I kinda wanna try one now. can you guys post up some pics of one
Appalachian Trail
- Thread starter Prof Sublime
- Start date
I
imnotkrazy
I can't find one made by Lowe, but this is like the one I referred to. That was in 1986, so my recollection might be off too. The reviews sound about right. It will stand a bit more than crotch high when full with the patrol pack in place. I have never met a comfortable 120 pound load, but this kind should do 60-95 well.
http://www.campingsurvivalgearreviews.com/cfp-90-field-pack/
http://www.campingsurvivalgearreviews.com/cfp-90-field-pack/
Try this link for Lowe's
I bought a Lowe's backpack over 25 years ago best investment in outdoor gear I could of purchased, I highly recommend it.
http://www.lowealpine-usa.com/
I bought a Lowe's backpack over 25 years ago best investment in outdoor gear I could of purchased, I highly recommend it.
http://www.lowealpine-usa.com/
I don't know how I missed this thread. I love backpacking, camping and trekking. Did the AT from Fontana Dam north to Newfound Gap in 1991. The trail near Fontana Dam was a bitch. Billygoat country.
Things I would consider:
Everything should be quality gear. You'll cuss the cheap shit on the trail.
I like internal frame packs, but externals can be cooler in the hot summer months. Gregory, Lowe, Osprey, etc. Think those have been covered.
Vasque Sundowner boots (I bought my current pair in 1992 and they are still solid), Smartwool socks (at least 3 pair), polypropylene sock liners (3 pair), and moleskins. Once you get a blister, the moleskins are invaluable. Also bring some sandals or crocs for around camp. A hat is a must and bandanas come in handy for so many things.
A Thermarest pad and a 20F synthetic bag is all you need for most areas in spring. Down bags are lighter and more expensive, but you are fucked if they get wet.
Sam the Caveman covered it. The Sven folding saw is da bomb.
On the 2 man tent front, I picked up a Sierra Designs Meteor Light 2 for $169 shipped. Solid.
http://www.sunnysports.com/prod/SDSTML2.html?ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=SDSTML2
MSR and Moss used to make a parabolic cut tarps which worked well for a tentless experience. Check out the parawing. Lighter than any tent.
Stuff sacks, 3mm para cord, headlamp (Zebralight, Petzl, Black Diamond, Fenix are top shelf) and backup light, spare batteries (lithiums are lighter and last longer), trowel for burying your shit, water filter (Katadyn is the best IMHO), 2 water bottles. I could go on.
On the poisonous/venemous front, be prepared for eastern diamondbacks, timber rattlers and copperheads. Dont forget about bees, wasps, hornets as well. When I did the AT, a buddy of mine picked up an antler on the trail which was next to a nest of ground hornets. We all got stung. Me about 10x in the legs. Ran away from the fuckers and worked the venom through my system so much my head swelled up like a pumpkin. My buddies though I was going to die. An hour later, I was cool, though. Take some benadryl for general allergic reactions, or an epi-pen if you are allergic to bees.
Bears aren't as much of a problem in the WV/VA area as they are in the Smokies, but dont discount them. We had bears in/near our camp probably half our nights in the park.
Dont forget a burn ointment or Aloe Vera for your first aid kit.
And the number one rule. Take care of your feet.
Things I would consider:
Everything should be quality gear. You'll cuss the cheap shit on the trail.
I like internal frame packs, but externals can be cooler in the hot summer months. Gregory, Lowe, Osprey, etc. Think those have been covered.
Vasque Sundowner boots (I bought my current pair in 1992 and they are still solid), Smartwool socks (at least 3 pair), polypropylene sock liners (3 pair), and moleskins. Once you get a blister, the moleskins are invaluable. Also bring some sandals or crocs for around camp. A hat is a must and bandanas come in handy for so many things.
A Thermarest pad and a 20F synthetic bag is all you need for most areas in spring. Down bags are lighter and more expensive, but you are fucked if they get wet.
Sam the Caveman covered it. The Sven folding saw is da bomb.
On the 2 man tent front, I picked up a Sierra Designs Meteor Light 2 for $169 shipped. Solid.
http://www.sunnysports.com/prod/SDSTML2.html?ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=SDSTML2
MSR and Moss used to make a parabolic cut tarps which worked well for a tentless experience. Check out the parawing. Lighter than any tent.
Stuff sacks, 3mm para cord, headlamp (Zebralight, Petzl, Black Diamond, Fenix are top shelf) and backup light, spare batteries (lithiums are lighter and last longer), trowel for burying your shit, water filter (Katadyn is the best IMHO), 2 water bottles. I could go on.
On the poisonous/venemous front, be prepared for eastern diamondbacks, timber rattlers and copperheads. Dont forget about bees, wasps, hornets as well. When I did the AT, a buddy of mine picked up an antler on the trail which was next to a nest of ground hornets. We all got stung. Me about 10x in the legs. Ran away from the fuckers and worked the venom through my system so much my head swelled up like a pumpkin. My buddies though I was going to die. An hour later, I was cool, though. Take some benadryl for general allergic reactions, or an epi-pen if you are allergic to bees.
Bears aren't as much of a problem in the WV/VA area as they are in the Smokies, but dont discount them. We had bears in/near our camp probably half our nights in the park.
Dont forget a burn ointment or Aloe Vera for your first aid kit.
And the number one rule. Take care of your feet.
Nice list, sgt.
Good thing about rattlers is they're skeerd. Copperheads aren't.
Good thing about rattlers is they're skeerd. Copperheads aren't.
Agreed. The rattlers will at least warn you before they strike.
A funny story about that trip.
Our first night on the AT was spent in a shelter north of Fontana. We didn't have a reservation. Arrived there about 4:30 and were the first people there. It looked plenty big, so we set up out shit inside and out. About an hour later, a boy scout troop arrives with about 10 scouts and 3 leaders. Getting kinda crowded, but it's getting late and were cooking so we decide to stay and keep our mouths shut about the lack of a reservations. While we're cooking, another group of 4 guys arrives who seem cool. There's not enough room in the shelter for all 4, so they decide to pitch a tent outside. No harm, No Foul.
After dinner, the scouts do their thing and are off to bed by 10. My 3 buddies and the 4 other guys get to partying, sipping some whiskey and passing around a couple of bowls. My buddy breaks out some hash, and the other 4 are amazed. We proceed to get our smoke and drink on a bit more before bed. We decide to hit the shelter, and right before we walk in, one of the 4 guys says way too loud, "Thanks for the hash, guys". As we walk in the shelter, we get the shittiest look you ever saw from one of the scout leaders who heard the comment.
Next morning, we get up around 5:30, make some quick grub and boogie before the bad karma awoke.
Man, you guys did good. No telling what a cell phone can get you into these days, especially with cross scout-masters.
Back in 1991, he would have to have been sporting a 6 pound Motorola bag phone. No bad juju there, but we didn't want to come across a ranger in his presence.
Some scout leaders are cool and all, but I know some who take it way too serious. My son did boy scouts for 2 years before he jumped ship. I enjoyed the activities and helping the boys, but the rules for leaders and the hoops they have to jump through is a PITA.
Some scout leaders are cool and all, but I know some who take it way too serious. My son did boy scouts for 2 years before he jumped ship. I enjoyed the activities and helping the boys, but the rules for leaders and the hoops they have to jump through is a PITA.
he coulda saved it with, "thats my favorite way to eat corned beef and potatoes"
Yeah, lol.
That was great hash... a little salty but still great.
That was great hash... a little salty but still great.
How is the Hike Professor?
thats when you go oh sorry bro i forgot you own the forest! next time well ask your permission! or punch the dude in the face. i always bring extra booze weed and food when i trek, trail magic doesnt just spring out of the ground!
this august ill be hiking sobo from the top of massachusetts to the ct border over two weeks. starting around august 20th. hope i see some of you out there! prbly gunna thru hike nobo next year, plan is to bring an ounce of hash and a pound of nugs haha. hope it lasts the whole way!
never have hiked the AT, but know for fact the stretch through northest tennessee (Carter, Johnson, Unicoi in particular) has historically had the worst crime rate per mile of trail than any other section. we use it accessing remote hunting areas in Cherokee Nat'l Forest, & nearly every year meet folks that make me happy that i am armed.
