Beginner Seeking Advice

Posted by: MarcusP

Beginner Seeking Advice - 04/14/16 11:44 PM

Hi there I'm marcus 45yr old male. In pretty good shape. Anyway I'm going to visit in laws this June in Cody Wyoming. It's been a lifetime dream to do backcountry hiking and I'm finally going to do it. I already bought an osprey pack off ebay and a pair of boops I'm working on breaking in. I'm looking for a tent and a bag. So many choices so many reviews. I don't want to spend more than 100 for the bag and 200 for the tent. This is starting to add up quick. Like I said I'll be in Yellowstone early June but I live in ohio and will do most of my hiking here in the east. Mostly spring and fall so cold weather will be a factor. I'm completely new at this so any advice on gear or planning would be much appreciated.
Posted by: aimless

Beginner Seeking Advice - 04/15/16 01:19 AM

This post was removed from the READ FIRST BEFORE POSTING A GEAR QUESTION thread in the Lite Gear Talk forum, moved to Backcountry Beginners and given its own thread to make it more accessible.
Posted by: OregonMouse

Re: Beginner Seeking Advice - 04/15/16 12:14 PM

Be aware that many parts of Yellowstone in early June will just be coming out of winter. Expect the likelihood of snow (although it generally will be a few inches which melts off in a day or two) and below-freezing temps at night. Also snowpack not yet melted at higher elevations or in areas of dense timber.

You might want to read my next post below (Where to start?) with links to a lot of useful articles. Also phat's "sticky" article above. Both writers live in the Rockies. One problem is that the gear warmenough for early season in Yellowstone may be a bit too warm for Ohio.


Do pay attention to what the YNP rangers tell you about bears! You will need an overnight permit, and I believe they make you watch a presentation before giving you the permit.


Posted by: BZH

Re: Beginner Seeking Advice - 04/16/16 06:19 PM

My advice is to spend money on a quality sleeping bag first. You have enough budget that you can get a quality down sleeping or quilt, but it would leave much left for a tent.

Have you thought about renting some gear (like a tent)? It's a good way to find out if this sport is for you before spending large amounts of money. It is not a great idea to spend large amounts of money until you know what you want. But.... I've never met anyone who has regretting buying a quality down bag. They also hold their value well if you decide to sell it.

Are you going with anyone else on your first outing?
Posted by: aimless

Re: Beginner Seeking Advice - 04/16/16 07:32 PM

I've never met anyone who has regretting buying a quality down bag.

Way back when I was a teenager in high school I went on a science field trip to the desert in May. I'd been camping many times before, usually in August with my family, but this was the first time I'd slept under the stars on the ground on frosty night.

There was another guy a year older than me who was sleeping about 10 feet away from me. He had a down-filled mummy bag. I didn't. I froze. He was toasty. From that morning onward I have considered down sleeping bags as something of a miracle. I scrimped and saved and bought one as soon as I could afford one. It was of mediocre quality, but I have never regretted it. grin
Posted by: toddfw2003

Re: Beginner Seeking Advice - 04/17/16 07:23 PM

I have a buddy of mine that backpacks yellowstone almost full time. He lives in Jackson hole. Also I have been around lots of bears hiking in the Canadian Rockies. Black bear wont mess with you and for the most part neither will grizzlies but on occasionally they will. My friend has had numerous bad experience run ins with grizzlies in Yellowstone. Also moose will have new borns with them in June . The females are very aggressive when they have a calf with them. Do your research before going into the backcountry. As for gear for what you are paying, and it still being cold there, you will be carrying some weight. You can get a Marmot Trestle !5 for about 100 bucks. Its a synthetic bag that warm but it weighs 4lbs and a north face storm break tent which weighs 3.5lbs for 130 bucks. both from REI. Both good prices. Weather seal your tent
Posted by: wgiles

Re: Beginner Seeking Advice - 04/17/16 10:03 PM

I've got a bunch of synthetic bags with ratings down to 0 F. Of those, I've got a couple that might be comfortable down to freezing. I've got an old REI down bag that I bought in the seventies that I have yet to have a cold night in. It's important not to have a bag that is too large, since you can waste heat on the empty space. I prefer a barrel shaped or tapered bag over a mummy bag and currently use a Climashield quilt down to freezing. Another important consideration is your sleep suit. Down to freezing, I wear an army surplus LWCWUS top and bottom with Merino wool socks and a Merino wool balaclava Buff. My sleep socks would not normally be worn during the day to keep them dry and un-matted.
Posted by: MarcusP

Re: Beginner Seeking Advice - 04/23/16 08:19 AM

Thanks for the advice after exhaustive research I found a marmot sawtooth 15 for $100. I couldn't pass it up. Also bought a mountain hardware light path tent and a cheap pad. Going to northern Alleghenys next weekend first overnight hiking. I can't wait to finally hit the trail
Posted by: MarcusP

Re: Beginner Seeking Advice - 04/23/16 08:47 AM

I did buy a marmot sawtooth 15 I think I got a good deal $100 used. I wasn't sure down or synthetic. I went with down albeit a cheaper down bag over synthetic because all the research and feedback leads to down being superior in warmth weight and comfort. All geared up and ready to hit the trail. Thanks for advice
Posted by: Glenn Roberts

Re: Beginner Seeking Advice - 04/23/16 04:16 PM

Be sure to let us know whether the trail hits back! smile

Seriously, we'd all be very interested to know how that first trip goes - please post a trip report.