Camping tips and tricks

7 Responses to “Beginning to Hike, what should I be looking for in my gear?”

1. chris w, on March 11th, 2010 at 1:13 pm Said:

   That’s why they call it shopping, you don’t have to buy if you don’t like it. Shoes and bag don’t need to match like an outfit for work or a dinner date. Get real

   Vague questions get vague answers, Where or what are you going to hike? For how long an hour a day a week? How much gear are you going take. Be more specific.

   For some great advice to read on helping you decide all that here is a link to a great outfitter and expert advice.

   http://www.rei.com/expertadvice
   References :
   been there done that

2. David Devoted, on March 11th, 2010 at 1:39 pm Said:

   Honestly, if you haven’t tried it enough to know whether you like it or not, I wouldn’t go spend a ton of money on shoes. Many of my friends prefer to hike in tennis shoes anyway (for comfort reasons), so I would simply wear a pair you already own that can get a bit dirty and see how it goes. Then, if you do like it, you can get a pair of comfortable hiking boots or something.

   As for bags… if you’re talking overnight backpacking type of hiking, you should probably start with an external frame backpack for around $50-$75. While internal frames do have some advantages, you won’t find a comfortable or quality one for that price. But I’ve seen some pretty comfortable external frame packs that are in the $50-$75 range. So, you’ll be getting a decent bag without spending a wack of money.
   References :

3. J, on March 11th, 2010 at 1:45 pm Said:

   a good question, but yes, it depends on what sort of camping you’re talking about. gear for a day-trip can vary vs. gear for a weekend trip vs. a weekend trip or longer.

   I’m a fan of going cheap.

   Shoes you don’t have to worry a ton about. You can get 200 miles out of a pair of tennis shoes if you wanted. Downside is that without harder soles your feet will be a little more sore because you feel every little rock. The shoes I hike in are low-tops with Vibraim(sp?) soles, which will run you maybe $70 at the store, but they’re good for everyday walking around, too. I’ve also put 300 miles in my pair of sandals, so just wear whatever’s comfortable. heck, I knew a guy who got 1500 miles out of his $20 WalMart boots.

   backpacks are deceptively expensive. if you’re just doing weekend stuff, check out Ebay and go with some cheaper ones. get sized at an outfitters to know what size you should buy (generally speaking). You don’t have to be talked into getting a $350 pack.

   Sleeping bags aren’t too expensive. I like North Face for their combination weight/cost. Going cheaper (Coleman or cheap Campmor stuff) means they’re heavier and wear out a little faster. Down will pack a lot smaller vs. synthetic. Bear in mind that if you’re a warm sleeper (you like to stay toasty at night), that a 30-degree bag will be a realistic 50-degree bag, so think accordingly.

   Marketing has made people think that hiking has to be an expensive activity, or that you’re not going to be safe or comfortable unless you buy the most expensive stuff. But it isn’t the case at all.
   References :
   2x Appalachian Trail thru-hiker

4. Billy Mays, on March 11th, 2010 at 2:02 pm Said:

   I wouldnt buy any shoe that isnt a traditional style hiking boot. You need some stiffness in the soul and a high enough boot to reduce the risk of sprained ankles on the trail. I just went boot shopping with a friend of mine, and he ended up with a Vasque Breeze. That is the type of boot to buy for most hiking. You have a choice between leather and fabric. If you will use them in the summer in mostly dry conditions, use fabric. If you plan on getting them wetter, muddier, and scuffing them up, go leather. If you find you arent cut out for hiking, you will always have a nice pair of boots for bad weather. You can find discount boots around. Lowe, vasque, Zamberlan, Kayland, Asolo, and golite are brands that I would go into the wilderness with. I would be careful with Timberland or boots that are advertised as light hikers but look like half sneakers. if you want an idea of how a boot should be made, go to the Zamberland website. Those boots will take you anywhere. I bought a pair of thick, fullgrain leather boots with soft bucskin leather on the inside from an alpine village in Austria in the sixties, put a couple thousand miles on them, stuck them in my basement for 30 years, and to this day I still use them sometimes.

   As for the bag, get one that feels like it fits your frame. Dont get one where the frame feels too long for your back. Most of the weight should be on the waist strap. Make sure it fits your anatomy. For one night, a bag like the Kelty redwing would probably be adequate. Youll need to put a tent, stuffed sleeping bag, a little food, a stove, and an odd or end. It should be just big enough. You dont necessarily have to move up to the larger and heavier bags for one night. Another person told you to go with an external frame pack; nobody uses those anymore. They are for when you need a very large capacity.

   Make sure when you do buy boots you break them in. You do not want to get a few miles down the trail and come down with bad blisters. Use Moleskin if this happens, but be prepared. Be sure to use thicker socks. A lot of the old guys with stiff leather boots would go with a small, thin inner sock and a thicker wool hiking sock over the top. My family has a military/special forces background going back a few generations now, and foot protection is next to godliness to us.

   When you do get your bag, buy a strap or two to lash things onto it. Always bring a clothesline when hiking, to dry things, hang food in bear country, etc, etc.

   I find that the amount of fun I have on a backpacking trip correlates highly to my fitness level.

   Another answerer believes you should use tennis shoes. He also claims to have hiked the Appalachian trail. I think he is giving you very poor advice. Tennis shoes would not last very long on the Appalachian trail. He did have a good idea with the Ebay thing.
   References :

5. campaholicone2000, on March 11th, 2010 at 2:36 pm Said:

   Shoes you have to buy decent - you only have one set of feet, and you should take care of them, you can’t change them out if you abuse them with bad quality footwear. AND, if you want any chance of enjoying your night out, ill-functioning shoes will be of no help!

   The terrain you’ll be hiking on will dictate the shoe, however, so you need to investigate the trails you’ll be on most frequently. I’m a big fan of hiking boots for day hikes of any distance (8-20 miles). If you’ll be only on well-maintained trails, however ,you might get away with trail shoes or trail runners. Go to a real outdoor store (not Dick’s Sporting Goods or Sports Authority,etc.) and ask for assistance.

   Regarding a pack? Rent. Don’t buy. Sleeping bags, tents, etc., can all be rented for cheap! No commitment and no buyers’ remorse. Look to stores like REI or Adventure 16 for rentals.
   References :

6. Jim, on March 11th, 2010 at 2:42 pm Said:

   Think about renting gear 1st. Are you looking to car-camp and day-hike, or backpack… sleeping in the wilderness?
   If backpacking, think WEIGHT! You should be able to go 6-7 days with NO more than 40 lbs on your back. Check out backpackinglight.com.
   References :

7. casey, on March 11th, 2010 at 3:29 pm Said:

   Rent some equipment and do a few trips, might save yourself a lot of money.

   Buy my shoes for hiking at Big 5 sporting goods, usually run $50 or $60. You don’t need the big, expensive, heavy hiking boots.
   References :

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