Long Distance Walk

[T.R.Hayward]

Hello all,

I am currently training for a long distance walk that I hope to undertake this year. I'm a civilian and was wondering if anyone here had recommendations regarding hydration packs, sleeping bags, tents, etc....

The walk will be approximately 300 miles on fairly even terrain, I plan on going in the early spring or late fall to avoid insects. I'll have to sleep in the open. The purpose of this walk is to raise support for the Canadian troops in Afghanistan, and hopefully it will also raise some funds that will be used to send care packages to the troops.

(I'm a member of a volunteer organization that sends care packages to the troops every month already. We just figured that if we actually started fundraising that we'd be able to send more....)

I read on another topic thread that Terra makes a boot called the Patriot. I have worn Terra boots before and I like that they are made in Canada. Are they suitable footwear in your opinion?

Thank you for your time and attention, and if my posting is inappropriate in any way then you have my apology.

I hope that this message finds that all is well with you and yours, and may God bless all who serve.

Best Wishes,

-Rick

 

[daftandbarmy]

Hi TR,

Huzzah for you! Well done and thanks in advance.

I've done a fair few long distance walks, but mostly in the 1 - 200 mile range. It all depends what the weather/ terrain conditions will be like, how fit you are and how much you're prepared to do without. There is a huge lightweight hiking community in the USA that are fanatical about saving weight. Many do the several thousand KM long through-hikes between the Canada to Mexico Border, like the Pacific Crest Trail . Go Lite is a gear company that specializes in meeting the needs of these long distance fanatics. I suggest that you check out some of these websites:

http://gorp.away.com/gorp/gear/features/lightweight_main.htm

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/index.html

http://www.golite.com/main/home.aspx

http://www.backcountry.com/store/SAL0530/Salomon-Mega-Trek-6-Light-GTX-Backpacking-Boot-Mens.html?mv_pc=r147&CP=%20NexTag&CMP=SPC-NexTag&ATT=SAL0530-megatrek6lightgtxbackpackin&GCID=C2000x031&keyword=SAL0530+mega+trek+6+light+gtx+backp

http://www.orgear.com/home/style/home/apparel/apparel_shells/apparel_shells_storm/55130


What do I do? No tent (Sill tarp will do). Lightweight Gore-tex covered down bag weighing no  more than 1 lb (0 degree rating). O.R. Zealot rain gear (last link above). No spare clothes (wear the rain gear if cold) except for one pair socks that can double as mitts, a toque and a fleece/wool shirt. One 1l Nalgene bottle - better than hydro packs because you can mix Gatorade etc in them. Limit food weight to 2lbs per day max. MSR Stove - there are lighter ones on the market but I like my MSR. Salomon GTX lightweight boot (see 2nd last link above). The lightest 40l pack you can find that doesn't need a waterproof pack liner

You don't need much as long as you keep moving!

 

[T.R.Hayward]

Thank you for your prompt reply, your suggestions actually help a lot. I'll be using nalgene bottle now instead of hydration pack for sure.

Would it be offensive to members of the military community if I were to use military gear? The Terra Patriot boots interested me because they are what the Canadian soldier might wear. It's the closest that I might ever get to walking in their footsteps. I'm planning on wearing a red shirt from the Shilo Canex to show support for the troops.

The last thing I want to do is to show disrespect for the Canadian soldier or their families. Any further suggestions on walking, kit, or fundraising are most welcome.

I would also be very interested in hearing your thoughts on what should be included in the care packages. We usually send local newspapers, magazines, and hard candy. We have sent other items at times, especially at Christmas, including letters of support from local school children,  Kraft peanut butter, chocolates, board games, game books, sesame snaps, etc. We do try to buy Canadian-made products when possible. If there is something more appropriate or that would make life easier for the Canadian soldier serving in Afghanistan, then we would most certainly make effort to provide it.

Thank you again....

Best Wishes,

-Rick

 

[Deleted member 9665]

if you search this site, there is whole thread dedicated to the care packs.

 

[Roy Harding]

...

I would also be very interested in hearing your thoughts on what should be included in the care packages. We usually send local newspapers, magazines, and hard candy. We have sent other items at times, especially at Christmas, including letters of support from local school children,  Kraft peanut butter, chocolates, board games, game books, sesame snaps, etc. We do try to buy Canadian-made products when possible. If there is something more appropriate or that would make life easier for the Canadian soldier serving in Afghanistan, then we would most certainly make effort to provide it.
...

Cheez-Whiz

 

[Shamrock]

Would it be offensive to members of the military community if I were to use military gear?

What sort of kit are you thinking of taking?

Personally, I'd recommend avoiding mil kit as its purpose is to conceal its wearer.  Pretty much leaves you the option of boots and gloves.

 

[geo]

... at times, mil kit wears well.... but isn't necessarily the best kit for the job

 

[T.R.Hayward]

Thank you for letting me know about the care package thread. I am very new here and hadn't done a search, as I should have. I don't want to clutter up the forum....

Regarding the military kit, I have no intention of wearing disperse pattern of any sort. I just thought that I'd get a military type pack, boots, trousers, sleeping bag, etc. Whatever was available through retail. The Canadian military knows a thing or two about long walks and the outdoors, I thought that their kit would be more than adequate for my purpose.

What I don't want to do is to confuse the public or insult the military.

Thanks for the input everyone....

Best Wishes,

-Rick