Bushwhacking tips

[Orsonab]

I apologise if this seems a silly question but what kind of tips and knowledge are useful if one is contemplating a bushwhack? Obviously, one must be well-versed in map & compass technique but I'm curious what other knowledge when choosing a route would be useful? I'm toying with an idea of doing a loop of the Bonds from Crawford Notch and was wondering whether a bushwhack down from the Bondcliff Trail to the Thoreau Falls trail was insane or quite possible?

Thanks

 

[spencer]

Here are a few general thoughts:

ALWAYS trust your compass. Do not rely on your GPS. Just use it for fun, additional information.

Don't go with someone who relies on a GPS.

Don't go with too many people b/c it's hard to stay together.

Remember it's hard to stay warm when moving slowly through thick brush

I don't usually bother with long pants and sleeves, but when I return home and get under the hot water for the first time, I usually regret it.

bring 2 maps and 2 compasses. It's easy to lose a map out of a pocket or leave your compass on a rock while resting.

As for finding good routes - finding a balance between easier terrain but not too much distance is key. I alway weigh the options when looking at an opportunity to take a b-line through tougher terrain. sometimes it works and sometimes it's more trouble than it's worth.

I prefer to cover large mileage below ~3000 feet b/c of the hardwoods. I would gladly double my distance down low to keep my higher travel to a minimum.

and of course, if it isn't fun, don't do it!

spencer

 

[Papa Bear]

I apologise if this seems a silly question but what kind of tips and knowledge are useful if one is contemplating a bushwhack? Obviously, one must be well-versed in map & compass technique but I'm curious what other knowledge when choosing a route would be useful? I'm toying with an idea of doing a loop of the Bonds from Crawford Notch and was wondering whether a bushwhack down from the Bondcliff Trail to the Thoreau Falls trail was insane or quite possible?

Thanks

I think as you gain experience you will learn how to read the terrain, both on the map and in the woods. The shortest straight line to the objective is sometimes not the best route. Besides avoiding cliffs, bogs, etc. you will often find ridges are the best approach as opposed to streams or stream gullies. Slides can be very useful.

What you won't know is the state of the vegetation. Generally above 2500' in the whites you will get Spruce/fir which can be very thick. Blowdowns can be hellish.

As for Bondcliff, expect a rough workout. If you go down to the east, There is a lot of krumholtz (stunted spruce and fir at higher elevations). Krumholtz can be 3 feet high and 100 years old. The tips of the branches are often bare and hard as iron.

Roy has done this bushwhack (going up I think). Perhaps he'll add his views. This route would be much easier in the winter when the tough stuff is under snow, but I don't suggest winter bushwhacking unless you've done lots of winter hiking. Spruce traps can be deadly, to say nothing of the usual winter problems.

You may want to pick another place to hone your skills. Peak above the Nubble from Haystack Road is not bad and you'll learn a lot. Vose Spur is also not bad, although rather steep. Check Trip Reports here and Trail Conditions for these and many others.

Have fun.

 

[onestep]

bring 2 maps and 2 compasses. It's easy to lose a map out of a pocket or leave your compass on a rock while resting.

spencer

Good advise that I now follow.

During a thick spruce push on PATN the round liquid filled compass section of my "compass" somehow got knocked free of it's rectangular plastic base. I had to rely on my back-up... Papa Bear!

Onestep

 

[DougPaul]

I'm toying with an idea of doing a loop of the Bonds from Crawford Notch and was wondering whether a bushwhack down from the Bondcliff Trail to the Thoreau Falls trail was insane or quite possible?

I've come across snowshoe tracks that appeared to be coming down from Mt Bond to the TFT while skiing the TFT. They crossed the river where one of old trail crossings used to be (slightly south of a direct line to the east of Bond). (See the USGS 25K topo).

Doug

 

[Jay H]

Always check the weather too, especially for thick bushwacks through spruce and trees. Sometimes the ledges that you may encounter on bushwacks can be slippery when wet and since it is a bushwack, you typically don't know the possible chutes and routes that may be unclimbable (safely) when wet.

Might want to 'biner those water bottles to your compression straps for those that use Nalgenes in the side pockets.

Jay

 

[dr_wu002]

I'm toying with an idea of doing a loop of the Bonds from Crawford Notch and was wondering whether a bushwhack down from the Bondcliff Trail to the Thoreau Falls trail was insane or quite possible?

Thanks

FWIW, here is a link to the old Twin Range Trail. I hear there's a lot of interesting stuff inside that region (between TFT and Bond) besides just the old trail.

As for BW down Bond to Thoreau Falls Trail vs. Bondcliff Trail - Wilderness Trail - Thoreau Falls Trail, you're probably going to get to your destination quicker by taking the trail in this instance rather than bushwhacking off Bond.

But, poke around in that area, near the old RR Spur .

-Dr. Wu

 

[Peakbagr]

2 maps are a good idea, but I carry 1 compass, a Silva Ranger. It doesn't get left on a rock as it rides in a belt case, tethered to the pack.

Spend some time at the map table just before the hike familiarizing yourself with where you'll be going. There will often be a trail, road, lake or stream as a "catching point" for your return. If your route, for example, is heading west up a peak, and there is a north-south road running behind you as you ascend, heading east will always let you hit it on the way back.

 

[Nessmuk]

I apologise if this seems a silly question but what kind of tips and knowledge are useful if one is contemplating a bushwhack? Obviously, one must be well-versed in map & compass technique but I'm curious what other knowledge when choosing a route would be useful?Thanks

I could write a book on this topic, but here is a small subset of tips in addition to those others have given (assumes traditional map and compass with NO GPS):

- Map study before you go is crucial. After years of bushwhacking I still spend literally hours at home pouring over the map on a long route, covering every detail of every step of the way. I don't carry an extra map, but I study key features well enough to be able to find my way out without the map even if both of my spare compasses fail (I usually carry 2 primary and a smaller third compass, cheap and light insurance). Learn "observational navigation" techniques of the terrain.

- Don't "bend the map". This is when you force your perceived location to be where you think you ought to be, not where the navigational clues say you must (or must not) be. The temptation can be surprisingly overwhelming, especially when you get tired at the end of the day. You tend to ignore certain features and emphasize others in your head, and begin to think "the map must be wrong". Believe what you see, make sense of what you see. Relate that to the map and justify everything. Rationalization is ok if you can justify it entirely, not just certain aspects. Cliffs and ravines do not just dissappear or appear on a map and not be rooted in reality, even if that nearby pond looks correct. On the other hand, the small stream you just crossed may indeed not be on the map and beavers do change the landscape. Consider the last update year of the map in this process.

- Always continuously keep track of your time and direction for dead reckoning navigation. Try to find key "waypoints" spaced by 20-30 minutes during your pre-trip map study. If you have to change course from a straight line to find a suitable waypoint, oh well, that's part of the game and well worth it. A waypoint can be as simple as a change in slope, a slight bend in a stream, or a squiggle in a contour line, anything that changes. "Change" is your navigation friend. Reasonably varied terrain creates a succession of contiguous waypoints, and precision is as exact as map resolution and your experience let it be. Expect to be at your distant waypoint on time unless you can justify why not... which often happens. Dead reckoning is a dynamic process subject to constant realistic revision as you travel and your predicted speed changes. More often than not, if you "arrive" in 12 minutes instead of the planned 20 minutes then you are not at the right point. If you have walked for 25 minutes but expected to be at the pond in 15, something is seriously wrong. Figure out why before compounding your error, the single greatest reason for becoming "lost".

- Travel along "handrails". If you can easily follow or parallel at some distance offset to a stream or a ridge or a ravine, do it. It becomes your handrail and should lead you to your next planned navigation fix point.

- Have a "backstop" in mind. If you miss a point and go too far, how will you know? Try to choose a waypoint such that if you go too far what you encounter beyond will be obvious and you can't miss it, because of the high ridge or stream or whatever broadly crossing your path.

- Offset your course to locate a small point on a linear feature, say a hotspot fishing hole in a stream. Intentionally head left or right of the intended point, to miss it by a small distance. When you reach the stream, you will then know whether to turn left or right instead of guessing. How far to miss? Experience will tell you the limits of your navigation accuracy.

- Beware of ghost trails, unmarked trails or old log skidder roads that temptingly "almost" go in the direction you intend. Often navigation is tougher because visibility may be reduced due to extra vegetation growth along the edges of the trail, and you tend to let the trail do the work of navigation rather than pay as much attention as you should. Before you know it you have wandered far away from your intended direction and you have lost track of how far.

- Observe, observe, observe. Look for any terrain change to help you. Justify everything you see, let nature talk to you - she has plenty to say. Turn to look behind often to get that view as well, especially at junctions or direction change points. Note any odd looking feature, plot it on the map and in your head.

- Finally, of course let significant others and local rangers know of your plan, and stick to the plan!

 

[SAR-EMT40]

I could write a book on this topic, but here is a small subset of tips in addition to those others have given (assumes traditional map and compass with NO GPS):

Wow.

As someone who has taught land navigation to reconnaissance specialists (scouts) in the army and still teaches orienteering and helps do field checking on o-maps. I also believe that I could write a book on the subject. I don't know what Nessmuks qualifications are but I can say that he is spectacularly on target with all of this info. Actually the most-est information in the smallest space I have seen. Especially about bending the map, offsets, handrails, etc. If you are not familiar with these terms get a book and understand and practice these techniques and principles.

The only thing I could add to this excellently written post is to know about when you are going to cross or see an identifiable terrain feature (i.e. brook, ravine, cliff face, etc.) as you are moving so you can keep track of where you are and your progress as you are moving. You can also pace your step (not easy in difficult terrain without lots of practice) to determine how far you have traveled. That also gives an idea where you are on the map and what you should be seeing at any given point in your whack.

As a last couple of comments, always before you move, do a sanity check. In other words, you know that you are supposed to have a compass heading of 90degrees and it is 8AM and as you are walking your bearing the sun is on your back. This can't be correct. Actually it is insane.

You look at the map and your direction of travel takes you downhill with a cliff face on your right. But you are traveling uphill and the cliff face is on your left. Again, bells should be going off in your brain. Bending the map means that you look at this and decide to go anyway because you have forced your brain to say that it isn't really a problem when obviously something is seriously wrong. Don’t ignore these nagging questions. Resolve them before you move.

Keith

 

[dms]

Lost!

Fantastic advice given so far. One more thing, eventually if you BW enough, there will come a time when you are "temporarily" unsure of your present location. And as that terrible thought begins to grab at your stomach, you must immediately stop, take some deep breaths, try to relax and keep your mind under control. Discuss with your hiking companions the present circumstances, come to a consensus for a plan, and go with it. Your heightened senses, if kept under control, will help to carry you through.

 

[Neil]

bring 2 maps and 2 compasses. It's easy to lose a map out of a pocket or leave your compass on a rock while resting.
spencer

Absolutley.
This happened to me just a few days ago bushwacking to the Wright Slide. I lost one of my maps out of my pocket. Also my home printed maps tend to get destroyed by sweat and handling so a 2nd one is a handy thing to carry as well as a USGS quad.
Last spring on Ausable #4 in the ADK's I lost one of my compasses right out of my pocket.

 

[carole]

Nice replies!!

I might add:

Start small and work up to the longer 'whacks. Your comfort and skill will increase as you go.

Spray paper maps with clear Krylon spray paint. They will hold up longer.

Keep a sense of humor. Or take two in case you lose the first one.

 

[Nessmuk]

I lost one of my maps out of my pocket. Also my home printed maps tend to get destroyed by sweat and handling so a 2nd one is a handy thing to carry as well as a USGS quad.

It would be smart to carry an extra map and I often thought maybe I should... but as luck would have it I find myself more often than not traversing the boundary of 4 maps - carrying 8 or ten maps with me seems excessive. I suppose home printing my near route makes that easier though more expensive.

I always carry in my hand my map in a see-thru waterproof protective case made for the task, a step beyond the usual ziplock bag. In the kind of terrain I usually travel I am constantly referring to it while on the move so there is little chance I would lose it out of my hand and not notice it gone. Unless it fell into the rapids and got swept irretrievably away or some other crazy thing - which is why I did my detailed map study and commited emergency exit routes to memory earlier. You can make USGS maps waterproof by painting them with Thompson's Water Seal. It works great and almost plasticizes them, very inexpensively.

 

[RoySwkr]

I'm toying with an idea of doing a loop of the Bonds from Crawford Notch and was wondering whether a bushwhack down from the Bondcliff Trail to the Thoreau Falls trail was insane or quite possible?

If you have to ask, it's probably too hard

I've done it up & down on slightly different routes, thick scrub on top but open birch lower down, brushy near brooks. This should not be your first bushwhack

 

[Neil]

I suppose home printing my near route makes that easier though more expensive.

It may be cheaper in the long run. You probably already own a PC (duh!) and a colour printer. I use Topo! which was pretty cheap. For the ADK HH I thought I would need to buy 18 Quads (!) but after purchasing a few that have several HH each I stopped getting new ones and now I just print what I need.

Anyhow think of the money you've already saved by not buying a gps and all those batteries.

 

[forestgnome]

Great thread! Nessmuck made me laugh out loud about questioning the map when it doesn't jive with your expectations.

I like the 'handrail' idea. I always use landmarks and the sun for navigation. The map is in my mind, and I just go, letting the terrain and vegetation be my guide. A "goal" is to never consult compass or map. My bushwacks are simply leaving a trail at some point and going throught the forest back to my truck. I seldom bushwack uphill. I like to sit on a peak and survey the land visually while looking at the map and choosing an adventurous route. As stated, avoiding cliffs and bogs is important, most of which can be seen on the map. But the vegetation is not on the map, and what a difference between dense spruce and hardwood stands!!!

I'd second a few points already made...
Ridges are good to travel. Brooks can be quite difficult to follow. Many brooks are NOT on the map. Allow plenty of time. Watch every step, avoiding stepping into spruce traps or holes between rocks covered with brush.

When following brooks uphill, don't be fooled be feeder streams as I once was. Sounds unlikely, but when you are in thick forest and the brook you are following is a few yards away, a feeder stream can "become" the brook.

My closest call happened when I was following cat tracks and I just lost track of time. It was early winter and this big cat went up into a small ravine in the Sandwich Range. I finally turned around as it got dark, but my flashlight batteries went dead. I had the snow and moonlight, luckily.

Happy Trails!

 

[TCD]

I think WE could write a book by assembling all the good info in here. I too, have taught land navigation to many people.

The way I remember Nessmuk's maxim about "bending the map" is the expression "anticipate, then confirm." If you know from the map what you expect to see in the next stretch of your travel, and then confirm it, you are far less likely to bend the map. When you get into trouble is when you look at the terrain first, and then try to find it on the map. An awful lot of map features can look like where you are, if you want them to.

A few other things:

Know your pace of travel. If you are expecting something and it doesn't show up on time, it's often because you are not moving as fast as you think you are, especially if it's tough going.

Handrails rule! For most easy bushwhacks in areas with a lot of vertical relief, I navigate predominantly by these features, with the compass being a confirming tool.

When using ridges and streams: It's easier to go UP a ridge (uphill by the steepest line is easy) and DOWN a stream (tributaries run together). Vice versa is much harder. To go accurately DOWN a ridge is to "descend by the least steep line," which is hard to visualize. Going UP a stream risks getting shunted onto tribs. If you have to go down a ridge, take frequent bearings, almost like dead reckoning. If you have to go up a stream, stay close enough to detect tribs, and if you expect a trib, be on that side of the stream so you can't miss it.

Don't trust the locations of superhighways (I87 in NY is off by several hundred feet in some places from where it's shown). Many superhighways were built after the last photos and field checks were taken.

Don't trust the locations of trails on club maps, like the ADK guidebook maps. Trail locations are only an approximation.

Have fun out there! It's such a joy being away from the trail, and an equal joy landing back on it when you're done.

TCD

 

[Barbarossa]

I spent an extra four hours or so in the woods today. I can second, third, or something: Don't bend the map!!!

Double check yourself and your bearing frequently.

I agree with the notion that Bond to Thoreau Falls Trail should not be a first time 'whack.

dms had it right; don't panic. I lost my bearings very badly today. By staying focused, I eventually got back to my car. I got to watch sunset from I-93 south, rather than huddled under my poncho.

 

[Ridgerunner]

My 02 cents

When you have to go left and right around obstacles, make sure to keep your right on your right.