I really want to get a trip together to go to Big Bend in the fall or early spring, but I've never done any backpacking and was wondering where a good local place to start would be? Looking at the Texas Parks and Wildlife website I thought Colorado bend state park would be a good practice run.

Also any tips on equipment would be appreciated. I've started looking on Craigslist since I'm a poor college student. I've got camping junk but nothing that I would want to carry around for an extended period of time.

Keep an eye on steepandcheap.com. Also, Sierra Trading Post has good deals...

Don't skimp on boots. An internal frame pack will carry loads better. But, the bigger pack you get, the more stuff you'll try to jam in it. For the rest, just be reasonable and weight conscious. Learn how to read maps and navigate.

There are lots of books and articles to read about gear and how to backpack. Also, REI does seminars from time to time...

Backpack in Sam Houston NF?

HTH

[This message has been edited by Pierce County Ag (edited 8/18/2010 1:27a).]

Sometimes it is good to know whether you are sensitive to altitude before embarking on a big excursion at high altitude.

Keeping an eye on this thread as backpacking is something I want get into as well.

I know at least one poster guides in Big Bend and can probably give you some good ideas of where to go.

be careful...you will get addicted...

Backpacking and scuba diving absorb most of my spending...

I did a practice run for Philmont in the LBJ national grasslands up near dallas. Also, I have hiked wheeler peak in New Mexico twice, once in late summer and once in early summer when it was still snowing. Its not too bad of a hike when they snow drifts arent 3 feet, one of the times i went with beginners and they had no problem.

There is also canyon of the eagles near Austin, never been but heard many good things.

Boots and backpack are the two areas you are definitely justified in dropping some cash. Go to REI and try on every boot they have, use the little boulder they have to see how they react to your foot at different angles, then buy the one that fits the best. If it is the most expensive one, buy it.

Same thing with their backpacks. Try a bunch on, load them up with some weight, climb their stairs, move in every direction you think you will possibly move, and buy the one that fits the best. Every little, tiny, small, minute thing you notice that bothers you about each pack will be amplified on a long hike. If it's bothering you in the store, it's going to be much worse 5 miles into a hike.

For your second go-round with boots/pack (i.e. once you know what you like/dislike and what fits/doesn't fit), as was said, keep your eye on Steep & Cheap. Also check out Sierra Trading Post; they have some ridiculous deals. I just bought a new pair of Asolo boots as backups (since I've got a pair of Asolos that are the best fitting boots I've ever had); I got them for about $130; they retailed originally for $275. Combining a 20% off coupon with the ~35-70% off that STP already takes off their gear made the price bottom out.

[This message has been edited by Log (edited 8/18/2010 9:09a).]

I second Asolo boots...mine served me well for many many years and many many miles.

Drink lots of water.

I miss back packing, I need to get back into it.

Drink lots of water.

Ditto on the boots, you don't have to break the bank on them, but get some with good foot and ankle support. In my experience combat boots, work boots and hiking boots will all treat your feet about the same. Bring extra socks and foot powder. When you buy a pair of boots wear them to class/work/whatever to get them broke in before your first trip.

Drink lots of water.

Enchanted Rock is a pretty good place to start.

Drink lots of water.

In regards to water, get a Camelbak 100 oz. Unbottle. It is easily inserted/removed from your regular backpack, and it keeps water available to you at all times. I find myself sipping on mine constantly; if I was using a canteen or Nalgene that was in my pack, I would be drinking a.) less frequently, and b.) less volume, both of which are a bad thing.

There are several places in this area that are good for practices runs. Somerville state park has a nice trail for backpacking. Sam Houston National Forest has 150+ miles of trails. There's also Lost Pines, Enchanted Rock, and Colorado Bend is great as well. But none of those is going to prepare you totally for elevation of Big Bend. There just isn't anything like it in the state except the actual parks themselves.

Check out my website for gear and trip itineraries. Also be aware that water is always an issue Big Bend.
www.lonestartrekking.com



[This message has been edited by YellowPot_97 (edited 8/18/2010 9:19a).]

You can return a pack you got at REI 20 years ago with no receipt, so I am sure they will refit it.

What do you mean by refit?

Campmor has good deals too. I've been buying from them for a long time.

http://www.rei.com/stores/92

In exactly 1 month REI willowbrook is having its members only garage sale. You can get crazy deals on returned items. I purchased a backpacking tent for $15 (regularly $179) and the reason it was returned was because one of the frame poles would not fit into the adjacent one correctly. 1 minute with the dremmel and I had a tent up and running. I have also purchased back packs, sleeping bags, a bike rake for my yakima system, trekking poles for $10, clothing, and loads of other things.

You are going to want to show up the night before and camp outside the store to reserve your spot. In Phoenix I have done it 3 times and I have never been less that #10 in line. The next morning they will open the doors and you will grab all that you can. The best thing is to pick up a pack and start stuffing with things you might want. You can sort out the crap later on, if you wait it will not be there. Good luck.

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Will REI re-fit packs that you've bought from them say... 10 years ago?

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Yes! Take it in, and they will take care of you.


My biggest advice is to be hydrated BEFORE you go. Many Americans (myself included) are constantly sipping soda & drinking beer most of the time. You need to up your water intake the week/s leading up to your hike. Even if you hit the trail with all the water you need, if you're starting at a deficit, you're not setting yourself up for success.

Gear-wise, download the Steep and Cheap toolbar to keep the deals in the bottom right of your browser. Best place to spend money is boots, followed by pack. Agree with almost everything above about trying on before you buy, that's the best way to do it.

Thanks for all the replies. By the sound of things I'm going to have to drop a fair amount of money to get started.

You're going to easily have $500 in gear before you know it.

you can also rent from REI. It is not too terribly expensive. Perhaps you can purchase a pack and water bladder or 2 then rent your tent, bag, and pad...etc. My friends came to visit and we spent 2 nights in the Superstition Mountains and they rented their tents and bags from REI. It is also a great way to see if you like it before purchasing.

Its not cheap to be a hippie, all outdoorsey things are very expensive, rock climbing also bites you in the wallet.

Here is my pic of where we went camping.

You don't HAVE to... you could get an external frame pack and a set of boots and carry your old sleeping bag to start off with and see if you like it. REI rents all of their gear including packs, so you could get some upscale gear on rent for your trip if you want to try it out that way.

Also, if you are in College Station, TAMU Outdoors rents equipment.

Thanks for the reminder about on campus. I've rented a kayak from them before, so I'll give them a try on the tent and stuff before I buy everything. I planted the idea about backpacking to my Dad and he seemed interested. I'm crossing my fingers he runs with it and buys a bunch of top notch equipment.

The first time I went to Philmont, I was sporting a Texsport external frame, Slumberjack sleeping bag, and Puma hiking boots. And did way better than the folks with the fancier equipment. That being said, get the best you can afford. I've gotten a bit pickier over the years, but not by a whole lot.

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...rock climbing also bites you in the wallet.

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That's one heck of an understatement!

I dont do trad, mostly because I dont trust myself...but also because it is really expensive. I just have a dozen or so quickdraws, rope, harness, shoes, helmet, atc, and misc other gear. I dont understand how these live to climb no job people afford their racks.

Me neither... I've spent $4,000+ on mountaineering equipment. Not counting ice climbing gear... Wanna do aid/big wall? Add another $3-4k... Maybe those folks have trust funds.

OP - Save money on boots by not buying them. I haven't work boots in 6+ years except in the winter. IMO, unless its cold or you have an injury or you need crampons or skis or whatever, boots are just dead weight to lug around. You do, however, need something to protect your feet from rocks and whatnot so I don't think regular tennis shoes are a good idea (although I have dome some pretty long trips in sandals). I'd get a trail runner or light low-top hiker, If you keep your eyes peeled, you can get a good pair for around 50 bucks. Get a couple of pairs of good socks. I like smartwool.

Check out pedernales falls start park, lost maples, colorado bend, Enchanted Rock

and +1 on the REI garage sales.

As far as a pack, it is very important to get one that fits, but you don't have to break the bank. Go to REI and have them measure your torso and try on a few different brands/styles etc. That will give you an idea of what fits so you can better patrol craigslist, sierra trading post, SAC, etc. for a good deal. Also check out some other outdoor forums gear swap sections. Even if its not a backpacking/hiking centerd forum, most folks who have other backcountry hobbies have that sort of gear as well and sometimes get rid of it for cheap.

some good deals on http://gearx.com/ sometimes.

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Me neither... I've spent $4,000+ on mountaineering equipment. Not counting ice climbing gear... Wanna do aid/big wall? Add another $3-4k... Maybe those folks have trust funds.

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I don't even want to know what I've dropped on various outdoor persuits...and I sure as hell don't have any sort of trust fund. And thanks to you i'm about to drop some more cause those shoes you posted in the trail running thread are pretty much what I have wanted in a trail shoe for awhile now.

Davis Mountains State park might be a good practice run. Setup in the designated campground and go on day hikes and lug some gear around so you can get used to some elevation.

It's like crack...

Oh yeah, and I really like the packs at Duluth Pack.

http://duluthpack.com/outdoor-gear/camping-hiking-gear/packs/daypacks-backpacks

They might be slightly heavier (4-8 oz) than some packs that use more synthetic materials, but I'm a big fan of the durability of traditional materials.

*Edit* Hoping to get the Bushcrafter Pack before too long; I really like that one.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5rZ0UNiAVvI

[This message has been edited by jag09 (edited 8/18/2010 4:50p).]

BTW, Jete:

If you get into trad, check out acmeclimbing.com. I got a set of BD cams (0.3-3), wired hexcentrics, and wired stoppers for $630.

also check out www.gearexpress.com for climbing gear. the "blowouts" section has tons of cosmetic blems for (relatively) cheap