need advice please

“Hi! I want to backpack but my requirements are these: I need a very very very light pack, an easy trail, an easy and light tent, and a place to camp with a campfire. Bad back and neck, tire easily, frail, but I have an adventurer's heart. Can anyone suggest some stuff to help me get started? I can try the trail by the Palisades for starts and would like to spend at least one night outside. Can I get by without a stove and stuff? I would be very grateful for any advice so they don't "not find me til spring LOL" Thanks so much, Kitty”

“will you just be going for one or two nights?”

“How much money are you willing to spend on gear?”

“Ignore troll”

“Maybe you need knee replacements. Met an 'older' woman in Glacier who had her knees replaced and said that was the best thing she ever did.”

“Have you considered Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground?”

“Where the heck are the Palisades? If you are serious then you may want to call your local outfitter. They will often rent out such gear and you can see if you like it. No, you don't need a stove and a whole bunch of other stuff. If the tenps are warm, all you need is a shelter from rain and wind, a blanket, a pad for your back and basically a toiletries kit.

If you are a beginner then itwould really help to go with someone with a little experience to help you get acclimated.”

“Are you talking longpath on in the hudson in NJ, along the Alpine boat basin?

If so, that trail is easy. I don't remeber if the top is easier than the bottom, but one is less of a climb.

Chi-ching $$. Lightweight gear cost mucho denaro.

Oh' one more thing. If you are talking NJ, there are very few places to camp over night in NJ.”

“Yes, it would just be for one or two nights. The Palisades are in Jersey, that's right. I saw a Kelty pack that had a frame inside but no place for a bag.”

“a good link for ya...
http://www.backpacking.net/

how bout an :
osprey aether60 pack
hennessy hammock
fleece bag

should hit about 7 lbs...
polar pure for water treatment
emergency poncho for rain
keychain led flashlight
toilet paper

expedition weight fleece top and bottom if ya get cold...

subway for dinner and pop tarts for breakfast

should get ya under 15 lbs...

for a first trip keep the miles low - like 5 or so.”

“Actually, the Aether60 is a men's pack. She'd want the Ariel60 if she's going to go the lightweight Osprey route. They run about $200.


I agree with the advice about going to an outfitter and renting the equipment and getting the advice about trail conditions. Also, if you're a beginner you really should go with an experienced backpacker that you trust who can help you out if you get in a jam. Either that or stick to really heavily used areas so you aren't totally on your own.

If you want an easy to set up tent you'll probably want a free-standing one. They're a bit heavier than others but anyone can put one up.

Also, see if an outfitter can loan or rent you a pair of hiking poles. They're invaluable if you have back problems. And don't tie anything on the top of your pack, it'll aggravate your neck problem.

I hope that helps.”

“WOW! you guys are the best!!!!Thank you so much for all the wonderful advice, and how specific you were! I think that is so sweet. Everyone gave me great advice and I really appreciate it. By the by, has anyone ever heard of Stirling Forest Gardens and can you camp there? I mean stick up a tent and stuff? I am getting so cited about this now! Kitty”