Welcome, guest [login | register]

Posted by bintaro on September 14, 2007 at 3:39:37 pm EDT
In reply to First overnighter - a few things learned. posted by Blackbeard on September 14, 2007 at 9:36:04 am EDT

Steve, you learned your current limits the hard way. I start every season with some day hikes with about 30# on my back to feel how my body reacts to the challenge(s). Then I can plan my overnighters with a 50# load, accordingly. I know I carry too much, but I am not about to spend hundreds of bucks to trim 5 or 6 lbs. I use one of my old ski poles as a walking stick--works fine, even in rough terrain with lots of elevation change that characterizes most of our mountain trails here in WA. I like to keep one hand free to grab a root or branch in steep terrain, take a quick photo or pick some berries. I've tried two poles, and one inevitably seems to get in the way. I also carry a headlamp, and minimaglites in case I overestimate my daylight hours. Some trails are hard to follow even at dusk. I've been fortunate, but I have found others without lights wandering around trying to find the trail, and were they happy to see me! If you hike alone in the mountains, it can be a little spooky without a light.

Replies

View: flat | threaded

There have been no replies

Post a Reply

Before replying, please read the complete thread.