Backpacking in the national forest wilderness : a family adventure

Historic, Archive Document

Do not assume content reflects current
scientific knowledge, policies, or practices.

$ffro BACKPACKING
in the

NATIONAL M.r. .t'SDA

FOREST - Lk

WILDERNESS . . . 2m SEP 1 1 70

a family advent iire J SERIAL R

PA-585

BACKPACKING IN THE NATIONAL FOREST WILDERNESS

High on a mountain pass in the Bob Marshall Wil-
derness in Montana the Rupe family paused. Ahead
lay Holland Lake and the family car which would
take them back to California. Behind lay 12 days
of hiking and 88 miles of trail.

It had been a vacation long to be remembered—
the 7M mile climb up the Chinese Wall, a 15-mile
escarpment on the Continental Divide which juts
1,000 feet above the eastern slope.

—The horseback rider who, after passing them on
the trail, galloped back with a large chocolate bar,
and the Forest Service lookout who joined them for
a cup of tea.

—Harriet falling in the stream while rock-jumping
with her 38-pound pack. ("I felt like Mrs. Ox," she
said in her journal.)

— Nights around the campfire with Jack reading
from a paperback or the whole family singing.

— Dinners with 11-year-old Wade preparing the
instant pudding, so he could "lap" the spoon.

—The sound of rain on lightweight plastic tents
and the cozy warmth of the sleeping bags.

—The ouzel birds hopping along the river and
Whiskey Jacks swooping down to nibble Bret's food.

—Playful chipmunks which Barbara tried to tame,
coyotes that howled in the night, and the curious
deer that nuzzled into Jackie's pack.

F-503163

The Rupes leaving the campground. Jack points out the route
the family will take. Wade, a veteran backpacker, rests while
he can.

a fa m ily a d ven tu re

—Fishing like they'd never had before with 3-
pound trout that wouldn't fit into the frying pan.

—Meeting the Chief of the Forest Service and his
boss the Secretary of Agriculture, who were explor-
ing the same wilderness together.

Harriet wrote in her journal:

"We were torn between the desire to get back to
civilization, which I reckon means good food and hot
baths, and the desire to heed the call of the wilder-
ness and remain in this beautiful secluded area. The
temptation for this leisurely carefree way of life is
hard to ignore and yet we are forced to return to our
workaday worlds— Jack to his jet propulsion labora-
tory in Pasadena as research engineer and supervisor;
Jackie to her first year in college and the Marine she
hasn't seen in three weeks; Bret to his 11th year in
school, Explorer Scouts, clarinet lessons, and 4-H
work; Barbara to her first year in Junior High and
the complete change from Grade School, to her
horseback riding lessons and practice for the Pomona
Horse Show; Wade to Cub Scouts, 5th grade in
school, baseball, and bicycle; and me to the life of a
busy housewife, chairman of ways and means activi-
ties for the Women's Club, Den Mother, P-TA, golf
and bridge.

"In a short time our adventures in the wilderness
will just be a memory, but we are leaving with
a strong desire to return again next year."

3

YOU TOO CAN DO IT

You can break away from the permanent campfire
grates and heavy rustic tables of the campground,
venture into wilderness country with your home on
your back, and know the joys of stopping when and
where you will without thought of schedules or defi-
nite destinations.

Backpacking offers freedom found in no other type
of wilderness travel. No worry about tying up the
horse when you pause to brew a cup of tea or dunk in
a mountain stream. No wondering if he can pick his
way over the rocks or cross the snowfleld. No search-
ing for pasture when it is time to make camp or carry-
ing oats to supplement natural feed. No caring for
sore or bruised feet other than your own. Self-suffi-
cient, you consider only the whims and comforts of
your family.

Wilderness backpacking is not limited to supermen.

4

It can be a family vacation. The Rupes took their
youngsters backpacking as soon as they were old
enough to hike and interested enough to want to go.
Wade first clamored for inclusion in the family trip
instead of staying with relatives when he was 6 years
old— and he toted his own pack.

Age Is No Barrier

Another family with four children, ages 5, 7, 8, and
9, hiked 14 miles to a wilderness camp spot in the
Bridger National Forest in Wyoming. When the
Forest Ranger met the tired youngsters they were
grinning from ear to ear, proud that they had packed
in their own gear.

In Washington State, 3-year-old Katie hiked 4V6
miles into a wilderness in the Wenatchee National
Forest where her folks were going to camp a week. It
took her 6 hours, not because she got tired, but be-
cause she found so many fascinating things to examine
on the way.

Hikers in the Mount Hood National Forest in Ore-
gon were surprised when they saw an elderly woman
sitting on a light metal folding chair beside a trail.
"The others in the family are ahead," she said, "pack-
ing in gear for an overnight campout." She was hik-
ing in easy stages, resting when she needed to, and
thoroughly enjoying every minute of the trip.

These families have experienced the thrill of wilder-
ness backpacking. The trips were simple ones, but

carefully planned. Some day the children will grow
up and the families will go deeper into the wilderness,
move every day or two, explore more territory, and
try more rugged terrain.

Advanced Camping

Backpacking is best described as advanced camping
and should be undertaken only by those who have
hiked mountain or forest trails. It requires physical
stamina and a genuine liking for the isolation of re-
mote country. The Rupes had hiked often in their
California mountains, but as Jack said, "It took us a
long time to get up the courage to try backpacking.
The one thing that pushed me into it was fishing. I
wanted a chance to tie onto those big fish people
talked about."

Equipment presented some problems, but the Rupes
found that by shopping around and asking a lot of
questions, they could get a shelter that was rainproof;
a bed that was warm; and food that was nourishing
and easy to prepare at a reasonable price. "We've
had to leave the best equipment and new gadgets to
the purists and those who can afford them. During
the 12 years we have been backpacking we have im-
proved our equipment gradually. But we've kept
costs down."
Make Trial Run

This manual for backpacking campers is designed
for those who want to do it but don't quite know how.

It will tell what the Rupes finally worked out for food
and equipment, give other suggestions, and list organ-
izations that might give further information. A
manual of this type cannot mention all equipment a
family might use, nor can it outline what will best meet
the specific needs of every family. It is a general
guide.

Only through experience can the backpacker refine
equipment and methods. Evenings with how-to-do-it
books, browsing through equipment stores, practice in
putting up tents or shelters from ground cloths, and
trying out dehydrated foods will spark the imagina-
tion and eliminate some of the more glaring mistakes.

Nothing, however, will be more valuable than the
trial run to tone the muscles and show up mistakes in
plans. During a short trip no one will suffer unduly
if the master check list is incomplete and some essen-
tial has been left at home.

5

There are countless places to which backpacking
families can go. As a starter try an overnight trip to
a favorite mountain or fishing stream. Follow an un-
marked trail that seems inviting or the abandoned
woods road, no longer passable by car.

Within the 154 National Forests in 39 States and
Puerto Rico are 182 million acres— all open to back-
packing—and over 105,000 miles of trails. The Appa-
lachian Trail winds for 2,000 miles from Mount
Katahdin in Maine to Springer Mountain in Georgia.
Parts of it pass through National Forests, especially
in the Southern Appalachians. In the West the
Pacific Crest Trail twists and turns for 2,150 miles
through the Cascades and the Sierras from Canada
to Mexico. Most of this trail is within 22 National
Forests and 5 National Parks.

Short trails lead into the piney woods of the South,
through the mixed forests of the Lake States, and
onto the treeless western peaks. For many back-
packers such back country provides enough challenge;
for others it is merely warmup for wilderness.

National Forest Wilderness

The Forest Service , under U.S. Department of
Agriculture regulations, set aside wildernesses about
40 years before the National Wilderness Preserva-
tion System was established by Congress in 1964.

6

Within the National Forest wildernesses and prim-
itive areas, which cover 141A million acres, there are
no roads, no mass recreation developments, and no
timber cutting. Areas range from the 5,000-acre
Great Gulf in the White Mountain National Forest
in New Hampshire to the Selway-Bitterroot Wilder-
ness, which sprawls across 988,655 acres within four
National Forests in Idaho and Montana.

They include many types of country, such as the
desolate and almost waterless Superstition Mountains
in Arizona, replete with colorful legends of the South-
west; the living glaciers of Glacier Peak in Washing-
ton; the Salmon River in Idaho; and the jagged Min-
arets in California.

About 9 million acres of this wilderness resource
became the nucleus of the National Wilderness
Preservation System, upon passage of the Wilderness
Act. The remaining acreage is protected in Prim-
itive Areas until reviewed for possible inclusion in the
National Wilderness Preservation System.

WILDERNESSES AND PRIMITIVE AREAS IN THE NATIONAL FORESTS

State National Forest Headquarters

ARIZONA

Blue Range (also in N. Mex.) Apache Springerville

Chiricahua Coronado Tucson

Galiuro Coronado Tucson

Mazatzal Tonto Phoenix

Mount Baldy Apache Springerville

Pine Mountain Prescott Prescott

Tonto Phoenix

Sierra Ancha Tonto Phoenix

Superstition Tonto Phoenix

Sycamore Canyon Coconino Flagstaff

Kaibab Williams

CALIFORNIA PreSC0,t Prescott

Agua Tibia Cleveland San Diego

Caribou Lassen Susanville

Cucamonga San Bernardino San Bernardino

Desolation . . . Eldorado Placerville

Dome Land Sequoia Porterville

Emigrant Stanislaus Sonora

High Sierra Sierra Fresno

Sequoia Porterville

Hoover Toiyabe Reno, Nev.

Inyo Bishop, Calif.

John Muir Sierra Fresno

Inyo Bishop

Marble Mountain Klamath Yreka

Minarets Inyo Bishop

Sierra Fresno

Mokelumne Eldorado Placerville

Stanislaus Sonora

Total
Acreage

180,139
1 8,000
52,717

205,137
7,106
16,399

20,850
124,1 17
49,575

25,995
19,080
9,022
41,343
62,121
97,020
10,247

42,779

503,258

213,363
109,484

50,400
7

462-446 O - 72 - 2

WILDERNESSES AND

PRIMITIVE AREAS IN THE NATIONAL

FORESTS— Continued

Total
Acreage

State

National Forest

Headquarters

CALIFORNIA— Continued

Salmon Trinity Alps

K lamoth
Shasta— Tr in itv

R^HH inn

993 340

A nnalac

Pncnn^nri

1 U3UUCIIU

OO, 1 o/

Snn r\ r» n i a

Q/in rK £i m /~i T c\ 1 i~\ /~\

oan Dernaramo

^s. *~\ r\ Rornnr/imrt

oan Dernaramo

on

1 ac Pnnrfic

oania duiduiq

1 49 790

/»v i 1 1 r*i \A/ nrnar

A 1 Ti I r t~\ c

Miruras

ao *;n7
oo,ju/

Thousand Lakes

1 nc con

IIC f% T\ W 1 1 1 A

ousanviue

1 5,695

Los Padres

Santa Barbara

^9 7 AO

YrJIn Rrtllu Mirlrllo Pol

iomq Dony — jvwaaie tei

\A/ I 1 1 f~\ \A/ C

1 HP. ^ "\ 1

Shasta— Trim tv

1 1 J 1 \J 1 I Mill J

RpHHina

1 \ t III VJ

COLORADO

\A/kito Piwar

oienwooo oprings

1 f>9 1 94

Gore Range-Eagle Nest

Arapaho

White Piuor

Golden

\jicnwoou oprinud

61,101

Gunnison

kio oranae

jl i mnic /-\o
fV\OrilC VISlU

48 486

II c

Maroon Bells— onowmass

White Kiver

Glenwood Springs

71 060

KAi 7\r\ee>\

D rsi itt

JICUMIUUUI \J VJ\ IMU j

72,472

1? ft \ a / /~i r"\

W r\ r\ c Awalf

Fr*rt l rwlin<

1 \J l 1 \«U 1 1 1 1 1 j

26,674

n lii n

*«* r~* r-\ 1 1 1 /— | t-i

tit t rnnno

l/u i ui i y «

238,407

1 1 r"\ ^~ /"\ r"v\ K\ n r\ f \ r a

1 /\m nn nnra

53,252

1 1 r\ r\ a f 1? i 1 " ■> « « j-J ^

/V\ U 1 1 1 tJ V lilU

56 600

west tlK

Gunnison

Gunnison

61412

Wilson Mountains

C 1

oan Juan

Durango

97 T47
z/ ,o*t/

Uncompahgre

Delta "

IDAHO

Idaho

Boise

Challis

Boise
Challis

1,224,733

8

WILDERNESSES AND PRIMITIVE AREAS IN THE NATIONAL FORESTS-Continued

State National Forest Headquarters

IDAHO — Continued

Idaho— Continued Salmon Salmon

Payette McCall

Sawtooth Boise Boise

Challis Challis

Sawtooth Twin Falls

Salmon River Breaks Nezperce Grangeville

Bitterroot Hamilton, Mont.

Selway-Bitterroot (see also Montana) Clearwater Orofino

Nezperce Grangeville

Bitterroot Hamilton, Mont.

MINNESOTA

Boundary Waters Canoe Area Superior Duluth

MONTANA

Absaroka Gallatin Bozeman

Anaconda-Pintlar Beaverhead Dillon

Bitterroot Hamilton

Deerlodge Butte

Beartooth Gallatin Bozeman

Custer Billings

Bob Marshall Flathead Kalispell

Lewis & Clark Great Falls

Cabinet Mountains Kootenai Libby

Kaniksu Sandpoint, Idaho

Gates of the Mountains Helena Helena

Mission Mountains Flathead Kalispell

Selway-Bitterroot (see also Idaho) Bitterroot Hamilton

Lolo Missoula, Mont.

Spanish Peaks Gallatin Bozeman

Total
Acreage

200,942

216,870
988,655

747, 128

64,000
157,803

230,000

950,000

94,272

28,562
73,340
251,930

49,857
9

WILDERNESSES AND PRIMITIVE AREAS IN THE NATIONAL FORESTS-Continued

State National Forest Headquarters

NEVADA

Jarbidge Humboldt Elko

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Great Gulf White Mountain Laconia

NEW MEXICO

Black Range Gila Silver City

Blue Range (see also Arizona) Apache Springerville, Ariz.

Gila Wilderness Gila Silver City

Gila Primitive Area Gila Silver City

Pecos Santa Fe Santa Fe

Carson Taos

San Pedro Parks Santa Fe Santa Fe

Wheeler Peak Carson Taos

White Mountain Lincoln Alamogordo

NORTH CAROLINA

Linville Gorge Pisgah Asheville

Shining Rock Pisgah Asheville

OREGON

Diamond Peak Deschutes Bend

Willamette Eugene

Eagle Cap Wallowa-Whitman Baker

Gearhart Mountain Fremont Lakeview

Kalmiopsis Siskiyou Grants Pass

Mt. Hood Mt. Hood Portland

Mt. Jefferson Deschutes Bend

Mt. Hood Portland

jq Willamette Eugene

Total
Acreage

64,667
5,552

169,356
36,598
433,690
130,637
167,416

41,132
6,027
31,171

7,575
13,350

35,440

220,416
1 8,709
76,900
14,160
99,600

WILDERNESSES AND PRIMITIVE AREAS IN THE NATIONAL

State National Forest

OREGON— Continued

Mount Washington Deschutes

Willamette

Mountain Lakes Winema

Strawberry Mountain Malheur

Three Sisters Deschutes

Willamette

UTAH

High Uintas Ashley

Wasatch

WASHINGTON

Glacier Peak Mt. Baker

Wenatchee

Goat Rocks Gifford Pinchot

Snoqualmie

Mount Adams Gifford Pinchot

Pasayten Okanogan

Mt. Baker

WYOMING

Bridger Bridger

Cloud Peak Bighorn

Glacier Shoshone

North Absaroka Shoshone

Popo Agie Shoshone

South Absaroka Shoshone

Stratified Shoshone

Teton Teton

FORESTS— Continued

Headquarters

Bend
Eugene
Klamath Falls
John Day
Bend
Eugene

Vernal

Salt Lake City

Bellingham

Wenatchee

Vancouver

Seattle

Vancouver

Okanogan

Bellingham

Kemmerer

Sheridan

Cody

Cody
Cody
Cody
Cody
Jackson

Total
Acreage

46,655

23,071
33,003
1 96,708

237,177

464,219

82,680

42,41 1
518,000

383,300
1 37,000
1 77,000
351,104
70,000
483,130
203,930
563,500

1 1

TRAVEL LIGHT

Experienced backpackers pride themselves on being
able to travel light. With many, weight saving is al-
most a fetish; with all it's a game. Rugged, sure-
footed men will seriously explain that they cut towels

12

in half and saw the handles off toothbrushes to save
ounces. They measure out just the right amount of
food needed and put it in plastic bags, which are
lighter than cardboard. They carry scouring pads
with built-in soap, thus eliminating a bar of soap and
a dishcloth. There are dozens of such tricks to save
the ounces that add up to pounds.

How much should one carry? In the Rupe family
Jack, the father, started with 51 pounds, 5 of which
were fishing gear. Harriet, the mother, started with
38 pounds. "After I fell in the creek," she says, "Jack
added part of my gear to his already overloaded pack."

Seventeen-year-old Jackie also carried 38 pounds,
while her younger sister Barbara, 11, took 26 pounds.
Bret, 15, carried 48 pounds. Nine-year-old Wade had
no trouble with his 26 pounds.

Most people try to get by with lower weights: 30
pounds for a woman (maximum 35), and 40 pounds
for an adult male (50 pound limit). Actually, it all
depends upon the physical condition and experience
of the individual, the terrain to be covered, the length
of the trip, and the time of year.

When figuring weight, count all items— the cup on
the belt, the camera and light meter around the neck.
Most backpackers keep such appendages to a mini-
mum. They are easily lost, and since they may catch
on low brush, can be a safety hazard.

F-503160

The Rapes check weights on bathroom scales which they leave in the car.
First they weigh in without pack; then with pack. Here Dad is taking some
of the gear from pack overloaded by young son. W ade.

WHAT DO I NEED?

Pack • Tent or tarp for a roof overhead

• Sleeping bag • Air mattress • Cooking uten-
sils • Dishes— plates, cups, and cutlery • Food:
IV2 pounds per person per day • Clothing: slacks
or jeans— 2 pair, long-sleeved cotton shirt— at least 2,
wool shirt or sweater, parka or wind-breaker, wool
socks— 2 changes, underwear, camp shoes and socks,
rain gear (rain shirt, poncho, or plastic raincoat),
handkerchiefs • Flashlight with extra batteries
and bulb • First aid kit — make your own: band-
aids, compresses, 4-inch Ace bandage, triangular band-
age, antiseptic, aspirin, eye wash, adhesive tape

• Bug dope • Maps and map case • Suntan
lotion • Dark glasses • Rope (nylon cord)

• Toilet tissue • Trowel • Knife • Ax or
hatchet • Small pliers • Matches • Soap
and towel • Needle and thread • Safety pins.

Don't rush out and buy all these. Most people have
something they can "make do."

13

A GOOD UNDERPINNING

There is probably nothing about which experienced
backpackers are more definite than boots. Ask 15
hiking friends what kind of boot to get, and there will
be 15 different answers.

"Use heavy sneakers well padded with wool socks."

"No support in those, get an ankle-high boot with
moccasin top stitching."

"That height is wrong, use 7-inch boots— protection
against snakes!"

"What's the matter with boots that come halfway
up the calf of the leg?"

"Too stiff. Try the shoepac rubber-bottomed boot
with leather top for wading through low streams."

"They're too hot and sweaty in summer and too
cold in winter. Get boots made to order."

"That's a waste of money."

And so the discussion goes on endlessly. All the
types of boots have advantages and disadvantages.

Sneakers are cooler and definitely cheaper. For
voung people with growing feet, the heavy-soled ankle-
high sneaker is probably best. Most youngsters find
them comfortable and the family budget permits a
new pair each year.

Rubber is obviously good where the going is wet.
Many a hiker traversing bog country uses the shoepac
exclusively. Leather is generally the most popular
material for all-around hiking shoes. It wears well, is
soft and pliable. It can be waterproofed to shed rain
and snow.

Leather soles on boots, however, are slippery.
Staunch oldsters still use them with hobnails, but rec-

14

reation hikers use rubber, synthetic, or cord soles.
When the original sole begins to wear, thick rubber
lug soles can be put on, which grab on rocks. Many
hikers have lug soles applied at time of purchase.

At first, some men use work shoes that they already
have around the house, or the boots obtained in mili-
tary service. Many women use saddle shoes or other
sturdy flat-heeled oxfords with rubber soles.

This year for the first time all the Rupes had 7-inch
boots. In the past only the parents had boots; the
children used sneakers.

Summing up— boots should fit comfortably over two
pairs of socks, one thin and one thick. They should
protect the ankles, support the foot, and withstand
ong mileage on rocks and roots. They should be
DroKen in before the trip— but don't start out with a
pair too well worn. Mountain trails are tougher than
citv park paths.

Words of caution: ski boots are for skiing, and cow-
boy boots are for horseback riding. Footwear with
eyelets and lacing have proved best for hiking, and
don't forget that extra pair of laces.

AN EASY-RIDING PACK FOR A
MERRY HEART AND A LIGHT STEP

There are three major types of packs used today:
the packboard, the frame, and the rucksack. Each of
the Rupes now uses the modern version of the pack-
board— a lightweight aluminum packframe, angled at
the shoulder and waist to fit the contours of the body
with only nylon bands resting against the back. These
come in sizes to fit different weights and heights.
Straps from the lower part of the frame fasten just
below the waist, placing the weight of the pack on the
hips. If the waist strap is released, the frame will
hug the back, so that the pack will not swing a person
off balance when he is lumping from rock to rock or
hiking along narrow ledges.

The frame may be bought with or without a pack
attached. The Rupes preferred the former, with com-
partments and outside pockets. Thev report that at
no time does the pack attached to the frame touch
the body.

These deluxe packs are one of the latest backpack-
ing investments. Even now, those used by the two
younger children are reproductions made by Jack.
When they first started this sport they used wooden
packboards and an old Army frame pack. The wooden
packboard is a rigid and sturdy contraption with
shoulder straps and a waistband, but no contours.
The load that can be put on them is tremendous. At
best they are uncomfortable.

The Armv framepacks were developed during
World War II and are still available at low cost. Also

there are commercial variations, lighter in weight and
more comfortable.

Hints:

—Outside pockets are mighty handy for items
needed during the day.

—Attach foam rubber pads to the shoulder straps.
They come ready made from almost any sporting
goods store.

—Place heavy items toward the back of the pack.

A ROOF OVERHEAD

To take a tent or not to— that is the backpacker's
question. A bed beneath the stars has romantic appeal,
but in most parts of the country, it's best to be practi-
cal and carry some kind of shelter. There's nothing
more uncomfortable than waking up to rain or snow
in the face and a soggy sleeping bag.

15

The Rupes carried tubular plastic material, similar
to that used by dry cleaners, except that it is wider
and thicker. For it they paid less than 75 cents a
yard, and their tents were about 4 yards long to ac-
commodate two. The plastic weighs little and folds up
into a small package. Putting a poncho under it for
a ground cloth is advisable: it is easily punctured.

There are lightweight tents designed for backpack-
ing that have the advantage of more protection. With
a floor and a netting over the entrance they are insect
proof, animal proof, and waterproof. Stakes slightly
larger than a nail and lightweight telescopic alumi-
num poles rolled in the tent make a compact pack-
age.

Tent material presents a problem. Breath con-
denses in the watertight nylon tent causing real
dampess. Waterproofed cotton, on the other hand,
isn't completely watertight. Many backpackers get
around this by using a cloth tent and stretching a
nylon or plastic fly over it.

The shelter need not be a tent. A nylon ground
cloth or a large piece of plastic at least 9x12 feet,
preferably with grommets along the sides, can be tied
up to trees to give shelter. Some people use their
ponchos for this purpose.

16

There are numerous ways to fix
such shelters. String a rope from
one tree to another, head high or
less. Throw the plastic over the
rope and attach corners to other
trees, one end lower than the
other. Under this shelter meals
can be prepared in case of rain
and three or four people can
sleep. For small shelter omit the
ridge rope and attach the tarp to
trees so that it slants.

For a one-man shelter, put part
of the ground cloth on the ground
as a protection for the air mat-
tress. Then run the ground cloth
on a slant over the air mattress
and hitch to overhanging
branches, thus forming a "V" in
which to sleep. If the open end
of the "V" is up against a big log,
the backpacker has a snug little
nest in which to crawl for the
night.

F-503177

SANITATION Jackie and Barbara put up their shelter. The Rupes insert sleeping

jAlll I Ml Ivli foagS jn(0 tfre tubing and place stones at the corners to make

the floor. Then they run a rope through the tubing and attach
it to two trees or poles lashed together for the purpose, as shown.
This simple procedure creates the usual triangular shape of a tent.

In National Forest wilderness, the evidence of Man must always
be "substantially unnoticeable." You will find no trash containers
and, except in rare cases, there will be no toilets. So sanitation is
your personal responsibility. Be sure to—

—Carry out in your pack all used cans, bottles, aluminum foil,
and anything else that will not burn. (Empty cans are easier to
carry if they are flattened.) Burying such trash is not satisfactory,
because it will eventually come to the surface through animal or
frost action.

—Burn in your campfire all paper and other burnable material.

—Bury soft food scraps such as coffeegrounds or fruit and vege-
table peelings, so they will decompose rapidly.

The proper disposal of human waste is most important, but,
because we have grown to expect a toilet always handy, this can
often be a perplexing problem. Yet, for the benefit of those who
come after us, we must leave no such evidence that we were there,
and we must not contaminate the waters.

Fortunately, Nature has provided in the top 6-8 inches of soil
a system of very efficient biological "disposers" to decompose fallen
leaves, branches, dead animal bodies, animal droppings, etc. If
every hiker cooperates, there will be no wilderness sanitation prob-
lems. The individual "cat method," used by most experienced
backpackers, is recommended.

—Always carry a fight digging tool, such as an aluminum garden
trowel (page 13).

—Select a screened spot at least 50 feet from the nearest water.

—Dig a hole 5-6 inches deep and 8-10 inches across. Try to re-
move the sod (if any) in one piece.

—After the deposit is made, cover it tightly with the loose soil
first and then with the sod.

—Nature will do the rest in a few days.

MAKING CAMP

"Backpacking is a special kind of camping," says
experienced woodsman Walt Powell who helped the
Rupes get started. "You can make your camp in a
fresh clean site away from a dusty trail, and you are
not disturbed or awakened by other campers, for
there are none nearby. You fish in almost untouched
waters. It is the simplest, most flexible, and least ex-
pensive way of penetrating and enjoying the interior
regions of the mountain areas."

These are words to lure city folk from their con-
crete canyons or cliff dwelling apartments into the
wilderness. To sleep where the earth meets the sky
until awakened by the sun is to know the true free-
dom of backpacking.

But use care in picking the campsite. An almost
imperceptible ravine may become a waterway in case
of rain. The murmuring stream that lulls a person to
sleep is a chilly neighbor at night.

In picking a campsite, look for drinking water, fuel-
wood, level ground, warmth, and shelter. For full en-
joyment hold out for a view, when possible. Pitch the
tent where it gets morning sun, so it can dry out
standing before it is packed. Note the wind direction
in deciding which way to face. The wind will blow
from a lake onto the shore and down a canyon at
night; in reverse during the day.

In the High Sierra summer rain is rare and tents
are not necessary. One of the nicest spots for the
sleeping bag and air mattress in such country is a
rocky ledge which will hold the heat of the afternoon
sun far into the night and gives protection from wind.
An overhanging branch will provide a natural roof with
clothes hooks. Avoid, however, camping under dead
branches, near leaning trees, or in the path of rock
slides.

In the wilderness most water will be pure enough
to drink. When in doubt, boil it. Or take along
some purification tablets. If the family is large, de-
cide which part of the stream is for drinking. Wash
clothes and body downstream.

18

HEAT AND LIGHT

Into the well-equipped pack must go a flashlight,
spare battery cells, and an extra bulb. It is all the
light needed because one advantage of backpacking is
that the travelers can always make camp before dark-
ness overtakes them. In packing the flashlight, how-
ever, reverse the cells so they will not burn out if the
switch is accidentally snapped on.

The campflre is a warm and cheering part of the
backpacking trip. It provides a chance for the family
to get close together to relive the adventures of the
day, sing the old songs or learn new ones, and read.
The Rupes found singing great fun. Jack also read
short stories aloud. For family reading, a history of
the country or the experiences of another who has ex-
plored the same vicinity might be interesting.

Around the campflre, too, many backpackers brew
a cup of tea made from herbs found along the trail.
A person must know plants well for this. A more con-
ventional family will prefer tea, bouillon, readymade
cocoa, or marshmallows.

The camper is permitted to use for fuel standing
dead trees and fallen branches or trees. In National
Forest Wildernesses such fuel is usually plentiful
and the backpacker counts on it for cooking. In some

sections of the country, however, like the Southern
Appalachians, the backpacker is advised to carry a
lightweight, one-burner gasoline stove. For chopping
wood take an ax with at least a 2 ¥2- to 3-pound head
and a 28- to 30-inch handle.

When building a fire, clear the ground of grass,
leaves, and other flammable (material. Circle the
burning area with rocks, leaving cleared space outside
the rocks. Keep water near in case the flames spread,
especially if the ground is very dry. Most experienced
campers keep their cooking fires small— concentrating
the heat and at the same time saving wood.

When breaking camp, be sure the fire is dead out,
Dump water on the ashes; stir them in with the soil.
Roll away stones from fireplaces, following the old
adage, "Where I go, I leave no sign."

A Word to the Wise

—Take along a bit of candle or heat tabs to light
the fire in case the wood is damp and does not catch
quickly with a match.

—Put matches in a waterproof container or water-
proof matches with paraffin.

—Be sure to check with the Forest Ranger to see if
a campflre permit is necessary. In those areas where
fire danger is great, camp only at designated sites.

19

WHAT'S COOKING?

Keep the cooking equipment and food simple in
planning for the backpacking trip. Most families use
a nesting set of pots with covers, frying pans, coffee-
pot, cups, and plates. This they supplement with a
pan or two or a waterbag. The Rupes used a Number

20

10 can (about 3 quarts) obtained from a restaurant.
There are many types of waterbags. The lightest is
probably the plastic version of the goatskin which will
hang from a tree.

Dehydrated food has progressed a long way in the
last few years, both in taste and variety. Regular
groceries carry instant rice, instant potatoes, instant
puddings, and appetizing dried soups such as potato-
leek, mushroom, and tomato-beef. Some stores stock
freeze dry foods such as shrimp supreme, turkey tet-
razinni, and chicken stew; bacon and butter in cans,
though most backpackers buy bacon by the slab and
use a special container for butter.

Companies catering to campers have developed
one-dish meals such as beef and spuds, chicken and
rice, beef and macaroni. They are continually
adding to their vegetable line, and now it is possible
to get dehydrated green salad. They carry freeze
dry breakfast combinations— bacon and eggs or ham
and eggs with fried potatoes.

Don't forget coffee and tea for an eye opener and
quick pickup. Instant cocoa tastes good in high
country; and bouillon cubes not only make a good
drink but a good flavoring for one-dish meals. Dried
milk is almost a must. Bread is optional. Many
carry a loaf, a can or Scandinavian flatbrots which
are thin and light.

The Rupes spend less than $2.00 per person per
day for food.

SAMPLE MENUS

Breakfast

Orange juice
Oatmeal with

dates or

raisins
Coffee or cocoa

Lunch

Cold meat—
1 slice per
person

Cheese slice

Mix of nuts,
raisins,
chocolate
chips

Powdered
lemonade

Other possibilities:

Stewed fruit
Bacon and eggs

(dried)
Hemo and milk

or coffee

Hard salami
Nuts, sweetened
cooking
chocolate
Powdered
boysenberry
beverage

Dinner

Vegetable soup
Macaroni with

cheese, dried

beef, bacon

fat
Chocolate

pudding

F-503176

Mom's turn to cook. Usually Jack makes breakfast. Note the grease can with cover- mighty handy to
carry bacon fat from breakfast to the night meal. Abo the Number 10 can for cooking.

Chicken noodle
soup

Beef & spuds
(dehydrated
prepared mix)

Bread

Butterscotch

pudding
Hot tea

21

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Fruit juice Cheese Chili and beans

Hash— canned Apricots Fruit salad—

or dried Hard candy dried or

Coffee or cocoa Powdered canned

grape Tea

beverage

Fruit Cheese Onion soup

Pancakes Raisins Mashed potato

Bacon Mixed nuts Fresh fish

Coffee Powdered Fruit, tea

orange

beverage

Note: Many backpackers supplement their diet
with a vitamin pill each day.

Estimates on the amount of food needed vary from
IV2 to 2V2 pounds per person, per day. Much depends
on the type of food carried and the appetite of the
individual. It is an established fact that the appe-
tite increases after the first few days.

Ounces per serving of some typical foods follow:

Food Ounces

Dried fruit— for Breakfast 2

for Lunch 1

Cereal 1.75 {lA cup)

22

Food Ounces

Powdered egg 1 (4 tbsp.)

Cheese 1

Hemo powder .75 (2 tbsp.)

Nuts 1

Bacon 2 (2 slices)

For your own Beef Stew:

Potato cubes 1.6 (V2 cup)

Onion flakes .25 (Vs cup)

Carrot flakes .5 (V» cup)

Cured beef 2

Cheese 1

Bacon fat

For your own Macaroni-Beef Dish:

Macaroni 2 (V2 cup)

Cheese 1

Cured beef 2

Bacon fat

For other foods use estimates on package.
Suggestions

—Some special dehydrated mixes are packaged for
four, six, or eight servings. Generally they are ample.

—Sturdy plastic bags of various sizes simplify carry-
ing food. Large ones around cooking equipment will
protect the other contents of the pack from fire-
blackened pots.

F-503171

Wade makes instant pudding under the watchful eye of Barbara,
who is waiting for a chance to test the mixture.

AND SO TO SLEEP

There comes a time in the life of every camping
adult when an air mattress is essential to a good
night's sleep. (Youths can adjust their bones to the
hard earth and awake refreshed.) Remember that
in wilderness you must not cut boughs off trees for
your bed.

Fortunately the equipment companies have come
out with light and durable air mattresses for back-
packing and most backpackers use them. They come
in different lengths, again saving ounces. A mattress
from the shoulders to just below the hips is all that
is necessary for comfort. It is a good idea to put
some gear under the the feet and legs for warmth.

Mattresses are made of plastic, nylon, or rubber.
Prime consideration in selecting one is weight and
durability. Most people blow up their air mattresses
too much. A good test is to sit on the mattress.
You should feel the ground but only slightly. De-
flating the mattress is simple— before rising, take out
the plug or valve and let your body weight help push
out the air.

Backpackers usually carry sleeping bags, and a
favorite indoor sport on a long winter night is to com-
pare the relative merits of the many types on the
market.

Weight, warmth, bulk, waterproofness, and cost are
important factors to evaluate in selecting a sleeping

24

bag. Consider the materials used for both the outer
lining and for the insulation. Discuss your needs with
the shopkeeper and ask him to show you a wide
variety of bags.

Decide how much warmth is needed and buy ac-
cordingly. Look for stitching and shape in a bag.
Stitching is needed to prevent bunching of the filling,
but should not go clear through the outer and inner
cloth of the bag. It should be alternated, thus—

Mummy bags that taper at the foot are popular,
but consider foot room. Bags with zipper all down
one side and across the foot are easier to get into and
out of, and in them warmth can be regulated by un-
zipping a little or a lot. These bags are usually rec-
tangular in shape and can be spread out like a
comforter. Some people make their own bags with
comforters and long zippers.

Mummy bags come with a built-in hood for warmth.
Others have a flap that comes up over the head, pro-
viding shelter against rain and drafts. Head protec-
tion is particularly necessary if no tent is used.
Drafts around the head and neck can be cold, even
on a mild night, and if one part of the body is chilled,
a person becomes cold all over.

A word of caution about sleeping bags: air them
after use.

GUIDEPOSTS

The foregoing pages have been only a guide— a path
designed to lead newcomers into the joys and wonders
of backpacking. From it one can explore new trails in
food, sleeping bags, or cooking equipment. Just as
the pioneers worked out their methods of survival,
the backpacker traveling in primitive lands will work
out his techniques.

But before going, just a word about

—Clothes.— Take enough to keep warm. Veterans
recommend several lightweight layers of wool rather
than one heavy layer, for comfort at different temper-
atures. See checklist on page 15 for items needed.

—Fishing.— Get a State License. In most States
short-term licenses are available at reasonable rates.

—Hiking.— A steady pace, comfortable for the slow-
est member of the family; an easy stride, short rests
standing— these are the secrets of good hiking.

—Getting lost.— Don't worry about this; most back-
packers stay on the trail. But as a precaution, study
a map of the area before venturing into it. Experi-
enced backpackers frequently pinpoint on the map
their positions on the ground at rest stops and locate
various peaks. Some backpackers even have prac-
ticed using maps on strange trails before starting the
first trip. Others have tried to follow a straight line
for a short distance through trailless country, using
compass and map.

The main thing to remember when the trail seems
to disappear is "Don't panic." Stop, think, look.
Pull out the map and get oriented by stream drain-
ages or visible mountain peaks. Backtrack if neces-

25

sary, following broken twigs, bent grass, or over-
turned stones left en route until oriented.

If this doesn't work, build a fire and keep it going.
If the weather is good and a Forest Service lookout
is on duty, he will send someone to investigate. Use
green boughs to make a dense smoke and little flame.
Keep the fire small.

—Distress signals.— Three smokes, three blasts on
the whistle, three shouts, three flashes of light, three
of anything that will attract attention. In case of

1g> ^®

injury, administer first aid; and if the injury is seri-
ous signal for help. Generally it is not advisable to
split the group, but if it becomes necessary to go for
help, be sure to leave someone with the victim.

26

—First aid kits.— Carry any special items you per-
sonally might need in addition to those listed on page
15. Be prepared for all the usual emergencies such
as burns, abrasions, sprains, headaches.

— Sun.— High elevations are a sunburn hazard to
refugees fresh from concrete canyons of the cities.
Be prepared with a personally tested suntan lotion or
take a cream like zinc oxide which the sun's rays can-
not penetrate. Most hikers in high country need
dark glasses. Camera fans should take care of over-
exposing film at high elevations, especially where
there are snowbanks.

— Garbage.— Please burn. Also burn and flatten
tin cans. Carry out cans, bottles, aluminum foil, and
anything else that will not burn.

—Lightning.— In case of lightning storm, get off
exposed peaks or ridges and avoid lone tall trees.
Stay far from any natural "lightning rods," and don't
make one of yourself. If it is impossible to get into
the protection of brush or trees, sit down and wait
for the storm to pass.

—Leaving word.— It's a good idea to let the Forest
Ranger or game warden know your general plans in
case of emergencies.

And a happy backpacking trip to you— from the
Secretary of Agriculture, from the Chief of the Forest
Service, and from the Rupe family.

INSTANT REFERENCE

Page

All About Boots 14

Checklist of What To Take 13

Fire 19

Food 21

Packs 15

Sanitation 17

Sleeping Bags 24

Tents 15

Where To Go 7

The Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agricul-
ture, is dedicated to the principle of multiple use
management of the Nation's forest resources for
sustained yields of wood, water, forage, wildlife, and
recreation. Through forestry research, cooperation
with the States and private forest owners, and man-
agement of the National Forests and National Grass-
lands, it strives— as directed by Congress— to provide
increasingly greater service to a growing Nation.

For specific information about a proposed trip,
write to the Supervisor of the National Forest in
which the Wildernesses (listed on pp. 7-11) are lo-
cated. Forest Service booklets of general interest

to backpackers are SEARCH FOR SOLITUDE,
CAMPING, and NATIONAL FOREST WILDER-
NESSES.

Local hiking clubs can give tips on trips into wil-
dernesses and other back-country areas. Many of
the larger clubs publish maps, guides, and how-to-do-
it books which are found in the library with other
camping books.

Among groups publishing useful information for
backpacking are:

Club

Adirondack Mountain Club

R.D. 1. Ridge Road,

Glen Falls, N.Y. 12801
Appalachian Mountain Club

5 Joy St., Boston, Mass.
Appalachian Trail Conference

1718 N Street NW.

Washington, D.C. 20036
Green Mountain Club

108 Merchants Row,

Rutland, Vt.
Mazamas

909 NW. 19th Ave., Portland,

Oreg.

The Sierra CI ub

Mills Tower Bldg., San

Francisco, Calif.
Federation of Western Outdoor Clubs

201 S. Ashdale St.,

West Covina, Calif.
Wilderness Society

7 29 15th St. NW., Washington,

D.C. 20005

Area

New York State

New England, particularly
New Hampshire and Maine

Appalachian Trail from Maine
to Georgia (has list of East-
ern Clubs)

Vermont

The Pacific Northwest

The Sierra

Can give addresses of 36 mem-
ber clubs

Wilderness throughout the
United States

Don't overlook State agencies for Recreation, or Planning and Development, as
a source of information.

27

What Is Wilderness

The Wilderness Act of September 3, 1964, estab-
lished a national policy to secure for present and
future generations of Americans the benefits of wil-
derness. "Wilderness" means different things to
different people. That act defines wilderness as
Federal land where the earth and its com-

munity of life are untrammeled (unrestricted) by
Man . . . retaining its primeval character and influ-
ence without permanent improvements or human
habitation . . . affected primarily by the forces of
nature, with the imprint of Man's work substantially
unnoticeable. . . ." Wilderness shaped our national
character as our forefathers met and conquered it.
The National Wilderness System will assure all
Americans of the continuing opportunity to test their
pioneering skills unaided by manmade facilities.
Also Leopold once expressed the wilderness philos-
ophy this way:

"No servant brought them meals. . . . No traffic
cop whistled them off the hidden rock in the next

rapids. No friendly roof kept them dry when they
mis-guessed whether or not to pitch the tent. No
guide showed them which camping spots offered a
night-long breeze, and which a night-long misery of
mosquitoes; which firewood made clean coals, and
which only smoke. The elemental simplicities of
wilderness travel were thrills . . . because they repre-
sented complete freedom to make mistakes. The
wilderness gave . . . those rewards and penalties for
wise and foolish acts . . . against which civilization has
built a thousand buffers."

Accordingly, when you enter a wilderness you
should expect: No piped water, no prepared shelters,
usually no toilets, no table to eat your meals from,
and no grill to hold your cooking utensils. There
will be few trail signs to guide you, so you must know
how to follow a map. You will be on your own to a
great degree— be prepared to meet the unexpected.

Slightly revised May 1971

U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 1972 OF — 462-446

For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office
Washington, D.C. 20402 - Price 25 cents