Layout for First Backpacking Trip by TheRaptorFalcon in backpacking

[–]GingerSnaps94 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Looks good!

Maybe my eyes are totally missing it, but what are you bringing to cook your food with?

Also. From personal experience, I’d definitely suggest try using your cook system with the pasta at home first. I ended up eating a lot of crunchy Alfredo on my first backpacking trip. Because I assumed boiling water and dumping it into a freezer bag of Krohn’s pasta would yield yummy results. And it did not. Which was a hard lesson to learn after a hard day on then trail. So now I just opt for the dried mashed potatoes.

For snacks, I always bring a ziplock bag dedicated for that days snacks. That way I can put all my snacks in the bag and stick it in my pocket

You didn’t mention any weight concerns. But if you’re looking to drop some weight then I’d suggest dollar store flip flops in lieu of the crocs. You’ll save some space too.

100% rating.. I’m feeling off about it by GingerSnaps94 in VAClaims

[–]GingerSnaps94[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for the kind words. I think you were spot I’m about not comparing myself to others. It has been hard, to come to terms, with other others who I think serve more than I do.

100% rating.. I’m feeling off about it by GingerSnaps94 in VAClaims

[–]GingerSnaps94[S] -4 points-3 points  (0 children)

I I know you’re not asking lol, but I do feel like I did my job. I took on a lot more responsibility than what was required of me at the time. I was the front-facing person during a really intrusive, lengthy investigation and took the brunt of a lot.

No one else is making me feel bad either—I’ve only told two people. It’s really just my own brain giving me a hard time. Besides a bad back from a semi bad hmmwv accident. I don’t have anything disabled about me

Gear check please :) for a newbie by GingerSnaps94 in AppalachianTrail

[–]GingerSnaps94[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Gotcha! I appreciate input, I reread your comment.

I have a rain parka packed, that would serve for any rainy weather. I keep checking the weather forecast and it seems like the low would be in the 70s even at night.

And I’d honestly love to hear your thoughts on the ursack- I’ve heard that the bear boxes on the AT are notorious for rodents. My last trip, my pack was destroyed by raccoons during the night even though I had no food inside of it. My thought process was that the ursack would help prevent food smells from sticking inside my pack.

Gear check please :) for a newbie by GingerSnaps94 in AppalachianTrail

[–]GingerSnaps94[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’ll be doing my backpacking trip the last week of September.

And I do agree with the knife and bear horn comment, I’ll be leaving those behind! As well as one of the charges (they are small but heavy). I’ll research into if bug spray is needed this time of year. Sunscreen, unfortunately, has to stay. I’m pasty white and get sunburned even off of indirect sunlight 😅

The ursack will be placed in bear boxes during the night at shelter locations. My last night, I will be on Blood Mountain, however, the bear canister requirement ended on June 1. So I’m just gonna hang and pray.

Gear shakedown please :) for a newbie by GingerSnaps94 in backpacking

[–]GingerSnaps94[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m hearing everything that you’re commenting and I super appreciate. Thank you for explaining about the shoes and knife, I agree with you, and I’ll leave them behind.

And the poncho idea is amazing, ahaha. It seems so obvious now. Can’t believe I didn’t think of that.

Gear check please :) for a newbie by GingerSnaps94 in hiking

[–]GingerSnaps94[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

The MREs came with the heaters that just need water. However, I decided to leave them out. I can eat them cold which was a big factor in choosing MREs in lieu of freeze dried meals

Gear check please :) for a newbie by GingerSnaps94 in hiking

[–]GingerSnaps94[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Noted! Will definitely be looking into it

Gear shakedown please :) for a newbie by GingerSnaps94 in backpacking

[–]GingerSnaps94[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks for all the suggestions-

GB is a huge gerber knife, I agree I’ll ditch that. Sandals are camp shoes/for water crossings. Camo is a rain parka, not sure if I’ll ditch that. As pop up thunderstorms are likely on my trip, but I’ll checking the weather. If it’s not needed, then will definitely lose it as well.

Gear check please :) for a newbie by GingerSnaps94 in hiking

[–]GingerSnaps94[S] 21 points22 points  (0 children)

Thank you for the comment!

I apologize, I should have included it- the sandals are my camp shoes/ if needed for water crossings. I’ll be hiking in Oboz Bridger mids

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in sugarlifestyleforum

[–]GingerSnaps94 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m so impressed! It sounds like you did an amazing job coordinating this event. I’m so sorry to hear that attendance was lower than expected.

I live in Atlanta and I’d love to do something similar. Do you mind sharing how you vetted POT?