Backpacking in the National Forest Wilderness...a family adventure PA-585

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 temperatures. 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 slowest 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 backpackers stay on the trail. But as a precaution, study a map of the area before venturing into it. Experienced backpackers frequently pinpoint on the map their positions on the ground at rest stops and locate various peaks. Some backpackers even have practiced 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 drainages or visible mountain peaks. Backtrack if necessary, following broken twigs, bent grass, or overturned 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 injury, administer first aid; and if the injury is serious 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.

—First aid kits.—Carry any special items you personally 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.

The Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture,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 management of the National Forests and National Grasslands, 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 located. Three Forest Service booklets of general interest to backpackers are CAMPING, THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL, and NATIONAL FOREST WILDERNESSES.

Local hiking clubs can give tips on trips into wildernesses 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:

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