A Beginners Guide To Off-Trail Hiking

Off-trail hiking, also known as bushwhacking or cross-country hiking, offers adventurers the chance to explore uncharted territories beyond established trails. Unlike traditional hiking, where paths are clearly marked and maintained, off-trail hiking involves navigating through rugged terrain, dense vegetation, and sometimes even water bodies without a designated route.

Off-trail hiking presents a unique set of challenges and rewards. While it requires a higher level of navigation skills and physical fitness, it offers the thrill of discovering hidden gems, untouched landscapes, and breathtaking views that few have witnessed before. It allows hikers to forge their own paths, connect with nature on a deeper level, and experience a sense of freedom and exploration that can't be found on established trails.

However, off-trail hiking also comes with its own set of risks, including getting lost, encountering hazardous terrain, and facing wildlife encounters. Therefore, proper preparation, including carrying essential gear, studying maps, and understanding navigation techniques, is crucial before embarking on an off-trail adventure. When starting out especially don’t go out alone, bringing a buddy or two can make all the difference in making it back safely.

Do your research before you go, remember to look up if your chosen area allows off-trail hiking. Many places don’t allow bushwhacking and you might also run across privately owned land which is a scary problem to run into. You may also run into homeless encampments or some others that go way out there to be left alone.

Once you’ve picked out a spot to explore, ensure you’re preparing to be in the climate you will be in when hiking. I usually go for runs or walks in town at the temperature I’ll be experiencing out in nature. Acclimating to your environment is very important. Also, ensure to check the weather a few days before your excursion and the night before. Even when you're on the trail keep an eye to the sky as the conditions can change rapidly out there!

When you’re starting out on bushwhacking adventures, only go where you still have cell reception. If you realize you are not well prepared or end up getting lost you will have a way to call for help. Also, remember to go to google maps and download the entire area you will be hiking, I’ve used a downloaded map without cell reception many times to find my way back. Keep in mind GPS works as a direct connection to a satellite, so if the map is downloaded locally you can still use maps to find your way. I also track my location with an app like ‘map my run’ starting from my parking spot, this way I can always at least back-track by following the blue line.

In the event you do get lost you will want to ensure you have plenty of water and a food source. Avoid protein drinks and sugary drinks especially soda as that won’t help much. There are many ways to bring sustenance with you, make sure to find a source that fits your dietary needs and that won’t go bad on you on the trail. I prefer MREs because just one is packed with calories and it's an easy warm meal, the meals or weird and don't taste great but they are edible and they do the trick. There are many tastier options so don't feel like you have to do what I do.

When exploring the wilderness for off-trail hiking, there are things I find crucial to pack. I end up using many of these items and others I’m glad I’ve never had to use.

• A good quality hiking pack (I prefer one that displaces weight onto the hips) this way you can carry more weight with less fatigue to the shoulders.
• The right clothing is critical when off trail hiking, in some cases I’ve been pushing through rough shrubbery and I’ve literally torn hiking pants and shirts to shreds. This might be terrain you avoid, but sometimes it’s the only way through. I always bring a pair of hiking pants that have inserts for knee pads. Those come in real handy when rock crawling or even when having to knee on wet ground. For really rough terrain I use dirt bike pants which are thick and very tough.
• Adequate hiking boots are a must, make sure you've got something waterproof, comfortable and with thick soles and ankle support. You don’t want to step on a pointy rock and bruise the bottom of your foot or miss-step on the side of a rock and roll your ankle. I’ve done both and neither injury is fun to try and hike back to camp with.
• Bring a battery pack that can charge your smartphone at least 4 times. Any battery is better than none, but at least 20,000 mAh is great. Ensure you have proper cables for all the devices you intend to charge is also critical.
• If needed, bring knee support. When you’re starting out, all the extra weight in gear needed can wear on your joints, especially your knees. As you hike more, your joints can get stronger, just be mindful of pain from an injury or soreness from building strength and act accordingly.
• Bear Spray comes in handy, even if there are no bears or it’s not allowed to be used in nature, it sure does help against a crazed out or even a drugged out person in the wilderness (I’ve learned that the hard way!).
• Navigation Tools: Carry a detailed topographic map, compass, and GPS device to help you navigate through unmarked terrain and avoid getting lost.
• Safety Gear: Pack a first aid kit with supplies to treat minor injuries, including bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and blister pads. Also, include a whistle, signal mirror, and emergency blanket for signaling and staying warm in case of emergencies. Pro tip: I carry a small zip lock back with cheap coffee grounds. In case of a deep cut, you put those grounds into the wound and it will soak up the blood, help stop bleeding and the caffeine helps with the pain a bit too, that trick has saved me more than once while hiking.
• Water and Water Purification: Bring an adequate supply of water to stay hydrated, as well as a water filtration system or purification tablets to safely replenish your water from natural sources along the way.
• Food and Snacks: Pack lightweight, high-energy snacks like nuts, dried fruits, energy bars, and trail mix to fuel your body during the hike.
• Clothing: Dress in layers to adapt to changing weather conditions and pack waterproof and breathable clothing, including a rain jacket, insulated layers, hat, gloves, and sturdy hiking boots with ankle support.
• Shelter: Carry a lightweight, compact emergency shelter such as a tent or bivy sack to provide protection from the elements in case of unexpected overnight stays.
• Multi-Tool or Knife: Bring a versatile tool or knife for various tasks such as cutting rope, repairing gear, or preparing food.
• Sun Protection: Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat to shield yourself from harmful UV rays.
• Fire-starting Supplies: Carry waterproof matches, a lighter, or a fire starter kit to create fire for warmth, cooking, and signaling in emergencies.
• Personal Essentials: Don't forget items like a fully charged cell phone (with offline maps downloaded), identification, cash, and any necessary permits or licenses required for the area you'll be hiking.

When considering all this gear, weight will matter and if you know you’ll be going on a shorter hike or in a specific season you may choose to leave certain items behind. Another suggestion is to carry a few gallons of water in the car along with a change of clothes, it never hurts to have extra water and supplies around in case you need it.

If it seems crazy to attempt off-trail hiking after looking over this guide, you can always do a short trek to try it out. I’ve even found some wilderness like areas right next to a road or near homes. It sure does feel safer to be near civilization while attempting this strange but fun type of hiking.

Even though I have had some bushwhacking attempts that are a total bust, I’ve been rewarded with some of the best scenery, close encounters with nature, beautiful sunrises, expansive vistas and memories that will last a lifetime. I do recommend that you try it out, just be sure to follow a guide that makes you feel comfortable and that you don’t get yourself into a situation where you’re unprepared.

Whether you're an experienced hiker looking for a new challenge or a beginner eager to explore the great outdoors beyond the beaten path, bushwhacking offers a thrilling and unforgettable adventure for those willing to step off the well-trodden trail and into the unknown.