Backpacking advice

[secretweaponevan]

I HIGHLY recommend bringing a crank LED flashlight that can charge a cell phone. For safety on many fronts, it is worth the weight.

http://www.gadgethq.com/hand-crank-led-flashlight-cell-phone-charger-p-13.html

[MANN]

Any advice on packs - ?

I have nothing to offer. Other than make sure it comes with 4 wheels, and a motor. Good luck

[babyface]

check out the holeb bushman. i picked one up for my pack for those deep woods hunting trips.

http://www.holeboutdoors.com/Camp_Tools_Details.htm

[babyface]

We're spoiled here in NJ because Campmor is based like 15 minutes from me so I can just go to the store, but do you have anything similar near you?

If so, I reccomend going in. Different packs will fit you differently, and the guys at the store will work with you to find a pack that fits properly and make sure you know how to strap it on. At Campmor, they have weighted sacks they use to imitate a full load and will make you try the pack on with weight to make sure its comfortable and sits right.

All I know is that if you have a pack that isn't comfortable, you'll be miserable. Hopefully you have some sort of similar store out there that can help you out.

i love Campmor, but i gotta say Harry's Army Navy out near Great Adventure is Great

[CaliMagFan]

You could certainly find a more comfortable pack in a different brand. Kelty is not a bad brand, and some of their packs can be seen as higher end. Most of what they make is designed to be entry level though and if you consider investing in a gear set for backpacking often, you might try another brand. Comparable in size and most likely more comfy is the Gregory Palisade- or possibly something from Osprey's Argon series.

I work for an outdoor retailer here in Ca and spend a lot of my time in the back country each year in all seasons. If you have any questions, let me know.

Oh yeah- save weight, leave your gun at home. You shouldn't need it.

[Lohman446]

Oh yeah- save weight, leave your gun at home. You shouldn't need it.

Thats not overly likely. If I get into save weight mode I might carry a Super Blackhawk in 357 but I seldom leave home without one.

[CaliMagFan]

Thats not overly likely. If I get into save weight mode I might carry a Super Blackhawk in 357 but I seldom leave home without one.

It's Michigan, what are you going to find in the woods? A black bear? lol. I just don't see what is out there that you'd want to shoot.

PS: Make sure your food is secure,

[teufelhunden]

It's Michigan, what are you going to find in the woods? A black bear? lol. I just don't see what is out there that you'd want to shoot.

Michael Moore may get lost and wander out

[Lohman446]

It's Michigan, what are you going to find in the woods? A black bear? lol. I just don't see what is out there that you'd want to shoot.

PS: Make sure your food is secure,

I am as concerned about two legged idiots as predators. I just would feel a bit underarmed with a 9MM or 40 in the woods. Thats why I did not buy the Blackhawk I had in my hand yesterday in 44 , or the Alaskan in 454.

Its a me thing - I just like to be prepared for the worst case scenario. Horror movie plots confuse me.

I did get an Ursack and intend to hang food out of camp. I grant the chance of a bear attack is pretty slim - and chances are even if there is a bear involved its going to be pretty small for a bear.