Backpacking Honor

Recreational Activities

Requirements

1. Explain the Hikers' Motto: "Take nothing from nature but photos; leave nothing but footprints; kill nothing but time".

   Answer: The motto teaches respect for and preservation of nature: do not take plants, stones, or animals (only record them with photos); do not leave litter or traces (take everything back); and do not kill animals or destroy anything — just enjoy the time in nature. It is the 'Leave No Trace' principle. — The motto sums up respect for nature: take only photos, leave only footprints — to preserve God's creation for everyone.

2. Describe what type of clothing, footwear, and equipment should be taken on an excursion in:
   • Rainy weather
   • Hot weather
   • Cold weather

   Answer: 1) Rainy weather: a rain jacket or poncho, clothes that dry quickly (synthetic fabrics, avoid cotton), a tall waterproof boot, a cover for the backpack and plastic bags to protect the items inside; extra socks for changing also help. 2) Hot weather: light, light-colored clothes and thin long sleeves to protect the skin, a wide-brimmed hat or cap, sunglasses, sunscreen, ventilated footwear and plenty of water for frequent hydration. 3) Cold weather: clothes in layers (a base layer that wicks away sweat, a wool or fleece sweater and a waterproof windbreaker on top), a beanie, gloves, thermal socks, suitable pants and a sleeping bag compatible with the expected temperature. — Dressing according to the weather — waterproof in the rain, light in the heat and in layers in the cold — is safety and comfort on the trail.

3. Describe what should be taken into account when choosing a backpack. In case of emergency, what could be used in place of the backpack?

   Answer: When choosing the backpack: the size/capacity (liters) according to the length of the excursion, the fit to the body (padded straps and belt, good back support), comfort, durability, and waterproofing. In an emergency, without a backpack, you improvise with a tied sack, a bundle made of a cloth/blanket tied at the ends, or by fastening the items in a piece of clothing. — The right backpack fits the body and the trip; and, in its absence, you can improvise a bundle with a cloth.

4. List the essential objects for the practice of backpacking.

   Answer: Essential items: backpack, canteen/water, food, first-aid kit, pocketknife, flashlight, matches/lighter (waterproof), map and compass, raincoat, warm clothing, sunscreen and insect repellent, hat, whistle, and shelter (tent/tarp) if there is an overnight stay. — Water, food, shelter, first aid, and the means to orient yourself and make fire — the essentials that cannot be missing from the backpack.

5. List at least five models of sleeping bags. Describe which type of climate each one is most suitable for.

   Answer: Sleeping bags vary by the comfort temperature and the shape: • Envelope (rectangular): hot/mild climate, spacious. • Mummy: cold climate, fitted to the body, retains more heat. • With synthetic fill: good value, works when wet, for mild/cold climate. • Down/feather: very warm and light, for intense cold. • Summer/lightweight: for heat. You choose it by the indicated minimum usage temperature. — From the envelope (heat) to the down mummy (intense cold), you choose the bag by the temperature it can withstand.

6. Demonstrate how to pack a backpack properly.
7. Do the following:
   • List the best type of food for a hiker.
   • Of the foods in the previous item, which are found in supermarkets?
   • Prepare a menu for a 2-day excursion with an overnight stay.
   • Demonstrate how to pack the food that will go into the backpack so that it takes up little space.
   • Prepare a snack for the hike.
8. Know the methods of prevention, the symptoms, and the first-aid treatment for:
   • Sunburn
   • Blisters
   • Hypothermia
   • Heatstroke
   • Exhaustion
   • Snake bites
   • Abdominal cramps
   • Dehydration
   • Muscle cramp

   Answer: 1) Sunburn: prevent it with sunscreen, clothing, and a hat and by avoiding the strong midday sun; symptoms are red, hot, and painful skin, possibly blistering; treat with a cold compress, moisturizer, and plenty of water, without popping the blisters. 2) Blisters: prevent them with well-fitted socks and footwear and broken-in footwear; symptoms are redness, burning, and the blister filled with fluid; protect it with a bandage or adhesive tape without popping it and, if it pops on its own, clean and cover it. 3) Hypothermia: prevent it with dry warm clothing in layers and by avoiding sweat and wet clothing; symptoms are shivering, slurred speech, confusion, and drowsiness; warm the person up gradually with dry clothing, shelter, and a warm drink, without a sudden direct heat source. 4) Heatstroke: prevent it with a hat, shade, and hydration; symptoms are hot, dry skin, headache, dizziness, and high fever; move the person to the shade, cool the body with water and compresses, and seek medical care. 5) Heat exhaustion: prevent it with hydration and rest in the shade; symptoms are heavy sweating, weakness, nausea, pale and cold skin; rest in the shade, cool the body, and replenish fluids with salts. 6) Snakebites: prevent them by wearing boots, long pants, and watching where you step; symptoms are pain, swelling, and fang marks at the site; keep the victim calm and still, wash the area, do not cut, suck, or apply a tourniquet, and take them quickly to the hospital for the antivenom. 7) Cramps (stomach): prevent them by eating slowly and staying well hydrated; symptoms are sharp abdominal pain; treat with rest, local heat, and hydration, avoiding exertion right after eating. 8) Dehydration: prevent it by drinking water regularly during the excursion; symptoms are thirst, dry mouth, dark urine, fatigue, and dizziness; replenish fluids gradually, preferably with rehydration salts, in the shade. 9) Muscle cramp: prevent it with hydration, salt replacement, and good conditioning; symptoms are a painful, sudden muscle contraction; gently stretch and massage the muscle, hydrate, and replenish mineral salts. — Knowing the prevention, signs, and aid for each trail problem is what keeps the group safe far from the city.

9. Have a first-aid kit in the backpack and know how to use each item.
10. According to your weight, what is the maximum weight you should carry?

    Answer: As a general rule, the backpack should not exceed about 1/4 (25%) of body weight on long hikes — some indicate up to 1/3 for well-trained people on short stretches. E.g.: someone who weighs 60 kg should carry at most about 15 kg. Too much weight tires you out and hurts your back and knees. — The rule: up to about 1/4 of your weight in the backpack — carrying more than that tires you out and hurts you.

11. Without the use of a compass, know at least three methods of finding the cardinal points. Demonstrate two of these methods in practice.
12. Demonstrate the correct way to put on and take off a backpack by yourself and with the help of a companion.
13. Take part in a weekend excursion with a hike of at least eight kilometers. The meals must be cooked during the excursion. (Use the knowledge acquired in requirement 7.)