re: First Backpacking Through Hike, Any Tips?

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Splurge item

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Steak

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you don't say

what are you cooking that steak on?

a rock?

wrapping in foil?

I've got about a 6x10 grill grate I cut off. If I know I'll be grilling a steak I bring it and use sticks for legs.

For the most part I use a pocket rocket and dehydrated meals. Lots of tuna and jerky, trail mix.

I have a really fast metabolism so I have to eat often or I start feeling weak. That's why food is my top priority on trips

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I've got about a 6x10 grill grate I cut off. If I know I'll be grilling a steak I bring it and use sticks for legs.

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Dang...you won't catch me doing that but I don't judge.

Idea for you, just find rocks to to prop it up. I do the same thing car camping (all my meals are cooked over the fire over my old grate or in my dutch oven).

I agree with the comments on carrying too much food. Been on a few trips in Colorado with my BILs and one of them is a worrier who always wants to bring extras at the last minute... and then we end up bringing home a ton of wasted food weight.

Sounds like you won't die

I've never hiked that trail this time of year but I think those creeks are year round. Maybe trickier on the southern end.

Just be mentally prepared. That's what gets people on hikes. You start worrying about when and where you will find water, where you will camp, will it rain and get cold. Be prepared to be uncomfortable. It's part of the fun.

Keep your gear organized and accounted for. Losing an item can be tough on the rest of the hike.

Have fun it's a fun trail.

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should also say, I rarely do this.

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Do what you want, you carry it.

I always have a good meal over the fire the 1st night because I know it's dehydrated for the most part afterwards. Besides pasta and instant mashers, veggies.

I'm a foodie though. Smoking pot also leads to munchies and I hate junk food besides the candy I carry.

Wine, meat and cheese plate.


More wine, and dinner.

Have never seen it out here. I carry Mountain House, a local product.

Eta....lasagna w/meat sauce and the chicken fajita filling (I pack Tortillas and taco bell hot sauce) are my go to's.

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How light are y'all's sleeping bags? I'm looking for a new 20 or 30 bag. I currently have a cheap bag from academy but it's my next upgrade. Looking for something light.

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I use a 20°F down quilt from Wilderness Logics weighs 20 oz. For warmer weather a 40°F quilt from Jacks R Better weighs about 15oz.

If I would get a bag it would most likely be a Western Mountaneering or Marmot. Not cheap but light, warm and compacts very small. I'm looking at getting one soon for an early winter Smoky Mountain trip.

Just don't get down wet. But wet insulation sucks either way, just sucks less with synthetic.

Wilderness Logics makes some fantastic gear. Their Tadpole tarp is my go to. I use a TQ from them as well and have recently purchased their chair but, haven't had it in the woods yet. I sleep in a hammock year round with an UQ and TQ for both summer/spring and fall/winter. Jacks R Better makes a really nice bridge hammock I have been itching to purchase. Big box companies such as TNF, MH, Patagonia and OR, I will probably always purchase essentials from such as jackets simply because I know they will perform as advertised and that's not something I want to play around with in woods when it starts getting cold but, the cottage vendors are really growing on me. ALL products are hand sewn right here in the USA. What's your quilt made from? I recently upgraded mine to Argon material and it's stupid light.


OP, Ozark Trail gear and I spent a lot of time
together when I first started and I was never disappointed. In fact, I still use their headlamp I bought from a Walmart in BFE Arkansas because I forgot my $65 Black Diamond at home. Hike your own hike and you will always have a good time.