Going back country hiking for a week for the first time - what am I forgetting?
May 17, 2011 3:03 PM Subscribe
I am going for a 110 mile, 6 day hike in Virginia's back country for the first time. What are some things (small or large) you always bring with you (not obvious like a multi-tool/knife) that make the experience much better? Looking for quick/easy tips!
(Thanks for being patient - first time poster)
I have the basics (pack, bag, pad, tent, poles, bear canister, etc.). I've looked around the web and Backpacker magazine for ideas of what to bring, but they mainly point out the obvious. My pack is going to be about 30-35 lbs fully loaded.
My concern is that with very few resupply stores, and this being my first time, I may be forgetting something simple.
I have the basics (pack, bag, pad, tent, poles, bear canister, etc.). I've looked around the web and Backpacker magazine for ideas of what to bring, but they mainly point out the obvious. My pack is going to be about 30-35 lbs fully loaded.
My concern is that with very few resupply stores, and this being my first time, I may be forgetting something simple.
Baby wipes for your private areas and your feet, but make sure both are dry before you begin/resume hiking or you'll be sorry.
Also, do you really need bear spray in Virginia? I'd look into that since it's rather bulky/heavy.
posted by elder18 at 3:22 PM on May 17, 2011 [1 favorite]
Also, do you really need bear spray in Virginia? I'd look into that since it's rather bulky/heavy.
posted by elder18 at 3:22 PM on May 17, 2011 [1 favorite]
Firestarters. Smear a big dab of petroleum jelly on some cotton wool, roll it up, and put it in a film canister or pill bottle. They work even in the rain.
A headlamp. Useful whether you're hiking in the dark or trying to potter around the campsite.
A compression sack for your sleeping bag.
posted by tully_monster at 3:25 PM on May 17, 2011 [2 favorites]
A headlamp. Useful whether you're hiking in the dark or trying to potter around the campsite.
A compression sack for your sleeping bag.
posted by tully_monster at 3:25 PM on May 17, 2011 [2 favorites]
Plenty of socks, none of them cotton.
posted by 2bucksplus at 3:29 PM on May 17, 2011
posted by 2bucksplus at 3:29 PM on May 17, 2011
Don't ignore the typical recommendation of a first aid kit. Bring basic OTC medication such as pain revilers, decongestants, allergy medication or antacids if that sort of thing afflicts you. You should also purchase some Moleskin blister protectors. They are these little padded adhesive bandages that you put over foot blisters. 110 miles is a long way to walk on a blistered foot. You will be glad to have some if you or someone else needs it. Regardless of experience or caution, blisters can happen to anyone.
posted by Bachsir at 3:29 PM on May 17, 2011
posted by Bachsir at 3:29 PM on May 17, 2011
Do the math and make sure you're taking enough calories with you.
Taking a partner is obvious, right? Good.
posted by momus_window at 3:30 PM on May 17, 2011
Taking a partner is obvious, right? Good.
posted by momus_window at 3:30 PM on May 17, 2011
17 miles a day for a novice in back country is a nice challenge. I would have a pain reliever. and adhesive tape for your feet. Oh and underwrap for the tape
posted by JohnnyGunn at 3:37 PM on May 17, 2011
posted by JohnnyGunn at 3:37 PM on May 17, 2011
This kinda depends on what's obvious. What is to me based on experience may not be to others.
Seconding moleskin. If you get blisters your first day, you may be in for a world of pain if you can't do something about it.
If ya'll plan on doing anything in the sun, get some sun screen. Carrying that load on burnt shoulders sucks.
posted by jmd82 at 3:45 PM on May 17, 2011
Seconding moleskin. If you get blisters your first day, you may be in for a world of pain if you can't do something about it.
If ya'll plan on doing anything in the sun, get some sun screen. Carrying that load on burnt shoulders sucks.
posted by jmd82 at 3:45 PM on May 17, 2011
Rope.
Seconding duct tape. Pro-tip: wrap a couple meters around a water bottle so you don't have to carry a whole roll.
posted by auto-correct at 3:48 PM on May 17, 2011
Seconding duct tape. Pro-tip: wrap a couple meters around a water bottle so you don't have to carry a whole roll.
posted by auto-correct at 3:48 PM on May 17, 2011
Tweezers.
posted by Lobster Garden at 4:01 PM on May 17, 2011
posted by Lobster Garden at 4:01 PM on May 17, 2011
10 meters of paracord, 1 clear and 1 black trash bag, 2 x 1 gallon ziplock bags, baby wipes, the above mention cotton+petroleum jelly, stainless steel mirror, the above mentioned moleskin, your towel! If you have access, bring a package of vetwrap. It is almost as useful as duct tape.
posted by iamabot at 4:12 PM on May 17, 2011
posted by iamabot at 4:12 PM on May 17, 2011
My recommendation is to take a hard look at EVERYTHING you're thinking of bringing and pare down the weight where possible. I'm not talking about being extreme but you'd be surprised at how much weight you can shave off by making small changes /adjustments or planning really well.
I find the larger something is, the less useful it is on the trail. All the other tips have been great. Especially the medical stuff. A small amount of duct tape or a plastic garbage bag or sturdy thread and a needle are priceless when you need them and weight is negligible.
Big ticket items are the heavy things: How much fuel will you need? Don't take 4x as much as you'll need. You're new so leave some error factor in there but don't plan for the apocalypse. Ditto for food.
Medium ticket items: Hard water containers like nalgenes are heavy. Platapus style bladders are light. Take the lightest rope you can for bear-pole usage. Take nothing made out of cotton, it's the devil to dry out and is heavy and COLD if wet. Titanium cookware is great. Plastic utensils weigh the same and are cheaper but can melt. Concentrated bug spray (use it on a handkercheif/hat if you're squeamish about putting it on your skin) is more bang for your weight than a can of Deep Woods Off.
Small-fry items: If taking a book, avoid hard backs. Bonus points for an end-of-it's-life anyway paperback that you rip the 'already read' pages out of and use as fire starter. Evaluate the straps on your backpack, if they're ungodly long (read: you're small stature doesn't require you to ever adjust them out) you can snip some of the end off and re-stitch. Ditto for tags on your clothing/tents/packs (I know, piddly stuff but why carry it around if you know how to wash your stuff). Cull packaging where possible from foodstuffs.
Finally, a walking stick(s) is/are a must. Regardless of if you decide to get a store-bought carbon-fiber masterpiece that weighs less than a gnat's fart or a sturdy branch that you can toss when you don't need it they really do make the miles drop away. They save your knees, they save you from falling, they prop you up when you're tired and there's no tree nearby to lean on. Don't be macho, packs are heavy and awkward at first (and to a degree, forever), use a stick.
-- if that was too much info, sorry I'm stuck at work waiting for someone else to relieve me.
posted by RolandOfEld at 4:29 PM on May 17, 2011 [3 favorites]
I find the larger something is, the less useful it is on the trail. All the other tips have been great. Especially the medical stuff. A small amount of duct tape or a plastic garbage bag or sturdy thread and a needle are priceless when you need them and weight is negligible.
Big ticket items are the heavy things: How much fuel will you need? Don't take 4x as much as you'll need. You're new so leave some error factor in there but don't plan for the apocalypse. Ditto for food.
Medium ticket items: Hard water containers like nalgenes are heavy. Platapus style bladders are light. Take the lightest rope you can for bear-pole usage. Take nothing made out of cotton, it's the devil to dry out and is heavy and COLD if wet. Titanium cookware is great. Plastic utensils weigh the same and are cheaper but can melt. Concentrated bug spray (use it on a handkercheif/hat if you're squeamish about putting it on your skin) is more bang for your weight than a can of Deep Woods Off.
Small-fry items: If taking a book, avoid hard backs. Bonus points for an end-of-it's-life anyway paperback that you rip the 'already read' pages out of and use as fire starter. Evaluate the straps on your backpack, if they're ungodly long (read: you're small stature doesn't require you to ever adjust them out) you can snip some of the end off and re-stitch. Ditto for tags on your clothing/tents/packs (I know, piddly stuff but why carry it around if you know how to wash your stuff). Cull packaging where possible from foodstuffs.
Finally, a walking stick(s) is/are a must. Regardless of if you decide to get a store-bought carbon-fiber masterpiece that weighs less than a gnat's fart or a sturdy branch that you can toss when you don't need it they really do make the miles drop away. They save your knees, they save you from falling, they prop you up when you're tired and there's no tree nearby to lean on. Don't be macho, packs are heavy and awkward at first (and to a degree, forever), use a stick.
-- if that was too much info, sorry I'm stuck at work waiting for someone else to relieve me.
posted by RolandOfEld at 4:29 PM on May 17, 2011 [3 favorites]
Oh, and almost equal on my 'must have' list is a headlamp of decent make/manufacturer.
posted by RolandOfEld at 4:30 PM on May 17, 2011
posted by RolandOfEld at 4:30 PM on May 17, 2011
Seconding skip the bear spray, if you're going solo *maybe*.
Even then it'll probably be more useful as a heavy object to hold your tent's footprint in place or to spray a mugger in a parking lot than anything else. Did I mention they're heavy and obnoxious on your waist? Did I also mention that if you do have to use it against a bear then you better get the hell out of the woods afterwards because I've seen studies/warnings that after usage the lingering smells in the area/on the hiker actually serves to attract other bears.
Definitely skip the 'bear bells' you see on tourists hiking from their car to the drink machines/toilets. Definitely consider a rescue whistle if you're hiking anything remotely steep/crumbly. If you're going solo (and going to make this a habit), consider a Spot pager. However, don't be these guys.
posted by RolandOfEld at 4:37 PM on May 17, 2011
Even then it'll probably be more useful as a heavy object to hold your tent's footprint in place or to spray a mugger in a parking lot than anything else. Did I mention they're heavy and obnoxious on your waist? Did I also mention that if you do have to use it against a bear then you better get the hell out of the woods afterwards because I've seen studies/warnings that after usage the lingering smells in the area/on the hiker actually serves to attract other bears.
Definitely skip the 'bear bells' you see on tourists hiking from their car to the drink machines/toilets. Definitely consider a rescue whistle if you're hiking anything remotely steep/crumbly. If you're going solo (and going to make this a habit), consider a Spot pager. However, don't be these guys.
posted by RolandOfEld at 4:37 PM on May 17, 2011
If you have not given serious consideration to rain gear, you should start. It's been insanely wet here this spring in v.a. The rain might not stay long, but "torrential cloudbursts" would give you an idea of what it does when it hits.
posted by Ys at 4:38 PM on May 17, 2011 [2 favorites]
posted by Ys at 4:38 PM on May 17, 2011 [2 favorites]
About headlamps. I used to bring a flashlight with a long flexible neck (similar to this) that I could twist (loosely) around my neck. I found it much easier to keep it focussed on what I was doing/where I was walking; my head tended to bob around too much.
posted by TWinbrook8 at 4:45 PM on May 17, 2011
posted by TWinbrook8 at 4:45 PM on May 17, 2011
Where did the OP say bear spray? I see "bear canister" - which is a good idea for food in bear country. The way I see it, black bear territory = canister. GRIZZLY bear territory = spray + canister.
(Bear Grylls territory? You'll sleep in a B&B, so all this is moot. ;)
If you are going to bring a book, consider picking up a Kindle and a couple zip-lock bags. The wifi model is lighter than most paperbacks and battery life is more than adequate for your hike.
posted by m@f at 5:12 PM on May 17, 2011 [1 favorite]
(Bear Grylls territory? You'll sleep in a B&B, so all this is moot. ;)
If you are going to bring a book, consider picking up a Kindle and a couple zip-lock bags. The wifi model is lighter than most paperbacks and battery life is more than adequate for your hike.
posted by m@f at 5:12 PM on May 17, 2011 [1 favorite]
I would have a pain reliever.
I'd take 1000mg ibuprofen per day; it keeps swelling down a bit better than acetaminophen.
posted by a robot made out of meat at 5:27 PM on May 17, 2011
I'd take 1000mg ibuprofen per day; it keeps swelling down a bit better than acetaminophen.
posted by a robot made out of meat at 5:27 PM on May 17, 2011
I tend to be super-prepared for disaster, but the couple extra pounds of what-if gear I've carried on all my trips have occasionally paid off. So I'll focus on some worst-case scenario items, many also useful in everyday hiking, many already mentioned.
Whistle - it will allow you to call for help long after your voice gives out
Lightweight cord - useful in a million ways
A locking knife with a serrated edge that can cut small branches - in case you have to fashion some sort of improvised splint/shelter/marshmallow roaster
Extra ziploc bags - I almost always wish I'd brought more
Sharpie and water-resistant notepad in a bag - in case you have to leave notes for rescuers or your next of kin
SPOT device - really worth it for your piece of mind and the people back home
Butterfly closures - you may not need a lavishly stocked first-aid kit, but these are damn useful if you really slice the hell out of yourself.
Two sources of light, one of them a headlamp (I also carry an emergency lightstick)
Two ways to make fire
posted by itstheclamsname at 5:58 PM on May 17, 2011
Whistle - it will allow you to call for help long after your voice gives out
Lightweight cord - useful in a million ways
A locking knife with a serrated edge that can cut small branches - in case you have to fashion some sort of improvised splint/shelter/marshmallow roaster
Extra ziploc bags - I almost always wish I'd brought more
Sharpie and water-resistant notepad in a bag - in case you have to leave notes for rescuers or your next of kin
SPOT device - really worth it for your piece of mind and the people back home
Butterfly closures - you may not need a lavishly stocked first-aid kit, but these are damn useful if you really slice the hell out of yourself.
Two sources of light, one of them a headlamp (I also carry an emergency lightstick)
Two ways to make fire
posted by itstheclamsname at 5:58 PM on May 17, 2011
Oh, and something with which to dig a hole when nature proverbially calls.
posted by itstheclamsname at 6:02 PM on May 17, 2011
posted by itstheclamsname at 6:02 PM on May 17, 2011
Response by poster: Thanks everyone - appreciate the very fast and helpful responses!
I am definitely hiking with a buddy, and he has some experience (climbed Mt Rainier last year), so has a good, light tent, a stove (not sure which brand) and a water purification kit.
We were going to bring bear spray - so thanks for that tip (it is heavy).
Ibuprofen is the perfect example of why I posted to MeFi - something I didn't have on my pack list, and now I am saying "duh". Thanks, and keep em coming...
What about underwear for the hike? Nobody has ever given me a straight answer on that one. Boxers/briefs/some other option that I haven't considered? (Serious question)
posted by LittleFuzzy at 6:15 PM on May 17, 2011
I am definitely hiking with a buddy, and he has some experience (climbed Mt Rainier last year), so has a good, light tent, a stove (not sure which brand) and a water purification kit.
We were going to bring bear spray - so thanks for that tip (it is heavy).
Ibuprofen is the perfect example of why I posted to MeFi - something I didn't have on my pack list, and now I am saying "duh". Thanks, and keep em coming...
What about underwear for the hike? Nobody has ever given me a straight answer on that one. Boxers/briefs/some other option that I haven't considered? (Serious question)
posted by LittleFuzzy at 6:15 PM on May 17, 2011
Response by poster: Oh, forgot to ask about this also:
17 miles a day for a novice in back country is a nice challenge. I would have a pain reliever. and adhesive tape for your feet. Oh and underwrap for the tape
- JohnnyGunn
What is underwrap? Sounds useful.
posted by LittleFuzzy at 6:20 PM on May 17, 2011
17 miles a day for a novice in back country is a nice challenge. I would have a pain reliever. and adhesive tape for your feet. Oh and underwrap for the tape
- JohnnyGunn
What is underwrap? Sounds useful.
posted by LittleFuzzy at 6:20 PM on May 17, 2011
Since you didn't think of ibuprofen, I'll mention aspirin and benadryl. They can buy you some time if somebody comes down with chest pain or an allergic reaction (respectively) while on the trail, although obviously medical attention is warranted as soon as humanly possible in those circumstances. If you know you're allergic to bee stings, bring an epi-pen.
If you pack a super awesome treat, it can be well worth the extra weight when you surprise your hiking partner a few days in when you're both feeling tired. I recommend snickers bars, but that's just me.
posted by vytae at 6:23 PM on May 17, 2011
If you pack a super awesome treat, it can be well worth the extra weight when you surprise your hiking partner a few days in when you're both feeling tired. I recommend snickers bars, but that's just me.
posted by vytae at 6:23 PM on May 17, 2011
Not sure how dependent you are going to be on firewood for cooking/heat, but a Saber Cut Saw is a pretty amazing little thing to have.
posted by timsteil at 6:50 PM on May 17, 2011
posted by timsteil at 6:50 PM on May 17, 2011
Spork. The only utensil you need.
posted by T.D. Strange at 7:22 PM on May 17, 2011
posted by T.D. Strange at 7:22 PM on May 17, 2011
What about underwear for the hike? Nobody has ever given me a straight answer on that one. Boxers/briefs/some other option that I haven't considered? (Serious question)
Boxer briefs, you dont want chafing if you can help it.
Cut the ballhugger lining out of an old pair of swimtrunks and wear those if it's warm, they're light and dry very quickly if you get wet.
While you're at it, review your rain situation- you have a pack cover, right? Lightweight rain jacket? Rain pants? Hat?
Take two trash compacter bags (not regular trash bags, they'll rip), you can put your pack in one then put the other over top and your pack will be waterproof for the night.
posted by T.D. Strange at 7:27 PM on May 17, 2011
Boxer briefs, you dont want chafing if you can help it.
Cut the ballhugger lining out of an old pair of swimtrunks and wear those if it's warm, they're light and dry very quickly if you get wet.
While you're at it, review your rain situation- you have a pack cover, right? Lightweight rain jacket? Rain pants? Hat?
Take two trash compacter bags (not regular trash bags, they'll rip), you can put your pack in one then put the other over top and your pack will be waterproof for the night.
posted by T.D. Strange at 7:27 PM on May 17, 2011
Everclear--more booze per weight than whiskey.
A baseball cap-type hat to keep the rain out of your face.
A couple of cotton bandannas for camp chores and to fly your freak flag.
A couple of big safety pins, a yard or two of duct tape, a heavy needle and some waxed thread.
A tiny little squeeze flashlight as a backup.
17 miles a day really is a lot, you might have a Plan B just in case.
posted by LarryC at 7:52 PM on May 17, 2011 [1 favorite]
A baseball cap-type hat to keep the rain out of your face.
A couple of cotton bandannas for camp chores and to fly your freak flag.
A couple of big safety pins, a yard or two of duct tape, a heavy needle and some waxed thread.
A tiny little squeeze flashlight as a backup.
17 miles a day really is a lot, you might have a Plan B just in case.
posted by LarryC at 7:52 PM on May 17, 2011 [1 favorite]
ooh! BodyGlide! Worth its weight in gold if you start to chafe (or really, before). If you are trying to save weight, scoop some out of the tube and put it in some other, smaller container. In the same vein, silk weight capilene boxers are heavenly. It's also great because you can stop at a stream, strip down, rinse out and wring your undies, and before you know it, they are already dry.
Also, two layers of socks- liner socks and regular socks. The liners can be super light, and you can bring several pairs.
posted by rockindata at 8:04 PM on May 17, 2011
Also, two layers of socks- liner socks and regular socks. The liners can be super light, and you can bring several pairs.
posted by rockindata at 8:04 PM on May 17, 2011
A frisbee makes a tough, lightweight and spillproof dinner plate.
Also, make sure your boots are broken in. Actually, wear the lightest, most flexible boots or shoes you can that'll still give some support (it doesn't sound like you'll be carrying a massive load). A lot of people seem to think they need massive heavy boots for any kind of hiking, but I like to be able to feel what I'm walking on.
posted by Flashman at 8:54 PM on May 17, 2011
Also, make sure your boots are broken in. Actually, wear the lightest, most flexible boots or shoes you can that'll still give some support (it doesn't sound like you'll be carrying a massive load). A lot of people seem to think they need massive heavy boots for any kind of hiking, but I like to be able to feel what I'm walking on.
posted by Flashman at 8:54 PM on May 17, 2011
As wet as this spring has been in VA, I would make sure you had some sort of bug spray. The mosquitoes are going to be horrendous I imagine this year.
posted by SuzySmith at 1:58 AM on May 18, 2011
posted by SuzySmith at 1:58 AM on May 18, 2011
I would carry a survival kit. It has a whistle and a bunch of other stuff you probably would never think of that can make a big difference. You could also make one of your own; doing that got me thinking about how small things can be useful in a big way. Also, ammonia for bug bites, and maybe some Stopain (it's menthol) for aches.
posted by Kirth Gerson at 6:27 AM on May 18, 2011
posted by Kirth Gerson at 6:27 AM on May 18, 2011
Ditto the above posters who said get your pack weight down. More trips turn into sufferfests because of too much weight than because of some sort of forgotten thing. Bring less stuff. Bring smaller stuff.
But the number one reason trips like yours turn into sufferfests is because of what can be called bad expedition behaviour. Drink before you're thirsty, rest before you're tired, eat before you're hungry, and check the map before you're lost. In your normal life, you're probably not used to paying such close attention to food and fluids, but not taking care of your body well can make for some long days.
On my longer distance trips, I'll take a 5 minute break every half hour. I start this right at the beginning of the day, even if I'm feeling quite fresh after the first half hour. These rests help the muscles recover, and give you an opportunity to do the other things you need to do to make your distance in good condition: drink water, and snack regularly (and sunblock if needed). Sample some of the energy bars (Clif, Powerbar, and the like) before the trip, and bring a bunch of whatever you find most palatable. Keep one in your pocket. Digging around in your backpack can feel like such a chore in the afternoon, and you might be tempted not to eat when you need to.
Dittoing Flashman above. I did a 10 day big group trip once where 8 of ten people brought new or newish boots. Watching my colleagues tape their feet every morning and wince in pain all day was a lesson I won't forget. Unless you have some sort of ankle problems, the best boots are more like high cut hiking shoes than sturdy boots. Bring liner socks. They're thin polyester socks that tend to stick to your feet when they get damp with sweat. The inevitable friction happens between the two layers of sock. Dry your feet as best you can, and change socks at lunch.
Another key to making good miles is thinking duration, not intensity. The human body has great endurance at low levels of exertion. Don't charge up hills, or bound down them. Ease up if you find yourself out of breath. The days are super long this time of year. You've got time. Early starts can help in this regard.
Good luck! I'll leave you with a quote that's guided a lot of my thinking about outdoor pursuits. "The essential challenge involves the physical body only indirectly. The true battleground is in the realm of the spirit." Success on a trip is only tangentially about the gear, has something to do with your body and how you manage it, and has everything to do with your mental preparation and state of mind when things get difficult.
posted by thenormshow at 7:06 AM on May 18, 2011
But the number one reason trips like yours turn into sufferfests is because of what can be called bad expedition behaviour. Drink before you're thirsty, rest before you're tired, eat before you're hungry, and check the map before you're lost. In your normal life, you're probably not used to paying such close attention to food and fluids, but not taking care of your body well can make for some long days.
On my longer distance trips, I'll take a 5 minute break every half hour. I start this right at the beginning of the day, even if I'm feeling quite fresh after the first half hour. These rests help the muscles recover, and give you an opportunity to do the other things you need to do to make your distance in good condition: drink water, and snack regularly (and sunblock if needed). Sample some of the energy bars (Clif, Powerbar, and the like) before the trip, and bring a bunch of whatever you find most palatable. Keep one in your pocket. Digging around in your backpack can feel like such a chore in the afternoon, and you might be tempted not to eat when you need to.
Dittoing Flashman above. I did a 10 day big group trip once where 8 of ten people brought new or newish boots. Watching my colleagues tape their feet every morning and wince in pain all day was a lesson I won't forget. Unless you have some sort of ankle problems, the best boots are more like high cut hiking shoes than sturdy boots. Bring liner socks. They're thin polyester socks that tend to stick to your feet when they get damp with sweat. The inevitable friction happens between the two layers of sock. Dry your feet as best you can, and change socks at lunch.
Another key to making good miles is thinking duration, not intensity. The human body has great endurance at low levels of exertion. Don't charge up hills, or bound down them. Ease up if you find yourself out of breath. The days are super long this time of year. You've got time. Early starts can help in this regard.
Good luck! I'll leave you with a quote that's guided a lot of my thinking about outdoor pursuits. "The essential challenge involves the physical body only indirectly. The true battleground is in the realm of the spirit." Success on a trip is only tangentially about the gear, has something to do with your body and how you manage it, and has everything to do with your mental preparation and state of mind when things get difficult.
posted by thenormshow at 7:06 AM on May 18, 2011
17 miles a day for six straight days is a lot, especially for a novice. What’s the elevation like? It looks like a lot even for me, and I hike a lot, and have even done stuff like 50-milers straight through for fun. If you’re not a highly fit person between the ages of 17 and 25, I would recommend a good bailout plan as the best thing you could “bring” on the trip. That means you have a cellphone and a friend with a car that you can call to pick you up at one of several preplanned bailout points along the way.
Your hiking boots are broken-in, right? If they are not you will definitely be bailing. The best way to prevent blisters, by the way, is to apply duct tape directly to the skin where you’re getting a hot spot BEFORE it becomes a blister. Once the water/pus starts to collect in there you’re in much bigger trouble.
posted by Aizkolari at 7:13 AM on May 18, 2011
Your hiking boots are broken-in, right? If they are not you will definitely be bailing. The best way to prevent blisters, by the way, is to apply duct tape directly to the skin where you’re getting a hot spot BEFORE it becomes a blister. Once the water/pus starts to collect in there you’re in much bigger trouble.
posted by Aizkolari at 7:13 AM on May 18, 2011
If you have not given serious consideration to rain gear, you should start. It's been insanely wet here this spring in v.a. The rain might not stay long, but "torrential cloudbursts" would give you an idea of what it does when it hits.
Just wanted to second this and SuzySmith's remarks about bug spray. We've had way more rain than we know what to do with this spring. I'm not sure if we've gone a full 6 day stretch without some torrential rain, at least in the Shenandoah Valley where I live. Keep an eye on the weather report and be ready for flooded creeks, muddy ground, etc.
posted by ashirys at 7:35 AM on May 18, 2011
Just wanted to second this and SuzySmith's remarks about bug spray. We've had way more rain than we know what to do with this spring. I'm not sure if we've gone a full 6 day stretch without some torrential rain, at least in the Shenandoah Valley where I live. Keep an eye on the weather report and be ready for flooded creeks, muddy ground, etc.
posted by ashirys at 7:35 AM on May 18, 2011
Immodium?
My last long trip (Isle Royale end-to-end in the middle of a hot summer) was a long time ago. I think our supply of Tabasco was the most valued item.
Agreed on some butterfly closures and sewing gear. I like having some Zip-Ties and/or velcro straps, too, but they stay in a car when camping (not hiking).
If you are taking mutliple lights, make sure they use the same batteries -- ideally the same batteries as any other electronics (SPOT transmitter, GPS receiver, whatever). If you are out of AAs but have several CR123s, you'll feel like a jerk.
posted by wenestvedt at 8:34 AM on May 18, 2011
My last long trip (Isle Royale end-to-end in the middle of a hot summer) was a long time ago. I think our supply of Tabasco was the most valued item.
Agreed on some butterfly closures and sewing gear. I like having some Zip-Ties and/or velcro straps, too, but they stay in a car when camping (not hiking).
If you are taking mutliple lights, make sure they use the same batteries -- ideally the same batteries as any other electronics (SPOT transmitter, GPS receiver, whatever). If you are out of AAs but have several CR123s, you'll feel like a jerk.
posted by wenestvedt at 8:34 AM on May 18, 2011
Just remembered, thenormshow kinda reminded me: Foot Powder or baby powder. Rub it on anytime you take your shoes off/put them on. Find something smaller than a pill bottle or something and that much should stretch the whole trip. It helps with moisture (to a point) and with friction. Plus rubbing it in really makes you pay attention to the current condition of your feet. Oh, and it may even help you impress the ladies with your feet/boots ending up significantly less ripe than your trailmates.
posted by RolandOfEld at 10:38 AM on May 18, 2011
posted by RolandOfEld at 10:38 AM on May 18, 2011
Response by poster: So many thanks for all the responses. I have added several things to my pack list.
I appreciate the concern about the elevation and distance. I am in great shape, 35, and have been doing 20 mile practice hikes on weekends with my fully loaded pack. I know that several consecutive days is more than a weekend, but I feel pretty good. But, I also know it will be a challenge - that is sort of the point. There are no steep climbs on the hike, which I am grateful for.
I figured I would post my pack-list here, for public fodder (and in case other people are first-timers and want to see; I wish there was someplace easy out there on the web with sample pack-lists - good site idea?)
Basics:
• Tent
• Sleeping bag
• Sleeping pad
• Dry-sacks for storage and sleeping bag*
• Head lamp*
• Flashlight*
• Knife (swiss army)
• Trekking poles*
• Camera
• Hat
• Boots
• Waterproof matches*
Food-related:
• Food
o Dehydrated food packs
o Bread
o Fluff, peanut butter
o Trail-mix
o Cliff bars*
o Energy blocks
o Water
• Insulated mug
• Bowl
• Utensils
• Three 1-liter water bottles
Clothing:
• 2 pair pants (non-cotton)
• 1 pair shorts (nylon)
• 2 pair Hiking socks
• 6 sock liners*
• 8 sets Underwear (boxers)*
• 3 short-sleeved Ts (non-cotton)
• Middle-layer fleece
• Outer layer shell
• Rain parka*
• Gloves*
• Camp shoes
Personal Care:
• Moleskin*
• Ibuprofen*
• Towel
• Purell
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• TP
• Sun protection*
• Lip balm*
• Wet wipes*
• Floss
• Soap
Misc:
• Duct tape*
• Garbage bags (2)*
• Ziplock bags*
• Sharpie and paper*
• Ipod shuffle w/ ear buds
• Phone (for emergencies)
• Nylon cord*
• Insect repellent*
• Mini bungee
My buddy is going to carry:
• Stove with 2 fuel containers
• Bear canister
• Water purification filter*
• Repair kit*
• First-aid kit*
* - items listed in responses
(Sorry for the long post!)
posted by LittleFuzzy at 3:01 PM on May 18, 2011
I appreciate the concern about the elevation and distance. I am in great shape, 35, and have been doing 20 mile practice hikes on weekends with my fully loaded pack. I know that several consecutive days is more than a weekend, but I feel pretty good. But, I also know it will be a challenge - that is sort of the point. There are no steep climbs on the hike, which I am grateful for.
I figured I would post my pack-list here, for public fodder (and in case other people are first-timers and want to see; I wish there was someplace easy out there on the web with sample pack-lists - good site idea?)
Basics:
• Tent
• Sleeping bag
• Sleeping pad
• Dry-sacks for storage and sleeping bag*
• Head lamp*
• Flashlight*
• Knife (swiss army)
• Trekking poles*
• Camera
• Hat
• Boots
• Waterproof matches*
Food-related:
• Food
o Dehydrated food packs
o Bread
o Fluff, peanut butter
o Trail-mix
o Cliff bars*
o Energy blocks
o Water
• Insulated mug
• Bowl
• Utensils
• Three 1-liter water bottles
Clothing:
• 2 pair pants (non-cotton)
• 1 pair shorts (nylon)
• 2 pair Hiking socks
• 6 sock liners*
• 8 sets Underwear (boxers)*
• 3 short-sleeved Ts (non-cotton)
• Middle-layer fleece
• Outer layer shell
• Rain parka*
• Gloves*
• Camp shoes
Personal Care:
• Moleskin*
• Ibuprofen*
• Towel
• Purell
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• TP
• Sun protection*
• Lip balm*
• Wet wipes*
• Floss
• Soap
Misc:
• Duct tape*
• Garbage bags (2)*
• Ziplock bags*
• Sharpie and paper*
• Ipod shuffle w/ ear buds
• Phone (for emergencies)
• Nylon cord*
• Insect repellent*
• Mini bungee
My buddy is going to carry:
• Stove with 2 fuel containers
• Bear canister
• Water purification filter*
• Repair kit*
• First-aid kit*
* - items listed in responses
(Sorry for the long post!)
posted by LittleFuzzy at 3:01 PM on May 18, 2011
I always twist a couple of twist-ties (the kind you use to close plastic produce bags at the grocery store) through one of my zipper pulls, which makes them easy to find. They're great when you open a bag of some food and then decide you're not going to eat the whole thing, and could probably be used for some creative gear repair efforts if needed. Plus they don't really weigh anything.
posted by vytae at 10:52 PM on May 18, 2011
posted by vytae at 10:52 PM on May 18, 2011
I was going to say twist ties too. I also have a tiny little box with 5 tiny little dice in it to play yhazee with and a tiny little deck of cards for rainy in the tent days.
posted by BoscosMom at 1:38 AM on May 20, 2011
posted by BoscosMom at 1:38 AM on May 20, 2011
Lightweight plastic spade for digging catholes. And toilet paper (which you should of course bury deep and away from water sources!) If you can find the quick-biodegrade kind (often available in camping sections of sporting goods stores as well as more specialized stores) all the better.
posted by tully_monster at 3:41 PM on May 20, 2011
posted by tully_monster at 3:41 PM on May 20, 2011
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What stove are you using?
posted by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 3:10 PM on May 17, 2011