going on my first back packing trip

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May 12, 2008
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I need some advice from you seasoned pros. Im going two nights with no tent im just packing tarp sleeping bags something to boil in a knife a axe matches in water proof container tea/coffe also will have a cell phone and plenty of food and 100ft of paracord what other things should i bring?
 
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I dont know what you should bring, but you should climb a big mountain, dont bring a cellphone, or gps locator...you wont need water, or food. If you dont have a mountain, go deep into the desert..its cool.
If anyone in your family asks where you are going tell them Atlantic City..get really specific..give them a hotel and room number. That will fool them.
I dont think you need a first aid kit really, what could happen? If you cut your finger, you could just find some dried animal dung, and crush it, spit in it, and rap your finger in a leaf with this poultice...works everytime.
Good luck, its still a good time of the year, so you should only bring shorts and a wife beater too. Maybe boat shoes..I call them loafers.:thumbup:
 
for the first trip especially bring a couple of space blankets and plenty of cord (550 cord or something like braided nylon maison's line). you need to make sure that you will be warm and you can never have enough cord.

use common sense, do the opposite of everything that gene (gunknifeknut) said, and have fun! bring a friend if you can, that can make things easier (but also harder...try to find someone with a similar mindset)
 
Dry socks
Cord, to hang tarp
Advil, dadgum ground is hard in places and the feets may hurt
Other minor 1st aid stuff. salve, band aids.....
Water Bottle
Large Trash /contractors bag
Bic lighter. may be handy




simple ideas. Pat
 
It's getting colder so dress accordingly definitely layer up - bring rain gear - poncho,etc.

Where are you heading out to ?????

Be safe ....also 2nd the booze :D
 
Seriously, I would take what YOU thought had you covered..go to a safe location, and figure out what you messed up on. Maybe you will get it right the first time, I doubt it, but you might. Trial and error..thats the best way, and its not all that bad field testing your gear, right?
Go out and figure out what works for you..be safe, and have fun.
 
Many of the outdoor stores like REI and Adventure 16 have equipment lists on their websites. They are obviously generic and far from perfect, but they can give you some things to think about.

DancesWithKnives
 
Sleeping mat - plenty of options to help you sleep - BIg Agnes, Exped, Thermarest, etc.
 
I don't know Bob, it dropped down to 28 degrees last night so dres accordingly. I think your better off bringing too much on your first time and you can cut down with experience. Test out the stuff you plan on sleeping in in your backyard before you do it on the trail.

Good luck.
 
I dont know what you should bring, but you should climb a big mountain, dont bring a cellphone, or gps locator...you wont need water, or food. If you dont have a mountain, go deep into the desert..its cool.
If anyone in your family asks where you are going tell them Atlantic City..get really specific..give them a hotel and room number. That will fool them.
I dont think you need a first aid kit really, what could happen? If you cut your finger, you could just find some dried animal dung, and crush it, spit in it, and rap your finger in a leaf with this poultice...works everytime.
Good luck, its still a good time of the year, so you should only bring shorts and a wife beater too. Maybe boat shoes..I call them loafers.:thumbup:

:D:thumbup:
 
This certainly isn't a survival necessity, but if you have the space, I recommend packing a notepad and pen or pencil. When I'm out on my own - especially when I am in a new area or playing with new gear - I like to be able to jot down a few field notes at the end of the day. In part, this helps to preserve the experience, and in part it helps you to keep track of your thoughts about your techniques, gear, and location. Plus, it gives you something to do if you want to take a break from basking in nature's glory.

Have fun, be safe, and don't forget to take some pictures for us!

All the best,

- Mike
 
DO NOT FORGET: A paper bag and a flashlight to catch Snipe at night. :thumbup: I'm sure someone there will teach you the appropriate call.

Have a good time! :D
 
first off.. break down your gear list into sections. make a check list. let someone know when you leave and right when you get back. tell them exactly where you are going to be!
clothing.
rain gear. is always a must in my pack.
socks 2 pairs
gortex boots
base layers.
primaloft jacket.
beanie (stalking cap)
gloves.
pants with cargo pockets. they become useful.
bandanna. to cover neck or face if it is too cold.

sleeping
sleeping bag,
ground cloth,
7 strand para cord
tent stakes
TP\ trowel
safety
safety kit. (band aides and anti diaretic)
pad of paper and penicl, knife, compass,water treatment tabs, e-blanket, ductape, moleskin, map, reflective mirror, firesteel, cotton balls soaked in vaseline, spare battery for the flashlight, zip ties, mini bic lighter
lighting
flashlight, check the batteries before you go
headlamp, windproof waterproof matches, mini glow stick.
food
if you are doing a heavy hike think of foods with a high calorie content. bring some snacks! mountain house I think makes the best trail dehydrated food. chili mac is my favorite.
bring a water filter! iodine tastes pretty bad.
 
This certainly isn't a survival necessity, but if you have the space, I recommend packing a notepad and pen or pencil. When I'm out on my own - especially when I am in a new area or playing with new gear - I like to be able to jot down a few field notes at the end of the day. In part, this helps to preserve the experience, and in part it helps you to keep track of your thoughts about your techniques, gear, and location. Plus, it gives you something to do if you want to take a break from basking in nature's glory.

Have fun, be safe, and don't forget to take some pictures for us!

All the best,

- Mike

and you can play battleship with your pal.
Picture318.jpg
 
Bring water disinfectant tabs if you plan on doing a lot of hiking. Boiling water all the time is a pain in the butt when youre working hard and drinking it fast. It might not be bare essential, but for a few extra grams of weight you'll never look back.
 
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