bp2go
Trail Wise!
California
Posts: 1,329
|
Post by bp2go on May 17, 2016 12:09:16 GMT -8
an overnight in my backyard I wonder if you have thought about a sleeping pad of some sort? A scout-type air mattress might seem, but an air mattress will almost certainly spring a leak and leave you lying on hard ground! Not too much fun to start spending big money for gear, especially on a testing basis. But there are some reasonable mats that you could find at a local store. You will appreciate even a cheap one made for camping.
|
|
crawford
Trail Wise!
Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.--Edison
Posts: 1,775
|
Post by crawford on May 17, 2016 12:45:50 GMT -8
Thermarest scout can often be found cheaply. If memory serves it has 3.2 r value (someone can correct me here cuz I can't remember) and packs fairly small, not the lightest but pretty comfortable.
Don't feel compelled to grab all things at once. You might already have some things you can make work. Cook pot...could be a simple steel mug you already have...wind pants could be synthetic running pants you already have. Stove could be made using a soda can by following some simple YouTube videos. Maybe you can borrow stuff from some scout leaders
Enjoy the process!
|
|
|
Post by paula53 on May 17, 2016 13:11:38 GMT -8
Hi from Nevada! I like to sleep in running shorts, clean shirt. If there is an REI near you, pay a visit to the store. Look at shoes packs, bags and stoves. They will advise you and point you in the right direction as to outfitting you and your son. They also rent.
|
|
trinity
Trail Wise!
Posts: 2,915
Member is Online
|
Post by trinity on May 17, 2016 13:28:13 GMT -8
Howdy from your old home state (Round Mountain, to be more specific)! As the father of a son who does not always share my interests, I just want to celebrate your awesomeness for doing this with your boy. It will be a blessing to you both in so many ways. You have already received much good advice. If you feel up to it, post your full gear list, that will get you lots of helpful input. I would say try to be as relaxed as possible about this, backpacking is not rocket science, it can be as simple or as complicated as you want it to be. But it is endlessly rewarding, whatever one's approach or style. I also second the suggestion of a bear canister or an Ursack, you'll have enough to think about without trying to hang a bearbag. And eat simple. Dehydrated meals have come a long way, and they save you the hassle of cooking and cleaning. And don't forget to bring a mini box of wine.
|
|
rebeccad
Trail Wise!
Writing like a maniac
Posts: 12,708
|
Post by rebeccad on May 17, 2016 13:32:53 GMT -8
Welcome! Please drop in to the Women's forum if you have any specific questions. Your start--"camping" in your back yard with the gear is a good plan. A lot of people have shared gear lists in the Gear forum from time to time, which can be helpful.
|
|
driftwoody
Trail Wise!
Take the path closer to the edge, especially if less traveled
Posts: 15,031
|
Post by driftwoody on May 17, 2016 19:22:35 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)? Greetings from a lifelong resident of Chicagoland (except when I was attending college in Southern Illinois, which is a great hiking destination just 5 or so hours away). I've hiked and backpacked at all points in the compass from here, in many places where bears call home, but I've never met one face to face. If you're heading up to the north woods in late May, the critters that will bother you the most are very small and have wings. I recommend broad-brimmed hats with bug nets, as the flies and gnats can be a real nuisance. I recommend sleeping in your long base layers, which you probably won't need to hike in during the day but you'll want to wear in the evening and morning when it could be chilly around camp. When you start your hike in the morning, don't bundle up too much. Start hiking feeling cool. You will soon warm up with exertion and the day will get warmer. It's better to avoid getting your base layers wet with sweat in cool temps. Make sure you have enough water for drinking and cooking. If it's just a single overnighter you can probably carry all you need, but water is heavy. I use a water filter and plan my hike around water sources, like creeks. Whatever equipment you bring, use it and get to know it in advance before the trip. Also, give some thought to what you need and what you don't. Beginning backpackers tend to bring a lot of extras that makes their packs heavier and the hike less enjoyable. Hiking in and of itself is worthwhile, but we go into the woods to enjoy the natural surroundings -- whether it's a grand view or little wildflowers along the way. Little smiles are a better goal than big miles, especially when you're first getting acquainted with backpacking. And, of course, pay close attention to where you're going. Consult your map regularly. If you lose the trail in a confusing area, stop and relax. Backtrack to where you were last on a definite trail. Look for the blazes, and always check your map at intersections before proceeding. I haven't backpacked the Ice Age Trail, but further north at the western end of Michigan's Upper Peninsula is Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park -- awesome scenery with great backpacking loops. Further east in the UP is Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. The aforementioned Southern Illinois has Shawnee National Forest where the glaciers of the ice age did not scour the land flat. About 7 hours from Chicago is Kentucky's Red River Gorge, with the highest concentration of natural arches east of the Mississippi. If 10-12 hours is not too far, the mountains of the Sothern Appalachians (where I've backpacked many times) have endless hiking options. I think you're going to get hooked.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on May 17, 2016 20:07:39 GMT -8
Roh! Roh! Question: Cubs, White Sox, Rangers or Astros? Da Cubs and Astros!
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on May 17, 2016 20:28:05 GMT -8
If you feel up to it, post your full gear list, that will get you lots of helpful input. I would say try to be as relaxed as possible about this, backpacking is not rocket science, it can be as simple or as complicated as you want it to be. Thank you! Your comments were encouraging. I've been saving and researching gear for the past 9 months. I really did love our camping experiences, and I love the outdoors. So, I felt that it was safe to invest in the gear. My son is an avid outdoors guy too. He will even use it without me. lol Here is my current list of main items. (I am pleased to say that I patiently price-shopped and did not pay full price for any of it. Hooray for sales!) REI Dash 2 tent (I really wanted the Big Agnes with lights, but couldn't swallow the price tag. So, I bought my own lights and sewed them into the tent seam myself -for a fraction of the cost Big Agnes Boot Jack 25 sleeping bag Exped Synmat Hyperlite Duo (I got the duo in case little man gets cold and decides to crawl into my tent. Once a mom, always a mom.) MSR Guardian Water Purifier Snow Peak cooking thingy Gregory Women's 70L pack Food: instant Oatmeal w/protein dehydrated fruit assortment trail mix beef jerky ramen Ranch packets pepperoni Cliff Bars Peanut M&M's Starbuck's Via packets (No coffee - I become the bear lol)
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on May 17, 2016 20:34:21 GMT -8
Greetings from a lifelong resident of Chicagoland (except when I was attending college in Southern Illinois, which is a great hiking destination just 5 or so hours away). I've hiked and backpacked at all points in the compass from here, in many places where bears call home, but I've never met one face to face. So much great info! Thank you.
|
|
rebeccad
Trail Wise!
Writing like a maniac
Posts: 12,708
|
Post by rebeccad on May 17, 2016 20:41:16 GMT -8
Starbuck's Via packets (No coffee - I become the bear lol) Lots of us like that around here Your basic gear looks good. Is the Snow Peak thingie a full stove-and-pot set, or is that just the stove? For a cheap, light pot, look at Walgreens or Target for a cheap aluminum set or a grease pot. Main thing is that for most stoves the base needs to be at least 6" We may want to discuss clothes more
|
|
daveg
Trail Wise!
Michigan
Posts: 565
|
Post by daveg on May 17, 2016 21:01:52 GMT -8
Hi from Michigan.
To add to driftwoody's list of nearby trails, there are two -- the Jordan River Pathway and Manistee River Trail/North Country Trail loop -- located in the northwest part of Michigan's lower peninsula about a six hour drive from Chicago. Both are scenic loops that can be hiked in two days.
The Jordan River Pathway is a nice trip for beginners. It is an 18 mile loop with a state forest campground at roughly the midpoint. It costs $13 to stay at the campground but there are picnic tables at the campsites, vault toilets, and a hand pump that provides potable water.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on May 17, 2016 21:10:29 GMT -8
Welcome to the forums. Looks like you are well on your way for delving into the activity. Two things I am reminded of nearly every time I backpack: The fit and adjustment of boots and backpack are essential to putting trails behind you. I always test out new boots around the house before wearing them for miles in the backcountry.
Boots and backpack "wear in." Boots adjust to your feet and backpack straps adjust to your hips and shoulders. What may seem comfortable in the store can produce blisters miles down the trail. So its essential to break in the boots and backpack with progressively longer trips until you can be comfortable with the fit.
Have a great time with your son.
|
|
jj
Trail Wise!
Posts: 50
|
Post by jj on May 17, 2016 22:53:48 GMT -8
Welcome from over in western Washington. Congrats! Most of my favorite memories are traveling/hiking with my "lil" man who is now 17 and 6' tall (towering over my 5'5 self). Best advice I can give in addition to what I've already seen, walk around your house or neighborhood wearing your pack (loading it slowly) after work to get used to carrying the pack. My oldest s-daughter's (21) & younger s-son (15) biggest complaint was sore shoulders from the pack. I have to agree that I need to break myself in -in the spring. Definitely go on a slow & steady overnight hike with your boy so both of you can enjoy before going for the gusto trip. Oh and love the back yard test plan to make sure of your equipment. Remember, make it fun for both of you and you will have a hiking partner for life and memories are priceless. My older son wants to join his step-dad & I on our hike thru the Olympics end of summer (if it doesn't interfere with his senior year sports). Yes, we have a bunch of rugrats :-)
|
|
walkswithblackflies
Trail Wise!
Resident terrorist-supporting eco-freak bootlicker
Posts: 6,951
|
Post by walkswithblackflies on May 18, 2016 3:04:12 GMT -8
Da Cubs and Astros! Longhorns, Aggies, or Wildcats?
|
|
bigDdeed
Trail Wise!
Go big or go home
Posts: 26
|
Post by bigDdeed on May 18, 2016 5:00:54 GMT -8
Newbie here too!
|
|