Organizing a Hiking Excursion Together

Organizing a Hiking Excursion Together

A well-organised group backpacking trip requires careful planning and consideration of several key factors. Here's a guide to help you plan a memorable and enjoyable adventure for all participants.

Location and Trip Planning

Choose a location that suits the group's skill level, desired scenery, and logistical ease. For instance, the Great Smoky Mountains offer guided options with itinerary flexibility and permit help. Plan the route with clear daily mileage targets that suit the group's experience and fitness; pacing yourself helps avoid injuries and burnout. Reserve campsites in advance if possible, particularly in popular parks.

Schedules and Pacing

Set realistic daily hiking schedules, including frequent breaks, and allow slower hikers to set a comfortable group pace. Start hikes after everyone is rested, such as after a good breakfast, and build in buffer time for delays or extra breaks. Plan arrivals at camp early enough for setting up shelters and cooking.

Gear

Ensure everyone brings appropriate lightweight backpacking gear, including a backpack-specific tent (avoid heavy car-camping tents), insulated sleeping pad, and a groundsheet if harsh conditions are expected. Practice setting up tents before the trip to avoid surprises. Pack first aid kits, firestarters (include waterproof options), and proper hygiene supplies for Leave No Trace principles.

Meals and Cooking

Plan meals that balance calories, ease of preparation, and packability. Dehydrated or freeze-dried meals are popular; also bring snacks like nuts and energy bars. Stoves and fuel suitable for backcountry cooking are essential; test equipment before the trip. Water filtration and purification methods should be planned for. Group meal coordination can improve efficiency and variety.

Campsite Setup

Choose campsites that minimise environmental impact. Set up tents on durable surfaces away from water. Organise cooking, eating, and waste disposal areas separately. Follow Leave No Trace rules to pack out all trash and properly manage human waste.

Backcountry Cooking Tips

Use lightweight stoves that boil water quickly. Opt for simple, nutritious meals requiring minimal cooking time. Pre-measure ingredients to save time. Clean cooking gear promptly to avoid attracting wildlife. Carry adequate water and purification methods.

Tips for a Successful Trip

• Have a positive attitude and be flexible during the planning and execution of a group trip, as unexpected challenges may arise.
• Bring enough fuel for breakfast, lunch, dinner, morning coffee, and tea time when backpacking.
• Have a plan for communication in case of an emergency, such as a satellite phone or a designated meeting point.
• The America the Beautiful Pass can save money in the long run for those planning to visit multiple national parks over a year.

Food and Safety

Preparing and cooking meals on a backpacking trip can be time-consuming, so it's recommended to plan simple, nutritious meals that can be easily prepared. It's important to pack enough food for the entire trip, including extra snacks and emergency rations. Certain locations require permits for camping, and these permits are often limited and need to be obtained months in advance through a lottery system.

When hiking with a group, it's important to make sure everyone has necessary safety equipment, such as a first aid kit, water filtration, and a trowel for digging a cathole.

Organising the Camp

When setting up camp, it's helpful to think of it as organising rooms in a house, considering where people will hang out, cook, eat, and sleep. It's important to have a contingency plan in case of bad weather or other unforeseen circumstances, such as unexpected trail closures or injuries.

Group Activities

Group meals can be planned and prepared together, making the experience more memorable. Fun group activities can help wind down at camp, such as a deck of cards, a lightweight cribbage board, or brain games like 20 Questions.

Sharing Gear

Gear can be shared among group members, such as tents, poles, rainfly, inner layer, stove, fuel, and group activities like cards or cribbage board. Finding a date that works for everyone can be challenging, but giving the group plenty of notice increases the chances that everyone can make it.

Leaving No Trace

Practicing Leave No Trace principles is important when group camping to ensure minimal impact on the environment. Group gear like stoves, pots, and water filters should be shared among the group, and everyone should know who has what to avoid confusion.

Cost Considerations

In Washington state, state parks require a "Discover Pass" for each car, and national parks charge entrance fees based on the vehicle. Popular hiking areas can get overcrowded during peak seasons, so it's recommended to arrive early to secure parking and avoid congestion. Some trailheads have limited parking, so carpooling might be necessary.

Popular Meal Options

Sandwich wraps, such as chicken curry wraps and summer sausage and cheese wraps, are easy and tasty lunch options. Salmon pasta and backcountry chili are popular dinner options for group backpacking trips.

[1] Great Smoky Mountains National Park [2] Leave No Trace Centre for Outdoor Ethics [3] American Hiking Society [4] Backpacker [5] OutdoorGearLab

1. Exploring the trails of national parks, such as the Great Smoky Mountains, can be a part of an outdoor-living lifestyle during backpacking trips, offering a combination of home-and-garden (camping) and hiking experiences.
2. When planning a backpacking trip, consider the influence of lifestyle choices on trail selection, such as the preference for lightweight backpacking gear, ease of meal preparation, and adherence to Leave No Trace principles.
3. To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable outdoor-living experience for all participants, group members may find sharing gear, like tents and stoves, and engaging in fun activities, such as cards or brain games, beneficial for enhancing the overall trip.

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