Backpacking / Camping / Hiking

Mens Rea** · 10-01-2007, 04:23 PM

Who goes? Share your stories and experiences here. I'd like to hear whatever you have on gear, food, locations, or whatever.

I'll go first: I did boyscouts as a kid and used to go backpacking as a teen. The longest I've gone is one week, I was probably 15 and it was a school/church sponsored function. Then I got into HS sports, went to college, worked, and finished graduate school. So I've been busy lately.

Now I'm back into camping. Right now my interests are shifting away from driving up, parking, and setting up a tent near the car, to actually trekking with a loaded up backpack. Luckily I have a couple good buddies and a girlfriend who are also into outdoorsy stuff.

I'm in CA but most recently, about a month ago, I spent three nights camping outside of Albuquerque. It was pretty sweet.

The day before yesterday I found this pack at salvation army and bought it for $10:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Berghaus-Voyag...ayphotohosting

It's 60 liters and expandable. I was going to get some $250 arc'tyrex bag but I think this will do. Anyway, the new pack got me really excited. I think I'll go on an overnight during one of the next few weekends.

Anyone really like GPS systems? I've heard about geocaching but never tried it. Is a GPS worth it? I can use a topo map and compass...

Anyway, what are your stories? Longest trips? Solos? Tips?

FDPN · 10-01-2007, 05:30 PM

I back packed around Europe for a month.

My advice to you is seriously get the best pack you can and the lightest one also. You may think you're packing light, but you're not. Pack your bag and go through it every day for 2 weeks and pull something out each day.

I wouldn't do it again. Hiking around cities is shitty. Too much pollution, too many people, etc.

I am planning to hike the Appalachian trail at some point here. I'm talking from one end to the other all in one trip. I may do this starting in February (starting from the South).

You need good shoes and good gear. Does that pack you bought have a metal frame? I highly suggest a rigid frame. Metal is actually not the best idea, go with a light composite.

Anyway, that's good shit. I need to try going out and living in the woods for a while like a crazy woodsman.

tom sumter · 10-01-2007, 05:53 PM

Unless you count my annual trips every December to my buddy's hunting lodge with nine other friends to smoke, drink, eat, and play Madden using a generator, I haven't been camping since undergrad. I did boy scouts, and we hit a small part of the Appalachian. I'd love to do it again, though.

I still enjoy the outdoors, but it's mainly deer hunting (haven't pulled the trigger in 10 years) and fishing.

tom sumter · 10-01-2007, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FDPN

I am planning to hike the Appalachian trail at some point here. I'm talking from one end to the other all in one trip. I may do this starting in February (starting from the South).

That's hard core. How long should it take you?

And where do you start and finish?

FDPN · 10-01-2007, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tom sumter

That's hard core. How long should it take you?

And where do you start and finish?

I think it takes 4-6 months. You start/end in either Maine or Georgia.

Yes, it is hard core

and a bit crazy.

Basically, after I graduate college if I can't find a good job I'm just going to put everything in storage and go hike the freaking trail.

Mens Rea** · 10-01-2007, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FDPN

I back packed around Europe for a month.

My advice to you is seriously get the best pack you can and the lightest one also. You may think you're packing light, but you're not. Pack your bag and go through it every day for 2 weeks and pull something out each day.

I wouldn't do it again. Hiking around cities is shitty. Too much pollution, too many people, etc.

I am planning to hike the Appalachian trail at some point here. I'm talking from one end to the other all in one trip. I may do this starting in February (starting from the South).

You need good shoes and good gear. Does that pack you bought have a metal frame? I highly suggest a rigid frame. Metal is actually not the best idea, go with a light composite.

Anyway, that's good shit. I need to try going out and living in the woods for a while like a crazy woodsman.

Ah yes. I backpacked around Europe once in high school. I didn't really think of it as an outdoorsy experience though so I wasn't counting it among my experiences in this thread.

Yes, the pack has a couple internal aluminum says attached to an adjustable track. It's a legit pack.

I'm going to ease back into it. First a couple weekend trips. Then a 3-4 day. Then week. And so on.

I'd like to get into survival. I have my 1979 boyscout's handbook (printed before I was born) and I'm reading through it now...

AxeMurderess · 10-01-2007, 06:39 PM

Personally I wouldn't get a GPS unless you plan on doing some serious "off the beaten trail" type camping/hiking. A compass and map should work fine as long as you stay on the path/trail.

I've been going camping since I was 6 years old with my Dad and brother (i'm now 25). We go at least twice a year - and have been portaging, deep woods camping since I was about 17.
I'm in Canada - so i'm not sure what kind of parks, sites etc,,, you would have where you are but I've got a few tips:
Pack light - if you plan on portaging especially because you've gotta deal with the canoe (get a canoe made for portaging if so because they are much lighter/easier to manage than a basic one).
Bring dehydrated foods with you when possible ( and a pot to boil water ). They're lighter, contain nutrients lacking in processed foods, and are easy to prepare and pack. Jerky, dried fruits,nuts, soups, trail mix, granola bars, etc.
In regards to water - bring what you can carry, and boil whatever you need afterwards - you can also purchase solutions that you put into boiled fresh water to ensure there's no contamination,
There's the basics - rain gear,sunblock, small tent (unless you plan on a "sleeping under the stars" type trip), thermal sleeping bag, clothing, gloves and toques ( winter hats ) depending on what the weather is like, it can get bloody cold at night even when the day was scorching. etc... Make sure you've got good, supportive hiking boots/shoes and that they're waterproof - nothings worse than getting stuck in a sudden downpour and having soaking wet shoes for the next 2 days - always pack extra socks)
Matches, lighters etc.. are essential (IF you plan on having a fire - some don't) (obvious I know) and if you can bring only waste that can be burned at site (garbage,etc...) its safer in regards to wild animals. ( I know some people who like to bring canned goods on their trips because they're easy to prepare, which makes no sense to me as then you have to carry the empty cans with you on the rest of your trip to avoid littering???)
Sharp knife, rope, firestarter, (its always good to have some newspaper in your pack to help start fires) Bug spray with DEET, first aid kit - and make sure it contains splints, tape, anticeptic, tweezers, etc... (again, obvious)
And always make sure that there are numerous people who know: A.) when you're leaving. B.) when you should be home C.) What your route was/where you were going. Having a cell phone that works deep in the woods isn't always possible.( or a battery that will hold up even if it works).
I know some of this stuff is obvious and I appologize for it - I know a lot of people who have had a bust of a trip because they forget the most obvious of things.
I've probably forgotten some other things that will seem obvious in retrospect - but if you already have experience than you probably already know.

**mschatz** · 10-01-2007, 06:43 PM

FDPN - You should read "A walk in the woods," by Bill Bryson. Its his attempt to thru-hike the AT.

I did a 37 mile leg of the John Muir Trail this summer. Started in Mammoth and finished up in Toulomne Meadows. beautiful country

Dirty D · 10-01-2007, 06:46 PM

Im more into long distance cycling these days, and spent a year riding cross country in India. I also spent a few month hiking in Bhutan back in 02. Gear, I always stick with good quality basics like a sleeping bag, pack and boots or shoes. But most of my stuff is either shit from Walmart, or Army surplus

Personally unless your doing anything real hardcore, all that expensive gear is of no use. But being comfortable can make or break your trip, and should never be underestimated