How to get started with backpacking?

[GoSharks]

Originally posted by: dougp
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.

EvilYoda, using trail runners is an entirely different philosophy than using boots. TRs are running shoes that are reinforced for trail use - meaning that they typically have midsoles that are stiffer than running shoes, but are softer than boots. TRs will also have more aggressive tread than running shoes. Compared to boots, TRs are much lighter and very well ventilated. Because the TRs are much lighter, you aren't stomping around as much and don't need the support that full boots provide.

People change socks because they get wet while inside your typical non-breathable boot. With TRs, the idea is that the ventilation is so great, if your feet do get wet, they will very quickly dry out. On the flip side, you need to wear thicker socks in winter because of the ventilation.

Get whatever will work for you. TRs work great for me because my fully loaded weight hovers around 20-22 pounds depending on food, and I weigh about 120 on a heavy day. My ankles can and have taken anything that I've stumbled upon on and off the trail. I also use trekking poles. I used to wear a pair of Vasque Lightspeed, and am currently wearing a pair of Vasque Velocity VST, although I haven't taken these out on an overnight trip yet.

 

[EvilYoda]

Originally posted by: GoSharks

Originally posted by: dougp
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.

EvilYoda, using trail runners is an entirely different philosophy than using boots. TRs are running shoes that are reinforced for trail use - meaning that they typically have midsoles that are stiffer than running shoes, but are softer than boots. TRs will also have more aggressive tread than running shoes. Compared to boots, TRs are much lighter and very well ventilated. Because the TRs are much lighter, you aren't stomping around as much and don't need the support that full boots provide.

People change socks because they get wet while inside your typical non-breathable boot. With TRs, the idea is that the ventilation is so great, if your feet do get wet, they will very quickly dry out. On the flip side, you need to wear thicker socks in winter because of the ventilation.

Get whatever will work for you. TRs work great for me because my fully loaded weight hovers around 20-22 pounds depending on food, and I weigh about 120 on a heavy day. My ankles can and have taken anything that I've stumbled upon on and off the trail. I also use trekking poles. I used to wear a pair of Vasque Lightspeed, and am currently wearing a pair of Vasque Velocity VST, although I haven't taken these out on an overnight trip yet.

Ah, nice. It sounds like what I'm wearing is more of a traditional boot - I haven't had any dampness issues yet, despite my upper body sweating decently well. But I'll remember to overpack and concentrate on socks. Maybe this is where being Asian comes in handy...fewer glands FTW.

 

[EvilYoda]

Evening bump

 

[irishScott]

Originally posted by: EvilYoda

Originally posted by: GoSharks

Originally posted by: dougp
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.

EvilYoda, using trail runners is an entirely different philosophy than using boots. TRs are running shoes that are reinforced for trail use - meaning that they typically have midsoles that are stiffer than running shoes, but are softer than boots. TRs will also have more aggressive tread than running shoes. Compared to boots, TRs are much lighter and very well ventilated. Because the TRs are much lighter, you aren't stomping around as much and don't need the support that full boots provide.

People change socks because they get wet while inside your typical non-breathable boot. With TRs, the idea is that the ventilation is so great, if your feet do get wet, they will very quickly dry out. On the flip side, you need to wear thicker socks in winter because of the ventilation.

Get whatever will work for you. TRs work great for me because my fully loaded weight hovers around 20-22 pounds depending on food, and I weigh about 120 on a heavy day. My ankles can and have taken anything that I've stumbled upon on and off the trail. I also use trekking poles. I used to wear a pair of Vasque Lightspeed, and am currently wearing a pair of Vasque Velocity VST, although I haven't taken these out on an overnight trip yet.

Ah, nice. It sounds like what I'm wearing is more of a traditional boot - I haven't had any dampness issues yet, despite my upper body sweating decently well. But I'll remember to overpack and concentrate on socks. Maybe this is where being Asian comes in handy...fewer glands FTW.

Yeah, I should add that if you're going anywhere that has a combination of water and consistent cold, breathability won't mean shit as far as drying goes. Whatever gets wet will stay wet. Let alone if you have to cross a creek or something. Applies to boots too, but they'll generally be a hell of a lot warmer/more resilient (obviously). You'll also want the ankle support if you're going anywhere rocky/off trail. Slippery rocks are not fun, and will easily kill your ankles without extra support.

If you're looking for recommendations, I've been using these for the better part of a year now. Kept me warm and dry through a 13 mile wilderness hike that included snow, downpours, multiple creek crossings (fell in 3 times), and never got above 40 degrees. Next to no break-in period either. Can't speak for the long-term durability yet, but others can.

http://www.backpackgeartest.or...by%20Kevin%20Pferdner/
http://www.backpackgeartest.or...by%20Sophie%20Pearson/
http://www.backpackgeartest.or...20Jennifer%20Williams/

I managed to get a much more badass looking dark green version, but it's the same boot. Also has a regular fit if your foot is slimmer.

I recommend Thorlo for socks. They build up a smell quicker than some due to the materials but they're comfortable as hell. I generally use these or these.

 

[Bignate603]

Yoda, check out fossil springs (it's up near Strawberry AZ) when it gets a little warmer. We live in Tempe and that's one of our favorite places. You can do it as a day hike but its a great place to camp. There's some nice swimming holes down there.

Here's some pictures:

pic 1
pic 2
pic 3
pic 4
pic 5



I agree though that you'll want boots for hiking in our area though. Mine have saved me from a twisted ankle a few times.

If you're going to be traveling with a decent amount of gear or doing more difficult trails I would highly recommend getting a set of trekking poles. I got a set for when I did the grand canyon (which is a must do before you leave AZ) and it made an amazing difference. It takes a bunch of impact off your knees and ankles. If you're doing a longer hike it can make the difference from being tired and being so sore you can't move.

When you get your pack talk with the people at REI on how to pack it and how to adjust it. A properly sized, packed, and adjusted pack will feel significantly lighter. Go in wearing your boots, have them load up the packs your considering with weight and carry it around. Try it up and down there little boot slope thing in the shoe department. If it has something that's a little uncomfortable or digging into you don't think it won't bother you or that it will go away. Your pack should feel GREAT when you first put it on because after a few hours in it it will get worse, not better.

One more thing about hiking in AZ. Always have more water than you think you need, always have it split up into multiple containers, and always know where you'll be refilling. I've been on hikes multiple times where I've run into people that were carrying way too little or had their camel back spring a leak. One girl was well on her way to collapsing and she still had about a mile to a water source. Depending on where you're going it can be pretty far between places for water. It's always better to have a bunch extra when you get there than to run out. It sounds like something you've heard a million times but keep on drinking constantly when you're out in the sun, often in AZ you dry off pretty quickly so you may not notice how badly you're sweating. Gatorade powder is easy to pack, really helps with hydration, and covers any bad taste if you choose to use chemicals for water treatment (I used an iodine kit I got at REI until recently when I got a filter).

Obligatory Grand Canyon pictures for a thread about hiking in AZ. It was a great time, we hiked from the North Rim to the South. If you're doing it that's the way to go, do it during the spring or fall, and take your time. We did it in 4 days. We could have shaved that down to 3 if we wanted but why rush? You're there for the sights and the experience. Make it last a little longer.

GC1
GC2
GC3
GC4

 

[EvilYoda]

Nice, thanks bignate...good to get some advice from a local. I don't know if I'll have the days for the GC this year, but it's certainly something I'm thinking about.

The water thing is one of the things I worry about most, so I'll definitely have to brush up on how to deal with it properly.

 

[akubi]

a fleshlight for those cold lonely nights

it doubles as a canteen during the day

 

[GoSharks]

Originally posted by: irishScott
Yeah, I should add that if you're going anywhere that has a combination of water and consistent cold, breathability won't mean shit as far as drying goes. Whatever gets wet will stay wet. Let alone if you have to cross a creek or something.

You would be surprised how quickly trail runners will dry out after being (partially) immersed. Usually 30mins to a hour of hiking will return the shoes back to the condition they were in before the immersion. That said, I have a separate pair of Goretex XCR trail runners for snow conditions.

 

[irishScott]

Originally posted by: GoSharks

Originally posted by: irishScott
Yeah, I should add that if you're going anywhere that has a combination of water and consistent cold, breathability won't mean shit as far as drying goes. Whatever gets wet will stay wet. Let alone if you have to cross a creek or something.

You would be surprised how quickly trail runners will dry out after being (partially) immersed. Usually 30mins to a hour of hiking will return the shoes back to the condition they were in before the immersion. That said, I have a separate pair of Goretex XCR trail runners for snow conditions.

I've never used them, so I'll take your word for it. All I know is that how quickly they'll dry out depends on the temperature/humidity like everything else. I fell into a creek in 40 degree weather when we were almost back to camp, changed shirts when I got back. It dipped down into the 20s at night. Even hung up in my tent (where the temperature hovered around 35 for the night according to my thermometer), that thing was still drenched the next morning. My boots, after being fully immersed for a full 10 seconds, were still perfectly dry on the inside.

 

[EvilYoda]

Well, as far as I know, I don't plan on being in snow anytime soon. I think that my main concern is the aforementioned rocky trail hiking and hydration.

 

[Bignate603]

Originally posted by: EvilYoda
Nice, thanks bignate...good to get some advice from a local. I don't know if I'll have the days for the GC this year, but it's certainly something I'm thinking about.

The water thing is one of the things I worry about most, so I'll definitely have to brush up on how to deal with it properly.

It's actually not too bad. A filter from REI will do well or if you don't feel like spending the money you can just get tablets. I've got an MSR sweetwater which works great, I think it cost me $70. The tablets will cost you less than $10 but you don't want to treat water on a reservoir with the hose on it. You can end up with some water in the hose not getting enough of the chemicals to kill everything. You can get around this by carrying a nalgene or something to treat water in or get a reservoir with a removable hose.

Pretty much every good trail write up will have places to get water well marked and most of the hikes that people do in AZ are around streams and springs. Beyond the access to water it also makes the scenery nicer. If you research your trip you should have a good idea and not every trip is going to require huge amounts of water. For example, for fossil springs I usually bring a full nalgene mixed as gatorade and then a 2 liter reservoir to sip on as we walk. It's probably a bit of overkill because we've done the hike in less than 2 hours and there's a spring with great water at the bottom. However, running into a dayhiker who had their single 20 oz bottle of water run out in the first 30 minutes has happened a few times and I've given them some of my water.

The clear creek trail up near Sedona is nice too. Just go out there, hike until you find a nice spot or get tired, and then camp. The creek itself is dotted with swimming holes. While it can be relatively popular near the parking area the farther you go the less people you'll see. After an hour or two of walking you should be pretty much on your own.

EDIT: I should add for the fossil springs hike with that amount of water I'm doing it during the early morning or after the sun has gone down. During the day in the summer it's relatively exposed on the upper section and you could chew through water quickly.

 

[irishScott]

Originally posted by: Bignate603

Originally posted by: EvilYoda
Nice, thanks bignate...good to get some advice from a local. I don't know if I'll have the days for the GC this year, but it's certainly something I'm thinking about.

The water thing is one of the things I worry about most, so I'll definitely have to brush up on how to deal with it properly.

It's actually not too bad. A filter from REI will do well or if you don't feel like spending the money you can just get tablets. I've got an MSR sweetwater which works great, I think it cost me $70. The tablets will cost you less than $10 but you don't want to treat water on a reservoir with the hose on it. You can end up with some water in the hose not getting enough of the chemicals to kill everything. You can get around this by carrying a nalgene or something to treat water in or get a reservoir with a removable hose.

Pretty much every good trail write up will have places to get water well marked and most of the hikes that people do in AZ are around streams and springs. Beyond the access to water it also makes the scenery nicer. If you research your trip you should have a good idea and not every trip is going to require huge amounts of water. For example, for fossil springs I usually bring a full nalgene mixed as gatorade and then a 2 liter reservoir to sip on as we walk. It's probably a bit of overkill because we've done the hike in less than 2 hours and there's a spring with great water at the bottom. However, running into a dayhiker who had their single 20 oz bottle of water run out in the first 30 minutes has happened a few times and I've given them some of my water.

The clear creek trail up near Sedona is nice too. Just go out there, hike until you find a nice spot or get tired, and then camp. The creek itself is dotted with swimming holes. While it can be relatively popular near the parking area the farther you go the less people you'll see. After an hour or two of walking you should be pretty much on your own.

EDIT: I should add for the fossil springs hike with that amount of water I'm doing it during the early morning or after the sun has gone down. During the day in the summer it's relatively exposed on the upper section and you could chew through water quickly.

Just to add, if you get a filter that screws onto the top of a Nalgene or something, make sure you don't screw it too tight. Otherwise the pressure can build up and could kill the filter.

 

[oboeguy]

Nobody's suggested a JetBoil so I will. If you're into freeze dried food and the like, requiring boiling water to reconsitute, the JetBoil is awesome.

Edit: probably good for melting snow too!

 

[EvilYoda]

Originally posted by: oboeguy
Nobody's suggested a JetBoil so I will. If you're into freeze dried food and the like, requiring boiling water to reconsitute, the JetBoil is awesome.

Edit: probably good for melting snow too!

yeah, actually, FBB uses a JetBoil so I've seen one in action - it seems pretty worth it, but I have to figure out if I'll really have the need for one. I don't know anything yet, but it seems like I should be able to get through an overnight trip with just packed food (well, not normal food, but still).

 

[illusion88]

First and Foremost, and I can't stress this enough... Leave No Trace.
Learn the Leave No Trace principles and live by them. They are extremely important and valuable for our continued use of wilderness areas.

Plan Ahead and Prepare
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
Dispose of Waste Properly
Leave What You Find
Minimize Campfire Impacts
Respect Wildlife
Be Considerate of Other Visitor

http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles.php


It's going to take you a few trips to get you learning what you like, what works and what doesn't. Especially the food aspect of it. Although freeze dried food is fantastic, it's very expensive so I hardly use it. I will, however, dehydrate my own food.

The extremely basic checklist is
1. Sleeping bag
2. Sleeping pad
3. Tent
4. Water (ie. a hydration pack like a platypus and some sort of way to filter it, pump or iodine)
5. Food
6. Map

This is what you need to survive. You said you live in Pheonix, I am willing to bet most summer nights you won't need a tent. I hardly use a tent, I prefer to sleep under the stars. I live in Utah and it's a rare occasion when I require a tent. I do bring a tarp in case of rain, but that's it. I just wrap myself in it like a burrito or something haha. Last year I didn't take my tent out once, and I was camping well into the fall and early spring.

You mentioned that you did some short day hikes already. Did you get blisters? You probably tied your boots on too tight. My boots (I wear a heavy duty leather boot) are on so loose that if I stepped in sticky mud my shoe would nearly come off. Throughout the season I can tighten them as callouses develop. I highly recommend a heavy, leather boot with ankle support. Most people will tell you otherwise, but the heavy boots last longer and are way more durable. Also the soles are going to withstand all sorts of different terrain and abuse. Plus they are waterproof. Oh, and wear gators, no joke, best thing ever.

Socks, a few people have mentioned them. I used to wear a thin polypropylene sock and a thicker wool sock. Now they make wool socks that have the layer "built in" so to speak. The polypro layer was there to wick sweat away from your foot. I rarely bring more than three pairs of socks. One pair I am wearing, one pair that is wet and another that is drying (or dry).

Obviously, you should stick to well known trails before you start tromping off into the wilderness.

One last thing about packs.... 90-100% of your packs weight should be supported by your hips. the top of my shoulder straps don't even touch my shoulders (they hover about a half inch). My shoulder straps really just keep the pack from falling backwards, they aren't there for too much weight support.

 

[EvilYoda]

Originally posted by: illusion88
First and Foremost, and I can't stress this enough... Leave No Trace.
Learn the Leave No Trace principles and live by them. They are extremely important and valuable for our continued use of wilderness areas.

Plan Ahead and Prepare
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
Dispose of Waste Properly
Leave What You Find
Minimize Campfire Impacts
Respect Wildlife
Be Considerate of Other Visitor

http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles.php


It's going to take you a few trips to get you learning what you like, what works and what doesn't. Especially the food aspect of it. Although freeze dried food is fantastic, it's very expensive so I hardly use it. I will, however, dehydrate my own food.

The extremely basic checklist is
1. Sleeping bag
2. Sleeping pad
3. Tent
4. Water (ie. a hydration pack like a platypus and some sort of way to filter it, pump or iodine)
5. Food
6. Map

This is what you need to survive. You said you live in Pheonix, I am willing to bet most summer nights you won't need a tent. I hardly use a tent, I prefer to sleep under the stars. I live in Utah and it's a rare occasion when I require a tent. I do bring a tarp in case of rain, but that's it. I just wrap myself in it like a burrito or something haha. Last year I didn't take my tent out once, and I was camping well into the fall and early spring.

You mentioned that you did some short day hikes already. Did you get blisters? You probably tied your boots on too tight. My boots (I wear a heavy duty leather boot) are on so loose that if I stepped in sticky mud my shoe would nearly come off. Throughout the season I can tighten them as callouses develop. I highly recommend a heavy, leather boot with ankle support. Most people will tell you otherwise, but the heavy boots last longer and are way more durable. Also the soles are going to withstand all sorts of different terrain and abuse. Plus they are waterproof. Oh, and wear gators, no joke, best thing ever.

Socks, a few people have mentioned them. I used to wear a thin polypropylene sock and a thicker wool sock. Now they make wool socks that have the layer "built in" so to speak. The polypro layer was there to wick sweat away from your foot. I rarely bring more than three pairs of socks. One pair I am wearing, one pair that is wet and another that is drying (or dry).

Obviously, you should stick to well known trails before you start tromping off into the wilderness.

One last thing about packs.... 90-100% of your packs weight should be supported by your hips. the top of my shoulder straps don't even touch my shoulders (they hover about a half inch). My shoulder straps really just keep the pack from falling backwards, they aren't there for too much weight support.

I went on a pretty "hardcore" camping trip with my ex in high school, but luckily they were all very experienced hikers. I was able to witness then how they never left anything behind, trash was taken with us, etc. So I'll read up on it, but at least I'm aware.

My boots don't give me blisters...not yet at least, and I've done a few fairly difficult (lots of jumping and climbing and whatnot) trails, so we'll see what happens when the trips get longer. I just picked up a pad on steepandcheap.com, so I've got a good sleeping bag and pad.

I'm really looking at hammocks right now, but I don't know the locations well enough - will I have trees to tie to around Phoenix and Sedona? That's primarily where I'll be camping for the next 2-3 months. Otherwise, I've found a few decent deals on well-reviewed one-man tents.

For sleeping exposed to the elements, should I worry about bugs/critters?

 

[DayLaPaul]

I would guess that step 1 would involve obtaining a backpack.

 

[irishScott]

Originally posted by: EvilYoda

Originally posted by: oboeguy
Nobody's suggested a JetBoil so I will. If you're into freeze dried food and the like, requiring boiling water to reconsitute, the JetBoil is awesome.

Edit: probably good for melting snow too!

yeah, actually, FBB uses a JetBoil so I've seen one in action - it seems pretty worth it, but I have to figure out if I'll really have the need for one. I don't know anything yet, but it seems like I should be able to get through an overnight trip with just packed food (well, not normal food, but still).

Probably, but you'll still want something hot after/during a long hike. Granted you can just cook something over a fire, but if you're the lazy type like me you could look into these:
http://www.readymeal.com/store/home.php

They're civilian MREs, made by one of the companies that makes military MREs, and are virtually identical. Only real differences is that they only have ~1300 calories per pack, and require salt water (included in a fairly heavy duty plastic pouch in each pack) to activate the flameless heater as opposed to regular water (so they can ship via ground with worrying about hazmat). They work well, and the calories they pack are well worth it. Taste decent too. I actually like the Chicken/Beans and Chicken Noodles.

There are other versions/brands of civilian MREs if you want to look into them.
http://www.mreinfo.com/civilia...an-mre-comparison.html

I chose aPacks because they're the best bang-for-the-buck IMO. If you calculate the cost + shipping, it basically comes out to the cost of a Panera Bread sandwich for each meal. Worth it IMO.

 

[EvilYoda]

Originally posted by: DayLaPaul
I would guess that step 1 would involve obtaining a backpack.

Damn, if this is the kind of shit you post, I'm glad you only have 900 in nearly 8 years.

 

[EvilYoda]

Originally posted by: irishScott

Originally posted by: EvilYoda

Originally posted by: oboeguy
Nobody's suggested a JetBoil so I will. If you're into freeze dried food and the like, requiring boiling water to reconsitute, the JetBoil is awesome.

Edit: probably good for melting snow too!

yeah, actually, FBB uses a JetBoil so I've seen one in action - it seems pretty worth it, but I have to figure out if I'll really have the need for one. I don't know anything yet, but it seems like I should be able to get through an overnight trip with just packed food (well, not normal food, but still).

Probably, but you'll still want something hot after/during a long hike. Granted you can just cook something over a fire, but you're the lazy type like me you could look into these:
http://www.readymeal.com/store/home.php

They're civilian MREs, made by one of the companies that makes military MREs, and are virtually identical. Only real differences is that they only have ~1300 calories per pack, and require salt water (included in a fairly heavy duty plastic pouch in each pack) to activate the flameless heater as opposed to regular water (so they can ship via ground with worrying about hazmat). They work well, and the calories they pack are well worth it. Taste decent too. I actually like the Chicken/Beans and Chicken Noodles.

There are other version of civilian MREs if you want to look into them.
http://www.mreinfo.com/civilia...an-mre-comparison.html

I chose aPacks because they're the best bang-for-the-buck IMO. If you calculate the cost + shipping, it basically comes out to the cost of a Panera Bread sandwich for each meal. Worth it IMO.

Ah, great information. I certainly won't attempt to stick to a strict diet while I'm out on a trip, but that isn't a big deal. Thanks for the links, I'll look them over later.

 

[GoSharks]

Originally posted by: irishScottEven hung up in my tent (where the temperature hovered around 35 for the night according to my thermometer), that thing was still drenched the next morning.

It was still drenched because tents are very high in humidity in cold, buttoned up conditions. That is why you get so much condensation on the fly.
Wet, ventilated shoes dry out for me even in 40degree nights (hiking).

I like Mountain House freeze dried meals. MREs are pretty heavy once you get past a simple overnight trip.

 

[Redfraggle]

If you are going to go with freeze-dried meals, buy some ahead of time and see which ones you like, and what spices you need to add to suit you. You'll need extra calories while hiking, and it's no good if you don't like what you brought. Some combos are tastier than you think, others turn out awful. I've had some that had way fewer veggies than indicated, so I would check for that and supplement accordingly. Also, I've used the NOLS cooking method and have mixed opinions on it. For long trips, it's nice because it passes time and allows for more diversity. Freeze-dried is nice because it's easy and light.

 

[irishScott]

Originally posted by: GoSharks

Originally posted by: irishScottEven hung up in my tent (where the temperature hovered around 35 for the night according to my thermometer), that thing was still drenched the next morning.

It was still drenched because tents are very high in humidity in cold, buttoned up conditions. That is why you get so much condensation on the fly.
Wet, ventilated shoes dry out for me even in 40degree nights (hiking).

I like Mountain House freeze dried meals. MREs are pretty heavy once you get past a simple overnight trip.

Nah it was snowing that night and my tent has hooded vents, and it felt dry anyway. Should bring a barometer next time to test it out though. Drench a shirt and see what happens.

As for MRE weight, I don't know about other brands but the ones I use are 1-1.3 lbs a piece (weighed them myself). Count 3/day with snacks, not bad. And remember that's ~2.5-3.5 lbs per day that you'll be shedding (counting the weight of the remaining packaging). Also have a lot more calories/pound according to this chart. You also don't have to carry a stove.

Not saying that there aren't other viable options, but I'll gladly take a little temporary extra weight for the extra calories they provide. More of a challenge that way anyway. To each their own.

 

[DrPizza]

Originally posted by: EvilYoda

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!

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.

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.

Don't discount the idea of only hiking a half mile in late in the afternoon, spending the night, then hiking right back out in the morning. If you make any blunders - those "oh shit, I forgot" or "I really wish I had..." - it won't be as bad, and it'd be much easier to abort your camping.

 

[IronWing]

The key to successful backpacking is the boots. Everything else you can wing, but if your feet hurt, your life is sucking.

I recommend these if you can find them in your size.