Hikers and Backpackers

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New to the group and to hiking/backpacking

LHSmith13
LHSmith13 Posts: 4 Member
in Social Groups
I am new to this group and also to hiking and backpacking. I don't know how active this group still is as I have yet to go through and read some of the posts but I hope to get to know some of you guys and learn from you!
Me and my husband just recently started hiking and have many backpacking trips planned for the year. We are already avid campers so hopefully the transition won't be too bad.
My fitness goals isn't necessarily to lose weight, which I do need to do, but is to get in better shape so some of these long backpacking hikes will be a bit easier.

Replies

  • the_nerdgasm
    the_nerdgasm Posts: 86 Member
    I'm also new to backpacking and hiking, so it's good to see I'm not the only one.

    I have a question for the experienced hikers out there: for a newbie like myself who's just preparing for her first real hikes, what do you absolutely need to take with you, no exceptions. Obviously food/water (for me and the pooch), but anything else?
  • Miss_Hiker_Pants
    Miss_Hiker_Pants Posts: 229 Member
    10 essentials

    There are many backpacking check list on line.

    I take the bare essentials., and try to keep my pack down to 35lbs. and that's hiking with a dog and carrying part of his food. He carries what he can.

    Also I would suggest hiking a day hike with something remotely close to the elevation or mileage you are going to do per day.
    I'm planning a 5 day trip, and I have already started loading my pack with everything I am taking, and hiking 6-10 miles with as much elevation I can find.
    Short overnighter is good to check out you know how to use your gear. AND NEVER TAKE FOOD YOU'VE NEVER TRIED. You will be hungry so toss serving size out of your mind. I actually ate an entire package of Knorrs Broccoli rice and Cheese sides for dinner.
  • Super_Amy
    Super_Amy Posts: 97 Member
    New to the group. I live in the Cincinnati area and I do stuff outside. I'm into backpacking and hiking as well as kayaking. I guess I'm checking to see if this group is actually active.
  • mrphil86
    mrphil86 Posts: 2,382 Member
    Yes, let the pooch carry some of his/her food. Don't weight your self down any more than you can.

    For hiking, I usually just bring my camel back full of water, maybe an extra bottles, my lunch and/or dinner.

    Backpacking, well, that really depends on the area but I always tell people. Imagine what you would bring camping and now condense that down into smaller versions. I.E. A single 2 quart pot, bivvy sack, small 1/2 man tent, ground pad, 1 change of clothes, mountain home foods, ect...

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