I've just started training to get in shape for backpacking. I've never been before. All I'm doing now is a lot of walking, some weight training, and some ab and back stuff. I'm wondering if anyone can offer me advice on ways of training that are effective. Also, I've been reading books and internet sites about backpacking, but if you can think of anything that might not be in a book or online that you've learned through experience, I will be very grateful if you share it. Thanks a lot!
Well here's my scenario: I'm obligated to my job for the next 10 months. Then I'm selling what's left of my belongings, packing up my van, and hitting the road. I don't plan on hitching or train hopping or any of that, mostly because I am a girl and I'd like to live to see the places I'm dreaming of. There are a lot of places I'd like to explore on foot, so I'm talking about backpacking maybe 2-7 days at a time for the most part, maybe longer once I've done it enough to be prepared. I go camping every year, but lately I've been spoiled. The friends I went with last time brought 4 rubbermaid totes of crap, and that didn't include food or tents or clothes...that was just other supplies! I don't think they used half of it! I just know that sometimes people who've lived the experience can think of things they've never seen in a book that are helpful to pass on. I haven't thought of any specific questions yet, probably because I haven't gone out yet, but I figured I'd get a head start on learning. thanks!
What you are doing sounds like a good start. You could also try going on walks with a fully loaded pack on, or day hikes with it, so that you get used to carry that much wieght. Also I would recommend reading some books on wilderness survival and first aid, just in case, if some situation arose or to be able to help someone else in such a situation.
Have you ever read the "Hitchhikers guide to the Galaxy"? Always carry a towel. Very useful. Another thing I never travel without is a strong leather belt. You'd be surprised.
Read "The Dharma Bums" by Jack Kerouac. It'll give you some good ideas. Only take esentials....dont weigh yourself down with uneccesary items. And a good book. I read Dharma Bums on my last trip, and it was THE best book to read.... socks and clean underwear....never have too much of those. And i recommend wool socks...several pairs
hello silly angel, im from wisconsin and if you want some practice with the camping and backpacking go north. a few years ago me and a friend went up by st germain and spent a week in the woods. it was a great time, there is so much to explore you will never get bored. one thing we could mpt get along without was an atlas and gazette, along with a gps. the atlas and gaxette showed everything from watchout towers, to ranger stations, and lots of neat little places to explore. paired with the gps we never got lost and made it home on time.
Sage advice! Further, I try to carry many things that are at least dual use. My hiking poles are also my tent poles. My cooking pot is also my drinking cup. I use duct tape for gear repairs and first aid (when you put it on, it stays on, heat, sweat, no matter). I use Dr Bronner's liquid hemp soap for bathing, shampoo, mouthwash, dishsoap, handsoap, laundry soap, EVERYTHING cleaning related. This method saves weight, saves space, saves your KNEES. Also when backpacking, try to save weight on your big three (pack, shelter, Sleeping Bag). This gives you ounces you can spend on food, water, first aid, dry socks, whatever. An ultralight pack is actually cheaper than a heavy one, it just requires more care. An ultralight shelter can be just a sil nylon tarp and costs one-third the cost of good quality small tent. An ultralight down sleeping bag is expensive but with proper care will last FOREVER and will never let you down (awful pun, I know). I'm only a gram weenie in that saving weight and space on important things allows me to carry a bit of frivolity, like a camera, perhaps a cel phone or a handheld GPS, a good quality knife, a few extra days food, or a good book. Good luck!
Synthetics and wool clothes are key, cotton is useless. More thinner layers are more practical than fewer thicker layers. I usually only bring one extra short sleeve shirt, two extra pairs of socks, and on one extra pair of underwear, regardless of how long I'm out, you can always wash stuff at the camp site when it gets funky. Spend a little more for quality gear, especially the important stuff like a stove, shelter, sleeping bag, and gore tex outer wear, it's worth the investment, since it can save your life when you're out in the woods. If you wanna train, hiking up hills, especially with a loaded pack, is the way to go. I don't worry too much about weight, I just move slower with heavier loads, but it's important to be able to accurately estimate your abilities when it comes to how far you can travel in a day, that comes with experience.
Oh yeah, and make sure you bring a few zip lock bags or waterproof stuff sacks to keep your gear dry, in addition to breathable wet weather gear.
I suggest you check out www.whiteblaze.net. You'll find lots of sage advice from seasoned hikers. Also check out www.aldha.org to find some hikers near you.
What places do you dream of seeing? I am getting very anxious to get out of where I am at, every time I get close, some unexpected situation occurs and I am sucked back in. I dream of the mountains, walking, climbing through forests, across streams and rivers.........
Thanks so much for all of the advice. I haven't checked this in a while but this is really really helpful. A quick update: I'm heading out in June to Montana, Idaho, Washington, and Oregon with a friend. We're planning on doing a lot of hiking. I've been doing some endurance training and such for now and in a couple weeks I'll hopefully be able to get out and do some hiking in nearby parks. I've saved up money to invest in quality gear. I'm pretty pumped! Thanks again everyone!
