Wow, this is like my first question mon, so awesome!
So, I want to start backpacking because I love the outdoors.
I live in Washington state (like, don’t come and stalk me now ok? Ha,ha) and got a subscription to Backpacker magazine cause I figure, "Dude, it’s gotta be good for tips and places to go and stuff like that."
Some other stuff about me that might help you help me is;
I’m on "somewhat" of a budget. I’m relatively healthy
(I’d like to get more healthy by doing this)
I don’t drive, but if bus, train or plane can get me where I need to go, then I’m there.
I’m interested in doing this in Wash. state, Bryce N.P, Utah and The Four points. Oh, and maybe central Florida or South America.
Now whatever tips, gear info (especially stuff that you’ve field tested and used for some time) or just suggestions and information you can give me,
would be very appreciated.
Like I said, I’m new to this so,
be kind.
Thanks for your time.
Wow, what a mean spirited first answer! You must be really unhappy with yourself there, carrot top. Hope things get better.
Ok so the above added details do not apply to the current "first posted comment" the previously posted first comment was rally not nice at all and the poster must have deleted it.
For a person to start backpacking is like opening the gates of heaven. You are about to embark on a lifelong love and adventure. Keyword in Pacific northwest hiking, clubs, groups ect. You will get great help advice and experience from these folks. Check out Seattle hiking group also they live to hike. I was raised up here in Alaska so its a way of life for me. Best of luck and fun times to ya.
Try going to REI. They have employies that can help you with everything, from cooking stoves to sleeping bags. Just ask for help! (They will). Also, read hiking books for information. try researching the internet for good backpacking websites too.
References :
My daddy loves hinking.
My husband and I buy all our gear Army surplus. And it has been reliable. But what I recommend for meals is MRE’s (meals ready to eat) We have a few cases of them. You don’t need fire or anything to cook them just some H2O. That the stuff my husband ate while active duty in the field.
References :
In defense of Snipergirl [ does anybody with that name actually need defense ? ] it did take a while to root thru your question.
The answers:
Read The Complete Walker IV by the late great Colin Fletcher & Chip Rawlins.
Go to http://www.thebackpacker.com for gear reviews by actual hikers.
Don’t get obsessed with brand names and trendy ideas
Don’t believe half the crap you hear out there.
Remember a good hiker with bad equipment is a lot safer than a bad hiker with good equipment.
The most dangerous thing in the wildernesss is your own stupidity and lack of humilty.
Buy nothing by mail order .Hiking equipment needs to be played with before buying.
12-14 miles per day is the average distance that most in shape hikers actually do..
Miles mean nothing-Time means everything. Carry a watch and note your time to a point
Despite having carried a Silva compass on every hike I’ve ever done for the past 36 years I rarely use the compass proper; however the straight edge and map scales get frequent use.
Learn your craft by starting out with 2-3 day hikes and then going further afield.
Learn how to read topo maps and how to translate all those squiggly lines into a visual picture of the terrain.Nugget : V’s point upstream
GPS is cute but never forget the first rule of machines-they all break.
Have fun
References :
I’ve done many backpacking trips up to 28 days as well as many other wilderness trips and have learned many lessons the hard way.
First, I really echo what Mr. Danger says. He makes many very good points.
While you can get good advice from retail stores and magazines, keep in mind that anyone selling you someting is driven by their profit and magazines are highly influenced by their sponsors. Most all have the incentive to tell you, you need more (and more expesive) stuff. (who makes money telling you that you probably get by with what you have?) This is one of my biggest frustations in the outdoor field. While everything you carry may help you, everything you carry also has it’s price. The more your pack weighs, the less pleasurable your trip will be. Also a heavy pack is more likely to make you fall and more likely to injure you if you do. Being fatigued from carrying the extra weight certainly has it’s safety considerations as well. My advice: bring what you need to stay warm and protected and enough to eat. After that, keep it as light as possible.
I agree with the post that you don’t need to spend a lot. Clothing is especially an area you can keep the costs down. As long as it allows a range of motion and is not cotton, it will probalby get you by. Before the age of polarfleece, people successfully used old wool sweaters with great success. The one place I’d spend a bit more to be sure you have quality gear is on your boots, your tent and possibly your pack. These don’t need to be upper end, but stay away from bargain brands here. Having one of these things fail in the backcountry can have devistating results. (I also recommend using running shoes for you camp shoes, so you can hike in them if needed) Spend a lot of time breaking your boots in before a trip. Make sure when shopping for boots, they fit you well. The best pair of boots do no good if they don’t fit you right – this is a very individual thing and one place I’d recommned shopping at a good retail store with a knowledgeable salesperson.
A basic stove will probably cook well. I use propane or butane more and more due to the reliability, simplicity and cost-effectivemetnss of these stoves. However, getting the proper fuel canisters can be a real issue. To keep costs down, I rarely use packaged camping meals, but make basic one-pot dinners such as spaghetti, mac&cheese, rice meals, etc.
I own two GPS units due to the sailing I do, but have never taken them and have never needed them backpacking – just an example of leaving things out you don’t need.
As a previous post said, the most important gear you will bring is your brain. Understand where you are going, what you want to get out of a trip and how to use the gear you have. Rules, guidelines, etc are helpful, but there is nothing better than making good decisions because you understand the situation.
Start easy and learn what you need. You can probably do an easy over night trip with minimal gear. Better yet, get your experience with others who have some experience so you can learn from them and have the safety of having other knowledgeable people around. This may help you with your transportation issues as well.
I know Washington State has many outdoor groups such as the Mountaineers and clubs associated with various colleges. This can be a very affordable way to experience and learn about the outdoors from others who are in a similar position to you before you venture out on your own.
References :
I run an outdoor program professionally and have done backpacking trips to 28 days as well as extended kayak, canoe and sailing trips.
For a person to start backpacking is like opening the gates of heaven. You are about to embark on a lifelong love and adventure. Keyword in Pacific northwest hiking, clubs, groups ect. You will get great help advice and experience from these folks. Check out Seattle hiking group also they live to hike. I was raised up here in Alaska so its a way of life for me. Best of luck and fun times to ya.
References :