Your most valuable lessons learned??

[dscostu]

As a “green” backpacker, I have a lot of questions/myths about the many aspects of backpacking.
I am curious to what were the biggest lessons you learned during your numerous experiences while backpacking. What kinds of lessons (myths dispelled) would you pass on to your grandchildren who inquired about a thru-hiking???
I know experience is the best educator… However, I just thought it would be cool to hear what some of the more experienced had to share……

[Lone Wolf]

always carry extra water. it's worth the weight.

[saimyoji]

Try these:

http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/show...highlight=tips

Also, on the HomePage of WB, look off to the left under the Articles box. Check out the Tips and Tricks; Thru-hiker Advice; and all the other articles for good info. Lots of time and work were put into these, they are worth their proverbial weight in gold.

[txulrich]

I'll share three.

First, find the gear that works best for you. It's your back, feet, etc. What works for one person doesn't neccesarily work for someone else. Don't let someone berate you for your gear selection. When looking at new gear, remember step 2.

Second, assemble your gear, and go through it and ask these question. Will/have I use(d) this item every day? Is this item multiple use? Is there a lighter option? Do this for every item in your pack. Set aside the items that don't stack up (except your safety items). When examining your gear, remember step 1.

Third, repeat steps one and two as often as neccesary.

These steps may seem contrary to each other and they somewhat are. The point is to examine all of your gear and make a concious choice about what you carry. Then go with it and be happy until you repeat the cycle.

[wilderness bob]

smile a lot, it's infectious

[Moxie00]

If you have never long distance hiked read every book and publication on gear. After careful research purchase what you feel would work best for you. When you get to Neels Gap, about 3 days into a northbound thru hike, send it all home and get what really works for you. Very little of the gear I started with was still with me when i got to New England. This was after years of reading Backpacker and at least 10 other books on hiking the AT. As Lone Wolf says, water, water, water---nothing worse than running out of it. (second most valuable lesson after gear)

[oldfivetango]

always carry extra water. it's worth the weight.

How much would you suggest?I am thinking 2 liters or so.I wonder how
many miles per liter the "average" hiker would require?
Thanks.
OFT

[Footslogger]

How much would you suggest?I am thinking 2 liters or so.I wonder how
many miles per liter the "average" hiker would require?
Thanks.
OFT

==================================

I try and carry/consume 1 liter for every 5 miles hiked ...give or take. Based on the water information in the guidebook that means sometimes carrying up to 2 liters. But most often I start with a 1.8 Liter Platy and a 20 oz bottle of gatorade/tang and then refill as necessary when I reach the available water supplies.

'Slogger

[Sly]

How much would you suggest?I am thinking 2 liters or so.I wonder how
many miles per liter the "average" hiker would require?
Thanks.
OFT

I think the rule of thumb is 1 liter for every 5 miles, but probably a little less in cooler temps and perhaps a little more in hotter temps.

[ed bell]

If you have never long distance hiked read every book and publication on gear. After careful research purchase what you feel would work best for you. When you get to Neels Gap, about 3 days into a northbound thru hike, send it all home and get what really works for you. Very little of the gear I started with was still with me when i got to New England. This was after years of reading Backpacker and at least 10 other books on hiking the AT. As Lone Wolf says, water, water, water---nothing worse than running out of it. (second most valuable lesson after gear)

Moxie, you forgot to mention the wonderful thread you started a while back:http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?t=12596 Probably my favorite thread in recent memory.

[rafe]

Keep journals of your hikes. If you don't write your journals on the trail, write them at home when you return. Reflect on what went right and what went wrong, and make adjustments accordingly. Plus, what Wolf said in Msg. #2. It can be most unpleasant (and in extreme cases, injurious to your health) to be seriously dehydrated.

[Jim Adams]

GO SLOW! attempt to make every moment fun and enjoy all that you can.

geek

[Gaiter]

laugh---> stuff happens, little things can add up, but if you don't let them bother you they won't pile up.

[TJ aka Teej]

Go swiftly, as slow as you can.

[oruoja]

Keep journals of your hikes. If you don't write your journals on the trail, write them at home when you return. Reflect on what went right and what went wrong, and make adjustments accordingly. Plus, what Wolf said in Msg. #2. It can be most unpleasant (and in extreme cases, injurious to your health) to be seriously dehydrated.

Very true. I did when I started taking my first long hikes back in 1970s and today am glad I did. Pictures are great, but by writing down your day to day experiences can really take you back. I took both of my sons on long trips when they were young and always made sure they understood the need to be self sufficient and take care of themselves and their gear. The experiences and lessons learned really build confidence and this carries over into other pursuits of life.

[rafe]

...... oops, wrong thread ......

[Tin Man]

always carry extra water. it's worth the weight.

Always take advantage of a water source before reaching a shelter so you don't have to send your hiking partner back to that source when you find no water at the shelter.

[emerald]

I usually carry a gal of water.

How many MPG do you usually get?

[dscostu]

So, I guess many of you carry approx two liters... does that include water that is being treated with pills? I plan on using Aqua Mira pills. Should I carry an extra liter that is being treated along with the treated H2O?

[Outlaw]

I usually carry a gal of water.

A gallon of water alone weighs 8.3 lbs. plus the weight of what you're carrying it in! IMHO it is better to stop more often to gather water then to lug all that extra weight. I know that as the day goes on, the weight goes down (assuming you are using the water), but it is tough starting out with all that extra weight from the get-go.

Always take advantage of a water source before reaching a shelter so you don't have to send your hiking partner back to that source when you find no water at the shelter.

Good thought Tin Man. I know my partner would just love me to death for this!