Looking to get out on a backpacking trip, as my usual hiking partner (Known on here as RoguePhotonic
![laughing :lol:](./images/smilies/lol.gif)
Met up with him 2-3 weeks ago, all was well. Ironically he's the more carefree just do it type, while I'm the what if worry wart paranoid type.) is out on a 3 month trip. Some tidbits about my scenario: RP handled all the logistics and trail planning to the point where I was just blindingly following him out into the woods. If I'm new to the trail, I have a terrible sense of direction. My first ever hiking trip was Telescope Peak (I thought how "hard" could it be to "walk" up a mountain. Well, I didn't make it to the top, lol), and on the way back down I thought I was lost since I turned around early 2/3s of the way up, even though there was no other trail to take.
The place I'm considering is Cottonwood Lakes, since I've been there the most (about 5 times) and the trail is labeled well enough for me. I currently don't know how to use a map and compass, but I'm most likely going to take one or two of REIs classes on map and compass before I head out along along with map, compass and cellphone (GPS app, will download topos of the area prior to the trip).
Other than planning on where to camp, packing up, and going, what else is needed? I'll also be leaving behind itinerary/info/pictures which sadly I never did when backpacking with RP. I always feel as if nothing bad will happen/everything will go as planned. The "Let people know (where you're going)" thread also opened my eyes a lot more.
“The word adventure has gotten overused. For me, when everything goes wrong - that’s when adventure starts.” - Yvon Chouinard