The more information we get about the place where we are heading (terrain/trail condition, infrastructure, topography, distances, etc.) and the forecasted meteorological conditions, the more efficiency we will have at choosing only the indispensable to put in our backpack on each occasion, avoiding to carry ¨just in case¨ stuff we won´t use and could start decreasing our comfort after the first few miles.
LESS WEIGHT = MORE PLEASSURE
The weather forecast services available today are very accurate and accessible. For the Meiling Refuge it is best to check a forecast for the corresponding altitude (6200 feet) since due to the great altitude gain and the absence of vegetation on the upper third of the trail, the weather conditions could change extremely between start and finish. It is also necessary to see how the weather will be during all the time the excursion lasts. There could as well be slippery mud on the trail and/or snow on the upper part of the itinerary. In low temperatures it is crucial to protect the hands and head.
see weather forecast
Based on this information we can decide what kind of shoes and clothing we will need, for example, if a raincoat and warm clothes will be necessary or if just a shirt will be enough.
If there is snow, we will have to consider that it´s texture changes with the meteorological conditions and the use of special shoes, gaiters or snowshoes could be necessary. In any case, it always helps or it could be indispensable to have at least one walking pole with a basket to walk on the snow.
In case it rains we must know that most backpacks won´t protect our gear from getting wet. It is necessary to protect, especially, our sleeping bag and extra clothing inside well closed plastic bags. All that gets wet will be, apart from useless later, a much heavier load to carry.
If the shoes we are planning to wear were stored for a long time or next to a heat source, we must check them before we use them because the sole could come off during the walk.
Backpack
We should always carry: a bottle for water or hydration system, good quality sunglasses and sunscreen (mandatory on snow due to its high reflection index), sun hat and warm hat, a small torch with enough power to walk at night on mountain terrain, adhesive tape to prevent eventual blisters, garbage bag, comfortable extra clothes for hanging around at the refuge.
Backpacks made to walk in the mountains have a padded belt with an adjustable buckle in order to place most of the load on the waist bones. This way we don´t overload our back and improve our balance while walking. The shoulder straps can be also padded but their function is not to carry weight but to keep the pack close to our back. We have to make the adjustments so it works this way.
We must also try to use all the internal space of the backpack since all we carry outside or hanging will worsen our balance, especially when it is windy. Backpack covers can be useful but must be well attached to avoid losing them in windy conditions.
The way we distribute the weight inside the pack is also important for our comfort and to reduce the strain. The best is to have all that is bulky and lightweight, such as the sleeping bag, at the bottom, while the heaviest items, such as water and food, should be closer to our back and at the upper part. All the small stuff and things we need at hand can be put in the backpacks upper cover pocket.
Walking
Make your on-line Trekking Registration in advance or register with the park ranger at Pampa Linda and get informed about the features and actual conditions of the itinerary before starting the walk.
There are no permitted camping places between Pampa Linda and the refuge.
It is not allowed to make fires inside the National Park, except in permitted areas.
Pets are not allowed inside the National Park.
Start as early as possible. It is important to have extra time in case something unexpected happens.
Hydration is the key for a better experience no matter the meteorological conditions, and especially when it is hot. Water availability along the way depends on the time of the season. During the dry season the last water supply could be right before the steep switchbacks. Drink before, during and after the effort. Have at least one and a half liters during the walk. Protect yourself from the sun.
Start the walk very gently to warm up and to keep the energy high until the end. Slow and steady all the way is better.
At the uphill parts, the steeper it gets, the slower the pace, the shorter the steps and stepping with the entire sole.
Always follow the indicated path. The shortcuts are not part of the trail and are, sadly, marked by the repeated passing of the benighted.
When taking shortcuts you:
get exposed to harm
get more strained
do not save time and could get disoriented
erode and destroy delicate natural soil irreversibly
deteriorate a trail which is designed and maintained for your safety and comfort.
Help us to take care of this singular place so we can all enjoy it.
Do not drop waste. Even papers take years to decompose. Have a plastic bag in your pocket for your garbage. Cigarette butts cause forest fires.
Try to move in small groups and in silence. This way you don´t disturb the wildlife and have a better chance to observe it.
It is convenient to adapt the pace to the slowest of the group and provide assistance if needed. Stay with your group.
