First time Backcountry camping - Page 2

Judy Ann · 07-21-2011, 08:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrDigitech

I appreciate your response to the question SmackontheWeb and Lamebeaver.

over 200 views on this thread on only two opinions..

Is it a dumb question?

I'm asking because those around me think it's a big risk to go it for the first time alone. I guess I don't see it as a big risk, but sure its always a risk going out into the wilderness.

And Judy Ann, I would hope you would either just pass by, say hi or maybe have a conversation about the trail you just hiked and what not. I doubt you would stand there and LOL at them.... in Person....

As a person contemplating my first outing by myself into the wilderness and worrying about personal safety, I would say that you would be better prepared for just about anything requiring tools, strength and power than myself. Remember to tell people where you are going, when you plan to return, leave your plans in writing under your driver's seat and have fun!

In all honesty, I am more scared of someone who might inflict physical pain on me than about anything else when I'm out alone in the woods. I know that I stand several feet off the trail whenever someone is coming towards me to give them a wide area in which to pass. My dog on the other hand, loves to greet everyone and is infamous for getting conversations started. She makes up for my shyness.

MrDigitech · 07-21-2011, 10:53 PM

Thanks Judy Ann.

I understand your concern about humans. They are most unpredictable, and I too think about that. Especially when I camp only 20 miles from the city in walk in only areas. I'm new to this particular park but my first thought was unfriendly travelers or passerbys who may use the park as a late night pit stop or gold mine. I'm but a 150 lbs dripping wet on a good day and stand almost 6 ft.

ponderosa · 07-22-2011, 12:02 AM

I don't think it is unreasonable for an experienced camper and dayhiker to go backpacking alone, even on their first backcountry trip. Of course there would be a greater margin of safety if traveling with anothe person, but that doesn't mean it's necessarily a bad idea to go alone. Everyone has their individual tolerance for risk; what is crazy to one person is perfectly acceptable to another. If you feel confident in your abilities, leave details of your route with a trusted friend, and hit the trail.
I do think it is reasonable for people to comment on what you plan to take with you, as those decisions certainly have an impact on your chances of having a safe, enjoyable trip. You might consider posting a gear list, and letting more experienced hikers make recommendations. You don't have to take their advice, but you may gain some valuable insight. I'm another backpacker who personally wouldn't consider bringing a hatchet. In 30 years of backpacking, I've never needed more than a small knife. Firewood should be small enough to burn to ashes, and the only digging I've ever needed to do was a cathole. I usually have bear spray since I'm typically in grizzly country, and I figure it would serve nicely in the very unlikely event that I needed to defend myself against another person.

HikerJoe · 07-22-2011, 12:06 AM

I go solo all the time. Why? Because I like to set my pace, like the solitude and frankly don't have too many friends that backpack. Or maybe I just don't have any friends? Just tell someone where you are going and when you'll be back. They also make SPOT devices where you can push a button and your location will be sent to a rescue team. I often use it to get a helicopter ride out if I don't feel like hiking out. J/k. I don't have one but am considering. Make it on-trail and low miles and you'll be fine. I also scan the area before I set up my tent for dead standing trees.

IndianaHiker · 07-22-2011, 01:01 AM

Ponderosa and HikerJoe nailed it. Follow the basic safety tips that they give you. As far as the risk well the best advice I was just like everything else in life. Does the benefit outweigh the risk. If you feel that it does than do it. If not then don't. However look at the risk from a logical standpoint and not other peoples fears. In my experience you have a much better chance of being killed in a car accident on the why to or from the trail head then you of being killed in the back county.

Lamebeaver · 07-22-2011, 08:55 AM

IH's comment about you being in more danger driving to the trailhead the you will be solo backpacking is spot on.

BTW, when I first started out, I used to carry a .45 for protection, but quickly realized the weight wasn't worth the effort. Now I rely on trekking-pole-jitsu and my ninja training to blend in with the environment.

You learn quickly that thinks you carry "just in case" are the easiest things to leave at home to lighten your load. I do carry an EPIRB, but I venture into some pretty remote areas.

MrDigitech · 07-22-2011, 09:08 AM

Great stuff.

I do plan to post a list of my gear for when I go in case I am missing something vital.

This is comforting. I never gave it a second thought as to "can I do it" but with many people around me thinking it's crazy or a huge risk got me second guessing "should I do it"

I'm going to plan my food supplies around a 3 night stay. I will only stay for 2 but the 3rd day of food will be very light and hopefully not used. It will be my just in case meals.

Thanks!

Newanderthal · 07-22-2011, 09:16 AM

If you can camp in a walk-in site, you can camp in the backcountry area. The difference is whether or not you might get lost since the only difference is how much distance and the remoteness of your campsite. Get a map of the area and a compass, and learn a bit about using them.

Also, if you intend on walking deep into the woods, bring some marker tape. The thing, stretchy, plastic tape that comes in assorted neon colors. As you go into the woods, occasionally tie a bit onto a tree. You'll be able to follow your exact path back to the truck and you can take the tape down as you leave. This gives you a good backtrail to follow and doesn't damage the environment.

Solo backpacking is a lot of fun and offers more freedom than group trips. I say go for it. Just make sure that someone knows where you are going and when to expect you back. Register with the park rangers and tell them you plans.

Now, a little advice on gear. Hatchet and Machete should stay behind on backpacking trips due to weight issues. Get a thick fixed-blade knife. Works great. To chop thicker things, swing the knife into the log, then hammer the back of the blade with a stick or rock. You can pop out wedges and cut through a 4 inch log in no time.

I have an article here that can help you cut a dozen pounds off your pack weight without spending a ton of money.

How to lighten the load on a budget

hope this helps.

MrDigitech · 07-22-2011, 09:38 AM

Newanderthal - Great tip on the marker tape. I was trying to come up with something similar and was leaning towards rope but the tape would be much cheaper I'm sure. I have read your article on how to lighten the load and there is great stuff in there.

I do appriciate your responses. Now I just wish it were this weekend I was headin out. Thinking it will be 8/19-8/22.

Lamebeaver · 07-22-2011, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrDigitech

Great stuff.
This is comforting. I never gave it a second thought as to "can I do it" but with many people around me thinking it's crazy or a huge risk got me second guessing "should I do it"
Thanks!

We all deal with this. To some people, the thought of being alone, with no one to depend on but yourself is terrifying. You learn things about yourself when you're all alone. It's good for the soul.