Hiking Guide

HIKING CLASSIFICATIONS

The Mother Lode Chapter uses a simple system to classify day hikes. A day hike's classification is expressed as "Grade 1B" or "(3D)", where the number represents the total estimated mileage of a trip and the letter represents the total estimated elevation gain for the day. In most cases there will be an equal amount of descent. Some trips may also have a size limitation or special restrictions for reasons of safety or to reduce their impact on the environment. If you have questions about whether you are in condition to participate on a hike, call the leader to discuss it.

Grade

Grade 1 (less than 6 miles)

Grade 2 (6 to less-than-10 miles)

Grade 3 (10 to less-than-15 miles)

Grade 4 (15 to less-than-20 miles)

Grade 5 (20 or more miles)


Elevation Gain

A (less than 1,000 feet)

B (1,000 to less-than-2,000 feet)

C (2,000 to less-than-3,000 feet)

D (3,000 to less-than-4,000 feet)

E (4,000 or more feet)

BACKPACKING GUIDELINES

Note: Try to keep things as light as possible.  General Guidelines are that you should carry no more than 1/3 of your body weight.  Less is even better and makes the experience much more enjoyable. Try weighing yourself on the bathroom scale with and without your pack.  If it’s too heavy, take some things out.

  • Backpack - Rentals at Trailhead outfitters; Valley Sporting Goods may still rent them; There is also an outdoor store in Turlock.
  • Sleeping Bag and Groundcover - Down or some type of Holofil.  20 degrees minimum. Heavy plastic makes a nice ground cover or you can buy a tarp.
  • Tent with rain fly - three season tent is fine. If you are willing to share a tent bring it up at the prebackpack meeting.  A plastic groundcloth cut to the size of your tent will keep you dryer.
  • Bear Cannister is optional.  If you backpack in Yosemite, it is mandatory and must meet their standards.  The park rents these at the Crane Flats
  • Gas Station and Tuolomne Meadows. Can also rent from Trail Head outfitters.
  • Sleeping pad is optional but nice.
  • Raingear: Poncho or Rain pants and Rain jacket.
  • Sun hat
  • Wool or fleece hat used for warmth at night and while sleeping
  • Fleece\Down Parka\Vest
  • Mosquito Headnet (optional)
  • Gaiters (optional)
  • Dinnerware: Cup and spoon
  • Pots, Stove, and fuel (Monica and I will bring the pots, stove, and fuel)
  • Matches\lighter - waterproof matches preferred.
  • 50 feet of lightweight rope
  • Pocket knife
  • Whistle, mirror, compass -
  • Small towel or bandana to use for washing
  • One to two liters of water
  • Food: Two lunches, one dinner, one breakfast.  Must be able to make it with hot water unless you bring your own stove and pots.
  • Breakfast ideas: Granola bars, oatmeal packets, grits packets, cream of wheat, dry cereal with dry milk, dried fruit, nuts, coffee, tea, tang, gatorade
  • Lunch ideas: On a short backpack you could bring sandwiches which will keep like peanut butter, crackers and cheese, baby carrots, fruit, dry salami or pepperoni, mozzarella cheese sticks
  • Dinner ideas: Dried backpacking meals are pretty good these days, Other ideas are cup of noodles, couscous cups, soup cups, tuna or chicken in foil pouches, instant rice, etc.
  • Water bottle, lexan bottles like nalgene are the best but can use gatorade bottles or even regular plastic water bottles for short trips(Just have two incase one breaks).
  • Headlight or flashlight, with extra batteries
  • Hiking boots are best; may be able to use trail runners or even tennis shoes for a short trip such as this.
  • Socks: I like smartwool hiking socks or the wigwam knockoffs; Thin liner socks are also nice to wick away sweat.
  • Sun glasses, sun screen
  • Bug spray - Deet
  • Water filter\iodine tablets
  • Hiking sticks - strongly encouraged!
  • Optional stuff: cameras, film, binoculars, maps, fishing gear and license, field guides, games, books
  • Chapstick
  • Biodegradable toilet paper
  • Optional: Ibuprofen, allergy medication, vitamins, or other medications
  • Backpack cover or use a large green trash bag to cover your pack at night or when it rains.
  • Moleskin\ bandages\ paper first aid tape is handy for preventing blisters
  • Optional: biodegradable soap, hand sanitizer
  • Personal first-aid, other personal items or medications you might need
  • Stove, pot