Backpacking (wilderness)

Trekking (of English trek, strenuous march ' ) is a common name in the travel industry for multi-day hikes with a tent in a rucksack, partially waiving infrastructure such as roads or paths. Trekking is possible on foot as long-distance hiking, as well as trail riding, cycling, canoeing, cross-country skis, snowshoes or other driven by muscle power means. Other terms in the English language are bushwalking, wilderness backpacking, walking safari in Africa also. Trekking far from civilization, sparsely populated areas is as Wilderness Trekking (English wilderness trekking ) refers. Difficult, most scientific projects that take place in the wilderness and were not yet made ​​, are commonly referred to as an expedition. This term is used in the travel industry for organized wilderness trips. Hiking hiking english other hand, describes civilization close day trips on trails.

Word origin

From Low German or Dutch trek, pulling something '. From the Afrikaans, the English took over the word trekking, which is then found as anglicism the German input.

Motivation and Requirements

The motivation lies in the most natural experience to meet the sporting spirit or the desire original cultures. Tour operators sit next to at least average fitness also requires mental strength, as well as the knowledge of general wilderness skills. These are knowledge and skills which safeguards of advance and (over) living in each climate zone. Sufficient knowledge and skills to serve their own safety - but trekking is not a " survival in the bush ", therefore include knowledge and skills as they find themselves under the headings Survival or lone course not let to overlap, however.

Regulate

Trekking as a form of use of nature reserves is subject to the respective national and don'ts in relation to conservation area and military zone. Partial authorizations are required for this, which should limit the number of people at any given time in an area. Some areas may therefore be virtually visited only with the help of tour operators. In Central Europe there is to enter private property vary by country regulations. While the Everyman law applies in Scotland and Scandinavia, is prohibited in the United States, Canada and Central Europe to enter, unless it would be allowed. The principle of " Leave nothing but footprints and take nothing with your but your impressions ' is in many States in the form of restrictive law and leads, as at Mount McKinley to the fact that excrement must be worn out with again.

Wilderness skills

Terms wilderness skills, knowledge and skill to be able to use the existing trekking equipment and provide first aid - see also under expedition skills.

Trekking equipment

A proper trekking equipment takes into account the climate zone with vegetation and season as well as the time necessary for the planned meals in the wilderness. Missing or not in accordance with the requirements may make rescue operations necessary. Decisive for the selection of trekking clothing and a sleeping bag is the heat retention capacity after the lowest possible air temperature in Trekkingebiet on the climate zone and season.

The basic components are trekking or hiking boots, trekking clothing after the onion principle with all-weather outerwear made ​​of PTFE waterproof, vapor permeable membrane open and mostly belonging to the basic equipment trekking poles. Significant differences arise after the climates in the trekking boots with socks trekking, trekking clothing, sleeping bag and tent. Requirements for a tent for the dry - cold climate are wind stability and aerodynamics, as well as with the flysheet linked inner tent for a quick set-up in case of bad weather; removable for dry - hot climate the flysheet to use the inner tent only as Repellentschutz; self-supporting for mountain tours as dome tent, as an anchor on the rocks with soil nails is not possible.

The in the backpack - with trekking expeditions in alpine style not less than 100 liters, otherwise in accordance with supply options to the 80 l - equipment carried, usually consists of tent [* 1] or ground sheet, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, stove and fuel and meals. Depending on the duration of the trek, the climate and technical requirements as well as dependent on the body weight in relation to body length, is the equipment weight per person to 25 kg - in wilderness treks significantly more. So each day of trekking to expect one kilogram catering. Depending on the number of participants, duration of the trek and customary ways the equipment is transported by carriers, pack animals or by off-road support vehicles.

To interpret Orienting both by map and compass as well as navigation systems and UTMREF coordinates or UTM coordinates on the map using a map protractor with schedule pointer as well as the skill and terrain map is an essential skill when trekking. As a research tool, a Global Navigation Satellite System, GNSS also to serve with a receiver ( GNSS) such as the Global Positioning System to determine coordinates - others are the Galileo or GLONASS.

Ability to orient in the field are after orienting card with map reading and calculating performance kilometers. Means of navigation for terrestrial navigation are topographic maps and aerial photographs, binoculars, compass, taking account of declination and inclination as well as in the mountains altimeter. In areas with high magnetic deviation as the polar regions, only with a sun compass according to astronomical navigation - behelfweise by the sun or moon with sundial according to moon phases - are oriented.

As rescue and communications in wilderness areas are used in satellite communications satellite communications equipment such as satellite phone Iridium ( communications system ) and emergency beacon via COSPAS- SARSAT Notfunksystem and for understanding mostly in short-range radio devices in the radio.

High mountains and glaciers make climbing gear [ * 2] and climbing harness required.

Part of the expedition food is drinking water, for its mobile processing a portable water filter is necessary. For transport used water bag and canteen for a hot drink a flask. For larger needs, such as for hot-dry climate zone 20 l water containers are necessary. In all drinking water container to prevent infection only treated water should be filled. Expedition board consists of staple foods or freeze-dried food trekking. For their preparation, a stove is required. Common are alcohol stove. The food requirement is calculated in addition to the basal metabolic rate at rest of 1 kcal per kilogram of body weight after sales service. This power factor increases by weather and pollution. So up to 6000 kcal per person per day will be accepted in accordance with the age and body length for trekking expeditions in principle 3000.

An irritant spray device used in areas with polar bears, Kamtschatkabären, grizzly or kodiak bear for animal defense. On Spitsbergen and Northeast Greenland a firearm is required, in northern Canada and Alaska, she is picked up by locals. In Siberia national parks and on Kamchatka monitoring of National Park Rangers is usually prescribed.

Ultralight Hiking

Ultralight Hiking Trekking is minimizing the equipment weight, emphasizing the personal know -how and reduce the safety and comfort need.