Bushwhacking - Making Your Own Trails

According to Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bushwhack - Bushwhacking: a North American term for hikers and cross-country skiers who make their own trails.

I don’t agree with “creating new trails” by Wikipedia. Generally when I use the term bushwhacking is when I’m navigating a difficult terrain. At times, I have to force my way through dense vegetation. There is no easy way to do this.

Forget about trying to maintain a straight line for even short distances when bushwhacking. Instead, take the easiest line, zigzagging as much as necessary. Exploit any gaps in the bush such as meadows, creek banks, dry washes, and lakeshores even if they aren’t on your line of travel. There may be easier ground on the far side.

Don’t expect to make too much progress either. A mile an hour is a respectable speed; half a mile an hour may be hard to achieve. And while bushwhacking don’t forget to check the map and compass occasionally to ensure you’re still going in the right direction. It’s easy to become completely disoriented.

In some areas, the problem may be a tangle of fallen trees rather than dense bushes. In the worst places, it’s both! When climbing over downed trees, watch out for branches springing up as you step on them. If you can, go around the tangle rather than over it.

credit: Glutnix

Some things to take note:

• gear outside the pack may be torn or damaged - this would be better in the pack or under the lid
• keep an eye for good routes and try to keep out of vegetation above head height
• long sleeves and long pants protect against scratches

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