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Re: How many of you do backpacking/overnight hiking? [Re: straycat] #2766537
03/20/19 08:01 AM
03/20/19 08:01 AM
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 8,032
Huntsville
jono23 Offline
14 point
jono23  Offline
14 point
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 8,032
Huntsville
Originally Posted by straycat


I was on a restricted budget for gear always. So I purchased middle grade gear. Kelty backpack, Cabela's lightweight tent (not ultralight), Northface sleeping bag, Themarest pad, MSR pocket rocket stove. Everything else is just regular stuff I already had in my hunting closet or kitchen. It's good gear and has been durable but there are far better brands that are more comfortable, much lighter and better quality...but the price tags are insane. The way my knees are today I'm going to have to invest in lighter gear soon....plus quit overpacking. Hauling too much stuff is normally the #1 culprit by novice backpackers.

My Kelty pack is enormous which invites me to pack way too much. But I like a bigger pack so everything is inside it, not strapped to the outside. Bigger is not always better.


Sounds like we have the exact same gear rofl Although a lot of that is pretty standard. When we switched from doing over night trips to longer trips with more people, we switched out the Pocket Rocket for a Whisperlight.

Something I'd add as top priority is your boots/socks. Your feet are pretty important when you a few days in...

Re: How many of you do backpacking/overnight hiking? [Re: MC21] #2766633
03/20/19 09:32 AM
03/20/19 09:32 AM
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 9,111
B'ham
Goatkiller Offline
14 point
Goatkiller  Offline
14 point
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 9,111
B'ham
Another thing to consider. I was once younger and tougher. Depending on how you tolerate certain things. Weight and comfort being the two in question hiking.

Don't rule out Military Surplus. You can get an ILBE ruck. Things like that. Weight is the issue for extended hikes but Uncle Sam never cared so it can be done with reasonable comfort at low low prices. It is just not what you want if you want "nice" stuff. But it is heavy duty and lasts. I've humped an ILBE further than most. It can be done.

You have so many options on hiking around here it is incredible. The best advice I can give is to find some others that want to hike or like to hike and hit the trails. Lots of trails in Alabama. Check Outdoor Alabama. Probably take a while to just hike some of those... and when you get done you can hit the Smokey Mtns.... also (closer) you can ride over to North GA and I would think about doing short sections of the Appalachian trail i.e. Winding Stair Gap.

Start out day hiking and work your way into overnight.

I keep hearing REI is going to put a store in at the Summit in B'ham. If so... game one. The sale rack is your friend.

When you are ready to do the Matterhorn I'm in. Haven't done that one yet.


No government employees were harmed in the making of this mess.
Re: How many of you do backpacking/overnight hiking? [Re: MC21] #2766663
03/20/19 10:09 AM
03/20/19 10:09 AM
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 19,080
Chelsea, AL
straycat Offline
Old Mossy Horns
straycat  Offline
Old Mossy Horns
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 19,080
Chelsea, AL
My next trip is the Pinhoti from end to end. Have only done short sections a couple days here and there.


"The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever." Isaiah 40:8

"Neither the wisest constitution nor the wisest laws will secure the liberty and happiness of a people whose manners are universally corrupt.� Samuel Adams
Re: How many of you do backpacking/overnight hiking? [Re: Goatkiller] #2766666
03/20/19 10:11 AM
03/20/19 10:11 AM
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 19,080
Chelsea, AL
straycat Offline
Old Mossy Horns
straycat  Offline
Old Mossy Horns
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 19,080
Chelsea, AL
Originally Posted by Goatkiller
Another thing to consider. I was once younger and tougher. Depending on how you tolerate certain things. Weight and comfort being the two in question hiking.

Don't rule out Military Surplus. You can get an ILBE ruck. Things like that. Weight is the issue for extended hikes but Uncle Sam never cared so it can be done with reasonable comfort at low low prices. It is just not what you want if you want "nice" stuff. But it is heavy duty and lasts. I've humped an ILBE further than most. It can be done.

You have so many options on hiking around here it is incredible. The best advice I can give is to find some others that want to hike or like to hike and hit the trails. Lots of trails in Alabama. Check Outdoor Alabama. Probably take a while to just hike some of those... and when you get done you can hit the Smokey Mtns.... also (closer) you can ride over to North GA and I would think about doing short sections of the Appalachian trail i.e. Winding Stair Gap.

Start out day hiking and work your way into overnight.

I keep hearing REI is going to put a store in at the Summit in B'ham. If so... game one. The sale rack is your friend.

When you are ready to do the Matterhorn I'm in. Haven't done that one yet.

Solid advice


"The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever." Isaiah 40:8

"Neither the wisest constitution nor the wisest laws will secure the liberty and happiness of a people whose manners are universally corrupt.� Samuel Adams
Re: How many of you do backpacking/overnight hiking? [Re: straycat] #2766668
03/20/19 10:14 AM
03/20/19 10:14 AM
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 3,451
Central Alabama
MC21 Offline OP
10 point
MC21  Offline OP
10 point
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 3,451
Central Alabama
Originally Posted by straycat
My next trip is the Pinhoti from end to end. Have only done short sections a couple days here and there.


The whole Pinhoti or just the Alabama section?

Re: How many of you do backpacking/overnight hiking? [Re: MC21] #2766796
03/20/19 12:34 PM
03/20/19 12:34 PM
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 21,443
HSV AL
jmudler Offline
Freak of Nature
jmudler  Offline
Freak of Nature
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 21,443
HSV AL
I am a big guy 6'1 250 that had had multiple knee surgeries. My perspective maybe different than the standard backpacker.
1) Your footwear. Buy one size larger and do not buy online. You need to try on any type of boots or trail runners. Trust me. Spend the extra $20-40 bucks and find a shoe that does not give you hot spots and provides a solid foundation.

2) Your pack. Again another area I would not skip. Go to a store and try on a framed pack (external or internal) or frameless. Also, you need to find the right size to your torso length and not your height. Put weights in the pack when you are trying on.
2a)You also need to determine entry points into the pack. It is a pain to have to unpack a large pack to get something you want because there is only a top entry point and little to no external pockets. I also don’t like to hang stuff off my pack. Had to backtrack once cause my sleeping pad fell off my pack.
2b) I have an osprey 75l hauler. It has a waist belt that molds to your hips (the store puts in an oven and conforms to your hip bones). It also has an arched frame so air can get between the pack and your back. I hate being hot. Look for adjustment straps to change how pack sits on you.
2c) Today I would find an Aarn backpack dealer and try one. Their balance system and framework makes for a pack that (I have heard) very comfortable and not as constricting.

3) Tents. You have to decide what time of year you will be camping. For me is it spring and fall. I wanted a tent with a lot of mesh as I rather be cold than hot. If you a solo, I would recommend a 2 man tent. It gives you a tad more room for rainy days and you want to hangout vs tromp in the rain. Plus I like having my pack in the tent vs leaving outside. Eureka is the brand tent I chose when weight vs cost.
4) Hammocks. Once I tried a hammock, I never went back. My knees hurt if I am lying like a banana. I chose a “Bridge Hammock” These guys were one of the first http://www.jacksrbetter.com/shop/bear-mountain-bridge-hammock/. You lay dead flat. Do a search on Youtube and you will find many more manufactures since. I made mine hammock and rain fly as I am a cheap skate and can operate a sewing machine. I also prefer a sleeve on the bottom of the hammock for a sleeping pad.
4a) Rain fly, if you go the hammock route, you will need a something over your head. Go big.
4b)Hammocks get colder than a tent. The ground provides warmth to tent camping. You will need a under quilt. In addition to a sleeping back. In a nut shell you compress a sleeping bag in a hammock losing r value, and not ground to keep you warm.

5) Sleeping pad. Buy a Big Agnes insulated sleeping pad. When you slide in the bottom of the hammock, it reduces the shoulder squeeze……aka it spreads out the bottom, and if you cant find any trees you have something to sleep on top of on the ground. Again, buy insulated.

6) Sleeping bag. Down packs very small. If it gets wet you lose insulation big time. Expensive. Synthetic is cheaper and still insulates when wet. Doesnt pack down worth a crap I love my montbell bag. It have elastic shell to comform to your body snuggly to keep you warmer and I can Captain Morgan my leg (with in limits) if I want to stretch out.

7) Buy a decent compass. Liquid filled. Do not rely on anything electronic.

8) Water is heavy, plan on refilling vs packing water. Again Youtube will explain all the options, tablets, pumps, straws, hang bags etc.

9) It is not a fashion show. It is ok to wear the same clothes for several days, Change your drawers and socks every day. Much more is just more weight.

10) Always plan your trip and tell at least two people your route plan.

11) Never buy anything that is not on sale. Unfortunately you are entering into camping time, but do your research. Campmor, Serria trading post, are decent sites. Dont forget coupon codes.

12) If you are taking a small child, never, ever, set up camp at night. Way to scary. Always pack an extra flashlight.

Hope this helps.

Last edited by jmudler; 03/20/19 03:53 PM.

Isaiah 5:20 Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.
Re: How many of you do backpacking/overnight hiking? [Re: MC21] #2766929
03/20/19 03:48 PM
03/20/19 03:48 PM
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 19,080
Chelsea, AL
straycat Offline
Old Mossy Horns
straycat  Offline
Old Mossy Horns
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 19,080
Chelsea, AL
^^^^This^^^


"The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever." Isaiah 40:8

"Neither the wisest constitution nor the wisest laws will secure the liberty and happiness of a people whose manners are universally corrupt.� Samuel Adams
Re: How many of you do backpacking/overnight hiking? [Re: MC21] #2766937
03/20/19 04:00 PM
03/20/19 04:00 PM
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 19,080
Chelsea, AL
straycat Offline
Old Mossy Horns
straycat  Offline
Old Mossy Horns
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 19,080
Chelsea, AL
Originally Posted by MC21
Originally Posted by straycat
My next trip is the Pinhoti from end to end. Have only done short sections a couple days here and there.


The whole Pinhoti or just the Alabama section?

Just the Alabama Section...hard right now to take off more time. Hard to keep up the pace to do 20 miles a day....so 171 miles in Alabama would be a 2 week trip (14 days) and that would be with me training for it and then pushing every day. 25 years ago that wouldn't be a bid deal. Today, well...it is. Doing AL and GA is 339 miles...so I'd have to not work for many weeks and that isn't happening any time soon.

And for the one who enjoy my cheeseburger and food posts....Yes I would definitely train for this and be able to accomplish it. I did 5 weeks of the AT after college...still regret not doing a thru hike when I was young and free.

Last edited by straycat; 03/20/19 04:01 PM.

"The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever." Isaiah 40:8

"Neither the wisest constitution nor the wisest laws will secure the liberty and happiness of a people whose manners are universally corrupt.� Samuel Adams
Re: How many of you do backpacking/overnight hiking? [Re: MC21] #2767031
03/20/19 05:48 PM
03/20/19 05:48 PM
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 22,477
Lickskillet, AL
Irishguy Online content
a.k.a. Dingle Johnson
Irishguy  Online Content
a.k.a. Dingle Johnson
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 22,477
Lickskillet, AL
The difficult thing about me doing something like a 14 day hike, is it would seem to be difficult to bring that much beer without at least an F150 4x4 chase vehicle.

Re: How many of you do backpacking/overnight hiking? [Re: MC21] #2767162
03/20/19 07:48 PM
03/20/19 07:48 PM
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 19,080
Chelsea, AL
straycat Offline
Old Mossy Horns
straycat  Offline
Old Mossy Horns
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 19,080
Chelsea, AL
Kentucky bourbon or Tennessee sour mash in a plastic Gatorade bottle is much more efficient...just sayn'


"The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever." Isaiah 40:8

"Neither the wisest constitution nor the wisest laws will secure the liberty and happiness of a people whose manners are universally corrupt.� Samuel Adams
Re: How many of you do backpacking/overnight hiking? [Re: MC21] #2767248
03/20/19 08:42 PM
03/20/19 08:42 PM
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 6,363
On the X
T
TickaTicka Offline
12 point
TickaTicka  Offline
12 point
T
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 6,363
On the X
Synthetic wool. I can wear it for days with little to no odor. I put on synthetic layers and I smell like a hog pen in 12 hours.

I tried a quilt. I went back to my 20 degree bag. I can put on base layers if it's colder.

Don't go cheap on your footwear. I used to run up 14K mountains in running shoes, now I would never dream of that. Get some good stiff mountain boots. Cry once.

Tents, everyone has their preference. I ran a tarp with paracord. Worked well.

I never take enough food. But there's something raw about being hungry. Makes the trip that much more invigorating. Pig out when you get back.


Public Land Owner
Re: How many of you do backpacking/overnight hiking? [Re: MC21] #2768436
03/22/19 03:09 PM
03/22/19 03:09 PM
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,702
Oregon, Land of Umpqua
A
Alagator Offline
8 point
Alagator  Offline
8 point
A
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,702
Oregon, Land of Umpqua
Sometimes a pack rod can add a bit of protein to your backpacking diet.
[Linked Image]

Re: How many of you do backpacking/overnight hiking? [Re: MC21] #2806242
05/13/19 03:13 AM
05/13/19 03:13 AM
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 3,451
Central Alabama
MC21 Offline OP
10 point
MC21  Offline OP
10 point
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 3,451
Central Alabama
Well I was gifted an older US army 65 Liter back pack along with a 4 piece military sleep system. Not sure I’ll use the whole sleep system but the back pack was a nice gift and the sleeping bag in the sleeping system is nice. And it all folds into a stuff sack. The back pack is awesome and was a very generous gift.

I’m also working on making a home made first aid kit.
So far in my first aid kit I’ve got
Hibiclense
Saline solution
2 packs of 4x4 sterile gauze
An assortment of band aides
4 4x4 non stick bandages
A few rolls of gauze bandages
Tape
-ibuprofen
Benadryl
Tylenol
And a small pair of trauma shears

Re: How many of you do backpacking/overnight hiking? [Re: MC21] #2806243
05/13/19 03:16 AM
05/13/19 03:16 AM
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 3,451
Central Alabama
MC21 Offline OP
10 point
MC21  Offline OP
10 point
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 3,451
Central Alabama
I’m thinking My next goal
Is to acquire a cook kit, water filtration, and eventually a shelter

I do think I’m going to spend money on water bottles yet. I’ll probably start out just carrying used plastic bottles like the smart water bottles

Re: How many of you do backpacking/overnight hiking? [Re: MC21] #2806256
05/13/19 05:31 AM
05/13/19 05:31 AM
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 19,803
Hueytown
M
MANGLER Offline
2016 Moderator of the Year
MANGLER  Offline
2016 Moderator of the Year
M
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 19,803
Hueytown
Originally Posted by MC21
I’m thinking My next goal
Is to acquire a cook kit, water filtration, and eventually a shelter

I do think I’m going to spend money on water bottles yet. I’ll probably start out just carrying used plastic bottles like the smart water bottles


Thrift stores and yard sales are awesome for the cook stuff. I found my aluminum kettle, mugs and other stuff for less then 5 bucks. I've seen whole mess kits more than once. My MSI Iso-butane stove came from a yard sale and had been used once.

I have a Katadyn water filter but for weekend trips and what not you can get by with Iodine tablets and use powder drink mix to cover the taste.


One day the right woman will come along and the next thing you know you'll be wearing her underwear!
Re: How many of you do backpacking/overnight hiking? [Re: straycat] #2806299
05/13/19 07:08 AM
05/13/19 07:08 AM
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 6,230
somewhere around 112.
S
slippinlipjr Offline
I make Calds fer a livin
slippinlipjr  Offline
I make Calds fer a livin
S
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 6,230
somewhere around 112.
Originally Posted by straycat
Originally Posted by MC21
Originally Posted by straycat
My next trip is the Pinhoti from end to end. Have only done short sections a couple days here and there.


The whole Pinhoti or just the Alabama section?

Just the Alabama Section...hard right now to take off more time. Hard to keep up the pace to do 20 miles a day....so 171 miles in Alabama would be a 2 week trip (14 days) and that would be with me training for it and then pushing every day. 25 years ago that wouldn't be a bid deal. Today, well...it is. Doing AL and GA is 339 miles...so I'd have to not work for many weeks and that isn't happening any time soon.

And for the one who enjoy my cheeseburger and food posts....Yes I would definitely train for this and be able to accomplish it. I did 5 weeks of the AT after college...still regret not doing a thru hike when I was young and free.

The pinhoti is tough. This is coming from a flat lander as I have been called up there. Talladega mountain is my playground but after a few days of walking around up there my knees can't take anymore.


Ctrl+C, Ctrl+V, Ctrl+Z

thesharkguard.com



Re: How many of you do backpacking/overnight hiking? [Re: MC21] #2806335
05/13/19 08:04 AM
05/13/19 08:04 AM
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 30,910
Clanton, AL
Out back Offline
Grumpy Old Man
Out back  Offline
Grumpy Old Man
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 30,910
Clanton, AL
I did enough of that schit in the military.
I can afford a roof these days.


My opinions and comments are my own. They do not reflect the position or political opinions of Aldeer or any of the Aldeer administration.
Re: How many of you do backpacking/overnight hiking? [Re: CeeHawk37] #2806366
05/13/19 08:47 AM
05/13/19 08:47 AM
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 4,753
Moody, AL
willdo22 Offline
10 point
willdo22  Offline
10 point
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 4,753
Moody, AL
Originally Posted by CeeHawk37
Stray cat is all over it. Definitely don’t go cheap on certain things like sleeping bag or tent. You want something that will last and won’t leave you wet or cold when you are a long way from the truck.


x2


A mans got to know his limitations.
Re: How many of you do backpacking/overnight hiking? [Re: MC21] #2806372
05/13/19 08:54 AM
05/13/19 08:54 AM
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 4,753
Moody, AL
willdo22 Offline
10 point
willdo22  Offline
10 point
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 4,753
Moody, AL
Check out Hazel Creek in NC.


A mans got to know his limitations.
Re: How many of you do backpacking/overnight hiking? [Re: MC21] #2806383
05/13/19 09:07 AM
05/13/19 09:07 AM
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 738
Georgia
G
Geeb Online content
4 point
Geeb  Online Content
4 point
G
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 738
Georgia
Originally Posted by MC21
Well I was gifted an older US army 65 Liter back pack along with a 4 piece military sleep system. Not sure I’ll use the whole sleep system but the back pack was a nice gift and the sleeping bag in the sleeping system is nice. And it all folds into a stuff sack. The back pack is awesome and was a very generous gift.

I’m also working on making a home made first aid kit.
So far in my first aid kit I’ve got
Hibiclense
Saline solution
2 packs of 4x4 sterile gauze
An assortment of band aides
4 4x4 non stick bandages
A few rolls of gauze bandages
Tape
-ibuprofen
Benadryl
Tylenol
And a small pair of trauma shears



I would consider adding a SOF or CAT tourniquet to the first aid kit; and learn how to properly utilize it. For the size and weight there's no reason not to have a tourniquet when you may be quite some distance from help.

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