Hiking and Camping

I just visited Percy Quinn State park as I was riding through the area and they have very nice cabins and very clean area that has a golf course.

Can`t fish there until 2017. They have restocked and are doing work to their dam, but I will be staying there sometime soon.

Take baby steps if you arent used to being outdoors alot and havent spent multiple nights off the beaten path in the middle of the woods. I would get some hiking under my belt first if I were you, and that would allow you to accumulate the necessary basic gear needed to do dayhiking or multi-day hiking. Once youve been dayhiking for awhile and you know what youre getting in to, then start camping.

Hiking basic gear list-
Quality footwear - I like mid length boots, but hiking shoes are great as well. You get what you pay for. If you buy some $90 Timberland's, they will last a year at best. There is a difference between hiking boots and backpacking boots. Hiking boots arent meant to handle a heavy load (50+lb pack) but will be fine for a typical day hike and are lighter and more similar to give that tennis shoes have. Backpacking boots are meant for multi-hikes and are meant to handle heavy loads and will absorb the shock instead of your feet. They are considerably heavier and have a more robust outsole that will last. I have a pair of Meindl Perfekt 7" Boots (Cabela's) and they are the best pair of boots Ive ever owned, but are somewhat overkill for just a day hike.
Brands to focus on-
High End - ($200-$300) Meindl, Lowa (Renegade Mid model), Scarpa, Kenetrek
Mid/High End - ($150-$250) - Vasque (amazing quality and value), Salomon, Danner, Merrel, Keen.

Quality Day Pack- I prefer a hydration pack that has a built in reservoir. Camelbak makes quality stuff, as does Gregory, Kelty and Osprey. You can find a solid 3 liter hydration day pack for under $100 like this Camelbak Pack on Amazon. If it's going to be a multi-day hike/camping trip, then a larger and more robust pack will be needed. Im a big fan of Eberlestock Packs, only because Ive put mine through hell and hauled heavy loads and it's indestructable, comfortable and IMO best bang for the buck. They arent cheap, but no quality multi-pack really is. Shop REI for deals on other multi-day packs if you dont want to invest the money into an extremely high quality pack just starting out. The above brands all make great multi-day packs as well, along with the major hunting brands like Tenzing, EXO Mountain Gear, and Kifaru (you prlly wont venture into these as they are expensive). Anything from 1800-2500 cu.in should be plenty for a 1-3 day camp/hike.

Navigation - - Compass and map obviously at all times of any place youre hiking (even if it's a clearly marked trail with alot of traffic). Bushnell backtrackers are cheap and can get you out of a bind (3 way point gps marker), as well as a decent GPS, but those arent necessary. If you can read a map and have a compass (and a backup) then you should always be OK.

Clothing- Just wear the clothes you have now to start out. I like khakis and t-shirt most of the time unless I know there is a place with alot of ticks. Then I wear pants. Good wool socks are a must IMO. They help with chafing/hotspots and also continue to insulate even after they are wet. I always carry an extra pair of wool socks in my pack no matter what. I like LINK and these polyester socks by Wigwam. Base layering in colder months is crucial and I always prefer Merino Wool. Minus 33 makes great stuff and you cant beat the quality for the money. I have one like this that's about 4 years old and use it hunting all the time and it's one of the best pieces of gear Ive ever bought. Merino wool underwear help with chafing but I also really like spandex (like under armour or bcg brand).

First Aid- Cant ever be too careful. Always have a basic first aid kit on you. Basic firestarting stuff (lighter, waterproof matches, cotton balls and vaseline). Also, if youre going on a multi-day hike and will be alone, let a friend or family member know when, where, and what time you plan on being out. Also, get the park ranger's office and put it in your phone. Day hikes this typically isnt necessary but it couldnt hurt.

Places to Hike - Chicot has nice trail systems, but theyre pretty long. My favorite place around here is Clark's Creek (Tunica Hills WMA) north of St. Francisville and into Mississippi. They have small waterfalls that you can hike to and it'll certainly let you know if youre in shape or not as it's a fairly challenging hike on the way out. Lake Fausse' Point is decent as well, and my 2nd favorite place is the Backbone Trail in Kisatchie. I havent hiked the Wild Azalea trail yet but we've been wanting to. Another place that is on the list soon is Petit Jean State Park in Arkansas.

Clark's Creek -




Hydration - I forgot this one and its the most important. For a 3-4 mile half day, you will need AT A MINIMUM 80oz per person. I always have more than that and a 32oz gatorade. Food - trail mix, jerky, granola bars, fruit, clif bars, pro bars, belvita biscuits, peanut butter, bacon and swiss sandwich (my favorite hiking meal), candy, etc. Shoot for at least 2500-3000 calories per person, but more than that is best.

Other things to consider -
Wet wipes
Bearvault for your food (if camping in north Louisiana)
Trowel (to bury your shite)
Whistle
Paracord
Safety blanket
Bushcraft knife - (Morakniv makes good cheap knives)
Water purfication tabs (I was forced to use some this weekend actually)
Mini Water Filter like this
Headlamps
Extra batteries

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dnm3305

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That's a fantastic post for anyone interested in hiking.

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If forgot this one and its the most important. For a 3-4 mile half day, you will need AT A MINIMUM 80oz per person. I always have more than that and a 32oz gatorade

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that is a shitton of liquid to carry

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that is a shitton of liquid to carry

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I have a 100oz bladder and a 32oz gatorade and I was done with that by the time I finished at the trailhead in Clark's Creek this past weekend. Now, I let a few underprepared people share with me as they had run out of water at around 2pm, but it wasnt even hot and we only went about 4-5 miles and I was dry at the end. I only took one piss all day so I was about where I needed to be. That was from 9am-4pm.

Let me clarify, this is for a moderate/strenuous trail like Clark's Creek primitive trail where there is alot of incline and you're working a decent amount. Chicot is pretty straight so you wouldnt need that much, but why not have it when it's not much to sacrifice considering youre only talking a few lbs to what will be less than a 20 lb load already?

thats fine

just seems a bit much

no way I carry that much water for a 4 mile hike

I don't drink that much when I run a marathon

no way I carry that much water for a 4 mile hike

I don't drink that much when I run a marathon.
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I have no doubt that your lean and fit system runs in a much more efficient manner than mine does!

You're a Thoroughbred, I'm a mule.

how much water to pack just depends on where you are hiking

if you have a legit water source, you don't need to bring that much, just bring a small filter or some tablets

and don't bring Gatorade, thats retarded, carry some Nuun tablets and drop them in the water

>

I'm doing the Backbone in two weeks as an overnighter

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I'm doing the Backbone in two weeks as an overnighter

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whole area just got control burned FWIW...