Newbie Advice

Hello everyone! I’ve lurked on this fine site for some time. Has helped me decide that his is a hobby I want to pursue. Little background - Wife and I taking up hobby. We have the majority of the necessary gear. We are planning our first weekend trip in late Sept up in Northern Michigan. My main question - for beginners on relatively flat ground - what's a normal/average ground (miles) to cover in a day. We’re both in good shape and won’t be carrying a ton of stuff. Is 10 miles pretty doable? Sorry if this is a dumb question – thanks!

10 miles per day in Michigan is very doable on trails. Bushwhacking and all bets are off. 2 MPH is a very normal pace on relatively flat ground such as MI.

Even on flat ground ten miles with a pack on your back can leave you sore if your not used to it.

For your first trip I'd suggest you either cut that down to around six miles, or take a ten mile walk with no backpack and see how you feel afterwards. If you're not sore afterwards then load your packs and do a few miles to see how you do. If it's all good, do it.

That sounds about right to me for southwestern Ohio (not a lot different terrain) - however, if you're not sure about your abilities, choose a trail that offers a "bail-out" point about 4-6 miles in.

Alternatively, head to a car-camp. Load up all your gear in the morning, and head out on a 10-mile loop that brings you back to the car that night. You'll be simulating a "real" backpack by carrying everything, and you'll get the chance to try out all the skills and equipment during the day (maybe that water filter isn't as easy to use as you thought? Or using a cathole takes some practice?), with the safety-valve of a car if something goes badly wrong. If that trip goes well, head out "for real."

Have a great time, and have fun.

I'd make it shorter, like about 5 miles, for your first trip. In other words, I very much agree with Glenn and Bill. Remember, also, the days will be shorter. The first few times out, you want to camp early enough that all your chores are done by sunset.

Hopefully you will already have tried out your gear in the back yard, putting the tent up and down several times, cooking with your little stove on the patio, even sleeping out there overnight. Camp routines will take a lot of extra time your first few trips anyway; you definitely don't want to be trying to set up the tent for the first time on a dark and stormy night with instructions in one hand and flashlight in the other! If you can't do this ahead of time, definitely do the car camp/dayhike routine for your first trip. And, as I said above, camp early so you have plenty of daylight!

dwestrick,

That's not a dumb question at all, as I think the previous posters have made clear.

Not sure I've walked the same trails you're discussing, but I've hiked extensively in that same general area. There ain't any serious hills to speak of, but it ain't flat either, and generally the trails are rough and wet.

After say 15 days on the trail, being in great shape and with a light pack, ten miles would be pretty much the minimum. For the rest of us, billstephenson is right, six would be a whole lot safer. And I agree with Glen about having a previously identified bailout point (I often did that when leading groups that included beginners). I will also second strongly Oregon Mouse's advice about planning to stop with plenty of daylight (and knowing your gear). You can always go further next time

Finally, I want to add one new thing. Bring food you'll look forward to eating and that requires very little preparation. The point of all this is to make sure you actually do enjoy it so that there really will be a next time.

best, jcp

Very good advice, thank you. I'm definitely thinking less miles now. Many thanks!

very awesome advice on the food. I'm definitely planning to suprise the Mrs with a great meal. Thanks for taking the time all of you to respond to my rookie questions.

A great meal doesn't have to be complicated either. I took my wife on her first trip in 30 years or so for our anniversary and made my normal freezer bag meals.

Also make sure you have sufficient clothing & gear for the temps. You don't want her to be chilly though that may also encourage extra snuggling.

One thing for sure, you should plan carefully so that you're not trying to fetch water in the dark! Don't ask me how I know this!