HikeArizona.COM

Hey all!!! Check out this site. It is filled with a lot of useful info for backpackers, campers, and hikers:

http://www.backpacking.net

Please check it out and tell me what you think!!!!


Enjoy

Crymzon, it's really a coincedence you posted this link. I was thinking about the topic of light backpacking yesterday, and how that same concept might be useful for dayhiking. There's a lot of good info on that site, I believe I may have seen it (or one similar) before. Thanks for posting the link!

Mike wrote:...and how that same concept might be useful for dayhiking...

I figured that a lot of the light backpacker techniques could be useful for dayhikers, because you never know what could happen out on the trail and by using some of these techniques it could help a dayhikers to be better prepared, say if for some unseen reason they were stuck out on the trail over night unexpectedly. It always helps to hope for the best, but be prepared for the worst.

It's not a bad site. I have been on it for a while and while I am not very active on it I do take the information that I can use and shine on the rest.

As far as an unexpected night in the wilderness, I am of the school that it pays to be prepared. Many times I don't follow a trail but head in an interesting direction. This can be a little hair raising at times but with a good kit you are less likely to run into many of the problems like hypothermia etc. I think more people expire from that than most other causes.

BoyNhisDog wrote:...Many times I don't follow a trail but head in an interesting direction. This can be a little hair raising at times but with a good kit you are less likely to run into many of the problems like hypothermia etc...

Boy, what I wouldn't give to be able to pick your brain along some trails! Going along trails is one thing, but to be able to have the confidence and know-how enough to make your own paths for any length of time that is something!

That is one of my goals to become proficient enough to be able to survive off the beaten path, chart my own way, and not having to worry about carrying my body weight in food and water.

I have read many of your posts and read some comments about you through others posting. Have any tips or trade secrets?

I made this small sleek pack that has all the essentials in it for one comfortable night in temperate weather or more nights less comfortable. I take it with me in the trunk of my car or in the airplane, where ever I happen to be. When I walk away from civilization it goes on my back.

It weighs a total of 16 lbs including three quarts of water.

The Pack itself is a Black Diamond Zippo. It has outer straps that could tie down extra bulky things if needed.

It has:

Water: 3 quart hydration bladder system. I’ll fill it for a long dayhike.

Food: Beef Jerky, 4 Power Bars, Nuts and Dried Fruit, Soups, and Tea

Titanium single wall 600ml cup for boiling water and heating soups etc.

Clothing: Sil nylon poncho and Rain Pants, Hooded Fleece Pullover, Hooded Windbreaker and Synthetic Leather Gloves, Watch Cap and extra Socks

Shelter: 2 5x8 Siltarps and enough 3mm line to rig it up anyway possible

Essentials bag with Fire Tools, Water Purification Tabs, Mosquito headnet, Flashlight, Spices, Compass, Cordage and Space Blanket, Fishing Kit, Pen, Paper, signal mirror, whistle and Herbal Salve for cuts and abrasions.

3” fixed blade Benchmade Nimravus Cub and 3” folding CRK Sebenza.

Misc: Package of Kleenex, 2 Bandanas

My Ever Present Digital Camera

I put a pair of Titanium Leki Trekking poles on the outside so I can move faster and with more assuredness over rocky steep terrain.


Dayhiking Pack here (click the red text for photo)

Don’t forget the positive mental attitude and you are set.

This is just for dayhiking and not for a planned overnight. It is very comfortable and reassuring however it is important to pratice skills before you need them.

This is a pursuit that I enjoy. Any reason to get outside is a good reason to me. Nothing wrong with being comfortable while you're at it.

I think my biggest problem I have when dayhiking is that I always take way too much water. I guess it's better to have too much than too little.

Also worth checking out:

http://www.backpackinglight.com

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BackpackingLight/

Lizard

Great topic overall. Light-backpacking is one of the best things you can do. Good exercise, you get further away from civilization than normal, and you get to see some really good things because you get so far in.

The pack that BoyNHisDog described that he made for himself is terrific. The contents are very similar to the proverbial "72 hour" kit - a light portable kit that could keep you alive for 72 hours if the need arose. He just uses his more often!

As with any advance hiking style (or any type of hiking for that matter) one of the best things you can do is learn to make something do more than one task - or be flexible enough to be able to use unorthodox material or items in creative and unusual ways. This always cuts down on the amount of gear you bring.

Camping equipment suppliers provide us with all kinds of neat gadgets that are light and small and do cool things - but in reality, too many toy's only translates into more weight. Learn how to make do with less, then you can go lighter and faster.

Sorry - it's late and I'm starting to ramble.