mattindallas

Im a younger guy, leaving for the service soon... and I have ALWAYS loved camping, hiking and just being outdoors. I have a buddy from the gym, we are going to tackle the 4-c in Davey Crockett Natl Forest this Monday and Tuesday. My list is small, and we are backpacking light, I think I have all the basics. But any input we be glady appreciated... And im taking a single propane burner, as well as a small propane lantern, flash lights, brining my own water with me, 6 liters for me and 6 liters for my buddy. Small food that only needs water added, and that bottle of wild turkey (sleep aid only) lol... Im a rookie backpacker, but have camped at least 1 to 2 times a month since i can remember... anything else that i missed??

Turn Key

Hi Matt,

Can't help with your questions as I'm not a backpacker. I will welcome you aboard and wish you the very best as you prepare to enter the service. May you be protected at all times.

Happy Camping!

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Lorna

Be sure to bring some DEET and make sure your socks are looped wool. I appreciate you going into the service. My daughter is married to an army officer. I hope you enjoy your excursion.
Lorna

Shannon

I'm not a backpacker, either, though it's on my list of "want-to-do's" and I have been gearing up for years...

You've probably already got all this, but just in case --

You'll want: a decent first aid kit; good layering clothing, including a weatherproof layer (Gore-Tex rain jacket and pants, or similar); sufficient high protein and carb-loaded foods for energy (energy bars aren't that heavy and keep well; same with beef jerkey, dried fruits and nuts, etc. Watch your salt intake though, or you'll need even more water!); a space blanket (just in case; they are so small it's silly not to pack one!); a good topographic map and compass (at minimum), and if using a GPS unit, spare batteries; weatherproof matches; water purification tablets or and/or a water filter (again, just in case); for comfort -- a lightweight sleeping pad.

It sounds like a lot, but most of this is quite lightweight and makes all the difference if your plans or the weather changes in unanticipated ways.

And, inform friends or family of when you're leaving, your expected route of travel, when you expect to be back, etc.

Finally, I echo the thanks for your service to our country.

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- Shannon Moore
Your Host @ WildTexas.com
http://www.twitter.com/ageekgal

mattindallas

I thank you all for your care and appreciation (and the advice). One thing I would really like to know from someone that has hiked this trail before, is the difficulty. Just on a one to 10 scale, because on researching this hike, I have come across 5 different levels of difficulty. I am 21, in very good shape, work out everyday, including walking a local 5 mile paved trail at least 2 times a week,( its nice, and my girlfriend likes to feed the ducks). Im just trying to find out if I can take it a little slower to enjoy the scene, because I plan to hike only 10 miles each day. And I absolutely LOVE this site... Its nice to know im not the only one with an itch to get off my butt and do something.... Thanks all for the advice!

Shannon

Since not everyone logs in daily here, you might want to email/private message the following users with your initial post since they've mentioned hiking the 4C Trail before --

• copuswalker (read a good thread on 4C's Trail here, though I hijacked the thread temporarily mentioning the Ballad of Davy Crockett! )
  
• outdoornut (mentions taking a Boy Scout group on the trail in this thread, though he may not have done the trip yet.)

I wish there were more related posts but these are the only ones I could find in our archives that might help.

Be sure to come back and post a trip report when you're done! Some of us (like me, 8 months pregnant!) have to live vicariously through others for a little while longer!

__________________
- Shannon Moore
Your Host @ WildTexas.com
http://www.twitter.com/ageekgal

DayTripper

Matt,

I can't help you with the entire trail, but I have hiked the southern half. Much of the trail follows an old tram grade, so it really isn't a difficult trail. The part I've been on was well marked and maintained. My wife and I are in our 50s and had no trouble whatsoever, so I would consider it an easy trail.

Ticks seem to thrive there year-round, so the advice concerning the DEET by Lorna is good advice.

Go to http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/texas/recreation/index.shtml and you can find various information about the trail and other areas of Davy Crockett National Forest.

Enjoy.

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DayTripper

DayTripper

I just finished reading Paddling the Wild Neches by Richard M. Donovan. In an attempt to gain publicity to protect the Neches from damming, the author set out to paddle the river from just below Lake Palestine to B. A. Steinhagen Lake.

The book covers the author's adventures down the river. It is an interesting blend of history, wildlife, and and the author's growth along the river, and it brings the river to life.

If you like this sort of book, I highly recommend it. I guess it is the East Texas version of John Graves' Goodbye to a River.

Cheers,

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DayTripper

mattindallas

Thank you all for the help Im hitting the sack now, and leaving at about 7 a.m. from Garland on my way to tackle the 4C. I will inform everyone how my virgin hike went. Thank you all for the advice and the pointers. And thanks for making me feel a little more comfortable about my hike!

ONdRoad

I think you should only pack the things that you really need. And don't forget your first aid kid.