Hi,
Northeast backpacking is fairly straightforward. Put the
gear in your pack. Go out hiking. Camp as needed.
Soo, what is the big deal? Well...weight is the first thing
that comes to my mind. Assuming summer weather, you still
have to be prepared for anything between 35F with a stiff wind,
(say about 50knots or so,) and 90F and 100% humidity with
no wind. While wildlife is generally not terrible, caution is
always needed.
Your gear sounds like what I used to prefer when the kids
were quite young. I have learned a lot on this list, and, have
lightened my gear by about 12 pounds over the past 5 years or
so.
Anyway...
Boots: I like boots for winter. (a couple sizes large, of
course.) For most hiking, I prefer a mid height boot, on
the light side, not UL, about 1#2 per boot. Look at:
http://www.timberla
Scree collar, ankle coverage, water resistant (not waterproof)
good for all conditions, especially rooty & rocky, hilly trails.
For UL travel, I like these:
http://www.montrail
This is a newer version of what I use, about 11oz per.
No ankle coverage, UL, not water resistant. Not really a running
shoe, a good light trail shoe, though; excellent foot bed.
Backpacks:
I use a Gossamer Gear Miniposa, old style.
Check them out at:
http://www.gossamer
Good UL pack, small size, but fits everything I need for two.
About 15oz including pockets.
UCO Candle Lantern:
It IS really nice in the tent in the winter. It will raise the temp about
3-10F, depending on the size of the tent. (Plus your body heat.)
Whisperlite:
Plus pump and repair kit. It just burns too much fuel.
I prefer the simpler, miserly SVEA. No pump, ultra-reliable, no
windscreen needed, but heavy.
Sweetwater:
Drop it. Just use AquaMira, boil water as a back up.
Cookset:
Pot, two cups and two spoons for two people. Pocket knife
works for just about everything a tool kit will do.
Nalgene:
Drop them. A couple reused water or 20oz juice bottles, with
wide mouths, works and are far lighter.
Compression sack:
I use them for my sleeping bag (40F down) and for cloths.
You do need a UL silnylon bag as a bear bag. Sew and seal
a loop on the bottom. Turn it upside down with a knot on the
bottom to hang it. (Keeps water out.)
Garmin:
Drop it. I have used them, but, like all gadgets, they are unreliable.
Map and compass, very rarely fail...
Medical Kit:
Fuel makes a pretty good sterilizing agent. Just don't use it on an
open wound (scratches, areas around a cut are OK.) Duct tape for
the rest. Get an emergency first aid book, read and memorize the
techniques it mentions. Knowledge doesn't weigh anything.
Trowel?
Drop it. Dig a kitty hole with the heel of your boot. Cover and stamp
firmly when you are done.
Tetragon 7???
At 6#+, a bit heavy...go for a 3# smaller, two person tent, around
30' of area. It will be warmer. Then get a small 8x9 tarp (~14oz).
Between the tent and tarp, you will get better use, given the variable
nature of the weather in the NE. Set it up as a lean to break any
wind. And/or over the tent if weather is looking really poor. Very
comforting to know you have a dry place to sleep. And it will reflect
any heat from the camp fire back to you.
A Spark Lighter??
Take two Bic's. These work fine, except if everything is soaked...
even you. Slightly heavier, but, sooo much easier.
You did not mention your clothing:
1 set of long johns, 1 sweater and the cloths you have on. Take
your rain jacket and use that as a wind breaker, or, if the weather
gets bad. 2 pair of socks...keep one pair dry for sleeping in.
Depending on weather, a down jacket, and/or coat.
Sleeping gear:
Good 40F down bag or a 30F synthetic bag. A second set of
long johns if conditions warrant. Maybe sleep in your jacket
if temps dip into the 20's.
Pad:
UL Foam is OK. At my age, I prefer the new NeoAir. Nice warm
pad. BTW: The Nitelite foam pad is real good, very light and creates
part of the backpack structure...
Anyway, use what you have, till you can get lighter. Develop your
skills on a few overnights, then try some two nighters. Beyond that, is
only the same...hiking, eating, watching wildlife, eating, camping, eating,
sleeping, eating. Hmm, did I mention eating? Pack a little more than you
think you need for food. I plan 4 meals per day. Breakfast, brunch, late lunch,
supper (usually at or just before dark.) You *will* need the extra calories!
Adjust as needed.
My thoughts only . . .
jdm
At 05:58 PM 7/12/2009, you wrote:
>ok I'm a rookie at backpacking, so I'm looking for a few gear suggestions:
>
>What I have:
>Zamberlan Vioz GT GORE-TEX Backpacking Boots
>Gregory Z65 Backpack
>UCO Aluminum Candle Lantern
>MSR WhisperLite Internationale Stove
>MSR Fuel Bottle
>MSR SweetWater Microfilter
>MEC High Camp Cookset
>Nalgene Tritan Wide-Mouth/Loop-
>Outdoor Research Ultralight Compression Sack
>MSR WhisperLite Expedition Service Kit
>Leatherman Freestyle Multi-tool
>Garmin GPS 76
>
>What I'm think about ordering...
>
>Adventure Medical Kits - Ultra Light .7 Kit
>Black Diamond Trail Shock Poles
>Coghlan's Backpacker's Trowel
>Eureka Tetragon 7 Tent
>MSR Stove Heat Reflector And Windscreen
>Light My fire Swedish Fire Steel - Scout
>
>any input would help?
>
>
>
>-----------
>
>
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James Marco
Computer Operations Manager, Desktop Support
Biomedical Engineering and
Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Cornell University
B78A Olin Hall,
Ithaca, NY 14853
Office: 255-7312
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