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How to get started with backpacking?

EvilYoda

EvilYoda

Lifer
So, one of my decisions for the new year (it's scary that it's already March...) was to finally take advantage of being in Phoenix and spend more time outdoors. I've gotten a few day hikes in and I'll be working up to the longer ones (most have just been 2-4 hours) soon.

I'm looking at internal frame packs (someone on CL is selling a NIB Gregory Baltaro for $150!) and tents right now to get ready, but past that, I know I have a lot of learning in store in terms of how and what to pack, what to do about food, first aid, hydration, etc.

I know there are a handful of hikers here, so any suggestions on where to start? I'm also looking at hammocks instead of a 1-man tent for now since I'll mostly be in warmer climates and I'll be packing a pretty good quality sleeping bag (no mat yet).

Thanks 🙂
 
The last real hike I did was a 14 day trek in New Mexico, but that was like 10 years ago.
Get a pack that fits you, not one because it's cheap. go to the REI or similar store where someone can fit one for you. I've alway put the heavier stuff towards the bottom of the pack- but i guess that depends on the type of hiking you're doing. Pack your essential items and first aid kit in an outside pocket that's easily accessible. Are you going to be hiking in a group or with someone else? Let someone know approximately where you're going and when you plan on coming back. Always bring a little extra water. We always just used nalgene bottles for water, i got a camelbak thing that i use for mtnbiking.
 
Originally posted by: funkymatt
The last real hike I did was a 14 day trek in New Mexico, but that was like 10 years ago.
Get a pack that fits you, not one because it's cheap. go to the REI or similar store where someone can fit one for you. I've alway put the heavier stuff towards the bottom of the pack- but i guess that depends on the type of hiking you're doing. Pack your essential items and first aid kit in an outside pocket that's easily accessible. Are you going to be hiking in a group or with someone else? Let someone know approximately where you're going and when you plan on coming back. Always bring a little extra water. We always just used nalgene bottles for water, i got a camelbak thing that i use for mtnbiking.
Click to expand...

Bolded for emphasis! I was lucky and scored a Kelty pack that was being discontinued for less than $100, but it also fit me perfectly. Don't sacrifice comfort for savings, particularly if you're planning on doing lots of backpacking.
 
Yeah, I won't buy it until I know it's a great fit, but from everything I've read about it online, there should be no reason not to. The measurements line up with my body size, the features are great, it's got a pouch for a water reservoir (I have a Camelbak M.U.L.E. for day hikes, so I can just use that one).

I'm going to check the pack out this weekend and bring some stuff to weigh it down - I don't foresee any problems, so I'm working on the next step of preparations.
 
Don't rely on measurements for ascertaining fit. Try it on with weight in it. That's the only way you'll find out if there's something weird jabbing at you. I prefer internal frame to external, though each has its pros and cons. Internal is more comfortable imo, though. Learning to pack properly is important, as is map and compass skills. For map/compass skills, I suggest this book, it's a classic. Proper hiking boots for the terrain are important as well, more important than the pack I think -- as you can ditch the pack if you must, but you won't get anywhere with blistered, painful feet. Break the boots in for a good long time first. Learn some basic first aid skills, and take a kit with you. Learn what hazards are in the area, and if breeding/nesting affects where you are going. Of course, tell somebody your travel plan in case something happens. Also, test your stove before leaving to make sure it works. Don't assume it worked fine before, so it should this time too.

More on choosing a pack. Make sure it has pockets for water that you can easily reach/access. A built in rainfly is nice, but probably not essential for your location. Having a separate compartment for your sleeping back is nice, but don't put the sleeping back there -- they typically aren't the heaviest item anymore. Heaviest items go at the bottom and lighter as you go. Play around with different arrangements to see what feels most comfortable for you and your center of balance.

Another vote for Nalgenes over camelbak bladders -- those can get holes or melt, then you're screwed. You can do a lot with a Nalgene bottle besides put water in it. Get widemouth ones, not narrow.

If where you are going is rocky, take trekking poles. Aside from saving your knees, they aid in balance, and are useful first aid tools in an emergency.

Keep the pack weight down, you shouldn't carry more than 1/3 of your body weight, and less is better.

....my college drilled risk management into me effectively it seems
 
Originally posted by: Redfraggle
Don't rely on measurements for ascertaining fit. Try it on with weight in it. That's the only way you'll find out if there's something weird jabbing at you. I prefer internal frame to external, though each has its pros and cons. Internal is more comfortable imo, though. Learning to pack properly is important, as is map and compass skills. For map/compass skills, I suggest this book, it's a classic. Proper hiking boots for the terrain are important as well, more important than the pack I think -- as you can ditch the pack if you must, but you won't get anywhere with blistered, painful feet. Break the boots in for a good long time first. Learn some basic first aid skills, and take a kit with you. Learn what hazards are in the area, and if breeding/nesting affects where you are going. Of course, tell somebody your travel plan in case something happens. Also, test your stove before leaving to make sure it works. Don't assume it worked fine before, so it should this time too.

More on choosing a pack. Make sure it has pockets for water that you can easily reach/access. A built in rainfly is nice, but probably not essential for your location. Having a separate compartment for your sleeping back is nice, but don't put the sleeping back there -- they typically aren't the heaviest item anymore. Heaviest items go at the bottom and lighter as you go. Play around with different arrangements to see what feels most comfortable for you and your center of balance.

Another vote for Nalgenes over camelbak bladders -- those can get holes or melt, then you're screwed. You can do a lot with a Nalgene bottle besides put water in it. Get widemouth ones, not narrow.

If where you are going is rocky, take trekking poles. Aside from saving your knees, they aid in balance, and are useful first aid tools in an emergency.

Keep the pack weight down, you shouldn't carry more than 1/3 of your body weight, and less is better.

....my college drilled risk management into me effectively it seems
Click to expand...

Awesome, that was really helpful. 🙂
 
I've said this before, and I'll say it again. Boots are overrated unless you are carrying 40+ pounds. I use trail runners 100% of the time, backpacking in rocky terrain.

A pack would be one of the last things that I would buy. First, figure out how much room and weight carrying capacity you need based on the gear that you plan on taking with you. Too large or too "sturdy" a pack, will just be extra weight. For example, you don't need a 6 pound pack if you are only going to be carrying 15 pounds of gear.

I pack the lightest items on the bottom - sleeping bag for example. This will place the heavy items at the top of your pack where their weight can be more levered into your hips, instead of hanging off of them. Also, it makes for a more stable pack. If you look at loading guides from various backpack manufactures, you will find this as the primary method of packing.
http://www.gregorypacks.com/us...to-Load-Your-Pack.html

I exclusively use a hydration bladder - I've never had one go bad on me, but then again, I'm not backpacking in a desert environment.
 
Originally posted by: BeauJangles
Originally posted by: funkymatt
The last real hike I did was a 14 day trek in New Mexico, but that was like 10 years ago.
Get a pack that fits you, not one because it's cheap. go to the REI or similar store where someone can fit one for you. I've alway put the heavier stuff towards the bottom of the pack- but i guess that depends on the type of hiking you're doing. Pack your essential items and first aid kit in an outside pocket that's easily accessible. Are you going to be hiking in a group or with someone else? Let someone know approximately where you're going and when you plan on coming back. Always bring a little extra water. We always just used nalgene bottles for water, i got a camelbak thing that i use for mtnbiking.
Click to expand...

Bolded for emphasis! I was lucky and scored a Kelty pack that was being discontinued for less than $100, but it also fit me perfectly. Don't sacrifice comfort for savings, particularly if you're planning on doing lots of backpacking.
Click to expand...

I also recommend hitting your local REI. Folks there will have experience with the equipment and be able to fit/equip you properly. Though the selection will be small, you can also rent out equipment to try out before making a purchase.
 
My mistake in packing advice, but REI agrees with me (I'm a woman, so I was thinking from my perspectie):
"Women and people of short stature often find they prefer to pack the weight low whether they're traveling on- or off-trail, regardless of which pack style they're carrying. You are the ultimate judge of what feels comfortable to you. Experiment with different load arrangements to determine what feels best." -- From: http://www.rei.com/expertadvic...les/pack+backpack.html

Nice link irishscott!
 
I'm not sure what mine qualify as - I got a great deal on them, they're Ahnu's, which are new I suppose, but these reviewed well. The laces are closed loops so there's no tying...they fit me pretty well and provide great traction. I suppose I just don't know what the difference between a "boot" and a "trail runner" is - I'm assuming that the latter is more like a regular shoe but with a harder sole and traction in mind?

I just got an email from FuzzyBabyBunny, so that was really helpful - I think that the pack I'm looking at is on the large side for my needs. If I do end up needing a week-long pack, I can always rent the first time from REI.

Decisions, decisions.
 
Whoa, more replies, excellent. Yeah, I'm an REI member and I'm looking at their Quarter Dome T1 tent right now. It's not crazy expensive as most of the good tents I've seen, the reviews are all great and the current 20% coupon makes it even more appealing.

I'm going to check it out this weekend.
 
After you get fitted, I suggest you check out Backcountry.com and Campmor, they'll have stuff at a bigger discount than REI. You can also check www.steepandcheap.com as they have daily deals for outdoor gear. Just a note, if you're doing a lot of hiking, you want a boot - you NEED the ankle support, and the hard sole does help provide stability. Make sure you carry extra socks, even on day hikes - and make sure you line them. Polypropylene socks with wool on the outside, we used to change our socks 3 times a day when hiking 15-20 miles when I was at Philmont.
 
It'll mostly be overnight/weekend trips since I've already planned most of my vacations around non-hiking weekends. I have a floating weekend planned for Hawaii/Caribbean, but who knows, if nothing lines up I might just end up in a National Park somewhere. Zion and Bryce have always looked good.
 
I'm in agreement with dougp. You are in a rocky area, and boots are important for ankle support. Do the boots you have have a shank in them? Quick way to find out is to try bending the sole upward. If it bends, probably no shank, or maybe a partial. A shank on the boot will help protect the bottom of your foot from bruising as you tramp over rocks.

For a tent, I'd probably rent a couple and see what you like. I always get something with a vestibule so I can stash my stuff in a protected spot, but not necessarily inside the tent -- sweaty hiking boots are smelly, but wet ones are worse. Although, I wouldn't leave my boots outside where you are...too many crawlies attracted to the warm, empty boot.

That reminds me, try to find a book or website specific to backpacking in the southwest. Different regions have different quirks and hazards. There are probably some I've not considered for your area. I live in the southest and am from the northeast -- I'm used to rain and not so many poisonous companions when I backpack.
 
I'll see how much it costs to rent from REI first...but I'll definitely pick up a few books to read through. I'm in Phoenix now but I'm from Michigan so I know even less than your average SW person about the local scene 😛

Scorpions in my boot...doesn't sound fun. There's gotta be a simple way to avoid that!
 
Originally posted by: EvilYoda
I'll see how much it costs to rent from REI first...but I'll definitely pick up a few books to read through. I'm in Phoenix now but I'm from Michigan so I know even less than your average SW person about the local scene 😛

Scorpions in my boot...doesn't sound fun. There's gotta be a simple way to avoid that!
Click to expand...

Shake the boot out before putting it on? Cover your boots when you're not wearing them? Common. Being a noob doesn't mean you can't use your head. 😛
 
Originally posted by: EvilYoda
So, one of my decisions for the new year (it's scary that it's already March...) was to finally take advantage of being in Phoenix and spend more time outdoors. I've gotten a few day hikes in and I'll be working up to the longer ones (most have just been 2-4 hours) soon.

I'm looking at internal frame packs (someone on CL is selling a NIB Gregory Baltaro for $150!) and tents right now to get ready, but past that, I know I have a lot of learning in store in terms of how and what to pack, what to do about food, first aid, hydration, etc.

I know there are a handful of hikers here, so any suggestions on where to start? I'm also looking at hammocks instead of a 1-man tent for now since I'll mostly be in warmer climates and I'll be packing a pretty good quality sleeping bag (no mat yet).

Thanks 🙂
Click to expand...

You're a good hiking partner!
 
Originally posted by: irishScott
Originally posted by: EvilYoda
I'll see how much it costs to rent from REI first...but I'll definitely pick up a few books to read through. I'm in Phoenix now but I'm from Michigan so I know even less than your average SW person about the local scene 😛

Scorpions in my boot...doesn't sound fun. There's gotta be a simple way to avoid that!
Click to expand...

Shake the boot out before putting it on? Cover your boots when you're not wearing them? Common. Being a noob doesn't mean you can't use your head. 😛
Click to expand...

Shaking your boot doesn't always work, scorpions & spiders will always stay attached. You can cover it, but you'd need to use a netting so that the inside of the boots do dry out. Then again, I NEVER put my boots outside my tent because I'd prefer them to be dry and at least 15-20* warmer than outside when it's cold.
 
Originally posted by: dougp
Originally posted by: irishScott
Originally posted by: EvilYoda
I'll see how much it costs to rent from REI first...but I'll definitely pick up a few books to read through. I'm in Phoenix now but I'm from Michigan so I know even less than your average SW person about the local scene 😛

Scorpions in my boot...doesn't sound fun. There's gotta be a simple way to avoid that!
Click to expand...

Shake the boot out before putting it on? Cover your boots when you're not wearing them? Common. Being a noob doesn't mean you can't use your head. 😛
Click to expand...

Shaking your boot doesn't always work, scorpions & spiders will always stay attached. You can cover it, but you'd need to use a netting so that the inside of the boots do dry out. Then again, I NEVER put my boots outside my tent because I'd prefer them to be dry and at least 15-20* warmer than outside when it's cold.
Click to expand...

Same. Just listing stuff off the top of my head. If you want a more fun approach you can always get a welder's glove and dig around in there, see what jumps out. 😀
 
Originally posted by: irishScott
Originally posted by: EvilYoda
I'll see how much it costs to rent from REI first...but I'll definitely pick up a few books to read through. I'm in Phoenix now but I'm from Michigan so I know even less than your average SW person about the local scene 😛

Scorpions in my boot...doesn't sound fun. There's gotta be a simple way to avoid that!
Click to expand...

Shake the boot out before putting it on? Cover your boots when you're not wearing them? Common. Being a noob doesn't mean you can't use your head. 😛
Click to expand...

Yeah, I was just kidding about that 😛

Another 2-3 weekends of day hikes and I think I'll progress to my first overnight deal. Luckily the weather should be pretty ideal around here so aside from dealing with the creepy crawlies, I shouldn't have too much to worry about.

The planning is half the fun...or something.
 
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