By CampAtelier Editorial
A loop route looks simple on a map. Whether it actually works depends on three things most people check last: daily mileage, water and a way out if it goes wrong. Sort those first and the rest of the plan falls into place.
Mileage against elevation, not distance alone
Ten flat miles and ten miles with three thousand feet of gain are entirely different days. Plan around time on your feet, not the number on the map, and leave room for slow ground, stream crossings and long lunches.
- Count roughly one extra hour for every thousand feet you climb.
- Keep your first and last days shorter than the middle ones.
- Add a buffer day if the route crosses anything exposed.
Water is the real schedule
Mark every reliable source on the map and note the longest dry stretch. That gap decides how much you carry, and it is almost always longer than it looks. Check recent reports, because springs that run in spring may be dry by late summer.
Know your bailouts
Before you set off, pick two or three points where you could cut the loop short and walk out. Write down the road, the distance and the nearest town. You will probably never use them, and that is exactly the point.
- Share the route and your return time with someone at home.
- Download the map offline and carry a paper copy as a backup.
- Set a turnaround time and keep to it even if the weather looks fine.
Pack for the loop you planned
Once the route is settled, weigh what you carry against how many days you are out. A loop with two reliable water sources needs very little capacity, while one with a long dry stretch needs plenty.
- A lightweight water filter and a spare bottle for the dry sections.
- One extra day of food in case the weather slows you down.
- A rain layer and a warm layer, even in summer.
- A small repair kit, a first aid pack and a head torch.
A good loop is one you finish comfortably, with enough energy left to enjoy the last evening. Plan for that, and the miles will take care of themselves.
