Backpacking Trip

D

DanielL

Joined
Jan 13, 2000
Messages
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I'm planning a 4-day/3-night backpacking trip and I wanted to ask for some advice. I've done extensive hiking and camping but backpacking is still a little new. I did three 2-day/1-night trips last summer but an extended trip is something new. I'll be in the Smokey Mountains at 4000-5000 feet and traveling 27 miles. Also, there are many stream crossings - mostly on day 3. Any advice for an almost-rookie on his first long trip? Anything I should expect that I did not encounter on the 1 night trips?
 
Tommy Tompkins, a movie-maker and Canadian bushman who spent months backpacking on his photo expeditions, figured that about 35 pounds was a maximum load. Don't make the mistake of trying to take the kitchen sink;) ; pack light, keep your foodstuff dry (no canned goods) and take more food than you think you will need. And a good knife, naturally.:)
 
A small pack will force you to concentrate on what you really need and keep your load light. My pack has gotten smaller and smaller over the years as I've picked up lighter and more compact gear (e.g. silicone-impregnated poncho to replace GI model, PrimaLoft jacket to replace fleece, etc.) Most of my trips are 3 days and two nights and my load is almost always under 25 pounds nowadays. IMO the longer the trip, the more you have to gain by going light.

Might consider Tevas or some kind of aqua-sock type shoes for those stream crossings. I prefer to keep my boots as dry as possible.
 
If expense is not a huge barrier, consider purchasing an internal-frame backpack (if you don't already have one) that hugs your back. A good sternum strap will also increase stability. If the streams are small & shallow you might be better off keeping the sternum/hip straps attached for stability. If the stream is deep you should cross with the straps unclipped so that you can ditch the pack and swim should you fall in the drink.

A short trip like you are planning allows you to go either heavy or light. Extra weight won't kill you if it's only for few days, so a short trip allows you to take some luxuries that you might not otherwise take on an expedition-type trek. Or you can go lighter because you know that you don't need a lot of gear for such a short trip. I prefer the lighter is better idea, but that's because of my own preferences for my outdoor experiences. I relish the experience much more when I have less to worry about; others enjoy their trips more when they have a few luxuries along to make life easier.

One luxury that I would highly recommend is a good nature guide (trees, flowers, plants, animal tracks, whatever.) It will allow you to view your surroundings at a much deeper level.

Good luck, have a great time, and be sure to post a follow-up when you get back!
 
What route are you taking in the Smokies? Will you be staying in established campsites or setting up your own?

I just returned from 18 days up that way, hiking in the Smokies and Nantahalas. Wish I was heading back tomorrow.
 
Don't forget a waterproof bag. Wet clothes and sleeping bag when the temperature starts to drop is not fun.

Trekking poles can help save the knees and add some stability for the stream crossings.

Extra socks and mole skin to help combat/treat blisters.

LED headlamps are great around camp.
 
Food-wise, look in to packing some of the new foods that come in the foil-lined pouches like Starkist Tuna, Armour Dry Beef (for creamed chipped beef), pouches of biscuit mix (complete, just add water), pouches of pancake mix (also complete, just add water) and I agree with the Field Guide - maybe you'll find some fresh berries for the pancakes, fresh fruit for snacking and fresh veggies for salads and to add to meals.
 
I just returned from a 12 day backpacking trip in the mountains of northern New Mexico and I have some advice that may be helpful.

-Always try to double up on uses for your gear to keep your pack light, such as using a good rain jacket for your outer layer.
-I would say the most important thing is a good, sturdy, waterproof, broken-in pair of hiking boots, because your feet are your only mode of transpotation.
-As for food, freeze-dried meals from either RichMor or Backpacker's Pantry are light and compact but they really don't taste too great. I would suggest preparing something of your own, just make sure all your meals can be cooked in one pot.

I hope you have a great trip.
 
Keep pack size between 3200-3500 cu.in. You don't need several changes of clothes, in fact, in three days, you should only need sox, wear nylon swin trunks as underewear, or hiking shorts, they rinse easy at the end of the day, and dry fast. at least two good, light weight light sources. Don't take a trauma center for a first aid kit. You can get by with one pot to boil in, a cup, small bowl, and a spoon, and depending on how many people a regoing, axe the bowl. Food. stick with boil water type meals. Ramen noodles, minute rice, couscous based meals work best. sue Herb Ox brand bullion for flavoring, and do use the vaccume sealed meats. Dried fruits, nuts, snicker bars for energy. Bagels travel well, peanut butter in tubes for trail lunches/snacks. Summer sausage and hard or string cheese.
Oh yeah..I think the U.s park Svc will insist you take a bear proof container. They used to sign you one out for a deposite of $75.00, but ot sure now. Do you know BluE??
 
All good advice. Thanks for the input.

I normally carry about 35 pounds. The added food for a longer trip should only add a few pounds so the weight should not be a problem. Also, I'm only traveling 6 to 8 miles per day.

I usually take a hiking stick but I've never forked-out the money for a pair of treking poles. I might get some due to all of the stream crossings. I actually broke a hiking stick last year while fording a thigh deep creek. A little too much weight on the stick and I went "splash". Fortunately, my pack stayed dry and it was good for a laugh. But I don't want to do it again.

Blues - glad you got to visit my corner of the woods. Nice, isn't it? I'll be hiking in the eastern part of the Smokies near Cataloochee. I don't remember the names of all of the trails at the moment but if you have a park map - I'll be starting at Sterling Gap and staying the first night at the campsite near the fire tower on Mt. Sterling. The second night at Laurel Gap shelter. The third night at Walnut Bottoms and the last day I'll be heading down Big Creek trail. Have I made you jealous yet? You know, I think it will take me about half a lifetime to get tired of the Smokies. Maybe more.
 
We day hiked last year out of Big Creek camp grounds, because we couldn't get in to Cataloochie..but..we're going back ! Great place, want to do the Boogerman loop..FYI..plenty Bear sightings in that area, one fell over our tent!
 
Daniel,

Just a little jealous. ;) I hope to become a "halfback" and relocate up that way sometime late next year.

We got to do quite a few trails in the park including:

Andrew's Bald, Mt. Le Conte (from Alum Cave Trail), Charlie's Bunion, Kephart Prong, and the Deep Creek trail from Newfound Gap down to Deep Creek campground.

In the Nantahala's we did Siler Bald, Wesser Bald and Standing Indian Mountain, all on the AT.

We only had a chance for a short hike in the Joyce Kilmer/Slickrock area.

Raven,

I'm not sure since I didn't do overnights on this trip as the mrs. is a day hiker but not much on backpacking (yet).


Daniel,

Some good advice has been offered and like others said, on such a short backpacking trip you shouldn't have any problem keeping your gear light. I've been out for as long as five weeks in the past and got all my stuff (except some cached food) in a good sized frame pack, so don't sweat it too much and enjoy. I don't think the stream crossings you'll encounter should be too bad, at least from what I saw on my trip. We encountered a few that required a bit of thought but nothing challenging.
 
You will be dependent on your feet; treat them well.
Get several pairs of Smartwool socks and chasnge asd they get soaked with sweat or water. Hang around your neck or in your sleeping bag to dry.
Good Luck
 
I'd like to second the suggestion of trekking poles. I used only a hiking stick when younger, but two poles make a big difference when traversing steep or rough terrain. A few years ago I did a one-day hike at 10-11,000 v.ft. and the trekking poles allowed me to cover 12 miles instead of the 10 I usually hiked. I've subsequently found that when using the trekking poles I almost always get about 20% more distance before feeling fatigued.

I like the cork grips better than the rubber. Seem to be easier on my hands. I have the anti-shock models but will skip it when I eventually buy a replacement set. I don't think I need the feature (which is primarily for descending).

I have the Komperdells with the 8 degree forward cant, but the Leki models with the 15 degree cant may feel even better. I bought the Komperdells because they were half the price of the Lekis (from www.sierratradingpost.com ). They have held up pretty well.

When hiking with non-pole equipped partners (no offense meant if you are reading this guys!) I usually end up tossing them back across every stream that we get to. I don't mind, but you'd think they would see the benefit and get their own set.
 
Lotsa water. Are you going to spend time and fuel boiling it, or do you like the little iodide pills, or will you tote along a two pound filtering pump? You might want to drink a gallon each day (8 lbs) plus cooking, so water sources & purification is always a limiting factor. Those stream crossings sound great, hope no little critters hitch rides in your canteens and/or bowels.

A little gatoraid powder helps mask the taste of treated water.

Long breaks seem to encourage fatigue, short ones work best for me.
 
CTM inquires:
...or will you tote along a two pound filtering pump?
Click to expand...

CTM-

Have you tried the latest squeeze-bottles with filters built in. They weigh in at well under 16 oz.'s.
 
There are plenty of water sources - especially after the second day. My first and second day water sources are fairly reliable and then very plentiful afterwards. So, I'll carry 2 two-liter bladders the first day and refill as needed.

I have always boiled my water in the past. The problem that I've had is pouring it into the platapus bladder without burning my hands. I use a small plastic funnel but you know how it goes. Any ideas?

I carry a small bottle of iodine tabs but I've never used them. Iodine does not taste too good so I've kept them for emergency use. However, I've heard that adding ascorbic acid powder (vitamin C) to the water after the iodine has done it's work will neutralize the taste of the iodine. I think I'll experiment over the next few days. I'd like to save the fuel and avoid the burns.

As for gatoraid, I usually like to flavor the water but I don't like to carry the weight of the sugar. So, I take the unsweetened packs of koolaid and a few packets of sweet-n-low. Works pretty good. Or, for a real treat, I've tried ice-teasers. Very good. Would this cover the iodine taste?

I'm looking for some trekking poles but I have not found anything I like yet. Leki is very popular around here but I don't like the feel of them. I don't mind internet shopping for price but for something like this I would really like to hold them in my hands before buying. Guess I'll have to keep looking. If I don't find anything, I have several bamboo walking sticks with rubber tips. They are pretty rugged and should do the trick. I usually use only one but I'll try using a pair of them around the neighborhood before the big adventure.
 
Originally posted by DanielL


I'm looking for some trekking poles but I have not found anything I like yet. Leki is very popular around here but I don't like the feel of them. I don't mind internet shopping for price but for something like this I would really like to hold them in my hands before buying. Guess I'll have to keep looking. If I don't find anything, I have several bamboo walking sticks with rubber tips. They are pretty rugged and should do the trick. I usually use only one but I'll try using a pair of them around the neighborhood before the big adventure.
Click to expand...

A couple of cross country ski poles, with the baskets removed, work great. Used they run $10 per pair, not much more new. You can really walk fast if you know how to use them xc skiing, with your wrists thru the loops, open hands lightly on straps instead of grasping the handles, and have the correct length which is way up to your armpits. I'd like to try replacing one or two of them with adjustable models, but I don't want any surprise collapses! The white color is a real traffic stopper if you wear dark sunglasses.
:cool:
 
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