Tips and strategies for extended day hikes
As I prepare for my extended day hike of the Presidential Traverse, I am finding there is more strategy to planning a hike like this. In about a week, my brother and I plan to trek across most of the Presidential mountains: Mt. Madison, Mt. Adams, Mt. Jefferson, Mt. Clay, and Mt. Washington. Four of these five on the NH 4000 footer list, recognized by the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) as the White Mountain 4000 Footers.
Backpacking Gear and Supplies List:
- Bear can/bear bag to fit ALL food
- Lightweight tent
- Warm, compact sleeping bag and camping pad (preference)
- Warm layers: socks, thermal pants, jacket
- Rain jacket
- Water bottle(s), camelback, at least 2 L
- Compass, physical map, first aid kit
- Toilet paper/wipes, hand sanitizer, and Ziplock bags
- Hiking boots
- Camp shoes: sandals, slides, or slippers
- Snacks: granola, nuts, etc.
- Matches, lighters, fire starter
- Small stove, dishes, pots/pans
- 40 L+ backpack, small bag/fanny pack
- Waterproof bag liner/large trash bag
- Headlamp/flashlight, extra batteries
- Toothbrush, toothpaste
Backpacking Tips
I do not consider myself an expert on backpacking trips. During 2020, I went on my first two backpacking trips. The first I attended while studying abroad in New Zealand with the Otago University Tramping Club. On this trip, I learned how to correctly pack a bag (see the video below), the planning that goes into a successful backpacking trip, and how to endure long amounts of time on the trail. This was such a valuable learning experience, which helped immensely when planning my first overnight backpacking trip back home in the White Mountains.
My first backpacking trip in NH consisted of roughly 30 miles over three days, starting at sunset on a Friday and ending Sunday late afternoon. I was glad to have an experienced backpacker with me on this trip, as it helped make the trip go over smoothly. To learn more of the details of the trip:
How to Hike a Traverse
Traverse hiking is different logistically than out-and-back hiking. Typically, it involves having two cars: one at the start, the other at the bottom. If you have someone willing to shuttle you, they could drop you off at the start and meet you at the end trail.
For overnight trips, I generally find Friday nights ideal to camp up in the mountains. It does not need to be at the trail or on the trail, but living in Manchester, NH, it saves me more of a drive the next morning. Summer, early fall (September/October), or late spring (May/June) is the best time of year, as winters tend to be too cold at night. My hike in mid-September got to a low of 23°F the second night. Warm layers and a good sleeping bag is ideal, especially if camping above treeline.
Extended Day Hiking: Presidential Traverse
So far, I have only hiked two of the Presidential Mountains counted on the NH48 list: Mt. Jackson and Mt. Pierce. I am also planning on hiking Mt. Eisenhower and Monroe this coming weekend. April 17th/18th, I plan on finishing the last four in a day: roughly 14.5 mile-trip. For some, this seems an easy task, but personally, the longest I have hiked in a day has been 15 miles back in September. Since my knee injury (in November 2020), I have not hiked more than 10 miles. Because of this, I had to factor in possible back-up routes upon further injuring/pain.
The Plan
Heading up to the mountains Friday night, we will be staying the night at a nearby motel in Jackson, NH. Thankfully, I have a taxi (my gracious boyfriend who offered to drive us) to the trailhead the next morning, as well as a back-up in case we cannot make it past Jefferson.
I plan to start as early in morning as possible to allow more time to complete this lengthy journey, possibly starting around 4-5am. It is best not to attempt the Presidentials in a day after 6am, since the whole route is over 20 miles. We will begin by parking one of our cars (2 total) at the end trailhead at AMC Pinkham Notch Visitor Center on the way to the starting trailhead: Appalachia Trailhead toward Madison.
It will take roughly 4 miles to reach Madison, then 1.5 miles to Adams from Madison. Another 2 miles reaches to Mt. Jefferson. Here, we will decide whether to continue or hike down the Castle Trail or continue to Clay and Washington. Once getting to Washington, we would have hiked 10.8 miles, with 4.1 miles from Washington to Pinkham Notch, finishing the hike at 14.5 miles.