BACKPACKING

DEFINITION: Backpacking is the outdoor recreation of carrying gear on one's back

while hiking for more than a day. It is often an extended journey and may involve camping
outdoors.

Significance of backpacking
• It is cost-effective.
• It allows for flexibility and spontaneity.
• It provides a chance to immerse oneself in the local culture.
• It offers physical and mental health benefits.
• It is a way to create memories you’ll cherish for a lifetime.
• It helps you appreciate what you have.
• It brings you closer to nature.
• It gives you the opportunity to travel and see a lot of the world on a budget.

Discuss with your instructor the meaning of the motto:

"Take nothing but pictures and leave nothing but
footprints."
"Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints" is self-explanatory. It means you do not
disturb nature while you are out enjoying it. If you see a pretty rock, leave it there for someone
else to enjoy. If you eat a piece of candy on the trail, don't toss the wrapper — take it with you.

There are a few exception to both these rules. If you see trash, by all means, take it. Throw it in
the trash when you get to a proper trash receptacle. Also be aware that footprints are not always
harmless. Many tundra plants that take years to grow can be destroyed by a single footprint. Stay
on the trail.

One of the most important ways people leave their mark on the land is by building a campfire.
For "no trace" camping, bring a camp stove. Unfortunately, the campfire is one of the primary
attractions for many people, so it is not easy to follow this advice. If your campsite has a fire ring
or an existing fire pit, use that. If it does not and you must have a campfire, lay a small tarp on
the ground and cover it with six to eight inches of mineral sand. Mineral sand is sand containing
no organic material, and can be found on a beach or where a large tree has fallen over and raised
a rootwad. The sand must be piled deep so the heat does not affect the tarp beneath. Stop putting
new fuel on the fire well before you are ready to put it out, and push in the ends of sticks that
have not yet burned. Allow them to burn down to white ash. When you are ready to leave, douse
the fire well, and spread the ashes over a wide area. Return the sand to the place where you
found it and pack up your tarp.

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"Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints" is a good summary of the more
common 7 Leave No Trace Principles.

• Plan ahead and prepare.

• Travel and camp on durable surfaces.
• Dispose of waste properly.
• Leave what you find.
• Minimize campfire impacts (be careful with fire).
• leave a trace behind every journey.
• Be considerate of other visitors.

2. Know the essentials of proper clothing, shoes, and rain

gear to use in backpacking.
Warm Weather Clothing

Keep in mind that the weather can change suddenly though. Just because it is warm when you
begin your outing does not mean it will be warm the whole time. If there is a chance that the
weather will turn cold, take along some cold weather gear as well. Check an almanac to see how
cold it can get during the time you are planning to be out.

Here is a list of clothing appropriate for a warm-weather outing.

• Thick socks
• Jeans
• Light Shirt (short sleeve)
• Light Shirt (long sleeve)
• Hat with a wide brim
• Boots

Cold Weather Clothing Remember to dress in layers. This will allow you to control your
temperature better. In cold weather, you do not want to sweat, because that will soak your
clothing and chill you. If you find yourself working up a sweat, remove a layer of clothing, or
open a zipper. Rely on wool rather than on cotton, because wool stays warm even when wet.
There is a popular saying among experienced outdoorsmen that "Cotton kills." This is because
when cotton gets wet, it steals the body's heat which can lead to hypothermia and death. Your
outer layer should be wind-proof, as this greatly increases the warmth of your clothing. Here is a
list:

• Thermal Underwear
• Light shirts (polyester or some other synthetic)
• Heavy Shirts
• Wool Sweater
• Wind Breaker
• Fleece Pants (synthetic)

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 • Nylon Pants (as the outside layer) or snow pants
• Overcoat
• Wool Socks
• Boots
• Warm Hat

Sleepwear For comfortable sleeping and for modesty on overnight trips, bring pajamas or a
sweat suit. In many places where it is warm during the day it gets cold at night, so be prepared.

Rain Gear Be ready for bad weather on your backpacking trip by bringing along a poncho and
rain pants. In a pinch, you can use a garbage bag as a raincoat by cutting a hole in th bottom,
turning it over, and poking your head through the hole. A slit along each seam on the side will
make arm holes. It will not cover your head like that, but it will keep the rest of you dry.

In some countries where you do not really experience consistent weather to divide this question
into clothing for warm weather and cold weather is a bit pointless. You do not even plan to have
a warm weather hike (tramp). Have your basic clothing planning for the worst the sky can throw
at you, it most probably will even in Summer. If the sun comes out take off a layer or two and
when you climb in altitude or a cold wind comes up put them on again with a rain coat as well.

The taking jeans on a tramp in these conditions is a decision for disaster. When they get wet they
stay cold and chill your skin temperature towards hypothermia. When wet/or if you are sweaty
from the heat, they will chafe your inner upper legs and cause severe rub rash. Most NZers
tramping in New Zealand wear shorts with thermal leggings under, thermal or woolen singlet
with a shirt (or Bush shirt) and then a polly prop top. This is what I would take all year round.

3. Know the principles in selecting a good quality backpack.

In an emergency, what might be used in place of a
backpack?
A backpack suited for backpacking will have a hip strap on it that fastens around the hips. The
shoulder straps will carry a small percentage of the weight as well, but they are really intended to
keep the backpack from tipping off.

Backpacking backpacks come in two basic designs: the Internal Frame backpack, and the
External Frame backpack.

The external frame backpack (or EF backpack) has a rigid frame made from aluminum, plastic,
or both. The pack itself attaches to the frame, and the frame is attached to the body via shoulder
and hip straps. The frame holds the pack away from the back so that air may circulate back there,
making an EF backpack cooler to carry. The downside to an EF is that the body tends to twist
and flex as a hiker moves, and the frame resists this. Some EF packs take this into account, and
provide a frame that will flex. The main measure of comfort on an EF backpack is the degree to
which it flexes.

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The internal frame backpack (IF backpack) drapes over the back. It gets its structure from the
gear placed inside it. This allows the IF backpack to flex and move as the body does, making it
generally more comfortable to carry. Furthermore, the IF pack lies against the hikers back. This
allows it to distribute its weight over a greater area, but it also prevents air circulation, making it
hotter to wear. The IF pack uses foam in the straps to add even more comfort. There are two
basic types of foam: open-cell foam, and closed-cell foam. Open cell foam is highly
compressible. While this may add comfort in some places, it should not be used in the straps. In
the straps, the foam compresses too much, leaving the webbing to dig into the shoulders. Closed
cell foam compresses much less than open-cell foam, and is therefore preferred in the straps.
You can easily tell the difference by squeezing the padding. If it compresses to about a quarter its
original thickness, it is open-cell foam.

In an emergency, you can toss your gear into a blanket, gather the corners, and throw it over your
shoulders. Another option would be to stuff your gear into a closed sleeping bag and sling that
over your shoulders. Either of these solutions are obviously going to be far inferior to even the
least adequate backpack though, so this substitution should be reserved for only emergencies.

4. Know the essential items to be taken on a backpack trip.

• Map of the area
• Compass
• Knife
• Flashlight
• Water
• Food
• Water and Food equipment
• First aid kit
• Rain gear
• Backpack
• Firelighting equipment
• Sleeping bag/pad
• Extra clothes
• Hiking boots or hiking shoes
• Backpacking stove and fuel
• Tent or tarp
• Toiletries (toothbrush, toilet paper, soap, etc.)
• Compact shovel

5. What kind of sleeping bag and pad are best for your
camping area? Know at least three kinds of each that are
available.
Sleeping Bags

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Aside from the 3 main shapes of the bag listed below, a more important issue is what is in the
bag and how it is stitched. The warmer bags are feather filled (duck down) and the bags are rated
by a weight ratio. Other bags have synthetic fiber, also rated by a weight ratio.

Good bags will show either 3 or 4 season or may give an outside temperature value they would
keep you warm in. Some bags are rather large and hard to get into your pack. There are now
better more compact bags available.

Storing your bag

Do not leave it squashed into its outer bag. Hang it up on a hanger to let the bag breathe
when not in use.
Rectangular

The rectangular sleeping bag is probably the most common, and are popular for light use. They
are not suitable for backpacking because they provide the least amount of warmth and the most
amount of weight. As the name implies, they are rectangle-shaped. While this makes them
comfortable and roomy, the wide opening near the top is a major source of heat loss. Unlike a
mummy bag it does not have a hood that can be drawn around the head to retain heat.

Mummy Bag

The mummy bag is shaped like a sarcophagus. It is narrow at the feet (but tall there to allow just
enough room for the feet), tapers at the waist, widens again at the shoulders, and then tapers
down near the head. The top is very much like the hood of a winter coat, complete with
drawstrings to close up the gap and keep heat in. Because they conform so well to the human
shape, there is very little wasted space inside. This is good because your body has to heat all that
space, and because the extra insulation and material thusly removed does not have to be carried
(meaning it's lighter).

Barrel Bag

The barrel bag is a modified mummy bag. It is roomier than the mummy bag and provides
almost the same warmth at the cost of additional weight.

Sleeping Pads

Sleeping pads can perform two main functions:

1. Provide cushioning
2. Provide insulation between the sleeper and the ground.

Air mattresses

Air mattresses are inflatable cushions that can provide a lot of comfort when it comes to sleeping
on the ground. Unfortunately, they are not very warm as they provide next to no insulation
beneath the sleeper. This may not be an issue, though it is well worth knowing.

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Open-cell foam pads

Open-cell foam is a type of foam padding that is sometimes found in furniture cushions or even
in regular mattresses. It is lightweight - though somewhat bulky. Its chief disadvantage is that it
soaks up water like a sponge.

Closed-cell foam pads

Closed-cell foam makes the ideal sleeping pad. The closed cells do not soak up water. They are
lightweight, comfortable, and compact. Often they are only half an inch (12 mm) thick, so they
can be rolled into a small tube and strapped to a backpack. They also serve as an excellent
thermal barrier between the sleeper and the ground.

6. Know how to pack a backpack properly.

1. Lay out all your gear where you can see it, next to your pack.
2. Look for empty spaces in your gear - for instance, there may be room inside your cooking
pot. Put any small items that will fit inside that to conserve space. Look for other
"hidden" space as well.
3. For an internal frame backpack, put the sleeping bag in first, at the bottom. For an
external frame, tie it underneath the pack.
4. Load the heavy items next, placing them as close to your back as you can. This will shift
the center of gravity forward which will help your balance and improve comfort. Be sure
nothing is going to poke you in the back though.
5. Put the lighter items such as clothing in towards the outside of the pack.
6. Put the things you'll need on the trail (like water, trail mix, compass, map, etc.) in the
outer pockets where you can get to them. If they're hard to get to, you'll be unlikely to use
them. And if you don't use them, why bring them at all?

7. What types of food are best for backpacking? Visit a

grocery store and list the foods found there that are suitable
for backpacking. With your instructor
The best type of food to take backpacking is dehydrated food, as it is very lightweight, compact,
and nutritious. You can buy food pre-packaged or you can dehydrate it yourself. For details on
dehydrating your own food, see the Food Drying honor in the Household Arts section of this
book.

a. Prepare a menu for a weekend backpack trip using foods obtained from a
grocery store.

Although you can buy prepared dehydrated foods for backpacking at an outdoor outfitter, getting
your food this way can be fairly expensive. Instead, try getting dehydrated food at a regular
grocery store. Here's a short list of possibilities:

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 • Instant mashed potatoes
• Instant oatmeal
• Quick-cooking rice
• Powdered milk
• Powdered eggs
• Pasta
• Nuts and peanuts
• Dry beans, lentils, peas
• Dried fruits (apricots, apples, and banana chips)
• Flour, mixed with other dry ingredients to make pancakes or biscuits

b. Learn the techniques of measuring, packaging, and labeling backpack foods

for your trip.

Once you've bought the food you plan to eat on your backpacking trip, the last thing you will
want to do is toss it unthoughtfully into your backpack in its original packaging. Food packaging
is designed to catch your eye at the grocery store, and to do this, it does not come in space-
efficient sizes. Empty all of your food and repack it into sealable plastic bags (such as Ziplock
bags). Make up a menu before you do this, and pack each meal into a separate bag. Then clearly
label the bag with a permanent marker or a mailing label. The label should be legible even in dim
light - you never know when you'll have to cook your food in the dark. This is a lot of trouble to
go through, but it is well worth it during the trip.

If you wish to make pancakes, first determine how many pancake meals your party will eat, and
mix it all up at once. It is a lot easier to accurately measure large amounts of flour, salt, and
baking powder than it is to measure small amounts of the same. Mix it all together thoroughly,
and when it is well mixed, scoop out enough to make one serving and place it in a baggie. Make
as many single-serving baggies of pancake mix as you'll use. You can use the same technique for
making soup mixes and other delectables. Just keep all the ingredients dry and be prepared to
add water at the campsite.

8. Know the prevention and symptoms of, and the first aid
for
a. Sunburn

Sunburn is from over-exposure to the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun. While the symptoms
are usually temporary (such as red skin that is painful to the touch), the skin damage is often
permanent and can have serious long-term health effects, including skin cancer.

• There is no such thing as a "healthy tan." Unprotected sun exposure causes premature
aging of the skin.
• Sun exposure can cause first and second degree burns.

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 • Skin cancer usually appears in adulthood, but is caused by sun exposure and sunburns
that began as early as childhood. You can help prevent skin cancer by protecting your
skin and your children's skin from the harmful rays of the sun.

Factors that make sunburn more likely:

• Infants and children are especially sensitive to the burning effects of the sun.
• People with fair skin are more likely to get sunburn. But even dark and black skin can
burn and should be protected.
• The sun's rays are strongest during the hours of 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The sun's rays are
also stronger at higher altitudes and lower latitudes (closer to the tropics). Reflection off
water, sand, or snow can intensify the sun's burning rays.
• Sun lamps can cause severe sunburn.
• Some medications (such as the antibiotic doxycycline) can make you more susceptible to
sunburn.

First Aid

• Try taking a cool bath or shower. Or place wet, cold wash cloths on the burn for 10 to 15
minutes, several times a day. You can mix baking soda in the water to help relieve the
pain. (Small children may become easily chilled, so keep the water tepid.)
• Apply a soothing lotion to the skin.
• Aloe gel is a common household remedy for sunburns. Aloe contains active compounds
that help stop pain and inflammation of the skin.
• An over-the-counter pain medication, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be
helpful. DO NOT give aspirin to children.

Do Not

• DO NOT apply petroleum jelly, benzocaine, lidocaine, or butter to the sunburn. They
make the symptoms worse and can prevent healing.
• DO NOT wash burned skin with harsh soap.

b. Blisters

Blister Prevention

When it comes to blisters on the feet, it is always best to avoid them. Blisters are caused when
your foot rubs against something repeatedly. Blisters can be avoided by wearing footwear that
fits you correctly. Also, be sure to break your footwear in before embarking on a long hike. It
also helps to wear two pairs of socks. When you do this, the inner sock moves with your foot and
the outer sock moves with your boot. All the rubbing takes place between the two socks rather
than between your foot and the sock. This will eventually wear a hole in your sock, but replacing
socks is a lot less painful than hiking with a blister.

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Blister Treatment

Try not to break the blister open. It is far better if the skin continues to cover the injury, as this
will keep out germs and prevent infection. If you must open the blister in order to be able to
walk, do it as follows.

• Clean the affected area

• Sterilize a needle
• Pierce the blister in several places around its perimeter to drain the fluid, but try to leave
as much of the skin intact as possible.
• Wipe the injury down with rubbing alcohol.
• Cover a small blister with an adhesive bandage
• Cover a large blister with gauze and adhesive tape.
• Be sure to allow the blister to breathe

c. Frostbite

Frostbite occurs when ice crystals form in the skin or deeper tissues after exposure to a
temperature of 32 °F (0 °C) or lower. Depending upon the temperature, altitude, and wind speed,
the exposure time necessary to produce frostbite varies from a few minutes to several hours.

The areas most commonly affected are the face and extremities. The symptoms of frostbite are
progressive. Victims generally incur this injury without being acutely aware of it. Initially, the
affected skin reddens and there is an uncomfortable coldness. With continued heat loss, there is a
numbness of the affected area due to reduced circulation. As ice crystals form, the frozen
extremity appears white, yellow-white, or mottled blue-white, and is cold, hard, and insensitive
to touch or pressure. Frostbite is classified as superficial or deep, depending on the extent of
tissue involvement.

Superficial Frostbite

In superficial frostbite the surface of the skin will feel hard, but the underlying tissue will be soft,
allowing it to move over bony ridges. This is evidence that only the skin and the region just
below it are involved. General treatment for superficial frostbite is as follows:

1. Take the victim indoors.

2. Rewarm hands by placing them under the armpits, against the abdomen, or between the
legs.
3. Rewarm feet by placing them in the armpit or against the abdomen of the buddy.
4. Gradually rewarm the affected area by warm water immersion, skin-to-skin contact, or
hot water bottles.
5. Never rub a frostbite area.

Deep Frostbite

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In deep frostbite, the freezing reaches into the deep tissue layers. There are ice crystals in the
entire thickness of the extremity. The skin will not move over bony ridges and will feel hard and
solid. The objectives of treatment are to protect the frozen areas from further injury, to rapidly
thaw the affected area, and to be prepared to respond to circulatory or respiratory difficulties.

1. Carefully assess and treat any other injuries first. Constantly monitor the victim’s pulse
and breathing since respiratory and heart problems can develop rapidly. Be prepared to
administer CPR if necessary.
2. Do not attempt to thaw the frostbitten area if there is a possibility of refreezing. It is
better to leave the part frozen until the victim arrives at a medical treatment facility
equipped for long-term care. Refreezing of a thawed extremity causes severe and
disabling damage.
3. Treat all victims with injuries to the feet or legs as litter patients. When this is not
possible, the victim may walk on the frozen limb, since it has been proven that walking
will not lessen the chances of successful treatment as long as the limb has not thawed out.
4. When adequate protection from further cold exposure is available, prepare the victim for
rewarming by removing all constricting clothing such as gloves, boots, and socks. Boots
and clothing frozen on the body should be thawed by warm-water immersion before
removal.
5. Rapidly rewarm frozen areas by immersion in water at 100 °F to 105 °F (38 °C to 41 °C).
Keep the water warm by adding fresh hot water, but do not pour the water directly on the
injured area. Ensure that the frozen area is completely surrounded by water; do not let it
rest on the side or bottom of the tub.
6. After rewarming has been completed, pat the area dry with a soft towel. Later it will
swell, sting, and burn. Blisters may develop. These should be protected from breaking.
Avoid pressure, rubbing, or constriction of the injured area. Keep the skin dry with sterile
dressings and place cotton between the toes and fingers to prevent their sticking together.
7. Protect the tissue from additional injury and keep it as clean as possible (use sterile
dressings and linen).
8. Try to improve the general morale and comfort of the victim by giving hot, stimulating
fluids such as tea or coffee. Do not allow the victim to smoke or use alcoholic beverages
while being treated.
9. Transfer to a medical treatment facility as soon as possible. During transportation,
slightly elevate the frostbitten area and keep the victim and the injured area warm. Do not
allow the injured area to be exposed to the cold.

d. Hypothermia

Hypothermia is caused by continued exposure to low or rapidly falling temperatures, cold

moisture, snow, or ice. Those exposed to low temperatures for extended periods may suffer ill
effects, even if they are well protected by clothing, because cold affects the body systems slowly,
almost without notice. As the body cools, there are several stages of progressive discomfort and
disability. The first symptom is shivering, which is an attempt to generate heat by repeated
contractions of surface muscles. This is followed by a feeling of listlessness, indifference, and
drowsiness. Unconsciousness can follow quickly. Shock becomes evident as the victim’s eyes
assume a glassy stare, respiration becomes slow and shallow, and the pulse is weak or absent. As

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the body temperature drops even lower, peripheral circulation decreases and the extremities
become susceptible to freezing. Finally, death results as the core temperature of the body
approaches 80 °F (27 °C). The steps for treatment of hypothermia are as follows:

1. Carefully observe respiratory effort and heart beat; CPR may be required while the
warming process is underway.
2. Rewarm the victim as soon as possible. It may be necessary to treat other injuries before
the victim can be moved to a warmer place. Severe bleeding must be controlled and
fractures splinted over clothing before the victim is moved.
3. Replace wet or frozen clothing and remove anything that constricts the victim’s arms,
legs, or fingers, interfering with circulation.
4. If the victim is inside a warm place and is conscious, the most effective method of
warming is immersion in a tub of warm (100° to 105 °F or 38° to 41 °C) water. The water
should be warm to the elbow - never hot. Observe closely for signs of respiratory failure
and cardiac arrest (rewarming shock). Rewarming shock can be minimized by warming
the body trunk before the limbs to prevent vasodilation in the extremities with subsequent
shock due to blood volume shifts.
5. If a tub is not available, apply external heat to both sides of the victim. Natural body heat
(skin to skin) from two rescuers is the best method. This is called “buddy warming.” If
this is not practical, use hot water bottles or an electric rewarming blanket. Do not place
the blanket or bottles next to bare skin, however, and be careful to monitor the
temperature of the artificial heat source, since the victim is very susceptible to burn
injury. Because the victim is unable to generate adequate body heat, placement under a
blanket or in a sleeping bag is not sufficient treatment.
6. If the victim is conscious, give warm liquids to drink. Never give alcoholic beverages or
allow the victim to smoke.
7. Dry the victim thoroughly if water is used for rewarming.
8. As soon as possible, transfer the victim to a definitive care facility. Be alert for the signs
of respiratory and cardiac arrest during transfer, and keep the victim warm.

e. Heat stroke

Heat stroke is a less common but far more serious condition than heat exhaustion, since it carries
a 20 percent fatality rate. The main feature of heatstroke is the extremely high body temperature,
105 °F (41 °C) or higher, that accompanies it. In heatstroke, the victim has a breakdown of the
sweating mechanism and is unable to eliminate excessive body heat built up while exercising. If
the body temperature rises too high, the brain, kidneys, and liver may be permanently damaged.

Sometimes the victim may have preliminary symptoms, such as headache, nausea, dizziness, or
weakness. Breathing will be deep and rapid at first, later shallow and almost absent. Usually the
victim will be flushed, very dry, and very hot. The pupils will be constricted (pinpoint) and the
pulse fast and strong.

When you provide first aid for heatstroke, remember that this is a true life-and-death emergency.
The longer the victim remains overheated, the higher the chances of irreversible body damage or
even death occurring. First aid treatment for heatstroke is designed to reduce body heat. Reduce

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body heat immediately by dousing the body with cold water, or applying wet, cold towels to the
whole body. Move the victim to the coolest possible place and remove as much clothing as
possible. Maintain an open airway. Place the victim on his/her back, with the head and shoulders
slightly raised. If cold packs are available, place them under the arms, around the neck, at the
ankles, and in the groin. Expose the victim to a fan or air-conditioner since drafts will promote
cooling. Immersing the victim in a cold water bath is also effective. Give the victim (if
conscious) cool water to drink. Do not give any hot drinks or stimulants. Get the victim to a
medical facility as soon as possible. Cooling measures must be continued while the victim is
being transported.

f. Heat exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is the most common condition caused by working or exercising in hot spaces.
Heat exhaustion produces a serious disruption of blood flow to the brain, heart, and lungs. This
causes the victim to experience weakness, dizziness, headache, loss of appetite, and nausea.

Signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion are similar to those of shock: the victim will appear
ashen gray; the skin will be cold, moist, and clammy; and the pupils of the eyes may be dilated
(enlarged). The vital (blood pressure, temperature, pulse, and respiration) signs usually are
normal; however, the victim may have a weak pulse together with rapid and shallow breathing.

Body temperature may be below normal. You should treat heat exhaustion victims as if they
were in shock. Loosen the clothing, apply cool wet cloths, move the victim to either a cool or an
air-conditioned area, and fan the victim. Do not allow the person to become chilled. If the victim
is conscious, administer a solution of 1 teaspoon of salt dissolved in a quart of cool water. If the
victim vomits, do not give any more fluids. Transport the victim to a medical facility as soon as
possible.

g. Snake bite

First aid
Call emergency services as fast as you can .But keep patient calm. Snakebite first aid
recommendations vary, in part because different snakes have different types of venom. Some
have little local effect, but life-threatening systemic effects, in which case containing the venom
in the region of the bite by pressure immobilization is highly desirable. Other venoms instigate
localized tissue damage around the bitten area, and immobilization may increase the severity of
the damage in this area, but also reduce the total area affected; whether this trade-off is desirable
remains a point of controversy.

Because snakes vary from one country to another, first aid methods also vary. As always, this
article is not a legitimate substitute for professional medical advice. Readers are strongly advised
to obtain guidelines from a reputable first aid organization in their own region, and to be wary of
homegrown or anecdotal remedies.

However, most first aid guidelines agree on the following:

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 1. Protect the patient (and others, including yourself) from further bites. While identifying
the species is desirable in certain regions, do not risk further bites or delay proper medical
treatment by attempting to capture or kill the snake. If the snake has not already fled,
carefully remove the victim from the immediate area. If possible, take a photograph of
the snake (many cell phones are equipped with cameras). If you do not know what type
of snake it is, someone else might be able to identify it from the photo. A poor photo is
better than no photo.
2. Keep the victim calm. Acute stress reaction increases blood flow and endangers the
patient. Keep people near the patient calm. Panic is infectious and compromises
judgment.
3. Call for help to arrange for transport to the nearest hospital emergency room, where
antivenin for snakes common to the area will often be available.
4. Elevate the affected limb at a 45° angle to the body to help minimize swelling.
5. Do not give the patient anything to eat or drink. This is especially important with
consumable alcohol, a known vasodilator which will speed up the absorption of venom.
Do not administer stimulants or pain medications to the victim, unless specifically
directed to do so by a physician.
6. Remove any items or clothing which may constrict the bitten limb if it swells (rings,
bracelets, watches, footwear, etc.)
7. Keep the victim as still as possible.
8. Do not incise the bitten site.

h. Cramps

There are two basic causes of cramping. One is inadequate oxygenation of muscle, and the other
is lack of water or salt. Cramps from poor oxygenation can be improved by rapid deep breathing,
and stretching the muscle. Cramps from lack of salt and water can be treated by stretching the
muscle, drinking water and eating salt. Pounding on the muscle can increase soreness.

What happens in a cramp is that lactic acid builds up because of normal anaerobic muscle
metabolism. When the muscle burns sugar without enough oxygen, it makes lactic acid. The
lactic acid finally becomes concentrated enough to trigger the contraction of the muscle. When
the muscle lacks salt, the nerves firing the muscle are unable to recharge properly, causing a
similar effect.

i. Dehydration

Dehydration is the depletion of water from the body. It can be prevented by drinking plenty of
water, especially during periods of physical exertion. One to five percent dehydration will make
you lose your appetite, become sleepy and nauseated, and begin to vomit. As dehydration goes
up to 10 percent, dizziness results. You will have headaches, difficulty in breathing, tingling of
the legs and arms caused by poor circulation, indistinct speech, and, finally, an inability to walk.
Still, 10 percent dehydration generally causes no permanent ill effects. When dehydration
exceeds 10 percent, you will become delirious, spastic, almost deaf, and barely able to see. The
skin shrivels and becomes numb. At temperatures above 90 °F, dehydration over 15 percent is
generally fatal. At 85° and less, the body can stand up to 25 percent dehydration. Dehydration is

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quickly cured by water—in fact, only water can cure it. When you are dehydrated, you don’t
have to worry about how much water you drink or how quickly you drink it, or if the water is
warm or cool. Cold water, though, will upset the stomach.

9. Have a first aid kit in your pack and know how to use it.
Compact, lightweight firsts aid kits are available at many retailers and outdoor outfitters. But
don't just go out, buy one, and toss it in you pack without another thought. It is important for you
to open it up and examine every item. Then review the answers for the First Aid honor, so that
you know how to use each item.

10. According to your weight, what is the maximum number

of pounds you should be allowed to carry?
An adult should carry no more than a fifth to a third of his or her body weight in a backpack,
depending on the level of fitness. A kid should not carry more than a quarter his body weight.

Your aim should not be to load your pack until you hit the maximum, but rather, to bring as little
as you can get by with. But don't carry anything you aren't going to need. When it comes to
backpacking, less is more! Don't kill yourself. Evaluate every item you put into your backpack.
Little things add up quickly, so try not to duplicate functionality. For instance, if you're brining a
pocket knife, you can probably leave the butter knife behind. Bring a spork rather than a spoon
and a fork. Use parachute cord for a clothesline - it's very strong and can be used as rope.
Distribute "group" gear among the group. Take the tent apart and have one person carry the fly,
another the canopy, and a third the poles. Instead of bringing a pillow, stuff tomorrow's clothes
into a sack and use that.

11. Know three ways to find direction without a compass.

Demonstrate at least two.
Northern hemisphere instructions

Finding Polaris
North Star

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 In the northern hemisphere on a clear night you can determine which direction is north by
finding Polaris (the North Star). You can find Polaris by following the two "pointer stars"
in the Big Dipper. Unfortunately, this method is only effective on clear nights.
Using a Watch
You can use an analog watch to figure out which way is south during the day. To do this,
it is easiest if you remove the watch from your wrist first. Hold the watch so that the face
is pointing upwards. Then rotate it until the hour hand points to the sun. You can use a
blade of grass to cast a shadow on the watch face to make this easier - just line the hour
hand up with the shadow. Once the hour hand is pointing towards the sun, you can find
south by bisecting the angle between the hour hand and the 12 o'clock position. In other
words, if it is 4:00pm, south will lie in the 2:00 o'clock direction (because 2:00 is halfway
between 4:00 and 12:00). At 7:00 am, south will lie in the 9:30 direction (because 9:30 is
halfway between 7:00 and 12:00).
Using a shadow
Find a straight stick at least 12 inches long (30 cm) and drive it into the ground such that
it points directly at the sun. You can tell the stick is pointing directly at the sun because
its shadow will disappear. Then wait until the earth rotates enough so that you can see the
shadow. The shadow will point directly east.

Southern hemisphere instructions

Southern Cross to find south at night

With the lack of a significant pole star in the southern sky (Sigma Octantis is closest to the pole,
but is too faint to be useful for the purpose), two of the stars of Crux (Alpha and Gamma, Acrux
and Gacrux respectively) are commonly used to mark south. Following the line defined by the
two stars for approximately 4.5 times the distance between them leads to a point close to the
Southern Celestial Pole.

Alternatively, if a line is constructed perpendicularly between Alpha Centauri and Beta Centauri,
the point where the above line and this line intersect marks the Southern Celestial Pole. The two
stars are often referred to as the "Pointer Stars" or "White Pointers", allowing people to easily
find the top of Crux.

The junction of these two lines is the SCP Southern Celestial Pole. If you were at the South Pole
this would be directly above you. This is the point where the night sky revolves around. Point to
this spot then lower your arm to the horizon. Where you are pointing is South.

Watch method

Southern Hemisphere method only.Point the 12 to the sun. Halfway between the hour hand and
the 12 is North. You still have to use your intelligence for this as early morning time and evening
time care must be taken as to which half you use. E.g. 8am sun is rising in the East; point 12 to
the sun North is halfway between the 8 and the 12 at the 10. BUT late evening the sun is heading
to set in the west say time is 8pm you point the 12 at the sun. North is halfway between the 8 and

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the 12 at the other side of watch at the 4. This should be used only as a guide as in some
countries the real time has been adjusted and sometimes there is daylight saving time etc.

Stick method

This method is a waste of time. We all know the sun rises in the East and sets in the West. The
stick shadow shows you this. Also when the sun is at its zenith the highest it gets in the Southern
Hemi look at the sun and it is towards the North the opposite in the Northern Hemi. So we learn
that at mid day is the best time to find North (or South).

But if you must... place a stick in the ground on an open area. Mark the shadows at times
throughout the day. From this you can find North or South (depending what side of the equator
you are on) from the shortest shadow and also East and West by drawing a line from the ends of
the longest shadows assuming you had an early morning and late evening marking with equal
time from mid-day. But for this you have to be lucky to have sunshine for most of the day, which
usually is not the case if you are lost. Anyhow it is something to know if you do not have a watch
to know when mid-day is.

12. Show the proper way to put on and take off a backpack
alone and with a partner.
Alone
Set the backpack on a table (or a large rock), put your arms through the straps (loosened
off), and lift with your legs. You can also set it on a rock or a log and sit down in front of
it. Again, lift with your legs, not with your back. If there is nothing available to set your
pack on; stand with your feet apart, one leg ahead of the other, knee bent enough to set
your pack on it. With shoulder straps loosened off, slip one arm through the shoulder
strap, lean into your pack and slightly downward, and roll it up onto your back. Once in
place, slide your other arm through the shoulder strap. Always tighten your hip belt first,
shoulder straps next and lastly your chest strap. Reverse this procedure for removing your
pack.
With a Partner
Have your partner lift your pack and hold it while you slip your arms into the straps. If
you have to stoop, bend your knees. Remember to lift with your legs!

13. Participate in a weekend backpack trip of at least five

miles (8 km) to a site not accessible by a vehicle and cook
your own meals.
Five miles is a good backpacking trip for a beginner. Find a trail near you by visiting your local
outdoor outfitter. These stores are most often staffed by people who enjoy backpacking and can
provide you with valuable advice on destinations. Once you've got a 5-mile trip under your belt,
why not look at the Pioneering honor and make your next trip a 15-miler?

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