Beginner... basic gear?

“Tell Barb, Pathman said hello.”

“According to TNF website, that pack is only 2100 ci, which is too small for all but the lightest trips in perfect weather. I would suggest a minimum of 3500 ci, and you will probably want something bigger than that unless you really make a point to buy light/compact equipment.

Also, that fleece jacket, 165 bucks? Ouch!! That's an awful lot of money for a fleece top. First check out Target, Wal-Mart, or your local Goodwill store. TNF stuff is generally overpriced and also too heavy.”

“Hi! I'm a newbie backpacker and these people were a big help for me. Omahiker is right, you can get good fleece, wind pants and windbreakers from Target, LLBean on clearance, even the warehouse clubs. My fleece pants were from BJ's Wholesale for $10. But you probably won't need those. Nylon zip-offs (good deals at REI-Outlet.com) are great for days that are warm but nights that are cooler (or hikes through scratchy bushes, ticks, etc.). One thing that you may not know yet is that you get very hot hiking with a backpack. So even when it is 40 degrees out, you will be sweating while wearing Capilene base shirt, thin fleece overshirt and a windbreaker. Sometimes even the base layer and windbreaker are too hot. Don't get a vest unless you've been hiking for a while and really feel the need for one. Usually your core is hot and your arms are in the wind. I hiked in Capilene pants and wind pants in 30 degrees and was very comfortable. The fleece pants are great for those really cold nights sitting around the campfire, and for sleeping if your bag isn't warm enough.

If you plan to overnight with a tent (not tarp) sleeping bags and possibly thermarest pads in the future, you really should attempt to get a backpack 4000cu in. Mine is 4200 cu in and and two night cold weather trip with no gear sharing is a bit tough to fit into the pack. Try to rent or borrow gear for your first trip or two, to get familiar with what you like in a tent and backpack. With me, I liked my gear but liked other gear that other hikers had better.

If you have some cash. Hilleberg has their four season tents on sale at their website.”

“Lots of good advice here. From someone who helped to outfit their girlfriend I'd like to impart the following:

1. Don't pick her pack for her. Take her to a your local outfitter. Tell them you are looking for a women's pack. This is less important for just a day pack but for a bigger pack, they make female specific packs now that are designed to work with a woman's countours. She'll appreciate it.

2. Consider an alcohol stove. Do a search on the threads. You can make your own or get just the classic trangia burner. It's cheap and foolproof with no learning curve. Make your own pot stand out of mesh and a windscreen out of tin foil in about five minutes. Someone else also suggested the esbit stove. Another easy to use, inexpensive stove. Fuel is always readily available at the hardware store. Remember, boiling also is a way to purify your water so this is an easy option to start with if you don't want to spend $$ for other water treatment options.

3. Consider car camping (if you haven't already) for your first few times sleeping outdoors. Try to pick a good locale, maybe with walk-in campsites so you can at least get a little of the flavor of sleeping in the woods without all the RVers and such. Most car camp sites have plenty of hiking nearby so you guys could make a weekender out of it. When and if you do make the leap to hitting the trail for an overnighter, don't pick anything too intense/far. Five miles one-way may not seem like much but somtimes trail miles can be really punishing.

4. Get sleeping bags that mate!”

“Search for the "Tin Can Stove Man" thread, there was a guy giving out free homemade pepsi can alchohol stoves for free, to mail to you. I was given one by another TT'er and loved it so much that I made a bunch for my scout troop. The first attempt was a mess, but then it got easier.”

“I'm actually in the middle. Lexington. =) Anyone know a good outfitter 'round these parts?

ALG”

“No. Philip Gall's on New Circle is hit and miss, mostly miss. Dick's, over on Man O War has some things that PG's doesn't and usually much cheaper.”

“That's Dick's Sporting Goods. It's in the shopping center over by I-75. Someone else mentioned J&H Landmark but I've never been there and don't know where it's at.”

“Why don't you check out that gear swap meet they are talking about on the other thread. That ought to give you all kinds of gear to look at and people to talk to also.”

“Alg getting off the subject I have played alot of disc golf in that area.

8)”

“I've haven't played much, but had a good time last summer playing a few times with a number of friends. Where did you play at?

ALG”

“4 season tents are Heavy and VERY $$$$$$. Not worth it
in these parts, IMO



Obviously WD is living in never never land.


that is it never really gets cold down there. Still burning from the fires of hell”