If you plan on tackling some ups and downs, then the hiking poles will save some suffering when used correctly.

She-Nis Penis: Yes, women can now stand up to pee with the She-Nis. This funnel can be used to help you stand up to pee, behind the tree, just like the fellas. However, you may have to repack it in your backpack or clean it up after use. Though geeky and strange, the gadget it a really neat invention when the ladies don’t want to get caught with their pants down. The stares you may get, however, when standing up to wiz may not be worth it. Unless you’ve had some unfortunate run-in with poison ivy, it may be best to squat rather than squirm the She-Nis into place mid-hike.

Let’s just admit it here: We’ve all got too much trust for each other. It’s not a bad thing, it’s just that once you let you guard down, someone will take advantage of you, possibly taking something of sentimental or material value. Think about it: The trailhead is the perfect place for a would-be criminal to strike—s/he knows for certain that you’re going to be gone at least a half day (if the loop is 10 miles long, for example). There are some ways to keep you and your belongings safe at the trailhead the next time you venture from your car.

One of the best ways to find out what the heck happens around a parking area is to either call or talk directly with a park ranger. Ask questions about theft, vandalizing, muggings or the like. Most park rangers will be honest with you and help you park where it is safe—next to the ranger station for example.

It’s best not to leave any valuables in the car whatsoever. Criminals, as you may not know, can literally smell pricey thingamajigs you leave behind, like wallets, purses or jewelry. Carry all that with you, even if it weighs a lot. Take the face off your CD player and hide any GPS units or other gadgetry that say, “Take Me.” Some suggest leaving your windows down, your glove box open and your console open. Unless you drive a beater 70s or early 80s rust-bucket, I’m not sure I’d try this trick—losing an entire car is different than losing a few replaceable credit or bankcards.

A bear can get into your car. I repeat: A bear can and will injure itself and your car to get at food you leave in it. Do not leave it there. Either pack it in a bear canister or carry it with you. You may come back with your cooler raided and your windshield shattered, blood and fur wrapped around the car’s frame—a tricky one to explain to the insurance company.

Don’t park where it feels weird. What I mean to say is, if you must hike an extra mile to the trailhead from another parking lot, say where the boat ramps are located, then do it. You’ll be hiking anyway, so might as well feel and stay safe. A shady lot at the end of a gravel road may not be the smartest parking place. If you get there at dark, the worst is fiddling with your keys with the feeling of a perpetrator in the weeds.

Park in such a way that your car is easily seen from all angles. A burglar may try less if s/he knows that s/he might be seen quicker. The middle of the lot may be better than the back corner. Likewise, leave the back doors and trunk of the vehicle facing out of the parking space, making rear entry (without being seen) almost impossible.

A car alarm doesn’t do much but annoy the heck out of solitude seekers of nature. Be sure that your car alarm won’t go off because someone gets too close. Or, disable your alarm during a hike and install a flashy red light so that it looks like you have the alarm turned on. If none of this works, there are ways to disable your entire vehicle, by connecting a toggle switch or undoing a battery cable. If you’ve got a junker, it’s always fun to try new MacGyver-like tricks.

Other ways to deter prowlers is to carpool, hike with buddies and carry a cell phone. Whistles and pepper spray work great in the woods, for burly burglars or brawny bears alike. Be smart, come prepared and always have a deterrent plan. Don’t just hope that all will be safe. Let your guard down to enjoy nature, but never be ignorant of the reality of the dangers of the trailhead.

Sunburn: We’ve all had this at one time or another, no matter the shade or tint of our skin. The best way to prevent sunburn is to cover up from the sun at all times. The most important areas include the head, nose, lips, eyes, neck and hands. Wear SPF lotion suitable to your skin and buy the UVA and UVB blocking sunglasses. If you’re up high, then you’re likely to burn faster. If you do burn, use aloe Vera based lotions, gels or creams on burns. You’ll know it’s really bad if you get sick from being out in the sun, not limited to chills, headaches, fever and vomiting.

Stinging Insects: We’re talking about both that can sting, bite and suck your blood here. The best way to avoid these attacks is to avoid the critters, but that’s like preaching abstinence. So, if you’re an avid hiker who’s going to hit the footpath regardless of insects, wear long sleeves and light colored clothing. Be sure to wear DEET or an all-natural equivalent. Don’t put this stuff on small children or pregnant ladies, however. If you have an allergy, bring along some meds. If you develop an allergy, it may be wise to pop an antihistamine such as Benedryl. Bugs bite most at sunset and dark.

Ticks: Yeah, this might be an insect and needs to be included above, but really it deserves its own press. Stay away from tick infested areas, especially if there have been claims of Lyme disease from the area. That said, if you do end up with the unyielding blood-seeking suckers, be sure to remove it carefully: Pull up on the skin, using tweezers lift and pull using the head of the tick. Don’t squeeze the body as you dislodge him—this can cause infection to spread from the tick’s vomit. Gross, yeah. It may be a good idea to store the fella in an empty medicine bottle, keeping it for a couple weeks in case you develop sickness.

Hantavirus: HantaWhat? This is a virus spread from the feces of rodent animals. Avoid sleeping in old barns or shelters where mice have obviously been (they always leave behind those little turdlings). Be sure to cover up food, as if you eat after the critter, you can contract Hantavirus from his saliva. There is no known cure for the illness, and it can be very deadly. Keep your campsite clean and watch out for places where rodents have hung out.

Snake Bites: Snakes are more scared of you, usually. Don’t try to pick up a snake or trap it. A snakebite is not always deadly or venomous, but it’s not worth taking any chances. If you are bitten, be sure to take note of what kind of snake it was that bit you. If swelling takes place, you can use an extractor pump to clear out the venom. If not, it may be an option to suck the venom out, or have a friend do it. It takes several minutes and is not always effective. Be sure to clean the wound and your mouth before and after if you must try such a procedure.

Poisonous Plants: Avoid poisonous plants such as sumac, oak and ivy. The resin can cause severe rash and swelling. Wash infected areas thoroughly and keep dry, as moisture helps spread the resin. If you or your clothes or pets get into patches of poison, wash with warm water and soap ASAP. There are plenty of over-the-counter meds, lotions and sprays to keep the poison from spreading. It can take three to four weeks to fully abate. The best advice to avoid any of these perils and pitfalls is to stay on trail and pick the right time and season.

Poison Ivy:

Why they call Ivy League schools such I’ll never know, but you won’t want to attend any real life ivy leafs in nature. The best way to spot poison ivy is to remember the axiom: “leaves of three, let it be.” Poison Ivy can be found on trees, the ground, shrubs and vines. It is a sort of shiny leaf, its resin just waiting to be picked up and passed by passerby. It’s best to wear long sleeves if you know you’ll be heading into ivy territory. Once you’ve come in contact, be sure to wash with soapy water within twenty minutes. During or after, you can even rub 70% isopropyl alcohol on the infected area. This dries the skin and keeps it from spreading. It’s always best to wash your clothes a couple times and spray the family dog down later if she comes along for the hike.

Poison Sumac:

Poison Sumac is a bit more difficult to pinpoint, though it differs greatly from the three leaves of poison ivy. Sumac grows in groups. These groups can be large and small. The leaves can number from seven to thirteen or more, with the effects of contact showing up immediately. Sumac likes watery areas. If you’re in the bogs of the Midwest or the waters of the northeast, take precaution. Personal hygiene post-hike is one of the best ways to protect the rest of your body from becoming an infectious boil. You can wear precautionary lotion that can help lower the risk of contact should you be one of those persons poison loves to bite. Again, always wash your clothes and shoes after you’ve hiked in any sort of poisonous plants. It’s horrid to keep giving yourself poison over and over again. “Boy, this bout with sumac has lasted all summer.”

Poison Oak:

Poison Oak is one of those tricky to spot poisons. The branch extends a leaf, like a welcoming five digit hand, sort of inflated. That is, the leaf has five or more round edges and looks almost like an oak tree leaf. Moreover, poison oak grows in all sorts of hiker-friendly places—on top of hill tops, down in ravines and anywhere under 5000 feet. Some of the best meds for this sort of poison comes in a spray can, calamine lotion or include zinc acetate. Spray or rub the infected area with the said treatment (using a cotton ball) and let the surface dry with a matted glaze. This dryness keeps the poison from spreading over moist skin. In the event of any of these poisons, add Epsom salts and baking soda to a warm bath and soak yourself for twenty minutes. If the rash spreads rapidly, be sure to see a doctor, who will most likely give you a shot.

If you’ve never really stepped foot on the winding footpath to discover an unknown woods, you’re not alone. If you’ve been the city slicker for the last four decades, do not fret. If you’re a hiking dummy, dimwit, dunce, dolt, dum-dum, doofus or ditz, then allow us to get you started, one foot after next. Hiking may sound like another world, a place you’ve never been. No matter how big of a trekking dipstick you once were, these tidbits will have you rambling the hillocks of the triad in no time.

First Things First

There are some things you should know before ever setting ball-to-heel on the trail. In fact, you should know this before leaving the driveway and getting to the trailhead. First, be sure that you have a place to hike. If you already figured this, then you’re 70% ahead of most. You’ll next need a map, preferably the one the park services prints to the public for free, but also it’s wise to bring a topographical map. You can get these at any nearby sporting goods stores; I’ve even found them in grocery stores. If not, check the Internet for topo maps of your area.

Another first thing is to have a pair of hiking boots or the now-trendy hiking shoes. Whatever boot or shoe you go for, be sure that its sole is made of Vibram rubber. Trust me, this rubber will outlast the shoe and probably your foot. Though you’ll pay a little extra, this yellow diamond trademark ensures a bruise-free, cruisin’ hike. Be sure to carry a day- or overnight pack if you plan to do more than go out for a few minutes. A small ramble could turn into a daylong scramble. Of course you’ll pack water, food and high-energy snacks, flashlight or headlamp.

Next Things Next

After you have the proper gear, it’s a nice idea to have some idea of the terrain you’ll be tramping. Will it be muddy or become muddy with rain? Will the trail be rocky or flat? Will there be trees for shade? Will you be gaining altitude? One of the best ways to get info about the trail—especially about the triad—is online. Droves of locales attend and form online hiking groups. Often, they publish their findings and journals online for others to read. These are invaluable as sources of guidance—literally hit the trail virtually before you hike the trail in reality.

Last Things Last

One of the final steps is preparing for the worst. Be sure to pack a first aid kit, which includes tape, painkillers, mosquito repellent, Band-Aids, gauze, antibiotic cream and space blankets. Though it is not necessary, especially if you’re a purist, it may be wise to invest in a GPS navigation tool, handheld of course. There are special handheld devices that allow you to track your past and future positions. These are much different than the ones in your SUV to be sure. If you’re hiking the triad, downloadable trail maps come in colors and distances. If you plan on heading out of the US, then you may have to search for virtual maps that can help you track your progress. If you’re a purist wannabe or just poor, then a decent compass and map can get you found when lost. Have a plan if you get lost and a backup supply of food, water and flashlight (and batteries).

Letting someone ahead of you on the trail know that you’re about to pass is part of trail etiquette. Even if you become the victim of the tactless third phrase, it’s best your feelings get crushed instead of your body.

To ensure everyone has a good time in the great outdoors, a few rules of the off-road have been adopted. All people who toe the trails should know them, so horseback riders, hikers, and bikers can live in harmony with nature and each other.

First, there are some basic rules.

Bikers must yield to hikers.
Hikers must yield to horseback riders.
Bikers must yield to horseback riders.

Easy. While a biker might startle a hiker by announcing his oncoming presence from behind, the hiker probably won’t rear up and fall off the trail. A horse might. Hence, horseback riders get the right of way. Unfortunately, there aren’t any “pick up after your horse” signs anywhere, so it will be in your best interest to yield to whatever the horse leaves behind, as well.

Next, an intermediate rule.

Downhill bikers yield to uphill riders.

But why would I spoil my sweet downhill line for someone going 2 mph? Because it’s way harder for the uphill rider to get going again once they stop than it is for you to continue shredding it.

And now, the real world rules.

As with any fabulous rules, real world situations make sticking strictly to the rules almost impossible. What if the trail is super wide? What if the horse is all by itself? Combine common sense with your trail savvy to create peace and harmony on the trail.

Make your intentions known.

This is perhaps the most important trail rule. If you communicate effectively, even those with less trail knowledge than you won’t destroy your day. Say the trail is wide, not single track. A simple, “On your left!” will suffice for bikers passing hikers. For hikers passing hikers, just saying, “Howdy!” will let the pokey people ahead of you know you’re overtaking them.
When two cyclists meet on a single-track trail, often times the uphill rider will yield to the downhill rider. The uphill rider will usually hear the other rider first, and may welcome the excuse for a break. But never assume this is the case! If the uphill rider doesn’t signal for you to go ahead, don’t bomb down right at her, forcing her to stop against her will. That is bad trail etiquette!

When an equestrian or a hiker hears a biker coming downhill (or uphill for that matter), it’s courteous to step aside. It’s way easier for a hiker or horse to step a few feet off of the trail than it is for the biker to throw his bike on his back and jump roots and/or cacti to get by. If he wanted to do that, he’d be competing in a cyclocross race in Arizona.

If you come upon a horseback rider, ask if it’s ok to pass. Maybe he can do something to prepare his skittish horse for the sight and sound of a neon-spandex clad biker or trail runner. If he can’t, bike or run faster!

And finally, a few common courtesy do’s and don’ts:

DON’T do your business on the trail. Got a flat tire? Scoot yourself to the side to fix it so you’re not blocking other people. Same goes for tying your shoelace. And if you can direct your horse’s arse away from the trail when he’s doing his dooty, even better!

DON’T talk on your cell phone! People came to the wilderness to enjoy the wilderness, not to hear about your problems with your boyfriend’s sister. If you want to discuss that out in the wilderness, bring your boyfriend or your mother with you. As an added bonus, it’ll be easier to know when they start to tune you out!

DO ask if you can help. If someone looks distressed, has a flat tire, or a broken bike, ask if you can do anything for her. Chances are, your good will is all she really needs. Spread the good karma!

The rules are simple. With a few words, you can ensure that you and everyone else on the trail has a fun, safe time. If only it were so easy everywhere else!

Chatfield was instrumental in the passage of the North Carolina Trails System Act in 1973. This act facilitated the creation of the MST, which currently consists of over 935 miles of hiking trails, bike routes and roadways.

Louise Chatfield influenced and encouraged many throughout her accomplished life. She passed away in June of 1986, but many wonderful people are involved in continuing the work she helped to start. The MST efforts (and results!) grow every day, providing NC residents and visitors a beautiful cross-section of our state.

If you’re in Guilford County, you can visit Hagan Stone Park (near Pleasant Garden), where the Chatfield Trail carves an easy but beautiful three and a half miles through yellow pine, dogwood, and cedar. And don’t forget to wish Louise a happy birthday…

*Thanks and apologies to Allen de Hart, whose book “Hiking North Carolina’s Mountains-To-Sea Trail” informed much of this brief article. This excellent book is published by the UNC Press, and is available at most major booksellers. Mr. de Hart is a wonderful storyteller, an avid trailsman, and an octogenarian inspiration to anyone - like me - who dreams of being either… or all three.