Pocahontas County offers 350,000 acres of public land. That includes two state forests, five state parks, and a good-sized chunk of Monongahela National Forest. Plus, the 78-mile Greenbrier River Trail passes by countless Pocahontas County homes for sale.

In short, it's a backpacker's paradise. If you're planning a long-distance hike in Pocahontas County, our real estate agents want to set you off in the right direction. 

That starts with having the right gear. Compared to day hiking, backpacking is a very different animal, and it requires a lot of additional gear and supplies. Make sure you have these long-distance hiking essentials before you hit the trail!

Pick the Right Pack

Start with getting the right-sized pack for a long-distance hike. As a general rule, a 30 to 50-liter pack is ideal for a weekend trip spanning one to three nights, while packs ranging from 50 to 80 liters are better for week-long hikes. 

Choose a pack that has a good assortment of pockets and attachment points. A waterproof pack cover is also a good investment, along with two or three dry bags that go inside your pack to hold food, clothing, and other water-sensitive items. 

Sleep System

Overnight hikes require you to bring a complete sleep system. For most backpackers, that includes:

• Sleeping bag
• Sleeping pad
• Backpacking pillow
• Backpacking tent

Even if you're hiking on a section of trail that has lean-tos or trail shelters, it's important to pack a tent in case you're forced to change your plans. Many single-person backpacking tents weigh a pound or less, and hammock-style tents are lighter still. 

Food, Water, and Cooking Systems

A multi-day hike requires you to carry quite a bit of food. Trail mix and granola bars will only get you so far, which means you'll need hot meals—freeze-dried meals are popular, along with instant options like ramen noodles and rice dishes—and a way to prepare them. A typical cooking system for backpacking includes: 

• Backpacking stove (JetBoil is a popular option)
• Fuel canister for stove
• Cutlery (i.e. spork and knife)
• Biodegradable soap & sponge

And let's not forget about water! You'll need a water filtration system and water bottles to carry water both for daily drinking and cooking. Lifestraw bottles are excellent because they include a filter built right into the bottle. 

Toiletries & First Aid

The need for basic sanitation and cleanliness doesn't go away when you hit the trail! Be sure to leave room in your pack for a basic hiking toiletries kit, which should include:

• Toothbrush & toothpaste
• Toilet paper
• Hand trowel (for burying waste)
• Hand sanitizer & wet wipes
• Antihistamine & pain killer
• Sunscreen & insect repellent
• Clothesline

Clothing

It's important to pack clothing and gear for any type of weather you may encounter. Your clothing needs will also vary depending on the climate and time of year, as well as the duration of your hike, so adjust the following list accordingly:

• Hiking boots
• Socks & underwear
• Hiking pants & shorts
• Fleece or light jacket
• Rain jacket & pants

In summer, you may also need a sun hat and sunglasses. For winter hikes, pack warmer clothing, including hats, gloves, and additional insulating layers.

Emergency supplies

A variety of emergency supplies are important, some of which may only be used in emergency situations, while others can come in handy every day on the trail. Essentials include:

• First aid kit
• Fire starter kit (lighter, matches, tinder)
• Swiss Army knife or multi-tool
• Compass & whistle
• Waterproof paper & pencil

Contact us today to learn more about all the adventures that await in Pocahontas County, and talk with our real estate agents about finding your West Virginia dream home!