An asipiring backpacker....

“So, I was wondering what sort of advice people have for someone who is just going into University, but doesnt want to wait until their tuiton bills are paid off and are settled down to go off for a few weeks only backpacking. How do you/did you organize financial matters. That is my most main concern, how can I afford it. I have no problem with taking the 10 day long train, or eating convenient store food, or sleeping in a sleeping bag on a prak bench, but still I am finding it hard, I dont know where to begin. Any advice is welcomed! Thanks, Evan”

“Are you talking about financing gear, or financing trips?”

“financially, i can live cheaper inthe woods than at home.. the issue is equipment of course.. so you just buy what you can afford, when you can afford it.. and gradually build up your collection of decent equipment.”

“Evan, maybe you can give us more info. How much time do you have before you take this backpacking trip, and how much time is free from classes for working to save money?”

“I found when I was in college that I had more time and more spare money for backpacking than I do now that I have more bills to pay. Fill us in on the details so we can really help you instead of shooting in the dark with random suggestions.”

“My university had an outdoors club, and rented some pretty good gear through the gym/university activities. That'll save a bunch of bucks till you know what you like etc.”

“good suggestion pathman.. local colleges here have a campus recreation group.. that loans/rents equipment.. and does great trips!”

“The gear, thankfully, is not an issue. From a very active youth in Hiking, I aquired virtually everything I needed from summer jobs and freinds 2nd hand pieces. When I am talking of Backpacking, I was talking more from the travelling perspective, and intergrating with that the Hiking perspective, one of the main things I want to do is see the different ecologies. I am interested in going on a long trip, 2 months to a month. Travel, and once I get there, living expenses are the issue. Do those who have gone just saved up the money before hand or find some sort of program or work. Just trying to find out some more options... The saving of money idea sounds like a lot of work, especially with school. Thanks for your responses! Hey anyone know that the Japanese car company Subaru is named after a Greek Constellation?”

“Living expenses while backpacking? Other than food, living in the woods is free. Camping at campgrounds with showers is really cheap. Driving/walking in and using the shower is free.

Make sure the food expense is covered in advance that way you won't go hungry. Travel can be arranged. Does your college have a trip bulletin board where people can hook up to share rides/expenses?

I always saved up in advance. It adds an element of security to the trip so that everything else is easier and more enjoyable (IMO).”

“It sounds to me like Evan wants a corporate, university or magazine sponsor, or something. I know that sometimes people working on their PHD get grants to go somewhere for months at a time, to work on a thesis, but I don't know how it one gets a grant.”

“I wonder if you can get scholarship money for NOLS?”

“I don't think it's a newbie thing to practice good gear maintenance. I like to store mine clean and it gives me a good opportunity to check it for wear and tear. I really hate to be packing for a trip and find out I have to replace something at the last minute. I just want to pack and go.”

“Allright, I have recently had a debate with a freind! Is there a difference between a Kodiak Bear and a Grizzly? I am sure that there is! Well I guess Im not really that sure or this wouldnt be here, but Im thinking that Kodiaks are bigger, and black.”

“Oops, wrong thread. Excuse me while I copy and paste.”

“And thanks for all those great suggestions... I got a good idea now...”

“LOL, Scullcap!

Canadia, are you semi-regular newbie-troll who quit drinking and now is seeing bears?”

“LOL Splash! I was starting to wonder the same thing!”

“Now what kind of Canadian would I be if I have stopped drinking? Lets be honest here. As for the beers, Sorry I meant bears, just trying to sate my curiousity...”

“I don't know about Canadians drinking, but now the Irish.....”

“Most backpackers do perspire when hiking.

I'll bet your University will have an Outdoors Club where you can meet others who backpack. One of the greatest expenses is gasoline to get you there and back. Not only the more the merrier, but the more the cheaper.”

“I am Irish. And a good deal of Canadians are too, that or scottish. Its basically the same.
Just Irish and Scottish that moved to Canada... a long time ago”

“Excuse me, but there is a VERY big difference between Irish and Scottish! I have both in my family. The Irish are cheap and have a sense of humor, while the Scottish are just cheap. Just kidding!”

“LOL treebait! Now that explains a lot in my family. But the Irish in my family have a Scottish family shield, so I guess it is hopelessly mixed up.”

“Kodiak bears are found on Kodiak Island.”

“The Kodiak is just a big grizzly.

Pathman, yes, NOLS does give scholarships. My neighbor, who is a police detective, got one last year ($3000 I think). He went to the NOLS in Lander, WY, then spent 10-12 days in the Wind Rivers. Said he loved it but wouldn't do it again.”