Backpackin

Well the time is almost here. Me and my WTC classmates are preparing for our adventure into the Sierras which means I have to learn how to backpack.

Truth be told, I am just a hiker, a hiker who yearns to do more and to go more places but a hiker first and foremost not a backpacker. I have car camped a lot but it is certainly different than strapping a 30-40 pound pack on your shoulders and sallying forth.

This week has been a steep learning curve for me.

I might look jaunty but it took me awhile to figure out how to pack things in the pack and then load it up on my shoulders. I have been walking around my neighborhood this week getting used to the pack and the pack's weight. It is a Teton Sports Outfitter 4600 and in addition to the weight I put in there, I put actual weights in the pack as I will be schelping snowshoes, a shovel and maybe parts of a tent in addition to everything else I have already packed so I want to make sure I know the "real" weight of what I will be carrying.

There are many blog posts out there about what to bring, how to pack it, how to save weight, etc. This will not be one of those posts. I am throwing in what I need, trying to maneuver it as needed and will see how it all plays out later this week in the Sierras.

The beauty of backpacking is that you take your house with you and can set down wherever you want (being mindful of the Leave No Trace principles) and it allows you to see sights that you can't see from you car. Backpacking gives you freedom and I for one am looking forward to what I do with it.

I am also bringing some cool Terramar gear with me to test out in the Sierras. They will include some thermal socks which I have already tried out beforehand and they are really comfy and warm.

Can't wait to see how they handle the Sierras.

I will also be trying out what I hope is my go to "jumper" as the European kids call em nowadays, the TXO 3.0 fleece jumper

I have also been giving this thing some mild workouts around LA and can't wait to see how it does in "slightly" more severe conditions.

Finally, when you go out in the cold and snow, you need some longjohns, I mean long underwear, I mean the TXO 3.0 Men's "pants".

I have tried these on and can already tell they are going to be super warm and comfortable so I know I will be rocking out in my sleeping bag wearing these puppies.

Of course, you, the loyal blog readers, will get the full play-by-play of my adventures in the Sierras this weekend, I can't wait to get up there and do some tromping!

Disclaimer:

I was provided these products because I am part of the Terramar Tribe. I try to review items like these as honestly as possible. Whether I liked it or not, I don't gain anything if you go out and buy these things. Its the Internet, take everything with a grain of salt and gain from it what you can.