My day pack is an Osprey Talon 22.My loadout depends greatly on the time of year. In the summer I am less than 10lbs with food(loads of snacks,maybe an apple),rain coat,water filter,2 liters of water(smart water bottles),headlamp,compass,spare socks(in a pinch they work for gloves),grocerybag/gallon ziplock(to pick up other hikers trash),small first aid kit(few band aids,curad silver gel,sol biv,and a bandana),battery bank(headlamp and phone charging)and electronic lighter.I really appreciate all the feedback the “cheap” merrels will arrive today along with non cotton socks. aside from all the footwear advice this thread has shown me how naive I was to the world of hiking the miles you guys are logging are impressive, but instead of discouraging I will try to catch up
edit to add a side question:
how heavy are the packs you guys are carrying on the multi day or full day hikes? Just curious because at least I can work towards a reasonable goal then.
My shoulder season pack for a 4-5 day trip with food is right at 32lbs before I add water. Weight goes way up in the winter and down a little bit in the summer.how heavy are the packs you guys are carrying on the multi day or full day hikes? Just curious because at least I can work towards a reasonable goal then.
I also had back surgery last year and that is why I am trying to strengthen my back with rucking/hiking.Socks - Fox River military with a liner.
I had a back surgery in 2008 and my therapy / rehab afterwards was walking. I got addicted to it and have walked between 1000 and 1300 per year since, not including hiking. I get close to 150 per year hiking.
I have an aunt who just turned 85 this year. She lives in eastern TN and has hiked all over the world. She lives close enough to the Smokeys that she hikes there at least once per week and logs close to 600 a year just in the Smokeys and eastern TN. That is my goal,...stay active enough I can still be doing this in 30 more years.
Dirty Steve
I would start with a lower weight. 50lb is a heavy load. It also makes a huge difference how you carry it too. My hips have chaffed and bruised at some points during my hiking,but I would still rather that be where most of my weight is vs on my shoulders(which means your back is carrying your load).Thank you everyone for all the helpful responses. I am doing my best to let my needs dictate my gear and holding back from going out and buying all the gizmos and gadgets. That’s why I am doing 1 hour every morning right now with 50# close to home where I can learn what gear is working and what else I need.
Thank you! I have slowly progressed to the 50 I started with 20 a few weeks ago but I was only walking in circles in the backyard. (Got boring) I have 25# on a plate carrier and 25# in a backpack. I only have around an hour a day I can get away to do this so I figure I will keep adding weight and picking up the pace as I can.I would start with a lower weight. 50lb is a heavy load. It also makes a huge difference how you carry it too. My hips have chaffed and bruised at some points during my hiking,but I would still rather that be where most of my weight is vs on my shoulders(which means your back is carrying your load).
At one point I rubbed one of my hips raw(bloody) on the AT. It was a silly thing as well. I had let my shoulder straps get uneven and one side took more of the load(for a couple days). Stupid error that left me hiking sore for more than a week(but I made damn sure my load was even from then on). It was the only time on my entire hike I used moleskin anywhere. It half assed worked to lessen the pain.
Point being. How you carry your load is more important(I think)than the load itself.
You can not go wrong with good socks. If you feel hot spots my advise is to get sock liners asap. They really do stop hotspots and work.My first investment has arrived
I agree 50 pounds a lot, and your plate carrier will carry it much differently than your pack should. Not that it’s bad exercise, just don’t head out for a week in the woods without having a well fitting pack, which means maybe having 70% of the weight on that hip belt, but also being able to adjust that weight as things change.Thank you! I have slowly progressed to the 50 I started with 20 a few weeks ago but I was only walking in circles in the backyard. (Got boring) I have 25# on a plate carrier and 25# in a backpack. I only have around an hour a day I can get away to do this so I figure I will keep adding weight and picking up the pace as I can.
My logic: if I can carry 50# the wrong way (mostly on shoulders although half of the weight is in a proper pack) then carrying 30 the right way should be a breeze.I agree 50 pounds a lot, and your plate carrier will carry it much differently than your pack should. Not that it’s bad exercise, just don’t head out for a week in the woods without having a well fitting pack, which means maybe having 70% of the weight on that hip belt, but also being able to adjust that weight as things change.
I’m no expert, others may quote a different percentage.
Sounds like you have a great plan! And don’t sell yourself short on being a novice, sounds like you are figuring out what works for you.My logic: if I can carry 50# the wrong way (mostly on shoulders although half of the weight is in a proper pack) then carrying 30 the right way should be a breeze.
I am doing this almost exclusively for the health and physical benefits. (Cardio and strengthening my core / back after multiple surgeries and being able to carry heavy things long distances is useful) Doing something I like doing is a happy coincidence.
I really appreciate all the feedback and constructive criticism I am a novice in all current activities weight training rucking hiking cardio backpacking l.
Socks are good, look into your boots too. (Obvious right). Just saying cause the only time I went more than 50lbs in my pack, my vasque sundowners at the end of 28 days in the Yukon looked like the sides melted. Took them back to the store, and got credit for a tent... Looking back, they were too light weight of a boot. Probably my fault. The only reason I went with so much weight though, was to pick up for some in group unable to "pull there weight". It all depends on your goals or just fitness stuff though.. good luck, enjoy and I'm feeling the itch to get back out there too. Just got back today from 2 nights at potato creek today, mostly biked around there though.My logic: if I can carry 50# the wrong way (mostly on shoulders although half of the weight is in a proper pack) then carrying 30 the right way should be a breeze.
I am doing this almost exclusively for the health and physical benefits. (Cardio and strengthening my core / back after multiple surgeries and being able to carry heavy things long distances is useful) Doing something I like doing is a happy coincidence.
I really appreciate all the feedback and constructive criticism I am a novice in all current activities weight training rucking hiking cardio backpacking l.
Go try on some Keens or Solomons, maybe Timberland.Just finished up my first go with the merrels and my new socks so unless I hear otherwise from you guys these shoes will be traded out. My pinky toe feels crammed with minimal (hardly any) downhill. I can only imagine adding elevation will only compound this issue. Or should I hang onto them to see if I can break them in. I cannot go a size larger they fit well everywhere else I am seeing the “toe box” you all spoke of is a thing.
Wide toe box and narrow heel may be a good fit for Oboz. That's what my wife uses with those same requirements.Go try on some Keens or Solomons, maybe Timberland.
Danner and Asolo are probably out, I'd love to love them but can't.
ETA I have a very wide front of foot but very narrow heel so a bigger size pulls up every step and then blisters. Once you find the right fit you'll just know it.
REI salesman got me into an oboz just for a casual everyday not work not hike shoe, never tried their boots but this thing took FOREVER to break in. I like a stiff boot but these were crazy. I might never need another pair of casual shoes. Not sure if their boots are the same.Wide toe box and narrow heel may be a good fit for Oboz. That's what my wife uses with those same requirements.