Very new to this!

[musiclover]

Hi all,

So, I've always been really interested in the outdoors and exploring, but I never had any one to go with. My parents aren't outdoorsy people so they didn't fully understand or support these types of things.

I am now attending Plattsburgh State and I went there because I loved the location and the mountains around it. I fell in love my first time driving through to visit the college to see if I would want to go there. THat was one of the deciding factors on choosing there.

It's now been 3 years and I only have 1 year left. I never took advantage of my location, and I want to do something about that my final year here. I never met anyone here that was interested in the same things I was like hiking mountains. Furthermore, I never knew where to start or how to get information.

Last May, I met a guy and we hiked whiteface. It was the most rewarding and inspiring things I did last semester. We were very unprepared for the hike...we thought it would only be a short hike (word of mouth told us that). How wrong we were, we only had one bottle of water, and no food for the entire hike. We barely made it back before the sun set. The trail was well marked and we didn't have trouble with that, it's just we were unprepared.

Well, I've found someone who wants to hike with me finally. He sort of knows how to hike and I will be taking an outdoor survival skills class so we will have more knowledge. We plan on doing easy to moderate hikes, but on certain weekends we'd like to try a 46er peak.

I was hoping someone here could provide me with what I need to do to prepare for one of those trips. What sort of equipment should I DEFINITELY have, approximate costs, suggestions, tips, anything! even if you could point me in the right direction as to where to find this information...

...like what are some great hiking boots, what should I look for when i am shopping for some...

....what types of clothes should I purcahse and where cna I get them?

things like this...

And if anyone ever feels like dragging me along as a tutor on how to mountain hike, I'd love to trail.

Thanks in advance for any help you can provide. I assume these things come with experience, but a little knowledge beforehand would be much safter way to do things.

[RonandJon]

Welcome

Lots of knowlegeable, friendly people here. I spent 2 summers in Plattsburgh going to school and my good friend and hiking buddy Chili Willie graduated from there 30 years ago and started out hiking, much like you are.

If you want to hke the High Peaks, Cascade is the easiest, and offers great views, but usually lots of people , too. It can be combined with a short hike over to Porter Mt, also a High Peak.

A good place to get information and find people who are interested in the High Peaks is your local Adirondack Mountain Club ADK. Here is a link:

http://www.adk.org/ The offer many kinds of group hikes and the hikes are designed for people of all abilities and experience. There is always a leader, and the hikes are described and graded so you can decide if it sounds interesting for you. There will be a link to your local club as well.

For more information about becoming a 46er, here is a link to their site.

http://www.adk46r.org/

For some very good interesting information about the area, describing hikes, with maps and pictures, try here:

http://adirondackjourney.com/

or here: http://alavigne.net/newHomePage/Outd...ge=all_reports


Another great hiking board, for description of recent hikes and trail conditions is ViewsfromtheTop.com -
http://viewsfromthetop.com/ check out Trail Conditions, NY or Forums Many, many great people there, too.

check out an EMS store to talk with people who are usually very knowlegeable about equipment and will answer questions and let you try things on.

Here's some background on buying boots:

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

Anyway, this is a great site, and I am sure you will here from a bunch more folks - Enjoy the area. PS I lived in Ticonderoga from 1977 to 1980 and visited there for many years - my wife is from there - but never started on the High Peaks until 1998. Didn't know what I was missing! Enjoy. See you on the trails. Ron

[oldsmores]

Well, it sounds like you've gotten that first taste that turn most of the people on this forum into junkies. It also sounds like you've got the right attitude. Your post covers a whole lot of ground, and I'm sure you'll get a ton of responses. I'll kick it off with some random suggestions:
1. JUST DO IT! There's no substitute for just getting out into the woods and hiking. Don't try the longest and most difficult hikes you can find, but get out as often as possible.
2. Cotton kills! Not so critical in the weather we've had lately, but find some cheap synthetic shirts and pants, fleece is great when the weather gets cool. Cotton clothes get soaked and lose their insulating value, and hypothermia is one of the biggest risks you'll face.
3. Does Plattsburgh have an outing club? If not, I'm sure there's an Adirondack Mountain Club chapter in town. Give them a call. Go on some group outings.
3. Talk to people and ask questions. Find an outdoor store (is there an EMS in Plattsburgh?) and talk to the people there. Talk to people on the trail.
4. A corollary to 3 above: Take everything that people tell you with a grain of salt. Hikers tend to be an opinionated lot, and everybody's opinion is a little different.
5. Don't worry about getting the newest piece of high tech gear. I started backpacking with a Kmart pack and jeans and had a ball (but see 2 above). Hiking does not have to be a major investment.
6. Your question about boots is a good one, but (IMHO) impossible to answer. You need to find boots that work for you. Again, talk to people and get their opinions, but you need to try the boots on and find what feels good for you. I will say that despite number 5 above, buying good quality boots is a good investment. They will feel better, perform better, and last longer. One of the keys to an enjoyable hike for me is dry feet.
7. And finally, JUST DO IT! You are right to take advantage of being in one of the most beautiful places in the world. I've climbed in the Rockies, the Sierras, and the Andes, but I've never seen anyplace any prettier than the Adirondacks.
Enjoy!

[redhawk]

Well, I've found someone who wants to hike with me finally. He sort of knows how to hike .

I'm very curious as how "Sort of knows how to hike", translates!!

If you're not going to be doing overnighter you won't need a lot of gear at first. A good daypack, couple of water bottles, water filter, compass (or gps and compass), topo maps, First Aid Kit, Whistle, Good hiking boots AND socks and the proper clothing.

Your most important investment will be the boots. Go to a store that specializes in hinking/climbing and let them help you. Before you get the shoes, buy some good polypro or smartwool "wicking" socks and take those with you to wear when you try out the shoes. Make sure the shoes are waterproof and in the colder months well insulated. Carry extra socks, wet feet cause blisters.

Clothing depends upon the weather, keeping in mind that it is usually cooler (or COLDER) in the high peaks then at lower altitudes. polypro or smartwool base layers from fall to spring, and then nylon or wool (depending on season) mid layers, and fleece or down outer layers as necessary. Avoid Cotton at all costs. Invest in a good fleece or wool watch cap for the colder weather and something with a visorfor the summer.

You might also consider trekking poles right at the start since they increase the miles you can travel before the legs get tired and are a great aid on ascents and descents, especially the latter.

The guide books by the ADK club and Barbara McMartin are also a good investment.

If you check around on the forum, you will find threads with the listings of the gear you will need for whatever season you hike in. Once you get some gear, then just chime in on one of the threads here when people are posting hikes. Avoid hiking with Neil and Kevin at all costs, unless you are really into masochism!!

[AntlerPerak]

Musiclover

A lot of good advice so far, as most say you don't need a lot of expensive gear. One of those "book bags" you see on campus will work as a day pack. A decent pair of boots yes and don't forget the heavy pair of socks worn over your lighter weight socks when you try them on. There is an EMS in Burlington and one in Lake Placid. The Mountaineer in Keene Valley is also good. These boots can get pricy but you can get a decent to good pair for a hundred or less if you shop around. The ones you see at Walmart-Kmart won't hold up as well but if money is tough it may not hurt to try the $30 pair on day hikes. It depends on your feet for the most part. As everyone else said boots are something you have to try.

Here is a link to the ADK clubs chapter page. Some of the chapters list their hiking schedule on their page. Not all have a page some do. The Hurricane chapter list their hikes, I did not see a hike list for Plattsburgh, but you can call them. You can join any chapter by the way. Also you can participate in chapter hikes without being a member. Not a bad way to find out if you like that sort of thing. Here is the link

http://www.adk.org/chapters/index.aspx

The guide book is essential I prefer the ADK Guide to the High Peaks one reason is because of the map that comes with it.

[redhawk]

The guide book is essential I prefer the ADK Guide to the High Peaks one reason is because of the map that comes with it.

I think you mean the ADK one over the McMartin one, right?

Both have "High Peaks" in the title.

[AntlerPerak]

You are right Redhawk. I meant to say, The ADK mountain clubs Guide. Because of the map which is excellent. With McMartin you have to buy maps and there are many that don't have updated trails as the ADK map does.

[Kevin]

Unfortunately with time the McMartin guides may end up becoming obsolete as the info on the hikes change. But there is still some unique info in the McMartin guides, especially stuff on trailless and alternate routes to various places. The ADK guide is more "how to" and the McMartin is more "how to also".

[redhawk]

Unfortunately with time the McMartin guides may end up becoming obsolete as the info on the hikes change. But there is still some unique info in the McMartin guides, especially stuff on trailless and alternate routes to various places. The ADK guide is more "how to" and the McMartin is more "how to also".

I think that other people will be updating the "Discovering the ***** Adirondacks" Guides. I think that Bill Ingersol is doing the Southern dacks one.

I like both guides. Barbara's go into more detail about whats around to see with plantlife etc. Both are good.

I agree that the map wth the adk guides are good for overall orientation and planning.

[musiclover]

Thanks!

Thanks so much everyone for all the excellent feedback !!!

I'm going to slowly check out the links one by one and definitely invest in the ADK guidebook. I'm glad to know there is a "how-to" book with a map that I can purchase. Where can I find this? I received information from the local Adirondack tourism council, but it is more or less family oriented material.

To answer some questions---

1. Yes, Plattsburgh does have an outing club; However, a friend joined it last year and is not going back because he said they never do anything.

2. My friend that "sort of knows how to hike" --- well, he's hiked Lyon quite a few times and he has done 6 of the peaks. The thing is he was in middle school...led by boy scout troops or his dad. So, he has the experience but he wasn't the one making primary decisions. He knows a few things but not enough for confidence. Any of the questions I asked here, he could not answer. I think he's knowledgeable on when to leave with another sunlight time to get back, and how much water to bring and things like that. Probably things I could estimate.


Again thanks so much for all the information and being very welcoming on this board! I'll keep everyone updated as to what I decide on and when I start hiking.

Sara

[qam1]

Hello, Welcome to the North Country,

I wouldn’t go to crazy in buying stuff right now, just the basics

There’s a decent outdoor shop Wooden Ski and Wheel near you on Rte. 9 at southern end of Plattsburgh you can check out. They are smaller than the chains but they should have more than enough for you right now.

Here’s their website

http://www.woodenskiandwheel.com/

There are two easy must do mountains close by to Plattsburgh, Pok-O-Moonshine (The big cliffs on the Northway south of Plattsburgh) and Silver Lake Mountain. They “should” take less than two hours to do. The views are great on both. They are good if you sleep late and just want to do a quick & easy but great mountain.

They are also good to break in your new hiking boots on. When you buy new hiking boots you don’t want to immediately go out and do a big hike on them because you will kill your feet, you have to break them in first. Poko & Silver Lake are easy enough to break ‘em in and still be able to walk later on in the night.

2 Moderate difficultly mountains near Plattsburgh that are worthwhile are Lyon Mountain (It’s the big mountain that looms over Plattsburgh directly to the west of the city) and Catamount.

If you want to go to the High Peaks, moderate climbs with great views in order from easiest to hardest include

Cascade (and a possible side trip to Porter)
Giant via the Ridge Trail
Big Slide via the Brothers
Wright
Algonquin

2 other moderate mountains in the High Peaks area that aren’t part of the 46 but are must do’s because of their views are Hurricane & Ampersand

Easy mountains in the high peaks with great views include Baxter, Big Crow, Mt. Joe, Nubble, Owl’s Head, 1st & 2nd Brothers or just a trip to the top of Roaring Brook Falls is nice.

****
There is a lot of information to be found on the web about the peaks, any mountain you want to climb just go to yahoo or google and search by typing in the mountain name and “Adirondacks” and it’s very likely somewhere, someone will have a trip report posted. (Warning - Shameless Plug Alert!!) If it helps, on my website I have a quick reference of hundreds of mountains in the Adirondacks of all levels listed, many with view and difficultly ratings which might help you choose.

Also get a walking stick, they make life easier especially when coming down a mountain. Either buy one or find one out in the woods.

[RonandJon]

Buy the Books at:

EMS, Borders, Barnes and Noble, the Mountaineer in Keene.

Buy it either on-line or at the headquarters near Lake George from the ADK:

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

If the Plattsburgh ADK is not too active, try the Glens Falls ADK they are very active - check them out and if it looks good, go along on a hike with them.

Go to a gathering, either of this forum or Views From the Top - lots of nice people who you can talk with and also go hike with.

But, mostly, just go. Many of the High Peaks hikes and others hikes in the ADK are on well marked and maintained trails. Read up on the trail length and difficulty, check out the weather forecast (but remember, the mountains make their own weather and be prepared for the worst) take the 10 essentials

http://tennessee.sierraclub.org/broome/ten_essentials.htm

And go have a great time! Ron

[musiclover]

I just wanted everyone that gave me great information to know that I did Giant Mountain yesterday

It was awesome, and I can't wait to do another one on Sunday. I'm extremely sore today but it was so worth it.

The trail was pretty muddy from the rains last week, but nothing too bad. Also, there were a ton of people on the trail. However, no complaints here

[AntlerPerak]

Ah another one is hooked. Congrats on Giant and you say another one on Sunday. I assume a high peak. Don't do Rocky because as you are struggling up Giant again you will be asking "why didn't I go over to Rocky last week?" Consider doing Porter and Cascade. Great trip and taken together they are easier than Giant alone. Again welcome to the community.

[hikerdad]

I highly recommend Big Slide via the Brothers and a return via the Johns Brook trail to make a nice loop out of it. It has great views of the Great Range and will really get you hooked. It's about 10-11 miles so it gves you an idea of distances. A short hike to Johns Brook Lodge when you get back to the valley from the summit will let you see that facility.....Enjoy!

Pat