This is the backpack I have coming. Should get here on Friday:
http://www.amazon.com/Maxpedition-80...1688938&sr=8-1
Dog food huh? Hmm... I was planning to load the pack with weights from my weight set... Dog food could be interesting...
Living in Minnesota with the vast and rapid weather changes, I wear hiking boots as my regular every day shoes. Here are the boots I own and would use:
http://www.amazon.com/Vasque-Mens-Wa...1689309&sr=8-1
I have not been doing much running, but I do like to do deadlifts. My current 1RM is about 350, with a 5RM of 275 and a 10RM of 225 or so.
Where/how would I learn to correctly adjust the pack? Who do I get that info from?
I actually have not been camping/backpacking or anything of the sort for about 20 years, so any advice on what to bring and what not to bring would be GREATLY apprecaited.
Thank you in advance Ticky and all others for the good advice so far. Please keep it coming. :awe:
46 liters will be rather small for you plus a kid. You might make it work, but it will be a challenge.
Iron weights are a poor simulation, it's hard to get the weight distributed, and they don't pack well...
Ok, those look fine.
I imagine your leg strength is fine. Just crank up the cardio.
Learning how to adjust packs without someone to show you can be tough. Here's what I have people do:
Load up the pack. Loosen the shoulder straps a bit, and let the load lifters (straps on top of the shoulders) all the way out. Put the pack on. Shrug your shoulders like a mofo. Tighten the waist belt fairly tight. Unshrug your shoulders. Tighten down shoulder straps moderately tight. Lean forward. Tighten load lifters down kinda tight. If it doesn't feel right, or the waist belt isn't putting the weight on your hips, try adjusting the pack length, if available.
That should get you close enough to start with. Any better and I'd have to see you/show you.
Here's a list of what you NEED, in order of criticality:
Water (enough containers to list you until the next water source, +1 liter, plus a way to purify (filter or chemicals)
Shelter (tent, tarp, bivvy sack, whatever)
Warm clothing + Rain Gear
Food (bring 1000 cals more than you normally eat, plus an extra half-day. Let me know if you need sugestions on food). Also, a way to keep critters off it (hanging is a good choice).
Knife
First Aid kit (small, just the essentials (bandages, splint, benadryl, gloves, asprin, etc.))
Map, Compass
Sleeping Gear (bags, pads, pillows if you use em)
Cooking gear (backpacking stove, or can be just a pot if you cook over the fire). Spork.
Flashlight (headlamps are great)
Bug Spray, Sunscreen, Hat
Deck of Cards
Some of this stuff might be provided by the group, you should ask. Obviously 14 compasses does no one any good, but 2 is nice.
Also: WEIGH YOUR PACK. If you have more than 45 pounds of crap, seriously reconsider what you are taking. That should be more than enough for 2 days with you and a small kid.