Take a Hike
What better way to enjoy the great outdoors than hiking a couple of miles and sleeping under the starry night sky?
That's why many backpackers are grabbing their gear and hitting the trails.
Venture Outdoors North in Zelienople offers many programs for those looking to get more involved with nature.
“Most of our activities are geared towards beginners, people who have had limited experiences with the outdoors,” said Julie Meier, field office manager with Venture Outdoors.
“Maybe they never hiked before or they just don't feel comfortable going out on the trails by themselves.”
Most Venture Outdoors trips are led by volunteers who love being in nature and sharing it with someone new.
Mike Cornell of Harmony is a team leader with Venture Outdoors.
“It can be intimidating to someone who hasn't gone before because there's a lot to learn,” Cornell said.
He enjoys fitness-oriented trips that are long distance at a quick pace — not the best for beginners.
“I enjoy the longer, more strenuous way, but a lot of people they might just go hike for a few hours, then spend the rest of the day relaxing,” Cornell said.
He also enjoys going with his family on smaller hikes around McConnells Mill State Park, Moraine State Park and the Laurel Highlands.
“It really is nice spending time with your family away from all those other distractions,” Cornell said of being in the woods.
The Butler Outdoor Club meets monthly throughout the year to provide all types of activities for all skill levels.
Paul Henry of Hermitage is a member of the club.
“I like the peace and quiet of nature,” Henry said. “... seeing the waterfalls. Nothing will lull you to sleep like that.”
Henry has backpacked all around Western Pennsylvania and the world, including the Arctic Circle and Chile.
“A lot of times I'll be sweating walking up a hill and say to someone 'Why do you like this?'” Henry said.
But once he gets to the top of a hill and sits down to rest while looking out on an amazing view, he thinks, “Oh yeah, that's why we like this.”
Before deciding to take the plunge into backpacking long distance, check out the tips and stories here from those on the trail.
When planning an overnight backpacking trip, here are some essential items to include, according to Julie Meier, field office manager with Venture Outdoors North, and Orville Steininger of East Liverpool, Ohio, a team leader with Venture Outdoors.• A mug• A knife“You always need something to cut things with,” Steininger said.• A flashlight• A whistle• Matches and lighter“I always carry two different sources for starting a fire, Steininger said.• Rain gear including a pack cover“Because your packs aren't waterproof and everything inside will get wet,” Steininger said.• First-aid kit• Insect repellant• Extra pair of socks• Extra set of clothes• Tent or tarp• Sleeping bag or ground pad• Toiletry kit• Food and cooking utensils, including gloves for hot items."Generally what I normally do is I carry a lot of dry food,” Steininger said.• Water• Garbage bags• Lip balm“It's amazing, but people don't think about that and if your lips get dry you're uncomfortable,” Meier said.• Hat or sunglasses
When preparing to backpack, here are some helpful tips from those who are well traveled on the trails.• Take a beginner trip, suggested Mike Cornell of Harmony, team leader with Venture Outdoors.Cornell suggests trying a smaller backpacking trip with an organization before going off on a two-day trip by yourself.“Find a local organization that does beginner oriented trips,” Cornell said.He suggests camping out in the backyard to start.Hike into the woods just a mile from your car before setting up camp. This way if you forget anything, you don't have to go too far, he said.• Try to limit the weight of your backpack, suggests Orville Steininger of East Liverpool, Ohio, team leader with Venture Outdoors.“If you have too much weight, it's going to be a real struggle,” he said.He suggests thinking carefully about the food being packed and what cooking utensils are needed to prepare it.Steininger takes granola in a tube-shaped container so he can easily pour it into his mouth while walking.If you want eggs for breakfast, he recommends preparing a hard-boiled one so you don't have to carry a stove.Steininger said it's important to have plenty of water, but if you know you will be passing a stream or river, take purifiers to limit carrying gallons.He also said an easy way to decide what to pack is to determine if you're more concerned about weight or luxury.“Some people don't mind carrying the weight because they want some extra luxuries,” Steininger said.• Don't wear cotton clothing.“Cotton kills,” Steininger said.When hiking in the day, cotton will absorb perspiration, which will remain and chill you at night.The cool fabric on the body can cause hypothermia any time of the year.Steininger said it's best to wear 100 percent polyester, nylon or a combination of synthetic materials when hiking.• “Get in shape,” said Paul Henry of Hermitage and the Butler Outdoor Club. “Start small and do a lot of hiking beforehand.”Henry said it's important to break in your boots and other gear before heading out on the trail.“The Butler Outdoor Club does a lot of hikes that will get you in hiking shape,” he said.• Hike with friends.“A lot of time (your enjoyment) has a whole lot to do with the company on your trip,” Henry said.Henry said it's important to hike with good company that can get you through the rain, heat and even snow.“Backpack on the buddy system and get to know the people that you're backpacking with on shorter trips,” Henry said.• If you decide backpacking is for you, have your pack professionally fitted.Cornell recommends going to outdoors stores like REI, L.L.Bean and Exkursion that have personnel with backpacking experience.“You can go to a discount shoe store and buy something off the rack, but if you're a marathon runner it's better to be fitted at an athletic shoe store,” Cornell said.• Wear the proper shoes.“You should have a pair of hiking boots and shoes. Not sneakers,” Steininger said. “Most of the time you have to cross streams and that way you can at least step in them.”• Ask professionals about trails.Henry recommends the folks at the Butler Outdoor Club, North Country National Scenic Trail and the Keystone Trails Association to name a few.“(Keystone Trails Association) represents about 40 different hiking and trail-maintaining clubs,” he said. “They've got links and maps and all sorts of information.”• Get ready to use your brain.“One of the things I like best about backpacking is that there's a lot of problem solving,” Cornell said.There is no exact right or wrong answer. Everyone swears by their own equipment and style.It's important to test skills and equipment on smaller excursions before deciding which ones you'll stand by.
