New to Backpacking

“Hello everyone,
I'm really interested in backpacking, but have never gone before. Does anyone have any advice on how to get started? For example: any good books on backpacking, best brands for equipment, best trails for beginners, etc...
Thanks for your help!”

“Troll








well someone had to be first”

“New to trolling”

“That's a whole lot of questions.
Start with a beginners hike with the Sierra Club.”

“I'll be first to be nice, lol...

Here's a link to an earlier thread on this board on Backpacking books. There are previous threads on every topic you've asked about, and they can be found by using the search box at the bottom of the main Trail Talk page.

If you're not a troll, you would do well to fill out your profile more completely.”

“Welcome! Don't mind the troll comment - unless you are one - it's a rite of passage here.

Where in the country are you located? Maybe you could hook with a local backpacking group?

Best wishes”

“If PurdueTracy is at Purdue, then Indiana would be the location.

Crazy Mike has his club there!”

“How do I reach Crazy Mike?”

“By the way thanks for your help, you all responded so quickly.”

“Here's a link to Crazy Mike's profile. His email address and a link to his hiking club's website are there.”

“Crazy Mike is cool guy and he has trips planned almost every weekend.

The best thing to do is when you have a question use the search feature to see if there is a thread already on that subject.

Also there is a link at the top of the page to a beginners section.

If your question isn't answered by those methods just fire away.

There is a huge amount of BS and chatting on this board but don't let it fool you into thinking that the folks here don't hike. There is a massive amount of experience here.”

“There are numerous threads on this board that deal with backpacking related issues.

Perform a search on the subject you want to learn about (i.e stove, tent, sleeping bag, etc) and you will get a lot of useful information. If you still have questions after reviewing a thread, revive it, ask you question and you will get information.

Keep in mind you might have to wade through a ton of #&%!$ to find one gold nugget, but you will find some of the most competent backpackers in the country on this board.”

“Thanks again to everyone for your help. I checked out Mike's website and it looks promising. I will check out other threads for info. Sounds like you all have fun posting comments on this message board. Ahhh the convience of the internet. Nice. Later!”

“I think he is a cheerleader! Mohaaaaaa! j/k”

“Try to get to know other backpackers with experience. This will double your pleasure as you get to know new people and learn from them, also. Start with dayhikes, (not Dayhiker), and accumulate your gear as you go. First rule is to be safe.”

“Where has Deathmarch99 been? He goes to Purdue...”

“Jerbear...mmmm I'm a girl and definately not the cheerleader type. Sorry for being gleeful”

“If I were new to backpacking I'm not sure I'd be comfortable hiking with a guy called Deathmarch.

Just kidding DM!”

“Hiking with a guy called "Crazy Mike" seems perfectly acceptable though...


lol...j/k Mike....”

“Or that humanpackmule character.
Sounds unpleasant.”

“I did have to wonder about myself when it dawned on me that I was going off to hike with someone I met on the internet named "stalker".


Now that I have, I still wonder about myself.


j/k”

“There was more to that trip than was in the report, chili?”

“Sorry I was thinkin DICK Tracy, Sorry Mamm!”

“Purdue. Don't let Phil know you're a Boilermaker or he'll start regaling us all with tales from his old college days.”

“Purdue Tracy, where are you in Indiana? We have a big trip scheduled soon up to the UP, 8-30 to 9-1. I live in Northwest Indiana about 30 minutes from Chicago. I would be glad to help you with advice, tips whatever.”

“I am a Boilermaker too!

MMMMM Boilermaker!”

“You are more then welcom to give me a call or send me a email and I would be glad to help you.

1-219-644-5019.

I look forward to talking with you.

Happy Hiking.

8)”

“How are you feeling Mike?”

“GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


GOING TO DO 20+++ THIS WEEKEND!!!!

NEED THE FIX!!!!!


8)”

“Straight up dude. Getting ready for Pictured Rocks? I should be there, but I have to get some things done around the house first.”

“GET THEM DONE!!!!!


8)”

“I knew you would say that. The F-ing rain is screwing me up big time.”

“Leave that too me!!!!!!


MOOOOOHHHAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!


8)”

“LOL!

I cannot wait. 95% that I will be there.”

“When are you going up there, Friday? I have that day off so if you want to go together, its cool.”

“That would be great!


8)”

“Hello fellow backpacker to be! I've been at it for three years now and loving every minute of it! I'm from Ohio and one of my favorite Trails is Archers Fork Loop in the Wayne National Forest. That was the first trail I ever backpacked. Very hilly and rugged! Are you from Indiana? I understand Hoosier National Forest is a great place to go backpacking. I'm sure Crazy Mike backpacks down there.

As for gear, I would suggest ALPS Mountaineering and Cabela's. I myself have the ALPS Taurus 2AL two-person tent and Silver Springs +20 Mummy Bag (long of course!) and soon I'll also have the ALPS Cascade Pack I'm purchasing on the Pro Tester Program. As for hiking boots, I like Cabela's. Right now I'm using the Trail Lite Gore-Tex Hikers but soon I'm buying myself the Cabela's Mountain Hikers. They are some sturdy boots plus there all leather. But you can start out with the All Leather Dry-Plus Hikers. They are on sale for $79.95! Very much like the Mountain Hikers! I hope I helped so take care. Talk to you again.”