We are excited about the Yosemite Day hikes this summer!
Here are some thoughts. Please use these as guidelines as you prepare yourself for the trip:
Conditioning:
Scouts do get a fair amount with their sports and school P.E. Also, you will want to make the prep hikes (SR2DaC, and in July and August we have prep hikes). These hikes will NOT be enough .. . be out walking with your boots on and your daypack loaded a couple of times a week, for a few miles each time. (15 minutes is better than nothing if you are really time crunched, but get some longer ones in, too!)
About 2-3 weeks before the trip, try and get out 5 times a week. You do not want to “Wait Train”. . .which is to “Wait” until the event to train!
Socks:
The classic teaching is to wear two socks-an inner thin liner (like polypropolene)-Fox River makes some with silver that resist bacteria and odor), and a thicker outer layer like wool or other synthetic (Thorlor, etc.). Many are just using one layer/the thicker sock now that non-itchy “Smart Wool”/merino wool is on the market. . .
Boots:
If you have not already done so, it might be a good time to go and look for hiking boots. For a multi-day BACKPACK trip, Philmont recommends a quality pair (6-8 inches high with a sturdy sole), that are broken-in and fit well. In Yosemite for the day hikes, some have used trail runners, while others have used low top hiking shoes, and some have used the higher ankle support boots.
Note: Many hikers do the 2600 mile Pacific Crest Trail with a backpack using shoes like trail runners or even lighter. However, since many of us are looking toward Philmont, I am recommending their advice):
“When fitting boots:
Try them on at the end of the day when your feet may be a little larger.
Use the same socks you will hike in.
With your feet in the boots, and laces loosened, you should be able to place two fingers behind the heel.
With your socks on and your you laces fully tightened, your toes should not touch the end of the boot, while standing on a 30-degree incline. D
o not be surprised if your boot is one size larger and one width wider than your shoe size.
Treat the boot for wet weather.”
Water Gear:
Make sure and bring a lightweight pair of aqua socks or Teva like sandals for being in the water. Bare feet are easily injured, and we need our feet for the hiking!!! There are lots of swimming opportunities-we should have an opportunity every day! .. .and you just feel/smell better afterwards!
Locally boots, socks and other equipment is available at REI/Sports Authority/A-16/Big 5/etc. Online you can try: backcountry.com and campmor.com. The downside with online is that it is hard to try it out before buying it.
Gear:
A gear list and a list of suggested foods will be sent in the future. It will not be too different from your normal camping/hiking/backpacking list in the SCOUT HANDBOOK.
You will want to have:
- At least 10 water purification tablets (I suggest the chlorine dioxide tablets)
- A large stuff sack for your food
- You will have a total of six dinners to cook/add water to)
- Liter water bottles (two)
- Toe nail clippers
- Food (besides the six dinners) and Cliff Bars (great carbs, some protein, and lots of good electrolytes)
We will use Troop stoves for all, and troop tents for the Scouts. For rinsing clothes, you may want to bring a cut out bottom of a milk jug, so the water may taken far away from the trail/water source and dumped.
It has been noted that this year’s mosquitos are not offended much by the pepper deriviative Cutter Repelent. So, we recommend bringing 20% DEET.