I have gotten the bug. It has bit me hard and will not let go. I am a backpacker.

Well not yet. I only have the gear. I have been reading the wonderful book by Bill Bryson “A Walk In The Woods” and I thought if these old out of shape guys can do this, A young out of shape guy should have no problem.

I live in southern California and I have always wanted to visit Palomar mountain as I have heard it is beautiful and camper friendly (showers and running water). I took two days off and I am getting ready to do an overnight. I have a week long trip planned with my wife and two of my buddies at the end of June so this is more of a trial run than anything but it will be nice to get out there by myself for 36 hours. Here is a list of the things I am going to bring (feel free to comment and give me any advice):

• Backpack: Osprey Atmos 65 (L)
• Sleeping Bag: Kelty Tuck 22
• Tent: Alps Mountaineering Lynx – 1
• Sleeping Pad: Klymit Static V Lightweight Sleeping Pad
• Trekking Poles: BAFX Hiking poles
• Water filtration: sawyer mini
• Stove: etekcity (10) + fuel canister
• Hiking hat
• 2 mesh shirts
• 2 hiking shorts
• 2 exoficcio underwear
• 2 pair of wicking socks + 2 pair of wool socks
• Hiking boots
• Belt
• Solar Charger: ECOdept solar usb charger
• First aid kit
• Multi-tool
• Bug netting
• Book
• Lighter
• Chap stick and medicines
• Head light and batteries
• Map
• Towel: portable quickdry
• Sporks and pot set
• Dry bags
• Bug spray
• Sun screen
• Flip flops
• Light Jacket: Columbia windbreaker
• Light pants: Columbia zip offs
• Hydration pack + water bottle
• Rain cover/ poncho
• Cell phone/wallet/keys
• E-cigarette (unnecessary once I finally quit, hooray)
• Party supplies (woot)
• Toilet paper
• Cleaning (soap, tooth brush, tooth paste, deodorant, and tooth picks)
• Food (trail mix, beef jerky, 2 dinner MRE and 2 breakfast MRE, fruit cups)

Here is a map of the campground. It has just over 9 miles of trails. I want to hike them all (legs willing).

When I get back on Thursday, I will post pictures and tell you all how it went. Thanks for reading and I appreciate any advice given.

~James Wilder

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