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Post by LB on Jul 11, 2024 8:46:53 GMT -8
Good Afternoon, I'm LB, from Michigan. Although I'm a lifelong camper and hiker, I'm new to backpacking. I'm hoping to process the first backpacking trip I just went on and prep better for the second. Glad to find there are "old fashioned" methods of community like forums still around!
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Post by cweston on Jul 11, 2024 9:06:06 GMT -8
Welcome. I guarantee you'll find at least as many tips and suggestion from us old-timers here as you want.
I'm originally from Michigan myself. (Lived a lot of places since then.)
Maybe consider posting a report from your trip in the "Trip Reports • Storytelling" forum?
Or if you have specific questions, just ask away.
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ErnieW
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Post by ErnieW on Jul 11, 2024 9:34:18 GMT -8
Welcome. A lot of experience here you can take advantage of. I'm hoping to do some backpacking in the UP someday.
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Travis
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Post by Travis on Jul 11, 2024 10:12:39 GMT -8
Good to see you, LB. Looks like you got a good start to backpacking. Keep it going.
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Post by Coolkat on Jul 11, 2024 11:00:53 GMT -8
LB, good to have you join us. Ask away. As a michigander myself I'm kind of curious where you did your first backpack trip, if you were willing to share. As a warning I'm thinking that as part of the hazing process for new people you'll be asked about your opinion of several unrelated subjects such as okra.
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Post by marmotstew on Jul 11, 2024 11:27:50 GMT -8
Welcome. I’m the forum president. Anything I say around hear is the truth.
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Post by LB on Jul 11, 2024 12:45:19 GMT -8
Hi fellow Michiganders! I love love love living in Michigan and we have big hiking plans.
My husband and I did the Manistee River Loop the last week of June. We had a great time, although I am thinking I need to adjust a few things to make the next experience "easier". We experienced many things on that maiden voyage - intense thunderstorms, extreme mud, snakes, potable water spigot out of order, - you know...fun stuff. There were some gear choices that I think worked against me and made it a bit harder than the entire thing needed to be. We rented our big gear, which was both great and no so great. The company we used was wonderful, however I would have chosen some different things if I had the choice. I wore my normal hiking shoes and learned the actual meaning of the phrase "tender foot." I didn't get blisters...but man my feet wanted to. I wasn't expecting that. On a normal day I hike between 4-6 miles and have minimal discomfort if any at all and we did 8/9 a day for this trip and my feet were not having it. It was the hardest part of the trip really.
Okra - It all depends. There is an amazing Okra dish at my local Shawarma place - that is pretty much the only place I eat Okra. In general I have no strong opinions on the existence or moral value of Okra and know that many people love it and it brings them joy.
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Post by cweston on Jul 11, 2024 13:12:03 GMT -8
I'm a lifelong hiker/BPer, and the number one thing that keeps me from hiking longer days is foot comfort. I think a lot of folks here would say the same.
There are a million "hacks," but beyond the obvious of having shoes/boots that fit you well, I think the top two are...
1. Socks. I like merino wool, but synthetics that wick well can work well, too. Good hiking socks are stupid expensive, alas, but worth the investment, IMHO.
2. Friction reduction: I wrap my big toes with duct tape, and apply body glide to a few other areas before putting socks on.
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reuben
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Post by reuben on Jul 11, 2024 14:11:29 GMT -8
As a warning I'm thinking that as part of the hazing process for new people you'll be asked about your opinion of several unrelated subjects such as okra. Kilts Beets Bacon Scotch Butterscotch PAM v butter Drop bears
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ErnieW
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Post by ErnieW on Jul 11, 2024 14:29:35 GMT -8
potable water spigot out of order Water treatment comes up often here. If you don't have one you should be looking at water filters. I have a Sawyer Squeeze. They run about $40. Potable water on the trail is generally a rare thing.
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reuben
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Post by reuben on Jul 11, 2024 14:47:04 GMT -8
I wrap my big toes with duct tape, and apply body glide to a few other areas before putting socks on. Try Leukotape instead.
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Post by Coolkat on Jul 12, 2024 4:02:12 GMT -8
As someone who used duct tape at the beginning of my hiking career I'll say that it works fine but I developed some kind of skin reaction to it and I now I use luekotape as reuben suggested . It'll stay on for days even after stream crossings. I've done the Manistee River loop several times I do not remember a water spigot. On the west side I've always gotten my water at Eddington Creek and then on the east side thee are several small creeks that water is available but you know that by now. When it comes to feet comfort you can listen to us here for what has worked for us individually but you'll have to discover on your own what works best for your feet. A few years ago I ditched boots and wool socks and haven't looked back. I do take a pair of wool socks but those are only for cool evenings hanging around camp or cold nights and I want something extra on for warmth. Just don't forget Reuben's list or there is a penalty and we'll leave that up to marmotstew and you don't want that.
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reuben
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Post by reuben on Jul 12, 2024 4:28:53 GMT -8
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trinity
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Post by trinity on Jul 12, 2024 5:43:10 GMT -8
Welcome, lb . Backpacking has a steep learning curve at the beginning, and you did the smart thing, in my opinion--you rented. Experience is the best teacher, and a few trips with rented gear will help you make appropriate decisions when the time comes to buy. Enjoy your time out there!
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rebeccad
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Post by rebeccad on Jul 12, 2024 5:48:16 GMT -8
Welcome, LB! Looking forward to many discussions about gear as you get your kit figured out. We can talk about gear all day. And sometimes do.
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