Getting ready to go backpacking

Status
Not open for further replies.

daishi5

Golden Member
Feb 17, 2005
1,196
0
76
I have not gone backpacking in over 10 years, and then it was with the boy scouts. My father wants to go on a trip to colorado for a week, and I need to get my gear ready, pack all my stuff, and make sure I know the rules.

What are some good websites for someone who wants to get back into hiking and backpacking?
 

SP33Demon

Lifer
Jun 22, 2001
27,928
143
106
I do four hour hikes every weekend, the main thing in the summer is staying hydrated. You can opt for a camelback or a lightweight bag to hold your water (and food for even longer hikes). Other essentials are bugspray and a good pair of hiking boots (waterproof but breathable + shock absorption + hightops to give me good ankle support) - I just got a good pair of Merrell's (sp). I also wear a hat but it depends on what kind of canopy protection you'll be getting from the sun. Hope this helps. ;)
 

skace

Lifer
Jan 23, 2001
14,488
7
81
What is the difference between backpacking and hiking? I usually wear a backpack when I hike, that's why I'm curious....
 

skull

Platinum Member
Jun 5, 2000
2,209
327
126
I consider backpacking to be when you put everything in a backpack and stay in the middle of no where for a week or more. Who needs a backpack to hike for a few hours? Even for an all day hike a couple energy bars and a bottle of water is good enough.
 

skace

Lifer
Jan 23, 2001
14,488
7
81
Originally posted by: skull
I consider backpacking to be when you put everything in a backpack and stay in the middle of no where for a week or more. Who needs a backpack to hike for a few hours? Even for an all day hike a couple energy bars and a bottle of water is good enough.

I bring 4 bottles of water, sun screen, bug spray, a rain coat, towels, doggy poop bags, and something to eat.

But I also bring my dog w/ me. I'm thinking of getting him a backpack so he can carry all the shit for us for once.
 

Sea Moose

Diamond Member
May 12, 2009
6,933
7
76
you should come to australia! I have a mate called ivan milat who loves hosting back packers!
 

daishi5

Golden Member
Feb 17, 2005
1,196
0
76
Originally posted by: skull
I consider backpacking to be when you put everything in a backpack and stay in the middle of no where for a week or more. Who needs a backpack to hike for a few hours? Even for an all day hike a couple energy bars and a bottle of water is good enough.

This. It was a kind of spur of the moment decision by my father to go to the out to the rocky mountains for a week of hiking and camping. It has been years since I have done something like this, but back then we usually did it in large groups with the scouts, which meant if you forgot something, you could usually share with someone else. I also expect that the rules are at least a little different between the camps I was at, and the national parks. I just want to make sure I am well prepared before I head out.

And maybe someday I can make it out to Australia, that would be a fun place to go.
 

SP33Demon

Lifer
Jun 22, 2001
27,928
143
106
Originally posted by: skace
Originally posted by: skull
I consider backpacking to be when you put everything in a backpack and stay in the middle of no where for a week or more. Who needs a backpack to hike for a few hours? Even for an all day hike a couple energy bars and a bottle of water is good enough.

I bring 4 bottles of water, sun screen, bug spray, a rain coat, towels, doggy poop bags, and something to eat.

But I also bring my dog w/ me. I'm thinking of getting him a backpack so he can carry all the shit for us for once.

Yeah, let me know what you find for your dog. We have a 75lb dog and would like him to carry all the stuff as well.

 
Status
Not open for further replies.