Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Apr 5, 2016 9:25:53 GMT -8
Good morning,
I have the sudden need to get out of New Orleans and dive into a multiday hike. Borrowing some gear and have some that I have built up over the years. I have never done this but am retired military and in good shape. I have a tadpole 23 tent. A laFlume? summer weight sleeping bag, MSR whisper lite, nested aluminum pot and cups etc. and platypus gravity works filter. I am borrowing an internal frame pack, sleeping pad, and purchasing boots, freezedried food, plastic trowel...Its 56 miles round trip I believe, well marked with lots of major road crossings, so feel pretty safe. Anything else to worry about? I really want to do this by myself- and without purchasing too much more out of pocket until I'm sure I want to continue doing this. Looking to start on a Sunday afternoon and at the latest be back for Tuesday or Wednesday? Realistic for a first timer? I have read the Backpacker's Bible- and some other books, but prefer actual discussion with people. I know my tent is heavy by modern standards and my pack may or may not be ideal because not fitted to me, but otherwise looking for insight. Thanks!
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Post by rwtb123 on Apr 5, 2016 10:12:08 GMT -8
Well,you are talking about 20-25 mile days with that schedule, which is certainly doable, on flat La terrain, but aggressive, particularly for a first trip.Honestly,that is the type of trip I would do all the time in Fl., so if you are in good shape with a military background of doing "death" marches and the like, I would encourage you to try it.But, it might be wise to provide bailout options if it turns out to be too much.
As to gear,I have a tadpole nhp ,the predecessor to the 23, which is heavy, but solid due to the three pole, three cross design.I have used it extensively on trips like you describe and bike touring and it has withstood tropical storms and water spots in Fl, and winter storms and exposed windy high country balds in the Appalachians.If it was me, I would drop the stove(I also have a whisper lite) and cookware and just take dry food as when hiking that many miles I prefer to constantly graze along the way.
And,with that many miles your shoe fit is going to be critical ,taking into account your foot will ,likely, swell considerably by the end of the day.It may not be wise starting with new/unbroken-in boots.One trick I have used is to take a pair of thinner liner socks to switch into when my foot starts swelling(and it always does).And,carry some duct tape for blisters and other multi-uses.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Apr 5, 2016 14:27:10 GMT -8
Thanks! Going to start in the middle and hike one way and back so I can bail if I have to, Just ordered Vasqe St. Elias GTX boots online and smartwool socks online. Wear a 10 adn ordered a 10- mistake? Also ordered sno seal for the leather. Wanted to buy local but they did not have size in stock and was very disappointed with customer service at Massey's Outfitters in New Olreans. Really trying to go next week but may have to postpone another week if boots don't fit well or I have to size up for swelling room?
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Post by rwtb123 on Apr 5, 2016 15:06:54 GMT -8
Some long-distance hikers like to size up 1/2 size but I don't ,personally,like that approach.The fit in the toe box is critical so that is why trying them on first is a good idea as there is a lot of variance across manufacturers and individual boots.My issue is high arched and slightly different sized feet.So one foot will be fine with a 9 but the other might start to have toe issues after high miles.But,I don't like to size up because too much room is just as bad with the feet moving around too much and rubbing.If the boots fit decently I would go ahead and go with a pair of liner socks and duct tape but ideally it is good to get any fit/blister issues out of the way first.
For these reasons and considering I am in Fl, I prefer to use a good pair of sandals/flips such as Chacos with vibram soles, but foot/ankle support can be an issue starting out.I have a pair of Vasques from the 70s and they seem to fit me well in the toe box but fit is highly personal.If you have a pair of athletic shoes that fit well I would consider taking them along as backup (if not sports sandals).
Sno Seal is good stuff.I use it on my bike saddles,wallet and Vasque boots(though I don't use the boots much anymore).
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cajun
Trail Wise!
GEAUX TIGERS!!
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Post by cajun on Apr 13, 2016 18:38:01 GMT -8
The Wild Azalea Trail is a nice trail -- much easier if you can shuttle cars. I like the idea of starting in the middle and going to one end and back, then making a decision about the other half. It'll be too hot and buggy to hike pretty soon, but the trail will keep if you don't finish it this time.
By the way, are you a member of the Louisiana Hiking Club?
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Post by rwtb123 on Apr 14, 2016 1:46:14 GMT -8
Not an option,we need someone to hike 25.2 miles to top the Mid-Atlantic forum  |
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Post by gcsaylor on Apr 18, 2016 3:16:56 GMT -8
So did you make the trip? I get off the boat in four days and am looking for a trip to experiment with my gear etc before an AT section. Probably getting a little too warm already for louisiana hiking.
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Post by Christian on Oct 27, 2016 17:47:11 GMT -8
Have been reading through a lot of threads, getting used to forum. Still haven't been able to put together what AT refers to.. What is that?
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Post by rwtb123 on Oct 27, 2016 18:06:39 GMT -8
The Appalachian Trail,a long trail running from Georgia to Maine.Those that take off six months or so ,starting in spring,to hike the entire trail are known as thru-hikers.Those that don't have that much time hike it in sections as time allows and are known as section-hikers. www.nps.gov/appa/planyourvisit/upload/APPA%20Map.pdf |
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Post by rwtb123 on Oct 28, 2016 5:32:41 GMT -8
If it was me, I would drop the stove(I also have a whisper lite) and cookware and just take dry food as when hiking that many miles I prefer to constantly graze along the way. As to specific dry foods I like to carry when hiking high miles things like pita bread,peanut butter,honey,trail mix,energy bars,cheese,jerky,dried fruits and a mix of whey protein/oatmeal and dried coconut flakes carried in a heavy duty zip lock bag.The trail mix and bars for non-stop hiking snacks,the p/b&honey on pita or cheese & jerky for short stop meals and the whey mix for a quick recovery meal after a long day hiking when I just want to get to sleep and need quick no hassle nutrition.Just add to a shaker cup w/water and perhaps some dried fruit and you have a quick recovery shake.If I'm still hungry I will polish off some of those other items mentioned as well. For a short trip or first day after a resupply, I may also carry whole fruits like apples or oranges as a luxury item as they are just so good when hiking... |
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