That's a pretty safe trail and not terribly rugged iirc. -X2 on sleeping mat in winter. -take a trail map and a compass(obviously, but you'd be surprised how many people dont) Everytime you stop, make sure you can pinpoint on the map where you are and let people know your route before you go -Take two pairs of shoes, and alternate each day. if you dont have two, make sure you let your shoes air out at night -Bring some plastic bags to wrap stuff in. -Go with lightest equipment possible. Nothing is worse than having to lug around deadweight. All you should really need individually is water, food, and clothes. You guys can share a compass, flashlight, camera, utility knife, etc -Carb the fuck up before you go -I always take stripped down MREs. You can buy them at just about any local military base -More important than what you eat or drink is what you dont eat or drink. Stay away from caffeine as if you were allergic to it. This depends on your pace, but if you're moving at a decent pace of say one mile per 18-20 minutes, itll destroy you.
Keep a close eye on what you bring, be prepared but don't pack in fear of what might happen. If you're covering miles a heavy pack is going to suck, and a big pack equals big boots, and big boots suck (pound on the foot = 5 pounds on your back). I did the Tahoe Rim Trail last June with a 10 pound pack not including consumables (food water fuel), for me trail runners work best. They're comfortable, dry quickly, and most important light. I would also weigh all of your gear to be conscious of how heavy things are and determine how important it actually is. Try to find things that are multifuctional (trekking poles become tent poles, etc.) Here is a link to my gear list for the TRT trip I took: http://www.geargrams.com/list?id=7490 I also use http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/index.html a lot as a resource, they have a free forum which is a good place to do research on gear, do it youself projects and advice on food, packing, etc... Like Fargin' I always bring cans of beer, because backpacking and beer are kinda my thing as you can see by my typical lunch on the trail. Enjoy!
Hasn't that been proven as a myth? New York Times: Can a cup of coffee motivate you to relish your trips to the gym this winter? That question is at the heart of a notable study of caffeine and exercise, one of several new experiments suggesting that, whatever your sport, caffeine may allow you to perform better and enjoy yourself more. Scientists and many athletes have known for years, of course, that a cup of coffee before a workout jolts athletic performance, especially in endurance sports like distance running and cycling. Caffeine has been proven to increase the number of fatty acids circulating in the bloodstream, which enables people to run or pedal longer (since their muscles can absorb and burn that fat for fuel and save the body’s limited stores of carbohydrates until later in the workout). As a result, caffeine, which is legal under International Olympic Committee rules, is the most popular drug in sports. More than two-thirds of about 20,680 Olympic athletes studied for a recent report had caffeine in their urine, with use highest among triathletes, cyclists and rowers. I hike all the time in Colorado, particularly at high elevations. I usually have a Diet Dr. Pepper on the way to the trailhead, and the Clif Shot gels I use during breaks are caffeinated. Caffeine is particularly helpful for altitude headaches for a lot of people.
If I'm up around 10000 I always take tea. Seems to help me. I live at 6 ft so the altitude is a factor. I've never had trouble hiking and often consume caffeine.
Isn't tea what the climbers on 8000m peaks like Everest brew for refreshment? I haven't tried it on hikes. Just checked the Clif Shot Gels I use - each one is the equiv of a half cup of coffee. Usually use 4-5 of those on a long mountain climb, mostly b/c the appetite goes to hell for many of us in the 12-14K foot range. Other miracle food for up there for me is Snickers - decent nutrition, always tastes good. If it's cold enough, I'll carry chocolate milk. It's a great recovery drink for late in the day, esp. for the price and ease of access.
For workouts and running I definitely agree it doesn't hurt much if at all, but that's a different type of endurance compared to hiking. I should have stated caffeine is terrible if you aren't hydrating along the way. Ive seen way too many people pass out during runs or hikes because theyd drink caffeine in the morning and not hydrate enough throughout the day or the day before. It really just depends on the person and speed at which you hike. From my experiences, the people that consume caffeine regularly while doing extensive hiking dont keep up with those that don't according to my juggsian math
I get some bad nausea and headaches from altitude so I stayed away from anything over 10K feet, I had some friends who were doing a 5 day Mt Whitney western approach so I talked to my doctor who prescribed me 250 mg doses of Asetazolamid. I took them like 2 or 3 times a day and never had any altitude related issues and there were no side affects from taking. I do coffee on cold mornings and never noticed a varying issues when I am or am not drinking it at any altitude.
I agree there is no substitute for hydration. Pre-hydrating has made a huge difference for me. I try to drink a full liter right before a long hike. Add in the Dr. Pepper, and that means lot of pit stops along the way, but pre-hydrating means you don't have to carry nearly as much water. When you're climbing from 9,000 to 13,000+ feet, a liter less water is huge difference in weight. I'll carry 1-1.5 liters for a long day (6-8 hours) if I've pre-hydrated.
Imodium is also clutch, even for day hikes. You probably won't need it, but you'll be glad you had it if you do.
VTA - how do you like your Salomons? I wear the XA Pro 3D Ultras. Fit like a glove in terms of feel, but I've worn holes inside both shoes where my heel must be moving around too much. Lacing system doesn't stay as tight as I would like either - have to re-tighten them every hour. Thinking about trying some 5.10 approach shoes next if they fit my foot, but I'm worried I'll miss the comfort of the Salomons.
A little more extreme, but I also carry prescription painkillers (Dilaudid). Haven't needed it yet, but I'm not going to trust OTC shit for real pain. There are doctors out here (CO) who will write scripts (small counts) for their patients who are constantly in the backcountry.
I need to step my first aid supply game up. Just lucky I've never gotten cut up to the point of suture worthy. OP should carry some duct tape, too. Many uses - broken gear to medical. Wrap some around a stick. I wrap some around my trekking poles. At the first sign of a hot spot on my feet, I slap on a piece of duct tape and it's never gone on to blister.
I wrap duct tape around my hatchet. Not necessary but good for some wood gathering and stuff I also recommend a pair of gaiters
No, but it is in my next 3 year plan. Moved to Oregon recently and I expect to be an expert () on skiing, hiking, and mountain climbing in the next 5 years or so. Started looking into packages to climb Mt. Adams or another Cascade peak this summer. Can learn all the basics for around $750. Not a too bad of a deal imo.
Who carries multiple pairs of boots?! Fuck all that. Talk about wasting weight. In the way of clothing, for winter I go: Merino wool baselayer Mountain Hardwear performance quarter-zip pullover Mont-Bell down jacket Columbia rain shell Merino wool baselayer Kuhl pants Columbia rain pants Merino wool socks Kitchen for a short trip is always: Sawyer squeeze filter Jetboil Dehydrated meals like Mountain House, look for the best protein:sodium ratio Oatmeal GORP Home: MSR Hubba Thermarest Ultralight pad North Face Blue Kazoo 10deg down bag Miscellaneous: Map Compass Utility knife Real knife Headlamp Tiny nalgene with a lighter, flint/tinder, and some dryer lint Edit: almost forgot a trowel for your shit holes Base weight is well under 30 and you've got everything you need.
I was on the AT a few years back and forgot to check my batteries before heading out. at finding yourself at the site in dusk without a head lamp. Shit is the wackness.
I love them, I've tried switch to Montane's and Brooks Cascadias but both times I ended up with either blisters or knee pain. So know I'm afraid to change brands. My last pair were the XA Prod 3D U's, they lasted me a long time and worked great, but I switched to the XA Comps because they were on sale. Solomon's and my feet have a good thing going so I'm not going to switch unless I have to.
watch out for those fuckin samsquanches... stay strapped, i was hanging from a tree a couple months ago and something came barreling right at me about 4 am. it was pitch black outside and i couldn't find my head lamp (it was a bit of a panic), but whatever it was turned when it caught my scent or heard the cock of my gun i'm guessing it was at least a ten footer
Someone recommended Cascadias to me, but haven't tried them. Liked your post for the switching to what was on sale comment. That's how I got mine (had to get the worst color). I'll probably get another pair of XA Ultras since I basically have to order shoes on-line. Try to get stores to order in La Sportivas, Scarpas, etc. in my size, but they never arrive. Not worth the long drive anymore.
Great hammock. Ride the motorcycle to the middle of nowhere, post up by the water in the summer time with (some bug spray and) a book. Nuts swang to the flo'
Got these straps, too. They make it so awesome. Takes about 60 seconds to strap up and even less time to unstrap. Soooo comfortable http://www.backcountry.com/eagles-n...5&origin=pla&gclid=CM_57rGTkbUCFRKmPAod71EA6A
If you're on a long hike and chafing might be an issue for you then you might want to invest in a pair or two of compression shorts. They're pretty much aces on preventing that. Make sure your boots are broken in too if they aren't already.
Word. If I'm out there for an extended period, a jar of Jif, a bag of tortillas, and the Mountain House "wraps" meals are a staple. You have lunch, snacks, dinner, protein, carbs, and fat. The Jif jar is easily the heaviest part. Ever had the buffalo chicken MH wraps? Holy fuck. Your asshole may never forgive you when you get back to civilization, but on the trail it's just fucking amazing stuffed down in some tortillas with the fire cracklin at your feet.
anyone have in clothing recommendations? first week in march in north georgia...day time temperature will be nice but im sure itll be chilly in the morning/evening
that sounds delicious also a fan of the small box of the just add water pancake mix for some carbs in the morning
Now that I have kids I started carrying a Glock 10mm in the backcountry. I use 200 grain solid tips. The round has the ability to penetrate the skull of a Brown bear. The Glock is lightweight( relatively) and can be abused. Like any gun I hope to never use it and it also helps my wife sleep better when I'm across the country, 5 days into the woods.