Beginning the 46

[hockey2]

OK, so I'm mentally preparing myself to start my quest of 46 in the spring. I need some tips and I figure this is the place to be.

Do you usually stay overnight? Or in and out in one day?
Can you leave your pack, tent, etc, without anyone taking anything?
What do you usually bring with you? Small pack? Food?

I know these are pretty general, but I need somewhere to start. Feel free to add any info that you think would help me in my quest.

Thanks all,
Chad

[Kevin]

Do you usually stay overnight? Or in and out in one day?

Living in Albany affords me a lot of dayhiking opportunities (takes me 2-2.5 hours to get to all the major trailheads except the Sewards, which is closer to 3 because it's the furthest West).

Can you leave your pack, tent, etc, without anyone taking anything?

I have left my gear unattended at Lake Colden and Marcy Dam, as well as Gill Brook and other high peaks camping areas. Most theft has been at trailheads, and my guess is that the thieves are not hikers. Hikers have a special bond that transcends petty theft.

What do you usually bring with you? Small pack? Food?

See my post in this thread. Most important thing here is to find what works for you. If you sweat alot you may want a daypack with a hydration bladder to make life easier on the trail.

[jellen]

what to bring

1. Don't wear cotton. Cotton kills hikers = hypothermia.

Always ask yourself prior to any departure to hike if you could survive overnight in the woods with what is in your pack. There are 10 essentials to always carry. You may decide to add stuff. I personally use a checklist every time I get ready for a trip and always carry the same stuff in the same pockets on the pack.


Ten essentials:

1. extra clothing (not cotton)
2. first aid kit
3. extra food
4. flashlight
5. map
6. compass (helps to know how to use map and compass)
7. whistle
8. knife
9. matches
10. sunglasses

11. - water purification system or tablets

The ADKS are 6 hours from me so I did overnights as well as day hikes from local hotels. Depended on the particular mountains.

Never had anything stolen in the woods.

Be safe. Enjoy th 46!

JE

[Neil]

Excellent beta here: http://www.adkhighpeaks.com/46er-flash/main.htm
and here: http://www.adirondackjourney.com/

[RonandJon]

With a little help from your friends

Chad

Try joining or hiking with a group from your local Adirondack Mountain Club. They usually have a variety of hikes, and the hikes are categorized by length, speed and difficulty. Each hike has a leader. You can try out a hike to a High Peak you think suits your ability and inclination and then go from there. You will probably meet people with similar interests and with similar abilities to go with, too. Here is their site:

http://www.adk.org/

Get a guide book and do some reading. It will describe the routes and trails, and give you some good background information. Here's one from the ADK

http://www.adk.org/new_store/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=GHP

or this one from Barbara McMartin:

http://www.hossscountrycorner.com/DISCOVER-THE-ADKS-HIGH-PEAKS-P931C53.aspx

You can do most of the High Peaks as day hikes. Some are fairly remote, so unless you are a strong fast hiker, you might want to camp out. You might want to camp out and hike over several days, too, because it's fun!

I have never had anyone bother my stuff - either in a lean-to or in my tent or pack, and my car has never been bothered either, although I have heard stories of break ins at some trail heads.

Single best investment? A good pair of boots, which are either water proof or can be water-proofed. Try this for a good background article on boots:

http://www.patc.net/hiking/gear/boots.html

Keep us posted on your hikes. Ron

[shoty2982]

i live about 6 hours away from the ADKS so when i can get up there i make the best of it and spend a couple nights out. its alot of fun for sure to stay out for a couple nights though because it will allow you to enjoy your surroundings and enjoy the time you have out in the woods. Most of the peaks will have a trailhead within 5-10 miles? of the peaks. Myself, i usually hike in to a basecamp, be it a lean-to or a tent site, and dayhike all the designated peaks from there. i have never had a problem with any kind theft once so ever. A couple things you may want to consider.... bear canisters are required in certain parts of the high peaks region, and as ronandjon said the single best investment is good footwear. Start with a very simple tripsuch as a hike in to Marcy Dam lean-to, spend a night, then wake up and do Phelps and or/Tabletop on the next day. Most aspiring 46ers will usually start with Cascade and Porter as a day trip (approx 6 miles round trip). Go with what works for you, get proper [fitting] equipment and go at your own pace. Enjoy your time in the ADKS.
p@uL

[alistair]

Hockey2, where do you live? Maybe there is a local experienced hiker that can take you on your first hike.