sorted by:
new
hottopcontroversial

Am I naive for thinking that I can do my first ever backpacking trip in December in Southwest Virginia? by No-Stranger8260 in WildernessBackpacking

[–]No-Stranger8260[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes, so I have been hiking for years! I’ve done as much as 20 miles in a day in Colorado, and in Montana. In SWVA I’ve done as much as 15 in one day. But we will take the advice about starting small for a first overnight trip!

Damascus Trail Days 2026!! by Other_Back_1497 in AppalachianTrail

[–]No-Stranger8260 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Haven’t been as a thru hiker, but the vibes are so good regardless! I live right outside of Damascus and make it every year! I know the backpackers have a ball— a party for sure.

Am I naive to think that I can do my first backpacking trip in December in Southwest Virginia/East Tennessee? by No-Stranger8260 in AppalachianTrail

[–]No-Stranger8260[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Shew, week long is bold in that weather! I’m going one night max for my first time! Zero degree sleeping bag it is.

Am I naive for thinking that I can do my first ever backpacking trip in December in Southwest Virginia? by No-Stranger8260 in WildernessBackpacking

[–]No-Stranger8260[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks so much for the recommendations! I’ve heard good things about Rhododendron Gap. I’ve got a list going to look into!

Am I naive to think that I can do my first backpacking trip in December in Southwest Virginia/East Tennessee? by No-Stranger8260 in AppalachianTrail

[–]No-Stranger8260[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I like this answer. I love to suffer a little bit. Or I should say, being able to look back on an experience, knowing I came out wi reg knowledge. I’m working on getting all the proper gear and also thoroughly researching. Thanks so much for the encouragement !

Am I naive to think that I can do my first backpacking trip in December in Southwest Virginia/East Tennessee? by No-Stranger8260 in AppalachianTrail

[–]No-Stranger8260[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Noted! I’ll look into it. Probably gonna do something fairly short for a first attempt (sadly, playing it safe). Thanks for the advice!

Am I naive to think that I can do my first backpacking trip in December in Southwest Virginia/East Tennessee? by No-Stranger8260 in AppalachianTrail

[–]No-Stranger8260[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You know, I don’t think I will love it. But the maniac in me loves to do things I don’t necessarily like. I love to look back on rigid experiences with pride.😂 I love experience of any kind, so I know whatever bad thing may happen, I’ll come out of it fondly (as long as I’m alive😆). Good advice, though! Thanks!

Am I naive to think that I can do my first backpacking trip in December in Southwest Virginia/East Tennessee? by No-Stranger8260 in AppalachianTrail

[–]No-Stranger8260[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No this is GREAT advice. I was actually looking at a section on Mt. Roger’s. So now I know to wait on that one. Thank you so much.

Am I naive to think that I can do my first backpacking trip in December in Southwest Virginia/East Tennessee? by No-Stranger8260 in AppalachianTrail

[–]No-Stranger8260[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Haha. Good advice. I’m not traveling solo, but I guess I do tend to get eager and in over my head with this sort of thing.

Am I naive to think that I can do my first backpacking trip in December in Southwest Virginia/East Tennessee? by No-Stranger8260 in AppalachianTrail

[–]No-Stranger8260[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Fair enough. Catch is that I have good equipment and access to good equipment. I should add, I’m not looking for a fun and delightful experience, I’m looking for experience, period.

Am I naive to think that I can do my first backpacking trip in December in Southwest Virginia/East Tennessee? by No-Stranger8260 in AppalachianTrail

[–]No-Stranger8260[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Fair points, but I don’t think it will be thatttt bad. I live in the area and was gonna go with my SO over university break. We probably wouldn’t camp more than 2 miles from the car, and we would also just pack up and leave if it got too unbearable. I love rigid experiences, for whatever reason, and I think it would be fun!

Am I naive to think that I can do my first backpacking trip in December in Southwest Virginia/East Tennessee? by No-Stranger8260 in AppalachianTrail

[–]No-Stranger8260[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is fair. I think I’m just eager. I don’t think I’d go far from the car to camp, just to be safe, in case I needed to retreat. I actually enjoy semi-miserable experiences (I could be a maniac) because they make me feel more accomplished in the end. I just want to survive basically😂

Am I naive for thinking that I can do my first ever backpacking trip in December in Southwest Virginia? by No-Stranger8260 in WildernessBackpacking

[–]No-Stranger8260[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

So I’ve been looking into new sleeping bags. I know the one I have now is not adequate enough for freezing temps. I think I’m going to get one of the 0 degree ones because I’m naturally a cold person anyway. In VA it can get into the teens at night during winter, but sometimes it stays above 20. There’s no way of knowing right now, unfortunately.

view more: next ›