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General Backpacking Thread

Posted on 3/13/15 at 9:48 am
Posted by alajones
Huntsvegas
Member since Oct 2005
34751 posts
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.
This post was edited on 3/16/15 at 8:47 am
Posted by Hermit Crab
Under the Sea
Member since Nov 2008
7236 posts
Posted on 3/13/15 at 9:49 am to
go to arkansas so you can get a little bit of elevation change.

how much does that army rucksack weigh?
Posted by gorillacoco
Baton Rouge
Member since Oct 2009
5323 posts
Posted on 3/13/15 at 9:53 am to
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.
This post was edited on 3/13/15 at 9:57 am
Posted by NewIberiaHaircut
Lafayette
Member since May 2013
11741 posts
Posted on 3/13/15 at 10:21 am to
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 by Grebe
Member since Jan 2015
234 posts
Posted on 3/13/15 at 12:47 pm to
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.
Posted by lsugrad35
Jambalaya capital of the world
Member since Feb 2007
3233 posts
Posted on 3/13/15 at 12:51 pm to
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 by Grebe
Member since Jan 2015
234 posts
Posted on 3/13/15 at 12:54 pm to
This spreadsheet may help you. I don't recommend bringing this much stuff, but it is nonetheless a well thought out list.

LINK
Posted by hogdaddy
Krotz Springs
Member since Feb 2010
5154 posts
Posted on 3/13/15 at 12:59 pm to
I use a ILBE Assault Pack that I got from Army/Navy store.
Posted by upgrayedd
Lifting at Tobin's house
Member since Mar 2013
135734 posts
Posted on 3/13/15 at 12:59 pm to
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 by Mung
NorCal
Member since Aug 2007
9054 posts
Posted on 3/13/15 at 1:03 pm to
Wild azalea trail west of Alexandria.
Posted by Cracker
in a box
Member since Nov 2009
18201 posts
Posted on 3/13/15 at 5:47 pm to
Let us know your schedule i can meet you with beer, guns, hookers food & stuff on about 300 miles of the trail if needed.
Posted by Reubaltaich
A nation under duress
Member since Jun 2006
5054 posts
Posted on 3/13/15 at 9:12 pm to
Check out the Kelty backpacks.

One the better backpacks out there.

Lots of different capacities with lots of pockets and compartments. They have good padding on the shoulder harness' and good padding for around the kidneys.
Posted by thesoccerfanjax
Member since Nov 2013
6128 posts
Posted on 3/13/15 at 9:29 pm to
quote:

I've got my army rucksack with a metal frame. What would be best for my son ( he's 15, $100)?


Oh dear God.

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