Anyone into Backpacking?

[Dani53]

I am so excited!! I just got home with my first real backpack!! My husband and I had a great time at REI spending our tax refund. I had decided that as a goal I wanted to hike the 180 mile trail from Tahoe to Yosemite. Obviously I needed a bit of gear to catch up with my husband and two sons who are involved with Boyscouting.

Any advice? I want to be a good beginner, and do things right. What should I try for the first time out in terms of miles and nights? I am thinking 20-30 miles in three to 4 days.

Any advice on what to pare down, books to read, anything at all is greatly appreciated! Even great stories! Feel free to email me privately if necessary. Thanks ladies!

 

[Amysue]

Hi!
If you've never been backpacking before and you've never worn your pack for any amount of time, I have a suggestion that may make your first real trip in the wilderness much more enjoyable. You need to put weight in the pack, approximately what you'll be carrying for that 4 day hike. Then you need to take a day hike anywhere there are trails in your neck of the woods. This will alert you to any chafing issues, neck strain, if there's a weight limit for your pack that's comfortable and even test out your boots. I usually don't carry anymore that 50 pounds, which includes clothing, food, toiletries, etc. If you're hiking with your sons and hubby, hopefully, they can carry the heavier stuff like cooking equipment, tent and the bulk of the food. When we go into the back country for at least a week at a time, we always take: wet ones, blister packs and a first aid kit, water purifier, rain cover for your pack, hydration system, head lamp, a collapsable water holder, cord for rigging a bear and marmot-proof food bag, comfy shoes for camp, a fifth of something for a night cap before retiring, compass, map and of course rain gear. I'm sure you'll take sunscreen, bug spray, etc. I always take a bandana and tie it to the front of my pack so that I have something to wipe my sweaty face on and maybe even blow my nose if I need to!

I always find that step ups with heavy weight are a good exercise to add into your workouts. The movement simulates climbing a steep trail.

Hope this helps. I'm sure I've forgotten something crucial. It's always a relearning process the first time you're out.
Amy

 

[Debra L]

Not much advice since I haven't backpacked in a couple of decades but that's an awesome stretch of the Sierra's. You'll be on the Pacific Crest Trail?

Since you're husband & sons are into Scouting, I suspect you're in good hands. Otherwise, I'd suggest an REI backpacking seminar or Sierra Club training.

My best tip, if you haven't used blister blocks, you must now! Forget moleskin or horrors, duct tape.

As far as daily distance, be sure to factor in both elevation & elevation change. I checked the NFS website on the trail, & it looks like you'll be doing a lot of vertical because of canyons & passes.

Your profile says that you live in Truckee, so you have the fortune of being able to train at high elevation. DH & I trained to climb Mt. Whitney when we lived at sea level! I'll also say that I'm truly envious, you can snowshoe & ski in the winter, & hike & bike the trails in the summer.

Keep posting!!!

Debra

 

[Dani53]

Thanks Amy!! I am actually encouraged by being able to bring so many luxuries (extra shoes, bandana, nightcap...though I doubt I would need it, my husband might like it )

What exactly is a blister pack? Is it something special for treating them in particular? What all do you carry in your first aid kit?

What clothing do you wear? I am thinking pants that can be zipped off into shorts to pull double duty. I also would skip the bra and go with my good athletic tank with a built it. Sounds silly, but do you bring a swimsuit? There are a ton of small lakes and streams/rivers here, and I could actually imagine myself backpacking in my suit with the little skirt because I actually prefer day hikes in it unless that is just rediculous;-)

I guess I want to ask all the stupid questions early on so that I avoid as many stupid mistakes possible later on.

If you think of anything else just let me know. I plan on starting my lists and notes now. I think we are going to try an easy hike at the end of the month. I just hope some more snow melts! There is a fine line between 'still winter' and 'spring run off' that makes me a little nervous.

 

[Amysue]

Debra,
The blister packs are from Curad and they come in different sizes. I have ones to fit your heels which are bigger and the smaller ones are good for around your toes. I don't know how many times I've given hikers a blister cover and just made their day. I also take mole skin and small pair of scissors so that you can cut it size and pad an area that seems "hot" in your shoe, possible negating a blister. At REI you should be able to get a ready-made first aid kit with alcohol wipes, band aides, antibacterial cream or salve, etc.

If you're going to be hiking al long way, with higher elevation gains mixed with valley hiking, I'd take a mix of clothing. I'd take what you mentioned (the bathing suit too, it's small!) plus a few long sleeved wicking layers made of synthetic material...polyester...Patagonia makes some really nice stuff. Take things that will dry quickly if you have access to a lake. When you make camp, you can rinse the sweat out, let them dry overnight and put it on in the morning again. I always know when we're getting close to civilization because the people passing us always smell so good. Can't say the same for us!

I hope you have a fantastic time hiking. Yosemite is one of my favorite places. If you're going in the spring, the waterfalls should be flowing full force. If you have any spunk left, a day hike up to the top of Half Dome is a must. And don't miss Sunday brunch at the Awahnee (spelling?).
Amy

 

[Dani53]

We are SO fortunate!! I was born and raised here, and love the mountains tremendously. I did a ton of camping as a kid and can say that I have seen so much that doesn't exhist anymore, like the Rubicon before it became the freeway it seems to be now. Bittersweet for sure!

We do a little bit of everything as you have mentioned. My particular favorites are skiing in the winter, both downhill and cross country and my summer love is mountain biking! My bike is my baby and a source of never ending fun for me. My boys hike a lot and we do day hikes as a family. We also camp as much as possible in the summer. My daughter is a trooper and will do whatever we drag her into without complaints.

I just have never done real backpacking. I was inspired by this book I found on the Tahoe-Yosemite Trail. It goes from Meeks Bay to Tuolumne Meadows. I have not totally compared the maps, but I think it starts out differently from the PCT, but links up with it. It may go in and out or just actually be the PCT itself. This book is old so it might just be calling it something different. I have not gotten that far yet because we probably won't do it this year. It is a nice goal right now and we will probably spend this summer working out the bugs on a lot of smaller and more local trips.

 

[Dani53]

The Awahnee is a most favorite treat to end any Yosemite trip! We did an all girl camping trip last summer with hiking and mountain biking all over the place. The last morning we cleaned up as well as we could and went in for blueberry pancakes. Yummmmm.....the memory is still sweet!

 

[Dani53]

Another silly question...to keep it simple could I just put my hand weights into the pack and gradually increas them? Maybe just the plates for my barbell starting with two tens?