Quite-a-hike
As on every Finnish scout camp, a hike in the fabulous Finnish forest is an important part of the camp programme at Kilke. Definitely something more than your average walk in a park, a hike can be a challenging but still a fun and rewarding experience. Without a doubt it will be an experience you'll mention in stories to your grandchildren...
Basic concepts
On hike you will walk the given route in 3-5 person patrols. Usually there are also some activities along the route. The patrol will carry all the equipment they need to survive overnight in the forest. In principle that means a storm cooker, food, tent or other shelter, water and your personal stuff. You should dole out the heavy stuff so that everyone gets an equal share to carry. At some point you may use also some other means of transport, for example canoes. There are a few difficulty levels on the hike so that you can choose the one that suits the capabilities of your patrol. The easiest one is 5 kilometers, medium level is 13 kilometers, and the hardest is 20 kilometers. It is a good idea to revise your orienteering and first aid skills (especially muscle and joint injuries) before the hike.
The food is given to hike patrol at the start. It will contain bread, pasta, porridge, and small snacks. You will also get tea, cacao and juice concentrate. The food is prepared at given point on the way.
There are no dangerous animals in Finnish forests. The wild animals are usually afraid of human and will without a doubt be far away when 10 000 scouts are on the move. The most dangerous thing you can meet is a cow. On very rare cases you can meet our only poisonous snake, the adder. It is not deadly for healthy people, but bite will cause a lot of pain and requires hospital treatment. There will also be quite a few mosquitoes (they do not spread any diseases though), so bringing an insect repellent is a good idea.
Enjoy the hike!
A few things can make your hike smoother. On a one day hike there isn't much that can go wrong, but practicing the right habits is still a good idea.
- Drink enough. Take small sips of water once in a while.
- Do not hurry. Walk at speed that is comfortable for everyone. The hike is not a race.
- Take breakes. To ensure that you can walk all the way, have a short rest once in a while, especially if there is a nice landscape.
- Remember to eat when hungry. Take small snacks with you.
- Take care to keep everyone in good mood. Talk and listen to others. Sing on the way, tell some riddles, have fun.
- Try to be at the camping site before the dark (that's 10 pm)
And most importantly: listen to the instructions of the hike staff.
Equipment
Shoes and clothes will play the most important role in your hike experience.
Shoes
The selection of the shoes depend on the weather. On rainy weather waterproof hiking shoes are the best option. A rubber boot will work too, but can easily cause blisters. The shoes should have at least a short leg as you might walk on a squashy swamp for short distances. The terrain is not very stony, so the sole does not have to be hard.
On good sunny weather a light walking shoes are most comfortable for road use. A sandal is not a good for a long walkings, but it is a comfortable footwear for longer stops.
Your shoes should be properly fitting and well tested before taking them into real action. Never take new shoes to a hike, have at least a 10 kilometers test walk before a real hike. Or use them in your daily actions for a week or so. It also is important to have many pairs of dry socks with you. Walking with wet socks is a number one cause for blisters and other leg problems.
Clothes
The selection of clothes depend on weather too. On warm weather the selection of clothes is not that crucial. Shorts and t-shirt will do the job. Though synthetic materials will be more comfortable, they dry fast and keep you cool. A hat will protect your head from the sun. The nights can be cold so take few dry clothes with you for night use. Bring at least one long sleeved shirt.
On cold rainy weather the three-layer clothing system is recommended. Follow these instructions:
- Outermost layer: On rainy weather it is important to keep your base layer dry. A rain jacket and trousers (the undergrowth will also be wet) are minumum. Naturally the modern wind/waterproof and breathable hikingwear will be more comfy and usable.
- Midlayer: The purpose of the midlayer is to keep you warm (and also to move te sweat away from you skin). Synthetic fibers (polyester, polypropylene) are optimal materials here. A fleece will keep you warm even when wet. A good old woolly (a sheap wool) is also a good material. Avoid cotton! If the weather get hot reduce the midlayer.
- Base layer: The base layer is the one that gets next to your skin. A synthetic fiber is best. Avoid cotton again. Cotton will absorb all the sweat and will eventually become very cold.
General tips
- If you start sweating you are walking too fast or wearing too much. Slow down. Open your jacket.
- Carry a pair of plastic bags. If your shoes get wet you can put a plastic bag between your shoes and socks to keep your legs dry.
- Walking is easier in loose-fitting clothes
- The seams of your underwear can cause abrasion and pain. Baby powder (talc) can be used to reduce the friction.
- If nights are cold have some cover to your head as well.
Other equipment
You need to carry your spare clothes, cutlery and other equipment with you all the way. For a few days hike a large (60-100 liter) bagpack is bit of a overkill. A firm 30-50 liters rucksack is enough. The bag should have few clamps to attach sleeping matress/lean-to shelter/other large objects outside the bag. Wide shoulder-straps and hip strap will spread the weight evenly to your body and make the carrying easier. Pack everything in waterproof bags (plastic bags). It will also help finding things if they are in separated bags.
A good sleep is important on hike. The temperature at night at August can go below 5°C (41°F). Have a suitable sleeping bag and sleeping mattress with you and keep them dry. On cold weather you can wear some warm tight fitting clothes (long johns etc.) when in sleeping bag.
Other equipment that can be handy on hike:
- A light: a headlight will leave your hand free for other tasks
- Cutlery: on hike the troops will cook their own meal with storm cookers. You need at least plate, spoon and a mug.
- Toilet paper
- Matches
- Waterbottle (0.5 - 1 liter)
- A compass
- Insect repellent
Note! There is a complete list of equipment at the camp participant's handbook.