OutwestWoods
Tips and Tricks 22-28
After dedicating over 25 years to the art of backpacking, I have amassed a wealth of knowledge, uncovering numerous tricks and techniques to ensure my safety, maximize efficiency, and enhance the overall enjoyment of my adventures.
Allow me to share with you some of my favorite backpacking tips and tricks that have stood the test of time.
Tip #22 - Hail/Rock Slides
Stay vigilant for upstream storms that have the potential to swiftly flood the valley you’re traversing.
While journeying through the woods, it’s not uncommon to encounter areas of intense upheaval, with trees uprooted and scattered about like playthings.
Personally, I have yet to witness a valley flood, as such events typically occur during the spring thaw. However, it’s important to note that hailstorms and rock slides can trigger similar occurrences by temporarily obstructing the flow of water.
Therefore, it’s crucial to remain alert to the possibility that a hailstorm or rock slide further up the valley could impede the stream, creating a dam-like effect with hailstones. The subsequent rupture of this water barrier would result in a violent rush of water downstream.
If you notice the stream suddenly ceasing its flow or the water turning exceptionally murky, exercise extreme caution and promptly seek higher ground to ensure your safety.
Tip #23 - Jolly ranchers and tootsie rolls
I often find myself longing for a lightweight source of sugar or the ability to carry pounds of candy in my backpack.
Nevertheless, a small bite of sugar is still necessary during my outdoor adventures, usually in the form of 4 or 5 small pieces a day. Unfortunately, chocolate tends to melt easily, and most candies don’t provide long-lasting satisfaction.
However, I have discovered two absolute winners in the woods, and I can assure you they are Jolly Ranchers and Tootsie Rolls.
Not only are they conveniently compact, but they also have excellent staying power in the mouth.
A single Tootsie Roll, for instance, grants me the delightful pleasure of indulging in total chocolate heaven, allowing me to savor 30 or 40 satisfying chews that help recharge my energy levels.
Tip #24 - Widow maker trees
It’s crucial to exercise common sense when selecting a camping spot, particularly when it comes to the surrounding trees.
Avoid setting up your tent near dead, weak, or damaged trees. During a sudden storm or a gust of wind, these trees could potentially topple over.
There’s a valuable lesson I’ve learned that can be applied to various situations: if a falling tree appears to be veering left or right even slightly, you’re in luck—it means it’s not headed straight for you!
In such a scenario, swiftly move in the opposite direction of the falling tree, either to the left or right.
This principle holds true for other situations as well. For instance, if you find yourself in the path of a tornado, an oncoming vehicle, or caught in a rip tide, the best course of action is to move left or right at a 90-degree angle to escape the danger.
It’s important to note that fires tend to follow the direction of smoke or the wind. Therefore, if you find yourself engulfed in a stream of smoke blowing towards you, act quickly and head left or right at a 90-degree angle. It’s generally better to move downhill or consider crossing a stream to increase your chances of getting to safety.
Tip #25 - Blisters
Blisters can be quite bothersome, which is why I’ve developed a habit of taping up my feet whenever I put on a backpack. The combination of weight, varied terrain, and sweaty feet can lead to painful blisters forming.
To prevent blisters, I make sure to tape my outer big toes and any areas on the lower outside of my feet that come into contact with my boots. Additionally, I pay attention to taping the heels for added protection.
If you’re fortunate enough to never experience blisters, I truly admire your resilience in that regard.
Tip #26 - Night walk
I highly recommend adding a one-night hike to your bucket list—it’s a truly remarkable experience. Consider starting your hike around 9 pm and returning around 2 am, covering a couple of miles. You can even venture off the beaten path if you feel adventurous.
One of the most enchanting aspects of a night hike is the serene quietness that surrounds you. The birds are fast asleep, and the cold, clean air feels incredibly refreshing. In Colorado, you may have the opportunity to hear the soothing hoots of an owl or catch a glimpse of bats flying overhead after sunset.
While it’s important to be aware of your surroundings, there’s no need to worry about animals. Instead, focus on watching your step and avoiding any potential falls.
It’s interesting to note that agrizoophobia, the fear of wild animals, is actually a phobia. Many people today seem to harbor this fear. However, during a night hike, you can immerse yourself in the experience without undue concern about wildlife encounters.
For an even more immersive experience, consider wearing headphones and listening to Native American music as you walk through the untamed woods. The rhythmic pounding of drums and soulful melodies of flutes add an extra layer of wild beauty to the journey.
I took this picture Aug 2019 on a moonless night from the top of Rosalie Peak. I was hoping for a clear night but it rain and snowed.
You are not blocked so you can see from Cheyenne to Colorado Springs.
They can live in the hollow of trees.
Tip 27 - Porcupines
Porcupines, I affectionately know as “Forest Rats” can be quite bold when it comes to venturing into your campsite. I recall a particular year when the snow still covered the ground, trapping us in our camp. During those two nights, we had dozens of porcupines joining us, seemingly with nowhere else to go.
These curious critters didn’t hesitate to explore our camp, and to my dismay, one of them even decided to chew the cork off my fishing pole. Lesson learned: it’s crucial to keep your camp clean and ensure that your eating and cooking area is separate from your tents.
Interestingly, in a survival situation, porcupines can provide a valuable source of fatty meat. They may not be swift creatures, with a maximum speed of about 2 miles per hour, making them relatively easy to catch and dispatch with a simple stick. Additionally, they have a tendency to hang out in trees.
On a less pleasant note, porcupines have a rather potent defense mechanism—they emit a foul odor reminiscent of a particularly unpleasant human scent. It’s an intriguing characteristic, to say the least.
Tip #28 - Wild Strawberries/Raspberries
Exploring the Colorado mountains and the wider Rockies region, you’ll be delighted to discover wild strawberries and raspberries effortlessly.
These delightful fruits are cool-season plants, thriving during the spring and fall seasons while remaining dormant throughout the summer. They can be found basking in the full sun or enjoying partial shade, showing a preference for moist soil, although they can adapt to drier soil conditions as well.
Interestingly, these delicious treasures can be discovered throughout the summer months in the high country, where pockets of cooler temperatures persist. I’ve often stumbled upon them near streams during mid-summer excursions.
It has become a delightful ritual for me to collect a handful of these mouthwatering, sugar-rich beauties each day as I explore. While strawberries are more commonly encountered, raspberries also make occasional appearances, adding a delightful variety to my foraging adventures.
Tricks and Tips Continued
Much More To Discover At OutWestWoods
Discover essential tips for your outdoor adventures in Colorado’s backcountry:
Backpack Equipment List: Get a comprehensive checklist for your backcountry backpacking needs.
Ultra-Light Fishing: Learn a lightweight fishing technique tailored for Colorado’s wilderness.
Must-Visit Places: Explore remarkable destinations in Colorado’s backcountry.
Safety Tips and Tricks: Stay secure with valuable insights on outdoor safety.
Enjoy your Colorado adventure with these handy tips!
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