Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 4, 2016 14:09:08 GMT -8
Hi!
I am brand spanking new to backpacking. In fact I have not been on my first trip. I am taking a two night, ten mile, backpacking trip in two weekends on the Buffalo River Trail in Arkansas (where I live), that is designed as a backpacking clinic. The goal is to get very familiar with the gear and some basic skills (and I am sure for the outdoor supplier leading the trip to sell a bunch of stuff!).
I am taking this trip because three high school friends and I are planning to go on a similar trip late spring 2017. Our initial instinct is a three or four day hike at yosemite. Two weeks from now is my first step. I was hoping to get some advice on hiking at yosemite, including whether that is the right place for four brand new backpackers to hike on what might be the first or second trip for some of the others. Also hoping that if there is a more appropriate forum to post this kind of question, and learn some answers from other posts, that you guys might direct me there.
Thanks in advance for any help, it is much appreciated!!
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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 Oct 4, 2016 15:19:20 GMT -8
Welcome from the desert Southwest, tim.
Good luck on your first trek. Try searching for a few web sites that have gear lists. It's a good place to start. If you have a gear shop nearby, I'm sure the folks there will give some good advice. Take advantage of the folks running the backpacking clinic. Ask lots of questions. Feel free to hang out here and ask us about most anything.
There are some here who will chime in with advice for Yosemite.
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johnnyray
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Post by johnnyray on Oct 4, 2016 15:33:46 GMT -8
Hi Tim and welcome, beautiful place the Buffalo is.
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zeke
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Post by zeke on Oct 4, 2016 15:46:02 GMT -8
Check out the Gear section, and pay particular attention to the advice in the top thread. Buy your pack last, as it has to fit all of your other gear. No need for big hefty boots, when trail runners will do just fine.
Yosemite has a permit system, so settle on where you want to go and get that application in as soon as possible. 3-4 days (2-3 nights) could take you into Lower Ottoway Lake and back. That would give you a good intro. Or go in at Twin Lakes near Bridegport, Ca and wander towards Peeler or Benson Lake.
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Post by absarokanaut on Oct 4, 2016 16:00:36 GMT -8
Howdee:
There are several posters here familiar with Yosemite with great information if that is truly where you want to go. Just remember that late Spring in the Sierras can be LATE, like actually on the calendar late, like July. I'm sure there are some folks that will have great earlier season routes for you in that regional forum. They need lots of snow up there.
If you are from the Southeast or South Central States and there isn't a tremendous snow load in the rockies in mid June if you're driving you might consider New Mexico and South Central Colorado. There are some magical places there and elsewhere if you want to spend more time on the trail and less in the rolling metal box.
We all want that trail rising up to meet you, wherever you are. Study hard, play harder.
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Post by swimswithtrout on Oct 4, 2016 17:35:18 GMT -8
Welcome aboard !! Enjoy your trip along the Buffalo, it's a great area. As you implied, your school director may have more ulterior motives for sponsoring a clinic. ie gear sales. It would serve your wallet well to ask a lot of questions in the gear forum here when you return.
As far as Yosemite in the "Spring", what month do you define as "Spring". Here in the Rockies, "Spring" doesn't come until July or later.
I've done several trips in WY , in Aug, where I was still hiking over snow all day long, 10 miles ++, without ever setting feet on bare ground, until I found a small bare spot to set up my tent.
In Yosemite, it can be mid-late June before trails are passable.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 4, 2016 18:17:40 GMT -8
Hi Tim!
I am new to backpacking also and joined before my first trip. With the combined experience and sage advice of this forum, I successfully completed 3 trips out this summer. You are in GREAT (and slightly sarcastic) company here!
My newbie advice:
Break in your shoes/boots.
Test out all your gear on a small hike and overnight in your own back yard before you go out.
Take only 1/2 the food you think you need.
Pack a beanie.
My favorite forum quote (Reuben, I think) - "Backpacking will either strengthen you or break you down miserably."
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RumiDude
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Post by RumiDude on Oct 4, 2016 18:51:11 GMT -8
Hey Tim, welcome to our little online community. You will find we are from all over the USA, Canada, and around the world. I reside on the Olympic Peninsula in the great PNW. But once upon a time I lived in the Midwest and I have hikes and canoed along and in the Buffalo River. I have actually done a lot of canoeing in the Ozarks, though not for many years.
My only advice is to get some nights under your belt so you know what you are doing. I might save Yosemite until you are comfortable. You want to really enjoy that place rather than be worried about every little matter. On the other hand, it might just be great inspiration to dive into backpacking with gusto.
Anyway, stay safe and always carry a map of the area you are hiking. Enjoy ...
Rumi
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 4, 2016 19:47:56 GMT -8
Thanks folks, I really appreciate all these replies
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Westy
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Post by Westy on Oct 4, 2016 20:22:21 GMT -8
Greetings from Salt Lake City! Enjoy your trip! Let us know!
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Post by Kevin Palmer on Oct 4, 2016 21:18:25 GMT -8
Welcome. The Buffalo National River is a great place to backpack especially this time of year. It's where my profile pic was taken. Will you be hiking on the west or east side? The Goat Trail near Ponca is a must-see in my opinion.
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Post by CompassRds on Oct 5, 2016 3:59:11 GMT -8
Enjoy the Buffalo NR. Great country around there. Definitely take noted but do a bit of reading/asking around before you buy anything. Also look into the Ouachita and Ozark National Forests as well, there are good opportunities for seeing some more beautiful country closer to home while testing your gear load-out before heading out west.
BTW welcome form Northern Illinois.
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Deborah
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Post by Deborah on Oct 5, 2016 4:08:34 GMT -8
If you have not found Tim Ernst yet, be sure to check out his books. www.timernst.com/He is the expert on Arkansas trails. I have hiked on the BRT many times. You will love it. |
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Post by tipiwalter on Oct 5, 2016 5:13:10 GMT -8
Tim---No sense in waiting and anticipating a trip, just throw your sleeping pad and bag on the ground in your backyard or on your deck or porch and start sleeping outside every night. This will allow you to get used to sleeping on a pad, which takes some getting used to. If you use a tent or a tarp or a hammock set it up in your backyard (or front yard) and start sleeping outside. It's good training for what to expect gear wise and comfort wise in camp and/or in cold weather.  Here's a recent bedroll camp I did in the backyard.  My Akto tent sent up in the backyard during a snowfall. |
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Post by Lamebeaver on Oct 5, 2016 5:34:17 GMT -8
Howdy Tim! You don't need to buy everything at once. Main thing is comfortable shoes, comfortable pack, sleeping bag and mat. You're young enough to get by with one of those cheap closed cell foam pads they sell at Walmart. For those of us a little older, a thicker insulated air mattress works. The rest you can improvise, borrow or share. For cooking, you might want to think about making your own alcohol stove out of a cat food can. andrewskurka.com/2011/how-to-make-a-fancy-feast-alcohol-stove/ |
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