Backpacking
redmosquito10
Posts: 568
I'm currently in the process of planning and buying the equipment for a backpacking trip. I've done the basic camping thing many times in the past, and now I feel like I'm ready for a different, more interesting outdoors experience. I figured there's got to be some people on here who enjoy backpacking, so I'm looking for any advice/recommendations, mainly on backpacks that you have and enjoy, etc. I'll mostly be taking 2-3 night trips, and not to any especially extreme climates or anything like that, so any recommendations/tips would be greatly appreciated.
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Where do you live? Do you have anything like REI or Adventure 16 there? I highly recommend going to a place like that in order to get fitted for a pack. It is a little more expensive than just searching on the internet, BUT you get a pack that way that is form-fitted for you, which is really important and will make you so much more comfortable. One of the most important things you can do for comfort.
The other thing with those places is you get very good service, and often they give you a lifetime warranty. I bought my pack about 5 years ago (a Gregory) and I love it. I know that if anything ever falls apart, I can take it back to REI and they will either fix it or replace it for me.
You'll have a lot of fun. Backpacking is awesome. I got my girlfriend into it and she took a 2 day beginner backpacking course through the Sierra Club. Check out that or some of the clinics they have at places like REI or A16.
This more than anything can make or break your trip.
Like meistereder said, I recommend going into a local shop and having things fitted and serviced. There are some areas in life where 'you get what you pay for' matters greatly, and first-hand knowledge of wilderness gear is right up there
Awesome that you're getting out there, you're gonna love it - best of luck to you!
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yeah you definitely need to get fitted with the pack. it can cause some problems if you don't get the right size for your frame. I got a large pack back in college because I didn't get fitted, and now I can't even use it, it's just way too big for me.
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also, wear all wick clothing. NO COTTON. not even underwear. synthetic socks especially.
great deals on light tents, light cooking gear and the store brand packable gore tex rain jackets are great for the price.
Optional...but very handy...headlamps, trekking poles, gators, gps.....
...and always carry the 10 essentials. http://www.backpacking.net/ten-essl.html
It's also nice to have some great outdoor clothing. There are some great new fabrics that wick away moisture, they are light, keep you warm/cool, fight the stink (antimicrobial), and are very comfortable.
Check out http://www.mountaingear.com/ too.
Here's a good list on what to bring when backpacking. http://www.thebackpackersguide.com/3season.htm
I love outdoor equipment!
OH....don't forget lots of water!...and/or some way to filter some water.
the problem i find with most people is they pack way more then they are a) capable of carrying and b) needing on their trip ...
ask yourself if you really need something before packing it and see if there is a lighter weight version (that's not gonna break the bank) ... also - ask your sales person to teach you how to distribute weight in your pack, making things accessible and buy the pack that suits what you are doing - if you are doing spring/summer/fall - you won't need a heavy duty pack made for snow/ice ...
as for the boots - ALWAYS break in boots well beforehand ... going on even a 2 day overnight with new boots can be hell ...
health - hydrate ... always drink and eat ... drinking by itself won't do anything without eating - you need to replace your electrolytes ... especially if you are hiking in hot weather ... also, don't wait until your thirst to drink ... buy a hydration pack and always sip ... you may not feel like you need the water but it comes in handy on your recovery from one day to the next ... if you start getting pains in your knee - it could be hydration ...
if you plan on going to the wilderness ... a wilderness first aid course could come in handy ... and some books on basic survival ...
good luck and have fun
I usually try to live out the adventure while in the store to get a feel for all the equipment I might need. I find it really helps so you don't forget anything.
It does (kind of) get a bit awkward whenever I try to take a leak out behind the tent though...
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basic first-aid kit consisting of suture kit, rehydrate etc
I reckon a lightweight GoreTex is better than your standard sleeping bag
wooly hat, as you lose a massive amount of body heat through your head.
hexy block cooker, boil bags cos they save space -can taste shitty, so I take a bottle of curry sauce.
It's all about equipment to task and then your own little personals. Asking in a store could mean your gonna end up with some expensive kit. As said, you should always have worn into your boots before you go tabbing off cos losing toenails and having blisters that connect up the sides of your feet weeping pus can put a real dampener on things, especially if you'd forked out for some flash go-faster mountain boots.
Been on some great adventures in Scotland and Wales,