Chicken Rice Dinner

I tried out a couple of package meals today. The pasta ones were nasty. But I tried this chicken rice, and it was pretty good.

Chicken Rice ( Sorry don't know how to rotate)

I bought this at Aldi's for $.79. I boiled 1 cup of water and poured water and the packet into a freezer zip-lock bag.

Put the bag in a cozy. (I used a winter hat.)

After 20 minutes, you take it out of the cozy, stir, roll down the sides of the bag, and enjoy.

This would probably feed just one of us. We could split a package of chicken to add to this dinner. He has a lot of carbs so that's good.

I think this work out real well. And it only cost $.79 and a total cook time of 30 minutes. I have other packets I gonna try sometime in the future

Tell me what you think. We really haven't talked about food yet. This seemed pretty easy. I'm sure we will learn a lot next Saturday.

Kelty Trekker 3950 Backpack

After much research and trying not to spend a lot of money, I decided to buy a different backpack. The ULA backpack was $250. It seemed very expensive for my first backpack. So I have been checking out review sites, youtube videos and decided on buying a Kelty backpack.

Here are some of the features.

It is an external frame so it is a little heavier than internal frame backpacks. It has a main compartment and 4 outside smaller pockets. It has a place for a bladder. It has many adjustments for all different size people. I can also hang the tent and sleeping bag on the outside of the pack to save room. It can hold 3950 cubic inches or 65 liters.
       The list price of this backpack is $139. And I have seen it as low as $105. This morning, December 25, I get on Kelty website and they have it as a web special for $83.95 and free shipping. With tax it is right at $90. Man, you can't beat that!

Here is a picture of the backpack

Backpackcamp.com

I found a website that has information about backpacking in Southern Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and Tennessee. It has pretty good trail descriptions. With links and maps.

http://www.backpackcamp.com/index.html

First Club Event

CIWC is having an Outdoor Cooking Class on January 8, 2011. From 11:15 to 1:30 they will discuss and demonstrate a variety of approaches to outdoor cooking. This will include food dehydration, water purification techniques, stove and fuel options, food planning options such as prepared backpacking meals, grocery store items, recipes and more. We will learn about how to do dishes in the woods and how to protect food from critters. We will participate in the preparation of several recipes and enjoy a light lunch at the end of the class.
The cost is $5 and is due by December 30th. If you like, I can send in both of our registrations and fees and email the dude in charge. 
This sounds like a lot of fun.

Website:
http://www.ciwclub.org/Events.html#Lead

Osprey's Guide to Packing Your Pack

Platypus Options

Platypus has a couple options you might like. They have a inline filter for the bladder. It costs $49 and filters up to 1500 liters.

Another option is a Quick Disconnect kit so you don't have to reroute the hose every time you fill the bladder. It cost $13.

Here are the links if you want more info.
Filter
Quick Disconnect

ULA Catalyst Backpack

After looking at reviews and You tube videos, the ULA Catalyst backpack is the pack I will be getting. It has 4600 cu. in. (75L) and has side pockets on the belt. It costs $250 and weights around 3 pounds. It is American made, which I like, and they are custom built for my body size. It has a 2L hydration sleeve, and a mesh front pocket. As soon as I get a little cash, I will be ordering it.
Web site is
http://www.ula-equipment.com/catalyst.asp

Trip to Rustted Moon Outfitters

This was our first trip to a backpacking store. Brother and I walked around the Rusted Moon Outfitters in Broad Ripple for over an hour and a half. Pete was very helpful answering our questions. It did seem he was directing us to the most expensive items. But maybe they are the ones we need. I have an estimated budget on how much everything will be, and now I need to double it. $400 for a sleeping bag! Wow! I hope my wife understands. But if we buy the right stuff the first time, we shouldn't have to buy anything else.
I do wish there was a REI store closer so we could get another opinion. Maybe we could take a road trip over the winter. I am going to put up a new list of the things we looked at so we can compare them to other options.

Backpacks - Brother Gets New Pack Pictures

Central Indiana Wilderness Club

Here is the website for the CIWC.

http://www.ciwclub.org/

Backpacks - Brother Gets New Pack

I see that you got a new pack. A Osprey Aether 70. Lets talk about it on this blog. Color. Size. Features. Any other information you want to talk about.

Georgia Web Sites

Here are a couple of web sites in Georgia that you might want to look at. They are also on the side bar "Favorite Web Sites".
Hiker Hostel is a pretty neat site. Not only does it have a hostel, but the site has information about shuttles, AT  Shelters, and AT Hostels. A lot of good information. Check it out. This hostel is real close to the beginning of  the trail in Georgia.
http://www.hikerhostel.com/

The other website Mountian Crossing sells stuff, has a hostel, and where we can send stuff ahead. It is 30 miles on the trail
http://www.mountaincrossings.com/

Solo Camping Trip

I went on a solo camping trip to Yellowood State Forest last week. I spent 2 nights trying out some backpacking ideas. Some of the things I tried out was some backpacking meals. I boiled some water and added dehydrated mashed potatoes. There was way to much for one person. Other things I tried was ramen noodles. It worked out really well. I boiled water in the heiny pot and put the water and ramen noodles in a freezer bag. I let the noodles rehydrate. It took about 3 to 5 minutes. I also made oatmeal for breakfast, hot chocolate and coffee.
I also went hiking around the lake. It was about 5 miles around. I stop for a lunch break during the hike and tried a chicken salad with crackers, beef jerky I found at Aldis.
I have some pictures uploaded to photobucket if you would like to see them.
http://s1220.photobucket.com/albums/dd450/jayrd22/Solo%20Camping%20October%202010/

Gear List Spreadsheet

I just posted a spreadsheet for our gear we need to take. If you click over to the right ----->>>
you will be directed to the site. Check it out and see what you think. Let me know if you have any questions.
When we decide on  what we want, I will list it under the manufacturer and model number. I am sure there are things I have missed and maybe some things we don't need. I copied this list from another website.
Here also is a link. GEAR LIST SPREADSHEET

Things to Ponder

Just a few things to ponder....

• Travel to a backpacking store like REI
• Get 1st aid training
• Join a outdoor club
• Take some backpacking classes
• Local overnight hike and camp before our trip
• How do we get to the trail...fly, drive?
• Do we stay at hostels or motels?
• Do we hire a shuttle to the trailhead?
• Utilize mail drops for supplies
• Do we stay in shelters?
• What kind of food do we eat

Maybe there are some other things to ponder.....if you think of some, let me know.

Gear Needed For The Trail

Here is a look at the gear needed for the trail

1. Backpack
2. Shelter - Tent or hammock
3. Sleeping bag
4. Footwear
5. Clothing 
6. Kitchen - cook set, stove, water treatment
7. Miscellaneous gear - polls, light, knife, 1st aid kit, toiletries, books, etc.

Two Brothers On A Mission

This blog will be about two brothers planning, preparing, and hiking the Appalachian Trail. We are starting from scratch. We have done some car camping but not backpacking. We are hoping that this will be a great experience and hopefully you can follow us on our journey.