Backpacking & Hiking FAQ's

• What's the best way to pack my backpack?
• What is the difference between an internal frame pack and an external frame pack?
• How do I wash myself if water is scarce?
• How much do I really have to "carry out" when I go backpacking?
• What is the best kind of stove fuel to use?
• What should I do if I get lost in the wilderness?
• Is it OK to hike in sneakers?
• How much water should I carry?
• How do I introduce my young children to hiking and camping?
  
  

Q. What's the best way to pack my backpack?
A. Each pack is different depending on its features and the load its designed to carry. Since we are all unique each person's center of gravity will reflect the end result as well. You want try to keep the heaviest part of your load centered close to your back and shoulder blades.

Because a woman's center of gravity tends to be lower than a man's, some women find that putting heavier items at the bottom of the pack gives them a better sense of balance.

Experiment with your backpack each time you load it to see what load shifts works best for you. Organization of your equipment within your pack is very important in achieving balance.

Use different-colored stuff sacks for each portion of your gear such as food, clothing, personal items and stove fuel. That way, you don't have to rummage through everything to grab what you need.

The things you use the most during your hike or backpacking adventure such as a jacket, snakes, camera, compass, or map should be tucked in a side pocket or on the top within easy reach.
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Q. What is the difference between an internal frame pack and an external frame pack?
A. Internal frame packs have soft frames built into the pack. The bag hugs the body tightly and comfortably. Since these frames are good for balance it is invaluable when hiking or climbing on difficult terrain. With no external frame you reduce the likelihood of snagging the pack on something in the woods as you walk.

External frame packs usually have more pockets and compartments than internal frame packs. The rigid external frame also allows backpackers to carry heavy loads more comfortably than in an internal frame pack. This style backpack is choosen by many hikers for extended trips.

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Q. How do I wash myself if water is scarce?
A. "I don't worry too much about staying clean on the trail," says Mary Yeo, who recently climbed Aconcagua, the highest mountain in the Western Hemisphere, with a group of breast cancer survivors on Expedition Inspiration.

"I take a bowl of warm water, and literally I mean a bowl, and a baby wipe. Starting with my face, I work my way down. You can have a pretty complete bath with just a little water.

"I also swear by my backcountry pack towel," she adds. "They are compact and you can squeeze them out and use them as a washcloth and then a towel. You can even dry your hair with them."

When is it safe to drink water directly from streams or other water sources in the wilderness?

All wilderness water should be treated through either filtration, purification or boiling. For assistance in choosing the correct treatment method, call the L.L. Bean Outdoor Hotline, 1-800-226-7552.
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Q. How much do I really have to "carry out" when I go backpacking?
A. Everything. Many backpackers use zip-lock bags to carry in food and supplies. As you consume food, convert the bags to garbage bags for your wastepaper, toilet paper and sanitary supplies. Make sure your waste is securely stored, or even double-bagged, so it does not leak or spill onto food or clothing in your backpack.

If you have the energy and initiative, carry out any other trash you find.

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Q.What is the best kind of stove fuel to use?
A. Several L.L. Bean salesclerks prefer to use butane cartridge stoves in the summer. Butane is light, clean and requires no pumping or priming to produce an instant flame. You simply plug a cartridge into your stove, turn it on and light it.
During the colder months, many use white gas or unleaded fuel. The fuel is inexpensive and produces a lot of heat, which is critical during winter when campers melt snow for drinking water.

Remember to replace your fuel every season and don't store fuel in your stove's tank for extended periods. Fuel should be drained at the end of the season or burned off to prevent impurities from clogging the fuel lines and burners.

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Q. What should I do if I get lost in the wilderness?
A. First, take every step to prevent becoming lost. Take a map and compass class at a local community center or outdoor store. Before you hike, study a map of the area to become familiar with the trails, nearby roads, streams, mountains and other features. Leave a trip plan with family or friends. As you hike, observe the topography around you (ridges, recognizable summits, rivers, etc.). They serve as good reference points, particularly when you are above treeline.

Always hike with a map and compass. If you become disoriented, stop, pull out your map and calmly look at the countryside for familiar landmarks. Few people remain truly lost after consulting a map and calmly studying the terrain for five minutes.

To help orient yourself, you may want to head to a ridge or high ground so you can identify hills or streams that are marked on your topographical map. But don't wander too far from your original route, especially if you don't have a map. If you have told family members or fellow hikers where you plan to hike, that area is where rescuers will start searching for you.

Should you continue to be lost, S.T.O.P. (stop, think, observe and plan). Try to go back to your last known location if it is within a reasonable distance. Decide on a course of action and stick to it. Most important, don't panic. You will be using up energy that you may need later on.

If you can find no familiar landmarks by backtracking, then stay put. If you carry a whistle, blow it at timed intervals to signal rescuers or other hikers who could lead you back to your campsite or trail.

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Q. Is it OK to hike in sneakers?
A. Many day hikers, especially novices, wonder if they really need anything fancier than a pair of sneakers on their feet when they hit the trail.
Being Mainers, we know the value of a dollar and have found that sneakers are great for brief outings on well-maintained, flat trails.

But when you are hiking on the kinds of terrain found on even quite ordinary day hikes–muddy trails, crumbling surfaces, rocky scree, etc.–there is nothing like a good pair of hiking boots for added support, protection and safety.

Unlike sneakers, hiking boots can withstand the wear and tear of walking on abrasive granite. Their grooved soles provide better traction on rough surfaces. High-cut boots (those that come up around your ankles) provide greater support than low-cut models and help protect you from protruding sticks and stones. If they are lined with Gore-Tex®, you will have the added benefit of waterproof performance.

Over the years we have found that good hiking boots more than pay for themselves, and we recommend them highly. Thousands of our customers agree.

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Q. How much water should I carry?
A. As much as you comfortably can. People often take too little water. Two liters per person per day is a good rule of thumb, depending on the length of the hike, the weather and your level of fitness. Take a lesson from athletes. Recent studies show that cyclists given an unlimited supply of water had over 50% more stamina than cyclists who were offered no water on training rides. You will feel much more energetic and can better tackle those mountain ridges when you are well hydrated.

Many experienced hikers will pack a few gallons of water in the car before they leave home so they can drink some and/or top off their water bottles before they hit the trail. You will also have a fresh supply of water waiting for you when you return to the vehicle.

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Q.How do I introduce my young children to hiking?
A. Gradually. Before you try a day-long hike, try an hour-long hike and be prepared to carry a straggler or two. Make it fun for them. Let them bring a friend. Point out the wildlife, and have them find special plants or trees so they learn more about the natural world around them. Be sensitive to children's energy levels and need for frequent breaks.

Always bring a first-aid kit on your hikes with children (and all other hikes, too). Moleskin and adhesive bandages can be real lifesavers if you or your little ones get blisters

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