Backpacking tips? Things I need?
May 16, 2011 by Hikerama
Filed under backpacking tips
A group of friend (actually 2 and ones mum) want to go backpacking. How long do you recommend to go (hike) for first timers? Do you recommend one tent or each getting camping hammocks. We’re only going for a few nights so do we need to buy new $150 backpacks? We would go to a place with a LOT of dangerous wild animals so should we carry pocket knives, pepper spray or maybe something different? Any other tips help. Sorry some questions are random.
So there’s four of you, I would get 2 2man tents so they are easier to carry and split the weight evenly!!! I wouldn’t spend that much money on a backpack for just a few nights especially if you are not going to use it much again, I would buy something cheap and cheerful, then it doesn’t matter so much if it gets ruined, lost or you don’t use it again!! Not sure about the pocket knives bit, I don’t have the problem with dangerous animals so I can’t help!! Finally have you thought about what you are going to use to cook!! Again something cheap if you aren’t going to use it much again but remember light! Hope that helps!
Beginners need a lot of info and training before heading out. I recommend you join up with an outdoor group like Boy scouts or the Sierra club. They have training you can get for free or low cost.
To answer you specifically a first timers hike with little to no training should not be more than a couple of miles. As for tents and such rent it first before you buy, you may not like it. Buddy up on the tent gear and use dome style tents. Do the same with the back packs rent before you buy.
The ten essentials cover a lot of your immediate needs pepper spray and a pocket knife is on that list. REI has wealth of info for newbies
I recommend a tent, having no experience with Hammocks. A “double wall” tent is the best protection. Splitting the weight of a three person tent should make the weight reasonable. You don’t need to spend much money on your first tent. Just be sure you purchase some seam sealer and seal the seams of the rain fly part of the tent. http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___27810#
Same philosophy for backpacks. Go to the good will or a wholesale store rather than a sporting goods store and find something with large volume for your first pack. If you expect any chance at all of rain put a big plastic garbage bag inside to protect the contents from rain. Folloint is an example of the size you need. http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___90404
As far as dangerous animals this is all I know. I have backpacked in Alaska, California and Washington state often where there are bear, cougar, bob cats and even wolverines. Almost never have I carried a gun and when I did I didn’t ever need it. I take precautions like hanging food and absolutely no food in the tent if there are mice or bears about. The mice and their friends are usually the only problem. But the real answer is to ask experienced people in the area you are going (park rangers? Hiking Club members? Local Sporting Goods store people) what animals to worry about and what precautions to take. Trying out the first overnight will be the hardest part. Try a short hike to a popular camp area. You can test your equipment, skills and you mental resolve without a long or difficult hike in. If you want to plan a week long trip do a few overnights first to see what you can carry and what you want to eliminate. Look up “ten essentials” on the Google search engine. The best book on the subject, IMHO, is Chip Rawlings “The Complete Walker IV”.
I’d recommend no more than 5 miles per day for first time backpackers. Your capabilities will depend on your individual fitness levels. Another variable will be the type of terrain your hiking. If all of you are reasonably fit, and terrain is mostly flat, you may be comfortable doing several miles before making camp for the evening. On the other hand, if one of you is a bit out of shape, and/or terrain is difficult, you may only want to hike 2 or 3 miles a day. Keep in mind that your group is only as fast as the slowest hiker, if you want the group to stay together during the hike.
If you live in a location where it’s possible to rent gear, by all means look into renting a tent and packs. However, if you don’t have access to local gear rentals, you don’t have to spend a fortune.
I’m sure many backpacking purists will ridicule this idea, but there is some reasonably priced decent gear that can be purchased at Wal-Mart. Before you spend big bucks on elitist, name brand, expensive gear, (and b4 you even know whether you’ll like backpacking and will do it again) check out some of the packs and tents at Wal-Mart. They are beginning to stock more and more outdoor gear, and there are some decent packs for around $30.00. I personally own one of the Outdoor Products brand Arrowhead 8.0 backpacks, and am happy with it. It’s about a 45-50 litre pack, and holds plenty of gear for a few days of hiking. I have stuffed mine full for a hike of several days/nights, and I’ve packed it lightly for one overnight. It’s also fairly lightweight, at about 2.5 lbs. I can say that it seems fairly well made, and has served me well in the woods, and didn’t cost me a fortune.
I’ve also recently seen some newer models of Outdoor Product packs that are comparable in price. Lots of packs in the $30-$35 range, differing models with different styles of pockets, etc. If you decide later that backpacking’s not for you, you’re only out about $30. If you decide you love backpacking, you can always invest in better quality gear later on if you wish, as your budget allows.
Tents: It might be tempting to purchase or rent one tent to sleep all four people, but one person has to carry the thing. I’d advise getting two 2 person tents. As another user stated, with two tents the shelter weight is shared by two hikers.
Lots of dangerous wild animals? The animals will probably do their best to avoid you. Most wild animals try to avoid human contact. If it makes you more comfortable, carry some bear spray or pepper spray. At least one of you should carry a small pocket knife, but not for protection from wildlife. The knife may come in handy for cutting some cord or twine, or piercing a blister, or preparing a meal, but it won’t do you much good for protection. A knife or multitool is actually in the list of 10 essentials.
You’ll need sleeping bags, depending on the season and weather, of course. You’ll need a way to prepare food. There’s lots of camp stove and cooking options out there. Be sure to bring food and water. If you’re not going to be on a well marked trail, you’ll need to bring a compass and map. Bring a flashlight and some method of starting a fire. Bring a trusty Bic lighter (bring 2) and/or some waterproof matches or other firestarter as a backup. Bring proper clothing for the weather. Don’t forget to bring a first aid kit.
Most important, have fun! Check out some backpacking and hiking forums. You can gain a lot of info by reading and researching in advance of your trip. The best way to learn is to get out there and experience it firsthand though.
Here’s a site I found that lists ‘Backcountry Essentials’, the Ten Essentials Plus Four.
http://www.backpacking.net/ten-essl.html
Since you used the term “mum”, I assume you’re not in the USA. For wild animals, carry bear repellent. Also have insect repellent. As suggested by another, go to a Wal Mart type of store (If you don’t have one) or some type of Army/Navy surplus. They are less expensive than most stores that specialize in sporting goods. Two, 2-3 man tents are best. I prefer 3 man tents for 2 people so there is the extra space for gear. You will have to carry sleeping bags, cooking gear, utensils, water, food (packaged is best), waterproof matches, lighter and trash bags. You don’t want to leave any trash behind. Another handy item is a grill that you can place over the fire. Use bar soap to coat the bottoms of your pans before cooking. It helps to make it easier to wash off the soot from the fire. You need a compass and it would help to have a map of the area. Additional items: first aid kit, knife, hatchet, flashlight, some rope and water purifier or tablets. Mesh bags are good for hanging food and cookware (to dry).
For first timers, I would really recommend a base camp where you can park a car nearby. That way, you can store extra food & water in the car for safe keeping. It would also lighten your backpacks for hiking. From base camp, you could hike one direction with a day’s supply & stay the night then hike back to base & go another direction the next day. It is also good to camp near a water supply. Make sure you have good shoes; hiking boots are best. Let someone know where you are going & when you expect to return. If a state or national park, check in & register your plans. Don’t be over zealous. Hiking & camping are great for exercise and enjoying the outdoors but can be taxing on your energy. Check out some web sites to shop around for gear. There are also sites with hiking and camping suggestions. I can’t list all your needs because I don’t know where you plan to go. Enjoy and be safe!
You may want to evaluate whether you want to go backpacking or day-hiking with small packs. Backpacking is a useful tactic if you have a lot of miles to cover, but many times a base camp is sufficient near a trailhead. Base camp car-camping is much cheaper than getting outfitted for backpacking. Car camping gear can be fairly cheap, while the ultra-light, extra-sturdy gear required for backpacking is very expensive. On a day-hike, I can cover 25 miles and 6,000 feet of vertical ascent with a day-pack. With a full pack for overnight camping on trail, I am luck to cover half that distance. Therefore, for your first experience, I recommend that you sleep overnight in a developed campground, then head-out early on a day-hike of less than ten miles. I was lucky to get my family members to hike 2 miles and 1,000 feet of vertical ascent on our first outing. There is no place with a lot of dangerous wild animals, unless you are talking about the Island of Manhatten.
dehydrated meals are king!
scroggin bags re a must. eg small resalable bags full of dried fruits, nuts and the OCCASIONAL chocolate
water water water!
first id kit
navigational kit
emergency satellite phone
What i have in my alice pak when i go hiking is a machete a fire starter kit( magnesuim) water bottle ( good for 2-3 uses to purfiy water if u heat it) gloves hat socks compass
I would suggest keeping your mileage under 4 miles per day. While doing 10 or more is possible, if you are new to the whole thing, keeping the mileage low will make it more enjoyable.
2 x 2 person tents are probably the better way to go. 4 person tents are too heavy.
If you don’t want to buy stuff, you can rent most backpacking equipment at places like REI.
Unless you are backpacking in Northern Alaska, I wouldn’t worry about having to fight off dangerous animals. You would be very lucky to even see an animal like a bear. The important thing is food storage. You shouldn’t have anything with an odor including food, toothpaste, deodorant, etc.. in your tents with you.