Going on a 5 day solo hike tomorrow

A

Ankar Sheng

Joined
Dec 5, 2008
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596
Last year I went to the Mantario trail and posted some pictures, going back this time alone. It's 65 km, leaving saturday and back on wednessday, but Saturday will likely be a half day and I want to get to the trail head early on wednessday so I can hitchhike back to my truck.

Here's my initial gear list
Poncho
tarp
wool blanket
sleeping pad
hammock
paracord
space blanket

1L Nalgene
Nalgene cup (thanks Sharp Eye!)
US army canteen
Tatonka billycan/pan
FOOD
bannock
various dried cured meats (calbreze, hungarian sausage,bone dry peperoni)
balderson 2y/o chedar
Baguette
oatmeal
various mountain house entrees I found on the trail last year

rod
reel
tackle kit
fishing license
multitool
BRKT Gunny
silky saw
sharpener
firesteel
compass
whistle
binoculars
camera
water purification tabs
topo maps & trail guide

pipe
tobacco
cigars
flask (bowmore 12 y/o)

deet
toiletries
first aid kit

shorts
pants
2x shirts
2x underwear
3x socks
sweater
bandana
bug net
hand towel
sun glasses
sandals
boots
Click to expand...

I'm probably missing something... The food list isnt comprehensive and the clothes include what I'll be wearing.

Once I got it all together I'll see how much it weighs, if I'm over 45lb I'll try to cut a few things out. Probably the space blanket, though thats only a few ounces, the flask and the second canteen. Water's plentiful, there are 32 lakes within 1.5km of the trail. Maybe the sleeping pad....

What do you guys think?
 
I'd dump the poncho or tarp (redundant), the hammock (since you have a sleeping pad), the wool blanket (substitute a lightweight sleeping bag appropriate for the expected temperatures); keep the paracord. I'd take a lightweight single burner camp stove and fuel. Your selection of smoking goods and Scotch is excellent:thumbup::D.
 
Sounds like your going to have a great time :thumbup:

As its summer there, are you going to take a broad brim hat & some sun screen? Long sleve shirt (lightweight material) with a collar?

Will your water containers hold enough water to get you between watering points?

Looking forward to seeing the pics when you get back.

Tight lines with the fishing :D


Kind regards
Mick
 
Thanks for the well wishes!

Maybe I should bring my small dry bag to stash the more aromatic food items, like the cheese and meats.

I think I'll bring my wild edibles book if I can afford any extra weight.


Alberta Ed,

Need the tarp to string up over the hammock, poncho isnt big enough, besides I'll need the poncho to wear if I have to set up in the rain. I'm going to use the sleeping pad in the hammock, it's been getting pretty chilly at night here, I should be able to make due without it though, i'll test it out tonight.

I do have a light bag, but I wanted to try the wool blanket this time, the difference in weight is barely noticeable.

I made a little wood stove from a coffee can that works nicely, but there's nothing like an open fire for cooking bannock.

I think I'll ditch the flask and put my liquor in a water bottle to save weight.:thumbup:

Southern Cross,

I was given an cone shaped rice paddy hat from one of the head monks at a temple I visited when I was in China a few weeks ago, I'd like to wear that but my backpack might interfere, it's pretty wide. That things like having an umbrella!

With 2L of water I'd have enough to pick and choose where I want to fill up (some spots are nicer than others), 1L should be enough, but I might not have that luxury, or at worst I'd have to stray from the trail to a near by lake.
 
Last edited:
Ankar Sheng said:
I think I'll ditch the flask and put my liquor in a water bottle to save weight.:thumbup:
Click to expand...

Spoken like a true canadian!:D:thumbup:

Your list looks good, similar to what I like to take. Have a safe trip, and learn something from it too, it might be an inconvenience to have left something out, but bring a list and a pen with you, write down what you do use, and what you don't, but make sure you have fun and don't forget your out TO have fun.:thumbup:
 
Have a blast bro, I am planning a similar trek, maybe a bit longer, in late August.
Bring a disposable camera, no big deal if you lose it or break it, and you can have some memories of the trip!
 
It sounds like you are going to have an awesome trip. Have fun and be careful!! And please, take lots of pics!!:)
 
Well, I'm at exactly 30lb with everything except the food (or the boots, which i'll be wearing). Food will probably be getting close to 15lb though... Dont think i'll need any sherpas on this trek :P
 
Ankar Sheng said:
Well, I'm at exactly 30lb with everything except the food (or the boots, which i'll be wearing). Food will probably be getting close to 15lb though... Dont think i'll need any sherpas on this trek :P
Click to expand...

That's pretty light for the duration. How's the water sources? Do you need to hump much?
 
Awesome!

Sounds like a good selection of gear. I approve of the cigars. Try to light one with a flame from a handmade fire; I find they are more flavourful that way. :D

Have a blast, and be safe.

All the best,

- Mike
 
Sounds like a great trip planned. I'm a hammock man myself.

Those Chinese hats are great! Just adjust it to sit farthe forward and it should clear the pack w/o problems.

Have fun!
 
Make sure to have fun. As long as you have fun, I wouldn't worry about a little of extra weight, unless it is that much more uncomfortable.
 
For a five-day solo hike, I'd need to pack two paperback books.

Have fun and be safe,
desmobob
 
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