First Overnight Hike/Backpacking Trip

Posted on Friday, May 4, 2018



Backpacking has been on my list of things to do for years now. I've written about my plans for it. I've read up on it (classic - "Walk in the Woods" by Bill Bryson). I've watched videos. My level of admiration and fascination with thru-hikers of the Appalachian Trail is on par with my fascination with ultra-runners. As a hiker (and as a runner), it feels like these people are both superhuman and yet oddly attainable. If I put in the time, effort, and most importantly, the consistency and dedication, I took could be one of those epic people too. So I've fantasized about it for years. However, there were a couple things I allowed to get in my way. One was that I made excuses about the cost of equipment. About four years ago, I decided to begin investing and made a really preliminary purchase from Sierra Trading Post when they were having a sale. I got a 30L pack (Gregory Freia), a stuff sack, a 30-degree sleeping bag (Marmot), flashlight, and pocket knife. Plus I accumulated a couple of other camping things over the years (thermarest sleeping pad, percolator, etc). Another thing holding me back was that while I never had any issues hiking alone, overnighting or backpacking alone didn't always seem as obvious or maybe accessible. It was a longer time commitment, obviously. I don't know. Whatever the reasons were, it just never happened.