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Started By
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General Backpacking Thread
Posted on 3/13/15 at 9:48 am
Posted on 3/13/15 at 9:48 am
My son and I are preparing to tackle the Appalachian Trail in sections starting this summer.
I would like to go somewhere in Louisiana for a night to break us in a little. Where would the OB recommend we go in north LA to get a good day long hike in and spend the night at a campsite?
Also, if you all have any tips, I'm all ears. I've got my army rucksack with a metal frame. What would be best for my son ( he's 15, $100)? External or internal frame?
TIA.
I would like to go somewhere in Louisiana for a night to break us in a little. Where would the OB recommend we go in north LA to get a good day long hike in and spend the night at a campsite?
Also, if you all have any tips, I'm all ears. I've got my army rucksack with a metal frame. What would be best for my son ( he's 15, $100)? External or internal frame?
TIA.
This post was edited on 3/16/15 at 8:47 am
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Posted on 3/13/15 at 9:49 am to alajones
go to arkansas so you can get a little bit of elevation change.
how much does that army rucksack weigh?
how much does that army rucksack weigh?
Posted on 3/13/15 at 9:52 am to Hermit Crab
Not sure. It's a large. I've packed it several times so I've got my process all down. You think I should invest in a new one? Or is it something I could deal with for two weeks at a time?
Posted on 3/13/15 at 9:53 am to alajones
The bogue chitto state park trails have some small hills. Tunica has bigger ones. I'd recommend these places to start if you don't want to drive too far.
ETA: Sorry I didn't see you said north la. Probably Arkansas is your best bet then.
ETA: Sorry I didn't see you said north la. Probably Arkansas is your best bet then.
This post was edited on 3/13/15 at 9:57 am
Posted on 3/13/15 at 9:56 am to gorillacoco
I'm trying to keep within three hours of Shreveport.
I just looked at Caddo Bend Trail in Ouachita State Park in Arkansas. Looks a little promising.
I just looked at Caddo Bend Trail in Ouachita State Park in Arkansas. Looks a little promising.
This post was edited on 3/13/15 at 10:00 am
Posted on 3/13/15 at 10:04 am to gorillacoco
Certain areas of Kisatchie National Forest have some decent elevation to hike, although Ive only ever hunted there. I would look into possibly getting your son a quality pack like an Eberlestock H3 that will last a long time and can be used for vairous things as he gets older. It could be a decent day pack or hunting pack if he's into hunting or will be once he gets older. It has molle webbing all over it so he can add accessory pouches and attach gear as he wants to customize it.
Posted on 3/13/15 at 10:21 am to alajones
I would suggest you take your son to an outdoor outfitter and let him try on a few different packs. Let him walk around the store for a while with some weight in them and choose the one that fits and is most comfortable to wear. I can't recommend any Arkansas trails but you are close to The Backbone and Caroline Dorman Trails. The backbone is shorter but has more elevation changes while the Caroline Dorman is longer with less elevation. Caroline Dorman has a campsite at the end and The Backbone has a few within the trail.
Posted on 3/13/15 at 10:22 am to NewIberiaHaircut
Id go with the new Osprey 42 litre. I used it this summer and best pack ive ever owned
Posted on 3/13/15 at 12:01 pm to NewIberiaHaircut
Thanks for the info. Have any of y'all ever done any parts of the AT?
Posted on 3/13/15 at 12:09 pm to NewIberiaHaircut
That backbone trail looks ideal. Thanks.
Posted on 3/13/15 at 12:47 pm to alajones
I suggest getting a different pack. I used an ALICE pack in Arkansas once, and it was just brutal. Any modern pack from a manufacturer that specializes in hiking packs will be better. You'll find that almost all packs are internal frame these days. External frame packs are only a small niche in the market.
Most people make the mistake of buying their pack, then getting the rest of their gear. It should work the other way around. Determine what you are going to carry with you, then buy a pack appropriate for that weight and volume.
Go to the website whiteblaze.com for more information than any human needs to know about hiking the AT.
Most people make the mistake of buying their pack, then getting the rest of their gear. It should work the other way around. Determine what you are going to carry with you, then buy a pack appropriate for that weight and volume.
Go to the website whiteblaze.com for more information than any human needs to know about hiking the AT.
Posted on 3/13/15 at 12:51 pm to alajones
I hiked part of the Appalachian Trail for 3 days a few years ago. Before I went I did a day hike at Tunica. I found Tunica to be a more difficult hike. Cool bonding time 
Posted on 3/13/15 at 12:59 pm to alajones
I use a ILBE Assault Pack that I got from Army/Navy store.
Posted on 3/13/15 at 12:59 pm to alajones
How long are you planning to be away from a re-supply? 3 days? 7? That will determine the size and type of pack needed.
Posted on 3/13/15 at 1:03 pm to alajones
Wild azalea trail west of Alexandria.
Posted on 3/13/15 at 3:56 pm to upgrayedd
quote:we are looking to do two weeks at a time. I guess it depends on how often we find places to resupply. I've read that the first sections have the least "towns" and areas to resupply. I probably plan on starting out with at least five days worth.
Posted by upgrayedd How long are you planning to be away from a re-supply? 3 days? 7? That will determine the size and type of pack needed.
Posted on 3/13/15 at 4:00 pm to alajones
quote:
we are looking to do two weeks at a time. I guess it depends on how often we find places to resupply. I've read that the first sections have the least "towns" and areas to resupply. I probably plan on starting out with at least five days worth.
You'll need a good sized pack for that. Luckily you'll be going in summer so you can pack light. Try Sierra Trading Post. They always have pretty good deals. Go with internal frame. I've found them to be more comfortable and you don't have to worry about the tabs breaking off the frame.
Posted on 3/13/15 at 4:16 pm to alajones
Do you all pack a chair or stool? Seems like aust have to me.
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