Re: [at-l] Now I'm SCARED

> One thing I've mentioned to begining backpackers, especially when they've
> seen how I pack, is that it took a while and quite some experience before
I
> could get comfortable hiking with the gear that I have.
>
> Unless a new backpacker is hiking with experienced hikers, it may not be
> possible to responsibly start out as a lightweight hiker.  I'm now
> comfortable hiking at night with a (yellow) photon light.  When I started
> out, I liked the high powered headlamps.  Those little noises in the night
> seem normal to me now, but I did my share of pointing my stronger lights
at
> noises in the night when I first started backpacking.
>
> In cool weather, I now have plenty of experience keeping myself "warm
> enough" on the trail.  I used to need to be "warm".  Now, I know I can get
> warmer by crawling into my bag earlier in the evening if necessary.  I
used
> to carry a lot more clothing.
>
> This doesn't mean that you have to start heavy, but you probably don't
want
> to start backpacking with just 15 pounds base weight.
>
> Tarping successfully in adverse conditions requires more knowledge and
> experience than tenting.
>
> I would borrow as much gear as possible at first to find out what you like
> and don't like.  Talk to thruhikers, not just weekend backpackers.  They
> have a very different perspective on appropriate gear.
>
> I should list and weigh all of my "extra" and "heavy" gear sometime that I
> used to take on my weekend backpacks.  It is nice having a candle lantern
> but not worth carrying the weight.  The MSR XGK II I'll reserve for
> international backpacking when I know I can't replenish my Esbit tabs.  My
> Dana Terraplane is extraordinarily comfortable but I'm in the market for a
> lighter pack.  The two headlamps I have at home are certainly useful for
> rummaging around in the basement.  :-)  etc.
>
> So, don't get overwhelmed by all the stuff in the store.  Just look, read
> all the tags, listen to the staff, try to figure out who in the store
might
> have some long distance hiking experience, and don't be shy on this list.
I
> was and "experienced" backpacker when I joined this list but have learned
so
> much from the other hikers, here.
>
> Hmm, one more thing...  I think it's miserable hiking on an empty stomach.
> Once again, it took a while before I could figure out how much food I
really
> needed.  Until then, I always erred on the side of caution and carried too
> much.
>
> As for bounce boxes, they can be used for all sorts of things...  Not just
> extra gear that you're sure is too important to send home but I know women
> who keep a town "dress" to have something to wear that's different,
> especially to do laundry.  If you buy something in the store and it's too
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