Monday, December 7, 2009

I live in Georgia and want to go backpacking were should I start

I live in Georgia and want to go backpacking were should I start?

Other - Outdoor Recreation - 2 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
If you are speaking of the Appalachian Trail..about a hour outside Blairsville near the NC border is the starting point....if you are a experienced hiker and fit. If not. I would suggest you get a weight vest and try walking around and up Stone Mountain. It will build up your endurance and get you a bit used to nature.
2 :
If you're in good shape then start with getting the equipment. www.backpacker.com has good reviews on equipment to help you narrow your choices, and then spend a lot of time in your local outfitter stores trying on packs and boots. Hopefully the outfitters will no of some groups to talk with about equipment and locales and maybe even places to rent equipment so you can get a feel for them before purchasing. Some outfitters have a day a week for customers to come in and listen to 'experts' talk about gear and then let you set up and tear down the gear - very valuable info/experience to be had. Once you've chosen a pack load it with 35-40 lbs and walk around with, have the clerk help you adjust it to your frame/size. Make sure it's comfortable and fits you with the weight - very important. When you've bought your pack now load it with half your gear and start walking around - this will tell you how good of shape you are really in - slowly add weight/gear to the pack until fully loaded while lengthening the distance you walk until you can do 10-12 miles in your pack without difficulty. I know this sounds tedious and boring but so many people jump into camping without proper prep and they hate their first experience so much they don't go back. Good luck, and have fun!