wanna give a greenhorn some pointers?

“I have only been backpacking once--with my bro and dad in the Sawtooths in Idaho.

I enjoyed it so much, I wanna go again. I'm going to college in L.A., CA and was wondering if any of you could give me pointers on some good hikes within a one day's drive of L.A.

hikes with good scenery (especially summits) and not too many people are perferred.

also, have any advice for someone who knows hardly anything about backpacking (besides reading the "beginners" section)?”

“go with someone who is more expirienced at first, untill you are familiar with backpacking skills :) I am always learning something new from other packers :)
there may be hiking clubs in your area- like the sierra club, check it out :)”

“Pointers
Click and scroll down.













Forgive me, I could not resist the temptation. Good luck getting into backpacking.
last edited: 8/07/05 9:17:07 PM”

“I wouldn't claim to be the best teacher but I can offer a few thoughts. I have only been on this site for a few weeks now and I know from reading other posts that there are a lot of people here far more experienced than I that you can get tips from.

Don't run out and dump a bunch of cash on gear. Find good web site and read peoples pack inventories. That helped me par down my load and really focus on what was important. My favorite was the "27 lb 7 day pack" page (URL below) and the site it's hosted on. Before this my back was a beast.

http://www.backpacking.net/27-pound.html

Keep it simple and find experienced hikers to hang with. Watch them closely and ask questions. Remember that the only stupid question is one that you don't ask.

I think the most important thing you can do at first is to think of safety. Even seasoned hikers have bad experiences, but they are often better prepared to deal with them. Study how to dress for the weather/activity, first aid, and other skills. I found the skills I picked up in Boy Scouts to be some of the longest learned lessons. I read my sons Boy Scout book on a regular basis. Much has NOT changed (although the Scouts have REALLY changed).

Be Prepared.

Always tell someone competent and responsible where you are going and when you will be back (someone that won't call the authorities if you are a few hours late but also won't forget about you for three days).

Carry good maps and a simple compass. Learn how to use them. Basic orienteering is fun, easy to learn, and very rewarding.

There are some good books on backpacking that have lots of pictures. To many on this board that may sound dumb, but really I think some I have browsed at B&N are quite good. They are no substitute for practiced experience, but I found the few I looked through to be accurate and well written.

And have fun! Someone here said a week or so ago "hike your own hike" and I couldn't agree with that more. Half the fun is figuring this stuff out and not listening to someone like me preach about how to do things (I love to talk about this stuff, and have a tendancy to do this).
last edited: 8/07/05 10:45:08 PM”

“There is a big TT group in SoCal, very knowledgable, get out a lot. Post Hello, Newby from SoCal and see what happens. Many who would have been gone this weekend, will show up during the week.”

“Always tell someone competent and responsible where you are going and when you will be back (someone that won't call the authorities if you are a few hours late but also won't forget about you for three days).
pitts
10:43:01 PM
8/07/05

AND your expected route, so the rescuers know about where to search.”

“fogot toilet paper? Leaves of 3, let them be!”

“When shopping for gear find stuff you like at outfitters and then look for the same thing cheaper online. I do that a lot especially for boots.”

“No cotton.

Almost any discount store will have poly and/or nylon clothing for a fraction of the cost at a gear store.

I bought a bunch of starter poly base layers and outer layers at WalMart that have served me well. The base layers are warm, wick the moisture well and have been durable. The outer layers are a fine mesh that breathes really well in summer. Both dry fast.

With a limited budget, I would start with boots, a pack, and shelter.

Almost everything else can be obtained through discount gear sales; ebay; or the local thrift store.”

“Never pet bears or snakes. If you do, wash your hands.”

“Do not eat the yellow snow.”

“i second what what chili said...pack, boots, and tent are the only things you should have to spend good money on and even then you can find pretty good deals

also if you're creative you can make some of your own gear too...there are tons of resources out there for this”

“From LA, a great place for day hikes is the San Gabriel Range. Those peaks are climbable 12 months a year. Mt Baden Powell has a trail to the top, and is a great hike. Others are down the ridge from Baden Powell, and can be climbed from the road below them.

Good winter hikes are to be found in Devils Punchbowl over by Palmdale. Another day hike is over by San Diego, and is a hike to a hot springs that I don't remember the name to. Mt. San Jacinto over by Palm Springs has a tram going to the top, but is also hikable, prefereably not when its hot.

Local overnight trips have to include Mt. San Gorgonio, and various desert peaks.

However, the pinnacle of hikes from LA are to the Sierra Nevada, up the Owens Valley to Lone PIne and Independence. There is some driving involved, but the lakes and peaks are worth it. When you finally get up there, you'lll never be completely satisfied with the coastal mountains again. The Sierra Nevada rocks!”

“Walking is a lot easier and more fun without a heavy backpack, so forget the food, water, sleeping bag, tent, extra clothes, raingear, etc.”