View Full Version : First Time Female Backpacker
Ladies,
Please forgive me for intruding into your forum, but I need advice. My sweetie has agreed to go on her first backpacking trip and I want to make it the trip of a lifetime. She has car camped dozens of times and day hiked many miles but just never backpacked.
I have a scenic trail picked out to a spot beside a great creek. There are great spots for a tent and I'm planning to cook a nice dinner. She has a well-fitted pack and broken in hiking shoes.
What suggestions can you offer that a man will not think of?
Midway Sam
03-22-2007, 16:08
Earplugs!!!
Toolshed
03-22-2007, 16:12
Thigns I know my wife would love...
...an extra pillow
...some massage oil (not scented if in bear country)
...secretly pack in carrot cake and a small bottle of wine.
Is she a first time hiker? How old and how in shape is she? Maybe for a first hike make it an easy to moderate hike, and keep the miles low. I agree with the person that said to supply earplugs if you're a snorer.
VictoriaM
03-22-2007, 19:30
Make the space for a nice thick pad to sleep on. She'll enjoy the whole thing more if she can sleep well.
Chantilly Lace
03-22-2007, 19:40
What a thoughtful man you are! My suggestion - purchase plastic wine glasses and take along a bottle of wine. The glasses make a nice presentation. Also, a little cheese (good quality) and crackers. Chocolate, definitely chocolate. In the morning make the coffee or tea.
That was my husband and me 10 years ago! It's not so much what you bring...it's making sure that she knows it's ok to say she's tired, needs a break, the packs too heavy, etc. I've seen way too many first time, especially women, backpackers not want to be the "weak link" and cause harm to themselves by not saying "I need ______." I know I didn't the first time we went out on a backpacking trip, and I could've had a much more enjoyable trip if I had.
Thanks. All ideas are appreciated.
I have a short hike in planned. There will be plenty of time for "scenery" breaks; right now I'm scheduling one mile per hour over a flat ridge top trail. I'll let her use my "base camp" Thermarest self-inflating pad (but I'll carry it in). I'm exploring ways to keep the wine, chocolate, and cheese cool.
d'shadow
03-23-2007, 15:59
I agree with Buggirl...I too have been a day hiker and camper for most of my life, but have still not "backpacked". :eek: When I am out with my guy friends, I worry about being the "weak link" and do not want them to think less of me if I have trouble keeping up, or struggle up a steep part of the trail. Stay close, but don't get in her way as she hikes with you. Remember to tell her she is "doing fine," and later praise her effort as you pour out a glass of wine...she will love it.:D
bring red wine doesn't have to be chilled.....
Thanks. All ideas are appreciated.
I have a short hike in planned. There will be plenty of time for "scenery" breaks; right now I'm scheduling one mile per hour over a flat ridge top trail. I'll let her use my "base camp" Thermarest self-inflating pad (but I'll carry it in). I'm exploring ways to keep the wine, chocolate, and cheese cool.
Not one of the ladies here but it seems to me you have a potential lifelong hiking partner. Personally I wouldn't do too much babying but likewise I'd give her praise for all she does and especially if she overcomes some obstacles in her hike. She'll either like hiking or she won't and I'm not sure making the hike something it is not will play out well later.
On the other hand after a good hike I'd really like a chilled glass of wine myself. Put the wine in her pack and it could be a deal maker.:)
Kiyu
If she walks more slowly than you do, let her walk in front and set the pace. And don't step on her heels or act impatient...
Marta/Five-Leaf
pokeyhontas98
03-24-2007, 01:27
Take along a book on constellations, poetry or some other book that might interest you both, something you can look at over candlelight or w/ a headlamp (in the eve after hike). Would be a goodtime to connect with each other, especially if you have kids. Me and my husband like to read to each other at night, might sound corny to other folks but it's perfect for some quality time together. Especially fun with the wine and cheese.
Obsidian
03-24-2007, 01:44
I second the whole letting her hike in front and set the pace.
I hated hiking with my ex cause he'd take long quick strides that made me have to hustle to keep up cause I have shorter legs. Hiking with him wasn't fun at all at one point I made him stop and get behind me cause I wanted to take in the surrounding more and not be running the whole time to keep up with him.