Planning My First Off the Trail Hike

[Mudbug007]

go for it - sounds like you're ready. i often go off-trail to get that sense of discovering something new and to avoid seeing other hikers.

i've hiked a lot and i will say though that i've gotten lost a few times and every time i still feel that major panic although every time it happens it's less and less time spent on fast heartbeats and the quicker i calm down and eventually get my head straight and go back to basics - map & compass skills and backtracking/using my handrails (like a river always on my right crossing the road, etc.) to get my bearings back.

with that said, i'd suggest go at it little by little if you can - half a mile straight in then turn back a few times then gradually increase that distance and zig-zag your return path back to the familiar area...then deliberately get yourself lost in a small area to get used to that panic feeling and recovery cycles.

This is the best advice in this whole thread! At some point, a man (yes, I said a MAN) needs to put on his big boy pants and put down the milk toast and start eating meat.

After you've done a few of these short off trail excursions, do as Sideways said above and find a large area with boundaries, preferably a Wilderness Area, and bail off in it. Leave the GPS and cell phone home, just be sure to tell someone where you'll be and when you expect to be back home. Take minimal supplies such as your survival kit with tarp and firestarter along with a map and compass and have some fun.

You'll think and evaluate your surroundings a lot different when you're in a large Wilderness area and realize there are no life lines at ready. For me, it's invigorating to go where few others have gone and see things few others have seen.

Trails are good for beginners or those who just want an easy walk in the woods. If you're looking for real adventure, off trail is where it's at!

 

[RickJ]

GPS. And a good amount of letting folks know where you're going. That way they can get SAR in the general vicinity. Why tromp all over the woods when you can use perfectly good trails. Not enough challenge? Need more chance of harm in your life?

Just to add to the info above, when you make a plan and tell folks stick to it, it does no good to say you are walking in one direction and head in another.

 

[Bob W]

The question is, would this be too much of an under taking for an experienced trail hiker, but an inexperienced one when it comes to these sorts of ventures?

I didn't read all of the other replies, but in my opinion the hike you've described is absolutely not too much of an undertaking. Do it, and have fun.

If in doubt of your route-finding abilities, plan your hike to follow geographical features - ridge tops, drainages, etc. - even if it takes you a longer distance. And locate a unique spot or two along your route to 'realign' yourself if necessary.

Have an "escape" route planned in the slim off chance it all goes to hell. "All I have to do is follow this creek to the highway if I have trouble," for example.

Carry a GPS as a safety net, but try not to rely on it; you'll learn stronger navigation skills by using a map and compass and learning to read the topography.

In short, don't sweat it. Five miles is nothing if you're accustomed to the climate and local trail conditions. You'll be fine. :thumbup:

 

[Bob W]

One last tip, although it may seem obvious. You're going to make much slower time hiking off-trail, especially with navigating a new area and potential vegetation challenges. Sure, most healthy young hikers can easily bag 3-4 mph hiking on a trail. But off-trail, allow for something closer to 1mph.

 

[desmobob]

Go for it!

I always hike off-trail. After you get comfortable doing it, you'll notice one huge difference between hiking on- and off-trail. When you're hiking on a trail, you spend most of your attention looking AT the trail. When you're hiking off-trail, you're just looking at your compass occasionally, and you spend most of your attention on your surroundings. You actually start SEEING things.

Good luck to you and be safe!

Stay sharp,
desmobob