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Posted by rambler on September 26, 2007 at 12:08:16 pm EDT
In reply to First overnighter - a few things learned. posted by Blackbeard on September 14, 2007 at 9:36:04 am EDT

On numerous hikes where I have had to drive several hours to trailhead, I consistently overestimated the number of miles I can cover. Arriving later than planned at the trailhead often meant up setting up camp in the dark. It is not always possible to get there the night before, however.
When you get back from a hike, review all the gear you had carried. Sort out what you did not use. Can you leave it behind next time? For example, I used to carry enough first aid supplys to set up a field hospital. Now I mainly carry only items for my feet, ie. blister related items. Another example: your pedometer. These are best suited for terrain where your stride can consistently be the same length. On a rocky steep trail, your steps might be short ones. To keep track of where you are, note the time you leave certain point you can identify, eg. trailhead,trial junction, a water crossing, and then note the time you arrive at the next notable landmark. How long did it take you to cover the mileage? Pretty soon you will be able to judge your pace which will, of course, be effected by the terrain. Another area to consider in saving weight is in your cooking style. How many pots, pans, utensils, soap etc. did you carry? Can you find lighter weighing material than what you carried? Fuel is heavy. Did you have a lot left over when you returned to your car? Try to estimate how much fuel you will need and resist the temptation to carry a large extra supply, "just in case". Your tent has a fly. Now that bugs are gone, do you need the tent or could you just use the fly alone to protect you from rain. Carefully consider using a tarp that can be supported by your hiking poles. You can shave off pounds that you have to carry and get expansive protection for yourself and gear without using a heavy tent. Look at "taptents". These are tarps with mosquito netting, but no floors. One of the best ways to save the knees is to carry less weight in your pack. Just keep hiking and you will be figuring out for yourself what works. Got to websites and look at gear lists, but again, start by looking at your own pack and what you carried on your last hike. Have fun.

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