Backpacking class learns to hike without a "trace"

This past weekend, Nov. 13-15, the backpacking class from Texas A&M University-Commerce went hiking and camping on the Ouachita Trails in Oklahoma.

The Ouachita Trails are located in the Ouachita Mountains approximately 150 miles northeast of Commerce.

The students hiked a portion of the trail approximately 10.5 miles in length that wound its way around several mountain ridges, over several streams, and even over a river.

The purpose of the trip was to provide the basic lessons needed for camping and backpacking in the wild.

One of the key elements of the trip was the concept of "leave no trace."

"The biggest thing that we learn is to 'leave no trace'," Assistant Director of Climbing and Outdoor Adventure at A&M-Commerce Todd Grier said. "The reason behind this is so that we lessen the impact of camping and hiking on the environment when we enjoy the wilderness."

This concept was a central theme the students practiced throughout every aspect of the trip. They picked up trash along the trails, disposed of all of their food and bodily waste properly, and raked leaves back over any areas not meant to be trails so new environment was not disturbed.

In addition to "leave no trace," other lessons were incorporated into the class that prepared them for the trip.

"How to set up tents, start fires, various cooking lessons, proper backpack packing, and even the lost art of map reading are taught," Grier said. "Basically, all of the skills that are necessary to make camping and backpacking easier for them should they go do it on their own."

Although preparation and training are keys to success when going out into the wild, not everything can be learned in a classroom. Some aspects have to be experienced first hand in order to be understood fully.

"I learned that hiking is not as easy as it seems, especially up a mountain," Jared Peakham, a freshman pre-veterinary major at A&M-Commerce said. "I also learned that water is a valuable resource, and to go to the bathroom before you go out [on the trails]."

Heavy packs weighing in excess of 40 pounds, higher altitudes with less oxygen, and never being exposed to camping before were just a few aspects of hiking the class had to deal with this past weekend.

The weather was good for camping, with the temperatures ranging from about 50 to 70 degrees and no rain in the forecast. The mountain trails were also covered with leaves as winter approached, which made the scenery and mood pleasant for many of the students who participated in the event.

"I love getting out into the wilderness and hiking, especially in the mountains," Jon Athan, a senior wildlife management major at A&M-Commerce said. "One of my favorite parts of this trip was the practical application and execution of land management ethics."