Backpacking
When I first started backpacking I didn't know any other women who wanted to go. I didn't have any peers to ask questions, on what gear worked for them and what even to buy. The first couple years I backpacked, I had a traditional pack load (40-60 lbs) for 2-3 day trips. I walked bent over, in pain, mostly wondering why I was outside and what was I even thinking that I could do it.
When I started backpacking, you rarely saw women working in gear stores (and that still isn't something you see a lot of). My questions were answered by men, and the gear presented to me was for men. It was over designed with too many bells and whistles on it. It wasn't that long ago that 6 lbs was normal for a two person tent. But as women, do we need a tent that will fit a 6 ft man? Most of us don't. Neither do we need sleeping bags that are 6 ft long. Every time you buy gear that is aimed at men, you are carrying more weight. I will admit that I am biased towards going light. Once I realized that I could carry less and be just as comfortable, yet feel better and hike longer, I made the change. You can buy well made gear that won't break your bank account, fits you well, and is comfortable yet is light.
Here is an article we wrote on the pros and cons of women's gear.
There isn't anything wrong with carrying a traditional pack if you want to. But why should you, if you don't have to? Your back will thank you.
When I started backpacking I carried this much gear (a 5500 cubic inch pack):
A couple years later I was carrying this (a 3200 cubic inch pack):
There is a big difference in how many miles you can walk, and how much more comfortable you feel when carrying a smaller load. There is also a freedom in it: you don't feel tied down by all the gear you have with you. When I first started backpacking I was carrying so many items, that breaking camp could take an hour or two. I had to find everything, put it in it's stuff sacks and then pack up. Going light made it so I know every item I carry. I can quickly pack up in 5 minutes and be on my way. When I had a traditional load, my worst nightmare was stopping and having to dig thru my pack! I would ignore a blister just so I wouldn't have to try to find my first aid kit. It could take me 10 minutes to paw thru everything.
On a recent 3 day trip I noticed something: on a 2 hour mid day break, I actually unpacked my pack, and I didn't have any stress. Everything popped back in a couple minutes. Going from a 60 lb pack to the low 20's is a big difference. I went from 3-5 mile days to where I have done 19 miles in a day. And someday I hope to do even more and go lighter!
Newest Backpacking Articles:
Hiking With Kids
My husband and I often take care of our youngest grandchildren (a
three-year-old boy and a five-year-old girl) and we are really trying to
get them interested in the outdoors and confident about being there. We
often take them for walks.
There are, of course, several important things to remember--to bring
water
and snacks, to not overdue and kill their enthusiasm, etc., but I think
many parents "overthink" it. In other words, taking kids outdoors
doesn't
need to be a highly planned event. It really is more about just getting
out
Why I hike the long trail - A Poem By True North
"Well, she's at it again." And they're right. It's high time for
another long hike. Why? Well, I hike the long trail because I love to;
because there are no traffic jams or signals, no stop signs, parking meters or police.
because no where on earth have I experienced lakes so deep in color they appear purple;
because in their pristine waters, a log can be seen 25 feet below the surface.
because the greens are greener out here, the blues bluer, and images are crisp and sharp.
Getting the kids out this summer!
Once June shows up I start getting excited - out comes the calendar and I start wating for the days to fly by so school is out. Then I know summer is here and so is mid week hiking. No crowds and lots of time spent with my son Ford!
A recent article in the Seattle P-I newspaper covered taking babies and young kids out. It has a lot of good points.
Self Arrest Snow Skills
If you like snow in relation to hiking or you have thought about getting into it, you know that snow travel is never anything to trust or assume that it is safe. It brings dangers one needs to have skills in. It is worth learning though. With the skills learned you can go much farther and have a safer trip.
PCT Atlas
This year Erik Asorson thruhiked the Pacific Crest Trail. I followed his journey and was happy to see when he finished. His trail journals and thoughts are on his personal site.
