Corvallis to Newport

[Pinkishlacy]

Hi all,

I am going to hike from Corvallis to Newport the second week in July. It's a 66 mile hike, mostly along logging roads. I plan to be gone 4 days, which means I will be hiking about 15.5 miles a day. I've never really backpacked before. I've done a lot of hiking, and camping, just never anything like this. I was wondering if anyone had any general advice, or suggestions on gear to bring? Browsing through the other topics, I've already put my biggest fear (cougars) to rest, and to be honest I wasn't very nervous about them to begin with.

So far my list of things I am taking is pretty basic:

• Tent
  Water filter
  Shovel
  Machete
  Stove
  Dehydrated meals
  Waterproof matches
  Sleeping bag
  Knife
  Hatchet
  Spoon/fork/multitool
  First aid kit
  Tent repair kit
  Headlamp
  Map
  Compass
  Water bottle
  Cell phone (although I don't plan to have it on)
  Whistle
  Pepper spray

Any help is appreciated! Thanks!

[retired jerry]

You don't need shovel, machete, hatchet, pepper spray. Just small knife.

Site with some info about lightweight backpacking http://www.backpacking.net/

[Peder]

Add a good book (or good music) and something to deal with blisters (just in case!). Have lots of fun!

[raven]

The machete, hatchet and shovel imply you are not sufficiently motivated to keep your weight carried down. Get rid of inessentials and duplicates; try to replace heavy items with light ones.

Load up your pack and start walking with it. Up hill and down, on side hills, and while stepping over downed trees. Learn to load it so that you are comfortable wearing it before committing yourself to the hike. It will be your friend or not, so replace it if it isn't.

Your list does not include padding under you at night. Carry at least a 3/8'' thick sheet of closed cell foam. Some people prefer inflatables, but they cost more. I suggest full length until you know you can get by with a shorter pad -- short does not work for me, for example.

[potato]

What sort of map do you have? On one of the first backpacking trips I did, I just used a kind of zoomed-out guide map with some text instructions... that can be OK if the area is really well marked and stuff and the directions are clear, but I don't backpack without a decent topographic map anymore.
Getting lost or struggling to figure out the route is frustrating (or worse) so I just recommend having a good map and knowing your route before you go.

And yeah there's no need for a shovel or machete or that stuff. Personally I don't bring a stove but it seems like most people do.

[Lumpy]

You don't need shovel, machete, hatchet, pepper spray. Just small knife.

This. And since you are heading to the coast, unless you are very comfortable in your rain gear in a super soaker or day-long coast range drizzle, think about bringing a light weight umbrella. Lots of uses, but the one I like best is just having it when I wished I had one.

[Stevefromdodge]

Sunscreen and bug juice. You'll miss those if you need them.

[markesc]

Def plan for 2 extra days; jungle juice!!; explain to a few people your actual intended route so we don't have to read about you on the news being you've stated you've never done a backpacking trip before; backup plan should the water filter break on ya (don't ask me how I know!!!); bring a friend!

[Pinkishlacy]

Thank you all very much for your help!