Backpacking, Hiking, and Mountaineering is a tough business when you are the new guy on the block. The learning curve is tough, and you tend to learn pretty quickly that your mistakes and amateur nature can kick you in the ass. I have learned quite a few lessons in my time spent in the mountains, and thought it may be helpful to some of you folks in the internet world to laugh or learn from my mistakes.
1. Platypus. You want one, no, I take it back you NEED one. You can by the off-brand models on Amazon, but in reality, that Platypus is going to be your best friend and worst enemy. It is going to be heavy, but do not be a girl. They say you should go through 3 liters on your way up to Camp Muir on Rainier, so spend the extra two dollars and buy the 3 liter. Make sure you clean it as soon as you are done using it (moisture equals mold).
2. Crampons. I made the fatal mistake of never using or sizing my Crampons before Mount Adams. In a moment, where I found myself laying on a slope of ice and shaking from fear, I wished I would have had my Crampons fitted. Don't be me, be smarter than I was. Fit them, learn how to use them. Do not rely on someone else to take care of you.
3. Vanity Clothing/Items. Sure, all those girls look so cute and great on their Instagram feeds, but it is time to face the cold hard truth. You want to have your pack as light as possible. I've decided and have had success with limiting my vanity items to a small Sea to Summit bag which includes: bio-degradable toilet paper, baby wipes (nothing beats a white trash shower), travel sized deodrant, toothbrush, eye drops, and yes, travel sized dry shampoo. Clothing, depends on the day and how much you "sweat." I usually bring a change of hiking pants/fresh undies and lots of socks. I will wear the same shirt, long sleeve pullover, and tank the whole time. Still bring your rain jacket and warmer jacket in case the weather changes. The Patagonia Nano Puff rocks, because you can fold it into one of it's pockets so it doesn't take up too much space. DON'T FORGET A RUBBER BAND!
4. Know your gear. Do not buy brand new gear and expect how to learn how to work it when you get there. If you buy a stove, take it home and make sure you can use it before you head out.
5. Organize. After Adams, I decided I wanted to put everything together. Food would go in one ziplock, stove equipment in another, emergency gear in another, and so on. This makes packing much easier, you know what you are bringing and where it is at.
6. Lay it out. Lay everything out before you go, make sure you have EVERYTHING you need and that you have a check list.
7. Food. Duh, we all know to bring food, but try to bring food that is easy to eat and pack. My favorites this far: boiled eggs (REI sales a pretty sweet 6 egg carrier), Cup-O-Noodles, Swedish Fish, and Oatmeal. I do not like the freeze dried food, and cannot justify spending the amount they want for those. Yes, I am cheap.
8. Boots. Thankfully, this is a lesson that I did not learn the hard way. If you have new boots, don't decide that you are going to climb Mailbox Peak the day you get them. For Mountaineering, don't decide that Mt. St. Helens will be the first trip on them. This could cost you a summit. Wear them on some easier hikes, BREAK THEM IN. It may suck to be the only person on Little Si with Mountaineering Boots, but your future self will thank you.
9. Booze. Always bring Rainier, and you know those plastic empty soap bottles they sale at REI? They work as awesome flask for half the price of what they sell a hiking flask for. You can also bring water flavors for mixed drinks:)
10. SUNSCREEN. Bring it, reapply, and don't ever think you don't need it. Cancer sucks, so protect yourself.
Until the next adventure.
