Top products from r/WildernessBackpacking

https://www.rei.com/product/127720/rei-co-op-backpacking-bundle

That's a pretty good deal for what you get. Note that the sleeping pad is not an optional item. You need insulation from the ground. You'll also need a pack, and on a budget I would recommend the REI Coop Flash 55. REI has a reputation for being expensive, but the REI brand stuff tends to be pretty good value.

You can also keep an eye on used gear on Craigslist. It's not uncommon to find used gear in good condition for 50% off retail. Good brands to look out for are Osprey for packs, Big Agnes for tents, Western Mountaineering/Feathered Friends for bags (tons of brands here), and Thermarest for pads. There are way more good brands (e.g. NEMO), but those are the big ones known for high quality.

Beyond those four things, you will need:

• Cook set: Stove and a pot. The MSR Pocket Rocket is great, but if you're really strapped for cash you can make a DIY alcohol stove out of a beer can (I really don't recommend it). This is a really popular pot for backpacking on the cheap. For utensils, grab a plastic spork from Taco Bell or something. Knorr pasta sides + spam singles are a great cheap backpacking dinner. You can also ignore all of this and just eat cold food.
  
• Water filter: Sawyer Squeeze. Watch some youtube videos on how to use it.
  
• Headlamp: Black Diamond is the main brand here. Just get the cheapest one you can find, or skip it and bring the lightest flashlight you own.
  
• First aid kit: Don't buy a premade one. You need ibuprofen, benadryl (doubles as a sleep aid), anti-diarrhea (not necessary but when you need it you really need it), assorted bandaids, strong tape, gauze, and neosporin.
  
• Water storage: 1L Smartwater bottles (or any brand of 1L plastic bottles, but Smartwater is the classic backpacker choice for their superior durability). Necessary capacity depends on where you're going, but at least 2L.
  
• Rain gear: Frogg Toggs
  
• Insulating layer: You probably own a fleece or puffy already, so bring that.
  
• Miscellaneous: Hand sanitizer, toilet paper, bug spray
  
  I probably forgot something but that should cover it.

Just as important, or more, than backpack, tent, bag, & pad are your boots & socks. Your carrying yourself and all that weight in them!

Get good hiking socks from your local Outdoors shop. At least two pair of thick and two pair of thin. They should be "wicking" socks that take the moisture away from your feet. Wear the thin set inside the thick set. Put on the dry pair of thin socks at night to keep you warm. Never go to sleep in your bag with wet clothes, whether from falling into the stream or just sweating during the day, especially wet socks, if you can help it. (That's why you should always bring a set of extra clothes). But you may also want to bring a pair of socks just for sleeping.

When you shop for boots, get a good brand (e.g. Merrell or better) and don't skimp on price. These will last for years. Buy cheap and you'll be getting a new pair in just a couple of years. Shop at the end of the day when your feet are swollen and put on your two pair of hiking socks. Try several pair. Walk around the store a few times to really get a good feel for how those boots fit your feet. You don't want your toes to touch the front of the boot. EVER. unless you like yanking toe nails off your big toe. So walk fast or even run and then stop fast and try to jam those toes forward. If they touch, go up in size or find a boot with a bigger toe box. Your heel shouldn't slide forward when you're doing this.

For the stove, get one of these [cheap guys from China] (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ultralight-Outdoor-Backpacking-Canister-Foldable-Mini-Camping-Stove-Gas-Burner-/252013224278?hash=item3aad28a156:g:kygAAOxyIv5TkRfF). Heck, get two in case you lose one! They work jsut as well as the name brands, have a little piezo lighter so you don't need to light it with a lighter or match, and they are SO much cheaper!

For a cook kit, you can start with the [Stanley Adventure Camp Cook Set] (http://www.amazon.com/Stanley-Adventure-Camp-Stainless-Steel/dp/B005188T90/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1458828657&sr=8-1&keywords=stanley+adventure+cook+kit). I bought mine at Walmart for $15. Get this - take out one of the plastic mugs and you can fit both the little stove AND small fuel canister into it! And the [standard GSI mug] (http://www.amazon.com/GSI-Outdoors-Glacier-Stainless-Bottle/dp/B001LF3IB6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1458828752&sr=8-2&keywords=gsi+mug) fits right over the bottom of it, AND the lid to the Stanley set is a perfect fit onto the GSI mug. I bought a knockoff at Walmart for $5.00.

As for the sleeping bag, some will recommend down because it's lighter for the same warmth rating compared to synthetic and compress for packing better than synthetic, but I will recommend synthetic because it's cheaper and down is useless if it gets wet. I have a 3lb synthetic bag that is rated at 15 deg. I sleep in a hammock and a like the synthetic bags better because they are thicker so wind doesn't rip right through them as it does for really light bags.

The "waffled" Closed Cell Foam (CCF) pad at Walmart, while not the most comfortable, will get you started. It's cheap and light and will do well enough. You can also pile leaves under the tent for extra padding.

Don't forget a groundcloth/footprint that goes under the tent! It acts as a moisture barrier and prevents damage to the bottom of the tent. The woven polyethylene (typically blue) are really heavy, so I'd recommend a thick sheet of plastic instead. It should fit completely under the tent so it doesn't catch rain and funnel it under the floor of the tent.

If you have a Big 5 near you, that's a great place to get some good gear for cheap. REI & Cabella's get kind of expensive.

Packrafts from Supai Adventure Gear are pretty commonly used by people crossing the Colorado river inside the Grand Canyon. They are cheaper and lighter (but less capable in whitewater & less durable) than Alpacka rafts, and should work fine if the place where you cross the river is calm. You'll need some cheap paddles too, of course.

For a cheaper but heavy option, I have heard of people using inflatable boats by Sevylor, like this one. The advertised weight on Amazon is ~7 pounds, compared to ~1.5-2 pounds for the Supai rafts, but they also cost a lot less.

If it were me, I think I'd make my decision based on how much other weight I needed to carry. If you're already going to have heavy packs, maybe it's worth the money to get a much lighter and more packable raft...I own the Supai Matkat raft and personally think it's pretty perfect for things like you want to do, but it's definitely not cheap.

We actually went in late March, but Utah had a much colder winter/early spring last year. It got to the upper thirties overnight, and all three hammockers used sleeping bags and inflatable pads for warmth. I personally used a 0-degree Teton Leef bag and insulated Klymit Static V, and slept in thermals, fleece, down vest, and a beanie. I like to sleep warm, haha.

I'm confident enough about the trees that if I had a permit for #5 right now, going just off what I remember, I'd bring a hammock and maybe a bivy sack just in case. I'm like 90% sure it'd be fine. The campsites are beaten down enough that going to ground wouldn't be super difficult anyway. Note, though, that the trees in #4 are pretty low and bendy, so don't be surprised if you wake up on the ground anyway.

BTW I found a blog of someone that camped at #5 but the only picture that says it was taken from the campsite was this one.

edit: you HAVE to go see Kolob Arch; it's amazing.

For a complete beginner I usually recommend you pick up a book. There's so much information that it's hard to get anything from Reddit replies.
The top 3
The Ultimate Hikers Guide

The Backpackers Field Manual

The Complete Walker IV

The first one is probably the most easily digestible. The 3rd is my favorite but that's just because I enjoy the writing style.
I'd suggest grab one or more of those books and start getting an understanding of all the gear. You could start with some easy overnight trip. A quick overnight on the PCT is easily accomplished from Portland.

Also if you're in Portland, head over to the REI in the Pearl district. The have all the Portland Green Trails maps. They are the greatest maps around IMO.

I just came to say this. You're blessed to be in some of the best backpacking country in the USA, but you will have to carry a canister most of the time. If you're just planning to do 2-5 day hikes you can get away with the small canister.


I agree that you don't need to start with a top of the line pack, but quality matters when backpacking. I started with a GG Latitude Stratus. It was awesome but heavy. Moved on to a GoLite Pursuit and now finally I'm at ULA Ohm


If I were in your space I'd start with something in the size, cost and weight category of the Golite. It was a great pack and last me about 6 years of heavy use and finally died on my JMT thru in 2013. Big enough for week long, no resupply trips but light enough so I could start really fine tuning my kit. No matter what anyone tells you the thing that helped me enjoy my hikes more was dropping weight from my pike. Now I'm between 7 and 10 lbs base weight and usually 10-13 lbs skin-out weight. 20 mile days don't bother me and it allows me to make the most of a weekend backpacking trip.


Good luck!

This is my favorite place to go. So beautiful and secluded.

The 2 best spots in the area are the hangover and Stratton bald. Do not plan on camping at naked ground as tempting as it may be.

Get Tim Homan's book on the area, and design your own loop that includes the hangover, Stratton bald, and the slick rock creek. There are so many intersecting trails that planning a hike there is as easy as can be. http://www.amazon.com/Hiking-Trails-Kilmer-Slickrock-Citico-Wildernesses/dp/156145415X

I always park at big fat gap, there is a campsite that continues straight into the woods where the road would go if it kept going, so if you wanted to head up there, on Friday and start hiking early Saturday you could do that.

A few things to remember about slickrock though.

It is a wilderness area, the trails aren't really maintained to the level you're used to in other areas, and the lesser used trails can get hard to follow, but pay attention and you'll be fine.

Also it is a common area for hunters, and is covered with them during hunting season, you usually won't see any that far from the trailhead though but you will see their dogs.

Most of the hunting dogs are beagle and Black and Tan mixes, but during hog season you'll see pit bulls. Either way don't bring a dog hiking with you to slickrock. The pit bulls will likely kill him and he might follow the deer dogs into the woods.

Be respectful of the dogs. They have a job to do, I know they're cute and friendly (especially the hounds) but avoid petting them because it throws them off their game. Sometimes they will start following you. If this happens just yell GO ON like it's one word and they will in fact go on.

Don't let any of this scare you off this awesome area.

Oh and if your car is fun to drive check out the Tail of the Dragon (us129 north of deals gap) and the chelohora skyway, two of the best driving roads in the entire country.

the bible

Your mileage may vary with that.

Perhaps a better option, I've always liked the idea of hanging topo-maps on my walls when they aren't in use, just never got around to buying an actual map (so much more convenient to print it from caltopo).

Most of the stuff you mentioned will depend on the hiker's personality and what they like - I don't have a use for keychains - even if they are cool, they will end up in a drawer and I won't feel bad about that. On the other hand, I would adore a book thats simply pictures of various trails around my area, doesn't even have to have words (though a rough idea of the area they were taken at sure helps for when I see those amazing views and want to go inspect up close). Still, my hiking buddy is the exact opposite.

^^You ^^seriously ^^can ^^never ^^go ^^wrong ^^with ^^park ^^passes ^^though

I'm going to post a link to my gear that I have. Everything in the picture is about $800 total

https://www.reddit.com/r/CampingGear/comments/arck5m/2019_gear/

Definitely shop around for sales. The Gregory backpack in my post, I was able to find it for $130 online and then they had a first time 20% discount that I applied, ended up getting it for $106 after S&H. That was with Campmor.com.

You definitely don't need to spend a lot on a water filter system. Most people here and in r/ultralight will swear by the Sawyer Squeeze. It's about $30, not really going to find it cheaper elsewhere unfortunately, trust me I tried. Tablets would probably work just fine to be honest, especially in the Smokey's. I did an Outward Bound 14 day backpacking trip in Pisgah which is next door to it and we only used iodine.

My sleeping bag in my post, normal MSRP was $340. I got it for $170 at an REI garage sale in Dacemeber. Saved a lot of money there.

For a sleeping pad, really depends on if you're a side sleeper or not. If you sleep on your side, you do not want to get a closed cell foam pad, which is that one's you mentioned earlier about people using them down to their butts. Personally I have the REI Flash insulated and it's comfortable and not too expensive. Another popular pad here and on r/ultralight is the Klymit Static-V insulated which is about $90.

For trekking poles, personally I would absolutely invest in a pair. Especially in the Smokey's, the terrain isn't always forgiving when you're carrying a larger backpack and they'll help with any stream crossings. The one's I have are these. Very cheap, but very durable. Definitely no need to buy $100+ poles.

Definitely keep shopping around though if you find something you like.

If you're willing to invest in it, Colin Fletcher's The Complete Walker is pretty much the bible of how to hike and backpack. Just about anything you would need to know is contained within its pages.

As you get started with day hikes, the most important thing to keep in mind as you plan what to bring is the 10 Essentials. This list comprises everything that everyone should be carrying on them at all times in the backcountry to stay safe and comfortable.

Good luck!

the model you linked is not only super heavy, but I doubt would get you near comfortable. you will also need to pair either bag with matching r value ground insulation. for instance a pad like this
https://www.amazon.ca/KLYMIT-Insulated-Static-Camping-Orange/dp/B00ANRW7DI/ref=sr_1_1?s=sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1494229667&sr=1-1&keywords=klymit+insulated+static+v THis is a huge mistake many people make. The ground insulation is paramount.

The model below is a better option.

https://www.amazon.ca/Sports-TrailHead-Ultralight-Sleeping-Orange/dp/B007JTLKCC/ref=sr_1_1?s=sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1494229515&sr=1-1&keywords=teton+sleeping+bag

It's also better to NOT compress your bag. Line your pack with a trash compactor bag, push the sleeping bag into the bottom of your pack. Not in a stuff sack.

https://youtu.be/J1UZvwPnA_o

Olicamp mug/pot $12, 4oz weight, 20oz capacity

BRS 3000T Burner $15, 25g. It really is an amazing little micro stove.

Jetboil Flash LID This lid fits the Olicamp mug/pot perfectly! $6, plus shipping. About 1oz

A 100g canister fits perfectly inside, plus the BRS and a bic. The jetboil lid fits securely and keeps everything together.

Ditch the canteen.. carry your water in 1L and/or 750ml smartwater/lifewater bottles. Seriously. It’s durable, and weighs significantly less.

IDK What sort of weather you'll be camping/hiking in, but this is a pretty basic list of gear that I would take if I were on a budget:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006JYHI24/?tag=ultrastuff-20

http://www.amazon.com/Suisse-Sport-Adventurer-Ultra-Compactable-Sleeping/dp/B001TR7QZA/ref=sr_1_3?m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1408072994&sr=1-3&keywords=ultralight

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FB7XYXM/?tag=ultrastuff-20

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002COCF3M/?tag=ultrastuff-20

That's a bag, tarp, hammock and sleeping bag. They all have great ratings and should get you through just about anything.

Me, personally, I carry my hammock, a wool blanket and my tarp from http://www.bushcraftoutfitters.com/ ( http://www.bushcraftoutfitters.com/Coyote-Tarp-10x10-tarp-10x10-coyote.htm ) in my army surplus bag. I also carry my stainless steel pot and cup, cordage, zip ties, leather gloves, folding saw, axe and knife with me when I'm out in the woods. I have a "space blanket" too.

My pack could be lighter for sure, but everything I have serves a purpose.

Whenever you decided you want to get into campinp/hiking/bushcraft/whatever, decided what you really need/want to have with you. Don't just jam random "camping" supplies in your bag. Take your time, research and pack carefully. Your back will thank you.

Freedom of the Hills is a good resource. Also r/Mountaineering. I'm not familiar with your area, I could point you to some good first peaks in Washington. But I'd recommend seeing if there is a mountaineering club around you that hosts classes and group climbs, and then use it to make some friends to hike with, and figure out where some good beginner snowfields and glaciers are. Get an ice axe and crampons and learn how to use them, and practice self arrests on a safe snowfield.

These are a little spendy but are actually purpose built. Honestly though, having gone down this road a number of times I would suggest sticking to an aluminum or titanium cook pot to boil your water in and use your favorite over the counter bottled water brand bottle of choice. I personally like Smart Water brand. They're stupid durable, available in a variety of shapes and sizes. When you're done with your camping trip just throw it away and get another one next time.

I bought a small digital scale for cooking - for weighing out recipe ingredients to the gram.

Then I started using it to weigh every piece of gear I own and take. The theory follows Colin Fletcher's maxim in his work The Complete Walker: 'take care of the ounces and the pounds will take care of themselves'.

I found, for example, that my 'lightweight' plastic fork is heavier than the titanium one that I was not using (for, being metal, it should be heavier, though this was not in fact true).

If I were you, I would weigh everything in this picture and see if I could find replacements that are lighter but are still functionally equivalent.

For example, your coffee filter - pretty big chunk of plastic (and it requires a finite supply of paper filters); how many grams is it? And is it lighter than this one? I bet, with careful research, you could reduce the weight of your filter by 50%.

Sit on a log or a rock? I carry a <1oz piece of foam as a sit pad. But I wouldn't bring a book because it's heavy and nature is amazing all by itself. (that's just me though)

I usually bring a hammock rather than sleep on the ground, so since I already have that along it's great for lounging. r/hammockcamping

I drink coffee/mixed drink (whisky and water) straight out of my 2.5oz aluminum cook pot/mug: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004444XMY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_lyYNzbQEFTK4N

Bringing a second container is redundant weight.

I ended up using and keeping:

Hammock Bliss No-See-Um No More - The Ultimate Bug Free Camping Hammock - 100" / 250 cm Rope Per Side Included - Fully Reversible - Ideal Hammock Tent For Camping, Backpacking, Kayaking & Travel https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002COCF3M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_FyoZBbZ7WENFZ

https://sectionhiker.com/best-backpacking-cook-pots-how-to-choose/ - that explains the different materials used in pots


If I were you, I'd rethink some things. Do you really need a cooler to go backpacking (no)? Why would you rather cook over an open flame than on a controllable (and light 25grams and cheap $15) stove? https://www.amazon.com/BRS-Outdoor-Camping-Portable-Ultralight/dp/B00NNMF70U/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1543415965&sr=8-2&keywords=bsr+stove


For me, backpacking is about minimalization in every aspect which greatly helps minimize weight which helps me maximize fun.

Definitely pick up a copy of Freedom of the Hills.

While this isn't a book I recommend you carry around on a backpacking trip, it is an amazing reference for anyone that backpacks, climbs, or mountaineers.

Cheers.

This is probably where I would start if I wanted a book

https://www.amazon.com/Trail-Tested-Thru-Hikers-Ultralight-Backpacking/dp/076278783X

Lots of great info in here:

https://andrewskurka.com/section/how-to/skills

This is basically the dictionary/reference for anything outdoors

https://www.amazon.com/Mountaineering-Freedom-Hills-8th-Mountaineers/dp/1594851387

Lots of great content on youtube and vimeo, but a lot of it is opinion based

https://vimeo.com/sierradesigns Look for the SD Live talks

Good stuff on reddit too

https://www.reddit.com/r/CampingandHiking/wiki/index/literature_and_resources

Durability and insulation - R-value. A pad with little or no insulation is going to sap the life right out of you. If you're usually out in hot weather, then it doesn't really matter. You for the most part get what you pay for, but if what you have is floating yer boat then it's all good.

I like my Klymit Static V insulated. Packs small, reasonably lite, and keeps me warm.

I think visiting a city of over 1M people is far more dangerous than strolling a trail and watching sunsets over lakes.

If you’ve hiked and camped already, then you are 2/3rds a backpacker already.

I say just go for an short overnight, with a friend or alone. Try it. You really don’t need anything special to start.

The best backpacking advice & gear I can recommend is just one $10 book - https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Hikers-Gear-Guide-Second/dp/1426217846/

My personal recommendation, especially if you are in only OKAY shape, take them (two of them) even if you were going with 0 pounds of gear. They are worth it on your knees alone, and can help your pace. You dont have to spend much. But if i had to recommend one set it would be these.https://www.amazon.com/Cascade-Mountain-Tech-Carbon-Trekking/dp/B00XM0YGW8/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1485792994&sr=1-1&keywords=mountain+tech+trekking+poles+cork

Bought the physical map on Amazon and scanned it. Great Smoky Mountains National Park (National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map) https://www.amazon.com/dp/1566953014/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_sBYKyb1ABXKWY

I learned too late to save me any money but if I knew then, or if the one thing I wish I'd known; go UL (ultra light). The lighter and smaller your kit the more places you can go. My current set up can be put into a backpack and making ten or twenty miles a day on trail. Put into water proof stuff sacks and strapped to my mountain bike or slid into the cargo holds of my kayak. Add my fly fishing kit and throw it all in my Jeep.

If this sounds good then I would read Andy Skurka's gear book.

Sawyer makes a good Permethrin spray treat.

Sawyer Premium Odorless Permethrin Insect Repellent Trigger Spray, 24-Ounce https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001ANQVYU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fyZlxbXRERY9W

$5 at Walmart, or my local grocery store (C-Town). $8 on amazon.

Another option that people love is the Imuza. Comes in 10CM and 12CM widths.

First, yer gonna die. I say this only partially in jest, because your question indicates you haven't done the initial research on your own, and I can make a fairly good guess at how the story will play out, particularly if you were to attempt it this late in the year.

Now that that's out of the way, I suggest you start with these two books:

• Lighten Up!: A Complete Handbook For Light And Ultralight Backpacking
  
• The Ultimate Hiker's Gear Guide by Andrew Skurka
  
  You'll also need to learn how to use a map with both compass and GPS. (That link is just to get you started.)
  
  As others say, you need to do smaller trips at the very least to know what you can carry and how much elevation and distance you can cover in a day. If you don't know that, you can't budget your food and fuel, and so you'll fail. You also need to test all your gear beforehand. Oh, and leave a note with someone.
  
  

Did you know Amazon will donate a portion of every purchase if you shop by going to smile.amazon.com instead? Over $50,000,000 has been raised for charity - all you need to do is change the URL!

Here are your smile-ified links:

this

---

^^i'm ^^a ^^friendly bot

The three stoves below have worked great for me.

My current favorite is the BRS top-of-canister stove:
https://www.amazon.com/BRS-Outdoor-Camping-Portable-Ultralight/dp/B00NNMF70U. Extremely light, seems sturdy enough.

For a more substantial remote canister stove I use the FireMaple FMS 117t: https://www.amazon.com/FMS-117T-Titanium-Outdoor-Camping-Equipment/dp/B00UX07EQU.

I also use alcohol stoves, Trail Designs Caldera Cone: https://www.traildesigns.com/products/caldera-cone-system

I have many other stoves, I turn them on once in a while for nostalgia sake or use them car/kayak camping. I used a Svea for decades (fantastic stove, but too heavy now), also my MSR Expedition stove for winter. I use my Optimus 111B when I need a blowtorch to heat really large pots (e.g. boiling a dozen ears of corn). I could go on and on...

Skurka's 2nd edition book is excellent.

https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Hikers-Gear-Guide-Second/dp/1426217846/ref=dp_ob_title_sports

This book by long distance backpacker Andrew Skurka is quite useful. Anybody can pick it up and read it. He's all about taking only what you need via thorough preparation before your trip, but he isn't "stupid light" nor elitist about gear.

Anyone have any luck with these? I've been working in the woods a a lot this spring and though I havn't got a tick yet, some of the guys I've worked with have. http://www.amazon.com/Tick-Key-Products-TickKey-Remover/dp/B000R1D3KQ

Monoprice Titanium Stove 1.7oz $20

Stanco Grease Pot 3oz $10

4oz isobutane for stove 4oz $5

This works really well for meals that are simply boiling water and adding to dehydrated food.

ESEE-3 is the fixed blade knife I bring backpacking and its all i've ever needed. carrying a folding saw on top of that is all you would ever need for faster processing of wood. the two items below are less than half a lb (~7.2 oz)

http://www.amazon.com/ESEE-Knives-ESEE-3MIL-P-Military-Micarta/dp/B004DTREPI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1453321931&sr=8-1&keywords=esee-3

http://www.amazon.com/Bahco-396-LAP-Laplander-Folding-9-Inch/dp/B0001IX7OW/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1453321958&sr=8-3&keywords=folding+saw

I was using the Stanley cook set: Stanley Adventure Camp Cook Set 24oz Stainless Steel https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005188T90/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_amhKzbGT131ZZ

And using regular boxed Mac and cheese. Without a windscreen. I think that was the biggest problem was the lack of a windscreen. Combined with my frustration of that, I turned it up a bit too high and ended up burning the Mac Noddles on the bottom. That and it was hard to stir due to the depth of the pot. My friend bought a cook set at big5 (discount sporting store) near me, for about as much as I spent, which came with 2 pots, a burner, a mini sponge, and a can of fuel for about as much as I spent. The burner was way better in the wind and she had no issues with it. That and I think I may have warped my BSR a bit from turning it too high... I'm probably gonna pick up that set soon. Seemed to work well enough. Think it was a bit heavier than my setup, but I know where I can shave some weight elsewhere.

I brought too much food for dinner. I didn't divide up the Mac and cheese boxes. I should've halved them at least. Needless to say I had a bunch of spare food, which I had to pack out. So lesson learned in that regard. I basically carried 6 dinners at least when I should've had 3. I think repacking ez-mac containers would've been better. Boil water, then pour into quart freeze bags as someone else explained. That would've prevented the mess, and the excess food I think.

Last year I picked up this stove. Light as all getout and works well.

I also purchased zelph's fancee feast stove, but have yet to try it out at high elevation. This guy swears by his custom one though.

I got mine on Amazon:

IMUSA USA R200-10 Aluminum Mug 0.7-Quart, Silver https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004444XMY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_eP6fAbR83S1V5

I would consider a headlight or a sleeping pad

Depending on what type of cooking you want to do a homemade alcohol stove and a grease pot will let you cook all of these recipes. from Andrew Surka http://andrewskurka.com/section/how-to/food-nutrition/meal-recipes/

https://www.amazon.com/Stanley-Adventure-Camp-Stainless-Steel/dp/B005188T90/ref=lp_3400591_1_3?s=outdoor-recreation&ie=UTF8&qid=1465503933&sr=1-3

Also you might be required to carry a bear can for food storage. Check to see the local regs - Yosemite, sequoia and kings require this. Solo version: http://www.amazon.com/BearVault-BV450-Bear-Proof-Container/dp/B001V9HENU/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1410101646&sr=1-1&keywords=bearvault+bv450

Pick up Andrew Skurka's book on gear.

The Ultimate Hiker's Gear Guide, Second Edition: Tools and Techniques to Hit the Trail https://www.amazon.com/dp/1426217846/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_kbrSAbAWHJAHE

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0001IX7OW/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1449097402&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=foldable+saw&dpPl=1&dpID=31YTo1DFaFL&ref=plSrch

It's more of a green wood saw, but it works well enough to cut dry branches.

Andrew covered that. Saves you from rebuying the whole kit until you finally get it right: https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Hikers-Gear-Guide-Techniques/dp/1426209207

This may be helpful. And when you're done, you can use the pages of the book as TP!

Why don't you read the book?

It seems to be $53 on Amazon and $60 for your link? Am I looking at a different one?

Planning on going to Joyce Kilmer/Citico for the first time in October.

If you don't already have it, you should get this guide book.

Since it will be my first time backpacking there, I look forward to any replies you might get from someone who has experience with the area too.

Was in the Big Horn Mountains a couple of weeks ago. I had treated my clothing with Permethrin and put Picaridin on my skin. There were clouds of mosquitoes above me, but I didn't get bitten once while others in my group were getting bitten through clothes while wearing DEET.

Try this book first http://www.amazon.com/How-Shit-Woods-Edition-Environmentally/dp/1580083633

This is what Pmags used to cross the Colorado in Canyonlands.

Sterno is a terrible fuel for backpacking. I'd use a canister fuel stove. A cheap option is the BRS 3000 - link here.

An alternative would be to build your own alcohol stove, which is easy but slightly more finicky. Follow the rough directions [here] (http://andrewskurka.com/2011/how-to-make-a-fancy-feast-alcohol-stove/)

I have been a big fan of the tick key. I also have a small set of tweezers on my SAK classic (0.8oz). I could totally see myself doing the same as you though. Panic in the moment and just wanting it off of you.

I would pick up natgeo map 229 check out the east side around Cosby Park. I was there for a day hike in the middle of summer and there were not many people there and plenty of parking so it would be a good place to leave a car and there are plenty of trails and campgrounds around to make a lot of good loops. There are lot's of nice waterfalls and such to check out in the area. If you want some loop suggestions I can look at my map and come up with some. Clingman's Dome is a nice area but when I was there last, there was no parking and even if I could find one I would feel guilty taking up a space for several days. I'm not sure about this time of year.

All I could find when searching "Death Above the Rim" was a movie about basketball ("Above the Rim"). Is this the book you're referring to: https://www.amazon.com/Over-Edge-Death-Grand-Canyon/dp/097009731X

Very intrigued.

I'll remember that for next time. I've already packed it all away, but I might drag it out and take some pics. My foot is pretty banged up so it'll be a minute. But Ill give you a short list :)

Pack: Osprey Exos 58

Sleeping Bag: Teton Sports Tracker

Tent: ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 1

Tarp: Ultimate Survival Hex tarp

Mess kit: Mess kit and Mug

Water Filtration: Sawyer Mini

Tools/Defense: Note: Normally I would only take one knife, but I wasn't sure which I would prefer as they're two quite different blades. Ka-Bar Becker BK2, Condor Bushlore, and Bear Spray

Stove: MSR PocketRocket

First Aid: I had the Adventure Medical Kits Day Tripper, and then added to that with Celox and an Israeli Bandage

Trekking Poles: Cascade Mountain Tech CF with Cork Grips

In addition I had a few little things in a small kit; Ferro rod, duct tape, trail blazes, chemical water purifiers in case my Sawyer failed, bug spray, a small thing of sunscreen (which I didn't end up needing as it was overcast), deodorant, TP, etc.

There's an entire book about people who die in the Grand Canyon: https://www.amazon.com/Over-Edge-Death-Grand-Canyon/dp/097009731X

I read part of it and I recall that the most common death was 30ish males who died of dehydration because they underestimated their water needs. A lot of them thought it was a quick day trip to the bottom of the canyon and back. Didn't take any water and succumbed to thirst and exhaustion on the trip up.