View Full Version : Backpack Buying Guide! Let's talk!
BenOnAdventures
07-24-2015, 10:12
Good morning adventurers, who's glad that its Friday? For this week's post I wrote my backpack buying guide! If you don't mind, could you check it out on my blog? Here's the link: http://benonadventures.com/2015/07/24/my-guide-on-selecting-a-backpack/ I'd truly appreciate it!! It'd be awesome to hear from other fellow backpackers!! Let's talk and here your tips on buying backpacks!!
Suggestion:
Read The Complete Walker by Colin Fletcher.
Get back to us after you've read the book.
Wayne
Walkintom
07-24-2015, 10:37
It's too early to be so chirpy.
I'll read it later in the day when I'm not annoyed that all your posts sound like you're a counselor at a cheerleading camp.
I'm gonna go have coffee and come back when I can be more civil.
BenOnAdventures
07-24-2015, 11:03
Suggestion:
Read The Complete Walker by Colin Fletcher.
Get back to us after you've read the book.
Wayne Thank you for the suggestion! I'll gladly read it!!
BenOnAdventures
07-24-2015, 11:04
It's too early to be so chirpy.
I'll read it later in the day when I'm not annoyed that all your posts sound like you're a counselor at a cheerleading camp.
I'm gonna go have coffee and come back when I can be more civil.
Sounds like a plan!! Just gotta be happy that its another great day! I'm looking forward to your feedback! So how do you like your coffee? I prefer mine just plain black.
Just Bill
07-24-2015, 15:13
I'm sure there are some folks who will enjoy following you on your journey, off trail and when you eventually get there.
In the kindest way I can say it; the glut of information on the web in relation to backpacking is enormous. I can understand why when folks encounter it they feel a need to help others out by attempting to make that more concise.
Your enthusiasm and positive attitude is welcome. If you'd like to accomplish your goals please make sure that you are not doing more harm than good, or simply adding to the morass of well meaning info to wade through.
http://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/backpack.html
Simply reading this, and the 4-6 related articles tied to it would have put you in a better position to write your post. Perhaps you did as I see some similarities.
Backpacking is in principal very simple- get some crap and hike.
Backpacking in reality is a lifetime of learning. There are many good books that will get you going, but without the dirt time most of the information simply doesn't make sense. Further, if you truly want to help others; do so. One on one. Go work at a store, or with a Scout troop or hiking club. Work with people face to face and it will help you understand better some common issues and questions that develop. Being forced to answer these questions will deepen your knowledge and make you a better written/online communicator. If you'd like to help, don't be a regurgitator of others info or another hit on a google search; be an original voice.
Some highly suggested reading that will give you a diverse background and understanding of backpacking and gear-
Camping and Woodcraft- Horace Kephart- a free public domain book.
The Complete Walker- Colin Fletcher
Trail Life- Ray Jardine
Take your pick- Andrew Skurka, Justin Lichter, or Mike Clelland- all solid modern voices.
I've been doing this for thirty years, teaching for over twenty. I often feel I don't have a right to publish a book or host a website of my own. If you simply want to post threads and get hits on your site... that'll soon get you not just a bad reaction, but none.
If you'd truly like to help, develop some content worth clicking.
Best of luck; we do desperately need more people, more youth, more enthusiasm.
But we need informed people more.
rocketsocks
07-24-2015, 15:29
...and that's no lie. :)
Tuckahoe
07-24-2015, 15:49
I'm sure there are some folks who will enjoy following you on your journey, off trail and when you eventually get there.
In the kindest way I can say it; the glut of information on the web in relation to backpacking is enormous. I can understand why when folks encounter it they feel a need to help others out by attempting to make that more concise.
Your enthusiasm and positive attitude is welcome. If you'd like to accomplish your goals please make sure that you are not doing more harm than good, or simply adding to the morass of well meaning info to wade through.
http://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/backpack.html
Simply reading this, and the 4-6 related articles tied to it would have put you in a better position to write your post. Perhaps you did as I see some similarities.
Backpacking is in principal very simple- get some crap and hike.
Backpacking in reality is a lifetime of learning. There are many good books that will get you going, but without the dirt time most of the information simply doesn't make sense. Further, if you truly want to help others; do so. One on one. Go work at a store, or with a Scout troop or hiking club. Work with people face to face and it will help you understand better some common issues and questions that develop. Being forced to answer these questions will deepen your knowledge and make you a better written/online communicator. If you'd like to help, don't be a regurgitator of others info or another hit on a google search; be an original voice.
Some highly suggested reading that will give you a diverse background and understanding of backpacking and gear-
Camping and Woodcraft- Horace Kephart- a free public domain book.
The Complete Walker- Colin Fletcher
Trail Life- Ray Jardine
Take your pick- Andrew Skurka, Justin Lichter, or Mike Clelland- all solid modern voices.
I've been doing this for thirty years, teaching for over twenty. I often feel I don't have a right to publish a book or host a website of my own. If you simply want to post threads and get hits on your site... that'll soon get you not just a bad reaction, but none.
If you'd truly like to help, develop some content worth clicking.
Best of luck; we do desperately need more people, more youth, more enthusiasm.
But we need informed people more.
Very well said Bill. Ben, as I have read your blog the one thing that I think pops out at me is the level of youthful inexperience. Instead of blog posts or videos about your thoughts on gear, I would rather see see actual videos of your adventures along with you sitting down and talking about them and sharing what worked, what did not work, and what you learned.
And if you are going to insist on gear blogs then you need to tart it up :p
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1YuDlbzHWA
is she reviewing flotation devices?
SteelCut
07-24-2015, 16:00
Agitate :-)
daddytwosticks
07-24-2015, 16:28
is she reviewing flotation devices?
Ultralight pillows. :)
Ultralight pillows. :)
i can only imagine where the valve is...................
daddytwosticks
07-24-2015, 16:36
i can only imagine where the valve is...................
Right by the high beam switch. :)
Just Bill
07-24-2015, 16:36
i can only imagine where the valve is...................
I believe that information is readily available online.
Just Bill
07-24-2015, 17:16
Very well said Bill. Ben, as I have read your blog the one thing that I think pops out at me is the level of youthful inexperience. Instead of blog posts or videos about your thoughts on gear, I would rather see see actual videos of your adventures along with you sitting down and talking about them and sharing what worked, what did not work, and what you learned.
And if you are going to insist on gear blogs then you need to tart it up :p
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1YuDlbzHWA
Fine you got me, I broke down and watched it.
This has got to be their worst (best) one yet.
I guess if you are going to have a reputation...
Wonder if Pornhub will be hosting thier channel soon?
One more thing and I promise that I am not piling on.
I don't see the need to quote every post in your responses. Scrolling through all the quotes can get tiresome.
"Just the facts."
Another suggestion:
More hiking & less blogging/forum posting. Something I need to do.
Wayne
Sent from somewhere around here.
Suggestion:
Read The Complete Walker by Colin Fletcher.
Get back to us after you've read the book.
Wayne
Get back to us after you've done some hiking.
That too.
Wayne
Sent from somewhere around here.
At least get the gear dirty
BenOnAdventures
07-24-2015, 21:28
It's great hearing everyone's responses, I appreciate them!! Have an awesome weekend!!
BenOnAdventures
07-24-2015, 21:35
I'm sure there are some folks who will enjoy following you on your journey, off trail and when you eventually get there.
In the kindest way I can say it; the glut of information on the web in relation to backpacking is enormous. I can understand why when folks encounter it they feel a need to help others out by attempting to make that more concise.
Your enthusiasm and positive attitude is welcome. If you'd like to accomplish your goals please make sure that you are not doing more harm than good, or simply adding to the morass of well meaning info to wade through.
http://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/backpack.html
Simply reading this, and the 4-6 related articles tied to it would have put you in a better position to write your post. Perhaps you did as I see some similarities.
Backpacking is in principal very simple- get some crap and hike.
Backpacking in reality is a lifetime of learning. There are many good books that will get you going, but without the dirt time most of the information simply doesn't make sense. Further, if you truly want to help others; do so. One on one. Go work at a store, or with a Scout troop or hiking club. Work with people face to face and it will help you understand better some common issues and questions that develop. Being forced to answer these questions will deepen your knowledge and make you a better written/online communicator. If you'd like to help, don't be a regurgitator of others info or another hit on a google search; be an original voice.
Some highly suggested reading that will give you a diverse background and understanding of backpacking and gear-
Camping and Woodcraft- Horace Kephart- a free public domain book.
The Complete Walker- Colin Fletcher
Trail Life- Ray Jardine
Take your pick- Andrew Skurka, Justin Lichter, or Mike Clelland- all solid modern voices.
I've been doing this for thirty years, teaching for over twenty. I often feel I don't have a right to publish a book or host a website of my own. If you simply want to post threads and get hits on your site... that'll soon get you not just a bad reaction, but none.
If you'd truly like to help, develop some content worth clicking.
Best of luck; we do desperately need more people, more youth, more enthusiasm.
But we need informed people more. Thanks for the advice and detailed answer. Also, I talk to Andrew Skurka quite a bit actually, gotten to know him over the past few months. I am informed, no worries on that front. But don't worry I'll be more informative, test gear out better, etc for you. I work to get better each day of life. Have an awesome weekend and thanks again for the advice!!
rocketsocks
07-24-2015, 22:28
I love how well dirty girls clean up...a real knack for it.
Sarcasm the elf
07-24-2015, 22:29
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1YuDlbzHWA
http://i.imgur.com/aaPffU8.jpg
(WRT the video, not Tuckahoe)
My tip: buy a 50 liter or smaller backpack for your first one, and learn how to get by with less from the get-go.
i see so many people on 3 day trips toting 65+ liter packs. I can only fill my 44 liter 3/4 full for 3 days. What are these people packing that takes up so much room?
BenOnAdventures
07-24-2015, 23:33
My tip: buy a 50 liter or smaller backpack for your first one, and learn how to get by with less from the get-go.
i see so many people on 3 day trips toting 65+ liter packs. I can only fill my 44 liter 3/4 full for 3 days. What are these people packing that takes up so much room? True enough! I have a 45 and 90 liter packs but I do have a 30L one on the way. It should be here next week, its an Outdoor Products Shasta Weather Defense pack, seems pretty solid, any input?
MkBibble
07-25-2015, 00:34
So how do you like your coffee? I prefer mine just plain black.
Ever try decaf?
BenOnAdventures
07-25-2015, 00:37
Ever try decaf? Yes, I like decaf as well. I just am not a big fan of adding a bunch of extra sugars and stuff to it. Then that feels like it defeats the purpose of the coffee lol.
JohnnySnook
07-25-2015, 03:09
Ben, Ben, Ben,
So where do you do all this research to post a blog about gear?
You do realize you're on one of the best hiking websites that contains thousands of post about every piece of gear ever made by people who really hike. This website is recommend by many people on other types of forums as the best place to come for info on hiking and lightweight gear.
Have you done any research here?
How far did you hike with those packs? Did it rain? Did stuff stay dry?
How about how much each or packs weigh? That is a major concern for most any type of hiking. The bear grills said 10.8lb. Is this correct? Your 90l pack is almost 8 pounds? Is this correct?
What type of tent do you have and how do you pack it in the pack?
Please tell me.
Same goes for your boot post. How many miles hiked? Did you walk in a stream to see if they are really waterproof? Did you submerge them and see if the water drains out or do they turn into bricks and take forever to dry out?
You should do a post with your current gear list and weight or what you plan on taking?
You blog post about the different types of packs and the gear seems way off? Why would you not bring a first aid kit in the day pack? Why would not bring a sleeping pad on a 1 to 3 night hike?
Yes, most would rather here about your adventure and not just the gear. Gain the knowledge and then blog about it.
Why do you never really ask questions when people try to help you but you take it personally? Just cause you talk to someone about hiking doesn't mean your a hiker.
Congrats on your 200th post!!! To bad every post is on a thread you created and bailed on. You should try reading post in the gear section and chime in with questions etc.
Sorry to be so hard on you but I think its needed to get you on the right track be ready for a thru hike. This is the time to get the gear you think you'll need and test it out in the hot conditions of summer so your ready for it. You live in Ohio so I don't need to mention anything about when it gets cold.
The people on this site are very nice and helpful. They will go out their way to answer your questions and they are much more patient then many other sites with newbies asking crazy questions.
Also please do not ask if its okay to bring a fishing rod on a thru hike!!!! :)
JohnnySnook
07-25-2015, 03:16
Lost of great info in the packs section also!
http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/forumdisplay.php/433-Packs
You don't have to post every comment in the general section.
BenOnAdventures
07-25-2015, 10:52
I don't just "talk to people about hiking, so that makes me a hiker" I hike about ten mile every day. But I do appreciate the advice and I'll take it into account for the next gear review. Thanks again, I appreciate it! Have an awesome weekend!
I'm new to this forum, mostly I just read and don't see much of a reason to post. But whenever I read these "Gear Talks" I feel like pounding my head against a wall due to the redundancy etc.
Now what I'm posting probably is a waste, but I just tell it as it is.
I love how well dirty girls clean up...a real knack for it.
Most awesome post yet.
Wayne
Sent from somewhere around here.