Backpackers?

CassidyScaglione

I'm looking into getting into some backpacking... with the ultimate goal of spending the last week of summer doing a segment of the east coast trail. I've never done anything like this before, and i'm wondering if there is anyone on here who has, and who can recommend some resources to me.

whmscll

Avid backpacker here. There is a lot to know, especially in terms of gear and how and what to pack for optimal weight. Food planning for a longer trip like what you are thinking of is critical, as food weighs a LOT but you need to stay well-fed. You should look for a beginner backpacking course in your area. Not sure where you live...look up your local chapter of the Sierra Club, some outdoor retailers like REI offer classes, not sure if the Appalachian Mountain Club or the Green Mountain Club in the Eastern US do, but their websites may offer resources. Backpacking is amazing. With some knowledge and physical training you should totally be able to do a week-long trip by the end of summer.

CassidyScaglione

Thanks... One reason I chose the east coast trail is that it passes through a lot of towns, so ideally I would only need to carry a couple of days worth of food at a time. Hoping to travel relatively light my first time out.

tequila5000

My suggestion is to go on some shorter trips with one or two people who are experienced, in preparation for your week long trip. they can share tips and teach you the basics. I did that and I learned SOOO MUCH!

CassidyScaglione

@tequila5000 Thanks, I'll try that too.

SIMAKRA

tequila5000 wrote: »

My suggestion is to go on some shorter trips with one or two people who are experienced, in preparation for your week long trip. they can share tips and teach you the basics. I did that and I learned SOOO MUCH!

Totally agree. When I did my first trip, I carried far too much stuff. Try a weekend trip first, that will help you with choosing what to take and what not.

CassidyScaglione

@whmscll @SIMAKRA

Could you give me some pointers on what kind of stuff I need? I'm hoping to travel as lightly as possible.

lorrpb

Colin Fletcher, The Complete Walker, great info!

SIMAKRA

Backpack that fits you,most models can now adjust the back hight. If you buy one, take at least 10 kg of stuff with you, as all backpacks are light when empty.
Good sturdy boots that you have broken in.
If you tent, take lightweigt one, sleepinbag, I prefer holofil, as it does not collect your sweat, downfilled get heavier over the days due to sweat,if you dont have time to dry it. I have a lightweigt down for summer, thick holo for winter.
Then either selfinflatable matress or iso mat.
Food I take mueslibars, an apple a day, chocolate,cookies. Hot drinks and ramennudel for dinner. I add some dehydrated veggies to it.
An you need nuts. And maybe salami, will not melt in the heat like cheese.
A light gas cook will do.
Insect repellant. First aid stuff and mobilat.
For the feet look for some nice smelling minty antiinflam. Your feet will thank you.
Don't plan for each day a clean shirt ☺
Travel light
It is always funny to come back after a tramp into civilisation, people smell so nice

whmscll

Light one-person tent, sleeping mat, sleeping bag (I swear by down, it does not get heavier because of sweat as I never sweat in it, but if it rains a lot where you are then synthetic is a better choice), good-fitting waterproof backpacking boots, good-fitting lightweight pack, waterproof/breathable rain shell and pants, 1set of hiking clothes, 1set of camp/sleeping clothes, warm but lightweight fleece jacket (or down if it's not raining, but lightweight down jackets are super expensive), warm hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, extra socks, extra undies, camp stove and fuel, water purification system, trowel to dig a hole for your waste and baggie to carry out all your TP (NEVER bury or burn it), food (high carb, high protein, high calorie but lightweight -- when you are backpacking you can eat whatever you want, it's awesome) -- there are whole books written about backpacking food, headlamp, small first-aid kit, Swiss Army knife or equivalent, emergency fire starter, matches, map and compass (and the knowledge of how to use them), emergency whistle, emergency blanket (these are made of stuff like foil that reflect your body heat; meant to keep you alive, not comfortable, duct tape, insect repellent, any meds you need, toothbrush and a travel sized tube of paste, and I am never without a paperback book or my Kindle. There are many other non-essential things you can take,but they must be evaluated in terms of how much more weight you're capable of and willing to carry. Too much weight makes the trip not fun and awful. Did you see the movie Wild with Reese Witherspoon?

SIMAKRA

oh, and don't forget loo paper

djspacecaptain

Im not super experienced but ive been through the ringer. The biggest thing in the beginning i learned is trial and error, meaning after the first hike you will have learned a few things you did good and a few things you should have done. Some examples are bringing enough water, types of foods and snacks to eat, a knife to use, a compass to tell where you are going and if you have the right maps. As well as adding some things for your next hike you might also learn that you brought some stuff you did not need, so then you might leave those home next time. After a good couple hikes under your belt you should have a strong sense on what you need and what you dont. Just don't start out doing 15 miles because if you should have brought something for it you are going to know close to the beginning.

CassidyScaglione

Alright thanks everyone. You've given me lots to start! I sort of feel like I should just start wearing a 30 lbs Pack around with me everywhere right now, lol. Get myself fighting trim.

scorpio516

Basically it boils down to keeping yourself dry, warm, fed, and watered. Everything you take is to do one or more of those things.
There are lots of variables. What you want to eat, how you like to sleep, footwear, etc.
People will talk about the "Big Four" - pack, sleeping bag, pad, tent.

What I do: trail runners, hammock, dehydrated food. My base weight is about 4 kg.

If I had my load out online, if show it off. Google some pack lists for ideas.

pgray007

Definitely check out REI or AMC for some "intro" courses and start with some weekend day hikes. You'll get a feel for critical items like boots, managing clothes for the variety of weather you'll encounter, etc. Work you way up to 8-12 hour day hikes in varying terrain and you can try cooking, etc., on the trail to get a feel for that.

Also when you buy a pack, go to a reputable dealer on a quiet day (REI, EMS, or similar) and get fitted rather than buying online. Various packs are designed around different body types, and the only way you'll know if a pack works for you is to get it on in a store with some weight in it.

You'll quickly learn what works for you, but as you acquire stuff focus on getting good, "basics" first, and buy "slowly" so you're not tempted to overpack and end up buying stuff you don't use. After every trip, see what you didn't use and determine if you can eliminate it or replace with a multifunction item (except for emergency supplies). A critical supply is Moleskin (buy at any drug store where the foot stuff is kept). If you feel a hot spot on your foot, put on some Moleskin and it will help prevent a blister from forming.

Also if you're thinking of backpacking solo there's more to it than gear and fitness. You'll need to learn basic "woodcraft" like navigation and map reading, basic first aid, food handling and prep, water filtration, etc. Most experienced people love taking someone new out on a overnight, so see if you have a friend or acquaintance who can get you started.

pgray007

Also, don't scoff at "car camping" your first few times out to get a feel for setting up the tent, etc. Most places have state or national parks with a "primitive" camping area (aka no RVs running generators all night) where you can setup and still be close to your car if you have to bail. When ready, don't skimp on your sleeping bag and ground pad, Nothing is worse than not sleeping well/warm on a multi-day trip!