Hiking Holiday

I will be needing a international frame backpack. I am going to be traveling the US, bag will need to hold like at least 35 lbs.

Most people carry suitcases for traveling and backpacks for backpacking in the woods. In the US most people aren’t walking from city to city, they take a plane, bus, rarely a train, less well off people share a ride with people they know or fellow travelers, or more well off people rent a car for the extent of their travels.

I suppose if one were traveling from one wilderness area to another with wilderness backpacking being the main purpose of their vacation one could buy an good quality internal frame backpack that would comfortably hold 35 lbs of gear and food that would fit in the overhead compartment of the plane.

As an ultralight backpacker I can’t recommend you purchase a high end Arc’Teryx Maia 50 Pack http://www.rei.com/product/747115, but it’s 3,051 cu. in. / 50L volume gives you a general idea of the size you’ll need, which is my answer to your question. But something simpler and cheaper like the Six Moon Designs Comet is just as serviceable: http://www.sixmoondesigns.com/shop/shopexd.asp?id=37

I’m planning a trip with my 1 of my buddy there sometime end April / early May 2010. Is advance booking required? During this period, is it a raining season? Also, I would like to go on a snorkeling trip after that…which is the best destination nearby there?

To climb Mount Kinabalu, advance booking is necessary. Weather is unpredictable these days, anyway, it’s not raining season that period. Check out this page for more detail on climbing Mount Kinabalu.
http://www.abcsabah.com/mount-kinabalu/climbing-mount-kinabalu/

The website also provide info about snorkeling in Sabah. The Tunku Abdul Rahman Park which consists of five islands would be just nice for you. Enjoy.

In the states, absolutely.

You saw hitchhikers constantly in the 70s. I think I’ve seen five my entire life (I’m 20).

It’s not safe, plus it’s illegal. (If you’re going to break the law, might want to pick a crime that doesn’t involve standing on the side of the road with your thumb out).

Are you aware of anyone organizing good outdoor trips (not terribly demanding) in the Altai? Do you know any good links/books to find out about Altai? I can speak/read only a few words of Russian but if needed have friends who can translate.

I was recently in Gorniy Altai outside Chemal. We stayed with Kadet Tour (кадет тур), a "tourism centre" which organizes hiking, rafting, riding, and other sightseeing excursions in Altai. You can reach them at +7(383)218-85-50 or by email at cadet_tour@ngs.ru

Have fun!

Iam a long time Alaskan hunter, trapper, survival instructor, former volunteer EMT doing bush rescue and professional Alaskan wildlife and outdoor photographer.

Alaska has five distinct different climates – it is a very big place. The equipment you have for one particular area may not be suitable or work at all in another.

Having a GPS and spending the time to learn how to use it is very important for the hiker. As you move more north the declination becomes too great for reliable magnetic compas use in Alaska. You also need to be sure the Datum on your GPS is matched to the Datum for the topical maps you use – otherwise you can have miles of error!

Many places in Alaska have naturally occuring heavy metals in the water. A reverse-osmosis water filter is a must.

In Alaska you do not enter the wilderness – you enter the food chain. You should carry a 12ga pump shotgun or a very large sidearm pistol like a S&W 500, Ruger 480, and similar. 44 Mag is not going to kill a brown bear. Bears are not your only problem…… the firearm is also a good emergency tool for getting food and signaling device – 3 shots in the air – universal signal for help.

Most important – let someone know where you are going, how long you are going to be there – and when are you due back. Much like an airplane flight plan – you can leave this info with the local Alaskan state troopers. If you do not leave it with the troopers – leave the info with someone in Alaska with the skills and equipment to go looking for you. Having your buddy from another state trying to get a search team organized can waste days!

Your equipment needs to be the best. It can be 90F and hot in the day time and at night freezing rain in the same place. Weather changes quick. Do not go cheap on your tent, sleeping bag and primary clothing.

If you think you need something – bring it. Do not expect to buy anything here unless you have made prior arraingements with the store. (REI in Anchorage and Beaver Sports in Fairbanks) Some hot camping items can be sold out for weeks……… and you could be stuck paying high prices for less than adaquate equipment.

Likewise – don’t bring anything that is well used and might wear out or fail. Finding a suitable replacement can be a chore here.

Carry a gold pan. These are handy for allot more than just gold. Alaska has all kinds of neat and cool gemstones, semi-precious, along with silver and gold…. and there are many places where visitors can use a gold pan and keep what they find.

You need a totally awesome camera. Take a peek at some of my photography at www.northpolegallery.com and see what I mean.

Feel free to email me any questions!

Kevin

http://joystar.joystar.com/?AgentID=10008199&PageCode=BC&ContentURL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.travelnow.com%2fcars%2fsearch.jsp%3fcid%3d91866%26additionalDataString%3djoystarTA%7c10008199%7c%7c

Hi everyone-I am looking to travel down around Clemson SC in March 07. I want to stay somewhere near hiking, water activities, or even anything else to do whether it being shopping, historical, etc. I am willing to go about 2 hours away from Clemson to get this. Does anyone have any good ideas? The hotel doesn’t have to provide these activities, but be in the vicinity of them. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks everyone!

Might I suggest the Country Inn and Suites in Anderson or the Fairfield Inn in Anderson? It’s near the historic district, some good restaurants are in walking distance…It’s near Clemson University and Anderson College, not to mention Frighidaire. Then there’s Owens Corning. The excitement is beholding.