Post by: uplandhunter870 on March 07, 2013, 10:05:45 PM
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
Post by: KFhunter on March 07, 2013, 10:12:12 PM
I wouldn't have thought it was that far.
Post by: Alchase on March 08, 2013, 12:10:40 PM
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
Post by: MLHSN on March 08, 2013, 12:21:52 PM
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!
Post by: MLHSN on March 08, 2013, 12:24:40 PM
http://tarptent.com/projects/tarpdesign.html (http://tarptent.com/projects/tarpdesign.html)
I use three piece trekking poles that go short enough to pitch the tent with them.
Post by: uplandhunter870 on March 08, 2013, 08:29:11 PM
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
Post by: MLHSN on March 08, 2013, 09:16:09 PM
Post by: thatkidwho on March 08, 2013, 10:16:40 PM
Buy the best you can afford.
Also check out some of the backpacking forums for tips and reviews.
Post by: HuntNFish on March 10, 2013, 10:05:17 AM
Post by: deadwoodbuck on March 11, 2013, 03:55:58 PM
Post by: Bean Counter on March 11, 2013, 03:59:44 PM
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.
Post by: fillthefreezer on March 11, 2013, 04:23:16 PM
Post by: swanny on March 11, 2013, 07:35:39 PM
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.
Post by: fillthefreezer on March 11, 2013, 08:08:13 PM
Lots of great advice here.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 :yike:
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.
Post by: actionshooter on March 11, 2013, 10:06:52 PM
Post by: swanny on March 12, 2013, 07:53:32 AM
I would reconsider the -20*, lots of un-needed weight and your going to sweat to death!
:yeah: -20 is overkill for just about anywhere in our state on any given day under normal circumstances
Post by: deadwoodbuck on March 12, 2013, 09:10:06 AM
Quote
get your footwear and start breaking it in now:yeah: if you haven't already...the most important factor to consider.
Post by: JackOfAllTrades on March 12, 2013, 09:51:40 AM
http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/board,89.0.html (http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/board,89.0.html)
Specificially:
http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,97940.0.html (http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,97940.0.html)
Lots of good info in that forum.
-Steve
Post by: Smossy on March 12, 2013, 10:17:53 AM
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.Sidearm is absolutely not necessary, You/He would be better off carrying a large 13oz can of bear mace. Testing has proven it more effective against any wild animals. Shuts down and Irritates the animals respiratory system, Plus, Its lighter :) 13oz can should give you 9-10 seconds worth of blasting at over 30 feet.
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
And about the tent, Try this one.
http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/72836?feat=506854-GN2&page=microlight-fs-1-person-tent&attrValue_0=Pewter&productId=1217291 (http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/72836?feat=506854-GN2&page=microlight-fs-1-person-tent&attrValue_0=Pewter&productId=1217291)
Its about 2 pounds and shouldn't be too harsh on your pocket spending.
And about the sleeping bag, Unless your hiking durring winter time, a 20+ Temp sleeping bag should do you just fine, Keep in mind those ratings are for almost bare naked body.
So with alittle clothing on while sleeping, You could easily do tempts to 10 degrees. Which I doubt you will ever meet that unless fall/winter/High elevation hiking.
Me and my girlfriend hike every weekend almost without fail. Its my drug.
Cheers man, Its a Great hobby. Also there are some awesome AWESOME lightweight rain jackets that are being sold now through "Frogg Togg" called *Toadz* Its a brand new line and mine cost me about $70 but it was well worth every penny. Its virtually indestructible. Has lots of pockets, and pretty warm considering its a rain jacket.
Here is a link to those also.
http://www.froggtoggsraingear.com/FirebellyToads.shtm (http://www.froggtoggsraingear.com/FirebellyToads.shtm)
Post by: uplandhunter870 on March 14, 2013, 11:37:35 AM
Yeah I know the neg 20 bag is a bit much and am looking at other bags. I have foot wear I have a pair of whites I just had rebuilt and got them broken in so foot wear is covered.
I'm thinking this will happen if it does in September so I'm going to take a sidearm for grouse if its open in the area and once I'm out of the national park.
To the gym comments I know to some working out that much can be boring but the gym right now is my sanity pill and I know how far I can bend myself before I break and besides im a fat man and honestly tired of being the fat man been the jolly fat kid all my life and its time to change that
Thanks again everyone for all the tips and comments
Uplander
Post by: MLHSN on March 14, 2013, 04:13:55 PM
This picture was taken at massie lake the last week in Aug.
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm5.staticflickr.com%2F4145%2F4978385476_42e182b1a0_b.jpg&hash=32aaffc85a31912f33bc9b11ea5e66aa5fab6e47) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/20209691@N05/4978385476/)
MassiePano (http://www.flickr.com/photos/20209691@N05/4978385476/#) by mlhsn1 (http://www.flickr.com/people/20209691@N05/), on Flickr
this picture was taken in the middle of June in the Pasayten
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm9.staticflickr.com%2F8022%2F7540916674_b165d53653_b.jpg&hash=8783384f357edd16dd0d785b06e7f0aa971c2a60) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/20209691@N05/7540916674/)
P1010200 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/20209691@N05/7540916674/#) by mlhsn1 (http://www.flickr.com/people/20209691@N05/), on Flickr
At Trap lake, a few years back, It hit zero degrees in the middle of September. Bag's aren't rated for comfort either. A 20 deg. bag doesn't mean that it's comfort rating, it means it will keep you safe. Everybody is different. But I personally like my 20 deg quite fine. If I get a little hot in July, I can just unzip the bag a little. My bag weighs just under 2 lb's. For me a couple ounces isn't worth sleeping miserably for a few days.
Post by: MLHSN on March 14, 2013, 04:14:53 PM
Post by: Smossy on March 14, 2013, 04:20:37 PM
I hate to play the devils advocate. But I don't think a 20 deg bag is overdoing it. I use a twenty degree. There is not that much weight difference between a good 30 deg and a 20 deg bag. Being called can be the difference between a terrible trip and a good trip.Thats all welll said but he said -20
This picture was taken at massie lake the last week in Aug.
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm5.staticflickr.com%2F4145%2F4978385476_42e182b1a0_b.jpg&hash=32aaffc85a31912f33bc9b11ea5e66aa5fab6e47) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/20209691@N05/4978385476/)
MassiePano (http://www.flickr.com/photos/20209691@N05/4978385476/#) by mlhsn1 (http://www.flickr.com/people/20209691@N05/), on Flickr
this picture was taken in the middle of June in the Pasayten
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm9.staticflickr.com%2F8022%2F7540916674_b165d53653_b.jpg&hash=8783384f357edd16dd0d785b06e7f0aa971c2a60) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/20209691@N05/7540916674/)
P1010200 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/20209691@N05/7540916674/#) by mlhsn1 (http://www.flickr.com/people/20209691@N05/), on Flickr
At Trap lake, a few years back, It hit zero degrees in the middle of September. Bag's aren't rated for comfort either. A 20 deg. bag doesn't mean that it's comfort rating, it means it will keep you safe. Everybody is different. But I personally like my 20 deg quite fine. If I get a little hot in July, I can just unzip the bag a little. My bag weighs just under 2 lb's. For me a couple ounces isn't worth sleeping miserably for a few days.
Post by: fillthefreezer on March 14, 2013, 04:44:12 PM
oops, I just read that said NEGATIVE 20. My bad. Disregard the last post.i will not disregaurd those awesome photos :tup:
Post by: uplandhunter870 on March 14, 2013, 04:47:15 PM
Anyone have any idea how long time wise a 30 mile trek should take? I know it's going to largely depend on me and my walking buddy's pace but I was think doing it over three days to have some time to go off trail and explore
Yeah those shots are awesome and its good advice
Thanks
Post by: fillthefreezer on March 14, 2013, 04:49:53 PM
Post by: Smossy on March 14, 2013, 04:59:45 PM
Yeah my current bag is a Negative 20 deg bag. It's a great bag in the winter used it a number of times camping in the winter but it gets hot quick and is probably over kill for summer outings.Depending on you and your buddies abilities, and the time of year you go (Based off amount of sunlight in the day)
Anyone have any idea how long time wise a 30 mile trek should take? I know it's going to largely depend on me and my walking buddy's pace but I was think doing it over three days to have some time to go off trail and explore
Yeah those shots are awesome and its good advice
Thanks
You could do a 30 mile hike in a day (Maybe near the mid-end of summer) , Thats alittle pushing it though. Id say 2 days would be reasonable for a 30 mile hike. I figure average person walks about 2 miles an hour, Give or take.. also depending on terrain. I know serious backpackers can do 100 miles in 3-4 days with a 20-30lb pack. My pack on average is 25lbs & Im 170lbs, We do 6 miles in about 3-4 hours. We also take breaks often and relax at the half way marks to take in views if they're available.
But like you said 3 days should make for a perfect "adventuring" trip... 10 Miles a day shouldnt be too hard on your body, Just try to get in atleast 6 hours of sleep each day. Need that time for your muscles to somewhat recover.
Gatorade makes an awesome powder mix for bringing back needed electrolytes. They have 3 different stage drinks, each pack fills 20oz container, comes with 8 packs. For the hike the 2nd stage "Perform" has high amounts of electrolytes + carbs for the active hike. They also have a recovery one for after your done, Contains milk products but its high in protein and doesnt need to be refrigerated. Would be good for the end of each day.
Post by: MLHSN on March 14, 2013, 08:14:22 PM
Yeah my current bag is a Negative 20 deg bag. It's a great bag in the winter used it a number of times camping in the winter but it gets hot quick and is probably over kill for summer outings.
Anyone have any idea how long time wise a 30 mile trek should take? I know it's going to largely depend on me and my walking buddy's pace but I was think doing it over three days to have some time to go off trail and explore
Yeah those shots are awesome and its good advice
Thanks
You ask hard questions to answer. I've done 15 min. miles on flat clear trail with pack, sometimes I do trips I plan an hour for every 1k feet of gain, sometimes I do 8 miles in a day and am praying God will take me home before I'm finished.
Post by: Zeroforhire on March 21, 2013, 07:11:46 PM
Their forums are a ton of help. Most of the stuff is too insane for my liking, but there is a lot of good information there.
Post by: Smossy on March 21, 2013, 07:13:12 PM
If you really want to get into hiking read up on the stuff at www.backpackinglight.com (http://www.backpackinglight.com)Thanks for that, great first post for you :tup:
Their forums are a ton of help. Most of the stuff is too insane for my liking, but there is a lot of good information there.
Post by: fillthefreezer on March 21, 2013, 08:25:26 PM
Post by: JLS on April 03, 2013, 10:31:06 PM
thats a great site if for nothing other than the classifieds :chuckle: :tup:
No kidding, there are some really good deals that pop up on there.
Post by: JLS on April 03, 2013, 10:36:39 PM
Yeah my current bag is a Negative 20 deg bag. It's a great bag in the winter used it a number of times camping in the winter but it gets hot quick and is probably over kill for summer outings.
Anyone have any idea how long time wise a 30 mile trek should take? I know it's going to largely depend on me and my walking buddy's pace but I was think doing it over three days to have some time to go off trail and explore
Yeah those shots are awesome and its good advice
Thanks
Three days sounds like a reasonable target. Get some trekking poles as suggested by Bean Counter. I'd fill in the gear you need by looking around at sales and classifieds.