Where to start

[Oldpaca]

Ok absolute newb considering a section hike no sooner than next year. So many things to figure out and there is a ton of knowledge here but there is so much I really dont know where to start. I am sure I will start south and go north thats about all I know. I have virtually no equipment so is that where I should start? Any and all advice would be greatly appreciated thanks in advance.

[The Old Boot]

Start by reading and then read some more! Seriously, I recommend not buying a single thing, particularly since you're not in any real hurry to get out there. Save your money for now and research, research, research.

I've been reading trail journals, equipment web sites, gear reviews, more trail journals, reading here and anywhere I can find.

I've been keeping notes on what I 'think' I might want and then doing some comparison shopping.

Ex. most people go try out sleeping bags and just pick one, based on price etc. Knowing myself and how I sleep, I'm starting out with a quilt and liners. Because I sew, I'm doing them myself. Hiking with a dog who stays wet when he gets wet, I'm making a silnylon 'bedspread' that will protect my gear from a soggy, muddy dog. Had I not done as much research I'd be in the mummy bag that the sales rep tried to sell me....ewww, yuck!!

Oh, and believe it or not, your pack should be one of the last things you buy...no sense in buying one that either won't fit all your gear or will be big enough for you to live out of for a year...lol.

[earlyriser26]

I agree on the research. But I would start with boots so you can break them in properly. Some things, well I guess all things on whiteblaze, are open for debate, but some gear is fairly basic. You can get a fairly basic stove, like an MSR pocket rocket. Basic cookware (pot, plastic cup and spoon). Sleeping pad (Thermarest). Tents are tricky. Size vs. weight. I would go with free standing. Sleeping bags are also tricky, but don't get one that is too short and most temp. ratings are on the optomistic side. My rule is add a good 20 degrees to any bag temp. rating. You will want to dress in layers and avoid cotton. A rain suit is also needed for cooler temps (more needed for warmth than to keep rain out). Good luck.

[Papa D]

is there a small outfitter store where you live? not an REI or Bass Pro type place but a little store? If so, there is probably some folks there that you can hang around and learn a bit about backpacking - the previous poster is right - don't buy anything yet except for a book. My favorite is not backpacking specific - it is actually more climbing oriented, but it will go a long way in introducing you to the ways of the outdoors - it is titled:
Freedom of the Hills - it's by the "Mountaineers"
another good one is Wilderness Basics by Kristi Anderson -
both are available at mountaineers.org
you are in for some fun!

[Papa D]

Early riser gives good advice, but I'd still do the books first and start day hiking mountain trails - all you need is a daypack, a rain jacket, a water bottle and something to eat - don't make it too complex yet - walk in whatever athletic shoes you already have - you don't need a stove or a cook-pot or all that stuff yet - ease into it over a few weeks and do some hikes - you'll figure out what you like in terms of terrain and mileage - in a month, come back to WB and ask about gear and a specific trip - you'll be more ready for the onslaught of responses

[Trailweaver]

The latest issue of Backpacker magazine is the gear issue - has comparison lists for sleeping bags, tents, stoves, boots, misc. gear. Get one of those and read and read. Make notes about features you think you would like to have and check on those features in the gear guide. Then go to a store and look at the gear you think you're interested in.

Join a group or find some individuals you could hike with - borrowing gear or renting gear is a great thing to do until you know what you like, and using the gear will help you find out what that is. Talk with experienced hikers and find out what features they like about their gear and why they have those preferences - there's usually a good reason they chose a certain stove.

Save your time and money by buying the best gear you can afford when you do buy it - not having to buy it twice will make you happy in the long run. If you buy cheap gear, chances are you will end up replacing it later or cursing it out in the woods when it doesn't work.

Still, you will probably make a mistake or two and buy something you find you can't/don't use. When that happens, find someone else who will love it and sell it to them or else make it a donation to a charitible group.

[Oldpaca]

Thanks a lot! I do have a pair of Merrils I picked up on clearance and Ive hiked 21 miles in them so far and they feel great. I picked up a little hotspot on my right achilles so Ill be watching that. Papa D I will certainly look into those books. And I did see that backpacker magazine the other day in the store Trailweaver I dont know why I didnt pick that up then. But thats why I asked the question, to get some people in the know to give me some advice. I did join a meetup group and the few I have met are real nice but most are new like me. We mostly just do day hikes but thats helping get these old muscles and joints used to the trail so thats good. I really appreciate everyones input and I will keep watching this thread for any further advice.
Thanks,

Oldpaca

[fredmugs]

Instead of boots think footwear. I listened to too many "experts" and boots make me blister bad. Once I switched to trail runners and stopped wearing hiking socks I stopped blistering.

I would recommend finding a local hiking club and going out with them. You can learn and see a lot that way. After you do that you need to figure out what kind of hiker you are. Most people do not have a problem sleeping in shelters but I personally don't like them. This should affect what sleeping bag, pad, tent, etc that you buy. I sleep cold so I carry a warmer bag and a heavier tent.

Check out the gear for sale forum on here. Lots of great deals to be found.

[ScottP]

There are some things that you can buy and never regret, regardless of any hiking 'style' you end up with.

Good trail runners (most people dislike 'waterproof' trail runners). If you don't like hiking in them, you can still use them for day-hikes and running.

Ridgerest full length sleeping pad. You can always trim it, use it as a spare, etc.

Simple gore-tex jacket. Even if you don't long distance hike in the jacket, it's great for day hikes, everyday use, etc. Example: Marmont Precip

Home made alcohol stove. Effectively free. Can always upgrade. Google "supercat"

Grab something like this pack. http://www.outdoorresearch.com/site/...ak_bagger.html Cheap, simple, big enough for long distance hiking, small enough for day pack.

Aqua Mira for water purification, gatorade bottles for water storage.

A warm fleece hat, 2-3 pairs of running socks, a bic lighter, a medkit of whatever you think you need

There's an amazing variety of options out there for shelters.
-Tents tend to heavier and expensivish, but a good one will keep you dry and bug free.
-Tarps are cheap and light, but you'll need something additional if bugs are a problem (netting works). Learning curve is a bit higher than tents.
-Tarptents try to do both, but generally have condensation problems. I'm not a fan, lots of people are.
-Hammocks are great but can be problematic in cold weather.
Personally, I'm a tarp user. I love hammocks, but they're not my style for hiking.


Your high dollar buy is probably going to be your sleeping bag/quilt/etc. so research and choose that item carefully.

I wouldn't go out and buy anything that isn't necessary until you've decided that you want/need it.

'Optional' stuff like trekking poles (some people love them, some don't), drinking tubes, etc. can wait.