View Full Version : Prep Gear Questions
My current goal is to hike the AT in 2011 or 2012 (depending largely on my hiking partner's college graduation date) but plan on doing a number of day hikes, weekend hikes, and a some in the 3-5 day range in the meantime.
As a beginner hiker, I currently do day hikes with an old SwissGear backpack that I've used for college. It is clearly not designed to be hiked any distance with but it has served fine for the few hours I've been out on the trail.
With some upcoming overnight and longer backpacking trips I'm in need of a multi-day pack. My question is this: Should I spring for a backpack that will serve me all the way till I go for the AT? Or should I go with something a bit smaller or cheaper in the meantime?
In addition, where should I purchase the pack? Outfitter? Internet? I've unfortunately got to scrape a bit for the dollars, so savings are a plus.
I've lurked a bit and noticed that ULA packs (http://www.ula-equipment.com/) are quite popular among some of the users here. I don't have any experience with the company, but they seem to be gaining a following. Should I steer clear of them since I have almost zero experience? Is there another direction I should be looking?
In addition to pack, I'm in need of a new sleeping bag (my old one is not really packable) and a decent one-man tent, but I'll stick with the pack questions for now =)
Thanks for the help!
I'm using the same backpack as I used since 2004 and it's still the best pack I've owned (comfort and weight carrying capability). So if you choose wisely your pack will last a long time although a thru-hike can certainly reduce the lifespan of all equipment. When I thru-hiked the AT in Year 2000 a previous backpack I'd owned fell apart about 1/3 of the way through my thru-hike but my maildrop support person sewed it up for me in Roanoke, VA (thank you Karen) and I carried it the whole way.
Sleeping bag -- your best bet here is to buy when sleeping bags are on sale at either your favorite local outfitters or online retailers such as Sierra Trading Post, Campmor or REI/REI outlet. You could also pick up a used sleeping bag on eBay if you're inclined to use eBay and don't have a problem with buying a used sleeping bag. I have used Feathered Friends, Western Mountaineering and Marmot sleeping bags (all have been down bags) and have been happy with all but they're at the top end of the price range. You could probably get a North Face sleeping bag or an REI branded sleeping bag for less money but the weight of the bag would likely be more.
Probably the key thing you should consider is to get the combined weight of your empty backpack, your sleeping bag and your tent/shelter with stakes and stuff bag to be as far under 10 lbs as possible. When I thru-hiked the AT my combined pack/bag/tent weight 7.75 pounds. At about mile 100 of your hike your body will be saying thank you if you get these three things as light as possible.
Also, consider getting some hiking poles. Leki is the most popular brand but others are available on-line and in outfitter stores. Wal-mart now carries them too but I don't know how easily it would be to get parts for them (the hardened points break off occasionally and can be replaced). The hiking poles will likely reduce the stress and pain in your knees -- the knees on a man are the 2nd weakest point of the body. I've had my Leki hiking poles for 10 years and they have more than 6000 hiking miles on them, still going strong (Leki has repaired/replaced parts in the poles several times) . Leki is pronounced like "Leckky".
The biggest challenge on an AT thru-hike is likely to be the mental challenge so getting out and hiking, particularly hiking during inclement weather, will provide the most benefit to preparation. It rains a little on the AT (I'm cracking myself up) so overnight hiking during rain would be excellent preparation for a thru-hike. If you scheduled one of your 3-5 day hikes during thru-hiker season you'd get a look at it from a participating hiker viewpoint (say, a hike from Springer Mountain, Georgia to Neels Gap in early April).
Datto
stranger
04-08-2009, 05:43
I worked in the outdoor industry for 9 years in various roles, retail, pack fitting, consulting, product testing, etc...
I've personally found that the average person does not have the knowledge when they start "getting into" backpacking to make accurate decisions for years down the track, because you simply don't have the experience yet.
So, buying "twice" is not a bad idea if you are smart about it. Because trust me, if you buy a $400 pack or tent now, and for whatever reason you find when you get to Neels Gap you don't want it, or need something else, you WILL get what you need, and that process is much more expensive than buying a $80 pack now, and a $300 pack later.
Unfortunately, price and weight don't mean all that much when it comes to preferences. Your experience will determine what kind of gear you will buy in the future, you might find out you are a die hard tarp user in two years time, so no point in buying a $350 tent now.
Companies like ULA, Gossamer Gear, Mountain Laurel Designs, Bozeman Mountain Works, etc... are building gear for a specific type of hiker, and you don't know what type of hiker you are yet, plus, ultralight, or specialist gear is very expensive for what it is in terms of fit, durability, design, etc... So making a mistake in this department can be very costly.
I would strongly recommend checking out Campmor for good deals on decent packs, I ran their pack department for 6 years back in the 90's and while they have a K mart element nowdays, they have purchasing power that cannot be matched, even by companies like REI or EMS, so their prices will always be cheaper.
You will also need to get fit, and fit correctly, this isn't always easy, and measuring your torso can not be done by yourself, and chances are your friends won't do it right, and keep in mind many sales people don't know how to do this correctly as well.
Better to know now!
Thanks for the replies so far. Two different perspectives, but they are both helpful.
Lots of text
Thanks for the suggestions. Keeping the bag, pack, and tent under 10 lbs is a very useful, concrete suggestion. It will be handy as I narrow my search down and start picking out pieces.
I will be getting hiking poles very soon. I found a good pair of Leki that I like.
(say, a hike from Springer Mountain, Georgia to Neels Gap in early April).
I won't have the gear ready to do a trip by the end of this month (nor the time) but I currently have a hike planned in August for Spring to Neels. I know it won't give me a feel for the month I'll be starting, but it will give me a feel for some of the AT.
So, buying "twice" is not a bad idea if you are smart about it. Because trust me, if you buy a $400 pack or tent now, and for whatever reason you find when you get to Neels Gap you don't want it, or need something else, you WILL get what you need, and that process is much more expensive than buying a $80 pack now, and a $300 pack later.
So all things considered, do you think I would be better off purchasing something on the cheaper side to avoid wasting money on a first pack?
---
I'm considering making an appointment at Mountain Crossings (Neels Gap) for consultation and fitting, but keep in mind that I'm not hiking the AT this year or even next year (though I suppose plans could change :-? ).
The choices are kind of frustrating since all I really want to do is get out on the trail and get some of that experience. But to do so, I'm in need of some equipment which would be easier to pick out if I had the experience. It's a vicious cycle. If I had a mentor I could borrow some equipment from I'd be fine, but I'm sort of a "first outdoors person" in the family so - not so many resources.
flemdawg1
04-08-2009, 10:58
Since you live in Atlanta already, you could just rent some gear for a weekend from REI. Start learning about your likes/dislikes, and even if you really wanna walk up all those mountains and sleep w/ the animals.
Glebbber
04-08-2009, 11:16
A pack should be one of the last pieces of gear you buy. It houses all your stuff and you will need to know exactly what that stuff is to choose a pack.
I would use your current pack, or get a cheap used pack, and try to get all your other gear as light as possible and get rid of things you dont need before you buy a new pack. it usually takes people a fairly long time to trim wieght and find what works for them.
ULA is an ultalight brand. most of their packs dont have the suspension for heavier gear. which is most likely what you have right now. but if you can get your gear in the lightwieght or ultalight range, ULA should be fine.
Blissful
04-08-2009, 11:39
I'd wait personally until closer to the time of your actual hike. Plus they are always coming out with new stuff.
Since you live in Atlanta already, you could just rent some gear for a weekend from REI. Start learning about your likes/dislikes, and even if you really wanna walk up all those mountains and sleep w/ the animals.
I've lived in and around the mountains for my entire life. Originally from the Tennessee Valley, Atlanta is my home away from home for the time being. I'm definitely certain I want to walk up all those mountains:cool: Nevertheless your suggestion is a good one to look into. REI is always pretty frightening with their prices. Are rentals expensive?
A pack should be one of the last pieces of gear you buy. It houses all your stuff and you will need to know exactly what that stuff is to choose a pack.
I would use your current pack, or get a cheap used pack, and try to get all your other gear as light as possible and get rid of things you dont need before you buy a new pack. it usually takes people a fairly long time to trim wieght and find what works for them.
ULA is an ultalight brand. most of their packs dont have the suspension for heavier gear. which is most likely what you have right now. but if you can get your gear in the lightwieght or ultalight range, ULA should be fine.
My current pack isn't really a "pack" in the sense of hiking at all. It's a traditional school backpack with absolutely no way to house something like a sleeping bag. I'll keep using it for day hikes though. Where would be a good spot to look for used packs? I've checked some thrift stores but it seems that even a decent used pack would be an extremely lucky find.
I do currently have some equipment and am not totally lost on what is needed for a long hike. My two current holes in my base stuff are a properly rated sleeping bag and a one to two-man tent. All the tents I have access to are multi-man and completely inappropriate to be hauling anywhere alone.
I'd wait personally until closer to the time of your actual hike. Plus they are always coming out with new stuff.
Sorry, I should have explained this. While it will be a couple years before the AT full-length, and it is not till August that I will hit Springer to Neels, I have some multi-day hikes in other places coming up soon. I'll need equipment of some sort for those.
From what I've gathered, it seems the ULA stuff might be a bit too impulsive. I'll keep looking for something more on the affordable side so that I can ensure my second purchase is more accurate.
Thanks for the responses!
mister krabs
04-08-2009, 16:21
I'd say that there's nothing wrong with getting a ULA pack as a noob, especially if you're planning to go to mountain crossings where you'll be able to try it on. Try to have your shelter and sleep system figured out before that and bring it all up there with your food bag so that you can try it on with *your* gear. Campmor down sleeping bags are well spoken of as a bargain down bag that weighs around 2 1/2 lbs. There's lots of shelter options from a tarp to a full on two wall tent.
phillycheze
04-08-2009, 19:42
right krabs. get fit correctly by a real shop. then try on each pack for at least an hour with weight. bring ur lunch, u'll be at the shop for a while.
Here are some Golite and Granite Gear packs on eBay -- you'll need to sift through all the non-hiking backpacks from the listing.
Further below are some used backpack website that might be worth a look.
Forgot to mention -- I've had very good experiences buying from home as well as buying while on the trail from http://www.backcountrygear.com
Datto
http://desc.shop.ebay.com/items/?_nkw=backpack+(golite%2C+granite)&_sacat=0&LH_TitleDesc=1&_trksid=p3286.m270.l1313&_odkw=backpack+(golite%2C+granite)&_osacat=0&_rdc=1 (http://desc.shop.ebay.com/items/?_nkw=backpack+%28golite%2C+granite%29&_sacat=0&LH_TitleDesc=1&_trksid=p3286.m270.l1313&_odkw=backpack+%28golite%2C+granite%29&_osacat=0&_rdc=1)
http://www.freestuffgreatdeals.com/usedbackpacks.html
flemdawg1
04-09-2009, 10:48
I 2nd Datto's reccomendation for Granite Gear packs. I use a Nimbus Ozone, very comfortable and pretty light, w/ enough suspension and space that I can bring some comfort items if I wanted to.
I've found afew thrift store packs. The key is visiting often and digging. The one I've had the most luck @ had a big room full of piles of packs and luggage.
flemdawg1
04-09-2009, 11:06
Don't let the inabilty to get brand-new gear keep you off the trail. I've done weekenders with school day-packs and another w/ a large military duffel bag (carrying tin cans and a propane stove, oy).
If you happen to come to North Alabama, the Unclaimed Baggage Center in Scottsboro has nice used gear. TNF down bags can be had for ~$50. I've also seen tents and packs too. They go for about what you would pay on eBay.
My opinion:
ULA packs are highly recommended. They are NOT ultralight, they are light. While you do need to consider what gear you currently have, and if it will fit into a particular pack, I'm not one who says that you should wait until you have all your other gear before buying a pack. What you carry will always vary from trip to trip, sometimes substantially. What are you going to do with all that gear while you are waiting? Your gear choices will constantly change and you will refine them. Buying a quality pack, sleeping bag, shelter, and shoes/boots is never a bad idea if you can afford it.
I do agree that the best way to learn what you really want and need is to get out and start hiking. Doing so with as much quality gear as you can afford, supplemented with cheap gear to fill in the gaps is a good strategy.
Have Fun!!!