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backpacking basics?
    #10800338 -

I've never done it or anything like it,

but if I wanted to just go out and buy a few things

and take off for a few days,

what kind of stuff would I need?

would I bring food, or buy it on the way?

What are good places to go?

stuff like that.


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koods said:
Young male going by the name "Bassfreak" entered Worcester General complaining of a sharp pain in his buttock region after attending EDM event. Attending physician considered a possible diagnosis of acute rave anus, but upon further investigation it was determined there was nothing cute about patient's anus.
Life-long trip report

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Re: backpacking basics? [Re: pfxtc]
    #10800751 -

This pack is great

I bought one a few months ago, it fits more than enough gear, anything I'd need for months of travel, including up to a weeks worth of food if I'm not gonna be hitting any populated areas for a while. It's cheap and dependable, and has enough compartments and side openings for easy storage and access to anything in your pack.


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-=-Never Sigh For Better World
It's Already Composed
Played And Told-=-

Science gives a consistent how with an incomplete why.
Faith gives an inconsistent how with a complete why.

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Re: backpacking basics? [Re: DarkMoon21]
    #10806591 -

Yep, id recommend buying from MEC - great store and great inhouse product line.

I've had a similar pack but half the size from them for 5 or 6 years now and it is far and above functional. MEC is all function over fashion and it often leaves there products a step ahead, and quite abit cheaper.

If you buy a single burner stove, buy one of the MSR ones that screw onto a butane canister. 1 canister should last 1 to 2 weeks for 2 meals a day, depending on what sort of cooking your doing. - I love my little single burner, a hell of alot better than the fancier multifuel expedition stove i bought. Seriously, $40 + a $6 fuel can, you cant go wrong.

If its just you, don't buy a fancy cookset - buy a single backpacking pot, and plan your meals around it - no need to have 2 pots and pan. I think the one i have is GSR brand, and it has a strainer built into the lid. Its good for oats, soup, pasta and vegetable medley type meals...

Sleeping bag - get a mummy bag. Mine was about $270 at MEC and is half down half synthetic. Down wont keep you warm if it its wet... synthetic is pretty good, and cheaper, easier to take care of, but less warm. You can get a mediocre mummy bag for summer temps for $50-80 though, I prefer a 3 season bag, and i've got an old crappy one for summer camping....

Tent or hammock? - I am totally in love with the single pole design of my marmot tent. Sierra designs and mountain hardware also make quality tents. I'd stay away from the northface (you pay for the name), asolo, or low quality department store tents. Its worth spending $200 on a tent IMO. Also, get a 1-2 person, because 1 man tents are TINY, and you cant do anything in them but sleep.

Might want a hatchet or folding saw, compass, binoculars, camera, maps...

Depends what sort of travelling style your thinking of. You might want to try getting a feel for this by going to a national park close to you, staying in public campground and using it as a basecamp from which to do some day hiking, and maybe work your way upto staying in the backcountry.

There's lots to think about: firebuilding, shitting, bears + hanging your food, insects, what to do with your garbage, etc.

I am going to be following my own advice and doing just that, soon. I've travelled alot, but never actually done any real backcountry camping... You gotta start somewhere. I think its best in a park with a mapped trail system and camping areas, bear bins, etc.

Try backpacker.com or the magazine + they publish books that your library might have.... Im sure google will have a wealth of information on this.


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GO OUTSIDE.

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Re: backpacking basics? [Re: PDU]
    #10806922 -

Good info PDU.

Definitely check out Hennesy Hammocks, and Vibram Fivefingers for footwear, their amazing "shoes".

For tents I'd recommend the MEC Tarn 2, it's a great backpacking tent for one person, holds all my gear and me with no problems, though I'm 5'9 and there's not much space for more, so that depends on your height. Or just get a tarp shelter, their great for lightweight summer camping.


--------------------
-=-Never Sigh For Better World
It's Already Composed
Played And Told-=-

Science gives a consistent how with an incomplete why.
Faith gives an inconsistent how with a complete why.

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Re: backpacking basics? [Re: PDU]
    #10822832 -

I agree with a lot of this. The hatchet is worthless IMO, I've never found a situation where I couldn't make due without. Pocket knife is fine for cutting small things, and firewood is easily obtainable from the forest floor. Hatchets are just too weighty to bring along.

OP, do some research, but when you get down to it, the best information comes from just going backpacking. You'll end up finding many thing in your pack you don't want, and others that you wish you had.

I'm not sure if it was mentioned but LED headlamps are a must, and are fairly cheap.

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Re: backpacking basics? [Re: pfxtc]
    #10824206 -

i agree about the hatchet, that's too heavy to backpack with. a good knife is essential though. a basic stove and fuel, couple cooking pots, a plate/bowl, a couple nalgenes, first aid kit, headlamp, sleeping bag/pad, tent, waterproof matches, topo maps, compass, rope and stuff-sack to hang your food if you're in bear country... i'm sure i'm forgetting a few things, others can fill in the blanks. you really want to try and keep it light, it will pay off, but you definitely don't want to go without all these things. you could do without the stove/fuel and just eat trail mixes and dried fruit, but a hot meal in the backcountry is a wonderful luxury, its worth the weight to me.

as far as clothes, get some good socks, no cotton. couple t-shirts, something light and longsleeved, a fleece or wool pullover, and a rainproof shell. layering is key.

i won't go into what i bring for food cause there are a lot of threads about that, but definitely be sure to use common sense if you are in bear country... make your kitchen a good distance from your tent, don't store any food in the tent, might even want to put your cooking clothes in the sack with the food if you really want to be super cautious. the less scents in your tent the better.

get the basics down and go for it, there's no other way to learn. national forests are a good place to start backpacking.. topo maps are easy to obtain and the trails are usually well marked and well maintained.

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Re: backpacking basics? [Re: Hendostan]
    #10824592 -

If it's possible to make a fire, do it and spare the weight of the camp stove. All you need to do is make a good teepee type fire with lots of medium sized chunks of wood in the middle to burn lots of coals, then use a stick or shovel to move the coals into a corner of the fire-pit you've built to hold a pot or something, or look for a pot you can hang from a rope above the fire for soup and whatnot.

I recommend picking up the SAS Survival Guide, there's alot of cool camp-craft and tips in there, as well as a shit-ton of useful knots. Plus it'll just give you something to do to practice building some of the stuff to pimp out your campsite.

Not sure if your into it, but getting a smaller daypack with an emergency bivy sack is a pretty good idea if your going to be setting up a basecamp and then exploring that area for a few days, preferably some pack with a hydration system.

Water purification is really damn important too, not so much where I am in BC but it's not worth the risk, I've got the MSR water purifier and it works great without much effort. Well worth the investment for sure.


--------------------
-=-Never Sigh For Better World
It's Already Composed
Played And Told-=-

Science gives a consistent how with an incomplete why.
Faith gives an inconsistent how with a complete why.

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Re: backpacking basics? [Re: MisterPink]
    #10824635 -

I backpack with a super high quality handmade hatchet that weighs about 1lb.
http://www.gransfors.com/htm_eng/produkter/new_prod/p_litenskogsyxa.html
It's been worth its weight in gold on some trips. Sometimes you need to split wet wood, to make kindling or get those edges.
Things a good knife can do, yes.. but a good hatchet can do with MUCH less effort, in half the time.
Not to mention if you're ever in a survival situation, a good hatchet is an invaluable tool.
In fact I carry a sven folding saw, a hatchet, and a knife. The trifecta. All different tools for different jobs.
I don't mind carrying the extra 2-3 lbs for having pretty much any tool I would need, to build a fire in any condition.
Of course not everyone would agree, a hatchet is one of those things you either don't need.. or if you had one in a certain situation it would make life a LOT easier.
Course I only went with the best hatchet possible, and the lightest I could find.
Maybe not for your amateur weekend backpacker, or thru-hikers.. but if you're looking at wilderness survival a hatchet is an essential tool IMO.
Unless you're in a desert or underwater, only then is it dead weight.

Other than that...

- Lightweight shelter (light tent/bivy?/hammock?/Tarptent?)
- Good quality pack
- Good sleeping bag rated to as cold as you plan on taking it (synthetic or down is matter of preference.. synthetic is generally a safer bet, but heavier and bulkier)
- Tools - A single lightweight Pot, Stove, Duct Tape wrapped around a pencil, Rope, Headlamp, KNIFE, folding saw (optional..),
- Water - A way to purify/clean it and containers to carry it in
- Food.
- Synthetic clothes


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Re: backpacking basics? [Re: Shroomism]
    #10824696 -

Unless your going for extended trips, i would rather use water purification tablets, or boil my water - than use a filter. (then again, my filter is heavy and bulky.)


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GO OUTSIDE.

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Re: backpacking basics? [Re: PDU]
    #10824713 -

I avoid the water purification tablets at all costs if I can.. I absolutely hate the taste, even though you can disguise it with koolaid or something.

I use an MSR carbon filter.. it's a little bulky but it weighs very little and filter like a champ. I usually filter and then boil if I'm paranoid about the water source.


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Re: backpacking basics? [Re: Shroomism]
    #10824727 -

Word, water filtered through an MSR is hands down the most delicious water I've ever had. I love living in the mountains.


--------------------
-=-Never Sigh For Better World
It's Already Composed
Played And Told-=-

Science gives a consistent how with an incomplete why.
Faith gives an inconsistent how with a complete why.

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Re: backpacking basics? [Re: Shroomism]
    #10824728 -

i tend to boil and haven't had any problems, but it depends on where you are. there are times at higher altitudes if the water is coming out of the ground i'll just drink it.. not many things are more refreshing or cold or awesome. i'm in the rockies and haven't had any problems, but there's always risk of giardia. but that usually comes from poo.

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Re: backpacking basics? [Re: Hendostan]
    #10824748 -

Yeah.. the main reason I filter (as I see it) is mostly just to get all the sediment and dirt and crap out of it. Boiling kills whatever viruses..
I just don't like the idea of boiling a bunch of crap and then drinking all the little particles hehe


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Re: backpacking basics? [Re: Shroomism]
    #10828816 -

great advice guys, and of course i'll be safe about whatever I decide to do, just trying to learn a little bit - never tried this kind of thing before, I like the national park idea, gonna have to start buying stuff soon :smile:

are there laws regarding camping, fires, trespassing and stuff like that? if so, how can I learn more about them.


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koods said:
Young male going by the name "Bassfreak" entered Worcester General complaining of a sharp pain in his buttock region after attending EDM event. Attending physician considered a possible diagnosis of acute rave anus, but upon further investigation it was determined there was nothing cute about patient's anus.
Life-long trip report

Edited by pfxtc (08/09/09 05:12 PM)

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Re: backpacking basics? [Re: pfxtc]
    #10828836 -

You're going to love it :laugh:

Are you planning on doing this semi-regularly? Or what?

One thing I'll say, is do a lot of research/read reviews and get second opinions on gear you pick.
I'm sort of a gear-head, so I do it almost obsessively when I'm buying a new piece of gear, comparing 5 different things.
Of course, gear is no replacement for experience, but good quality gear can save you from a lot of headaches, and you want stuff that will last.
The people here will be more than happy to help, we've got lots of experienced hikers here who are familiar with all kinds of different stuff.



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Re: backpacking basics? [Re: Shroomism]
    #10828852 -

Shroomism said:
You're going to love it :laugh:

Are you planning on doing this semi-regularly? Or what?

One thing I'll say, is do a lot of research/read reviews and get second opinions on gear you pick.
I'm sort of a gear-head, so I do it almost obsessively when I'm buying a new piece of gear, comparing 5 different things.
Of course, gear is no replacement for experience, but good quality gear can save you from a lot of headaches, and you want stuff that will last.
The people here will be more than happy to help, we've got lots of experienced hikers here who are familiar with all kinds of different stuff.


sounds good,

i'll probably start off slow and if I like it as much as I think i'm going too it'll most likely be a every weekend type of deal, i'm really looking towards the future here though - i'm planning on buying a house out in the country and backpacking, much more appealing to me then city life and television if that makes any sense.

i probably sound like a chode here - but after watching survivorman marathons I envy Les Stroud, seems like an absolute blast to be out there like that - minus the moving camera gear around.


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koods said:
Young male going by the name "Bassfreak" entered Worcester General complaining of a sharp pain in his buttock region after attending EDM event. Attending physician considered a possible diagnosis of acute rave anus, but upon further investigation it was determined there was nothing cute about patient's anus.
Life-long trip report

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Re: backpacking basics? [Re: pfxtc]
    #10828865 -

Well the first three things you want to get.. and probably your most important purchases and pieces of gear by far are:
Your pack. Your shelter. And your sleeping bag.

Once you have those three out of the way, the rest of the stuff just kind of falls together.


The laws regarding fires, overnight camping, and such... vary depending on the location and the time of year.
Some parks fires are not permitted at all, due to the risk of forest fire.
Some parks you can only have fires during certain times, and only in approved fire pits.
You will want to check with whatever place you are staying regarding their rules, as it varies from place to place.

One thing all campgrounds and national forests agree on - is the Leave No Trace ethic.
Leave No Trace is a simple concept that a lot of dumbasses don't follow and make things worse for everyone.
Clean up your trash and pack it out with you, dont cause any permanent damage to the landscape,
cover (duh- completely extinguished) firepits/ash with dirt and leaves... spread the ash around in bushes and crap, then cover the spot with dirt.
Leave No Trace of you ever being there. Leave it looking better than when you got there, and you are golden.


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Re: backpacking basics? [Re: Shroomism]
    #10828885 -

Shroomism said:
Well the first three things you want to get.. and probably your most important purchases and pieces of gear by far are:
Your pack. Your shelter. And your sleeping bag.

Once you have those three out of the way, the rest of the stuff just kind of falls together.


The laws regarding fires, overnight camping, and such... vary depending on the location and the time of year.
Some parks fires are not permitted at all, due to the risk of forest fire.
Some parks you can only have fires during certain times, and only in approved fire pits.
You will want to check with whatever place you are staying regarding their rules, as it varies from place to place.

One thing all campgrounds and national forests agree on - is the Leave No Trace ethic.
Leave No Trace is a simple concept that a lot of dumbasses don't follow and make things worse for everyone.
Clean up your trash and pack it out with you, dont cause any permanent damage to the landscape, cover (duh- completely extinguished) firepits/ash with dirt and leaves.
Leave No Trace of you ever being there. Leave it looking better than when you got there, and you are golden.


Sounds simple enough, I can't believe people who stay at places in the wilderness would trash them :shrug:


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koods said:
Young male going by the name "Bassfreak" entered Worcester General complaining of a sharp pain in his buttock region after attending EDM event. Attending physician considered a possible diagnosis of acute rave anus, but upon further investigation it was determined there was nothing cute about patient's anus.
Life-long trip report

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Re: backpacking basics? [Re: pfxtc]
    #10828904 -

Oh they are out there for sure. I don't know how many places I've run across that WOULD be a nice site... but there's beer bottles and cans scattered all over the place, broken glass, hacked down/half charred trees, and trash all over the place. Some people have no respect, and it's crap like that, that gets stupid regulations passed that hinder everyones fun.


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Re: backpacking basics? [Re: Shroomism]
    #10828938 -

Shroomism said:
Oh they are out there for sure. I don't know how many places I've run across that WOULD be a nice site... but there's beer bottles and cans scattered all over the place, broken glass, hacked down/half charred trees, and trash all over the place. Some people have no respect, and it's crap like that, that gets stupid regulations passed that hinder everyones fun.


as for buying equipment, would you say going out to a local store is better or buying online? I'd assume you want to inspect/try out everything before you finally purchase it.


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koods said:
Young male going by the name "Bassfreak" entered Worcester General complaining of a sharp pain in his buttock region after attending EDM event. Attending physician considered a possible diagnosis of acute rave anus, but upon further investigation it was determined there was nothing cute about patient's anus.
Life-long trip report

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Re: backpacking basics? [Re: pfxtc]
    #10829128 -

Yeah that is your best bet. Especially with things like packs, boots, etc.. you definitely want to try them on first to see if they fit you well.
Most outfitters will let you try on different packs, put weights in them and let you carry it around to see how it fits you. Some will even let you take it home for a night.
Although I do buy most of my stuff online because I can usually find better deals, and can find anything.
Things like knives, sleeping bags, headlamps, filters, all that kind of crap, online is a great resource for finding stuff.

Good places for gear..
http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Home_ - good spot for finding some good deals sometimes
http://www.backpacking.net/ - good place for articles, lightweight gear, packing lists and all sorts of general info
http://www.rei.com - REI is ok, they carry most of the major brands but they tend to be more expensive
http://www.backpacker.com/gear/

Lightweight is definitely the way to go nowadays. No sense lugging a pack that weighs 8lbs when you can find one with the same capacity that weighs 2.
It used to be an extreme thing to go lightweight backpacking, people would do things like shave their toothbrushes down to get an ounce less.
Bring nothing but a tarp for shelter, and make their packs out of plastic.
But nowadays with the improvements in technology, it's easier and cheaper than ever. You no longer have to sacrifice comfort to reduce weight.
Sil-nylon is a great thing.
Things like a stove.. you could carry a big bulky jetbroil or whatever with multiple fuel canisters,
I just have a alcohol stove that boils water fine and weighs 1.5oz, and I can find fuel pretty much at any store.
I used to have a big ass tent that was bulky and weighed 5-6 lbs, now I use a hennessy hammock that is more comfortable than sleeping in a tent, packs smaller and weighs 2lbs.
All those weights add up, but your tent/shelter, pack and sleeping bag are you biggest weights, so you want to look at those first.
There are tons of options. But your back and knees will thank you, the less weight you have to carry.


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Re: backpacking basics? [Re: Shroomism]
    #10829386 -

Shroomism said:
Yeah that is your best bet. Especially with things like packs, boots, etc.. you definitely want to try them on first to see if they fit you well.
Most outfitters will let you try on different packs, put weights in them and let you carry it around to see how it fits you. Some will even let you take it home for a night.
Although I do buy most of my stuff online because I can usually find better deals, and can find anything.
Things like knives, sleeping bags, headlamps, filters, all that kind of crap, online is a great resource for finding stuff.

Good places for gear..
http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Home_ - good spot for finding some good deals sometimes
http://www.backpacking.net/ - good place for articles, lightweight gear, packing lists and all sorts of general info
http://www.rei.com - REI is ok, they carry most of the major brands but they tend to be more expensive
http://www.backpacker.com/gear/

Lightweight is definitely the way to go nowadays. No sense lugging a pack that weighs 8lbs when you can find one with the same capacity that weighs 2.
It used to be an extreme thing to go lightweight backpacking, people would do things like shave their toothbrushes down to get an ounce less.
Bring nothing but a tarp for shelter, and make their packs out of plastic.
But nowadays with the improvements in technology, it's easier and cheaper than ever. You no longer have to sacrifice comfort to reduce weight.
Sil-nylon is a great thing.
Things like a stove.. you could carry a big bulky jetbroil or whatever with multiple fuel canisters,
I just have a alcohol stove that boils water fine and weighs 1.5oz, and I can find fuel pretty much at any store.
I used to have a big ass tent that was bulky and weighed 5-6 lbs, now I use a hennessy hammock that is more comfortable than sleeping in a tent, packs smaller and weighs 2lbs.
All those weights add up, but your tent/shelter, pack and sleeping bag are you biggest weights, so you want to look at those first.
There are tons of options. But your back and knees will thank you, the less weight you have to carry.


I really appreciate all the information, thanks :smile:


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koods said:
Young male going by the name "Bassfreak" entered Worcester General complaining of a sharp pain in his buttock region after attending EDM event. Attending physician considered a possible diagnosis of acute rave anus, but upon further investigation it was determined there was nothing cute about patient's anus.
Life-long trip report

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Re: backpacking basics? [Re: Shroomism]
    #10829420 -

Go to an outdoors specific retailer, and the staff will help you fit a pack (with weight in it), and direct you in your decision to buy synthetic or down sleeping bag.

The staff you buy your stuff from should be experienced backpackers/outdoorsman and will be able to weigh the pro's and cons of comparable products.

Do some research online and narrow down your search to lets say:

a specific style of tent: 1-2man, 2 pole design, under 4 lbs

Or something in that ballpark. Compare the ratings of the different materials and read reviews of comparable competeing (sp?) products before making a decision. OR go to the store with an idea of whats out there and ask specific questions and get the staffs opinion on it.

You should narrow down how your going to use your equipment too, and let the staff know:

Ie. You are a beginner who wants light weight and durable stuff from a respectable company who has a good warrenty program, but you do not need the most up-to-date, ultra fancy product out there.

The internet is your best resource for learning about this stuff.

I was thinking, footware is of the utmost importance before setting out on your first trip!


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GO OUTSIDE.

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Re: backpacking basics? [Re: PDU]
    #10829437 -

also, good gear companies in my opinion:

MSR - cook gear/water filters/tents
sierra designs - tents and clothing
outdoor research - clothing, accessories
mountain hardware - tents
marmot - tents and clothing
GSR - cook gear
MEC - everything
arc teryx (ultra expensive) - mainly packs
North face (pretty expensive) - packs/tents


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GO OUTSIDE.

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Re: backpacking basics? [Re: PDU]
    #10829500 -

this is complete lack of knowledge on the subject speaking, but do people ever just bring a hammock to sleep on in place of a tent? (in places with no rain of course)


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koods said:
Young male going by the name "Bassfreak" entered Worcester General complaining of a sharp pain in his buttock region after attending EDM event. Attending physician considered a possible diagnosis of acute rave anus, but upon further investigation it was determined there was nothing cute about patient's anus.
Life-long trip report

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Re: backpacking basics? [Re: pfxtc]
    #10829597 -

pfxtc said:
this is complete lack of knowledge on the subject speaking, but do people ever just bring a hammock to sleep on in place of a tent? (in places with no rain of course)


absolutely. you can even get covered ones. i use a tent, but i know some folks around here do the hammock thing, so hopefully they'll chime in.

another note.. national parks usually charge fees to get into the park, and then you also have to get a backcountry permit for however many nights you'll be there. but national forests - as far as i know - don't charge fees. at least the ones around here, it may vary by state or specific forest.

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Re: backpacking basics? [Re: pfxtc]
    #10829695 -

pfxtc said:
this is complete lack of knowledge on the subject speaking, but do people ever just bring a hammock to sleep on in place of a tent? (in places with no rain of course)


I exclusively use my hammock, even in complete downpours.


http://hennessyhammock.com/

The benefits over a tent being: lighter, packs smaller, never have to find 'level' ground, dont have to worry about sticks, rocks, water underneath.. more comfortable to sleep in..
The negatives being: slightly steeper learning curve to set up properly, sleeps much colder than being on the ground so you need some form of insulation underneath you, and you have to have trees or something to attach it to.

As much as I love hammocks I don't think I'd recommend them to a beginner, your purposes would be met just fine with a nice lightweight 1-2 man tent.
I even have a small tent for "backup" purposes.. but I never use it. But if you are really for it, go for it, you'd love it. Just do your research first.


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Re: backpacking basics? [Re: Shroomism]
    #10830047 -

As far as packs.. this is what I use and I absolutely love it:

Granite Gear Nimbus Meridian
3800 cubic inches (62Liter) 3lbs 8 oz (one of the lightest packs in that size range)
Super comfortable, super durable, good waterproofness.


Granite Gear makes some excellent lightweight packs and other lightweight gear with little frills.
With a lightweight pack you are generally getting less pockets and other crap.
Mine has one 'main' compartment, and inside the main bin is a pocket where you can put water bladder, and it has ports for the hose
I have the "deluxe" model that includes a lid for storing small stuff you need easy access to. Which is removeable and doubles as a fanny pack.
It also has mesh pockets on the side, fully padded belt and shoulders straps (comfortable), daisy chain on the back for storing other gear.. and has a great suspension/ventilation system for keeping your back cool. I love my pack.

MEC makes some really solid packs as well, Gregory and Go Lite make some good ones as well


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Re: backpacking basics? [Re: Shroomism]
    #10833020 -

Shroomism said:
pfxtc said:
this is complete lack of knowledge on the subject speaking, but do people ever just bring a hammock to sleep on in place of a tent? (in places with no rain of course)


I exclusively use my hammock, even in complete downpours.


http://hennessyhammock.com/

The benefits over a tent being: lighter, packs smaller, never have to find 'level' ground, dont have to worry about sticks, rocks, water underneath.. more comfortable to sleep in..
The negatives being: slightly steeper learning curve to set up properly, sleeps much colder than being on the ground so you need some form of insulation underneath you, and you have to have trees or something to attach it to.

As much as I love hammocks I don't think I'd recommend them to a beginner, your purposes would be met just fine with a nice lightweight 1-2 man tent.
I even have a small tent for "backup" purposes.. but I never use it. But if you are really for it, go for it, you'd love it. Just do your research first.


WOW! I like that thing a lot, I've never even heard of a covered one. I'll probably heed your advice and get a small tent though for learning purposes :wink:


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koods said:
Young male going by the name "Bassfreak" entered Worcester General complaining of a sharp pain in his buttock region after attending EDM event. Attending physician considered a possible diagnosis of acute rave anus, but upon further investigation it was determined there was nothing cute about patient's anus.
Life-long trip report

Edited by pfxtc (08/10/09 01:14 PM)

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Re: backpacking basics? [Re: pfxtc]
    #10835184 -

pfxtc said:
Shroomism said:
pfxtc said:
this is complete lack of knowledge on the subject speaking, but do people ever just bring a hammock to sleep on in place of a tent? (in places with no rain of course)


I exclusively use my hammock, even in complete downpours.


http://hennessyhammock.com/

The benefits over a tent being: lighter, packs smaller, never have to find 'level' ground, dont have to worry about sticks, rocks, water underneath.. more comfortable to sleep in..
The negatives being: slightly steeper learning curve to set up properly, sleeps much colder than being on the ground so you need some form of insulation underneath you, and you have to have trees or something to attach it to.

As much as I love hammocks I don't think I'd recommend them to a beginner, your purposes would be met just fine with a nice lightweight 1-2 man tent.
I even have a small tent for "backup" purposes.. but I never use it. But if you are really for it, go for it, you'd love it. Just do your research first.


WOW! I like that thing a lot, I've never even heard of a covered one. I'll probably heed your advice and get a small tent though for learning purposes :wink:


Shroomism obviously knows a great deal. But if you want to get a hammock, I really don't feel like being a novice should stop you. You can head to a metropark, or your backyard, really anywhere you can find two decent trees and practice setting up the hammock before you go on an outdoor adventure. I had a bit of trouble setting mine up the first time, but after that it was very easy. I've actually had a worse time setting up some tents than my hennessey.

And Shroomism is correct about all of the benefits of hammocks. I would never go back to using a tent, well except for when I go camping with my girl.

Oh and another benefit of hammocks is that they are great conversation starters. I made more friends on the trail just letting people check out my hammock, or discussing the merits, and how they sleep.

But of course tents are fine shelters as well. I just didn't want you to think that because you are a beginner you should steer clear of hammocks.

Be sure to keep us updated on how your new hobby progresses.

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Re: backpacking basics? [Re: MisterPink]
    #10835350 -

Yeah I take back what I said.. anyone with half a brain can learn how to pitch a hammock properly after a couple tries.
I meant that more for like.. in a situation where you can't pitch a hammock and have to go to ground. I guess even then you could just use your tarp for shelter.
I haven't run into that situation yet.. everywhere I camp there is trees.
There are benefits to tents too though.. roomier being the main thing, and you have the earth as your insulation.
I personally find hammocks infinitely more comfortable though. Sleeping in a hammock and then sleeping on the ground in a tent doesn't even compare.
I guess I just thought a novice shouldn't have a hammock as his only means of shelter, like having a tent for backup 'just in case'.. but that's probably totally unfounded.

The biggest concern you'll have with a hammock is keeping warm in cooler temps, but apparently a good synthetic bag does the job.
I have a down bag and it sucks in the cold since it provides very little insulation to the part you're laying on so I basically have to use a pad.
A synthetic bag is better anyway since even if it gets wet it still retains its insulation value, a down bag will not.


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Re: backpacking basics? [Re: Shroomism]
    #10839692 -

I'll let you know of my "progress" for sure - got a bunch of crap to do in the coming months but hopefully after that I can get started.

I appreciate all the help.

Edited by pfxtc (08/11/09 01:48 PM)

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