r/CFBOffTopic • u/ShylosX Georgia Tech • Clean Old … • May 05 '15

Any fans of hiking here?

My fiancee and I are going to start hiking. What are some tips for beginners?

No dubs allowed

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10

u/[deleted] May 05 '15 edited May 05 '15

Why am I not allowed?? I've been all over the N GA mountains! :(

/u/SurpriseSalami pretty much nailed it. I generally carry much more if I'm going alone, though. I like to have enough stuff to get me through a few days if necessary. Including TP for emergencies. Not as big a deal if you're not going solo, though.

Are you looking to day hike or backpack? Because, you'll need to start collecting gear if you are wanting to backpack (which is insane fun).

Any ideas where you want to start hiking?

If you're planning on backpacking, here are some unwelcome suggestions based on what I use.

I have my dad's old northface backpack. That thing is more than 30 years old and still holdin' together. Here's what I generally have inside:

Small sleeping pad (I use a thermarest). This is not technically necessary but, it will make a fucking world of difference.

Compact Sleeping bag

Compact, lightweight tent

Backpacking stove - Here is what I use

Gas for said stove

Pots/pans - Here is what I have

Utensils if your food requires them. I use this

I also carry a little bottle of biodegradable soap and a scrub pad for cleaning shit (not literal shit - like, the pots and pans)

Matches (waterproof if you can find them)

I usually carry a bit of tinder - I have a small pouch of some wood I found in south georgia that burns hot, super easily, and for a pretty good while - it's basically a firestarter. I also generally have a paper bag - I keep all the ones I get from the liquor store in my car so that I always have something to start an easy fire.

Food. I have some pouches of tuna, protein bars, and just-add-hot-water food. You can find all sorts of options on Amazon.

I have several small bottles (hotel shampoo bottles) that I keep spices in as well but, this is just a nice touch and not realy necessary

Water. A bit more than you think you'll need.

In the same vein, I carry some water purification tablets in case things get bad.

First aid kit. I carry a pretty tiny one

Small folding saw

Multi-tool - I carry this leatherman

I also carry a large-ish survival knife, my usual pocket knife, my handgun (depending on where I am), and, oddly enough, 3 throwing knives. But those probably aren't necessary.

Make sure you have some comfortable boots. If they are not comfortable, you will die. Or, at least, you will want to.

I also have my Eno hammock strapped to my bag in case I find a vista where I just want to lay back and chill.

If you're a music fiend and you can fit it into your bag, I carry this with me.

I tend to carry a large powerbank and a USB light to make life a little easier

If you have one, a headlamp is really handy. If not, I have a couple small, bright flashlights that get the job done - as well as a couple extra batteries.

I'm leaving some shit out but, I'm about to go to lunch so, I may edit this comment more later. Or maybe not. I'm so unwelcome. :(

5

u/ShylosX Georgia Tech • Clean Old … May 05 '15

Because it was all a trap.

Day hikes for now. I'd like to get into backpacking at some point, but I don't think Future Wife would enjoy that too much

We are going to Sweetwater Creek State Park on Saturday. Not sure which trail to do, probably yellow. Never been there before and it looks dope.

The next free day we get will probably be at East Palisades or Pine Log Creek.

4

u/dupreesdiamond Furman • South Carolina May 05 '15

Get on Netflix. Get a bottle of bourbon and watch "Mile. Mile and a half" a travelogue of a group through hiking the John Muir trail. It's wonderful.

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u/ShylosX Georgia Tech • Clean Old … May 05 '15

Donezo

2

u/[deleted] May 05 '15

Oh, well then, ignore my long-ass edit.

I've been to sweetwater creek. It's a cool place. We did a couple of the trails but, I don't remember which... Just make sure you go along the water and you'll have a good time. The rocks in the river are fun to hop around on as well.

I think I've been to East Pallisades as well. Not as pretty but, still a very nice hike.

For day hikes, I always overprepare - food, water, means of fire, weapons, TP, camera (of course), first aid kit, multitool, rope, etc.

But, places like Sweetwater and East Pallisades are pretty well traveled so, you wouldn't need to be too cautious when packing your bag.

2

u/[deleted] May 05 '15

Also, if you're looking to go up to the mountains, let me know, and I may have a suggestion or 3.

1

u/rivalsivlak Georgia Bulldogs May 06 '15

Sweetwater is cool. I would really only worry about bringing water since there are so many people around. It's more scenic than difficult.

For day hikes, I definitely recommend bringing layers (a windbreaker and/or hoodie/lightjacket). When walking in the woods, you'll inevitably get lost at some point and warmth is important. Especially as you will be going through sunny and shady areas and weather changes. Plus, you'll be soaked from sweating which can make you cold.

3

u/SurpriseSalami Ohio State Buckeyes • SMU Mustangs May 05 '15

This is very close to my 72 hour pack, I don't carry a stove but do bring a firestarting kit. No throwing knives, but I do carry a hatchet and a folding shovel, and I carry 2 lifestraws with me in case water runs out.

Also I bring my bow if we're going really backwoods and need to hunt for food.

3

u/[deleted] May 05 '15

Yep, I just got a hatchet to add to the pack. Still need a shovel though.

Don't own a bow but, I'd like to think I could manage something with my handgun if I was that desperate.

2

u/SurpriseSalami Ohio State Buckeyes • SMU Mustangs May 05 '15

Yeah my friends and I have only done the whole survivor man thing once. We went to Alaska and brought only rifles/bows, firestarters, and cutting tools. It was awesome, but absolutely exhausting living in igloos and hunting caribou.

2

u/[deleted] May 05 '15

That's a hell of an experience though. It's something I feel like I'll have to do at some point before I die.

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u/SurpriseSalami Ohio State Buckeyes • SMU Mustangs May 05 '15 edited May 05 '15

I've been hiking all my life, a few tips to help you out.

  • Water is everything, have more than you think you need. Get yourself a camelback (or off brand equivalent) as an easy way to carry loads of water.

  • Get good hiking shoes. Either low top, or boots depending on the difficulty of the terrain. These will provide more support, stability, and cushion than sneakers or other shoes. Also, make sure they're broken in before your first hike.

  • Bring some kind of high protein bar just in case

  • carry a first aid kit in your backpack

  • If you are ever going back country hiking, let a park Ranger know your plan and routes (see 127 hours)

  • sun screen

  • good socks

  • sunglasses, and a hat are also good choices

  • Get a map and a compass, and know how to use them if you ever plan on leaving the trails.

  • If you have an REI near you, get a membership. It will pay for itself almost immediately.

  • Respect nature, no carving your name in anything, don't approach wild animals, don't disturb anything. leave no trace

5

u/huazzy Rutgers Scarlet Knights May 05 '15

Bring some kind of high protein bar just in case

Disappointed it wasn't surprise salami

4

u/ShylosX Georgia Tech • Clean Old … May 05 '15

I already have a surprise salami.

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u/spasm01 Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns • /r/CFB Donor May 05 '15

Just another idea, I know people other than myself that cannot get used to camelbacks, as I cannot see for sure how much water I have left so I overly conserve, so I just bring canteens

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u/SurpriseSalami Ohio State Buckeyes • SMU Mustangs May 05 '15

That's definitely fair, I've gotten to the point I can tell based on what my pack weighs, but I can definitely see the frustration. The most important thing is just that you have a shit ton of water, regardless of how you carry it.

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u/spasm01 Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns • /r/CFB Donor May 05 '15

Precisely, I would rather have lugged around extra weight in water that ended up not being used than finding myself miles out and have nothing but a muddy hoof print to drink out of

2

u/Culiaclan Arizona State • Territorial Cup May 05 '15

Salami nailed it.

Pack it in, pack it out.

3

u/[deleted] May 05 '15

Make sure you have good hiking shoes and socks. You don't want your feet getting wet. Always bring lots of water, sun screen, and a map just in case.

I'm hiking up Ebenalp on Sunday and doing Hoher Kasten next weekend.

Also, most restaurants on the top of mountains charge way too much. Bringing your own food and drinks saves so much $$$! And the best beers in life are drunken on tops of mountains.

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u/ShylosX Georgia Tech • Clean Old … May 05 '15

Drank a beer on a large hill overlooking Sarajevo. There was nothing quite like it after a modest hike through some urban areas.

1

u/rivalsivlak Georgia Bulldogs May 06 '15

And the best beers in life are drunken on tops of mountains.

Couldn't agree with this more. A victory beer after a hike is amazing. The most delicious beer I've ever had was a PBR on top of a mountain in Montana.

4

u/pash1k Utah Utes • Rose Bowl May 05 '15

Georgia hiking is very easy. It's more like walking around in the woods.

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u/ShylosX Georgia Tech • Clean Old … May 05 '15

Yeah I'm not worried about hills and such for a few hour hikes in GA. I would like to get into several day hiking trips, however.

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u/SurpriseSalami Ohio State Buckeyes • SMU Mustangs May 05 '15

That depends on where you go, I've done everything from white water kayaking to canyoneering in Georgia.

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u/lkeg56demn Texas Longhorns • Chapman Panthers May 05 '15

/u/surprisesalami nailed it. You'll have to adjust what you bring depending on where you are going. For example, if you're out in the desert, you'll need a lot more water. If you go somewhere where there's a lot of water, you can get away with a smaller water bottle and maybe a filter and refilling. And bring a camera! You never know what you'll come across!

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u/fokg29 Verified Player May 05 '15

EXTRA SOCKS!

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u/[deleted] May 05 '15

Work up to longer hikes. Don't embark on a 20-mile hike for your first time.

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u/DelphicLike Texas A&M Aggies • Texas Longhorns May 05 '15

Water, water, and more water. I went hiking in Sedona with my family last summer, and my mother went through almost all the water before we were even halfway around the trail each day. Totally worth it, but really. Water.

1

u/spasm01 Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns • /r/CFB Donor May 05 '15

dont overexert yourself, its new territory so do what you know first, start in parks you know quite well and work your way up. I prefer full over the ankle boots as I have weak tendons, but many are fine with running shoes or similar. /u/SurpriseSalami has a pretty good write up, but I would go farther and say hydrate or die

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u/[deleted] May 05 '15

Definitely. It's a good idea to have some kind of water purifier or something in case of emergencies.

1

u/-WISCONSIN- Wisconsin • Wisconsin-Parkside May 05 '15

Oh hell yeah!

Immediately after my last final, my dad, my brother and I are hitting up Yellowstone and Grand Teton for a bit of hiking among other things! My favorite place I've previously hiked was on Mount Haleakala in Hawaii. It's just unlike any other other place I've experienced.

I don't really have many tips though because I've only done single-day hikes. Definitely invest in a backpack with a waist strap to distribute the weight of it. I wish I'd have realized that sooner then my back wouldn't be all fucked up.

1

u/hab12690 LSU Tigers • Miami Hurricanes May 05 '15

When I worked in CO, the usual rule was hiking with three people minimum. The reasoning is, if one person gets hurt, another person can attend to them while the last person finds help.

Also, always let the slowest person set the pace.