Backpacking

[Moose]

So, I recieved a backpack as a gift, and I am really excited about it, however I really don't have much Idea of what I am doing, so before I treck out into the middle of nowhere, I was wondering if there are people on the board that could direct me to good info on the web or elsewhere. There is info all over, but I want to make sure that when I do this I do it right.

All I could find in a search was...I like to eat this...or make sure your tent is good...kind of stuff, nothing real concrete.

Any help would be appreciated and thanks in advance.

[sceep]

are you going to be sleeping alone?

this is the most kick ass single person backpacking tent EVER.

I dont leave home without it. http://www.hennessyhammock.com/images/hhsea.jpg

http://www.hennessyhammock.com/

Invest in a good water purifier too. Its a helluva lot lighter than carring water. as long as there is a puddle along your trail to drink out of.

have fun.

[larryboy]

pack light. my rule of thumb is if the pack with all gear is over 25 lbs...something has to go.

[SanDiegoCJ]

Originally posted by sceep

Invest in a good water purifier too. Its a helluva lot lighter than carring water. as long as there is a puddle along your trail to drink out of.




This is VERY important. Since you live in Chico I bet you'll probably head for the
Sierras. There is NO clean water up there at all. PERIOD. It's all contaminated with
Giardia, which can give you a massive case of the shits. :( I good filter will solve
that problem. You'll need a good tent that will be waterproof in a downpour.
Those $49.99 dome tents at Big 5 aren't worth squat. Get a good one to
start with. It's money well spent. A couple of good brand names are Mountain Hardware and Sierra Design.
You'll also need a quality sleeping bag and a foam pad.

[fullygruntled]

Just as a note, those hammock tents are death in cool weather. No insulation on any side of you = frozen kischkies. They are pretty damn comfy in hot weather, though.

Simplest solution for all occasions would be just a simple tarp. Longest I've backpacked is for four days, but it did me just fine over that time. Triangle it so both above and below are covered.

One of the better resources I had for preparing and such was a little book, "The 2 oz. Backpacker" by Robert Wood. I still keep it in my backpack, even though I haven't gotten to go in may years.

[Old Scout]

Originally posted by SanDiegoCJ



This is VERY important. Since you live in Chico I bet you'll probably head for the
Sierras.

It's a long trip to Spain!

The Sierra Nevada is close, but it's only one mountain range so there is no plural!

[sceep]

Originally posted by fullygruntled
Just as a note, those hammock tents are death in cool weather. No insulation on any side of you = frozen kischkies. They are pretty damn comfy in hot weather, though.


YES... thank you, i forgot to mention that.

[SanDiegoCJ]

Originally posted by Old Scout


It's a long trip to Spain!

The Sierra Nevada is close, but it's only one mountain range so there is no plural!


Smart A$$. :flipoff2: The Sierra Nevada mountains are commonly called the "Sierras". :p

[sceep]

thought of another one. NEVER wear new shoes. break em in at home first. ;)

[DSZ71]

Summit Hut (http://www.summithut.com/index.asp?rc=overture_home)

Good website for hiking/climbing gear. Make sure and get a good pair of shoes too, this will save your toes from blisters. The water purifiers are expensive, but important. You can always carry around Iodine pills to kill the bateria, but the water is gonna tast rank, but you will live. Depending on what time of the year it is, you can just take a sleeping mat to sleep on, but if its a nippy time o' year, invest in a good mummy bag. Its also very important to always let people know where you are going, case you get lost. Dont want you starting any "find me, Im lost" fires. Those dont work too well!:D

[Moose]

Thanks guys, I will be in Chico for the next year, but plan on heading up to Eugene for school. Also, I will be sleeping alone so no need for the elaborate tents.

What do you guys do for food?

What is essential, but often orvelooked, gear that I need to bring?

What are the best guides to buy?

Where is the best place to shop for this sort of thing, is REI good?

[Tuite]

Lots of good gear on clearance at Sierra Trading Post (http://www.sierratradingpost.com)

A good tent, stove, pad, sleeping bag, filter really help the experiance, because it isn't ruinned by shitty gear.

[boz88xj]

Ive backpacked over 600 miles in the last 5 years, and have spent a lot of time in the sierras, around Emigrand Wilderness, Marble Mountains, etc.

If you have any specific questions, feel free to drop me a PM.

As per starters, theres a lot of info to give you, so Itd take a while, maybe with the basics:


Water:
Ya, water filters are nice, but lighter and easier is some sort of iodine, which is fine for most water sources. I prefer PolarPur, which is a super-concentrated liquid iodine purifier. it is nearly infinitely replenishable, and taste isnt nearly as bad as iodine tablets. Also quite a bit cheaper than filters.

For cool filters that have recently come out, the MSD Miox, is cool. Very light, very pricey, very cool design. Doesnt work like other filters, it actually works more like iodine, but its a cool thing indeed.

Clothes:
Depending on where you are doing your hiking, bad weather may be a possibility. Spend money on GOOD clothes for both wet and cold conditions. Layers are key. check out www.patagonia.com for some of the best clothing. Ya, its pricey, but it keeps you warm and dry, regardless of conditions. Cotton = Devil. When cotton gets wet, it no longer insulates... This is bad! hehe

Tent:
REALLY depends on where you are doing your backpacking. Dont get anything fancy, cheap, light, large enough for what you need. As was said before, Sierra designs has quite a few reasonably prices models, I also like the Walrus tents, although theyll run you a little more depending on model.
Tents are rates for seasons, some are meant to only protect you from rain and moisture, while others will be able to insulate heat better. These are more pricey, and heavy, but if youre going to be in the cold, theres no choice.

Sleeping bag:
More important than tent. Without a good sleeping bag you WILL FREEZE YOUR ASS OFF! (Again, depending on location). Down is light, but there are drawbacks, although newer models have rectified that. I think the latest issue of Rock and Ice has a great review of lightweight down models. Some of the previous roblems with down have been that once theyre wet, they lose all loft and insulation, and take forever to dry. Newer models have far superior waterproofing on the outlayers, as well as newer designed baffles, so the down stays where its supposed to, to keep you warm. Some models even allow you to reposition the down inside the bag, to adjust warmth, depending on conditions. This is nice for varying weather conditions.

Boots:
Get what feel good. Trailrunner shoes work nicely, and are more comfortable than true boots. Water proofing on the boots is very important, so make sure they come with some sort on them, or get an aftermarket waterproofer to apply to them. Features to look for in terms of waterproofing, are tongues that go all the way up, so water cant seep into it in less than 2 inches of water.





I hope this can get you started, feel free to PM me with any questions, and HAPPY BACKPACKING!

[sceep]

Originally posted by Moose

What do you guys do for food?

dehydrated/freeze dried and small pack stove.

[TEX]

Originally posted by boz88xj
Ya, water filters are nice, but lighter and easier is some sort of iodine, which is fine for most water sources. I prefer PolarPur, which is a super-concentrated liquid iodine purifier. it is nearly infinitely replenishable, and taste isnt nearly as bad as iodine tablets.

I've used the tablets & carried packets of kool-aid or lemonade powder to mask the taste.


TEX

[larryboy]

Originally posted by DSZ71
Depending on what time of the year it is, you can just take a sleeping mat to sleep on

bad advice,always take some sort of shelter that is fully enclosed. trust me i know.

[boz88xj]

Oh you asked about food:

Dehydrate it youyrself to save money, or buy dehydrated.

Depending on wher you are goiung, and for how long, you can survive on powerbars and nestea, hehe... Just kidding, well you can, if you wanted to.

Buying dehydrated food is expensive, but it is lightest, and a warm meal is ALWAYS nice to have.
Nothing is too far off, as long as youre willing to carry it.
Oatmeal, mac and cheese, its up to you.

To cook it, of course youll need a stove.

The standards are by MSD, either the dragonfly or the whisperlight. Ya there are other models and other brands, but these are easiest to set up, easiest to repair, and work like a charm, every time. Youll also need fuel tanks, and a basic cooking set, like a small pot.

[Bobzooki]

Originally posted by Moose
What do you guys do for food?

Crown Royal.
Take it out of that silly glass bottle.
Put it in Nalgene.

What else do you need?

Oh, maybe some caviar, smoked oysters, and stuf flike that...

Seriously now.

The BIBLE: The Complete Walker (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0375703233/qid=1078856138//ref=pd_ka_1/002-0319545-6765630?v=glance&s=books&n=507846) by Colin Fletcher.

[sceep]

Originally posted by Moose
is REI good?



:flipoff: REI

please, don't shop with those sierra club supporting assmonkeys.

[Bobzooki]

I would go to Galyans over REI every day of the week.

[boz88xj]

Originally posted by TEX


I've used the tablets & carried packets of kool-aid or lemonade powder to mask the taste.


TEX

Good diea, but remember, only add the juice or mixture AFTER the iodine has stopped working. (Generally 30 minutes) this is true for both tablets and polarpur. The vitamin C will render the iodine useless (thats why you can usually buy vitC tablets with iodine, to kill the taste once its done working).

[DSZ71]

Originally posted by larryboy


bad advice,always take some sort of shelter that is fully enclosed. trust me i know.

I meant inside the tent, depending on the climate, there would be no need to lug around a bag.

[Tuite]

If you don't go for a filter, I second the PolarPur. Many times better tasting than the tablets, with almost no shelve life.

[RDUB29]

Originally posted by SanDiegoCJ



......Those $49.99 dome tents at Big 5 aren't worth squat. Get a good one to
start with. It's money well spent. A couple of good brand names are Mountain Hardware and Sierra Design.
You'll also need a quality sleeping bag and a foam pad.

Listen to that, Dont skimp on $$, get the good stuff. Also how are your land-nav skills. REI offers basic map reading courses for like $10. Though its not a necessity look into a good GPS, really helpful if your map skills are weak. A good easy 1-2 day trail starts at ECho Lake near Tahoe and winds around in that area. I cant remember the name but I'm sure someone here knows it. Some may disagree but I always take along my buddy "Ruger" anytime I go in the woods. Have fun!!

[DSZ71]

I have always had good luck with just using MREs as food. Can get them at any surplus shop for cheap. If you want to use a heat source, try using cans of Sterno, they are also very cheap and easy to use.

[usmcdoc14]

http://www.ems.com/media/images/products/210/21017/2101732/210173282/210173282_200.jpg
Best investment for the cash i have purchased.
Product link (http://www.ems.com/products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=84552444253 0243&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302848879&fromTemplate=navigation%2Fsubcategory.jsp&bmUID=1078856151654)
http://www.ems.com/media/images/products/210/21018/2101850/210185007/210185007_200.jpg I will never EVER fawking camp without a self inflating sleep pad. 5 fawking years of Marine corps "camping" and i wore out 3 of them and i will NEVER go back to a "waffle" style pad again.
Link (http://www.ems.com/products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=84552444258 4125&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302848965&fromTemplate=navigation%2Fsubcategory.jsp&bmUID=1078856148184)
Agood nights sleep is worth more than saving a few ounces will ever be.

oh ya AND A GOOD FAWKING KNIFE :flipoff2:

[mudmaid]

Originally posted by Moose
Thanks guys, I will be in Chico for the next year, but plan on heading up to Eugene for school. Also, I will be sleeping alone so no need for the elaborate tents.


you better watch out for sasquatch!! :flipoff2: ;)

[Moose]

Damn lots of you guys do this. Thanks for all the advice, this helps a ton.

[boz88xj]

If you have the money, I DO strongly suggest a GPS.

They are invaluable for coursefinding in deeper brush, and if you are hiking off some of the mroe beaten paths, it is very likely that the trail that is listed on your topo from 1968, is no longer there. Go hiking around slickrock a bit, and ask me what I mean.

Whole Jeep trails have been worn away to nothing but a gametrail, and can be seriously difficult to find your way without solid map and compass skills, or a GPS.

[boz88xj]

Originally posted by usmcdoc14
I will never EVER fawking camp without a self inflating sleep pad. 5 fawking years of Marine corps "camping" and i wore out 3 of them and i will NEVER go back to a "waffle" style pad again.


Agreed.

Thermarests are definitely nice.
You need insulation fo SOME sort, because if your ass is on the ground, your ass is frozen.
I have a plush Luxery series thermarest (Ya I know im a puss), but its only a 3/4length model, so light is comparable to a full length model of a thinner thickness. Mine has to be 1.25" thick, and it is PLUSH! :D

[Moose]

Originally posted by boz88xj
If you have the money, I DO strongly suggest a GPS.

They are invaluable for coursefinding in deeper brush, and if you are hiking off some of the mroe beaten paths, it is very likely that the trail that is listed on your topo from 1968, is no longer there. Go hiking around slickrock a bit, and ask me what I mean.

Whole Jeep trails have been worn away to nothing but a gametrail, and can be seriously difficult to find your way without solid map and compass skills, or a GPS.


Don't know if I am ready for that yet, i just want to get some place most don't have the ability/determination to go. I like to camp to get away for the world, but now it seems like most of the people you see camping bring the world with them.

[sceep]

more...

DO NOT exhaust your self. if you get thirsty. stop haul out your purifier and get a drink. If you get dizzy, sit down and grub somehting.

First few times i backpacked i pushed real hard to get to my destination. my pack was weigh over weight and i was way out of shape. needless to say i almost fell off a nasty cliff from being to tired/hot/dehydrated. Getting to your final destiantion on time( or at all for that matter) is not worth dying for. Pace yourself and enjoy your surroundings.

[Old Scout]

Originally posted by SanDiegoCJ



Smart A$$. :flipoff2: The Sierra Nevada mountains are commonly called the "Sierras". :p

And common sense isn't so common. It is incorrect usage and makes you look uneducated.


Most 4wd mags murder the word and yes it's a pet peeve of mine.


Chris Collard if your reading this please take note!

[boz88xj]

Originally posted by Moose



Don't know if I am ready for that yet, i just want to get some place most don't have the ability/determination to go. I like to camp to get away for the world, but now it seems like most of the people you see camping bring the world with them.

youve got the wrong opinion.
I backpack with the bare minimum, but when it comes to safety, ESPECIALLY if (like you said) youll be backpacking alone (which is discouraged, by the way, but everyone does what they want), then a GPS would not be a bad idea at all. In no way do I consider that on par with bringing your mini-generator and TV/VCR with you, or a ghettoblaster.

GPS units are piece of mind in a little electronic package.

[Bobzooki]

Oh, and don't pay any attention to these pussies about weight. When I go winter backpacking, it's not uncommon to run an 80 pound pack (with snowshoes lashed on). You need lots of gear at -20, to stay alive! And you have to carry ALL the water you'll need, and sleep with it in your bag, to keep it from freezing. You can melt snow for drinking water, but that takes a long time and a lot of stove fuel! And you need just as much water in the winter to stay hydrated, as you do in the summer!

[usmcdoc14]

oh ya and Target has a realy nice thermorest knock-off pad made by coleman(i believe) that actualy kicked ass for like 20bucks.

http://www.ems.com/media/images/products/210/21017/2101706/210170633/210170633_200.jpg

and i forgot something important: a GOOD muliti fuel stove
Link (http://www.ems.com/products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=84552444251 7331&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302848877&fromTemplate=navigation%2Fsubcategory.jsp&bmUID=1078856959577)
at night temps drop quick and you WILL want a hot meal/drink. boiling water also kills most shit and mornings without coffee suck :D The butaine/propaine/blingity canister stoves are nice and quick but i like the availability of white gas/gasoline/disel fuel.

[larryboy]

Originally posted by DSZ71
I have always had good luck with just using MREs as food. Can get them at any surplus shop for cheap.

me too,don't taste too bad either.

[RDUB29]

Just a little piece of advice," DONT CONSERVE WATER". If you're thirsty drink. People have been found dead w/ full canteens, because they passed out before they could drink cause they were trying to conserve (obviously more of a prob in the desert
). The water isnt doin your body any good in the bottle. Dont be afraid of technology tryin to be tough use whats ever is available.

[Moose]

Originally posted by boz88xj


youve got the wrong opinion.
I backpack with the bare minimum, but when it comes to safety, ESPECIALLY if (like you said) youll be backpacking alone (which is discouraged, by the way, but everyone does what they want), then a GPS would not be a bad idea at all. In no way do I consider that on par with bringing your mini-generator and TV/VCR with you, or a ghettoblaster.

GPS units are piece of mind in a little electronic package.

No I just meant I wasn't planning on hiking some crazy ass location where I would need GPS to find my own way. And by hiking alone I just meant, the people I plan on going with can take care of thier own asses. I won't need to bring anything for them I don't think.

[boz88xj]

Ya, GPS definitely isnt for anyone, but as you get more and mroe into backpacking, I strongly encourage investing in one.

[Bobzooki]

Originally posted by Old Scout
And common sense isn't so common. It is incorrect usage and makes you look uneducated.

Most 4wd mags murder the word and yes it's a pet peeve of mine.

Chris Collard if your reading this please take note!

Um, I never took Spanish, but I know Sierra is "Mountain", and wouldn't it pluralize to "Sierras", AND do they not capitalize ALL nouns, as they do in German? In that case, "Sierras" would mean "mountains". Where's the incorrect usage in that?

[Moose]

Originally posted by boz88xj
Ya, GPS definitely isnt for anyone, but as you get more and mroe into backpacking, I strongly encourage investing in one.

I probably will, seems like they are really a good idea. What about safety, you guys bring flares and hang your food up in trees? Stuff like that. What do I need to make sure I have in a first aid kit?

[boz88xj]

The Sierra Nevadas are definitely shorthanded to Sierras.
You ask 100 people where the Sierras are, and as long as they arent inbred, they arent going to tell you Spain.

[larryboy]

Originally posted by sceep
more...

DO NOT exhaust your self. if you get thirsty. stop haul out your purifier and get a drink. If you get dizzy, sit down and grub somehting.

First few times i backpacked i pushed real hard to get to my destination. my pack was weigh over weight and i was way out of shape. needless to say i almost fell off a nasty cliff from being to tired/hot/dehydrated. Getting to your final destiantion on time( or at all for that matter) is not worth dying for. Pace yourself and enjoy your surroundings.

agreed...i've stopped mid-trip and crashed until i was refreshed and continued when conditions and myself felt better.

[boz88xj]

You can make your own first aid kit, or buy a premade one at REI (oh my god, did I say REI), or another outdoor store.... Nice thing about tehse ones is that they are in a nice case, and have just about everything youll need for any injury you can fix, for around 25 bucks.


If you are in bear country, you can put your food in trees, otherwise your main problem is rodents, squirrels and chipmunks.
Just keep the food out of your tent, and if youre worried, stick it in a tree.

Ive never taken flares, but wouldnt be a bad idea, per se. I mean theres a lot you COULD take with you, but weight IS a concern, dont listen to macho man randy bobzooki.

[Moose]

What is a target weight for everything? What should I be looking at keeping it all under?

[larryboy]

Originally posted by Moose


I won't need to bring anything for them I don't think.

actually planning a trip with others is a good way to go. ie: i'll carry the tent if you take the big air mattress or you carry the water filter and i'll take the stove,etc.

[boz88xj]

Rule of thumb is 1/3 your body weight, but more or less depending on conditions.

My pack generally weighs around 50 pounds for a weeklong backpacking trip, if its a 3 dayer, itll be around 20, or less. Problem is, most of the time im stuck carrying a lot of group gear, so slower hikers can keep with the pack and not get worn out, so you have to take that into consideration.

Id say 35-50 pounds would be fine.

[larryboy]

Originally posted by Moose
What is a target weight for everything? What should I be looking at keeping it all under?

my personal preference is 25 lbs...i've tried averything from that on up to 90lbs. i can survive 3 days alone with a 25 lb pack...in summer conditions. i carry water bottle on my belt and don't consider that part of my pack weight. i'll carry a fishing pole rather than have it tied to the pack.

[Moose]

So where do all you Northern California guys suggest I go?

[usmcdoc14]

Originally posted by Moose
So where do all you Northern California guys suggest I go?

Bridgeport, insainly beautiful and even tho it is a Marine traing base it is public land.
Better be prepaired for the altitude ;)

[TEX]

Originally posted by Moose
What is a target weight for everything? What should I be looking at keeping it all under?

Only time I've gone on an extended trip, it was about 85lbs per guy. We were WAY overloaded on crap (couldn't even stand up by ourselves LOL). I'd suggest "less" if possible :D


TEX

[InfantryYJ]

Originally posted by usmcdoc14
I will never EVER fawking camp without a self inflating sleep pad. 5 fawking years of Marine corps "camping" and i wore out 3 of them and i will NEVER go back to a "waffle" style pad again. A good nights sleep is worth more than saving a few ounces will ever be.


Whatsamatter,...the issue ISO mat ain't good enough for ya, that's the only mat I use when I have to sleep on the ground,....it works and it's cheap:D :D

[Old Scout]

Originally posted by Moose
So where do all you Northern California guys suggest I go?


http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/uploads/PCT.jpg

[InfantryYJ]

Originally posted by usmcdoc14


Bridgeport, insainly beautiful and even tho it is a Marine traing base it is public land.
Better be prepaired for the altitude ;)

"The center occupies 46,000 acres of Toiyabe National Forrest under management of the U.S. Forrest Service. A letter of agreement between the Forrest Service an the Marine Corps permits the use of the area to train Marines in mountain and cold weather operations."

It's US Forestry land that we get to use,....the last time I was there, I saw quit a few civilian's backpacking around.

[Moose]

Originally posted by InfantryYJ


"The center occupies 46,000 acres of Toiyabe National Forrest under management of the U.S. Forrest Service. A letter of agreement between the Forrest Service an the Marine Corps permits the use of the area to train Marines in mountain and cold weather operations."

It's US Forestry land that we get to use,....the last time I was there, I saw quit a few civilian's backpacking around.

You sure I won't get shot?

:D

[InfantryYJ]

Originally posted by Moose


You sure I won't get shot?

:D

Nah,...you won't get shot,...they only use blanks:D:D

http://www.lejeune.usmc.mil/magtfimagery/RESIZED%20IMAGES%20FOR%20WEB/CurrentExs/Bridgeport/990820-M-4419R-001.jpg

[Nobody]

Bring lots of munchies! Nuts, Granola bars etc....... I generally only eat 1 actual meal per day.

I typically hike to some destination, usually a high lake where I set up base and then do day hikes with no gear. Can cover a lot of ground that way. I usually pack a lot of comfort stuff.....60-80 lbs. The trip in an out are a bitch, but life is good.

If I'm going to be camping in a new place each night, I pack as little as possible.

GPS's are cool, but they won't help you get from point A to B. You need to know how to read a map and the terrain.

http://www.broncoii4x4.com/bb/Lime-mt.jpg

http://www.broncoii4x4.com/bb/Glacier.jpg

[MistyandChris00]

If you are looking for some good spots Adventure Outings on campus might be able to direct you in the right direction. The backpacking trips are cheap, and my friend had a blast on the last one.

I reccomend the Siskouyou National Forest, up above Redding. There is a glacier that my dad and I are hiking to this summer and its supposed to be beautiful. (2 days in and 2 days out)

Otherwise, Lassen National Forest has some nice backpacking. If you go up past Cohasset and keep going you will eventually end up in the Ishi Wilderness, and there are a lot of beautiful places to hike into.

Let me know if you want any specifics. I grew up backpacking with my Dad up here, so I have some pretty good ideas :)

[boz88xj]

Carson Iceberg Wilderness is a beautiful area.

Sword Lake in Carson Iceberg has 50-60 foot rocks to jump off of, always fun after a day of hiking, Lake Alpines nice, and you can always end your trip with a nice breakfast or lunch at Alpine Lodge, nice resteraunt, and they dont mind smelly hikers!


Thats the region ive done all my recent backpacking, due to being paid to backpack it over the summer.

Toiyabe is nice too, but havent done anything recent over there.


I could dig out some topos, and give you a killer 40 mile Hike, hehe.

Theres a book called Backpacking California, i think it is. It has hundreds of trips ranging in difficulty and length all around california. I suggest picking it up.

[Simon]

Once you are in Eugene, consider hitting the Strawberry mountains - about six hours east. Otherwise, the cascades are within an hour or less of Eugene.

What you can carry depends on your pack. I didn't see a description of it.

The basic goal as far as I am concerned is going with as light weight stuff as you can afford to go, both in terms of basic safety/preparedness for the trip in mind, and in terms of cost. I started with an optimus, but then went to an MSR (not MSD) XGK multifuel stove. It is a reliable blastfurnace, but relatively heavy and it really has only two settings: off and full blast. It is also loud. Later I got an MSR Dragonfly which is a great stove. My favorite, for when it it not seriously cold, is a snowpeak gigapower canister stove. It weighs three ounces and in its case, is the size of a couple of matchbox cars. But it isn't cheap either. A single canister will do you at least three days worth of meals if you are not melting snow, and your meals are basic.

I have an MSR waterworks filter. Not light, but it is field strippable, works reliably and I had giardia once. It went undiagnosed for a year. I don't want to go through that again anytime soon. One thing I didn't see posted is that the flavor of iodine or bleach (which you can also use to purify water) will dissipate if you leave the canteen open for a while. Speaking of canteens, consider the Nalgene or other makes of water bladders. They are lighter than a canteen and take up less space when empty or only partly full. They are also flexible, so do not prod your back when the pack is on. Do not go woth the MSR dromedary bags. They give the water a rank flavor.

When winter camping, a canteen will melt snow for you if temps are not too low and the canteen has water in it when you add snow. Spraypaint the canteen black and it will melt snow better. Take a break at midday to melt some snow using the sun. But don't count on this as a way to get water. Think of it more as a way to conserve the fuel you should have packed for snowmelting needs, so you can use it for other things.

Don't avoid REI if that is the only place you can get good quality gear. Save for good quality gear. I dislike them as much as the next guy, for a lot of reasons. But I am often only able to find what I want at REI.

Two ensolite pads will be an adequate substitute for a thermarest, at lower cost. They weigh less. When you get a thermarest, go with the 3/4 length and get a narrow one. Consider packing an ensolite pad in addition to the thermarest when you pack up, as you will be more comfortable. I do this often and my hips and shoulders thank me. Disregard the instructions and give the thermarest a puff or two of air to inflate it slightly.

Get a lightweight set of (quality)raingear (I have marmot), but consider leaving the pants at home if you will not need them. Take a drawstring trash bag and you can improvise a "rain skirt" with it if needed for walking through tall wet trailside grass, etc. You can also use it (as I always end up) to haul other folks' trash out of the woods.

On food, go with dehydrated if you can afford it. The meals are undersized most of the time. Makes me fart like a bull. Bring snack items. Shop at the grocery store. Knorr and others make some meal in a bag items that are good, but they tend to be high in salt. Read the preparation instructions before you buy. Watch the cook times needed. Bagels and a little peanut butter can make a good meal, and bagels pack fairly well. Tortillas pack well. For pasta, go with macaroni or spaghetti. Others are space hogs. Premade pesto is a good item to take. A block of parmesan will keep well. Cheddar keeps fairly well. Strip excess packaging. Pack your meals in a meal bag (all breakfasts, all lunches, all dinners) or in day by day bags. Plan your menus and avoid tossing in stuff just for the heck of it. Jerky and a good trail mix will stretch a meal. Backpacking is the only place I will tolerate instant coffee because of the hassle and weight of real coffee. Consider cleanup when you are looking at meals.

I take one pot. Used to be stainless, but I now have a titanium pot that I bought from Snowpeak. The fuel canister and stove fit in it. Take a spoon. No fork. I do pack a leatherman tool, but I am beginning to dislike its weight. I use heavy duty tinfoil for a pot lid. I also use it for a windscreen for the stove.

One thing I do not see mentioned is a flashlight. I finally became fed up with my penlight and bought a headlamp - get the type with LEDS and that takes triple A batteries. Great burn times and very good light.

Get the best tent you can afford. Then consider leaving it behind. If you pack in late summer bugs may not be bad where you are going. Look at the map and ask around. Is there a lot of water where you are going? Is it in a lakes basin?

Make sure you have an ACE bandage in your first aid kit. Make sure you have moleskin for blisters. Then, a little triple antibiotic, some aspirin, a few bandaids, some tape and a gauze pad or two, as well as tweezers.

Plastic is best for clothes, but I always hike in Carhart shorts. I like the pockets. Two pair of socks, two pair of skivvies (when I take them), one pair of carhart shorts, two plastic Ts, one zipneck longsleeved longjohn top, longjohn bottoms, a lightweight rain parka, two pair of socks and a fleece full front zip jacket are about all I take for late spring through early fall packtrips. Also take a bandanna for a pot holder, towel, etc.

Take a ziplock for your trash, and consider doing likewise for your toilet paper. Or you can burn it if you like a campfire.

If you are packing on marked trails, take a map of the area and skip the GPS. Let folks know where you are going and when you will return. Buy the Complete Walker IV by Colin Fletcher and Skip Rawlins. You can find previous editions used. Very thorough and good information. I started out backpacking after reading my dad's copy of the original back in the late seventies.

If you fish, convert to flyfishing - its lighter!

Hope this helps.

Simon

[TexasBlake]

Originally posted by Moose
Thanks guys, I will be in Chico for the next year, but plan on heading up to Eugene for school. Also, I will be sleeping alone so no need for the elaborate tents.

What do you guys do for food?

What is essential, but often orvelooked, gear that I need to bring?

What are the best guides to buy?

Where is the best place to shop for this sort of thing, is REI good?



THis is all info from when I used to backpack. When i was in Scouts we used to backpack all the time. I went on one 10 day 104 mile trek in Philmont, New Mexico and I went on another 68 mile 10 day trek at Philmont another time. I also did a 40 mile 4 day trek in Colorado, not to mention smaller 5-10 mile treks over the weekend here in Texas. These were treks where you'd leave with everything you needed the entire week.

My essentials:
1.) External frame backpack. Remember your WAITS carries the weight, not the shoulders. A good rule of thumb is you shuld carry 1/3 your weight. On long trips I would carry more. I think on the big trips we started off with close to 60-80pound packs because of all the food we carried at first. At least they get lighter as you go...

2.) Slumberjack mummy bag, carried that on the top of my pack
3.) Slumerjack inflatable roll up sleeping pad (sleeping on rocks suck), carried that on the back longways.
5.) 4 pound 2-person tent and two ground cloths. Get big sheets of plastic and cut them to size. Keep one INSIDE the tent so that you don't cut the floor with stuff and keep another under the tent to keep moisture off the floor. I'd roll them all up with the tent. Also, try to get a tent with the external clips that hold the poles. They're much easier to set up than the kind where you have to push the rod through the cloth. I carried that on the bottom part of my pack.
6.) Water purifier. PUR makes really good ones that last a long time. They also have a spout that fits directly on Nalgene water bottles. I used to carry 5-6 of those bottles. A good rule of thumb is that you shuld drink a gallon of water a day, plus some extra for cooking.
7.) All you need to eat with is a spoon and a plate/cup/bowl. Drink out of your water bottles and eat with the plate/cup.
8.) Little clothes as possible, remember space is limited, especially on long trips.
9.) For food we'd eat usually dry oatmeal and a slim jim or somthing for breakfest. You don't want to cook anything with water, cause that just means more to carry and/or more to pump. For lunch, roll of ritz crackers and some peanut butter or EZ CHeese or canned tuna. For dinner dehydrated dinners like cheese brocoli or other stews are good. They go a long way, which is good since breakfest and lunch were minimal.
10.) RAINGEAR. This is important. I have a jacket/pants combo that rolls up the size of a coke can. It's lighter and less bulky then the huge rubber ones at wal-mart.
11.) Map and compass. Learn to use them, relying on GPS can sometime hurt you, but that was back when GPS really sucked in the mountains. Triangulation with a good map can get your location anyday. Also learn to shoot and take bearings, etc.
12.) One or two big pots and a white fuel stove for cooking dinner.
13.) SOCKS and BOOTS. Socks are just as important as Leutenant Dan says they are. I used to carry a pair or two per day. I wore two ro three pairs at a time. Wear an inner sock of thin polypropaline and then a thick wool outer sock. Boots should be ankle high to give you support so you don't twist your ankle.

Most stuff you will learn with experience and practice. Just find some people that KNOW what they are doing and go with them until you get experienced. Just like in wheeling, NEVER GO OUT ALONE.

[RMW]

Originally posted by DSZ71


I meant inside the tent, depending on the climate, there would be no need to lug around a bag.

WTF? i'm sorry if this has been addressed earlier in the thread - but atleast once a year I back pack in the sierras, and in AUGUST at those elevations its ALWAYS below freezing at night. you could die if you dont bring a good bag with you. :shaking: thats a dumbass way to try and save weight for the region you are talking about - so is leaving behind either a tent or 2 good sized tarps and some trashbags to bivwak with.

about the time you say "its not gonna rain or get cold", guess what?

[RMW]

Originally posted by usmcdoc14


Bridgeport, insainly beautiful and even tho it is a Marine traing base it is public land.
Better be prepaired for the altitude ;)

yep, and that little resturant at the edge of town serves the biggest fawking breakfast i've ever eaten (for cheap). their cinnamon rolls are giagantic!! :eek: :D :D

[Ed A. Stevens]

Originally posted by TexasBlake

Most stuff you will learn with experience and practice. Just find some people that KNOW what they are doing and go with them until you get experienced. Just like in wheeling, NEVER GO OUT ALONE. [/B]



If you have not noticed, you will continue to hear people warn you to stick to some kind of buddy system. It's lifesaving advice. In SoCal alone (in the SBNF alone) there have been eight hiking deaths since November 1 2003, and all were solo hikers (some with 40 years experience and some with none).

Hooking up with a local hiking group (Boy Scouts, University Backpacking Clubs, American Campcrafter Association, or even the SC) is a good idea for a first time backpacker. Learning what to leave in the pack and what goes in the Bear Barrel, where to get the Wilderness permits, and how to follow trail markers is not always obvious without personal instruction.

The Boy Scout Handbook is still an excellent resource for a first timer, and old ones can be found cheap in used book stores.

I would dry run with a minimalist tailgate camp trip before the first backpacking expedition. You learn what essentials you easily forget, and what is comfortable for you to forget. Some people can eat with a leatherman alone, and others need a fork and spoon. Some can sleep on a space blanket and a spare set of warm clothes (inside the bag) and others freeze without a stacked thermarest and ensolite pad (same for tents). Terrain and weather have a lot to do with gear (warm/cold/wet), but comfort threshold is just as variable.

The more experienced you become with backpacking, the less you will feel the need to carry, A first timer should not, however, try to run lightweight until you understand the discomfort associated with running light (doing without). A first timer is better choosing shorter distances between camps and pack for comfort, rather than running lighter on gear and sprinting between distant campsites.

If you have not learned how to orient a map with compass headings, it's a good idea to learn before going out backpacking (or buddy up with a friend who has orienteering skills).

Select everything that goes in the backpack to serve more than one function, including clothes and cook gear. Why carry two items if one will do the job (with minor inconvenience)?

Happy Trails!

[Malltero]

Originally posted by TexasBlake

My essentials:
1.) External frame backpack. Remember your WAITS carries the weight, not the shoulders. A good rule of thumb is you shuld carry 1/3 your weight. On long trips I would carry more. I think on the big trips we started off with close to 60-80pound packs because of all the food we carried at first. At least they get lighter as you go...


Internal packs have come a long way.

[larryboy]

Originally posted by Simon
Hope this helps.

Simon

i just have to say...listen to this guy for sure. excellent tips:eek: .

[SanDiegoCJ]

Originally posted by Malltero


Internal packs have come a long way.


I've had internal frame packs exclusively for the last 20 years. I would NEVER go
back to an external frame pack.

[Simon]

Internal frame packs are great, but they tend to be a little warm against the back. They are stable, so if you are going to do any scrambling, or if you are on a narrow trail, they are good. They are nerly as comfortable as a frame pack.

Frame packs tend to be less expensive, and they are more comfortable.

I use a smaller internal frame pack. Realistically, most folks can not go on week or longer trips frequently. Most of mine are three night trips, so a 2500 cubic inch pack works well for me. I end up lashing my pad on the outside, together with my tent (when I use one) with this pack.

I sometimes use a North Face Exocet, which is about 2000 CU inches I think. I only use it when I go without a tent. My sleeping bag takes about a third of the main pocket space, and my jacket lives lashed under the compression straps on the outside most of the time.

One thing to keep in mind on clothing is that at higer altitude it does get quite a bit cooler at night, but you can use your bag when you might stack on clothes if you were car camping or at home. I usually turn in kind of early becasue I am tired, so staying warm outside the bag is not much of an issue.

As for bags, I use a down bag, as does my wife, even though it is pretty wet here. I have a 15 degree bag because I'd rather be abit warm. They are not cheap, but they last ten years or more if well cared for. Get 800 weight down, and spend as much as you can afford. Slumberjack is nice, but Marmot or Sierra Designs is better.

Spend some serious time packing up and making sure you did not forget anything. Forgetting toothpaste (I don't pack it, I use salt instead, or nothing) is not a big deal, but leaving your batteries for your flashlight, or your lighter (I also take a few matches) behind could be a disaster.

I hope this does not sound preachy. Backpacking gets pretty personal. Each has his or her own way of doing things. I do not go so far as to slice off the handle to my toothbrush, but I do look at everything with a jaundiced eye when I am packing. Some folks get a little wacky both in taking too much and taking dangerously little or inadequate gear.

When you realize you are on your own once you walk away from the roadhead, and you are humping everything you need, you get a much better idea of what you really need, and what can be safely left behind.

Enjoy!

Simon

[myeyesore]

Didnt read all of the posts, cause Im at work, but do a bit of backpacking so heres my advice to add to the list.

Wherever your going get a map, compass and know how to use both.

Make sure you get your wilderness permits, so people know where you be

Prepare to be able to bear proof you campsite.

Dont go crazy your first time, just like wheeling.


Thats said, your in chico, so head to south shore and go into desolation wilderness, same area where the rubicon is. There are some sweet lakes up there. http://www.tahoesbest.com/Hiking/wildernessinfo.htm

Necesities I carry are bear bucket, is takes up room but is sweet for just stuffing you stuff in and stashing it for the night, knife, small axe, sleeping bag, med kit. flashlights, camping stove, various utenisles and some small pans, water purifier, cold weather close, camel back you are my best friend, and a poop shovel. MOSQUITO REPELLANT is say again, MOISQUITO REPELLANT

Spend the $$$ on good boots, will be a blessing. Buy backpacking specific stuff, your wheeling sleeping bag made with cotton and flannel aint gonna cut it.

for food, never anything salty, fruit is good for the trail, grapes pretty much rule, no canned stuff, takes up too much room. just Add water pankakes are good. Add some apple and you styling. Think protein. BTW Backpacking is not camping so leave the cooler in the truck.

Search on the net on bear proofing you campsite, and how to find the best spots to sleep. Otherwise nice choice on your new hobbie get your ass in gear and get out there.


Oh and DONT LEAVE ANYTHING BEHIND! Ive gone with people who didnt bring the right shit, went up there, slept in their cotton sleeping bag then said, "oh I leave it, someone will be stocked to have it." WRONG ASSHAT EVERYONE BRINGS THEIR OWN SHIT SO PACK YOURS OUT.


Carrying other peoples mispacked crap sucks.

[Pavemen]

I use a "3-day" internal frame pack. It holds my 2 man 4 season tent "backpacker" tent, whisperlite stove, 2 tanks of fuel, can of bug spray, 2 pots with heat sheilds/lids, enough small utensils for 4, 4 plastic divided plates, spatula and sppon, small "Gaz" lantern with 2 fuel cans, biodegrad. soap, lightweight chamois type towel, biodegrad TP. I know ther eis more, but its small and al lightweight.

MY bag is a 0* bag thats synthetic with a good self "fluffing" fill. Packs small and expands nice once opened up. That and an self inflating pad at strapped to the outside.

In a separate bag inside the pack is a "Survival" pack. matches, waterproof container, emergency blanket, mirror, whistle, fire starter sticks, knive, small section of rope, water purifier (not just a filter), candles, sewing/tent repair kit,

If you can only get it at REI, then get it there. If you dont want to buy there, you can shop there and get the comparisoninfo. They are good at comparing all teh makes/models.

BTW, Garmin now makes a GPS unit with built in FRS/GMRS capabilities tha tcan transmit your coordinates. Good for geeting help if others are in the area with compatible recievers.

[Old Scout]

All you guys that shop at REI and own a rig need to get your priorities in line!


REI= The Sierra Club!

The Sierra Club = Closed trails!

[VT_Toy]

LED flashlights last a LONG time. Once you get one you'll never go back. They'll get slowly dimmer as the batteries wear down, but it takes a long time to be without light altogether, unlike halogen/xenon bulbs that die quickly.

Try to standardize your battery size. I run all AA now for headlamp, flashlight, camera and GPS. AAA and odd-numbers are a PITA.

Cotton is rotten. Do your best to avoid it. Wool works and is cheap if you're on a budget.

Know how to bear-proof your campsite.

Tortillas are a good packable substitute for bread. A package of 10 tortillas, a jar of peanut butter, some trailmix and some apples can last you a couple days and it's cheap.

Canned beer compresses nicely after being drank. :beer: So do boxes of wine :D Liquor is the best for weight :)

Know how to bear-proof your campsite.

There's a LOT of stuff you can buy. Start small and don't go overboard. Look for places that sell used-gear, especially if you're average size.

Don't mail-order you sleeping bag or boots. Try them both on in the store.

Start with a 1-day in, 1-day out trip, so you can always bail and get out if you have to easily.

Know how to bear-proof your campsite.

If you get a GPS, don't pay so much attention to it that you don't know where you are if you run out of batteries.

Always have extra clothing and a warm hat. Always be prepared to spend a few nights if you get hurt.

You don't have to spend a lot of money if you get creative and don't get sucked into the gear in magazines, etc.

[TexasBlake]

Originally posted by Malltero


Internal packs have come a long way.

Internal packs are also hot as fuck when packing in the south.

I love internal packs, they are MUCH comfortable. But externals suited me better. They are cheaper, easier to strap shit to, and cooler during texas summers.

I wasn't saying externals were the way to go, I was just saying what my gear was.

But as far as getting a pack. It's best to go to the store and try them all on. Most good stores will have weight bags you can put in them to see how they feel full of weight.

[GreenPig]

LED flashlights last a LONG time. Once you get one you'll never go back. They'll get slowly dimmer as the batteries wear down, but it takes a long time to be without light altogether, unlike halogen/xenon bulbs that die quickly.

My fav: Petzel Tikka Plus
http://a1072.g.akamai.net/f/1072/2062/1d/gallery.rei.com//big/chips/703011_9996.JPG

Internal frame packs are great, but they tend to be a little warm against the back. They are stable, so if you are going to do any scrambling, or if you are on a narrow trail, they are good. They are nerly as comfortable as a frame pack.

I used to have an external frame pack, and since I traded a kid packs I've never looked back. Internals are NICE. I usually carry 60-90lbs of gear depending on how long I'll be out (2-4 weeks) and no way in hell I'd go back to an external. There's just no reason to *not* be comfortable.

A sleeping bag is essential, as is a good pad. Even if the bag is a cheap piece of shit, it's better than being caught in a storm without anything. I spent a COLD night in New Mexico last summer when I got caught unprepared (one day tubing trip down the Rio Grande turned into two). I prefer a cheap (and lighter) Z-Rest instead of the Thermarest. Depending on how bad blisters are (it happens) you can always cut a chunk off to help protect your feet- can't do that with ruining a thermarest.

Boots- don't get any gortex, they won't dry out as quick as just a leather upper. I'd also invest in a good set of mid calf gaiters (like outdoor research) to wear over your boots- it'll keep your socks much cleaner, and if you do have to cross any low streams they'll keep your boots dry atleast for a few seconds.

Treking poles or "sissy sticks" can take about 15% of the load off your feet. Personal preference.

And I may be preaching to the choir, but please pack out anything you brought with you.

Have fun! :D

Edit: TexasBlake- Philmont SUCKS!

[Pavemen]

Originally posted by Old Scout
All you guys that shop at REI and own a rig need to get your priorities in line!


REI= The Sierra Club!

The Sierra Club = Closed trails!

You can shop, just not buy :-)

If you must buy there, at least join the coop and get some of the money back and donate it to BRC or similar.

[RMW]

some simple stuff that i thought i'd add after i thought about it:

dress in layers, follow what simon was saying thats all good advice, and buy your boots about a month before you go and wear them everywhere to break them in. new boots suck for blisters.