SRT
Trail Wise!
Posts: 37
|
WTB
Mar 27, 2016 11:41:31 GMT -8
via mobile
tigger likes this
Post by SRT on Mar 27, 2016 11:41:31 GMT -8
Make sure the weight is between your shoulder blades and near your back. That is where you want most of your weight when hiking for the most comfortable ride. hi tigger! Thought you'd want to know I've got myself a good backpack after adding extra ten pounds. One of three packs, one did stood out. Thanks for the excellent tip! I have another question: REI store associate recommended that I get several dehydrate meal packs for the sake of weight and nutrition. Has anyone ever tried dehydrate meals? SRT
|
|
zeke
Trail Wise!
Peekaboo slot 2023
Posts: 9,886
|
WTB
Mar 27, 2016 11:58:23 GMT -8
Post by zeke on Mar 27, 2016 11:58:23 GMT -8
There are several brands of freeze dried commercial food, and none stand out as excellent, IMO. I like Mt House beef stroganoff, and their lasagna, but the others are barely OK. Then, there are the pricier brands, which taste better, but not enough better to justify the cost. Again, IMO. Those might be Packet Gourmet, and Chef mike, or something like that.
Most people here have purchased a dehydrator for their home, and just dry leftovers from the emails they regularly eat. Tastier, and less salt than commercial foods. There are several websites devoted to dehydrating backpacker food, but a couple of them are trailcooking.com, a book titled One Pan Wonders, or a you tube video channel named Hungry Hammock Hanger. Now, you have some resources to play with.
|
|
SRT
Trail Wise!
Posts: 37
|
WTB
Mar 27, 2016 13:57:48 GMT -8
via mobile
Post by SRT on Mar 27, 2016 13:57:48 GMT -8
There are several brands of freeze dried commercial food, and none stand out as excellent, IMO. I like Mt House beef stroganoff, and their lasagna, but the others are barely OK. Then, there are the pricier brands, which taste better, but not enough better to justify the cost. Again, IMO. Those might be Packet Gourmet, and Chef mike, or something like that.
Most people here have purchased a dehydrator for their home, and just dry leftovers from the emails they regularly eat. Tastier, and less salt than commercial foods. There are several websites devoted to dehydrating backpacker food, but a couple of them are trailcooking.com, a book titled One Pan Wonders, or a you tube video channel named Hungry Hammock Hanger. Now, you have some resources to play with. zeke, thanks for sharing the info on dehydrated food. What is IMO stands for? I've looked at several websites you referred. The more I read the more I become confused. Gotta read more to get a better understanding of what it is all about. Thanks Zeke for the info and referral. SRT
|
|
|
WTB
Mar 27, 2016 14:17:27 GMT -8
Post by trinity on Mar 27, 2016 14:17:27 GMT -8
In my opinion. My opinion, by the way, differs a bit, I think the better food is worth the extra cost, but since I am lucky to get 20 bag nights in a typical year, the extra cost really doesn't add up to much. I like Packit Gourmet, Hawk's Vittles, and probably my favorite, Mary Jane's Farm. Don't worry about feeling confused, we've all been there!
|
|
SRT
Trail Wise!
Posts: 37
|
WTB
Mar 27, 2016 14:57:22 GMT -8
via mobile
Post by SRT on Mar 27, 2016 14:57:22 GMT -8
In my opinion. My opinion, by the way, differs a bit, I think the better food is worth the extra cost, but since I am lucky to get 20 bag nights in a typical year, the extra cost really doesn't add up to much. I like Packit Gourmet, Hawk's Vittles, and probably my favorite, Mary Jane's Farm. Don't worry about feeling confused, we've all been there! ah! That is what imo stands for...duh me! Appreciate you're sharing it with me. I guess everyone has their preference in choosing which brand or type of food. I've got to buy one each and try it at home. By that time I'll know which one I like and don't like. SRT
|
|
markskor
Trail Wise!
Mammoth Lakes & Tuolumne Meadows...living the dream
Posts: 651
|
WTB
Mar 27, 2016 17:21:02 GMT -8
Post by markskor on Mar 27, 2016 17:21:02 GMT -8
I've got myself a good backpack after adding extra ten pounds. One of three packs, one did stood out. Quick question - What pack did you finally pick? After reading all here, still not yet convinced that SRT is at all close to being in a position to even start a 10 day Sierra hike, much less the PCT. Respectfully, you don't own/have not carried any gear yet...yes, you do know what way is North. Strongly suggest you get out and do a few "shake down" hikes, loaded with all your gear this season. Go out backpacking some - learn - but on a smaller/safer scale first. Figure out for yourself if its a good fit, and how (whatever gear you eventually get) the individual pieces work for you. Do a few 20+ mile hikes (a few 3 days worth anyway), preferably with someone who can teach you/ answer all the questions you have not yet even thought of. You cannot learn the nuances of backpacking from a forum. Then, the next PCT year, - 2017, you will be a smarter hiker and much more ready, (a lot more than you are now). Starting at Campo - 700 miles of desert - not the way to start out green - (IMHO, Cheryl Strayed was a damn fool...better hikers to emulate.)
|
|
SRT
Trail Wise!
Posts: 37
|
WTB
Mar 28, 2016 8:28:13 GMT -8
via mobile
Post by SRT on Mar 28, 2016 8:28:13 GMT -8
I've got myself a good backpack after adding extra ten pounds. One of three packs, one did stood out. Quick question - What pack did you finally pick? After reading all here, still not yet convinced that SRT is at all close to being in a position to even start a 10 day Sierra hike, much less the PCT. Respectfully, you don't own/have not carried any gear yet...yes, you do know what way is North. Strongly suggest you get out and do a few "shake down" hikes, loaded with all your gear this season. Go out backpacking some - learn - but on a smaller/safer scale first. Figure out for yourself if its a good fit, and how (whatever gear you eventually get) the individual pieces work for you. Do a few 20+ mile hikes (a few 3 days worth anyway), preferably with someone who can teach you/ answer all the questions you have not yet even thought of. You cannot learn the nuances of backpacking from a forum. Then, the next PCT year, - 2017, you will be a smarter hiker and much more ready, (a lot more than you are now). Starting at Campo - 700 miles of desert - not the way to start out green - (IMHO, Cheryl Strayed was a damn fool...better hikers to emulate.) markskor, I appreciate your concerns. I'm no fool like Cheryl Strayed. From what you wrote in the above is precisely what I am doing right now. Best, SRT
|
|
tigger
Trail Wise!
Posts: 2,547
|
Post by tigger on Mar 28, 2016 11:27:36 GMT -8
I have relied on Mountain House Freeze dried for my hikes for many years. I like their "simple" meals. I've found the more complex, the worse the taste. Spaghetti, Lasagna, and such have been good to me. I've never found freeze-dried eggs that I like. I tend to bring Pop-Tarts, Nutrigrain bars or other such things for breakfasts. I've tried to simplify my cooking needs to the point of boiling water for drinks for my breakfast and dinner. Keeps it simple when it comes to washing dishes. When I do wash dishes due to the occasional wild impulse for oatmeal, I just use moss and sand to clean the pot along with some water. For lunches, I tend to go for quick sugars, cashews, Summer Sausage or jerky, and wash it down with Gatorade.
|
|
idahobob
Trail Wise!
many are cold, but few are frozen
Posts: 198
|
WTB
Mar 28, 2016 13:25:21 GMT -8
Post by idahobob on Mar 28, 2016 13:25:21 GMT -8
My suggestion on gear is to eliminate what is not needed: 1. Clothes I'll be wearing while hiking: gaiters, pants, shirts, socks and such 2. Clothes in pack: damn few clothes in pack3. During sleeping: bag liner, not needed sleeping pad 4. Rain gear: ultralight rain jacket and pants plus pack cover that is if they included 5. Cooking: ultralight stove (alcohol or propane?) alcohol for me6. Water: ultralight water bag with hose skip the water bag and hose. Get a bottle of water at a grocery store. That thin plastic container is lighter and less hassle than those stinking bladders. 7. Other gears: headlamp a tiny one, trekking poles and compass 8. plus some personal items, and first aid kit (pretty darn abbreviated first aid kit)8. you need a bear canister while hiking through the Sierra Nevada, its not optional. For food, most people use Mountain House or Pack-it-Gourmet, or others like them. Its pretty easy to make up meals from a grocery store that are way tastier, using angel hair pasta, instant rice, scalloped potatoes, couscous, mac and cheese, plus sauces and gravy mixes, precooked bacon, smoked salmon, freeze dried chicken cubes, and freeze dried sausage crumbles. My #1 favorite recipe is here, #2 is here, next best 5 are here. As far as being prepared, SRT is way ahead of Cheryl Strayed, but she is remarkable for sticking it out, and not quitting. Plus starting out and learning by hard knocks is a valid and effective way of learning. Go for it!
|
|
idahobob
Trail Wise!
many are cold, but few are frozen
Posts: 198
|
WTB
Mar 30, 2016 8:09:55 GMT -8
Post by idahobob on Mar 30, 2016 8:09:55 GMT -8
FWIW (for what its worth), I listed my current gear that I use on typical backpacks of 2 to 6 days. It came to 15 lbs 6 oz, a little heavier than I thought. I know I did one trip where my pack weighed 12 lbs but now I'm doubting that. My list is here. For the JMT I'd add a bear canister, and a slightly larger pack to carry it. I'll be sharing some stuff with my son who is going with me as a sherpa. I'll also have a solar panel, and more batteries. I might take a camp chair, they are so nice to have. Otherwise it will be the same gear.
|
|
rebeccad
Trail Wise!
Writing like a maniac
Posts: 12,684
|
WTB
Mar 31, 2016 14:28:32 GMT -8
Post by rebeccad on Mar 31, 2016 14:28:32 GMT -8
Suggestions are just that: suggestions. I prefer that water bag and hose, but I tend to have a dry mouth and want to drink often, so getting out a bottle every ten minutes is a pain. I do carry a plastic bottle as well (just a water or soda bottle) for mixing drinks.
Bear cans are not required in all parts of the Sierra. But unless you are willing to really learn how to use a PCT hang (and where that is not good enough), I recommend a can or an Ursack (a lighter option).
Clothes in the pack: warm clothes (long undies, thermal top, fleece or down jacket, hat, gloves, rain gear, change of sox and undies).
|
|
SRT
Trail Wise!
Posts: 37
|
WTB
Apr 2, 2016 17:31:34 GMT -8
via mobile
Post by SRT on Apr 2, 2016 17:31:34 GMT -8
FWIW (for what its worth), I listed my current gear that I use on typical backpacks of 2 to 6 days. It came to 15 lbs 6 oz, a little heavier than I thought. I know I did one trip where my pack weighed 12 lbs but now I'm doubting that. My list is here. For the JMT I'd add a bear canister, and a slightly larger pack to carry it. I'll be sharing some stuff with my son who is going with me as a sherpa. I'll also have a solar panel, and more batteries. I might take a camp chair, they are so nice to have. Otherwise it will be the same gear. hello folks! Just got back from a 100 mile hiking. It was both blessing and curse. I made a couple of mistakes. Lesson learned. The big three (pack, sleeping bag and tent) were awesome! The mistakes I made were: no gaiters (lotsa of dirt and sand seeped inside of my boots...owwww! Ha), smartphone was outta commission, jetboil stove (not worth the carry tho a bit of convenient for quick cooking), small axe, saw and shovel were not able to handle toughness of wood and soil, and convertible cotton pants was a no-no. Don't want to prolong here. Like I said I've learned my lessons. Tomorrow, I'm going to do more research. Hey! Thanks so much for the suggestions.
|
|
tigger
Trail Wise!
Posts: 2,547
|
Post by tigger on Apr 2, 2016 17:42:32 GMT -8
Axe, saw, and shovel? I don't recommend any of them myself. Some people carry a small trowel to bury their poop but I don't even bother with that. If you have a boot/shoe, you can break limbs if needed for firewood (for those that build a campfire).
|
|
crawford
Trail Wise!
Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.--Edison
Posts: 1,775
|
WTB
Apr 2, 2016 17:46:44 GMT -8
Post by crawford on Apr 2, 2016 17:46:44 GMT -8
Good news on the pack, bag and tent. Glad you enjoyed and are able to learn from the hike. Not everyone does that.
|
|
SRT
Trail Wise!
Posts: 37
|
WTB
Apr 2, 2016 18:17:24 GMT -8
via mobile
Post by SRT on Apr 2, 2016 18:17:24 GMT -8
Axe, saw, and shovel? I don't recommend any of them myself. Some people carry a small trowel to bury their poop but I don't even bother with that. If you have a boot/shoe, you can break limbs if needed for firewood (for those that build a campfire). yeah! That was what I did. Used my boots to break limbs. Realized I didn't need axe, saw and shovel. Thanks for sharing your opinion in here.
|
|