Backpack - first 2 day hike question

“I'm going on my first 2 day hike in a couple of weeks. I'm starting to accumulate some gear and have access to a U.S. Army Surplus "LC1-ALICE" backpack.

Is something like this sufficient...or would it be an uncomfortable mistake to go this route?

Also, if anyone has a very specific boot recommendation (Brand, Style...maybe a weblink) - that would be great. I will be hiking in northern Minnesota, I'm assuming that info. would be helpful for the boot recommendation.

Thanks in advance for any advice!”

“yeah... where are you at? Or where are you hiking specifically? I'm northern MN, I do a lot of backpacking in this area.
last edited: 4/01/05 10:59:15 AM”

“I don't know the specifics of that particular pack, but my first thought is to go with whatever you can get your hands on.

Too many times people go out and purchase a lot of equipment without going out and meeting other backpackers to learn what products work, and which do not.

So my two cents is go with what you have, and gradually make adjustments as you can afford it.”

“Does two days mean one night?”

“I have used that pack, commonly called a large ALICE for years. It has tons of room and is fairly comfortable. The last trip I used mine on was a 7 day hike into the mountains of Colorado. It is more than adequate and rather comfy and only weighs 6 pounds.

On another note, I'm in N WI and want to find a few weekend hikes this summer to prepare for a big trip this fall, any suggestions? Anyone?”

“I'm in Duluth, MN...on this trip I think we are going to get started around the Gooseberry falls area, haven't finished planning the route yet. Any recommendations would be great!

Yes, it is two days with one overnight.”

“My husband, Birch, used an Alice pack for years. There are definately more comfortable packs but the Alice pack will work.

I wouldn't go with a boot recommendation to choose yours (unless you're just looking for info on how long they last, etc). You have to find a pair that will fit you, not someone else's feet. A pair of nice cushy running shoes will work too.”

“Thank you everyone - for the link and the advice”

“For boots, I got a pair of Rocky Snake boots. They are uninsulated but 15 inches high. Waterproof all the way up. Most of the places I hike have water of some sort and with a high boot I don't have to jump across small streams I can just walk. Plus if you are in snake country, which I'm not, they'll protect your lower legs from snakebites.”

“The Alice is heavy, so I wouldn't buy one, but if you are borrowing it just to try for a weekend, it will do.

Lowa Renegades are comfortable boots. Get insoles though - that is true for any hiking boot as they just use cardboard for the insole and have no cushioning at all. You might also try Vasque Sundowners.

If you aren't sure about backpacking, just wear running shoes for now. A lot of hikers have stopped wearing boots -- but mostly those who have learned to lighten their pack weights too.”

“Its good to ask questions, and we hope you have a good time. I use a 30 yr old kelty tioga external frame pack for family backpacks, where I am carrying the kitchen sink, and internal frame packs when I'm going lighter. When you buy one, be sure it fits, because if its a good one, it will last many years. When we bought a Gregory pack for my wife, we took in to the store her sleeping bag, clothes, a cook kit, her sleeping pad, and a tent. We stuffed the pack full, and tried it on around the store. The clerk said she had never seen anyone do that before. It just makes sense to me, and the wife loves the pack.”