Had a blast hiking this trail over 11 days. First time in the park, and it certainly won’t be my last.
EDIT: Thank you to all the people who helped me along the way! From a place to stay and extra fuel in Piseco, to getting a ride back to the trail from Long Lake. This trail has very kind people!
I’m leaving for my first ever long distance trip this weekend and have a last minute question:
Do you use stuff/compression sacks for your down sleeping bags? Or do you loose pack it in the bottom of the pack liner?
Yes, loose packing saves weight and reduces gaps/ empty space in my backpack.. But my main concern is:
Just curious as to what you all do. I would like to cut down every ounce I can, but I want my bag to be in good shape.
Thanks in advance!
EDIT: Wow! Didn’t expect all these great replies. Thanks to everyone for their input, even if I didn’t reply, I read them all and took it into consideration. I think I’ll do lose in the pack liner as it seems many people recommend. If I remember I’ll come back and update how it went for anyone else planning in the future!
In northern New Jersey.
We have white catfish, channel, bullhead, and probably some more around here. I never got too familiar since I rarely target them. Any tips to identify this and others in the future?
Thanks in advance!
Sorry, I’m not a big Gilmie era person. Although I do love some Division Bell songs.
I know it’s probably basic to have only their most popular in S, but in my defense: They’re the most popular for a good reason. And I’m willing to bet they’re what got most of us into this awesome band.
I’m going on my first real backpacking trip in a couple weeks and I’m quite nervous.
I have plenty of experience with one night and the occasional 2 night trips. But this will be around 10-12 days in upstate NY.
I definitely have pretty bad anxiety in everyday life, so it just feels amplified when I think about all that can go wrong in the woods.
Im not overly nervous about black bears, yet I have a lot of trouble sleeping, especially when I think I hear noises. (And I do have experience with a bear in my campsite so I don’t think it’s without good reason.)
I’m also concerned about my food and water. The last thing I want is to not have enough energy. I know the trail has a lot of water sources, but I perspire a lot so dehydration is a concern. I plan on bringing electrolytes, so I think that’ll help me.
I’ve also never backpacked in the rain, so keeping my tent dry as I set it up will be another challenge I’m sure.
I know I’m rambling, but if anyone has any tips about these concerns or any other advice you think a somewhat experienced camper, but noob distance hiker should know, I’d greatly appreciate it.
EDIT: I should’ve mentioned I’m going with my cousin who’s slightly more experienced than me and definitely seems less anxious. So he’ll definitely help me out a lot.
I’m planning a hike of the NPT sometime soon, I saw somewhere that you can park for up to 14 days at the history museum in Lake Placid. It says it costs $40.
I just want to confirm this is still correct and if anyone has experience doing this. Is it a safe area? I obviously won’t leave valuables in my car, but I’ve never left my car unattended somewhere like that.
If you’ve done this or have any other recommendations for me I’d highly appreciate it.
Thanks in advance!
I have the Instinct 3 solar.
I’m going on a backpacking trip in a couple months, and I know the long battery life of the instinct would typically be fine; but I’d like to track my miles the whole time hiking if possible. I’ve noticed the battery drains faster when tracking hikes though. A couple days per few hours.
Are there any ways to solve this? Or at least conserve battery life? I know I can turn the brightness down right? Any other tips?
Thanks for the help!
I know in a world of ultralight, down mummy bags or better yet quilts are the way to go. But I've noticed I don't sleep well when I camp and I think it partially is because I find small footbox bags claustrophobic. I move my feet and legs a lot before I fall asleep and I feel constricted.
Anyone experience this? Are rectangular bags the answer?
Any recommendations? *Preferably around 30 degree (Fahrenheit). *Also this will be backcountry backpacking if that impacts recommendations*
Obviously down is better than synthetic too, but i feel like most rectangular ones I find are meant for car camping and heavy synthetic.
Thank you all for any help!
Is it possible to get away with that? I know the temps can still drop pretty cold in the summer, but on the lower elevation of the NPT is that still a major concern?
I'd have the 45 degree bag, plus a liner. plus any sleep clothes I bring. I also have a good sleeping pad to be off the ground.
Would that be enough to keep me warm? Or is it necessary to go for the 30 degree?
I have a 20 degree mummy, but it's not my #1 choice. Thanks in advance!