How To Get Started Hiking?

How to get started hiking?

Well, you need to go find an article on, “how to get hiking gear cheep!” I’ll save you the trouble and write one for you.

I could write pages on how to get started on hiking, but I’ll save you the trouble of reading and put it out there simply for you. You will need a tent, sleeping bag, food, water, cooking pan, matches (water proof or a magnesium fire starter), hiking boots, good socks, rain gear, and a hiking pack.

When I returned from my 10 year hiatus from hiking, I had no idea where most of my hiking gear was. I returned to what I knew best and started hunting down deals for gear. I checked every resource I could for gear and found that most of the used hiking gear was either over priced or used well beyond its prime.

I started my search at thrift stores or second hand stores for supplies that I could use for hiking. Not everything has to be Boy Scout approved; it just has to work for your application. I was able to find a cooking pan, almost new hiking boots, and a camelback for under $20. The cooking pan needed some cleaning to get the char off, the boots needed breaking in, and the camelback needed a new reservoir. I was able to get the camelback up and running under $30. So far I’m $50 in and I’ve got half of what I need. Now to find a tent, sleeping bag, and a hiking pack. I set off to my trusty REI to scope the newest tents to see what I would like. After spending a few minutes reviewing the different options, I decided that I didn’t need a subzero tent or bag. I ended up purchasing a two person tent and sleeping bag from a hiking store online for under $40.00. Now where do I find a trusty hiking pack? I started asking my friends and ended up purchasing a used pack from a fellow hiker. I just love buying old gear from hikers. Most gear from old hikers is used beyond repair, but typically hiking packs are taken care of as it’s your life line in the woods. I was able to get a hiking pack in really good shape for $40. Now I have rain gear, clothes, matches, and food. I purchased everything else for only $130. Now my gear is only rated to 30 degrees, but I don’t think I’ll be climbing subzero summits any time soon. So there you have it how to get your used hiking gear from non second hand hiking store. Just remember, your fellow hiker is always your best resource when you ask the right person.



How to Hike Brasstown Bald Mountain Georgia

Some people love being outdoors. The air, the freedom, the wind in your face just opens up the world to adventure. I’ve always claimed that anyone who wants to set out on an adventure needs to consider hiking a mountain to find yourself in the world we live in.

I set out to restart my hiking adventures in 2012 after a ten year hiatus. After I replaced all my gear that I somehow misplaced, I choose to summit Brasstown Bald Mountain in North Georgia. Brasstown Bald Mountain is the highest mountain in Georgia at 4,784 feet above sea level. On how to climb Brasstown Bald Mountain, find a local camping site and setup camp before you attempt the hike. Climbing or hiking Brasstown Bald is not difficult and provides a beginners challenge to hiking the Appalachian Mountain Trail, Hiking the Blue Ridge Mountains, or hiking in North Georgia. You can find many camping sites located within a mile of the base of Brasstown bald Mountain. For the most beautiful experience climbing Brasstown Bald Mountain, start your hike early in the morning. Start hiking several hours before sunrise to capture the essence of what a morning summit hike to Brasstown Bald Mountain can offer.

On my last visit, we reached the visitors center at 5:00am. Only one half mile from the summit we started up the summit trail. The hike to summit was wonderful as each step provided another step towards the highest point in Georgia. Once you summit Brasstown Bald Mountain you will be 4,784 feet above sea level and at the highest point in Georgia. Make sure you dress in layers as it is typically 10-30 degrees cooler at the summit. Take a break at the visitor center to take advantage of the lighting to put on extra layers. The altitude at the visitor center provides a good estimate as to the conditions at the summit of Brasstown Bald Mountain. During the winter months, ice is a frequent obstacle at the summit. Be careful and hike safe!

At the top of the mountain, you can see the Appalachian Trail and the beauty the Blue Ridge Mountains offers for those who dare to summit. The mountain gets very busy about an hour or two after sunrise so to avoid the crowds get there early.