Any experienced backpackers here?
I'm a day hiker, and multi-day camper, but I've never combined the two. Generally, I want to camp near my car. It's convenient. LOL
However, since I'd like to trek to at least Camp One of Everest someday, I figure I should do some backpacking to train.
Plus, it'll be good exercise. But, I'm honestly not sure where the hell to start. It would be all too easy to buy a bunch of expensive **** that I would never actually ever need.
In light of just starting out with backpacking with a goal to do more, but without infinite financial resources, any suggestions on what gear is essential?
And I've always wondered, how the **** to you carry in enough water for multi day trips?
I'm not exactly super-hiker, but I've done a good many multi-day hikes. Item one is don't over-estimate how much mileage you can hike in a day, and remember that "mountain miles" are WAY different than flatland miles! I often liked to set up a three-day "loop" that would bring us back to the vehicle without ever having to turn around and backtrack... but like I said don't overestimate your mileage! :doh:
Kelty is a good pack, a little pricey but well worth it. I've gone out with a large Alice pack (WITH kidney pad!) and it was fine for me, even if the "high speed low drag" hikers would sneer at it. (They're mil-surplus, cheap at any surplus store, not lightweight but very sturdy.)
Cooking: single-burner propane camp "stove" with one small propane cannister per 2 days, available at Wal-mart cheap. A lighter alternative is a little "white gas stove", price varies. One quart-size ordinary pot. Knife, fork, spoon. Maybe a few seasoning packets if you like. LOTS OF MATCHES!
Food: Instant grits for breakfast, for lunch something not too heavy that can just be eaten as-is (trail mix, ration bars, but TASTE 'em before you hike with 'em! Some are NASTY.) Supper... well it depends. Freeze-dried is nice, its low-weight and tasty but not cheap. Some go with Ramen noodles and a small (4-6oz) can of meat to go in it as an el-cheapo alternative.
Map, compass, alternative firestarter (I like magnesium blocks or Swedish firesteels), spare compass, for that matter a spare map aint a bad idea. EVEN IF you have a GPS, bring a frigging map!!! Maps don't run out of power or lose satellite signal!
Dryer lint for firestarting tinder. Pieces of egg-crate cardboard and some chunks of candle-wax work too.
Bring a medium-size knife AND a leatherman tool or other multitool. You will be glad you did.
Spare socks and laces.
A towel.
You can't carry enough water for more than a two day hike. You'll need either a water filter like a Katadyne pump, or else water purification tablets... or else spend a lot of time boiling water, or else take your girardia chances. I've done all the above... I don't like the way water purification tablets make the water taste. DO take a half-gallon of water with you, and make sure you know where your water sources will be along the trail.
That's my two bits anyway...
Oh yeah btw... building a good campfire is a skill. Maybe you already have that skill, if so great; if not practice it at home first. Have more than one way of lighting the fire. Have your own dry tinder kept in a dry container, and know how to find bits of dry wood in a wet forest. I went out one time in the winter alone and darn near froze to death getting a fire started in a damp forest. Spent half the night babying that thing along to keep from freezing.