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I got my permit for 2 nites in the canyon at the end of april. This will be my first time hiking in the canyon. I plan on heading down the south kibab trail and staying 2 nites at bright angel camp and coming out the BR trail. What trails in the east valley/ superstions are good for training with a full pack? Is there anything close to what the canyon trails are like.
Also besides ribbon falls what other trails are good hikes from BR camp?

Good thoughts, CanyonRam. The rest of us were focusing on physical training and forgetting about the mental training that will help make that first backpack a truly great one.

Great advise Canyonram..........thank you. I want my first and all my trips to be great I dont want to suffer in pain at all. I already thinking of a trip in the fall. I'am going to check out that book too.

I think I got my pack figuered out, the water bottles being low in the pack was causing the problem. I watched some REI videos about properly adjusting my pack and its fitting and feeling much better. My pack had adusments that I didnt know about. I'am think on the right track

Autumstar: Just added to your great advice along with the others. Krispykritter is going to have so much information he may forget to have any fun on his hike. LOL.

I was surprised at the sheer number of videos posted on 'Youtube' when it comes to hiking Grand Canyon. A lot of people are going on their GC hike and document it on video. If you want to see these things new and for the first time, don't check them out! LOL. Of course, if you want to get an appreciation of what is in store here's one on going down South Kaibab: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gwHCbPby ... re=related
one going down the Bright Angel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqsgpOVHBbM

Plenty of others posted there, just type in the "trail name + Grand Canyon."

As to the backpack, the big advantage of internal frames is that the pack is close to the body, making it easier to navigate and scramble in tight or bushy locations. The Corridor trails don't have this concern and I have found that my internal frame pack causes me to lean forward when fully loaded. I pretty much stick with my external frame Kelty pack for the Canyon---here the weight is adjusted to ride over your hips and allows for a more upright stance. The externals ride further from your body and can be a bother when navigating thick brush or narrow slots. There's a bump of rock overhanging the Grandview trail that will be the death of me---I bump it almost everytime down this trail. When you watch the videos, you'll see both kinds of packs in use---old dudes stick with their external frame while the younger crowd goes for the internals with the molded belts. Watch how each group is hiking---those with the externals are more upright while the internal frame and leaning more forward. Of course, that distinction is getting blurred with some models---with advances in design incorporating the advantages of both.

For the hikers coming up, notice a few are using the 'Montaineer rest step' while others are into the 'Kaibab shuffle' mode.

krispykritter wrote:I dont want to suffer in pain at all.

I cannot imagine a Grand Canyon trip without some pain unless of course your just going for an overnight to one of the lodges.

@Canyonram hence why descriptions on site are presented with 1 feature photo so you can still create your own dreams

joe bartels wrote:@Canyonram hence why descriptions on site are presented with 1 feature photo so you can still create your own dreams

Just perfect!

I study the maps of any place I am planning to the point I see them in my sleep, but I always want to hike my own hike.

You can never have to much information, you just take what you need, I'am still going to have a great time. As for the youtube videos, I try not to watch them but I have seen a few. I allways find myself watching videos of the AT (witch I dream of doing someday).

Speaking of pain, I'am off to hike Flatiron right now!

Hope I haven't broken some rule on 'What to post' on the forum. I've used the Grand Canyon Association Video to mentor beginning backpackers on their first-time hike in the Canyon with good results. On the other hand, I can see where a video may 'spoil it' if you are looking for a unique hike that is all new for you. Overlooks and places like 'Oh Ah Point' should be experienced fresh and not through the lens of someone else's video camera. By extension, the same comment could be made about written advice and first-person accounts since they are 'spoiling' the hike---this time with words instead of pictures. Even a map is someone else's representation.

I guess the final choice is to the individual as to what they want to read or see regarding their hike. One person's dream hike can become another's nightmare with inadequate preparation and understanding. Of course, in the near future, one will be able to slip on a surround-vision helmet, step on a treadmill programmed to match a given terrain, and 'do the Canyon' in virtual reality. Toss in some 3D mule poop for added effect.

Yo KrispyKritter,

I came across this article on getting into shape for backpacking.

http://www.backpacker.com/may_2007_gear ... ills/12143