Going backpacking in the mountains,what should I bring?
What should I look for in buying a good outdoor backpack?
What are the essentials I’ll need for backpacking in the mountains?
Backpacking Summer Food
Ok, I’m going backpacking this weekend and it is freakin Hot (Georgia) not only is it hot its HUMID! anyways i usually make hot meals for dinner, but i do not plan on boiling any water on this trip. Any ideas for some a meal.
Don’t forget i won’t have a cooler as I am backpacking.
If you plan on not cooking at all, your meal options drop conciderably. Even in the middle of summer I always cook dinner. Carrying canned or dried food for all my meals would add a hefty sum to my food weight, so I will use some dehydrated dinners to cut out some of the bulk.
If you do plan to skip carrying a stove and not cook at all, things to consider for dinner should be low-bulk as much as possible.
Look for things that are packed in plastic rather than cans. I’ve seen tuna in resealable bags at the supermarket…a lot lighter and less messy than canned tuna. Avoid bread and bagels. They are great in drier climates, but the bagels might get moldy in the humidity even if sealed in a ziploc. Go with dry crackers and keep them in in a ziploc too. Pepperoni is usually a safe bet as is canned processed cheese (Squeeze Cheese). Peanut Butter is always a safe bet. Swipe some jelly packets from the local diner, they won’t spoil. They are stored warm anyway. Backpacker’s Pantry or Mountain House also makes some non-cook dinners. I’ve tried the cold pasta salad, it wasn’t bad. Just add water and let sit for 15 minutes. Throw some tuna or Deviled Ham into the salad and you have a pretty tasty dish.
If you think you don’t have enough grub for dinner, remember you can always supplement your entree with a Clif bar, some additional Trail Mix, or a cold dessert like a pudding or pie (again..just add water and wait.)
when living in the rockie mountains for 2 months, what do i bring?
i have an air rifle, 2 survival knives, a pocket knife, a lighter, a magnesium and steel camping sparker thingie, a day hiking backpack and that’s about it. I also have ammo for my air rifle. anything that i shouldn’t bring? Any tips? Also, im leaving from an abusive home(maybe permanently) just to find my true, inner self.
I know you don’t want to hear it, but you should seriously reconsider.
First off, I would suggest you read a short book. I believe this is a book that will touch your soul, much like it touched mine, "Into the Wild", by Jon Krakauer. It is the story of Christopher McCandless, a young man who graduated from college, gave away over $20,000 in savings, abandoned his car and disappeared. He was found two years later in Alaska, dead, though he had only just arrived there several months before that.
I know from my own experiences as a kid that you aren’t going to listen to us and will do what you want anyays. Still, I strongly urge you to think long and hard about your decision. I was young once, I made extremely bad decisions. I thought I could handle anything and that I knew enough to do what I wanted. Looking back, the only reason I’m still here today is dumb luck. I made mistakes, but none of them caught up with me. If they had, I’d be dead.
From your question it does not sound like you have a lot of experience in the wild. I know your instinct is to go straight to the wilderness, but with your experience level and gear, it sounds like a death sentence.
Don’t go to the mountains. I know they are beautiful and enchanting, but they are giant rocks and not much grows on rocks. Just because there are trees does not mean you will find edible plants. Mountains often experience more severe weather, both in highs and lows, which is very dangerous. Consider going some place else.
Lastly, consider talking to someone you know. If you don’t have anyone to talk to, go to a local church and talk to a priest/reverend/pastor/etc. If they aren’t busy and you ask them for help, or even to just listen to your problems, they will. Even if you aren’t religious, it is a complete stranger who sit and listen to you for a little while, you don’t have to tell them your real name or where you live if you don’t want them to call the police (they have to report it if you tell them you are being abused). Saying things outloud to another person is one of the most powerful things we can do for ourselves when we are in trouble.
Read the book. You are not the first person to have these thoughts and if you seek other people out, they can help you. If you try to go completely alone, the tiniest mistake could kill you.