off trail hiking guide part 1, differences between on and off trail hiking
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 22 апр 2021
- Part one in a three part video series on off trail hiking.
The amazing Kupilka mug is here: amzn.to/3sjxavE
Kupilka mug in UK: amzn.to/3uMRdo2
And in Deutschland: amzn.to/3ddsNxL
In this video series:
-what’s the difference between going on and off trail
-when would you opt for off trail: some example trips
-if you go off trail, how to get started? Also I have some hard earned real life tips
This video covers the difference
Well obviously when you go off trail there is no road, no path, no route or marking, no ski track. But what are the consequences of that?
Ease of navigation
A trail will make navigation more easy, IF you are sure that you’re still on the trail. So if your map is accurate, and you see a clear path in the field, that means that you have the certainty that you are on the trail you were aiming for, the only question is, how far along. So holding the map in your hand and checking your compass and the time every now and then is enough to monitor your progress. It gets more tricky if you encounter rogue trail signs or trails that should not be there according to your map.
Navigating off trail depends more on your ability to match what you see on the map with what you see in the field. In theory that would be more complicated. On the other hand, off trail navigation is less prone to route changes, wrong trail markings and extra trails that are not on the map but are there in the field, confusing you. It is very good to realise that the elements of a map that are almost always correct, bar a volcano eruption, is everything that is not a trail.
What helps is this: if you have used 1:50.000 maps for ON trail hiking before, you will have it easier when hiking off trail, so practice practice! And as a rule of thumb I propose that navigating on trail is always easier in forests, whereas navigating off trail is often easier above tree level.
Speed difference
Lucky you, I measured! And not just once, often! The speed difference across most terrain is fourty percent. And that is relative to your normal speed. So if your trail speed is a blistering 30 furlongs per hour (OK, 6km per hour), then that drops to a mere 18. If you are just your average hiker, you may be happy with that one mile you managed in an hour. There are many different reasons why that is so, from tacky underbrush to circumnavigating angry animals, but believe me, it also applies to you.
Danger
Going off trail is more dangerous. I have an opinion on danger, but let’s do that another time. Off trail is more dangerous, not because there is more inherent danger, but because there are less people to get you out of trouble and these people are far away. Also, other than on a trail, chances are much higher that you make a stupid route decision, like getting cliffed out, and then decide to stick with it. Not OK, flexible mind needed. And sturdy shoes.
Adventure and general coolness
Is it true that going off trail is more adventurous? Yes, yes it is! Maybe it is because you are more relying on yourself and not on the trailmakers, maybe you really are venturing in untracked terrain, about to discover a new Lascaux cave. Maybe it is a feeling. I remember a trip I did with my brothers, and when we talked about which part was best, my older brother said: the part where we left the route and just walked where we liked! It was just a thrill in itself!
That said, on trail hiking also has it’s perks. Bear in mind that that trail was probably developed exactly where it is to make hikers happy. It can be the most efficiënt way to get from a to b, but in many cases, like for example the appalachian trail, it is there to show you the very best that nature has to offer. Say no to that. Also, if all hikers in an area use the trail, that minimises the impact that you have on the environment, because it is limited to a three foot wide trail. If you do a specific trail, that can give you a tremendous feeling of achievement. For example… check out the freshly opened Baltic Forest trail! 2100 km. Say no to that! • "The Forest Trail" - l... It somehow brags better to your friends if you say “I hiked the Eifelsteig” in stead of: I hiked from nowheretown to bend in the road ville.
Last, and maybe this does or does not tick your boxes. I like the idea of incorporating historical trails into routes. For example: this was the route priests walked to preach in the hidden valley every month. Or where king so and so led his army to a horrible death.
So as a wrap up: there are some significant differences between hiking on and off trail and both have their place. In the next video I will talk about when you would opt to hike off trail and when on.
Thanks for watching! Papa hiker
Please note I make a small commission if you buy through the links posted.
Music: www.bensound.com
Some of my most memorable hikes were offtrail
amazing video Papa hiker. I killed the thumbs up on your video. Always keep up the quality work.
Good stuff, Sir! Looking forward to it all.
Good introduction, thank you. Looking forward to the rest of your series.
Really enjoyed this,
Thank you 🙂
Awesome intro. I’m looking forward to the series!
Hi Jon! Next installments are on the way. I am working on several projects at the same time usually, which gets in the way...
Good video , thanks for sharing ,God bless !
Well done! Good practical tips presented. Many people don’t think of the considerations of “on trail” vs “off trail” hiking, nor do they consider them in depth.
Hello Harry, the differences really are big! Most people will happily hike on trail for all of their life and that is of course just fine. But if you are off trail, it is good to know what you're getting into.
Thnxs 4 sharing 🇺🇸
cool; already some good advice. :)
In some places here going off-trail is prohibited because of rare plants in an area which you might not notice during some parts of the year. Please know about the plants you're going to be walking on to preserve what we have left of our natural world.
Hi P RO, good point. Don't go if it is not allowed, and if it is, still be smart about the vulnerability of the terrain.
One of my favourite house rules walking off trail and faced with a "fork in the road" is:
Walk the path or forests I least want to go. This is because I'm not unique. I naturally seek convenient places, and avoid unattractive places however those always lead to elephant paths. Conversely, by taking the heterodox choice, I always find hidden gems and nearly untouched nature, with real beauty impossible to describe in my plain words.
God tur.
Hi Wille! That sounds like a great thing to do. Let yourself be surprised!
I wish I knew how to read a map. I became a addiction to hiking 👌🏿
Hoi, looking forward to the next episode. To bad in Holland your not allowed off trail so much. Keep up the good work.
Hi Rens, yes definitely. We have some places, but not a lot.
Happy camping, Papa hiker
Yes I would have estimated 40-50% slower for myself. Interesting that you’ve measured it!
Hey Fayley! Yes, I like an objective approach :-)
Please give us some tips how not to get shot. Some false hunters shot at me from close distance but they missed me, they didnt see me because of bushes but they fired on sound of branches cracking. I yelled at them but only after second shout they ran away in their van closely parked. And thats second time i was shot at at the similar location. No I was not in the hunting grounds. Thank you.
Good video. Well done.
I do alot of off trail hiking. I always carry in my day pack the things i would need if i had to spend the night outside. This includes a rain suit. I carry first aid matetials for sprains and cuts etc, a billy can and water. I also carry ten essentials in a little bag. I tell people where i am going and for how long. I them know when I get back. I like to go with a friend.
I live in Ontario Canada.
Hello Miriam! Great write up, makes total sense. Have a nice time in Canada
👍✌
how to not get ticks is my main question
Speed difference off trail can be cancelled if your ranger has forrest as a favored terrain.
Oh yeah, people who are really at home in the terrain will probably be much faster!
Thx! Annoying music lol