hiking/backpacking

Originally Posted by constant struggle

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interesting... but is that really going to kill you for an overnight trip? I doubt it. Does anyone make stylish hiking gear?

Cotton pretty regularly kills on less than overnight trips.

Exceptions could be desert areas. Are you from the desert? I've met desert hikers/backpackers that like to use a cotton shirt or whatnot since it is more comfortable and they claim they cool them better than fast wicking materials that get the sweat off them and immediately have it evaporated.

Thanks for all the great replies.
I forgot to ask one question...what about pants? I was hiking in some jeans and found them to be uncomfortable and restrictive especially since we were doing a pretty steep ascent up the side of the mountain. I'm guessing some company out there makes a light pair if pants specifically for hiking.

I've got a pair of convertible pants by TNF. They kill it for hiking. Lightweight, dry easily and tons of pockets. If it gets cold you can throw leg warmers on for warmth. I've been hiking/tramping in them for going on five years now (in the rockies) and have never switched.

Edit: Not exactly the same but similar to these - http://www.rei.com/product/762163

Originally Posted by constant struggle

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interesting... but is that really going to kill you for an overnight trip? I doubt it. Does anyone make stylish hiking gear?

No one goes on a trip planning to get lost, caught in storm, hypothermia, or die. Being prepared for the unexpected to occur, particularly when it's happened to past hikers, is a good way to go about camping and hiking.

Originally Posted by unjung

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Tenting in a local campground on the fourth of July != overnight hiking in a remote valley in the Rockies. Looking like you could step into a cafe in Naples isn't a priority under those circumstances.

Yeah, but I am takling about casual hikers/campers, doing only a few nights always gear up crazy... and I live in Northern NJ, near part of the AT.

Originally Posted by constant struggle

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Yeah, but I am takling about casual hikers/campers, doing only a few nights always gear up crazy... and I live in Northern NJ, near part of the AT.

Some people do go gear crazy and there is something to be said for a minimalist approach. Part of that is making smart gear choices and deciding appropriately what you will and will not need. That said, it's probably preferable to have something you don't need rather then not have something you do need, within the constraints of carrying extra weight.

Lots of companies make convertible nylon pants that you can use. I have a pair from TNF that split a seam after about a month (month of trail time that is). They are stitched back together with dental floss and I still use them, but be advised that TNF quality has gone down substantially over the years.

I've been using a pair of pants from Marmot lately that, while not made from nearly as comfortable a material as the TNF pants, seem to be much more durably constructed.

Wander into an REI or the like and you'll be overwhelmed with the options for good trail pants.

Also, if you are in an area without a lot of nasty stuff (poison ivy, thorns, etc) consider just using nylon jogging shorts. I find shorts far more comfortable when possible. A set of good baselayers (I'm partial to patagonia capilene) is good to have though, in case sudden cold moves in.

Good posts by Millhouse. (I want a pair of BD flicks. My Komperdells suck ass, should call them Kollapserdells.)

Originally Posted by Johnny_5

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Thanks for all the great replies. I forgot to ask one question...what about pants? I was hiking in some jeans and found them to be uncomfortable and restrictive especially since we were doing a pretty steep ascent up the side of the mountain. I'm guessing some company out there makes a light pair if pants specifically for hiking.
Check out sierratradingpost for 'convertible pants' With the 20% coupon floating around you can get a good deal.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/new...cle6712284.ece

Just a little reminder of why it's smart to be prepared.

Johnny_5,

If you've never done an overnight backpacking trip, I'd recommend getting an external-frame backpack. You can usually pick up a Kelty on Craigslist pretty cheap (~$50)...Kelty externals are pretty damn good. The reason I recommend an external-frame pack for first timers is that you're probably going to pack way more than you need, thus the weight you'll be carrying will be heavy. For the most part, externals help carry heavier weight better than internal frame pack. The more experience you gain, the more you'll know what you really don't need to carry. When you start carrying a lighter load, you can then get an internal-frame type. (Or maybe you'll decide you don't like backpacking...it's best to find that out before you spend $300-400 on that sweet Arc'Teryx pack.) I've used external, internal, and frameless.

As for boots, I can't stress enough to actually go and try on pair after pair until you find the ones that fit your feet. Again, your first time out, your load might be heavy, so go with boots that will give you good ankle support. (If you get into ultralight backpacking later on, you can always pick up a pair of New Balance trail-running shoes.)

What I learned in scouts and will pass on to you is you can tell who is the experienced hiker or camper not because they have SO MUCH stuff but because they have so little/exactly what they need.

IMO the best boots on the market is the val di fiemme from LaSportiva. It is an excellent boot in the higher end of the all round scale. It is made of thick leather, it is comfortable (maybe a bit heavy), got a good grip (Vibram sole, as most boots today) and last for a long time (8-15 years depending on tear and wear). It is also protected from the evil water with Gore-Tex (again, as many other boots on the market). I have only had good experiences with it, and everyone I know who have used or uses the boot says the same - people stick with it. So, If I should recommend a pair of boots, this would be it - The val di fiemme from LaSportiva. This said, I know a lot of people that swears to Meindl or Scarpa. For hiking shoes I do not find much of a difference between brands. For boots with Gore-Tex, you have to remember that because of its ability to keep water out, damp from the feet is then hold prison inside the booth. This can create a feeling of walking around with wet socks and is something many has to get used to. Speaking of Gore-Tex, keep in mind that the main Gore-Tex patent has expired, and there are now several other and often cheaper products on the market with similar characteristics that use similar technology. For backpacks I get Black Diamond's to a very favorable price, so that is what I have used for everything the last couple of years (hiking, trekking, climbing and smaller expeditions). Imo they are solid, comfortable and the design is logic, precise and functional. I also know many people who are more than pleased with backpacks from Deuter. NTF, Vaude, Gregory, häglofs, Osprey and Arc'teryx are also all good - BUT! since everyone talks about Arc'teryx here, I must say I know people that has been extremely unsatisfied with their backpacks. maybe because of certain expectations because of the brand and price. I have never used anything from Arc'teryx so I cant really tell. Beside this, no one I know would go for one of those things with a detachable daypack - get a bigger and/or smaller secondary backpack instead if that becomes the issue. I really don't know what else to add, since I think FLMountainMan, Kai and Journeyman already have given you all the advises you need

As someone who backpacks regularly, I can't reccomend enough how important it is to have a pack with a proper metal frame, I had a fjaalraven 20L for the longest time and it killed my back. Remember that you'll be living out of it, so durability is a must. A big problem with a lot of packs is that the metal frame will wear through the material over time.

Originally Posted by Milhouse

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As for what gear to get and when. . . I'd say try to think about it logically as you increase the commitment level of your trips.

So, you are dayhiking. . . get the things that are handy for dayhiking:

First aid kit AND TRAINING

Any recommendations on training? I would like to be prepared before I do some overnights.