[MamaStang]

We're taking our first trip in July - Have never been before. Collecting gear right now - is there anything we should be sure we have or can you give any advice on what type of foods to take besides the dehydrated meals?

[ReverendDexter]

How long is the trip?

[v606er]

ya i go hiking a lot with scouts.

how long are you going for?
having a good pack is key. do you have packs yet?

[ReverendDexter]

Agreed - make sure that the weight of the pack is supported by your hips, not your shoulders.

Cotton kills. If it gets wet, it conducts all of the heat right out of your body. Make sure that you have at least one layer of polypropylene, and that you limit your all-cotton clothes as much as you can.

[v606er]

if you dont already have a pack, go for an internal pack, and get pack covers incase it rains. I used to have an external frame, but i prefer internal now. also make sure you have good boots, and break them in alot before you go. get a good lightweight tent. i used to carry a sleeping roll/mat(its the mattress like thing) to sleep on, but i dont anymore. it takes up alot of space, and i can just as easily pile up leaves under the tent for insulation and comfort.

[96GTRagTop]

i'm not gay and i think thats a horrid way to ask members of the sight there sexual orientation...........

[ReverendDexter]

Oh, and bring some spices. They weigh almost nothing, and it's astounding what a couple dashes of garlic salt can do to the taste of food when you're 100 miles from civilization.

[68 dlxcoupe]

Pack light, I did a 50 mile section of the Appalachain Trail PA to VA and I made the mistake of packing a change of clothes everyday. Heres what you need to do, and this is coming from a eagle scout so trust me I have learned by mistakes haha.
-Bring a change of under garments for every night.
-You only need 2 at the absolute most changes of clothes for hiking. Anything polyester is very good, NO COTTON PERIOD!!!!! I suggest basketball shorts, windpants, or anything of that sort.
-Layers are your friend
-You only need 2-3 changes of cloths to sleep in. Fleece preferably.
-Distribute the weight of your pack towards the bottom of it.
-Wool socks are a MUST as well as a good set of ankle supporting boots.
As far as gear goes, I recommend a Kelty pack, make sure you use the hip strap, it helps out ALOT even though your hips will bruise. And one final thing, clip your toe nails at least 3 days before the trip and break in your boots before the trip or your feet will be one giant blister. If you need any more info about little stuff just PM me i'll help you out.

Oh yea food....carbs and calories are your friend. You will burn ALOT of these. Might I suggest some triscuits with tuna or chicken, or peanut butter and crackers. Snacks, GORP.

[v606er]

^^i disagree. i did philmont(dlx you know what im talking about) its pretty much 100 miles. you only need one thing to sleep in(especially when its hot). just have something light...i think you can figure out what you and your hubbs will be sleeping in...

you dont need a bunch of shorts or shirts(unless you will be going through civilization b/c you and your hubby wont care) for 10 days, have at least 3 pairs of socks. also have sock liners. i think they are made of polyurathane

[ReverendDexter]

You only need one thing to sleep in, assuming you're not doing anything else in that garment. The warmest you'll be in a sleeping bag is naked, so really, there's no reason to have any sleeping apparel unless there's people you don't want seeing you naked.

As clothes get dirty, they become less insulating, keep that in mind.

REI sells some travelers underwear - you can get away with 2 pairs indefinitely assuming that you can rinse them each day, and don't mind pinning them to your pack to dry for a couple hours.

[68 dlxcoupe]

We'll I'm assuming that she wants to try and be comfortable, i always sleep in boxers and a fleece sleeping bag. All I pack is socks, boxers, 2 changes of hiking clothes and something to lounge in. i did philmont as well and it wasn't really that exciting. Kinda felt like I wasted my money....thats just me though.

[v606er]

ya i bring the same clothes as you dlx.

i dunno how exciting philmont is supposed to be, but i think its more intended for the 'bonding experience' or something.

yes zip i mean that in as gay a way possible

[WAR-PARTY]

A GPS and and an ELT
Don't leave home with out it!

[v606er]

Originally Posted by WAR-PARTY A vibrator and KY jelly. Don't leave home with out it!

thats innappropriate

[The Manalishi]

If you are hiking in the mountains be prepared, medical kit, flares, warm clothing, as much water as you can carry, and I wouldn't go anywhere without something to sleep in. I have been in the mountains in July and gotten snowed on and it is miserable when you are not prepared for it. I didn't get lost but I know a guy that did and if he hadn't been an experienced mountain hiker he could of died. His GPS died and he relied on it too much and got lost, snow and freezing temps. This was in June. Be prepared for anything and bad things will not happen.

[BWAL09]

i pack it in the back

[MamaStang]

To be fair, I should tell you that my son is currently working on his Eagle project. I've been an involved Scout Mom for about 4 years - including over night trips and summer camp. My son went to Philmont last summer and is returning this summer. My husband and I are actually going to Isle Royale with some of the younger boys in our Troop but we'll be splitting off by ourselves for some peaceful solitude once we arrive on the island. We also travel extensively and hate to over pack. That being said - we'll probably be sleeping in what God gave us and be taking a couple changes of clothes and leave a clean set in the vehicle so we can shower and clean up when we get back to base camp.

Originally Posted by ReverendDexter How long is the trip?

5 days hiking and 2 extra days just camping at base camp.

Originally Posted by ReverendDexter Make sure that you have at least one layer of polypropylene, and that you limit your all-cotton clothes as much as you can.

Cotton is evil - check. What brand of polyprop do you recommend? Don't want to spend a fortune on it.

Originally Posted by v606er if you dont already have a pack, go for an internal pack, and get pack covers incase it rains. I used to have an external frame, but i prefer internal now. also make sure you have good boots, and break them in alot before you go. get a good lightweight tent. i used to carry a sleeping roll/mat(its the mattress like thing) to sleep on, but i dont anymore. it takes up alot of space, and i can just as easily pile up leaves under the tent for insulation and comfort.

Using my son's first pack - Kelty Scout External pack. It fits pretty good and sits high on my hips. Bought some good ankle height Merrell boots and breaking them in with frequent use. DLX - The toenail tip was awesome! I wouldn't have thought about that, but you're right. We found a Kelty Tent (Gunnison 2.1) that weighs about 5 1/2 lbs. Plenty of room for the two of us and was priced right at Campmor. Good tip on the leaves too! We bought Therma Rest Accordian Folded Egg Crate pads to save on weight. They seem to work okay - my back will be able to tell you how well upon return.

Originally Posted by ReverendDexter Oh, and bring some spices. They weigh almost nothing, and it's astounding what a couple dashes of garlic salt can do to the taste of food when you're 100 miles from civilization.

Awesome tip! I'll definitely do that too!

Originally Posted by 68 dlxcoupe Pack light, I did a 50 mile section of the Appalachain Trail PA to VA and I made the mistake of packing a change of clothes everyday. Heres what you need to do, and this is coming from a eagle scout so trust me I have learned by mistakes haha. -Bring a change of under garments for every night. -You only need 2 at the absolute most changes of clothes for hiking. Anything polyester is very good, NO COTTON PERIOD!!!!! I suggest basketball shorts, windpants, or anything of that sort. -Layers are your friend -You only need 2-3 changes of cloths to sleep in. Fleece preferably. -Distribute the weight of your pack towards the bottom of it. -Wool socks are a MUST as well as a good set of ankle supporting boots. As far as gear goes, I recommend a Kelty pack, make sure you use the hip strap, it helps out ALOT even though your hips will bruise. And one final thing, clip your toe nails at least 3 days before the trip and break in your boots before the trip or your feet will be one giant blister. If you need any more info about little stuff just PM me i'll help you out. Oh yea food....carbs and calories are your friend. You will burn ALOT of these. Might I suggest some triscuits with tuna or chicken, or peanut butter and crackers. Snacks, GORP.

We're planning on oatmeal for breakfast, probably packing some granola/energy bars as well. Coffee?? What advice for coffee?? Lunch will be foil pouches of tuna, chicken and salmon - LOVE the Triscuit idea though - we were talking saltines and that sounds so blah! We'll also snatch some mayo and relish packets from unwitting restaurants between now and then to make a salad of sorts - with that garlic and onion powder! Hadn't thought about peanut butter either - thanks! Do you have a favorite recipe for GORP? I figured I'd just buy Sam's Club Tropical Trail Mix but open to suggestions. Thanks for offering the PM as well - I may take you up on that!

Originally Posted by v606er ^^i disagree. i did philmont(dlx you know what im talking about) its pretty much 100 miles. you only need one thing to sleep in(especially when its hot). just have something light...i think you can figure out what you and your hubbs will be sleeping in... you dont need a bunch of shorts or shirts(unless you will be going through civilization b/c you and your hubby wont care) for 10 days, have at least 3 pairs of socks. also have sock liners. i think they are made of polyurathane

Do you have a preferred brand of socks? We bought 4 pair of socks and spent damn near $100!!! We didn't get liner socks though - will need to before we leave.

Originally Posted by ReverendDexter As clothes get dirty, they become less insulating, keep that in mind. REI sells some travelers underwear - you can get away with 2 pairs indefinitely assuming that you can rinse them each day, and don't mind pinning them to your pack to dry for a couple hours.

Did not know this! Good subject for the Myth Busters? lol

Will check out the undies - I'm guessing as long as they aren't cotton, they'll be rinsable and quick drying, which is the key.

Originally Posted by WAR-PARTY A GPS and and an ELT Don't leave home with out it!

Wow! Way outta my budget - will stick to the thick column of smoke and pray that since the island is only 49 miles long and 9 miles wide, we won't be lost for long. lol I didn't know you could get stuff like this though.

Good Stuff guys! Keep it coming - I still feel like I'm missing something.

Originally Posted by BWAL09 i pack it in the back

We know dear.

[GreenFaleen]

I did a one month hike of the Appalachian trail. One thing I found helpful if your going to e making fires dont take anything like quick lights and such, get some steel wool and a 9volt battery it will still light if it gets wet and was a life saver at times

[v606er]

for socks, i always use smart wool (here is a site for you Smartwool Light Hiking Socks - Merino Wool (For Women) - Save 43% ). i got mine at a camping store called blue ridge mountain sports, but i dont know if you have one near you. try dick's for the socks. i dont know what brand my sock liners are. just get any polyprop-they all work the same pretty much

[MamaStang]

Originally Posted by GreenFaleen I did a one month hike of the Appalachian trail. One thing I found helpful if your going to e making fires dont take anything like quick lights and such, get some steel wool and a 9volt battery it will still light if it gets wet and was a life saver at times

How exactly does that work? I've never seen it done before but know there is a technique there...

We shouldn't need to build a fire. From what I understand, they have pulled up most of the fire rings and encourage everyone to not build a fire. We'll have a white gas stove to boil water with. Will be in July so shouldn't (hopefully) be too cold. Although that would cut down on the amount of biting insects!

Originally Posted by v606er for socks, i always use smart wool (here is a site for you Smartwool Light Hiking Socks - Merino Wool (For Women) - Save 43% ). i got mine at a camping store called blue ridge mountain sports, but i dont know if you have one near you. try dick's for the socks. i dont know what brand my sock liners are. just get any polyprop-they all work the same pretty much

Thanks - I'll give Sierra another look-see. Seems like I always wind up at Campmor though.

Getting really excited about this trip. My son is doing a practice hike for Philmont this afternoon but the rest of us are going to a cook out.

Hmmm....Practice hike through parking garages or drink beer...such a choice...hhh.......what will I do?

Summer Shandy - Here I come!