Backpacking Checklist

Well, for the whole two folks that have been reading my blog, I’m sorry for the dearth of material.  As usual, I’ve been incredibly busy at both work and in my personal life.  I have to present at a science team meeting next week, and I HATE presenting.  But, I’m trying to squeeze in some material, something to keep this site alive.  Well, I was asked by my coworkers about equipment for backpacking trips - what to bring, what's essential, what's not essential.  So, what better way than to sham up a post than put this here.  This is a list of what I bring on my trips.  The list was originally put together when I was in Boy Scouts, and, has not changed all that much.  First, this is one of the hobbies in life where the saying "Your mileage may vary" applies.  Every item hear has an ultra-lite equivalent.  As you go smaller and lighter, you get more expensive.  And of course, others folks will have their personal preferences.

Essentials

-Backpack (I have a Deuter, and I definitely recommend this pack.  My father and brother have Gregory and really like their packs.)

-Hiking boots or shoes comfortable on rough terrain (I like Merrel and Columbia)

-Tent (Only have had MSR, so cannot comment on others)

-Sleeping bag

-Sleeping pad

-Knife

-Whistle (if you get lost from group)

-Bear bag (Bear canisters are required in parks in grizzly country)

-Rope (for the bear bag)

-Rain wear

-Rain cover for pack (If you don't have one you'll be sorry)

-Socks at least 1 pair for each day days (I was instructed in high school to have wool + polypropylene liners for blister protections, but I've been told the world has moved on)

-Identification

-Toothbrush and toothpaste

-Toiletry

-Water bottles - 2 quarts minimum

-Water filter

-Sunscreen

-Flashlight and batteries

-First aid kit

-Camp stove

-Cook kit

-Matches

-Fuel for stove

-Metal dish and utensils

-Food - 2 dinners, two lunches, 2 breakfasts on the trail, plus snacks

-Insect repellent

-Clothes for duration

-Jacket or sweeter

Nonessential

-Hat

-Soap

-Towel

-Camera and batteries and memory cards

-Trecking poles (I actually recommend a set.  They really help take pressure off the knees when going down hill)

-Pillow

-Bandana

-Wicking clothes

-Cell phone

-Sandals or shoes for campsite

Old Rag Mountain Hike

Ok dear readers, bear with me. I'm not a very good writer, but I am going to try this. Also, while reading my first draft of this blog post, I realized that I have taken up the writing style of today's tech culture – short ... staccato ... sentences. This makes it easy to put thoughts on paper (or screen as in this case), as I can just pound out a short sentence as a thought comes to me. However, when reading this, I realized that my writing was very unprofessional and annoying. But, practice makes perfect I suppose.

Anyways, I figured I would start things off with the the most recent two hikes that I took part in. Tomorrow's post will be on the July 6,7, and 8 of this year where I joined three friends for a backpacking trip to the Grayson Highlands area of Virginia. This spectacular high country is in southwestern Virginia, near the borders of Tennessee and North Carolina. In fact, the Smokey Mountains can clearly be seen from atop Wilburn Ridge.

But first, the subject of this post, my most recent trip - a day hike to climb Old Rag Mountain. Old Rag Mountain is just within the eastern border of Shenandoah National Park. It is a unique mountain in that it sits apart somewhat from the rest of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and that it has an exposed and rocky peak. The summit elevation is 3,291 feet. Elevation gain on the hike is just over 2,500 ft.

The hike to the summit is the most popular in the park, and is considered a right of passage for many hikers. Old Rag has some of the most spectacular views in the park, plus a steep and challenging rock scramble to the peak. This is a very fun hike, but do not expect any solitude along this trek except during winter months. Some locations during the scramble can become bottlenecks when large groups pass through. Additionally, another problem with this becoming popular is the amount of trash that I have seen scattered about.

In any event, start at the Old Rag Parking area. Admission to the park is $15. Follow the paved road about 0.8 miles. The blue blazed Ridge Trail trailhead will be on the left. The trail starts out through dense woods, becoming steadily steeper, climbing along a dirt trail through many switchbacks to the ridge. I sign marking the highest elevation for camping is essentially the beginning of the scramble. From here the trail becomes rockier and steeper. The first large obstacle is a 12-ft fissure that you will need to descend. 

Continue along the trail along cliffs, through caves, and over rocks. The blue blazes will be marked along the rocks. Depending on how late you are in the day, some good Samaritans may leave ropes for the steeper areas, though passing rangers tend to remove the ropes. 

Continue until you reach a false summit. From here the trail, while still very rocky, becomes less steep. Another half mile or so of rock hopping leads to the true summit. 

To finish the loop, follow the Ridge Trail south passed Bird's Nest Shelter and Old Rag Shelter to Weakly Hollow Fire Road. It's another 1 and change miles to the paved road, and 0.8 back to the parking lot. The total millage is just under 9. Follow up with some pizza pies and some pitchers.

First Post - At Midnight

So, this is my new blog!  I can't wait to start writing new items!  The gist of this personal strand of the web is to document my outdoor adventures.  I don't get out all the time, I just don't have the time to do everything that I want.  But, I love being in nature -> mountains to hike on, streams to paddle in.  It is truly my passion, and I have only recently discovered it, when nearing 34.  Why is that?  Don't know.  Serendipity?  Mid-life crisis?  Any of these could be the reason.  But, I've been lucky to spend a week in the gorgeous and stunning Tetons of Wyoming, two weeks in the Cimeron Range of New Mexico, and all up and down Virginia.  I'm going to try to document future ones for my family to take in, and retroactively document past ones.  Hope everyone enjoys!