Backpacking gear suggestions---relative newbie

[uplandhunter870]

So I want to get into backpacking and doing some extended hikes. Am by no means new to the outdoors just the to the non hunting hiking adventures. I'm in decent shape for guy my size and am in the gym 7 days a week working on cardio.

What my question is, is what would the more experienced people here recommend for starter gear. I have a high Sierra multi day pack think its 3000ci a kelty -20* bag a MSR stove and some cheap camp cook ware I was given as a gift but that's about it no tent no sleeping pad nothing else.

I would like to hike the PCT from rainy pass on hwy 20 down to stehekin and ride the boat to chelan later this summer.

What would you all recommend for decently priced decent quality gear for a backpacking newb?

Thanks
Uplander

[KFhunter]

117 miles?

I wouldn't have thought it was that far.

[Alchase]

117 miles?

I wouldn't have thought it was that far.

14 miles (as a bird flies) from Rainy Pass to Stehekin according to Google Earth

[MLHSN]

Sounds like you have a few of the things you need to start except a tent and pad.

The big agnes insulated air core is a good starter pad.  I prefer Exped UL pads first and the Neoair second but they are quite a bit more money then the BA pad.

For a tent, I would suggest not breaking the bank straight out of the chute.  Maybe buy a cheapo that weighs between 3-5 lbs.  It will probably only last a season or two with good use but at least it get's you started until you figure out your niche and what your looking for exactly.  My preferences have changed quite a bit over the years my gear has changed with it.  If you or someone you know, is good with a sewing machine then try the tarptent free plan on Henry Shires website.  Mine cost $80 to put together but only weighs 1.5 lbs for two people.  My wife likened it to sewing seran wrap and nylons.  It has bug netting to keep the bugs out and If I were to go out and buy a similar item at the store it would cost me at least 3x that. 

Some other items I would suggest is a cheap set of trekking poles and a water filter.  I really like the Platypus Gravity filter which runs about $80-100.  Best of luck!

[MLHSN]

Here is a like for the tarptent project:

http://tarptent.com/projects/tarpdesign.html

I use three piece trekking poles that go short enough to pitch the tent with them.

[uplandhunter870]

117 miles?

I wouldn't have thought it was that far.

It's roughly 30 miles from the parking lot at rainy pass to the lady of the lake dock. I followed the trail on google earth using the path measure tool.

Thanks for the tips MLHSN

[MLHSN]

FYI I think section K of the Pacific Crest Trail is 117 miles.  It's the distance between Stevens Pass and Rainy Pass.

[thatkidwho]

Pad, water filter, light weight rain gear, free standing tent, flask, extra socks.
Buy the best you can afford.
Also check out some of the backpacking forums for tips and reviews.

[HuntNFish]

That is a great hike, I have done it before.  Go in the summer and check the fishing regs, bring a small trout rod because when I did it years ago I caught trout and had them for dinner, even cooked up some large frog legs.  The one thing I wanted you to know is I came across 2 black bears while on the hike, so make sure you carry a side arm.  Other than that, a small tent, sleeping pad/ bag, water filter bottle, and dont go over 40 lbs on the backpack.  Great country out there.  Good luck and have fun if you go.

[deadwoodbuck]

any good cheap tent with a rainfly, thermo-rest self inflating air mattress, best water filter msr straight to the bottle, cards, candles, dehydrated food items...mountain house, mre mix it up,  light rain gear, gaters, lots of good socks, collapsable fishing pole or at least some fishing line and some gear i.e.flies...i like using the natural bait, head light, small shovel, tp, expresso maker (small cheap effective more bang for your buck) coffee pre-ground/tea, gps if ya got it, binoc's, camera, around the camp shoes(tennis or mocassions), good knife, gun is personal...i never needed one in 40 years of backpackin, good big with a top cup, soups or beef/chicken broth for instant pick me up, gorp(mix nuts m&m's whatever) to snak on, biggest flask for snake-bite medicine, cookware is optional if you plan your meals right all you need to do is heat water...otherwise there is cleanup which nobody likes to do, first aid kit include mole skins for blisters, a lot of parachute line for securing and tying off stuff, a good outdoor book...survival type (to practice some new skills), identifier type (so you know whats out there), survival whistle-compass-magnifying glass-thermometer combonation, maps, i like to put all of my gear in big plastic bags doubled up...to make sure they stay dry and they can be used for other things, a pack rain fly, extra whisky for nights of cards playing in the tent, and "toys" things to play with on the trail at camp.  just some ideas of stuff i have taken and learned over the years....

[Bean Counter]

First thing I would do is cut back on the gym time. IMHO its foolish to work out seven days a week. Your body needs time to heal, recover, and grow stronger. 

I would definitely pick up a set of trekking poles. I love mine to help stabilize the upper body load with a heavy backpack on.

[fillthefreezer]

get your footwear and start breaking it in now

[swanny]

Lots of great advice here.

7 days a week in the gym sounds BORING! Take some of that time up and start hiking the hills, especially if you are just doing cardio. You can get a cardio workout anywhere, not just the gym.

Trekking poles are a great addition as others mentioned. An inflatable sleeping pad and tent are easy finds, especially on the various deal sites out there. If you can and/or want to, you can easily spend $300 on a good lightweight tent without blinking. But if it's your first, there is no harm in starting with a simple 2 man dome tent, that can be had for half that. If you are hiking with a partner, split group gear (tent, filter, stove, cookware). This will help your pack weight.

If you have time, do a simple overnight hike prior to your big trip. Then when you get back inventory everything you took and figure out what you never touched and didn't use. Then make note so you don't pack them.

Also, it's hardly ever mention, but extra clothes will also weigh you down. Make sure to figure out your layers and remember to use them. Taking the correct and appropriate layers will help you from needing several different jackets and shirts on a trip. The weather forecast will be your friend for figuring out the clothes you need.

[fillthefreezer]

Lots of great advice here.
Also, it's hardly ever mention, but extra clothes will also weigh you down. Make sure to figure out your layers and remember to use them. Taking the correct and appropriate layers will help you from needing several different jackets and shirts on a trip. The weather forecast will be your friend for figuring out the clothes you need.

this is a good point, i had a friend whom i thought was a pretty seasoned backpacker unloading in camp with 2 different soft shells, a hardshell and a fleece 

[actionshooter]

I would reconsider the -20*, lots of un-needed weight and your going to sweat to death!