At climbing on Friday, I met a few girls who told me about a great site for people who are looking for groups to climb with. After joining that group, I came across a great group for NY/NJ backpackers! I was so excited to find people our age to hike with! Can't wait for our first trip with the group :)
If you are interested in joining, please click here
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Trail Reading - "Appalachain Trail Guide to Maryland-northern Virginia" and "A Fork in the Trail"
After looking through a great deal of books, I decided to purchase a guide to the area that I will be backpacking this spring/summer.
I also picked up a GREAT backpacking recipe book! This book has it all from snacks, all the way to mouthwatering desserts. If you have a food dehydrator there are TONS of recipes that sound delicious, there is even some kind of Thai soup which I can't wait to try! As soon as I get my dehydrator I will be sure to post individual recipes, reviews, and pictures for all to see.
Although I have a long way to go in terms of training, I'm getting in better shape through indoor rock climbing. I'm hoping one day I can combine the two (climbing and backpacking). Its really exciting for me to have come this far in such a short amount of time. I can climb up an intermediate wall, and I am getting much more comfortable both on belay and when I am climbing. I even ordered a harness so that I won't have to rent one every time I go! Next on the agenda is shoes, but this is a pretty pricey sport so I am taking my time with getting the right equipment.
In just a couple months when the weather starts warming up I am going to start on a couple overnight hikes in NY (Harriman) and in the Adirondacks. Since Phil was finally able to find some new hiking boots, we are going to have to break them in for sure ;) Lucky for me it will help me to break mine in some more too.
With school starting it's going to be a busy few months, but I am optimistic that on weekends I can get some good hikes in. I can always bring my homework with me and read at night with by headlamp :)
Until next time...
I also picked up a GREAT backpacking recipe book! This book has it all from snacks, all the way to mouthwatering desserts. If you have a food dehydrator there are TONS of recipes that sound delicious, there is even some kind of Thai soup which I can't wait to try! As soon as I get my dehydrator I will be sure to post individual recipes, reviews, and pictures for all to see.
Although I have a long way to go in terms of training, I'm getting in better shape through indoor rock climbing. I'm hoping one day I can combine the two (climbing and backpacking). Its really exciting for me to have come this far in such a short amount of time. I can climb up an intermediate wall, and I am getting much more comfortable both on belay and when I am climbing. I even ordered a harness so that I won't have to rent one every time I go! Next on the agenda is shoes, but this is a pretty pricey sport so I am taking my time with getting the right equipment.
In just a couple months when the weather starts warming up I am going to start on a couple overnight hikes in NY (Harriman) and in the Adirondacks. Since Phil was finally able to find some new hiking boots, we are going to have to break them in for sure ;) Lucky for me it will help me to break mine in some more too.
With school starting it's going to be a busy few months, but I am optimistic that on weekends I can get some good hikes in. I can always bring my homework with me and read at night with by headlamp :)
Until next time...
Monday, January 17, 2011
Trail Destinations- Appalachian Trail Hike 1 Maryland
This summer, I am planning on doing my first multi day hike (IF I am ready for it :) ). After looking over the list of different places to go on the east coast, and coupled with my wanting to hike the AT, I am going to start with a 4 day trek through Maryland. The AT stretches from Georgia and ends in Maine. This is a very long hike, and most people have to tackle the AT in pieces.
I have begun planning and am looking to start in Pen Mar and to end in Harper's Ferry. It looks like the trail will run about 40 miles, so if 10 miles per day or more is our average, my backpacking partners and I should be able to do this in 4 days.
One thing that is very important for any hiker to do before embarking on a trip is to learn how to use a map and compass (something I am admittedly a novice at).
The following is a short little explanation of how to do this. Once I learn more on the subject, I will be sure to post a follow up article on Map and Compass use.
I have begun planning and am looking to start in Pen Mar and to end in Harper's Ferry. It looks like the trail will run about 40 miles, so if 10 miles per day or more is our average, my backpacking partners and I should be able to do this in 4 days.
One thing that is very important for any hiker to do before embarking on a trip is to learn how to use a map and compass (something I am admittedly a novice at).
The following is a short little explanation of how to do this. Once I learn more on the subject, I will be sure to post a follow up article on Map and Compass use.
Words can't express how excited I am to embark on this adventure. I plan on leaving late May, post graduation. I think this will help to give me a sense of peace and direction before beginning my career!
Until next time..
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Nutrition on the Trail - BMR and Calorie Intake
As a Nutrition and Food Science major, I can tell you first hand that the key to understanding nutrition is simple: eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, eat adequate fat and protein sources (keep trans fats out, and saturated fats low), and limit empty calories whenever possible (i.e. soda, sugary snacks). Backpacking nutrition is similar but just a bit different. As a backpacker, your energy expenditure and long treks will require much more calories, and especially foods that provide you with a quick burst of energy (aka carbohydrates).
Normally the average person (according to the USDA) has a diet of 50% carbohydrates, 30% fats, and 20% proteins. My suggestion would be to lower the fat % just a bit, and increase the protein to 25% instead when gearing up for a hike. Protein builds muscle, therefore you do not want to deprive your body of the proteins you need to build muscle that will increase your fitness level and BMR. This will help you to increase strength and endurance for future hikes!
Your BMR (basal metabolic rate) is the amount of energy (calories) your body uses in a day just for regular functions (breathing, sleeping, etc). To calculate your BMR, you can visit this link, to get a general idea of what BMR to use. Keep in mind that this number can fluctuate based on your fitness level.
Because you are burning calories at a higher rate than normal (according to Livestrong.com, a 135lb backpacker burns about 590 calories per hour, when carrying a +/- 42lb pack) the amount of energy needed will be much higher. This would mean that if you were to hike for 5 hours with limited breaks, you would burn approximately 2,950 calories. This is of course in addition to number of calories needed to sustain life, which you will determine by calculating your BMR
Therefore, if you plan on hiking 5 hours (burning 2,950 calories) and you need for example 1,650 calories to sustain life (BMR), you should plan on consuming at least 4,600 calories per day.
This may seem like a huge number, but I can guarantee that you will be snacking throughout the day to make up for lost calories. Also, be sure to drink PLENTY of water. Never wait until you are thirsty to drink. Of course, please keep in mind that when carrying a daypack you will burn fewer calories. This will also depend on the speed and intensity of your hike.
Feel free to visit this website for more information on calories burned while backpacking.
Until next time!
Normally the average person (according to the USDA) has a diet of 50% carbohydrates, 30% fats, and 20% proteins. My suggestion would be to lower the fat % just a bit, and increase the protein to 25% instead when gearing up for a hike. Protein builds muscle, therefore you do not want to deprive your body of the proteins you need to build muscle that will increase your fitness level and BMR. This will help you to increase strength and endurance for future hikes!
Your BMR (basal metabolic rate) is the amount of energy (calories) your body uses in a day just for regular functions (breathing, sleeping, etc). To calculate your BMR, you can visit this link, to get a general idea of what BMR to use. Keep in mind that this number can fluctuate based on your fitness level.
Because you are burning calories at a higher rate than normal (according to Livestrong.com, a 135lb backpacker burns about 590 calories per hour, when carrying a +/- 42lb pack) the amount of energy needed will be much higher. This would mean that if you were to hike for 5 hours with limited breaks, you would burn approximately 2,950 calories. This is of course in addition to number of calories needed to sustain life, which you will determine by calculating your BMR
Therefore, if you plan on hiking 5 hours (burning 2,950 calories) and you need for example 1,650 calories to sustain life (BMR), you should plan on consuming at least 4,600 calories per day.
This may seem like a huge number, but I can guarantee that you will be snacking throughout the day to make up for lost calories. Also, be sure to drink PLENTY of water. Never wait until you are thirsty to drink. Of course, please keep in mind that when carrying a daypack you will burn fewer calories. This will also depend on the speed and intensity of your hike.
Feel free to visit this website for more information on calories burned while backpacking.
Until next time!
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Trail Gear - Camelbak Hydration Bladder
Snow isn't uncommon in northern New Jersey, so when I awoke this morning the ground was covered (and so was my car :( ). I looked out into the open woods behind my house and wished that I was out there hiking today. Although I don't have all the nessecary gear, I thought about my new hydration bladder that I purchased yesterday. I am SO excited to use it. Its insulated, so it will prevent freezing on winter hikes, which I am sure is a huge plus when your hiking all day in the cold and don't want your water source to turn into an icicle.
The pros of this bladder are:
- insulated, prevents freezing and also keeps liquids cold
- can go inside any pack
- holds 100 ozs
- bite valve cover
- D-ring for attachment to the outside of a pack
The only cons:
- Can not remove the actual bladder from the black insulated pouch. This was dissapointing to me since I probably would have preferred that for when I need to decrease weight in my pack
- will weigh up to 8lbs once filled, which can be a bummer if you are trying to limit your pack weight
Overall I think this will be a great product for me and I can't wait to use it!!
The pros of this bladder are:
- insulated, prevents freezing and also keeps liquids cold
- can go inside any pack
- holds 100 ozs
- bite valve cover
- D-ring for attachment to the outside of a pack
The only cons:
- Can not remove the actual bladder from the black insulated pouch. This was dissapointing to me since I probably would have preferred that for when I need to decrease weight in my pack
- will weigh up to 8lbs once filled, which can be a bummer if you are trying to limit your pack weight
Overall I think this will be a great product for me and I can't wait to use it!!
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Welcome Ladies!
If you asked me five years ago what my interests were, I can tell you that drinking, smoking, partying, shopping, and visiting bars and clubs, would have made my top 5. Of course the memories and friendships I have made have come from so many of those good times. The older I get though, I can't seem to justify spending my free time on most of those things anymore (I am a girl, and hey, we love to shop).
Most backpackers can say that they camped or enjoyed nature as a child. For me, my upbringing wasn't quite that way. My mother still to this day has never been in the woods other than to set a "mouse free" that she caught in her humane trap (plus, she couldn't live without her makeup and hot shower) and my dad, an avid adventurer, lives on the other side of the country. Too far away to take me river rafting and camping.
When I was about nine, I went on my first camping trip with the girl scouts. I remember the smell of the campfire, the taste of my first "smore", and how peaceful the night sky was when I looked out of my lean-to . I camped with the girl scouts for a few years there after, and I can remember how much I loved it. I can also remember how scary it was, the perfect combination of fear of the unknown and the thrill of being in the woods. My first bear experience still has me scared of them to this day, so I am hoping to conquer that fear with time. Its all part of my journey.
My strong appreciation for the earth didn't begin until more recently. I began to think about life, and what it means to be alive. From dust we are made and from dust we shall return. The earth is an amazing place. Unique to any other planet human beings have discovered, earth offers life. It is alive just as we are.
Since we humans have discovered technology, mass production, and mass animal extinction, the earth has begun to change in an unfavorable direction. Our rivers and shores are polluted and dirty, and very few pure clean water sources are still around. Recent large number animal deaths will tell you that not only is our climate changing and that our bad habits are not improving.
I am hoping that through my travels I can experience what nature still has to offer before it is gone. Also, I am hoping to inspire more people to see what nature truly has to offer us as women, to enrich our lives and our souls. If more people could see what our humanly ways are doing to impact our earth, maybe more people would stop and think before they throw something out on the beach or near a river.
I'm fortunate enough to have a boyfriend who was not only a boy scout but is trained in survival techniques. Ah yes my wonderful "man's man". Phil has backpacked for several weeks at a time, in places such as Philmont New Mexico, New York State, and many other sites. I am truly lucky to have his as a partner in life.
In preparation for my first backpacking season, I have begun to gather many of the things I will need for my first backpacking adventure. There are three basic essentials that a person needs in order to survive, food (and clean water), clothing, and shelter. Once you are out on the trail and in a self survival situation, having these three basic essentials can mean the difference between life and death.
Future posts will build on this foundation. Women are different in our nature, therefore our needs are different as well. My posts will be focused on women's backpacking clothing and gear, habits and practices, basic survival techniques, and food cooking and recipes (healthy of course). Also I hope that by sharing my experiences, I can help those who are like me, just a beginner hoping to learn. As women we can pretty much do anything a man can do...and the fact that women can hike and backpack the world is proof of that. Celebrate being you!
Happy trails and until next time.....
A
Most backpackers can say that they camped or enjoyed nature as a child. For me, my upbringing wasn't quite that way. My mother still to this day has never been in the woods other than to set a "mouse free" that she caught in her humane trap (plus, she couldn't live without her makeup and hot shower) and my dad, an avid adventurer, lives on the other side of the country. Too far away to take me river rafting and camping.
When I was about nine, I went on my first camping trip with the girl scouts. I remember the smell of the campfire, the taste of my first "smore", and how peaceful the night sky was when I looked out of my lean-to . I camped with the girl scouts for a few years there after, and I can remember how much I loved it. I can also remember how scary it was, the perfect combination of fear of the unknown and the thrill of being in the woods. My first bear experience still has me scared of them to this day, so I am hoping to conquer that fear with time. Its all part of my journey.
My strong appreciation for the earth didn't begin until more recently. I began to think about life, and what it means to be alive. From dust we are made and from dust we shall return. The earth is an amazing place. Unique to any other planet human beings have discovered, earth offers life. It is alive just as we are.
Since we humans have discovered technology, mass production, and mass animal extinction, the earth has begun to change in an unfavorable direction. Our rivers and shores are polluted and dirty, and very few pure clean water sources are still around. Recent large number animal deaths will tell you that not only is our climate changing and that our bad habits are not improving.
I am hoping that through my travels I can experience what nature still has to offer before it is gone. Also, I am hoping to inspire more people to see what nature truly has to offer us as women, to enrich our lives and our souls. If more people could see what our humanly ways are doing to impact our earth, maybe more people would stop and think before they throw something out on the beach or near a river.
I'm fortunate enough to have a boyfriend who was not only a boy scout but is trained in survival techniques. Ah yes my wonderful "man's man". Phil has backpacked for several weeks at a time, in places such as Philmont New Mexico, New York State, and many other sites. I am truly lucky to have his as a partner in life.
In preparation for my first backpacking season, I have begun to gather many of the things I will need for my first backpacking adventure. There are three basic essentials that a person needs in order to survive, food (and clean water), clothing, and shelter. Once you are out on the trail and in a self survival situation, having these three basic essentials can mean the difference between life and death.
Future posts will build on this foundation. Women are different in our nature, therefore our needs are different as well. My posts will be focused on women's backpacking clothing and gear, habits and practices, basic survival techniques, and food cooking and recipes (healthy of course). Also I hope that by sharing my experiences, I can help those who are like me, just a beginner hoping to learn. As women we can pretty much do anything a man can do...and the fact that women can hike and backpack the world is proof of that. Celebrate being you!
Happy trails and until next time.....
A
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