View Full Version : Best Gear References for Beginners?
Camping_Steve
09-06-2012, 12:58
Hey everyone. I'm heading NOBO in 2013, but I'm trying to get my friends and family to do some overnights before the winter comes so that they can do a few nights with me.
Thus far, I've found some great printable checklists (http://hiking-list.com/day-hikes/) on hiking-list.com, but it seems kind of basic and only for day hikes.
I've also going to EMS and Gander with my family to see what kind of gear is good, but to be honest they don't need something super expensive and fancy. I just want them to get the basics of boots, backpacks, and sleeping bags, and we can figure out the rest.
Any good ideas? Preferably online and not books. Articles prefered! :)
kayak karl
09-06-2012, 13:18
try here to start. http://www.backpacker.com/november_08_pack_man_/articles/12659?page=4
don't let people in stores tell you what you need. you tell them.
buy used gear.
BobTheBuilder
09-06-2012, 13:44
I think you are in the right place. Try searching the forums for "gear list". Prospective thru hikers often post their gear lists on this site and invite comments from the experienced hikers. That would seem to be a good way to become educated about the details as well as the pros and cons of the gear options.
Odd Man Out
09-06-2012, 15:52
There is a very nice compilation of cottage industry supplies of hiking equipment over on the ultra-light forum.
http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?85162-list-of-cottage-industry-manufacturers-updated&p=1312229&viewfull=1#post1312229
Some of the gear sold by these cottage industries might be considered "super fancy and expensive". But in other cases, they sell stuff that is less expensive, less "fancy", but more innovative and better suited for long distance hiking. Also, more likely to be locally produced.
Turk6177
09-06-2012, 18:56
The Ultimate Hiker's Gear Guide is a book by Andrew Skurka. I learned more about going light from that book than anything else I have read. Second would be people gear reviews on Whiteblaze and Trailjournals.com. I went from probably a 50 lb pack to 16 lbs. before food and water. I have everything I need, and some of it I made myself. Check that book out.
Odd Man Out
09-06-2012, 21:13
The Ultimate Hiker's Gear Guide is a book by Andrew Skurka. I learned more about going light from that book than anything else I have read. Second would be people gear reviews on Whiteblaze and Trailjournals.com. I went from probably a 50 lb pack to 16 lbs. before food and water. I have everything I need, and some of it I made myself. Check that book out.
+1 on this. I also have this book. But the OP might also like to know that the book is not just about being lightweight. It is about making smart gear choices that match your interest, needs, budget, and ability, so it really works for everyone. I do appreciate the comprehensiveness of his gear lists so you can be confident you haven't missed something.
Snowleopard
09-07-2012, 14:07
There are some good articles here on WB:
http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/forumdisplay.php?366-Released-Articles
In particular, Sgt Rock's articles on Cheap Gear and What to Carry.
If this is for friends joining you for a few days, there are places that rent gear (sleeping bags, packs, tents). If you're comfortable with using a tarp, a large blue poly tarp with mosquito netting costs little and works well.
Unless they already have hiking boots that are comfortable, they're better off with running shoes or sneakers they already have that are comfortable. They only need hiking boots for carrying a heavy load and they should not do that. You can search for meals that don't need cooking and avoid stove issues completely.
The backpacker article that Kayak Karl links to is excellent for the basics for a thru-hiker, but if they're only joining you in good weather they can omit some things.
jakedatc
09-07-2012, 16:34
+1 on this. I also have this book. But the OP might also like to know that the book is not just about being lightweight. It is about making smart gear choices that match your interest, needs, budget, and ability, so it really works for everyone. I do appreciate the comprehensiveness of his gear lists so you can be confident you haven't missed something.
+1 ++ the great thing about Andrew's stuff is that it has been done in many different environments, terrain and trail lengths. it's not hypothetical.. it's been done.
in addition to that his gear talk video is another way to hear his perspective on gear.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGQTcQhL08A
LIhikers
09-08-2012, 23:49
For your family and friends, they might consider renting gear like packs , tents, and sleeping bags if this isn't something they want to continue with once you do your thru hike.
There is a very nice compilation of cottage industry supplies of hiking equipment over on the ultra-light forum.
http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?85162-list-of-cottage-industry-manufacturers-updated&p=1312229&viewfull=1#post1312229
Some of the gear sold by these cottage industries might be considered "super fancy and expensive". But in other cases, they sell stuff that is less expensive, less "fancy", but more innovative and better suited for long distance hiking. Also, more likely to be locally produced.
+1 I have purchased my gear from many of these companies and have been very satisfied! Maddog:D