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re: First Backpacking Through Hike, Any Tips?
Posted on 10/11/16 at 12:15 am to LSUintheNW
Posted on 10/11/16 at 12:15 am to LSUintheNW
That's ok. You can do better next time. The all American burger wrap is my favorite.
Posted on 10/11/16 at 6:55 am to Jcorye1
That's a lot of time for that trail, you'll be able to sleep super late and chill after 5pm daily.
You certainly won't need 5k calories.
Have fun!
You certainly won't need 5k calories.
Have fun!
Posted on 10/11/16 at 7:25 am to TigerOnTheMountain
I use the military 3 bag sleep system. I only carry one bag at a time though, the green in spring summer and fall, and the black if it's going to get below 40. It's not the lightest system, but it is cheap. I'm saving up for something better.
I feed my hammock through the bag so it works as a TQ and UQ.
I feed my hammock through the bag so it works as a TQ and UQ.
Posted on 10/11/16 at 8:09 am to TigerOnTheMountain
quote:
TigerOnTheMountain
I need some GSMNP advice. Aren't you somewhat familiar with the park?
3 days 30 mile hike Thanksgiving week. I don't know what would be a good spot to start. At first I was thinking just hit the AT at Fontana dam and hike to Clingmans Dome where I would get picked up. I want high ridge lines and peaks. Would the AT north of Clingmans be better.
Posted on 10/11/16 at 8:29 am to LSUintheNW
quote:
Some people like to cook or have a decent meal
My first night I typically have thighs I've deboned, wrapped in foil and cook on coals. Instant mashers, and sautéed veggies but that's me.
My gear is as light or lighter than most so I don't mind. Hell, I pack in a couple beers too but all that weight is gone the 1st day. Different strokes....
Without a doubt, HYOH. There is no wrong way to spend time in the woods.
quote:
I need some GSMNP advice. Aren't you somewhat familiar with the park? 3 days 30 mile hike Thanksgiving week. I don't know what would be a good spot to start. At first I was thinking just hit the AT at Fontana dam and hike to Clingmans Dome where I would get picked up. I want high ridge lines and peaks. Would the AT north of Clingmans be better.
I really like the Fontana to Clingsman section, but I haven't been north of Clingsman yet. That will be the first week of November for me.
Posted on 10/11/16 at 8:41 am to Nodust
I live near Bryson City and spend a lot of time in the park. It sounds like the Tri Corner Loop Trail is exactly what you're looking for. You have the opportunity to summit 8 peaks and it follows the AT for about half of the trip. Beech Gap is a great place to start.
Posted on 10/11/16 at 9:11 am to TigerOnTheMountain
quote:
sounds like the Tri Corner Loop Trail is exactly what you're looking for
This may be a winner. Like what I'm seeing about it.
Thanks
Posted on 10/11/16 at 9:32 am to Nodust
So from what I'm reading, basically backpack -> Don't Die -> Learn What You Want/Need From Experiences -> Buy Nicer Stuff of What You Want/Need -> Rinse & Repeat.
Posted on 10/11/16 at 9:48 am to Jcorye1
quote:
reading, basically backpack -> Don't Die -> Learn What You Want/Need From Experiences -> Buy Nicer Stuff of What You Want/Need -> Rinse & Repeat.
Yes. It's just camping with a hike in between.
My best advice is after you get home, make a pile of stuff you used and didn't use. Don't bring the didn't use stuff again. Other than rain gear and first aid, always bring that.
As you make more trips you will get confidence in your gear and abilities. You will want to try more remote and tougher trails. I take two to three trips a year backpacking now. Keep a little notebook and when I hear about a good trail or mountain range I'll write it down for later trips.
Learn to use Caltopo. Great tool for custom map making.
Posted on 10/11/16 at 1:47 pm to Nodust
No problem. It's an excellent hike after the elevation gain.
Posted on 10/11/16 at 1:48 pm to Jcorye1
Exactly. My gear is constantly evolving. Expensive gear doesn't always mean best gear either.
Posted on 10/11/16 at 2:25 pm to TigerOnTheMountain
Most of my gear is not expensive, learn to modify stuff to cut weight and fit your needs. Learn to sew or find a girl that can... Invaluable skill.
And make sure you have a proper fitting pack, that makes all the difference in the world honestly. If your pack fits right you can carry more weight comfortably.
And make sure you have a proper fitting pack, that makes all the difference in the world honestly. If your pack fits right you can carry more weight comfortably.
Posted on 10/11/16 at 3:11 pm to dltigers3
Anyone have any experience with the Tarptent Protrail or any Tarptent products?
Posted on 10/11/16 at 5:36 pm to jimbeam
No, I use a Chinook tarp off amazon
Posted on 10/11/16 at 6:09 pm to Jcorye1
Might want to bring mosquito repellent. When I did the Wild Azalea Trail the skeets where horrible at one of the campsites.
Posted on 10/11/16 at 6:43 pm to jimbeam
Single layer construction can lead to some condensation on the inside walls without proper ventilation(usually in fall/winter)that may result in moisture on your bag and gear. Otherwise, they're awesome. My last tent before switching to hammocks exclusively was a Solplex tent made by Z packs. Exact same tarp style tent only they make theirs from cuben fiber.
Posted on 10/11/16 at 7:48 pm to Jcorye1
Here is my tip, check your pack before you set out. Like right before you take your first step on the trail. Some awesome friend may or may not stick a gallon of water or heavy arse rocks in your pack.
Posted on 10/11/16 at 9:39 pm to Jcorye1
-don't wear new boots
-lighten up your shite as much as possible
-lighten up your shite as much as possible
Posted on 10/12/16 at 3:37 pm to Nodust
Be careful the pack-it-gourmet are real small if you're the get hungry type. I've only done them once as a result. But they are tasty.
I prefer to add a handful of baby carrots and snow peas in a ziplock, they don't spoil for a week's trip, can take a little pack abuse, and can be added to a great many meals. Get ya a small bottle (naligene's best) to carry a little Bailey's. A real small amount, just a tablespoon, will make oatmeal and hot choc the bomb. Think fresh cream instead of drunk, that's what hot cider and ya favorite liquor is for. And I always cut my toe nails before leaving. Nothing worst than loosing a big toe nail if there's any real downhill. I don't read on a trip but seems most everyone else downloads something to their phone. Have had good results boiling scrambled eggs in a zip lock, when making coffee water and no wash up. They're good in a wrap w/some cheese and they'll last well if cracked into a small plastic bottle for carrying a few days.
I prefer to add a handful of baby carrots and snow peas in a ziplock, they don't spoil for a week's trip, can take a little pack abuse, and can be added to a great many meals. Get ya a small bottle (naligene's best) to carry a little Bailey's. A real small amount, just a tablespoon, will make oatmeal and hot choc the bomb. Think fresh cream instead of drunk, that's what hot cider and ya favorite liquor is for. And I always cut my toe nails before leaving. Nothing worst than loosing a big toe nail if there's any real downhill. I don't read on a trip but seems most everyone else downloads something to their phone. Have had good results boiling scrambled eggs in a zip lock, when making coffee water and no wash up. They're good in a wrap w/some cheese and they'll last well if cracked into a small plastic bottle for carrying a few days.
Posted on 10/12/16 at 3:42 pm to Nodust
Get your reservations as soon as possible... T'giving is real popular and will fill fast. Have met same guys many a trip, year after year, in different places. Just a good time of year with holidays to pad limited vacation and the upcoming December ones taking up the rest.
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