Deleted
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Post by Deleted on May 17, 2016 10:12:01 GMT -8
Hello Everyone!
I am a mom of boy scouts with years of camping experience...with a LOADED mini-van that is! My 15 y/o has been begging me to backpack with him since he was just a cub. I have said "no" for years, but realize that I don't want him to grow up, and I regret that for the rest of my life. So, I have researched, I have saved, I have read, I have shopped sales, I have watched YouTube videos, and FINALLY this Memorial Day Weekend the boy and I are going BACKPACKING!!! Ugh. I'm nervous, excited, scared, excited, nervous... I just found this forum today - wish, wish, wish I had found you all 6 months ago! I have soooo many questions.
What is the the most important advice you can give to this newbie?
Happy trails, BJaye
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Post by hikerjer on May 17, 2016 10:19:08 GMT -8
Welcome aboard from the Big Sky country. There is an incredible amount of collective knowledge among forum members and we're all more than happy to answer any questions you have. You're making a great decision taking your son backpacking. Hopefully, it will grow into a life long passion as it has with so many of us. It's something you can do together for the rest of your lives. Nice thing is, when your old and he's your age, he'll be able to carry your gear for you. One hint. Make sure that first trip is slow and easy. You don't want to burn yourselves out the first time and sour him on the experience. Have a great time and keep in touch. By all means, let us know how that first backpacking trip went.
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crawford
Trail Wise!
Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.--Edison
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Post by crawford on May 17, 2016 10:21:49 GMT -8
Excellent! Glad you are taking his interest in hand, he will certainly remember it. There are many folks here who will be able to share experience. Glad you stopped by.
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amaruq
Trail Wise!
Call me Little Spoon
Posts: 1,264
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Post by amaruq on May 17, 2016 10:22:44 GMT -8
'Ello thar
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Post by Lamebeaver on May 17, 2016 10:24:17 GMT -8
Best advice: Take an overnight trip before you plan a week-long outing. You'll learn what works (and what doesn't) for you.
Howdy, where you you from?
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bp2go
Trail Wise!
California
Posts: 1,329
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Post by bp2go on May 17, 2016 10:26:29 GMT -8
You found us just in time. Don't be nervous, you're going to get some good help here. It's going to be helpful if you can tell us where you plan to hike? Not just the state, but are you looking at a specific park or forest? Is this a day hike or an over-nighter?
There's still time to polish your plan, so add some more details and let's see what happens.
Welcome!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on May 17, 2016 10:36:38 GMT -8
Thank you! We are in the Chicago-area - moved here from Texas last June. BIG landscape/weather change. We are headed to the Ice Age Trail in Wisconsin. Like where there might be BEARS. *gulp* LOL!
Also, I'm worried about being cold (Texas-girl) - what brand base layer do you all recommend for pretty much all weather? Does this make sense? Also, what do you sleep in (PJ's)?
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walkswithblackflies
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Resident terrorist-supporting eco-freak bootlicker
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Post by walkswithblackflies on May 17, 2016 10:48:04 GMT -8
What is the the most important advice you can give to this newbie? Bears, cougars, and coyotes are not laying in wait to kill you.
Cook and store your food at least 100 yards from your camp. I would recommend storing food in a bear canister. If you hear a bump in the night, the animal that made it is at least 10x smaller than the noise would suggest. Don't bring too much stuff. That said, I always bring a change of clothes specifically for camp (so you're not sitting at camp in wet clothes)... much to the chagrin of ultralight backpackers. Practice overnights in your backyard or local park. Don't dress TOO warm, including sleep wear. Sweaty/clammy will make you much colder in the long run. Relax and have fun!!!
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bp2go
Trail Wise!
California
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Post by bp2go on May 17, 2016 10:49:53 GMT -8
I found this thread about the Ice Age Trail. So I'll bet that will be of interest to you. And when you ask about PJs, I'm thinking you might like to check into the Gear Closet , add a post to describe what you have in the way of equipment (pack? sleeping bag? Cook gear?) Note there is also a Cooking section here, so checking for suggestions there will help also. You'll get it all figured out.
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desert dweller
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Power to the Peaceful...Hate does not create.
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Post by desert dweller on May 17, 2016 10:58:08 GMT -8
Welcome.
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reuben
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Gonna need more Camels at the next refugio...
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Post by reuben on May 17, 2016 11:08:10 GMT -8
Hi. We all have our favorite brands, but generally you don't want any cotton. Wool baselayers aren't the itchy old wool of yesteryear. Synthetics are also good - each brand typically has their own special blend/name.
I sleep in whatever makes me comfortable - that includes baselayers, sleeping bag, etc. Some people sleep hot, some sleep cold. You'll just have to figure that out for yourself. A good down EN-rated sleeping bag is a good start.
At night be sure to put on dry clothes - underwear, socks, everything. Even if you think you haven't been sweating you probably have, and that will come back to haunt you (wake you up) in the middle of the night and you'll be cold and unhappy. And the next day you may be a bit cranky and tired. You're warmer when you're dry.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on May 17, 2016 11:49:31 GMT -8
Y'all are so awesome! Thanks to you, I found a ThermaWool base layer set on sale. Should be here this week. I also informed my fam that I am going hiking this weekend, with an overnight in my backyard to test all gear We will see if I chose well.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on May 17, 2016 12:04:25 GMT -8
bp2go - I don't know how to respond specifically to your comment, but your link was so helpful. Thank you!
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reuben
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Gonna need more Camels at the next refugio...
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Post by reuben on May 17, 2016 12:06:54 GMT -8
Don't forget to test things like cooking and crapping in the woods (see: cathole, LNT). If you use an inflatable pad don't inflate it all the way unless you like a really stiff mattress at home. You can take enough water with you for a weekend, so different ways of purifying water can wait a little while.
Well, cooking can wait, too, if you take certain types of food. Things like salami sticks are full of calories and don't need to be cooked.
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Westy
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Diagnosed w/Post-Trail Transition Syndrome
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Post by Westy on May 17, 2016 12:09:08 GMT -8
Welcome from Salt Lake City!
The first rule of first timers it to select an objective that will be successful and motivate all parties concerned to repeat. Each follow-on hike is a bit more challenging. Much like a baseball pitcher goes "up the ladder".
Roh! Roh! Question: Cubs, White Sox, Rangers or Astros?
The first trek should be more like a field test of stamina, gear, clothing, food preparation and selection. Distances should be manageable and achievable vs. aggressive and not achievable. Highly recommend post-hike evaluation, with input from your son(s) on what they could do better or change next time.
Good Luck!
P.S. Love Old Green Mill Cocktail Lounge
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