Cincy Hikes presents Backpacking Conditioning Hike at Mt Airy Forest #2

Here's a 20 week, monthly series of hikes that will aim to get you into shape to hike 8 miles and carry 30 pounds!  Group hikes are open to everyone, not just backpackers, but keep in mind the pace will be set to those carrying backpacks!  All are welcome!  

Our second Mt Airy hike will be aprox. 7.6 miles and the suggested weight to be carrying is 30 pounds.

This series of hikes will be 5 hikes, every 4 weeks, always on a Sunday morning. In order to be successful at the end of the series, it is reccomended that you work individually on increasing distance and weight on your own between our organized hikes.

Here's a training schedule to help you keep yourself on track! 

Week Ending Date Week # Distance (mi) Weight (lbs)   

1/6/2024                        1             0.4                          1.5   

1/13/2024                      2             0.8                          3   

1/20/2024                      3             1.2                          4.5   

1/27/2024                      4             1.6                          6   

2/3/2024                        5             2                              7.5  

2/10/2024                      6             2.4                          9   

2/17/2024                       7             2.8                        10.5   

2/24/2024                      8             3.2                        12   

3/2/2024                         9             3.6                       13.5   

3/9/2024                       10            4                           15   

3/16/2024                     11            4.4                        16.5   

3/23/2024                     12            4.8                        18   

3/30/2024                     13            5.2                        19.5   

4/6/2024                       14            5.6                        21   

4/13/2024                     15            6                            22.5   

4/20/2024                     16            6.4                        24   

4/27/2024                      17            6.8                        25.5   

5/4/2024                        18            7.2                         27   

5/11/2024                       19           7.6                         28.5   

5/18/2024                      20           8                             30

Wondering what you should pack in your backpack first? consider packing the 10 Essentials for Hiking!

Name   &   Description

1 Navigation  -   phone ok, but have map & compass as backup, GPS, backup power source

2 Pocket Knife or Multi-tool  - for gear repair and first aid

3 First Aid - be proficient in how to administer first aid and CPR

4 Lighting - to see the trail and the map in the dark

5 Rain Gear & Shelter  - wear fast wicking layers and carry a warm hat, have a space blanket for emergency shelter

6 Fire Starter - in case you need to start an emergency fire

7 Sun Protection - sunscreen, sunglasses, protective clothing

8 Extra Layers-  includes appropriate footwear  & synthetic clothing

9 Extra Food  - snacks for your hike plus something extra

10 Extra Water  - and a way to purify it (1 liter for every 2-3 hours of hiking)

* Bonus - Trash Bag  - ziplock & gloves

4.6 Pounds! Total Packed Weight

Here's what else I am going to take on my Backpacking trip!

40 Liter Backpack, rainfly, 2 caribeaners and 2 bandanas - 4.58 pounds

1 person tent, with poles, groundcloth, rain fly and stakes  - 3.86 pounds

3 seanson sleeping bag, sleeping pad, bag liner, and pillow - 3.46 pounds

puffy coat, hat, gloves - 1.12 pounds

esbit stove, fuel, metal cup, sport, 3 days worth of food - 4.48 pounds

camp chair 1.8 pounds

bathroom bag, toliotries, sit upon, head lamp & tent lamp, notebook, water filter, bug spray, playing cards, sleep closthes  - 3.7 pounds

2 liters of water, 1 in a nalgene bottle, 1 in a collapsable bottle, and an 2nd empty nalgene - 5.06

total weight about 33 pounds

Trail Leader Name: Jennifer Fulks

Date: 5/11/2024

Time: 9:00 AM

Location: Mt Airy Forest

Trail: Mt Airy Forest Outer Loop

Meeting Place: Everybody's Treehouse

Mileage: 7.6

Pace (See notes): Goal is Intermediate, but paced to slowest hiker with a pack

Trail Rating (easy, moderate, hard): Moderate

Dogs allowed: no

Other notes including trail conditions or equipment recommended: Please always remember to bring water and wear appropriate footwear for your hike. 

*Note: Beginners Pace is 1+ mph, Intermediate is 2+ mph, Speedy 3+ mph, or Runners 4+ mph.

Where dogs are permitted they must be leashed and kept under the owners control.

Please RSVP accordingly. If you can no longer attend a Cincy Hikes event, please change your status. If you are running late, you must message your Trail Leader to let them know.

Cincinnati Hikes is just a group of friends that hike together. We are not responsible for you or your experience. When hiking with us you understand that you're hiking your own hike ✌️. By joining our hike you and your party are agreeing to the Legal Liability that can be found at cincinnatihikes.com.