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Scott L
A couple of people and myself are planning one in the next couple of years and were wondering what would the best things to pack for a winter start in Georgia. Plus what would be some things that our families could mail us along the way as the weather begins to get warmer?
Answer
Several months of free time.
Strong legs and good overall health (well, this is not absolutely necessary, but comes in handy...)
Good, comfortable hiking boots - a "must". Also, keep your feet as dry as possible. If your feet are prone to sweating, change your socks more often, and you can reduce sweating by bathing your feet in a borax solution daily for a couple of weeks before the hike and occasionally during it if the sweating comes back. Proper foot care is VITAL on a long hike. Cut your toe nails regularly, and don't let fungal infections get established between your toes. If you stat to get a blister, put a porous bandaid on it as soon as you notice it: don't let blisters grow.
Lightweight tent that is also durable. Best tent bargains are right now - end of season sales!!
Adequate water containers - you should carry at least a couple of liters at all times, and some water purifying tablets in case you get caught in a situation where you have to use them.
A bit of money for use in emergencies - $100 would be just fine.
A good, easily-carried pack: make sure it doesn't cut into your shoulders when fully loaded, and balance it properly for carrying with minimum back problems. Carry your load fairly high on your shoulders: too low is bad for the lower back.
Contact information to carry with you - not just one telephone number, but a couple and email addresses would be a help in some situations.
Rope - to help secure your tent in storms, for use as clothes-lines, etc. Recommend hemp rope, not nylon or polyester. Rope comes in handy in a variety of situations: don't be caught without it!!
Strong but thin twine.
"Emergency kit" - first aid stuff like bandaids, antibiotic ointment, aspirins, triangular bandage etc., and matches in a waterproof container, a few fish hooks and lures..... the ingredients of a good first aid and general survival kit can be found on many websites.
A good general knowledge of edible and medicinal (and poisonous!) plants wouldn't hurt... can come in handy in many situations. For example if you know that jewelweed/"touch me not" is a great antidote for poison ivy, that could save you a lot of itching!! If you know that the common plantain weed is very effective to calm down wasp and bee stings, this could also be very useful, etc.
A "tin can stove": something you can light a little contained fire in when the woods are dry, will come in useful in a variety of situations.
Maps: the trail is well marked, but if you ever get off it somehow, or like to know precisely where you are, a map is really useful!!
Couple of changes of clothing: staying dry is necessary for good sleep and good health.
Rain clothing is a "must"!! It can be very light weight but make sure it is strong and durable.
A few camp cooking things and dishes.
Food to last a few days should be carried: dried food is best. Cans are heavy.
Sun screen, and if you are sensitive, bug repellent (but if you completely ignore bug bites, they go away very quickly).
Be sure to check your body for ticks at the end of each day - if discovered on the same day, hardly ever transmit parasites.
Wear a hat - and a good walking stick will come in handy in a variety of situations.
Several months of free time.
Strong legs and good overall health (well, this is not absolutely necessary, but comes in handy...)
Good, comfortable hiking boots - a "must". Also, keep your feet as dry as possible. If your feet are prone to sweating, change your socks more often, and you can reduce sweating by bathing your feet in a borax solution daily for a couple of weeks before the hike and occasionally during it if the sweating comes back. Proper foot care is VITAL on a long hike. Cut your toe nails regularly, and don't let fungal infections get established between your toes. If you stat to get a blister, put a porous bandaid on it as soon as you notice it: don't let blisters grow.
Lightweight tent that is also durable. Best tent bargains are right now - end of season sales!!
Adequate water containers - you should carry at least a couple of liters at all times, and some water purifying tablets in case you get caught in a situation where you have to use them.
A bit of money for use in emergencies - $100 would be just fine.
A good, easily-carried pack: make sure it doesn't cut into your shoulders when fully loaded, and balance it properly for carrying with minimum back problems. Carry your load fairly high on your shoulders: too low is bad for the lower back.
Contact information to carry with you - not just one telephone number, but a couple and email addresses would be a help in some situations.
Rope - to help secure your tent in storms, for use as clothes-lines, etc. Recommend hemp rope, not nylon or polyester. Rope comes in handy in a variety of situations: don't be caught without it!!
Strong but thin twine.
"Emergency kit" - first aid stuff like bandaids, antibiotic ointment, aspirins, triangular bandage etc., and matches in a waterproof container, a few fish hooks and lures..... the ingredients of a good first aid and general survival kit can be found on many websites.
A good general knowledge of edible and medicinal (and poisonous!) plants wouldn't hurt... can come in handy in many situations. For example if you know that jewelweed/"touch me not" is a great antidote for poison ivy, that could save you a lot of itching!! If you know that the common plantain weed is very effective to calm down wasp and bee stings, this could also be very useful, etc.
A "tin can stove": something you can light a little contained fire in when the woods are dry, will come in useful in a variety of situations.
Maps: the trail is well marked, but if you ever get off it somehow, or like to know precisely where you are, a map is really useful!!
Couple of changes of clothing: staying dry is necessary for good sleep and good health.
Rain clothing is a "must"!! It can be very light weight but make sure it is strong and durable.
A few camp cooking things and dishes.
Food to last a few days should be carried: dried food is best. Cans are heavy.
Sun screen, and if you are sensitive, bug repellent (but if you completely ignore bug bites, they go away very quickly).
Be sure to check your body for ticks at the end of each day - if discovered on the same day, hardly ever transmit parasites.
Wear a hat - and a good walking stick will come in handy in a variety of situations.
Cheap camping equipment, where can I find some?
LC
I'd like to take my family of six camping this summer but we have no equipment whatsoever, does anyone know where I could find some reasonably priced, even used camping equipment online or in the detroit metro area?
Answer
I have to agree with all the "yard sale" suggestions, you can get some great buys at them.
If you do decide to purchase a used tent, insist that it be set up before paying for it! Be certain that all of the poles, stakes,and rain fly are there. Check it over very carefully for rips, tears and any defective zippers.
If you go with a new tent, please stay away from "store brands" it at all possible. Most are not bad for the occasional camper but, if you plan on camping quite often, buy a well know brand even if you have to buy a discontinued model. (Older models mean markdowns which mean bargin for the shopper!)
I would never consider buying a used sleeping bag! Store brand sleeping bags start around the $15 mark and are adequate for summer camping on a budget.
Used propane stoves can be found at yard sales, at times. Have the owner show you how it works and that it does indeed work properly. To save a few $$, you could consider cooking over a campfire or hot coals. It is a romantic and rustic notion but it is dirty, time consuming and frustrating at times. Better to stick with a stove for your first camping trip with the family so that all goes smoothly and they will want to do it again!
Coolers can also be located at yard sales, just check to be certain the drain plug is not missing or broken, along with handles and hinges.
Cookware can be simply your older pots and pans from how. Same goes with flashlights for night time trips to the bathhouse.
If you are not positive your family will enjoy camping, have you considered renting some of the gear instead of purchasing? There are two REI stores in the Detroit area that rent tents, stoves, sleeping bags and pads. No idea of the cost but may be something you would want to consider and check into.
I have to agree with all the "yard sale" suggestions, you can get some great buys at them.
If you do decide to purchase a used tent, insist that it be set up before paying for it! Be certain that all of the poles, stakes,and rain fly are there. Check it over very carefully for rips, tears and any defective zippers.
If you go with a new tent, please stay away from "store brands" it at all possible. Most are not bad for the occasional camper but, if you plan on camping quite often, buy a well know brand even if you have to buy a discontinued model. (Older models mean markdowns which mean bargin for the shopper!)
I would never consider buying a used sleeping bag! Store brand sleeping bags start around the $15 mark and are adequate for summer camping on a budget.
Used propane stoves can be found at yard sales, at times. Have the owner show you how it works and that it does indeed work properly. To save a few $$, you could consider cooking over a campfire or hot coals. It is a romantic and rustic notion but it is dirty, time consuming and frustrating at times. Better to stick with a stove for your first camping trip with the family so that all goes smoothly and they will want to do it again!
Coolers can also be located at yard sales, just check to be certain the drain plug is not missing or broken, along with handles and hinges.
Cookware can be simply your older pots and pans from how. Same goes with flashlights for night time trips to the bathhouse.
If you are not positive your family will enjoy camping, have you considered renting some of the gear instead of purchasing? There are two REI stores in the Detroit area that rent tents, stoves, sleeping bags and pads. No idea of the cost but may be something you would want to consider and check into.
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