Читать книгу One Night Wilderness: Portland. Quick and Convenient Backcountry Getaways within Three Hours of the City онлайн

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Finally, to have as little impact as possible, just throw water over yourself to remove the daily dirt and use biodegradable soap to clean your dishes well away from water sources. Backpackers should also leave at home any outdated attitudes about going out to “conquer” the wilderness.

Reintroducing Yourself to Backpacking

For many of you, it has probably been several years since you went on an overnight hike, so before hitting the trails, take the time for a quick refresher course. You may be surprised to discover how many things have changed. For example, although hiking still remains wonderfully free of restrictions, the wilderness is now increasingly regulated. Places that you previously visited on the spur of the moment may now require permits—to park at the trailhead, to spend the night, or even to hike the trail at all. On the positive side, equipment has changed radically in the last couple of decades, becoming much lighter and more efficient.

Step one for anyone contemplating a backpacking trip is to get into some kind of reasonable shape. Blisters while you hike and painfully sore muscles when you return are not badges of honor, they just hurt. Therefore, some simple, regular conditioning to get into reasonable aerobic shape, and strengthening key muscle groups (such as the calves, thighs, and shoulders) are crucial to having a good time.