Beginner Backpacking Question

[dundare]

Hi, I have done a fair bit of dayhiking (Washington, Jefferson, Adams, Lincoln, Eisenhower, Lafayette, Cannon, Chocura, Moosilaukee, Doubleheads, and a couple others. I am interested in doing a couple of backpacking trips in the spring when the weather wams up. I would be interested in any advice that you all might have for someone just getting started.

My goal is first a single overnight, then a two nighter, and then a three nighter this year. Ideally, they would be pretty easy hikes as I am sure I will bring too much gear at first and will need to get used to walking with a heavy pack.

I would be interested in some suggested routes, gear advice, and even some lessons learned.

Thanks in advance for any help.

DD

 

[Papa Bear]

Although nothing beats real experience, I would suggest you get a good book for now and read it over the cold months. My favorite: The Backpackers Handbook by Chris Townsend.

The other thing you should know is that there are many ways to do a successful back packing trip, especially as regards to gear. Many folks might offer suggestions such as "This boot, this pack, this stove etc. is the only way to go!" Listen to everyone but then get out there and see what works for you. A good example is a recent thread here on mid-weight Gortex boots - plenty of differing suggestions, all suited to one or another person.

As they say HYOH but YMMV.

(Hike your own hike but your mileage may vary)

Pb

 

[sp1936]

If you're going to get books, here are a couple more to consider. The late Daniel Doan's book "50 Hikes in the White Mountains" (now being taken care of by his daughter) describes five backpacking trips listed in order of increasing difficulty. Larry Pletcher's book "Hiking New Hampshire" also describes several backpacking trips.

I'm a fan of the Great Gulf. You can have a relatively easy hike to basecamp with your full pack, then explore above treeline (weather permitting) with a lighter load of dayhike essentials.

Another option is to sign on with an organized AMC trip. There are a variety of both chapter and regional trips to consider.

Papa Bear's comments about gear are intelligent. I'll be breaking in several new gear items this year because I was unsatisfied with the items they are replacing. Speaking from experience, basing your selections primarily on price carries a significant risk of disappointment. You generally get what you pay for.

Steve

 

[Papa Bear]

Papa Bear's comments about gear are intelligent. I'll be breaking in a several new gear items this year because I was unsatisfied with the items they are replacing. Speaking from experience, basing your selections primarily on price carries a significant risk of disappointment. You generally get what you pay for.

Steve

Just a postscript on gear purchases. 3 years ago I decided to hike sections of the AT and I turned to my daughter for gear advice, since most of mine was 30 years old and falling apart.

She said you end up buying everything twice: first you get what some one tells you, or the best price or the best deal, etc. Then after a season of real use, you throw it all away and buy stuff that really works for you.

I didn't really believe her when she said that, but I do now.

Pb

 

[vegematic]

She said you end up buying everything twice: first you get what some one tells you, or the best price or the best deal, etc. Then after a season of real use, you throw it all away and buy stuff that really works for you.
Pb

Not necessarily true. I bought my larger gear (tent, sleeping bag, backpack) about 10 years ago and have not replaced them. The March issue of Backpacker magazine (should be out soon) is dedicated to gear reviews. It is a fairly exhaustive listing of all the major gear, features (along with explanations of the feature), and prices. I research every purchase there and then talk to store clerks who've actually used the stuff before buying it.

Make sure you practice lighting your stove a few times at home before heading out. And bring along plenty of food you will enjoy eating cold just in case you forget how to light your stove in the field. I learned that lesson the hard way my first night out. Dry plain bagels...yuck.

As for destination, the Wild River Valley in Evans Notch has some nice easy sites. Park at the Wild River Campground and hike in along the Wild River trail. There are a couple lean-tos/tent areas along the way and it is pretty flat hiking.
Have Fun!
vegematic

 

[Doc McPeak]

I agree with both comments, but I found my best bet for gear was to do my first backpacks with experienced campers who had all the gear. I played with their stuff (they had already done the buying and re-buying bit) and equipped myself from that experience. Most of it I still have, some didn't work out. Going slow and building your list, you can wait for sales and get the good lasting-quality stuff for the bargain prices (my philosophy).

As you dayhike in the spring, drop by shelters and see what people seem to be using and how they like the stuff. I've learned a ton from people using stuff in the field.

Surf through the other threads here and you will see tons of good ideas, and reading is always a great way to spend a bad weather afternoon. The BP Handbook is a great resource, I second that.

 

[Ann]

a couple of backpacking trips in the spring

Just remember that snow depths are usually still pretty decent at higher elevations during the months of April and most of May.

I fully agree with Steve on this...I am also a huge fan of the Great Gulf...many places to set up base camp, easy to get into, beautiful, scenic and serene. It won't require a ton of effort to get you into a really nice spot. It will also insure you a great night sleep to be lulled by the the sounds of the Peabody River as it rushes down the gulf. There are lots of places to camp, many are "designated wilderness campsites"...but there are lots of other potentially great spots. The next day you can explore, have a possibility for a couple of spectacular loops...what ever you want. You might even want to kick back and do some GREAT fly-fishing...(well, wait until the river is quieter to do that...usually July).
I'd wait until sometime in June to consider this area if you want to camp without snow....July if you are into fly fishing.

 

[rtrimarc]

my only advice...

Spring is a tough season to start, as was mentioned. In the Adirondacks at least, you must deal with lingering snow, then mud, then blackflies. I would hate to see someone get soured on backpacking because of bad experiences with the afforementioned challenges. You can still enjoy yourself, it just takes a little planning, and patience(especially for the damn black flies).

Fall winter camping requires more equipment often, but i find it much more rewarding.

My opinion

RVT

 

[Pete Hogan]

Experience vs Lessons

In addition to the resource/reading suggestions offered by previous posts, you may want to look at this site sponsored by REI for some very basic information.

http://www.rei.com/online/store/Lea...=8000&langId=-1&categoryId=Learn&stat=side_28

As far as lessons.....it was Vernon "The Deacon" Law, a former pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates who once said, " experience is a hard teacher because she gives the test first and the lesson afterwards." The outdoors offers a multitude of tests and "pop quizes", some of which you may not be ready for, but nevertheless will have to endure (and learn from) before you begin to gain competency and confidence in your backcountry skills.

There is a lot to be said for the "learn by doing - school of hard knocks" method of gaining backcountry wisdom. While preparation is the key (and you sound like you have a reasonable learning/experiential progression), remember that failure is not complete if you are still learning and making progress toward your ultimate goal.

 

[dundare]

Oh, just as a FYI, I am pretty comfortable in the outdoors. I was a Boy Scout growing up, my parents took us dayhiking in the whites 5 or 6 times a year, can use a map and compass, am boy scout certified (as a asst scoutmaster) in wilderness first aid, and have no fears about being alone in the woods, etc.

My real concern is doing this right so that my wife enjoys it. I gradually brought her into hiking to the point where she is now always wanting to go. She had some issues about camping, but we have moved past those with some nice car camps followed by hikes or canoeing in the whites. She still prefers an inn, but does not really get anxious when I start planning a camping trip. Now, I am hoping to do the same thing backpacking.

 

[Silverback]

To maximize the potential for the wife's (or any non-experienced backpacker) enjoyment of the experience, consider comfort first when buying (or renting) gear for her. Buy the best sleeping pad you can. Bring along only "tried and true" foods (have her sample them before you pack them). Buy/rent a pack that she finds comfortable and be sure she tries it with a load before taking it to the trail. Same with boots (break them in before hitting the trail!). I would recommend treking poles as well.

I also agree with avoiding spring mud and blackfly season for the first few outings.

In the end, like many have mentioned, the outdoors provide plenty of "learning opportunities" and surprises, but do your best to control the variables you can (such as food she likes, etc.) before you hit the trail.

Good luck!

 

[medic108]

I am new to this forum, but not to the mountains and offer these thoughts:

Despite your comfort and the ground you have gained with your wife in terms of outdoor activities renting or borrowing may still be the initial way to go. We all know that a night on the trail is very different then car camping, etc. This may save you from a big investment that ends up gathering dust .

But assuming you decide to invest - I agree with the others. You sometimes really do get what you pay for. In terms of quality, durability, weight etc.

No matter what you do, stay safe, and climb on.

Medic 108

 

[jbreen]

just to focus on points already mentioned...

try the foods you plan on bringing before you're in the woods. I've experimented with some pretty disagreeable foods, usually when I'm not home.

use your equipment (e.g.stove, filter) at home first a few times.

try make sure the weather conditions will be near perfect for the first time out, then let your errors in packing etc. be the only things you have to deal with.

 

[Ann]

Excellent words of wisdom from Pete Hogan!!!!
Great post!!!!!

failure is not complete if you are still learning and making progress toward your ultimate goal

And, although Pete's ENTIRE post is fantastic I especially enjoyed that last line.

Dundare..if you start backpacking during the forgiving season of the summer months, you will make mistakes but you will continue to evolve and make fine adjustments to make each trip even more successful and more fun.