Tell me about backpack camping

In My Humble Opinion
1

Is that even the right word for it? Where you carry your stuff in and out and pitch a tent.

I’m not exactly Ms. Outdoorswoman. The last time I went hiking was the first time I’d done so since Girl Scouts, and we so underestimated the time it would take that there was a park ranger waiting for us when we got back to the car. They had actually called my mom (who luckily was yammering on the phone to her sister, otherwise she’d have been there waiting with the ranger I bet!) and were about to come looking for us. (Which is why you register at the trailhead, because actually one of us had fallen pretty badly, although luckily sustained no injuries.)

But my boyfriend, he misses camping. He’s only done the car kind, but he wants to do the backpack kind. I did a little poking around online and I’m seeing “trailside campsites” at our state parks (including the one with Mr. Friendly Ranger, who I have got to tell you is the face I have in my life been most happy to see) - is that what we’re looking for?

So, what I want to know is - what are some good resources to find good places to go and good information on doing this? Personally I’m advocating for starting small and close to the road, but Himself wants to go pioneer out in the woods. I assume there are rules on this? Do some state parks just let you go wherever, or do you have to have a campsite? What about fires? Obviously this is going to vary locally, but are there general tendancies?

Is this even possible for me? To me, camping is something you do with the Girl Scouts where we put up six man tents and make hobo pockets and S’mores. What kind of food can we take if we’re carrying it on our backs? I don’t know if I can even carry this stuff - I’m serious when I say we almost didn’t make it out of that “easy one day hike” several years ago, and I’m even more out of shape now! That was in college! How does this even work? I’m thinking once I’m hauling half a tent and a sleeping bag that’s pretty much it for me, you know? How much can I expect to be able to carry?

There are obvious safety concerns - clearly, we’d tell people where we’re going and when to expect us back, we wouldn’t burn down the forest, you step onto a log and then over, etc. Is there anything that isn’t obvious that we’d need to look out for?

In other words, I need a) a backpacking primer, and b) somebody to convince me that this isn’t a really stupid idea. I mean, I have a nice comfortable house. It has trees and plants and even aminals, you know?

2

Some past threads with suggestions.

http://208.100.26.199/sdmb/showthread.php?t=401261&highlight=backpacking

http://208.100.26.199/sdmb/showthread.php?t=399217&highlight=backpacking

http://208.100.26.199/sdmb/showthread.php?t=382464&highlight=backpacking

http://208.100.26.199/sdmb/showthread.php?t=369755&highlight=backpacking

There are some great discussions here, especially in the last two threads. That should give you a framework wherein to come up with specific questions. Go for it! :smiley:

3

What kinda shape are you in? You’re talking about hiking carrying about pack that’s gonna weigh at least 20 pounds. I’ve done it and enjoyed it, but it’s more physical than you’d think. Especially in hills or mountains.

Probably tons of backpacking websites with lots of basic info. You’ll need lightweight gear–tent/sleeping bags/mess kit/stove/food/waterproof matches/knife/first aid kit/compass/water/extra socks/etc.

You might want to start with something relatively easy…maybe a 3-5 mile hike to a campsite on an established trail in a state or national park as an overnight trip.

Food is easy. You can either buy dehydrated stuff at camping stores, or shop carefully for light-just add water-stuff, like rice, beans, instant soup.

4

Ugh. Really? Gross! Why on earth would you go out into the great outdoors to eat gross food? The only part I liked about it in Girl Scouts was the hobo pockets!

5

Who carried all the stuff you ate in Girl Scouts? If it goes on the back, light is the ticket. Of course, if all you are doing is hiking in a couple of miles and setting up camp for a day or two, weight doesn’t really matter that much. But you’re not going to be able to take that cast iron chicken fryer with you in any case. :smiley:

6

They sell MRE’s (military food pouches) that are supposed to be pretty good these days. However, the entire key to backpacking is that you have to carry whatever you want to bring mile after mile. Experienced backpackers doing hard routes often resort to things like whittling down the handle on their toothbrush. They mean it when they say that you have to lay out everything you think you need for the trip and then discard 1/2 to 3/4 of it. That is what it is all about.

7

Well, you aren’t gonna be carrying an ice chest, so whatever ya take can’t require refridgeration. Weight is crucial. Dehydrated food isn’t terrible. You usually heat it up and add water. Military style MRE’s are an option. Mac & cheese. Pasta. Maybe fresh fish if you’re somewhere where fishing is allowed and you catch any.

8

Reread the OP. Not trying to be mean, but if the Girl Scout follows Boyfriend-the-Car-Camper into the uncharted woods, bad things could happen. Neither one of you have the experience to attempt that at this point. Walk before you run. It’s the Code of the Woods. :smiley:

Back to the food thing. You stove will be either a campfire, or a small single burner powered by gas or sterno. You mostly wanna use the campfire when you can, because fuel is heavy.

9

As a complete neophyte to outdoor camping and multiday backpacking, I predict pain, misery, and disappointment for all parties involved if you toss on a 30# pack and head to the backcountry. Rather than detail out all the things you need to know and do in order to be prepared to go backpacking, I’m just going to recommend that you start easy, with some short dayhikes carrying a light pack and camping at primitive sites (i.e. no running water, refrigeration, et cetera) that can be reached by road before attempting to do true backcountry hiking. Doing this will give you (a) experience to know what to bring and do, (b) endurance and a sense of your own limits, and © an understanding of whether this is going to be any fun for you or not.

You can start by going to a local outdoor outlet (go to a real store like REI, not a “sporting goods” store that carries just Coleman junk) and seeing what they have to offer for instruction and group hiking. You should also check around your community for hiking/camping recreational groups and the like. When and if you purchase gear, do yourself a favor and don’t buy the cheapest thing you can find; do some research and buy what is going to fit your needs and be comfortable. A “bargin” that doesn’t do what you need it to do, or falls apart the third time you use it isn’t any kind of bargin.

And don’t be ashamed to say that you don’t enjoy it. Backpacking isn’t for everyone; it’s hard, often painful work, and often means being wet and cold in pursuit of “fun”. Not everyone is this kind of masochist.

Stranger

10

I used to have an “outdoorsman” boyfriend too, so I became well acquainted with backpacking over the years. The first trip we took together was actually a week-long three-credit college class over the summer called “backpacking and backcountry skills.” I had been camping plenty of times before this, but it was only “car camping.” We tried to be prepared for everything but ended up being overly prepared, which meant our packs weighed probably 40 or 50 pounds which is just miserable to carry.

Over the next few years, we kept going backpacking and learned to hone our packing skills. It is much nicer if you can keep your pack weight down to a bare minimum. Things to consider when packing:

–Bring good, lightweight gear: If you are serious, go to REI and get a good, lightweight pack, like this: REI Ridgeline Pack (4 lbs. 2 oz.), sleeping bag, like this: Marmot Pounder Plus +25 Sleeping Bag - 1 lb. 14 oz., and small very light backcountry tent, like one of these: Backpacking Ultralight Tents, 2-3 person - something 4 pounds or less.

–Food: if you plan to bring a stove and cook, first of all, get a good light backcountry stove, like this: Coleman Exponent F1 Ultralight Stove - 2.6 ounces, and cookset, like this: MSR BlackLite Classic Cookset - 1 lb. 2 oz.. Then just bring some dried rice or pasta dinners like you get at the grocery store (no need for MREs or anything). For breakfast, bring instant oatmeal or cream of wheat and tea or hot cocoa. Bring other dry or low-moisture items like trail mix, bagels, and granola bars and you have plenty of food, and it’s not too heavy.

–Water: if you know you will be around water sources (streams, creeks, rivers, lakes) bring a water filter so you don’t have to carry around all your water. Water is the heaviest thing you will need! So just get it along the way. Here’s a good water filter: Katadyn Guide PRO Microfilter, weighs 14 ounces, pumps 1.5 liters per minute

–Clothing: don’t bring too much. Wear one main outfit with layers, with an additional warm jacket, rain jacket, extra socks and extra t-shirt or undershirt, and perhaps some fleece pants for around camp. That’s it. Be prepared for a variety of temperatures, like start with a short-sleeved t-shirt, then a long-sleeved shirt, then a fleece. Wear a pair of the zip-off pants so you can convert them to shorts if it’s hot. You can strip down or layer up depending on the weather. Also good hiking boots are key. They must be broken in. Trust me - I have mutilated my feet with ill-fitting and non-broken-in boots before and it absolutely ruined the trip.

–Additional items: bring a small lightweight flashlight, pocket knife, compass, GPS, topographical map of the area, lighter, toilet paper, toothbrush, insect repellent, small first aid kit. Non-essentials include MP3 player, camera, book.

Since you are new to this, start off with a one-night trip. You can hike in just a few miles from where you park so you are never too far from the car. This way, you can get a feel for it. Then on your next trip, do two nights and hike in 8-10 miles, and plan to hike a loop.

It all depends on where you go as to whether you just make your own campsite or whether there are designated camp sites. I have been in boths types of parks - some you are required to use designated sites, others you can camp whereever you like. Sometimes it’s nice to end a long day hiking at a site that is ready with a fire ring and flat clean spot for your tent. But if you are really roughing it, you’ll be making your own site. OK this is long, more thoughts in a moment…

11

My boyfriend went on a 5-day backcountry hike in the summer of 2005. I didn’t go with him, but we did plenty of day hikes together this past summer where we ended up talking a lot about hiking preparation, etc. (and he shared his experience with me, who was at the time a new hiker). I can say that for him, the best way to find out if it was right for him and make sure he was going to be safe and sound in the backcountry was to actually practice it.

By this I mean, he and his hiking buddies packed their bags and got dressed as for the longer hike, and did an overnight trail hike. So, they had an easier hike, closer to help if they needed it for some reason; but they had a chance to test out the gear, pitch the tent, start a fire, hang up their food in a tree to keep it from bears, treat their water, etc. Though they stayed at a campsite that was less primitive than they would experience in the backcountry, they used only the amenities they would have on the longer hike so as to make sure they woudln’t be caught out. It was only through this that he discovered if his boots were going to give him blisters, what extras he really didn’t need, what he was missing, and so on.

(Even for a day hike - extra socks! Will make you feel as though you have new feet after a hot stretch of hiking, especially if your feet get damp).

I agree wholeheartedly with the posters who have said that experience is key. Starting modestly and moving up is a good way to build up the amount of gear you have gradually while you get a chance to decide if serious hiking is right for you, or if you’d prefer to not invest since it’s just not for you. For me, I have a limited amount of gear, and that’s enough for me, since I’m not really interested in going on a crazy wilderness hike! So I’m really glad I didn’t drop a lot of money on a pack, lightweight tent, etc. before I did some hikking on a smaller scale. The other solution to this problem would, of course, be to borrow whatever you could before buying.

12

OK, more thoughts. Backpacking is hard physical work, especially if you are not in the best of shape (like me). Especially if you go backpacking in the mountains! You are walking up and down with 20 or more extra pounds on your back. I won’t lie, it can hurt! That is why I always tried to plan trips that did not involve scaling mountains… I always preferred more leisurely trails. So try to pick an area that isn’t very mountainous.

However, it is worth it! It is something you will never forget, and if you are going with your significant other, it is really romantic. Sitting in front of a fire under the stars, snuggling in a tent and waking up to the birds, it’s great!

Good planning is key. Study topographical maps of the park you want to go to and pay attention to the elevation gains along the trail, and how many miles you will want to go, and what water sources you will encounter. Having a GPS loaded with detailed topo maps really helps a lot! Try to plan a circular loop so you won’t have to retrace your steps to get back to your car.

So in summary - start off with an easy trip: a fairly flat trail, hike in only a couple of miles, spend only one night… that way you won’t have to bring as much food or gear. If you like it, do a 2-night weekend trip. It’s a great getaway with your man! I hope you try it and like it!

13

Ditto what others have said. Start small! Try this - go to REI, rent a little two-person tent, some sleeping bags and groundpads.

Make a little hibachi fire in your backyard and see what you can cook over a small open flame - try some of the dehydrated backpacking food at a good outdoors store, it’s really quite good.

Then pitch your tent, crawl into your sleeping bags and sleep outside. Listen to the lack of noise (I’m hoping that you don’t live right downtown).

Breakfast - again, see what you can cook over one small fire. Instant oatmeal and hot cocoa/coffee are favorites of mine.

Now you’re getting the idea. Do more hiking - just day hikes, to get used to your boots and socks (which had better be quality stuff, you spend all day on your feet so don’t be miserable!). Take a little daypack with your sandwiches and water bottles. Learn to appreciate a tough hike (whatever feels pleasantly strenuous to your), followed by sitting on a hilltop looking out over a great view and having your simple lunch which suddenly seems like a feast.

Find a local campground (maybe a local or state park that has campsites). Reserve a campsite close to the parking lot, maybe it’s just a mile down a fire trail, something simple like that. Hike in and camp out, just like you did in your backyard. You’ll probably need a camp stove this time, so rent or borrow one, have somebody show you how to use it and then sit on your porch and cook dinner with your little MSR and one pot, before you go camping with it. Much easier to do this the first time at home rather than out in the woods!

The point is to start by gently getting away from immediate access to civilization - you don’t have to be 20 miles away from the nearest trailhead, but just get used to walking in with everything you need on your back, eating and sleeping out, getting the feel of being out there, then putting it all back into your pack and walking out again. No electricity, no running water, etc.

Over time you’ll find that you can handle a longer hike in, maybe a second night out. Now you’re getting into it.

Check with your local outdoors stores, community college or Sierra Club - you will probably find a couple of “introduction to backpacking” type courses, sign up for them and you’ll get a nice structured experience with other first-timers and some experienced guides to help get you started.

Buy a good book on backpacking, it’ll have tons of advice, including lists of stuff that you will need (don’t want to go on a two night trip and realize on night one that you forgot a flashlight or a warm hat). Make friends with other backpackers, they’ll be happy to give you plenty of advice, some of which might even be good :slight_smile:

Oakminster, one of my buddies is ex-Army and just for fun he brought a case of MREs on one of our long Yosemite trips a few years ago. They are really quite good - nice variety of food, self-heating, all the little condiments and whatnot (you even get a little bottle of Tabasco and some chiclets). Pleasant memories of sitting atop Yosemite falls eating nice hot spaghetti & meatballs, drinking my beer (that’s not part of an MRE) and having a surprisingly good strawberry shake for dessert. Downside is that there’s a bunch of packaging which equals trash to haul back down.

14

I’ve gone hiking with a 70-pound pack, and I’ve gone hiking with a 30-pound pack. Guess which one was far more fun than the other. You don’t have to go super-light: titanium cookware, dehydrated food, water purification with little water supplies starting off (iodine tablets or filter), lightest sleeping bag for conditions, tiny light tent, and so on. That stuff gets expensive fast. But I’d say that you never want to go much past 40 pounds if it all possible.

15

25-30% of your lean weight is about as much weight as you can comfortably carry, regardless of physical condition. 35% of lean weight (for the average male ~55lbs, average female ~40lbs) is about the limit for long duration hiking; beyond that, you risk injury. This doesn’t mean getting the lightest gear possible, but it does mean selecting equipment that is compact and functional. The whole “cutting the handle of the toothbrush off to save weight” is nonsense (although I’ve cut the handles off of cooking utensils to make them fit neatly in my cookgear) but not taking stuff you don’t need (or more than you need) is key. Do you really need a tent, or can you survive with a bivy sack? Do you need more than two changes of clothes? Are you going to make any use of that hatchet, multitool, or handgun you stuck in your pack? Pare it down to the minimum, and check your inventory after your trip to see if you could have lightened it more. I regularly (well, not as regularly as I’d like) take 4-7 day trips with a pack that is just over 30 lbs, including sleeping bag, rain gear, food in bear vault, a digital camera, and a couple of books.

Getting a good pack, and a good set of boots is key. (I also agree with the multiple pairs of socks–with liners–as well.) You can go cheap(er) on tent, sleeping bag, whathaveyou but you will be vastly more comfortable on the trail with a quality pack and comfortable, hard-wearing boots.

Stranger

16

Since (a) has been addressed so well upthread, I’ll tell you what I love about backpacking. First, although there are some lovely carside camping areas, they see so much activity that they they get, well, dirty. You’re liable to come across a pop top or cigarette butt while enjoying the moss, mushrooms, and bluebells.

But people who hike for miles and set up camp tend to be pretty conscientious about packing out everything they pack in. Most of my backpacking experience was in the Rockies. It was lamentably many years ago, but I recall vividly the sweet wild strawberries growing on a grassy slope, the springs of water discovered burbling from a mountainside so remote that one didn’t have to worry about Giardia (yeah, take the filters and iodine anyway), the many interesting rocks and shells (!) that could be found with a modicum of attention, and a glorious, impossible cascade of sweet pea blossoms along a wandering creek just jumping with tasty trout.

I don’t think I have the heart for fishing any longer, but I am planning to visit an old girlfriend this spring for a backpacking trip, and hope like hell to wake up with early morning sun and birdsong, make a tin pot of percolated coffee mixed with cocoa powder, have a short but invigorating swim in an icy lake, and then wander around the mountains all day seeing how many flowers and mushrooms I can still identify by at least one of their Latin names.

One other thing about backpacking: food never tastes better than at the end of the trail, the Milky way is never so enchanting and ineffable as at high altitude far from the city, and sleep is never so restful or so sweet as in the cold night air. Also, the hot shower and clean linens on return are heaven.

17

While I could offer loads of advice, I think you just need to read those other suggested threads, find a book at the library, start slow, and maybe go with a guided group (you might make some friends and it helps to spread the weight around). It’s not like you can just study it and be proficient at it, it does take some practice. There are some things that you will need to know ahead of time though…

Are there bears in South Carolina? If so, you will want to be well versed in how to avoid them.

Please take a first aid training course, have a well stocked first aid kit, and know how to use it. This is important.

Know how to get help / signal for help / let people know where you are.

Know how to obtain clean drinking water.
And now I am longing to go backpacking again… it seems like forever since last I had the chance. :frowning:

18

If you are really looking to cut every ounce of weight you can from your backpack, this page has some good tips:

19

And after you get tired of carrying your gear, toss it all in a canoe and let the water float the weight for you. :wink:

20

I took my first backpacking trip last July, and I invited my girlfriend to go. She is a physically capable person, but not “outdoorsy,” and she decided against it. I can honestly say that her deciding to stay home was a great decision, because I think she would have been miserable, and her misery would have affected my own enjoyment of the trip.

No discouragement intended at all, Zsofia!! I think if you’re even curious you should follow some of the great advice you’ve already gotten in this thread and try to take a trip that fits your level of fitness and tolerance for discomfort.

All I’m saying is, backpacking is for people who really want to be there, and you have to be almost psyched about the lack of comforts and amenities (which I was) to appreciate it. There’s no shame in deciding it’s not for you.

If you decide it’s not something you want to do, maybe you should encourage your boyfriend to go with a group of friends instead.

Good luck either way!

~fig