Forestry and Natural Resources
Unit 19: Rural Recreation
Unit 19: Rural Recreations
Lesson 6: Camping and Backpacking
Duration: 2 Hours
Students will be able to:
1. Plan a multi-day backpacking trip.
2. Make a checklist of camping and backpacking equipment.
3. Select a camping site.
4. Understand trail etiquette.
Suggested Learning Activities:
19.6A Backpack Preparation: With provided supplies, have students pack a backpack for a
multi-day trip.
19.6B Backpack Planning Scenario: Describe a wilderness area to the students and have them
plan a 3 day trip: what will they need to bring, what type of weather are they likely to
encounter, is wildlife a factor, do they need to bring their own water, etc.
19.6C No Impact Hiking Discussion: Discuss the importance of no impact hiking.
19.6D First Aid: A local certified first aid instructor presents basic first aid procedures to the
class. The students role-play emergency situations, then upon completion of the unit,
they complete the test for certification.
19.6E Advanced Backpack Planning Scenario: Students prepare a list of materials needed for a
backpacking trip. The list should include a menu, clothing, and equipment. They
construct an emergency shelter with materials they have in their pack and/or could be
found on the trail. These latter materials should be provided by the teacher.
Teaching Outline:
I. Camping, hiking and backpacking
A. Introduction
1. Backpacking: sustained travel in a wilderness type area carrying provisions for all of
your basic needs on your back or within easy access.
2. Hiking: walking trips (day hikes or multiple days) in rural or wild area; usually on
developed trails in defined areas (National Parks, State Parks, Recreation Areas, etc.).
3. Camping: ranging from fully developed campsites (with amenities) to camp set up in
the backcountry.
B. Planning
1. Select a site to visit; gather maps and plan a safe travel route.
2. Know your limitations and skill level.
3. Gather appropriate equipment and food for the trip.
4. Prepare a safety checklist.
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Unit 19: Rural Recreation
C. Equipment
1. Boots
a. Trail shoes for day hiking.
b. Hiking boot for multiple day trips and/or rough terrain.
c. Climbing boot for rocky terrain.
2. Socks
a. Select proper weight for boot and hike.
b. A good sock should keep your feet dry (wick away moisture).
3. Pack (TM p 34)
a. Internal frame packs: day, overnight and multiple day packs.
b. External frame: usually used for multiple day trips.
c. Selecting a pack
1.) Make sure the pack fits your body (most internal frame packs can be molded
to your shape).
2.) Select a pack with straps (shoulder, hip and chest) that are easy to adjust,
reinforced bottom and waterproof material.
3.) Consider the way a pack opens (top loading versus side loading).
d. Organizing your pack (TM p 35)
1.) Camp items (food - clothes) belong in your pack.
2.) Trail and emergency items belong in outer pockets for quick access.
3. ) Regardless of organization, try to put items back in the same place each time.
4.) Pack heavier items towards the top and lighter items on the bottom.
4. Sleeping bag
a. Select a bag according to season, climate zone and tent.
1.) Make sure the bag fits your body length.
2.) Test zippers for durability.
b. Sleeping mattress can increase comfort.
5. Clothing
a. Layer your clothing whenever you hike, backpack or camp (TM p 38).
b. Bring clothes that are versatile and can be worn often.
c. Consider weight, durability and bulk.
d. Remember that weather can change very quickly -- be prepared.
e. Items of clothing to bring: hat, shirt, coat, sweater, pants, thermal underwear.
D. Site selection (TM p 36)
1. If possible, chose a camping site that has water available (for cooking, drinking and
washing, always treat your water before drinking), provides protection from the elements
(wind, rain, sun).
2. Avoid camping in areas that are ecologically sensitive.
3. Always pack everything our from your camp site -- the only thing you should leave
behind from your trip to the wilderness are your footprints.
E. Shelter
1. Natural shelter: over-hangs, caves, dense tree cover.
2. Tents
3. Tarps
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Unit 19: Rural Recreation
F. Food
1. Prepare menus for the entire trip.
2. Consider size, bulk, nutritional value, and energy level when selecting food.
G. Water
1. Potable water may not be available -- pack in your own or bring a water purifier.
2. Keep yourself hydrated at al times -- dehydration can be very dangerous.
H. Trail/camp etiquette
1. Fire
a. Never leave a fire unattended.
b. Use existing fire sites when possible.
c. Fire is not always permitted -- check with the ranger or the backcountry station
before your trip.
d. Douse your fire completely when finished; stir coals until they are cold.
2. Camp sites: be courteous to your neighbors.
3. Personal sanitation
a. Go away from camp or trail.
b. Stay at least 50 yards from a waterway.
c. Dig deep and bury.
d. Pack your toilet paper out.
e. Use available facilities, if provided.
4. Washing
a. Swim away from camp.
b. Use biodegradable soap for all washing and bathing.
5. If you pack it in, pack it out.
6. Stay on the trails
a. Cutting corners and across switchbacks degrades the trail and causes erosion
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Unit 19: Rural Recreation
Types of Packs
Overnight
Pack
Day Pack
Large Internal
Frame Pack
Large External
Frame Pack
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Unit 19: Rural Recreation
Packing Technique
Upper Pocket
Compass,
Sunglasses,
Waterproof
Matches,
Candy, Snacks,
Sunscreen,
Camera/Film
Lower Pocket
Toilet Kit, Toothbrush &
Toothpaste, Soap
Toilet Paper,Flashlight w/
Spare Bulbs & Batteries
Maps, Fire Permit, Notebook,
Fishing License, Hunting License,
I.D./Medical Information
Upper Compartment
Plastic Bowl, Cup, Sierra Cup, Pot
Gripper, Spoon, Ford, Lunch, Trail
Snacks, Cook Kit with Scouring Pad,
Backpack Grill, Stove and Fuel, Bags
of Food (Allow: 1-1/2 lbs./person/day)
Condiment Kit with sugar, milk,
coffee, tea, juices, oil, salt, pepper,
spices, extra plastic bags, rubber
bands.
Lower Compartment
Tent, Tarp, Ground Cloth, or
Tube Tent, 50’ nylon cord, extra
Underwear, 2 pair, wool soxs,
Windbreaker, Wool Cap and Gloves,
Hat and Shorts, Down
Clothing, Extra Clothing
Stuff Bag Sleeping Bag
To Be Carried on Your Person: Knife,
Chap Stick, Whistle, Bandana, Matches
(waterproof)
To Be Worn: Tee Shirt, Heavy Pants,
Underwear, Wool Socks, Boots
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Upper Pocket
1 Quart Water
Bottle
Lower Pocket
First Aid Kit,
Insect Repellent,
Matches, Candle,
2 Dimes, Needle &
Thread, Safety Pins,
Signal Mirror, Water
Purifier
Forestry and Natural Resources
Unit 19: Rural Recreation
Campsite Selection
Look for . . .
* Drinking Water Source
* Wind Protection
* Safety from Avalanche,
Flood, Falling Snags, etc.
RememberMeadows are very fragile,
so camp in designated
spots away from trail, if
possible.
Finally-Leave no trace of your
visit, pack out all trash.
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Unit 19: Rural Recreation
Constructing a Bear Bag
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Unit 19: Rural Recreation
Layer System of Clothing
Wool cap
Windbreaker Parka
Insulated Coat
Sweater (Preferably Wool)
Shirt (with tails that can
be tucked in)
Cotton Underclothing
Wool Mittens (worn over
light gloves for added warmth)
Rain or Wind Pants
(Chaps)
Wool Trousers, Heavy
Pants
Long Underwear (Wool)
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