This weekend is my first backpacking trip. I just checked the weather. The expected low is 41 and the high is 60. There is no chance of rain on Saturday but there is a 10 percent chance for Sunday. If there is any chance of rain, that usually means someone around here is going to get wet. Should I take my Frogg Toggs? They are very lightweight and came with their own stuff sack. There is a hood hidden in the collar. They look like the ones in the pic. I would be very uncomfortable wet, so I believe I'll take them. I won't carry a tarp, though.
I bought some hiking boots. Academy only had one pair of waterproof boots in my size, so I didn't spend a lot of time comparing different styles. If these don't work for me, I'll be searching online. I'll walk a few miles in them tomorrow and Friday. Should I tramp through some puddles to test how waterproof they really are?
I found a polyester sleeping bag liner for six dollars. I'll be taking that with me. I've learned that just because your sleeping bag is rated to 40 degrees doesn't mean it's comfortable at 40 degrees. A liner will give me another ten degrees of warmth. Silk would be better, but much more expensive.
I'm getting excited!
18 comments:
Have a wonderful time backpacking! :)
I'm leaning a lot of outdoorsy stuff from you. Kinda gearing up to take my girls camping this year.
Like, a sleeping bag liner - that's new to me.
Enjoy!
Hi Jen
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(not everyone can post an award - I know - but it's the thought that counts :)
Jen, If you like your feet you will leave the boots at home. This, if as you say your first time to really wear them is today, with new boots you really need to walk the in.
It might be an idea to check the mobilephone coverage for the area you intend to hike.
Love backpacking... do it often in California in the Sierra Mountains.
Have a great weekend!
Cute outfit! Waterproof boots are overrated--for if it rains, the water will often get in. The big key is making sure the boots (especially if all leather) are broken in before you hike. Good luck, let us hear more about it.
@Buckeroomama: Thanks! I intend to.
@Anita: Important tip no one told me...if your tent doesn't have factory taped seams, seal them or you'll get wet if it rains! Have fun with your kids.
@Aion: Thank you! I appreciate it.
@Vince: That's why I was planning to walk several miles...I guess I was hoping for a miraculously short breaking in period. I doubt I'll take them this time.
@Coachdad: I've never been to the Sierra Mountains. I wish I had time to add them to my roadtrip this year. Sometime in the future...
@LL Cool Joe: I will! Thank you!
@sage: Maybe I'll wear them to school a few times. Will they at least keep the puddles from soaking my feet? That's the reason I bought them.
Me and 9 other guys own 160 acres, with a log lodge on it that has 2 baths, sleeps 20, large screen TV, pool table/game room, etc...that's my idea of roughing it these days!
@buffalodick: I like those kind of vacations, too!
I should try backpacking again. Ever since I moved away from my family, I don't do stuff like that anymore. I do hike somewhat two to three times a year and that is really a shame I don't do more of that. I'm in charge of our Girl's going to their annual Camp every year. I guess I should start motivating myself for this summers campout.
May
@Nikia, May and da kids: If it's something you used to enjoy, you should absolutely do it again. An annual campout sounds like fun.
I love the outfit!! Pack exta socks!! Have a great time!!
Have a great time backpacking, I haven't done it in years but it is always an adventure. Dressing in layers is the key to staying comfortable and like gayle said take extra socks. Make sure your boots are broken in before you go. One trick I used was to wear two pairs of socks, it helps to prevent blistering. Pack only what you need, that pack is going to get heavy after a while.
@gayle: I just realized I don't have any tall socks...gotta go shopping...
@SquirrelQueen: My boots are new. They may have to stay home this time.
I hope you feel well enough to still go camping.
@Unknown Mami: I think it's best I don't take this trip. There is another camping trip to Galveston I can do instead.
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