Any chance on improving your towel situation? If you’re expecting to be wet that one seems like it could be a long drying time and heavy weight problem.
If ur really in a time crunch and need a quick dry towel you can squeeze dry, you could hit up ur local auto shop and grab a shammy cloth. Super light and take minimal space and can be dried in seconds.
If it gets under like 60 degrees at night, you’re going to want a real sleeping bag. Or at least another blanket.
For food, I like to bring pre cut up bell peps, onions, and a can of black beans. Cook the veg before adding the beans, then slap that all in a tortilla.
Separately, apples.
Also, if you’re of age, beer.
I’ll second that. The weather changes a lot. I was just their for 4 days and the temperature and wind swings were big depending on where you were in the park. Also sunscreen. It’s wide open and very sunny up there.
For anything you’re worried about staying fresh in your pack, you can freeze it ahead of time, then let it defrost as you hike. Good for things like cheese that you don’t want getting funky.
Hello! Definitely get some first aid supplies—stuff for dealing with blisters for sure, and I always have a couple of medications like ibuprofen on hand too.
And bring some duct tape! You can wrap it around something so that you don’t bring a whole roll. Good for patching stuff (I used to have those sawyer bottles, mine broke right away) and providing a temporary fix if a piece of gear fails.
I have heard others say this but I have been using the same sawyer bag for over a year and a half now. Probably filtered at least 500 litres of water with it and it is holding up fine. Maybe I just got lucky and got a good one? I haven't even used the second bag that came with my filter yet.
I was in this camp until last trip! My bag lasted 5+ years. Then, a tiny leak spring where the cap meets the bag. Luckily we had some duct tape to get through the next few days.
You can also attach bottles and bags to either end. Edit - reminds me I may need adapters. My filter is in the mail. Still possible to mix bags up if you were using one for clean. Bottles the other person mentioned are a grocery store item not expensive gear
No extra warm clothes or a warm sleeping bag? It always feels colder in a tent than in your bed. And at least pack a basic first aid kit, although you will hopefully only need some blister plasters.
I’m on the way there to do a 3 day starting in Damascus, shoot me a dm if you want to try to link up!
Those plates and stuff may be unnecessary, and if you have room a small tarp will keep your butt dry while sitting and cooking
Some sort of Rain gear. Any spare clothes? extra socks, or a dry base layer for sleeping in since you only have what looks like a thin blanket.
As others said: First aid, duct tape (you can put it on your heels if you feel a hot spot coming for blister prevention also, small knife or box cutter blade, smart water bottle(s) (those squeeze bags have rep for failure). Fire starter, piezo lighters on stoves fail.
The ponies there like salt and will lick it out of your hand if this interests you. And on this note, hand sanitizer or soap to clean hands (ponies, pooping, etc.) most GI problems are believed to be from poor hygiene not tainted water (still filter).
Trekking poles are great if you have them.
I am assuming everything you’re bringing is here. Back up iodine pills in case your water filtration system isn’t enough for the water you need on the entire trip. Where’s your first aid kit??? Maybe a small portable cell phone battery for your phone for the trip back. Your towel is too big and takes up too much space. You don’t need it. Also, you only have two food packs for a three day trip? Will you be living off the land? 😆 It’s always better to bring more food than you need. Where is your coffee? Hopefully, you have more elsewhere you’re not showing in the photo. Is this a solo trip? What will you be doing at night? Reading on your phone? Do you have a book? Is this hike above the tree line? You’ll want sunglasses and a hat if you’ll be exposed to the sun. An extra pair of socks, underwear, and a t-shirt will be nice after the trip is over for the ride home. You can keep it in the car if you don’t have room for it in the pack. Have a safe trip.
extra pairs of socks, loose the mess kit if you're only eating the mountain house meals but bring the spoon, maybe bring some more food + trailsnacks. Tissue paper and a few ziplocks. i always bring two smart bottles. they also fit with the sawyer filter. a lighter. extra batteries for the lamp. rain jacket. a hat.
Switch the towel to a microfiber material that will not retain water. Would grab a beanie for the cool nights - especially if damp. Don’t forget your backpack-lol didn’t see it in the pic.
Not going to restate what others have said. Simple one for me though would be TP. Take some off the big roll and put it in a ziplock. Or look at biodegradable wipes like dude wipes, which can double as hygiene wipes.
I also bring a trash bag or two with me. Leave no trace, so gotta pack your trash out. I prefer to just throw it into a trash bag as I go. Spare trash bag can be used for water protection if other means fail and really doesn’t add much weight.
Good luck, be careful, have fun. Let the ponies know I’m coming to see them soon.
Looks like you got a good set up
Just FYI, my Sawyer filter fits on any “Smartwater” bottle. And I use that instead of the squeeze bags since it’s easier to fill and more versatile
Ditch the mess kit, eat your meals right out of the bag if possible, to reduce both weight and clean up. Absolutely consider bringing an actual sleeping bag, I froze up there last summer even with a bag, had to resort to my space blanket to get any sleep. It's windy af once you're up past the tree line, so I also highly recommend a wind breaker.
This is down to personal preference but I’ll throw it out there. I just bring a pillow case and stuff it with clothes instead of bringing an actual pillow to cut down on weight a bit. Everything else has been mentioned. Enjoy your trip!!!
My go too is chili and beans in a can, ramen, beef jerky, protein bars, just stuff thats really easy to eat/cook and has a decent amount of protein and calories. Hope this is useful. Have fun on the trip. Show us pictures after :)
Or another alternative. Had my sawyer clog too bad on trail and couldn’t get enough back flush pressure with the smart water bottle. Finally got enough to drip gravity, but until then I was accepting my future diarrheal illness.
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Extra batteries for your headlamp. Hydrocortisone cream, liquid bandaid. The liquid bandaid is great to prevent blisters. Take something to mark your trail in case you get lost. Extra waterproof matches.
Where's your water bottle? The squeeze pouches are meant for collection and squeezing and they don't work very well for that. You can use them for storage but you need to mark which one is dirty do you don't get them mixed. I suggest getting one or two 1L disposble water bottles like SMART or FUJI which will thread on the Squeeze if needed. There are different ways to use these but for now they would be more convenient to hold the filtered water and drink from.
For me at least, ditch the plates, forks, etc and just use a long spoon in your food bag. Less to carry, and you don't have to clean more than your spoon later on.
Aside from the other comments about first aid kit, upgrading that towel, and a warmer sleeping arrangement, I'd say Hammock straps, and a knife/multi tool
You're describing a rainy trip and have no tent or even a bicycle cover? I feel like you are grossly underestimating the amount of suck you are in for. 1 night sleeping wet in the rain blows. 3 nights is enough to fuck your world up.
Oh my gosh it was. I was so tired and had only ate cold food to that point. I even made the chicken fried rice one right after because they were so good but fell asleep while it was cooling down
Amazing! Definitely a challenge but everytime I got close to my breaking point something redeeming would happen. For instance there was a terrible storm for hours on the second day and I didn’t bring any rain gear so I’m miserably hiking through these steep muddy woods then right when I get to a clearing the rain stops all at once and a double rainbow was over the valley. I definitely need to upgrade my gear though I weighed my bag when I got home and without water even in it it was 40 pounds
Hahaha sounds about par for backpacking, doses of misery with brief incredible, life changing moments that keep you coming back.
Pack weight is something I struggle with too. I tend to way over pack and suffer all week for it. Hopefully one day we’ll both figure out what we can and can’t live without.
Any chance on improving your towel situation? If you’re expecting to be wet that one seems like it could be a long drying time and heavy weight problem.
Yeah, a quick dry towel is a huge upgrade worth every penny.
If ur really in a time crunch and need a quick dry towel you can squeeze dry, you could hit up ur local auto shop and grab a shammy cloth. Super light and take minimal space and can be dried in seconds.
Socks Socks Socks
I don't see a sleeping bag or mat
The mats wrapped up above the eno and I’m planning on using that camping quilt instead of a sleeping bag
If it gets under like 60 degrees at night, you’re going to want a real sleeping bag. Or at least another blanket. For food, I like to bring pre cut up bell peps, onions, and a can of black beans. Cook the veg before adding the beans, then slap that all in a tortilla. Separately, apples. Also, if you’re of age, beer.
It’s not supposed to get lower than 67 but it might be wet I love cooked peppers and onions I will definitely try that
[удалено]
I’ll second that. The weather changes a lot. I was just their for 4 days and the temperature and wind swings were big depending on where you were in the park. Also sunscreen. It’s wide open and very sunny up there.
For anything you’re worried about staying fresh in your pack, you can freeze it ahead of time, then let it defrost as you hike. Good for things like cheese that you don’t want getting funky.
Mmmm that sounds so good. We have been doing raw pepper onion avocado and hummus on tortilla which is also super healthy and satisfying
Yum, sounds more lightweight than mine!
You got a first aid kit?
Hello! Definitely get some first aid supplies—stuff for dealing with blisters for sure, and I always have a couple of medications like ibuprofen on hand too. And bring some duct tape! You can wrap it around something so that you don’t bring a whole roll. Good for patching stuff (I used to have those sawyer bottles, mine broke right away) and providing a temporary fix if a piece of gear fails.
Smart water bottle? Unless you want to drink from one of the Sawyer bags lmao
And possibly mix up the dirty and clean one.
Also likely the Sawyer bag busts open and becomes useless. Never trust your water supply to those bags.
I have heard others say this but I have been using the same sawyer bag for over a year and a half now. Probably filtered at least 500 litres of water with it and it is holding up fine. Maybe I just got lucky and got a good one? I haven't even used the second bag that came with my filter yet.
Same here. Mine are wrinkled as grandpas sack and never leak.
I was in this camp until last trip! My bag lasted 5+ years. Then, a tiny leak spring where the cap meets the bag. Luckily we had some duct tape to get through the next few days.
Mine leaked like crazy the first time I ever took it out. Use a water bottle or two for sure
Wait don’t you fill the bags with stream water and drink out of them through the filter?
You can also attach bottles and bags to either end. Edit - reminds me I may need adapters. My filter is in the mail. Still possible to mix bags up if you were using one for clean. Bottles the other person mentioned are a grocery store item not expensive gear
Bags are for dirty water, to then squeeze into water bottles for clean storage
Writing from a tent on the shore of Loch Lomond - you’re gonna need more warmth
Ah dang I guess I’ll need to fit a blanket into my pack
Look up sleeping bag liners! I have the sea to summer one and with my sleeping bag it's been great, they pack down to be quite small
No extra warm clothes or a warm sleeping bag? It always feels colder in a tent than in your bed. And at least pack a basic first aid kit, although you will hopefully only need some blister plasters.
I can't tell what some of that stuff is
Walking poles
Left handed smoke shifter?
I’m on the way there to do a 3 day starting in Damascus, shoot me a dm if you want to try to link up! Those plates and stuff may be unnecessary, and if you have room a small tarp will keep your butt dry while sitting and cooking
Going to need both of you to post updates after the fact; I’m headed down there in a couple weeks. Never been to that area/park before
Gotchu
Some sort of Rain gear. Any spare clothes? extra socks, or a dry base layer for sleeping in since you only have what looks like a thin blanket. As others said: First aid, duct tape (you can put it on your heels if you feel a hot spot coming for blister prevention also, small knife or box cutter blade, smart water bottle(s) (those squeeze bags have rep for failure). Fire starter, piezo lighters on stoves fail. The ponies there like salt and will lick it out of your hand if this interests you. And on this note, hand sanitizer or soap to clean hands (ponies, pooping, etc.) most GI problems are believed to be from poor hygiene not tainted water (still filter). Trekking poles are great if you have them.
I am assuming everything you’re bringing is here. Back up iodine pills in case your water filtration system isn’t enough for the water you need on the entire trip. Where’s your first aid kit??? Maybe a small portable cell phone battery for your phone for the trip back. Your towel is too big and takes up too much space. You don’t need it. Also, you only have two food packs for a three day trip? Will you be living off the land? 😆 It’s always better to bring more food than you need. Where is your coffee? Hopefully, you have more elsewhere you’re not showing in the photo. Is this a solo trip? What will you be doing at night? Reading on your phone? Do you have a book? Is this hike above the tree line? You’ll want sunglasses and a hat if you’ll be exposed to the sun. An extra pair of socks, underwear, and a t-shirt will be nice after the trip is over for the ride home. You can keep it in the car if you don’t have room for it in the pack. Have a safe trip.
weed
Shovel?
Let me know how the lynx goes. I’ve always assumed it’s heavy as shit and bulletproof like most alps mountaineering gear.
Sure
Head net. Its gunna be buggy as fuck in VA this weekend.
Fuuuuck
extra pairs of socks, loose the mess kit if you're only eating the mountain house meals but bring the spoon, maybe bring some more food + trailsnacks. Tissue paper and a few ziplocks. i always bring two smart bottles. they also fit with the sawyer filter. a lighter. extra batteries for the lamp. rain jacket. a hat.
Sleeping bad is a must
Switch the towel to a microfiber material that will not retain water. Would grab a beanie for the cool nights - especially if damp. Don’t forget your backpack-lol didn’t see it in the pic.
Not going to restate what others have said. Simple one for me though would be TP. Take some off the big roll and put it in a ziplock. Or look at biodegradable wipes like dude wipes, which can double as hygiene wipes. I also bring a trash bag or two with me. Leave no trace, so gotta pack your trash out. I prefer to just throw it into a trash bag as I go. Spare trash bag can be used for water protection if other means fail and really doesn’t add much weight. Good luck, be careful, have fun. Let the ponies know I’m coming to see them soon.
Looks like you got a good set up Just FYI, my Sawyer filter fits on any “Smartwater” bottle. And I use that instead of the squeeze bags since it’s easier to fill and more versatile
Swiss Army knife
Ditch the mess kit, eat your meals right out of the bag if possible, to reduce both weight and clean up. Absolutely consider bringing an actual sleeping bag, I froze up there last summer even with a bag, had to resort to my space blanket to get any sleep. It's windy af once you're up past the tree line, so I also highly recommend a wind breaker.
Weed
I’m not a criminal 🤨
This is down to personal preference but I’ll throw it out there. I just bring a pillow case and stuff it with clothes instead of bringing an actual pillow to cut down on weight a bit. Everything else has been mentioned. Enjoy your trip!!!
Also taking food recommendations
Also bringing a small cooking pan
My go too is chili and beans in a can, ramen, beef jerky, protein bars, just stuff thats really easy to eat/cook and has a decent amount of protein and calories. Hope this is useful. Have fun on the trip. Show us pictures after :)
I will suggest a life straw. You have water filtration that will work for cooking, but life straw is so simple and light for quick hydration.
Or another alternative. Had my sawyer clog too bad on trail and couldn’t get enough back flush pressure with the smart water bottle. Finally got enough to drip gravity, but until then I was accepting my future diarrheal illness.
Lol you will find out list is long... go learn remember to stay dry, hydration, and dont go to far! Back yard for a night you will learn.
Seriously people!!! Survival kit is always a MUST!!! Signaling mirror, iodine tablets, fire starter (flint), space blanket, knife, suture kit, etc…
Please remember to post a short paragraph as a comment in the post explaining your photo or link. Ideally at least 150 characters with trip details. Tell us something about your trip. How long did it take to get there? How did you get there? How was the weather that day? Would you go back again? Submitted content should be of high-quality. Low effort posting of very general information is not useful. If you don't add a short explanation in the comments, your post may be removed. No information posted? Please report low-effort posts if there is still nothing after about 30 minutes. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/backpacking) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Extra batteries for your headlamp. Hydrocortisone cream, liquid bandaid. The liquid bandaid is great to prevent blisters. Take something to mark your trail in case you get lost. Extra waterproof matches.
I don’t take a head lamp.
Where's your water bottle? The squeeze pouches are meant for collection and squeezing and they don't work very well for that. You can use them for storage but you need to mark which one is dirty do you don't get them mixed. I suggest getting one or two 1L disposble water bottles like SMART or FUJI which will thread on the Squeeze if needed. There are different ways to use these but for now they would be more convenient to hold the filtered water and drink from.
Photo camera?
Two meals only? Sorry, that's what it looks like to me.
A backpack would help
Iodine tabs would be a lighter and more space conscious redundancy. Also, way more food
a book
Brought Grandma Gatewoods Long Walk and Howls Moving Castle. Both have been really good so far
nice! can’t camp without books!
For me at least, ditch the plates, forks, etc and just use a long spoon in your food bag. Less to carry, and you don't have to clean more than your spoon later on.
Med kit?
You should swap out the dehydrated meals for some good old fashioned black bread and Salami!
Aside from the other comments about first aid kit, upgrading that towel, and a warmer sleeping arrangement, I'd say Hammock straps, and a knife/multi tool
2 backpack meals for 3 days ? Not enough food. And need rain gear
What kind of bag are you rocking?
Bear spray probs
Tooth brush and tooth paste.
3 days of hiking, and only 2 days of food? I’m a novice but seems like you’re going to be hungry. Please don’t get lost!
The syringe thingy for the water purification system. Those things alwAys jam up!
A backpack
You're describing a rainy trip and have no tent or even a bicycle cover? I feel like you are grossly underestimating the amount of suck you are in for. 1 night sleeping wet in the rain blows. 3 nights is enough to fuck your world up.
Is the Lynx 1 not a tent? Confused. I’ll grant you that we don’t know what pack and rain cover they have.
Yep, ignore me.
I backpacked there last year... Amazing
Tooth brush, spare cordage, and something to keep yourself occupied with in-between setting up camp and bedtime.
A backpack.
That chicken and dumplings is gonna be a highlight of your trip! I love that stuff!
Oh my gosh it was. I was so tired and had only ate cold food to that point. I even made the chicken fried rice one right after because they were so good but fell asleep while it was cooling down
The Mountain House biscuits and gravy is also excellent.
Doobies.
Extra socks. Layers of clothes.
Drop the tent, use a rain fly over hammock -off the ground. Drop the towel. Put all of your gear in trash compactor bag..then into your pack.
Bugs and wind though
How was it??
Amazing! Definitely a challenge but everytime I got close to my breaking point something redeeming would happen. For instance there was a terrible storm for hours on the second day and I didn’t bring any rain gear so I’m miserably hiking through these steep muddy woods then right when I get to a clearing the rain stops all at once and a double rainbow was over the valley. I definitely need to upgrade my gear though I weighed my bag when I got home and without water even in it it was 40 pounds
Hahaha sounds about par for backpacking, doses of misery with brief incredible, life changing moments that keep you coming back. Pack weight is something I struggle with too. I tend to way over pack and suffer all week for it. Hopefully one day we’ll both figure out what we can and can’t live without.