I need one more thing, otherwise I'm totally ready...everything is even in the trunk of the car already. I leave tomorrow morning. This is a closer-to-home, hike-in camping solo, not a BW trip. My first solo experience ever. I'm excited and really wish today were tomorrow already, but at the same time I'm kind of wondering what the heck I'm doing this for. I'm going to go sit around in the woods by myself? I'm doing all this work just to do that? Huh. I hope I get a site on the water, but I might not.

So I don't know if I could ever be a true backpacker. I am taking two backpacks (essentially, doing a "double portage" to my campsite). There's no way I could get my stuff all in one. I know my own pack is kind of small, but I also borrowed a backpack from a friend at work, and she does regular backpacking trips with it. I know she doesn't take a sleeping mat when she goes. I also know I don't have the smallest gear...but it's not car-camping gear, either. I know I have too much food...I seem unable to pare that down. I weighed everything...it's 55 pounds (in the packs), which does include 2 Nalgenes of water already. And I will have to carry all my water because I'm not guaranteed a site with access to water...I also have two MSR dromedary bags, 2 liters each, and I will have extra water in my vehicle if I need it. (not included in the 55 pounds)

OK I feel ridiculous...that's 55 pounds for a two night trip. LOL. I have a first aid kit that is way too big (from our family trip to the BW), but I don't feel like paring that down and putting it back together again later. I have three books along...I'm afraid of being bored. I have a larger digital camera & extra batteries. I could probably leave the Crocs behind, but they weigh so little and are nice when you're in the tent already but need to go out for a minute or two. Sleeping bag, mat, and camp pillow. Tent: a Walrus Arch Rival, which fits 2, but snugly. I have two rolls of TP, which is ridiculous...but I wanted them packed separately in case one gets wet. OK that's dumb, too...I packed them in plastic. Oh well, it's already packed. ;-)

I hope you have a great trip Nola!

Have fun and no worries! You'll start weeding out stuff you don't need and lightening your load on future solos. I'm never bored on trips alone. So much to do and so much to see.

Best wishes for a great 2-day trip. While I sorta admire folks who can solo with just the essentials, I can't. I've come to accept the double portages and extra calories it takes to get to the campsite, but once there, the creature comforts, extra food, etc seem worth it.

I'm going to have to find another bulletin board before I retire and attempt an AT thourgh hike.

Looking forward to your trip report. Need to know where you ended up. My son and I are looking at a weekend Sugar River canoe trip - probably New Glarus to Rocton.

Glad you could get out... Hope this is an awesome time for you.

One thing I have enjoyed...packing for myself and not for anyone else. It's amazing how much less stuff I have for just myself and not the kids and hubby, too. I don't pack his clothes but it still ends up in the bag. And it all fits in the trunk of my (small) car with room to spare! Woo!

Just got back from my first solo. Making list of what I didn't need to take. I think it is a learning process. The more trips you take the more efficient you get. I had to triple portage into shell. Well worth it though. Have fun!

No recrimination, you need to start at the beginning, your beginning not somebody else's. It's all pretty much learn as ya go! Have a relaxing and fun weekend!
Or go climb a tall rock formation,

butthead

Way to go Miss Nola! :)

SunCatcher

quote butthead: "No recrimination, you need to start at the beginning, your beginning not somebody else's. It's all pretty much learn as ya go! Have a relaxing and fun weekend!
Or go climb a tall rock formation,


butthead"

Ditto - it's a learning experience. Your learning experience. Once you get there, you'll quit fretting about all that stuff ;). Some of us are more easily amused than others ;). I think the novelty of the situation will keep you entertained. Good luck and enjoy it.

Thanks, y'all.

Now I just hope I don't freeze. I'm bringing hand warmers. Guess I'll be okay.

Yes, "double portage" into your hike-in site and enjoy! You aren't doing this for a minimalist-hiker magazine, it's for you, have fun and if anyone (besides yourself) says you have too much stuff, tell them (mentally or out loud) to &%$# off. If you yourself think you have too much stuff once you are there - well, you're not going too far this time, so paring down can be a fun project for next time. Have fun!

PS - Hand warmers = good idea.

Have a great trip!

I'm just picking this up today (been off line most of the weekend helping my Mom move). I hope you had a great trip!

Trip report is up: Kickapoo Valley mini-solo

great report and a real world test for a BW solo.
i have a feeling that in the next few years most everyone here will get the solo bug!!