Anyone into Backpacking?

[goobernoodles]

I'm looking to get into backpacking. Recently moved to Seattle, and there are so many parks and forests around that I want to see. Throwing together some gear and heading out into the wilderness for a weekend sounds awesome.

Anyway, I'm looking for some insight on how to get started. I have some crappy basic camping equipment, but it's probably not what I want for backpacking. I basically need a nudge in the right direction - maybe a good forum or book to reference.

Does anyone know any good resources for getting into backpacking?

 

[Capt Caveman]

Visit your local REI and talk to the folks that work in the camping section.

 

[HybridSquirrel]

bring a .44 magnum in case of bears. other than that, make sure the stuff you take is super light weight. Every little bit of weight adds up, and it can get uncomfortable after a while.

 

[Gooberlx2]

Check out an REI if you have one close by. I'm pretty sure they hold free classes on lots of outdoor activities. At least the HQ store in Denver does.

 

[crashtestdummy]

Some starting tips. I pack heavier than some, so keep that in mind:

• The most important thing is a good pair of boots. No matter your budget, this is the one component that price should be no object for. If your boots don't support you or leave you with blisters, a fun trip in the woods will turn into an excruciating experience.
• The next is a good backpack. As with the boots, I would suggest that you go to a store in person and get a pack fitted. The way a bag sits on you is very body-dependent. I have wider shoulders despite a slim frame and find that Gregory packs fit me very nicely, while I can't stand Osprey ones. Many people have the reverse experience, though, so YMMV.
• Tent and sleeping bags are a little more variable, and you can order them online. Generally, the lighter the better (unless you want to do winter backpacking). For tents, the size you get depends on your dimensions and how cozy you are with your hiking partner(s). If you want a little bit of space, subtract one from the listed occupancy of the tent. Get a sleeping pad. You'll thank me later.
• Stove: A lot of people now prefer the propane stoves, but I'm personally a fan of the whisperlites. They take gasoline (among other fuels), so you really never worry about running out. They're a little scary to use at first, but work incredibly well once you get the hang of it.
• Food: Take dry, high calorie food in light packaging. Pasta is always a great place to start from. I recommend a water pump if you're hiking near water, but simple boiling is a reasonable alternative.
• Other stuff you want: maps, headlamps, rain jacket, extra layers (always plan on it being colder than you think), non-cotton clothing, a simple utility knife, a short (20-30ft) rope segment, a GOOD first aid kit, and a compass.
• Steep and Cheap sometimes has good deals, but you have to check through hours of worthless crap to find something you want.

This is a lot of equipment, and it's not cheap. You're probably looking at well over $700 for everything I listed above. You can also rent a lot of this stuff at REI, but if you make a habit of it, it gets expensive fast. Look into local outing clubs and trail maintenance groups. Many of them will have organized trips and lend you gear for little or no money. Some university outing clubs allow non-students to join (usually in more rural areas where traffic is lower).

Also, if you get a couple weeks off, I suggest you go here. It is easily the most beautiful place I've ever been, only 10 hours away from Seattle, and a backpacker's paradise. Just be sure to make lots of noise on the trails to warn the bears.

 

[GrantMeThePower]

Man you really dont need a TON. Ignore most of the BS and unless you're going really remote areas, you dont need a GPS. Just get good paper maps. Get good waterproof matches and a SMALL emergency kit. Keep those things in you pack.

Basic stuff you need:
a Backpack
a stove (i would recommend a Jetboil)
a Bowl and a cup and a spork
a water filter
a headlamp
windproof lighter
knife
a sleeping bag
if you are going in areas where there are bears you need a bear vault

extras that are nice:
a sleeping pad
a pillow (really mkaes a big difference, even a small one helps a lot)

When you go, just pack very lightly. layers that you can re-wear are perfect.

 

[Texashiker]

For warm weather - hot weather camping and backpacking, I usually use around a 3,000 cubic inch maxpedition vulture-ii pack.

Here is a general backpacking camping forum you might want to check out

Some of my basic gear for an overnight trip

eureka solitaire tent
maxpedition vulture-ii
sleeping bag
sleeping pad
led light
bug spray
water filter
change of clothes
hammock - lightweight parachute hammock
topo map
gps
map compass
cell phone
matches / fire starter
mres or mountain house freeze dried meals
stove
multi-tool
knife

 

[crashtestdummy]

a Bowl and a cup and a spork

Hah. Forgot that. A big cup can act as both bowl and cup, and you can steal plastic silverware from your local McDonalds or whatever.

 

[goobernoodles]

Some starting tips. I pack heavier than some, so keep that in mind:

• The most important thing is a good pair of boots. No matter your budget, this is the one component that price should be no object for. If your boots don't support you or leave you with blisters, a fun trip in the woods will turn into an excruciating experience.
• The next is a good backpack. As with the boots, I would suggest that you go to a store in person and get a pack fitted. The way a bag sits on you is very body-dependent. I have wider shoulders despite a slim frame and find that Gregory packs fit me very nicely, while I can't stand Osprey ones. Many people have the reverse experience, though, so YMMV.
• Tent and sleeping bags are a little more variable, and you can order them online. Generally, the lighter the better (unless you want to do winter backpacking). For tents, the size you get depends on your dimensions and how cozy you are with your hiking partner(s). If you want a little bit of space, subtract one from the listed occupancy of the tent. Get a sleeping pad. You'll thank me later.
• Stove: A lot of people now prefer the propane stoves, but I'm personally a fan of the whisperlites. They take gasoline (among other fuels), so you really never worry about running out. They're a little scary to use at first, but work incredibly well once you get the hang of it.
• Food: Take dry, high calorie food in light packaging. Pasta is always a great place to start from. I recommend a water pump if you're hiking near water, but simple boiling is a reasonable alternative.
• Other stuff you want: maps, headlamps, rain jacket, extra layers (always plan on it being colder than you think), non-cotton clothing, a simple utility knife, a short (20-30ft) rope segment, a GOOD first aid kit, and a compass.
• Steep and Cheap sometimes has good deals, but you have to check through hours of worthless crap to find something you want.

This is a lot of equipment, and it's not cheap. You're probably looking at well over $700 for everything I listed above. You can also rent a lot of this stuff at REI, but if you make a habit of it, it gets expensive fast. Look into local outing clubs and trail maintenance groups. Many of them will have organized trips and lend you gear for little or no money. Some university outing clubs allow non-students to join (usually in more rural areas where traffic is lower).

Also, if you get a couple weeks off, I suggest you go here. It is easily the most beautiful place I've ever been, only 10 hours away from Seattle, and a backpacker's paradise. Just be sure to make lots of noise on the trails to warn the bears.

Thanks, good info. I actually drove from Pittsburgh to Seattle last September and Glacier was a stop I wanted to make, but it was pretty far out of the way so I opted not to.

Do you have any experience flying with backpacking equipment? My friend and I are starting to think about potential road trip opportunities and really want to visit Utah, but it might make for a better experience if we were to just fly to the area, rent a car, then backpack.

 

[Texashiker]

, and you can steal plastic silverware from your local McDonalds or whatever.

I have had those cheap plastic forks melt on me while cooking on a stove. If they do not melt, they break real easy.

My next investment is into a titanium spork. Or some kind of durable polymer spork that will not melt.

 

[crashtestdummy]

Thanks, good info. I actually drove from Pittsburgh to Seattle last September and Glacier was a stop I wanted to make, but it was pretty far out of the way so I opted not to.

Do you have any experience flying with backpacking equipment? My friend and I are starting to think about potential road trip opportunities and really want to visit Utah, but it might make for a better experience if we were to just fly to the area, rent a car, then backpack.

Yeah, it's no problem. Just make sure everything is secure in your pack, and that it's under 50lbs or whatever your airline's limit is (shouldn't be a problem). Also, fuel bottles and lighters can't have any trace of fuel in them, so you may want to buy those things after you land.

 

[blackdogdeek]

the only things i use that i haven't seen on any lists yet are:

hat
hiking socks

 

[Texashiker]

hat
hiking socks

A hat is a given.

My "change of clothes" includes socks. I do not buy special socks for camping/backpacking. I just bring some calf length athletic socks.

Lets not forget a first aid kit, and one of the items that I make sure to bring are fine pointed tweezers for tick removal. Lone Star ticks are aggressive during the summer months. Its not uncommon to have at least 2 ticks attached when I get home.

I removed this tick from my nephews chest a couple of years ago while on a hiking trip.

 

[ViviTheMage]

REI is where we go...and REI outlet online to buy as well.

I also bring a .45 when hiking in Northern Minnesota ... don't want anything eating me up.

 

[DougK62]

Do that many people really take stoves? I've always just taken food that didn't need prep. Saves weight.

 

[The_Dude8]

Where do you want to be backpacking?
A big variable, this will have a huge impact on gear choices. Location, terrain, any and all details on what you need; on trail, off trail, up mountains, through deserts, in jungles —what are you using the gear for?

When you will go?
Combined with where you go, this can alter the range of suggestions of appropriate gear, particularly shelters and sleeping bags. Winter gear is radically different than 3 season gear in some regions, in others not quite so much.

Your budget
How much you want to spend? and how much you are willing to spend in order to get what you need (usually as little as possible, but remember sometimes the safest and most appropriate item is not always the cheapest)!

What weight of [item] do you anticipate needing?
What total backpack weight are you shooting for? It seems the longer one backpacks and actively seeks to refine the gear list, the more weight matters. Part of being comfortable on the trail can be not carrying more than necessary. Might be worth considering this up front; the answer to this question will probably change though... and if you don't have any idea, don't worry about it yet.

Other steps you can take that a forum or online article can't help you do:
go to a local outdoor sports outfitter that offers pack fittings - have them take your hip/back measurements and write them down. Many brands have different size ranges and it's important for a pack to fit correctly. While you are having measurements taken ask to be shown how to adjust a pack properly.
don't be too brand-fixated, too worried about color, or other superficial features. For shelters, filters, sleeping bags and anything to do with your survival, function should be top priority. Including what's on your feet, your primary mode of travel.
if you are having some sort of physical issue, feel free to seek out others on the forum who have similar issues to commiserate -- but remember that a real diagnosis and treatment should be obtained in person, from a professional with the appropriate licensing/certifications.

golite is having a sale right now:

https://www.golite.com/clearance.aspx

for the sleeping bag, get the marmot helium Women:

http://www.rei.com/product/817117

there is another 20% off coupon for the helium.

not bad for the MH tent for under $100

http://www.rei.com/outlet/deal-of-the-day

Get the lightest and warmest SB you can afford.

 

[crashtestdummy]

Do that many people really take stoves? I've always just taken food that didn't need prep. Saves weight.

Depends on how long you're out there. Eating well after a long day of hiking is reward enough to make the extra weight worth it, and hot tea when it's cold makes waking up much easier. Also, by taking dry food that you boil in water, you can close to break even on weight (if you have access to fresh water).

 

[Texashiker]

Do that many people really take stoves? I've always just taken food that didn't need prep. Saves weight.

Depends on what I am doing, how long I will be gone,,,,,, stuff like that.

If its a trip on the river with my boat, I will carry a stove. We get out of the boat and walk about 100 feet to the camp site.

If its a 10 mile trip hiking / camping trip, I will probably carry an MRE or Eversafe meals. I like the MRE and Eversafe meals because the trash can be burned, or it does not weigh anything to pack out.

 

[Patterner]

No one has mentioned books yet, so I'll throw this out there...my second edition fell apart, so when the third came out, I snapped it up...good for a refresher every now and again.

http://www.amazon.com/BACKPACKERS-HA...9784443&sr=1-1

I also second the recommendation about the boots. Go to a *good* hiking store (most REIs are kind of meh in this regard), and ride the guy like Zorro til you get a good fitting boot. If you can find a place that does FitSystem, that's even better.

 

[tenthumbs]

A lot of good suggestions here. I won't add to the confusion regarding equipment but I do wish to add a few suggestions:

-Take your "stuff" out for an overnight test drive. See what works and what doesn't. There are a lot of equipment suggestions here but you may find some of it unnecessary. This is how you find ways to lighten the load.

-Practice loading and unloading your gear. If you take a large backpack, this isn't such a big deal. But if your stuff just barely fits after packing it at home, you better make sure you can make it fit out in the woods.

-During your test drive, if your shoes or pack feel at all uncomfortable after one day, replace them. On a multi day trek, your pack may naturally get lighter as you eat your food but it rarely gets more comfortable. A little rub here and there turns into a major rub two days out.

-Maybe I missed it from another post, but you will need something to dig a cat hole for the morning ritual. They sell hard plastic garden size shovels at REI for that purpose. They're usually orange and they weith less than a pound. Please don't be one of those assholes that doesn't bury their personal waste.

-Pack out all your trash, including used toilet paper. LEAVE NO TRACE!!!
Good luck

 

[goobernoodles]

No one has mentioned books yet, so I'll throw this out there...my second edition fell apart, so when the third came out, I snapped it up...good for a refresher every now and again.

http://www.amazon.com/BACKPACKERS-HA...9784443&sr=1-1

I also second the recommendation about the boots. Go to a *good* hiking store (most REIs are kind of meh in this regard), and ride the guy like Zorro til you get a good fitting boot. If you can find a place that does FitSystem, that's even better.

Thanks for the tip. Just ordered that book.

Does anyone have any recommendations or opinions on buying used equipment via craigslist or something of the sort?

 

[Texashiker]

Does anyone have any recommendations or opinions on buying used equipment via craigslist or something of the sort?

Ebay - your going to be able to find all kinds of stuff there.

 

[oogabooga]

I'm slowly getting into backpacking with some friends. I mostly just mooch off of them, use their stuff when I can (have had to buy some of my own like a backpack), and such. It's a lot of fun - if you have friends who are into it, fantastic. If not - you should be able to find some

Thanks for the tip. Just ordered that book.

Does anyone have any recommendations or opinions on buying used equipment via craigslist or something of the sort?

If you have an REI nearby, totally take advantage of that and become a member. 20 bucks for lifetime membership, never have to keep your receipts cause they track everything, and they have an absolutely AMAZING return policy.

You also (without having to be a member) can go in and talk with the people there. The guy working a section usually has at least a clue about what he's doing. They do a good job of putting people where they have some knowledge. The shoe section guy will know about hiking boots and what you should get for what you're trying to do. Same with backpacking, maps/gps, bikes, whatever.

Combine this with:
1) 20% off item coupons mailed out 3 times a year (At least 2 times, maybe 4 I think)
2) free shipping from their site on orders over 75 bucks
3) Discounts on all their classes (sometimes equal to the cost of membership itself)
4) Discounts on gear rentals

and one of the big ones to a lot of members: 5) access to the User Gear sale. REI sales their stock of used gear (rentals they're getting rid of, returned stuff they can't send back to the manufacturer, etc)

I bought a pair of Vibram Five Fingers for 10 bucks (normally 82) and use them for weightlifting. I also got a crumpler 6mil dollar home for 25 bucks (normally 90) My buddy bought his backpacking pack for 50 bucks, I think it was normally 250.

Granted a lot of that stuff is crap people have shamelessly used to death and returned (thanks to REI's ridiculously amazing return policy) but there are some things that are in pristine-excellent condition that are worth getting.

I think they do the used gear thing once or twice a year.

 

[stargazr]

Do you have any experience flying with backpacking equipment?

Yes, it was back in 1980 though. I took my backpack as my checked luggage to Jackson Hole. It will cost extra now because weight is a factor. A plastic connector broke or got lost going through baggage, but I was able to stop at an outfitter that carried Lowe packs and replaced it before my trip.

Make sure you break in new boots before wearing them on an extended hike or trip.

 

[KMc]

Sir Plus Army-Navy in Woodinville is a good place to go for decent, inexpensive gear plus a good selection of trail maps and topos.