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Post by trinity on Sept 4, 2016 4:28:20 GMT -8
Have you read Almost There's excellent FAQs? The most important thing about a pack is not size, weight, features, etc, but how if fits you. You won't know this without trying them on. If possible, go to an REI or other outfitter with all your gear and load it up into as many packs as possible and spend some time walking around the store till you find the one that fits you best. As High Sierra Fan points out, most purchase their backpack last. We have no idea what kind of gear you are planning to put in it. And to be clear, HSF was not just talking about bear precautions, he was talking about federal regulations regarding the storage of food in Yosemite.
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zeke
Trail Wise!
Peekaboo slot 2023
Posts: 9,886
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Post by zeke on Sept 4, 2016 5:46:36 GMT -8
Keep in mind that in some states, and in some Parks, Bear Spray is illegal. Not to just spray it, but illegal to carry. Screamers may help some, but in reality, the best defense weighs nothing. Get smart about keeping a clean camp. Everything that has a scent of any kind goes into a bear proof container. In some places, that might be a locker provided at the campsite. In most cases, that means everything goes into the canister you choose. That means tooth paste, soaps, TP, candy wrappers, any water bottles that had flavors added to them during the trip, etc... It can get daunting. Any place where the bears have become habituated to hikers as a food source means they will not hesitate to walk into your camp and check to see if there are any pickings for them.
OK, so this took a turn from your question. I agree with the others. By your pack last, after all other purchases have been made. If you are going UL, then maybe 70L will fit your gear. That takes some discipline, to know what to take and what to leave behind.
Also, research what you might expect at the trailhead. Don't leave food or a cooler inside your car at some locations, as the bears will open your car and destroy the interior to find food. Yes, they can recognize a cooler as a possible food source.
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Post by trinity on Sept 4, 2016 14:54:18 GMT -8
There is a Camp Cooking forum where you will find lots of good info. Personally, I just carry freeze dried meals for dinner, usually from Packit Gourmet, Mary Jane's Farm, or Hawk's Vittles, but Mountain House is not bad either. For lunches I have tortillas with tuna, jerky, or chicken. Breakfast is instant oatmeal or smoothies from Packit Gourmet. For water treatment, if you do a search of this site I think you will find lots of good info, and also lots of differences of opinion. Since I do most my backpacking near clear streams, I use a steripen, which I find easy to use and very reliable. Others have experienced technical issues and prefer filters or chemical treatment. The Katadyn Hiker Pro is a great pump filter, pretty bomb-proof.
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texasbb
Trail Wise!
Hates chicken
Posts: 1,223
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Post by texasbb on Sept 4, 2016 16:25:26 GMT -8
If you're 6'4" with a long torso, your pack options are very, very limited. The good news is that one of those options is the excellent ULA Catalyst. Do not pass Go, do not collect $200, go directly to ULA Equipment and have a look. The XL fits up to a 24" torso.
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Post by johntpenca on Sept 4, 2016 16:37:47 GMT -8
getting a screamer to scare'em off May be more likely to tell other bears where you are, just like bear bells. I've never known any one to carry one. You set that thing off, you stand an equal chance of scaring them off or pissing them off.
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Post by johntpenca on Sept 4, 2016 18:12:24 GMT -8
All the signs posted at the signs posted recommended making yourself look as big as possible (like winging out your jacket) and being as loud as you can (such as banging pots and pans together). Those recommendations are valid. You are unlikely to see a bear and are lucky if you you do. If one appears aggressive, stand your ground and don't run or stare it in the eyes. The thing is to not appear to be prey or agressive. www.amazon.com/Bear-Aware-Hiking-Camping-Country/dp/1560444568There is another author that has better info, but cannot recall the the author or title.
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Post by trinity on Sept 4, 2016 19:17:00 GMT -8
There is another author that has better info, but cannot recall the the author or title. Probably Stephen Herrero link
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tigger
Trail Wise!
Posts: 2,547
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Post by tigger on Sept 4, 2016 20:14:06 GMT -8
If you are on food stamps, why are you thinking about purchasing backpacking equipment? I'm sorry but this annoys me to no end. Get a job to support your hobby instead of using my tax dollars. You can't afford to go strolling across the nation.
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zeke
Trail Wise!
Peekaboo slot 2023
Posts: 9,886
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Post by zeke on Sept 5, 2016 5:07:27 GMT -8
Many meal choices can be found in the local grocery. Minute Rice, instant mashed potatoes, tuna or salmon in foil pouches, breakfast bars, oatmeal, small p-nut butter portions, sandwich thins (which stay good for a very long time). P-nut M&Ms make a good trail snack.
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Post by High Sierra Fan on Sept 5, 2016 5:20:40 GMT -8
If you are on food stamps, why are you thinking about purchasing backpacking equipment? I'm sorry but this annoys me to no end. Get a job to support your hobby instead of using my tax dollars. You can't afford to go strolling across the nation. I'm a musician and woodworker. The money I make is under the table. And I make plenty. I've paid more than my dues, including over $200k in social security loss after my father's death. You have no idea who you're talking to or what my circumstances are, so kindly pull your head out of your ass and stay on topic, or, take a hike. So you're simply committing fraud. Not tigger who has to move his head.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Sept 5, 2016 5:56:15 GMT -8
If you are on food stamps, why are you thinking about purchasing backpacking equipment? I'm sorry but this annoys me to no end. Get a job to support your hobby instead of using my tax dollars. You can't afford to go strolling across the nation. I'm a musician and woodworker. The money I make is under the table. And I make plenty. I've paid more than my dues, including over $200k in social security loss after my father's death. You have no idea who you're talking to or what my circumstances are, so kindly pull your head out of your ass and stay on topic, or, take a hike. If you make plenty of money why are you on food stamps and not paying taxes on the money you make? Are you posting that you are commiting fraud? Staying on topic, you ( newbie ), brought up the subject of asking for our/my help, in commiting food stamp fraud, and I, am replying, that I will not assist you as I question your ethics based on information you ( newbie ) have provided.
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Post by johntpenca on Sept 5, 2016 10:35:46 GMT -8
I call TROLL or worse. How do you lose $200K SSI on loss of a parent unless you are using HIS SSI to finance your life.
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Post by immadman on Sept 5, 2016 17:35:22 GMT -8
I call TROLL or worse. How do you lose $200K SSI on loss of a parent unless you are using HIS SSI to finance your life. Something about the whole story is a bit fishy...If it is the truth, it is disgusting!
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Post by newbie on Sept 5, 2016 20:17:44 GMT -8
The 200k+ loss is based off of social security that no one in our family recieved after his wrongful death. Second, I report my earnings and am still eligible for foodstamps. I make roughly $10/H working about 20 hours a week. All of which are written down on a little spread sheet, signed by customers, and handed in monthly.
Obviously I got defensive when tigterd did not question, but attacked my moral integrity.
I still only came back for a thick sigh at everyone here (most). You guys are sharks man. One drop off assumption and the entire herd floods in. Have a great time out there. I hope your feet collectively get stuck under a boulder. It would most likely just assist with your mutual masturbation, regardless.
With the sincerest sincerity, This site is a joke.
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tigger
Trail Wise!
Posts: 2,547
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Post by tigger on Sept 5, 2016 22:01:31 GMT -8
I question your integrity for several reasons and you haven't given me a reason not to question them. You claim to work under the table, make plenty of money, and yet still be on food stamps and want to use them to travel across the country for several months. You are the only one making the claims. I stated that it isn't right. Changing your story doesn't change the facts. Don't let the door...
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