In this section you will find the necessities and luxuries items for this trip. It will be a great avenue to discuss what we are bringing and the freedom to ask some questions. If you have never hiked to this scale before there are no bad questions, so lets discuss them.
Major Components:
RENTAL OPTIONS
We can rent gear from REI in Castleton, IN. for the trip. If you would be interested in this option please contact keith and let him know what gear you would like to rent. The package deal including a backpack, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad can be rented for approximately $175.00. You can also rent items separately, (backpacks- $72, sleeping bag- $60, sleeping pad- $42). The cost to rent a 2 man tent for this trip would be $90.00 a day. To get these prices you have to be a member of REI, which is at a cost of $20 and is good for a lifetime.
Why rent? It could be more cost effective on some items. it gives you a chance to see if you would ever want to do this again. I would be happy to think out loud with you about this option, so just give me a call.
Major Components:
- Back Pack- At least 4500 cubic inches. On average you will be carrying 45 lbs. on this journey so the realm of necessity vs. luxury does come into play. (contact Keith if you would interested in information about renting or borrowing this piece of equipment.)
- Sleeping bag- the key to a good sleeping bag is its promised comfort temperature rate and its weight. In the evenings we may see 20's/30's. You will want to consider a bag that has a 20 degree rating. The less weight the better and a down filled bag tends to be lighter.(contact Keith if you would be interested in renting or borrowing this piece of equipment.)
- Sleeping pad- This separates you from the cold rock. They come in solid foam to inflatables. It is really a personal preference on the type of mat. (Contact Keith if you would be interested in renting or borrowing this item as well.)
- Water Supply- Water will be about 10lbs of your gear. Nalgene bottles work great and are very durable. You can find them at almost any retail store but any other brand that seems to take a beating well will work fine. Many guys will wear hydration packs (camel packs). I would recommend no fewer than three water bottles with you unless you have the hydration pack, then you might be able to get away with an just 2.
- Head Lamp- We are not talking a clip on flashlight here. Look for the light weight 3-5 bulb LED style. You can get a good head lamp for about $20. (dicks, cabelas, walmart, kmart)
- Cup/Mug- to drink out of and boil water in. (dicks, walmart)
- Journal- With all we are going to experience, you might as well record part of the experience on paper.
- Spoon- unless you really know where that hand has been....
- Bug Repellent- If you are easily annoyed by them, you may want some to avoid swatting at gnats all day. For the most part the bugs are rarely an issue though in most sections of the hike.
- disposable Wet Wipes and Toilet Paper- Plan accordingly. You know your own technique and quantity needed. The wipes are easier to pack than toilet paper, and you might just like it over Charmin. Keep in a zip lock bag and have an extra bag to carry out the used toilet paper and wipes.
- Towel/Chamois- use at the campsites.
- Chair- luxury item. You can find small portable stools or chairs that would be nice to use at the campsites so you can get off the ground.
- Hiking Poles- Optional. Some people find them to be very helpful, and Larry highly recommend them. I mocked them the first day last year, and then used them every day after that. (Available at Walmart, cabellas, bass pro, gander mountain).
- Bible- Let's see what God may reveal to us in the word this week away. I bring a very small one with me that is only new testament.
- Pillow- It is optional. They do have some very small, camping pillows that are light and pack easy. Some people just use clothes or gear instead.
- Accessory Straps- Optional. Belts and bungee cords do not work really well.
- Stuff Sacks- You will want to keep your food, gear, and clothing separated. One for food, one for sleeping bag, one for toiletries, cook gear, trash and clothing. Sizes range from small to large. It is also great to pack stuff in zip lock bags to have that extra protection. You would be amazed at the size of zip lock bags you can get!
- bowl/plate- for mixing food and eating. You may or may not need this depending upon what you bring to eat.
- Soap- small piece in plastic bag or liquid in a small bottle. It optional.
- toothbrush- some go without, some cut it down.
- toothpaste- think small.
- sun screen- pale white skin or dark bronze...doesn't matter, you may want to bring some.
- chapstick or some kind of lip salve
- Pocket Knife- just remember to pack it in your gear and don't take it on the plane.
- Hat- You may want a baseball style for traveling during the day, a stocking cap, regardless you will definitely something to keep your head warm at night.
- sunglasses-
- camera and film....optional
- 2 large heavy duty trash bags. It becomes a dry place to sit and in case we have to portage, it will help keep your pack dry.
RENTAL OPTIONS
We can rent gear from REI in Castleton, IN. for the trip. If you would be interested in this option please contact keith and let him know what gear you would like to rent. The package deal including a backpack, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad can be rented for approximately $175.00. You can also rent items separately, (backpacks- $72, sleeping bag- $60, sleeping pad- $42). The cost to rent a 2 man tent for this trip would be $90.00 a day. To get these prices you have to be a member of REI, which is at a cost of $20 and is good for a lifetime.
Why rent? It could be more cost effective on some items. it gives you a chance to see if you would ever want to do this again. I would be happy to think out loud with you about this option, so just give me a call.
