On 2003-01-20 07:58, avanutria wrote:
I haven’t figured out the weight of my stuff yet but I’m guessing/aiming for around 40 pounds.
As far as a pack goes, I’m looking for an internal frame with a sleeping bag compartment, and preferably one with a detachable day- or hip-pack.
Lose the weight. For the city travel I go with about 25 pounds, and wish I could get it down lower (and I’m 6’2", 225 lbs.). Try to have the lowest weight shoes for your purpose - it’s tough just picking up your feet. Add any special purpose camping gear only on the portion of your trip where you plan to be camping - either do with a minimu, or ship it to your starting off point for that portion.
-Two essential qualities for good packs and good boots: Good fit and good construction. Both boot and pack should feel positively good, rather than
just presenting minimal discomfort. A good choice for footwear will have sufficient support but not be so stiff that you dread using them all day.
-I’ve had good success with Gregory packs, but they’re oriented to mountaineering,
and may be overkill for B & B hiking or occasional campouts. Many good types and brands are available, either from REI or specialty shops here in Seattle. The advice on layering is right on target, particularly with layers of synthetic or wool garments, both of which will still keep you warm (to a degree) if wet from rain or perspiration. Cotton is fine for casual comfort in good weather only, but can give you hypothermia easily if used for insulation in wet or chilly weather, conditions unavoidable if doing much Irish walking. My cutie-pie
is a forester for the state of Washington, spends three days a week on foot
in mountain forests, and prefers wool socks and garments over anything else, except for windbreakers or rain shells.
The jury is still out on Gore-Tex versus coated nylon rainwear.
Gore-Tex and other laminates are pretty nice, but one fears to abuse them, and
abuse-ability is desireable for outdoor wear. High-altitude climbing veterans I’ve met differ considerably as to whats best-some use the latest techno-garments and some use the cheapest gear imaginable-all, however, having chosen
gear based on specific criteria i.e. insulating ability, windproofness, waterproofness, weight, strength, breathability and so on. Choose wisely,
and don’t scorn something like wool-it wears like iron and has much to recommend it. Surplus Canadian Postal
Service wool trousers, German army wool pants and Austrian infantry wool knickers can sometimes be found in outdoor shops cheaply, and modified if necessary. -Good Luck!
On 2003-01-20 08:14, avanutria wrote:
Are those good enough for constant rain?
Yes if you hike (no if you’re on a motorcycle, though cando for the pillionb…).
Also do consider one of these light nylon ponchos for rain : they can protect your backpack as well, they keep your warm inside.
Some are modelled after the army’s convertible “tent-ponchos”, but much lighter (wtareproof nylon instead of the old rubberized cotton macintosh stuff). Depending how you button them, lengthwise/sidewise or one to an other, you can :
assemble two to make a tent
wrap one around a sleeping bag to make it rain or dew-tight
just lay it down as a square floor mat
and of course, use it as a poncho protecting you from head to knees.
I agree with Kevin; 40 pounds is too much weight to carry around. You don’t need to bring all your whistles, you know!
My first wilderness hiking attempt was in northern Norway. My backpack was about 55 pounds - and it was way too much for comfort. On another trip, this time to Scotland, I managed to get the starting weight down to about 40 pounds (less as the trip went on and we ate more of the food). This was acceptable to me, but then again I’m 6’3"…
I also agree with all the common sense advice you’ve been given regarding clothing. Layers, wind/waterproof, wool for insulation, no cotton.
40 lbs is twice what you want to carry if you don’t wish to turn your journey into a calvary.
You should enjoy your hiking, and keep agile and mobile. I mean by this being able to cross a brook dry-footed by jumping from stone to stone, and not being forced by the overweight to cross through the water even if it’s shallow. This is just one example.
If you do need to bring all your whistles + bodhrán with you, rent a mule or donkey… It’s fun too…
A touring bicycle is quite an interesting alternative, but it does take practice, and investing in a good touring bike (MTB with panniers).
Don’t worry, I’m not bringing that much. Like (I think) I said, I haven’t weighed everything yet, and 40lbs is a maximum limit. I want to be able to carry that much on later, different trips too, if necessary, and have the pack to handle it.
Well, now that I know of some more brands that are “good”, maybe I’ll wander downtown again this weekend and see what can be seen. Thanks guys - please feel free to keep the advice coming!
(I know how C&Fers HATE to voice their opinions! )
On 2003-01-21 09:12, avanutria wrote:
I know how C&Fers HATE to voice their opinions! >
Ok, pardner. Go on wink, wink.
But you’ll be sorry when you’ll have to sell back this expensive equipment at half-price–…ramble…–cutie darling–…ramble…–when you didn’t listen to people who carried more hig-end backpacks and rücksacks (that’s the 8-hole versions) and in tougher neighborhoods than you can dream of… ramble… sulk …)
[ This Message was edited by: Zubivka on 2003-01-21 09:26 ]
On 2003-01-21 09:12, avanutria wrote:
Don’t worry, I’m not bringing that much. Like (I think) I said, I haven’t weighed everything yet, and 40lbs is a maximum limit.
Weight each item (postal scale helps for ounces) and list them in a spreadsheet. This will give you some idea of total weight, and allow you to evaluate some decisions regarding cost/weight. Also, the smaller the pack overall, the more likely you can carry it on public transport (buses, etc.).
I second gitchel’s suggestion. Some don’t like the extra weight but I don’t hike without mine. They are useful so many different ways but #1, for me anyway is how much they ease the stress on legs and joints.
Hey gitchel, what part of Iowa? I’m in Clarinda in the far southwest corner.
I’ll only bring a Leki if someone makes a whistle/flute out of it first
I am bringing my second-best laughing, a meg, and will try to get an O’Briain Improved while I’m over there. If I can make another good Hoover-feadog hybrid before I go, I’ll bring that instead of the Meg.
Aren’t you at least tempted to take the Copeland Low D. Think how beautiful it would sound. My theory is that whistles pick up vibrations from their surroundings and then the ambience can travel with you.
jim
[ This Message was edited by: livethe question on 2003-01-23 18:52 ]
Well, it’s been a long time since I lived in the city, but a NY state accent in general I’m sure. And it will definately be noticed in a place like Donegal!
Well, the leki I have collapses down to about the size of a low D whistle - and doesn’t weight much more than that (about 9 oz). I’m just saying: there’s been a few times that an extra leg has made the difference - usually when you least expect it.
Of course, it doesn’t sound that bad to be laid-up with a sprain for a while. LOTS of whistling time.
)
