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As the title states...I am wondering if I am prepared enough for my 1st backpacking trip, a solo one at that. I spent time in the boy scouts as a kid growing up and have done plenty of hiking and camping through out my life. Also spent close to 6 years in the marine corps with close to 3 of those years being out in the field, so I feel as though I should be very well prepared physically and mentally, but am I prepared enough gear wise? After looking at my gear and set up if you have any advice or helpful hints, please chime in with them!

My first trip would only be a 3 day trip. Have all gear planed out for the trip and is as follows:
Deuter Futura Pro 42 Pack, Big Agnes Sunnyside tent w/foot print and fly, Alps Mountaineering sleeping pad, Big Agnes horse thief 35* down sleeping bag, Marmot sharp point softshell, waterproof poncho, 2 pairs bxer brfs, 2 pairs hiking socks, 1 pair hiking pants, 2 thermal shirts, Underarmour cold weather gear top & bottom, fleece gloves, first aid kit, Nikon monarch bino's, Katadyn water filter, alcohol stove with wind screen, 700ml Ti pot & spork, PT headlamp, Fenix flashlight, GPS & extra batteries, lighter, and knife. Also have other small stuff packed such as toothbrush & toothpaste, digicam, butt wipe, baby wipes, and 2 Nalgene bottles.




Figured I would pack a sammich in with me for lunch the first day and then the menu looks like this for the following 2 days.



Tent went from humongous looking thing in greenish yellow bag to this





All my clothes minus jacket fit into the sleeping bag compartment along with my compressed sleeping bag.





Everything all packed and arranged neatly in the pack.





Finally to test it out and see what it weighs out at. Not bad.....28.4 lbs. Figure strap on my hiking boots and some full water bottles and I should be close to 32 - 33 lbs.

And your going solo? Where is the deck of cards?

Folks, I have to say that I'm definitely a fan of putting fresh socks on in the morning. The day seems so much nicer when that happens. I have to compromise in terms of my business and personal lives, but not with socks! Slipping on a fresh pair of SmartWools feels like, well I don't want to get into that, feels so good in the morning before you put your boots back on.

Powder helps...

Yeah, I'd say you're prepared.

If it were me, I would consider putting more variety into your snacks. Maybe a few granola bars, a couple snickers, some crackers, chips, jolly ranchers, etc. I've had days with only quaker granola bars, and those things disappear QUICK.

Have fun!

Jeff MacE wrote:What?! No MREs?!

I have two CASES of MREs back home in Eagar, AZ! When my daughter-in-law was in the Marine Corps she worked in rations and got them for me. I have had them now for about 5 years, but on every trip I do bring some item from one of them. I don't bring the whole thing, though. Some of the main courses are ok, such as the pasta dishes. Some of them are just bloody awful, though. The pressed ham is particularly deadly.

I like dry, clean socks, too. Another habit I have taken up after a lot of hikes with a particularly fastidious friend is to try to take a bath every single day. I don't know how she does it, but she manages. Sometimes that creek water is pretty cold! She brings a lot of wet wipes, too. It does feel good to get clean in the afternoon after you've been hiking all day. Of course, this friend is the type who never goes anywhere without her thermarest chair kit, also. She is always clean and she is always comfortable! She wears nice, new hiking outfits, too, and looks like a million bucks out there, while meanwhile I look like the outdoor version of a bag lady with messy hair, cami pants, torn shirts, very old backpack, etc! If she wasn't such a fit hiker I could make fun of her, but she can out-hike me any day!

I agree. You are VERY well prepared compared to most 1st timers. My 1st 3 day trip I lugged 55 lbs around the Grand Canyon. Experience is a great teacher!

BTW - What size compression sacks are you using for your tent and clothes?

mcoplea wrote:I agree. You are VERY well prepared compared to most 1st timers. My 1st 3 day trip I lugged 55 lbs around the Grand Canyon. Experience is a great teacher!

BTW - What size compression sacks are you using for your tent and clothes?

Thanks for the tips and advice everyone. mcoplea for compression sacks I am using one of these - Sea To Summit eVent compression dry bag in xs for my sleeping bag and one for my clothes. As for my tent I was able to pack footprint, tent, and fly into one of these - Sea To Summit ultra sil compression sack in small

You look pretty prepared. Maybe bring a pack of waterproof lighters or a swedish firesteel. Also get a strong string or some paracord(always a use for them) and maybe a aluminem or titanium cup. Other then that have a blast