Want to Start Hiking/Camping

Ive been looking at packs online and wondering how big of a pack would I need to carry the necessities for backpacking? Would 1080 cu in be enough? Thanks guys.
 
depends for how much you pack. I go pretty lightweight/simple so I can get by 1 - 2 weeks with a 3000/4400 cu pack (Golite Jam2 and Pinnacle). For smaller stuff a 1500 cu (Golite Ion). And for day hikes/overnighters a maxpedition JUMBO versipack. There are a few other odds but thats pretty much it.
 
1.-Get a falcon guide to hiking michigan and possibly one for the upper penisula

2.-Start out going on some hikes including longer dayhikes with a good daypack and the necessary supplies (do your research)

3.-Go camping (read camping) in other words somewhere where you can get familiar with normal camping/backpacking skills (I don't know your skill level but don't jump to fast here) reason being that if something goes wrong you can get help relatively easily and quickly.

4.-Biggest one! Find someone experienced in backpacking to go with you and teach you on your first tip. It will make all the difference in the world. I took my first trip with unexperienced people first and learned just about everything not to do. I still have the scars to prove it. My second trip with an experienced backpacker completely changed my outlook and I learned invaluable info that you don't learn in a book. Hang out at outdoor shops. Ask around to people you know find a good outdoors club etc. You will eventually find someone. If you don't let me know, I am hoping to take a trip up the th UP in the next year maybe we can work something out.

5.- Don't go winter backpacking solo until you have some more experience. Very bad things can happen very quickly winter backpacking and can especially happen when your alone. Many experienced outdoorsman have died having relatively small things happen in the winter by themselves. Cold exacerbates almost all problems in the woods!
 
If it won't bruise your ego (and depending on how much you know already) pick up a BSA manual or go camping with a local troop. They're always desperate for new adult leadership, they plan with the inexperienced in mind, and you'll get to use a variety of equipment. Plus there's a wealth of general knowledge in the general population. If the age diff. is too much , understandably so,look for a Venture crew. They do activities oriented more towards older folk (18+, so not really old) and best of all.....its coed. Good luck!

p.s.: one thing to keep in mind...the BSA does background check on new adults, for obvious reasons.
 
Thanks for the tips guys. I dont know if being a troop leader is for me as of now. I will look into it later once I get some more free time though. TLR thanks for the great advice. I am really excited about getting into some more serious camping. you guys are helping me out a lot I really appreciate it.

Thanks again,

-Cuchuga

(I will be asking more questions on this thread as I think of them. Right now on im on packs)
 
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