Q & A
by
Whispering Beard
**SETTING: Two people sitting around
a campfire. 'Q' can be played
by either male or female, or
even better would be interchanging
one male and one female to
represent multiple people. 'A' should
be played by a ruggedly charming, fully
bearded male with great wit and great mustache.**
Q
So what are you carrying?
A
Hopefully not much more than I need.
Q
Seriously, what kind of stuff are you carrying?
A
Here's my initial pack list; I'll list brand or specific info if I think it's pertinent:
SHELTER- Tarptent Contrail. Ultralight, one-man-plus; 8 stakes max/4 min and one trekking pole needed for setup. Fully netted. It's been good, a little tricky in the rain sometimes. For a ground cloth, I'm using a 5'x7' tarp.
CLOTHING- One pair convertible pants, one midweight baselayer bottom, one lightweight baselayer top, one short-sleeved t, two pair underwear, three pair socks, two pair sock liners, one wool cap, two bandanas, one midweight fleece(my fleece also works as a windbreaker; bulkier but super warm), rain pants, rain jacket, one pair fleece-y pants for sleeping, one sarong. Since, I've...
Q
Wait just a second; what's a sarong?
A
It's a really thin cotton/linen-ish wrap; the kind of thing islanders and surfers wear.
Q
Why are you carrying one of those?
A
Couple reasons...one, it doubles as my towel and a bedsheet, and does a phenomenal job. Secondly, sometimes I don't feel like wearing pants.
Q
Aahh....
A
Anyways, as I was saying, since then I've picked up a lightweight down jacket in preparation for possible chilly weather through the Smokies, and at the first outfitter I picked up a pair of gloves for around camp. They've come in handy a few times. I sent home the sleeping pants, which I wish I'd kept and might get back, and the liner socks. Now, moving on:
FOOTWEAR- Merril Moab. They've held up well, and are waterproof which has been nice. For around camp, I have a pair of Vibram Five Fingers shoes, the individually-toed foot gloves. I've thought about switching to regular flip flops.
COOKWARE- Esbit Aluminum cookset w/ alcohol burner. Pot is just under a liter with a smaller dish as a lid; the set comes with the burner and a tray for solid fuel tabs...I like the backup option, though it hasn't been implemented yet. The stand and burner fit inside the pot, and without fuel it weighs less than a pound. It has served me well. This is paired with a titanium spork--perhaps my favorite piece of gear.
BEDDING- ThermaRest pad and Marmot 20 degree mummy bag. The bag has been more than enough, even in a 30degree night with good wind. For the summer, I'll probably look to pick up a really light fleece bag or something to shed some weight until I need the insulation again.
WATER- Katadyn Hiker filter, 2L hydration bladder, and 1L Nalgene bottle. I've thought of switching to drops or something to save weight, but I like the filter otherwise.
TOILETRIES- 5oz Dr Bronner's Soap. I use it for everything; face/body/hair/dish/clothes washing, tooth brushing(along with baking soda); 5oz hand sanitizer; Toilet paper roll; Mouthwash drops, in a tiny eye-drop-like bottle; Toothbrush; Comb; about 6 six hair ties; a small natural sponge; Badger Anti-Bug Balm, recommended to me by the Whole Body ladies at Whole Foods Mason. Great stuff, and smells pretty good if you like citronella; stick of sunblock; a small ziplock of ibuprofen, later supplemented with naproxen sodium.
FIRST AID- I started with a generic, prepacked first aid kit. I then added to it and took a few things away. Basic contents are: alcohol prep pads, emergency diarrhea and allergy pills, butterfly closures, band aids, lots of moleskin--and don't waste your time with precut stuff, get full strips that you can custom cut--iodine wipes, blister pack(special band aids for blisters), gauze, sterile pads, and good tape. I've been most pleased with 2" athletic tape.
I'll say this real quick; first aid, as with everything else,comes down to personal preference. Some folks feel they should carry things other folks do not. It all can be summed up by the phrase, "Hike Your Own Hike."
Q
That's a good phrase. Well said.
A
Thank you, I can't take credit for it. Now stop interrupting me.
Q
But I didn't...
A
Please, let me talk for a second....geez...So, where was I...ah, yes:
ELECTRONICS- Brunton i6 solar charger for my phone. I've had some issues so I sent it back home, just got it back...I'll update that situation; phone; headlamp. I have a small LED camp lantern I chose to leave at home. It's a great piece of gear, I just didn't think I needed it. So far, I've been good.
MISC- Journal; Thru Hiker's Companion; wall charger for my phone; small notepad and pen; harmonica; Martin backpacker guitar...my luxury for the trip. It has been well worth any sort of hassle in carrying it; extra pack of strings; a small camp towel, practically a chamois; Black Diamond trekking poles--this is my first excursion with trekking poles, and I will never EVER hike without them again....true lifesavers; 100ft paracord and two solid carabiners for bear-bagging food; bathroom trowel, which I sent home....privies are at almost every shelter site, and if you gotta dig a hole to do your business the heel of your shoe or a stick works just fine; sunglasses; emergency kit, consisting of- emergency blanket, a couple solid fuel tabs, waterproof matches, water purification tablets, couple extra band aids and alcohol wipes, small tube seam seal for tents/clothing, vinyl thread and needle, a couple vinyl patches; food bag, which turned into two smaller food bags courtesy of a find in a hiker box. I split my food bag merely for ease of packing.
Q
What's a hiker box?
A
It's a box located most often at a post office, motel/hostel lobby, or shelter. It is a grab bag for hikers in need; sometimes after a food drop or trip into town, you'll find you have WAY more than you need. Maybe it's food, or clothes, or miscellaneous do-dads....maybe it's just stuff you're simply tired of toting around. Whatever the case may be, one hiker's extra weight is another hiker's saving grace. I've seen med supplies, food, shoes and insoles, cookware, paperback books, stuff sacks, clothes, maps, a Playboy magazine....you get the idea.
So, I think that's about everything I have in my pack. The pack itself is an Osprey, somewhere in the 5000 cubic inch/60 Liter size range. It's a double-load single duffle bag, meaning there is one large space instead of individual pockets and compartments (as a military-style duffle bag), but the bag can be accessed via an opening at the top or a full-zip door on the front of the bag. So, you can stand the bag up and get in from the top, or you can lay it down and access the goods from there. The lid of the bag is removable, and can be used as a small pack by itself.
Q
That's a cool feature.
A
Indeed. And I've utilized it a few times, like when a water source is a half mile away down a steep trail. No need in carrying the whole pack an extra mile if you don't have to.
Q
So, what kind of stuff have you been eating whilst in the woods?
A
Ah, yes, the food question. Well, the bulk of my diet has been pretty straightforward: oatmeal for breakfast, trail mix and maybe some cured meat of some sort and cheese for lunch, ramen noodles for dinner, and hot chocolate as a nightcap. There are several other things I'm carrying but this is the majority of my caloric consumption.
Q
That sounds.....well, that sounds just awful. Except for the hot chocolate part.
A
On the contrary, it has been surprisingly good. The key, my friend, is to vary flavor as much as possible. Additives such as spices, herbs, and packable fats have proven to make all the difference. For example, every morning I doll up my oatmeal with a small bit of trail mix(with all manners of nuts and dried fruits in it--the fruits are great sugar sources and nuts and seeds are potent sources of good fat), a pinch of pumpkin pie spice(a hiker box find), a spoonful of powdered peanut butter(yep, you heard right), a spoonful of chocolate drink mix(a blend of hot chocolate powder and chocolate whey protein--good flavor, and a huge protein boost for the aching muscles), chia seeds, and a dollop of whatever fat source I happen to have on me.
Q
Two questions: Chia seeds? And, what fats are you able to pack without refrigeration?
A
Chia seeds are just what you're thinking--the little black seeds that you spread onto the clay figure...you know, ch-ch-ch-Chia! Chia seeds are high in protein, Omega essential fatty acids, and help retain water in the body which helps keep you hydrated. Think of them as having all the benefits of flax seeds plus a little extra.
Q
That's cool.
A
Indeed, it is. To answer your second question, I've had three fats with me; coconut oil, olive oil, and clarified butter. I've alternated the coconut oil and butter depending on availability and supply; olive oil I've had with me the whole time. Clarified butter(also called Ghee) is butter that has been rendered to separate the milk solids from the butterfat. It does not need refrigeration and is a spreadable consistency at room temp. It has a higher smoke point than regular butter, and can also be used as a fuel for oil lamps(pretty cool, methinks). Coconut oil is semi solid at room temp, and has a delicate coconut flavor--not at all overpowering. I add a dollop of these, whichever I happen to have, to almost everything I make: hot chocolate, oatmeal, noodles, etc. Not only does fat equal flavor, but the calories are desperately needed by the body. I typically use the olive oil for pasta and rice dishes, but it can be used for just about anything, too.
Q
That is really cool.
A
Yep. My other secret ingredient...although not so secret really, since I tell everyone I come across about it....is textured vegetable protein, or TVP(sometimes called TSP, since it is predominately soy-based). TVP is a plant-based, high protein source used in a myriad of vegetarian cuisine; if you've ever had a vegetarian chili, or any sort of veggie meat alternative, you've had TVP. In dry form, it is a granule of varying size; once it soaks in water for 2-3min, it plumps up and takes on the consistency of ground beef. It takes on the flavor of whatever you're cooking it in. I add it to every single dinner I make. It's 11g of protein a serving, and adds bulk and heartiness to otherwise thin noodle dishes. I've recently started picking up tuna pouches for the occasional addition to dinner, and one of my favorite concoctions recently is this: ramen noodles, TVP, a pouch of tuna, Italian seasoning(dried mix of basil, oregano, thyme, parsley, and rosemary), a dollop of fat, ramen seasoning pouch, and half a garlic bullion cube. It's rich, filling, and truly enjoyable to eat. I've rekindled my appreciation for ramen-style noodles.
Q
Sure sounds like it.
A
Also, a great and quick lunch is a pouch of tuna, a drizzle of olive oil, some salt/pepper/herb seasoning, and dry ramen noodles broken up. Just combine in the pouch and voila.
There are several other things I haven't tried yet, but will be getting to; I mean, you can only carry so much food at one time and I've been carrying too much as it is.
Q
Oh, is that right? How heavy's your pack been?
A
When I weighed it at Amicalola Falls in GA--the first official weigh in--it was 53lbs fully loaded. I realize now that at that time, I was carrying at least 7 days' worth of food...far, far too much. I overestimated my potential appetite, though I do eat any chance I get. I just eat less than I thought I might, especially in the 'have to cook' category. That's why lately I've been trying to stock a little heavier on protein bars and the like. Ideally, I will get my weight down to about 40lbs with four days' food and full water(I carry about two liters, drink at least a liter when I stop for water). So far, water supply has been copious and crystal clear. Hopefully that will continue into the next month at least.
40lbs is still running heavy for a lot of people, but if that's my ceiling, with every day it'll get lighter. I'm carrying about six pounds' worth of guitar; but that's happy weight.
(PAUSE)
Well, I think it's about time to hit the sack.
Q
Wait, just one more question.
A
Well....okay.
Q
Okay...okay, so actually it's two questions.
A
So, you just lied to me to get me to say 'okay'.
Q
No, not purposefully; the...
A
'Cause that's what seems to have just happened.
Q
The second question just came to me, figured I would squeeze it in.
A
(pause) I got my eye on you....
Q
Okay, so what's with all the weird names? Are you just making these up so you can remember folks?
A
The trail names are names that people take on while hiking. Most names get bestowed upon you in some form or fashion. I came to the trail with my name in mind, but thankfully it stuck once I told folks about it.
Q
How did you get your name?
A
Some good friends of mine are the organizers of the Whispering Beard Folk Festival. This year's festival is in Friendship, IN, and oughta be a knee-slappin' good time. I came to the trail with Whispering Beard in my head, and started telling folks about it and it sort of naturally stuck. Whispering Beard sounds very sage-ish....not to say I'm a sage, but I can portray one in the woods.
Q
Weird.
A
Don't judge me. What's your last question?
Q
What are some of the best names you've come across?
A
That's a tough question. They've all been great in context; they seem to fit the person. As far as purely aurally aesthetic favorites?...Sawfoot, Celtic Thunder, Snuggie, The Guy with Max(Max being his dog), Panda Bear....there's a sampling.
Q
Most excellent.
A
Most excellent, indeed.
END
BEDDING- ThermaRest pad and Marmot 20 degree mummy bag. The bag has been more than enough, even in a 30degree night with good wind. For the summer, I'll probably look to pick up a really light fleece bag or something to shed some weight until I need the insulation again.
WATER- Katadyn Hiker filter, 2L hydration bladder, and 1L Nalgene bottle. I've thought of switching to drops or something to save weight, but I like the filter otherwise.
TOILETRIES- 5oz Dr Bronner's Soap. I use it for everything; face/body/hair/dish/clothes washing, tooth brushing(along with baking soda); 5oz hand sanitizer; Toilet paper roll; Mouthwash drops, in a tiny eye-drop-like bottle; Toothbrush; Comb; about 6 six hair ties; a small natural sponge; Badger Anti-Bug Balm, recommended to me by the Whole Body ladies at Whole Foods Mason. Great stuff, and smells pretty good if you like citronella; stick of sunblock; a small ziplock of ibuprofen, later supplemented with naproxen sodium.
FIRST AID- I started with a generic, prepacked first aid kit. I then added to it and took a few things away. Basic contents are: alcohol prep pads, emergency diarrhea and allergy pills, butterfly closures, band aids, lots of moleskin--and don't waste your time with precut stuff, get full strips that you can custom cut--iodine wipes, blister pack(special band aids for blisters), gauze, sterile pads, and good tape. I've been most pleased with 2" athletic tape.
I'll say this real quick; first aid, as with everything else,comes down to personal preference. Some folks feel they should carry things other folks do not. It all can be summed up by the phrase, "Hike Your Own Hike."
Q
That's a good phrase. Well said.
A
Thank you, I can't take credit for it. Now stop interrupting me.
Q
But I didn't...
A
Please, let me talk for a second....geez...So, where was I...ah, yes:
ELECTRONICS- Brunton i6 solar charger for my phone. I've had some issues so I sent it back home, just got it back...I'll update that situation; phone; headlamp. I have a small LED camp lantern I chose to leave at home. It's a great piece of gear, I just didn't think I needed it. So far, I've been good.
MISC- Journal; Thru Hiker's Companion; wall charger for my phone; small notepad and pen; harmonica; Martin backpacker guitar...my luxury for the trip. It has been well worth any sort of hassle in carrying it; extra pack of strings; a small camp towel, practically a chamois; Black Diamond trekking poles--this is my first excursion with trekking poles, and I will never EVER hike without them again....true lifesavers; 100ft paracord and two solid carabiners for bear-bagging food; bathroom trowel, which I sent home....privies are at almost every shelter site, and if you gotta dig a hole to do your business the heel of your shoe or a stick works just fine; sunglasses; emergency kit, consisting of- emergency blanket, a couple solid fuel tabs, waterproof matches, water purification tablets, couple extra band aids and alcohol wipes, small tube seam seal for tents/clothing, vinyl thread and needle, a couple vinyl patches; food bag, which turned into two smaller food bags courtesy of a find in a hiker box. I split my food bag merely for ease of packing.
Q
What's a hiker box?
A
It's a box located most often at a post office, motel/hostel lobby, or shelter. It is a grab bag for hikers in need; sometimes after a food drop or trip into town, you'll find you have WAY more than you need. Maybe it's food, or clothes, or miscellaneous do-dads....maybe it's just stuff you're simply tired of toting around. Whatever the case may be, one hiker's extra weight is another hiker's saving grace. I've seen med supplies, food, shoes and insoles, cookware, paperback books, stuff sacks, clothes, maps, a Playboy magazine....you get the idea.
So, I think that's about everything I have in my pack. The pack itself is an Osprey, somewhere in the 5000 cubic inch/60 Liter size range. It's a double-load single duffle bag, meaning there is one large space instead of individual pockets and compartments (as a military-style duffle bag), but the bag can be accessed via an opening at the top or a full-zip door on the front of the bag. So, you can stand the bag up and get in from the top, or you can lay it down and access the goods from there. The lid of the bag is removable, and can be used as a small pack by itself.
Q
That's a cool feature.
A
Indeed. And I've utilized it a few times, like when a water source is a half mile away down a steep trail. No need in carrying the whole pack an extra mile if you don't have to.
Q
So, what kind of stuff have you been eating whilst in the woods?
A
Ah, yes, the food question. Well, the bulk of my diet has been pretty straightforward: oatmeal for breakfast, trail mix and maybe some cured meat of some sort and cheese for lunch, ramen noodles for dinner, and hot chocolate as a nightcap. There are several other things I'm carrying but this is the majority of my caloric consumption.
Q
That sounds.....well, that sounds just awful. Except for the hot chocolate part.
A
On the contrary, it has been surprisingly good. The key, my friend, is to vary flavor as much as possible. Additives such as spices, herbs, and packable fats have proven to make all the difference. For example, every morning I doll up my oatmeal with a small bit of trail mix(with all manners of nuts and dried fruits in it--the fruits are great sugar sources and nuts and seeds are potent sources of good fat), a pinch of pumpkin pie spice(a hiker box find), a spoonful of powdered peanut butter(yep, you heard right), a spoonful of chocolate drink mix(a blend of hot chocolate powder and chocolate whey protein--good flavor, and a huge protein boost for the aching muscles), chia seeds, and a dollop of whatever fat source I happen to have on me.
Q
Two questions: Chia seeds? And, what fats are you able to pack without refrigeration?
A
Chia seeds are just what you're thinking--the little black seeds that you spread onto the clay figure...you know, ch-ch-ch-Chia! Chia seeds are high in protein, Omega essential fatty acids, and help retain water in the body which helps keep you hydrated. Think of them as having all the benefits of flax seeds plus a little extra.
Q
That's cool.
A
Indeed, it is. To answer your second question, I've had three fats with me; coconut oil, olive oil, and clarified butter. I've alternated the coconut oil and butter depending on availability and supply; olive oil I've had with me the whole time. Clarified butter(also called Ghee) is butter that has been rendered to separate the milk solids from the butterfat. It does not need refrigeration and is a spreadable consistency at room temp. It has a higher smoke point than regular butter, and can also be used as a fuel for oil lamps(pretty cool, methinks). Coconut oil is semi solid at room temp, and has a delicate coconut flavor--not at all overpowering. I add a dollop of these, whichever I happen to have, to almost everything I make: hot chocolate, oatmeal, noodles, etc. Not only does fat equal flavor, but the calories are desperately needed by the body. I typically use the olive oil for pasta and rice dishes, but it can be used for just about anything, too.
Q
That is really cool.
A
Yep. My other secret ingredient...although not so secret really, since I tell everyone I come across about it....is textured vegetable protein, or TVP(sometimes called TSP, since it is predominately soy-based). TVP is a plant-based, high protein source used in a myriad of vegetarian cuisine; if you've ever had a vegetarian chili, or any sort of veggie meat alternative, you've had TVP. In dry form, it is a granule of varying size; once it soaks in water for 2-3min, it plumps up and takes on the consistency of ground beef. It takes on the flavor of whatever you're cooking it in. I add it to every single dinner I make. It's 11g of protein a serving, and adds bulk and heartiness to otherwise thin noodle dishes. I've recently started picking up tuna pouches for the occasional addition to dinner, and one of my favorite concoctions recently is this: ramen noodles, TVP, a pouch of tuna, Italian seasoning(dried mix of basil, oregano, thyme, parsley, and rosemary), a dollop of fat, ramen seasoning pouch, and half a garlic bullion cube. It's rich, filling, and truly enjoyable to eat. I've rekindled my appreciation for ramen-style noodles.
Q
Sure sounds like it.
A
Also, a great and quick lunch is a pouch of tuna, a drizzle of olive oil, some salt/pepper/herb seasoning, and dry ramen noodles broken up. Just combine in the pouch and voila.
There are several other things I haven't tried yet, but will be getting to; I mean, you can only carry so much food at one time and I've been carrying too much as it is.
Q
Oh, is that right? How heavy's your pack been?
A
When I weighed it at Amicalola Falls in GA--the first official weigh in--it was 53lbs fully loaded. I realize now that at that time, I was carrying at least 7 days' worth of food...far, far too much. I overestimated my potential appetite, though I do eat any chance I get. I just eat less than I thought I might, especially in the 'have to cook' category. That's why lately I've been trying to stock a little heavier on protein bars and the like. Ideally, I will get my weight down to about 40lbs with four days' food and full water(I carry about two liters, drink at least a liter when I stop for water). So far, water supply has been copious and crystal clear. Hopefully that will continue into the next month at least.
40lbs is still running heavy for a lot of people, but if that's my ceiling, with every day it'll get lighter. I'm carrying about six pounds' worth of guitar; but that's happy weight.
(PAUSE)
Well, I think it's about time to hit the sack.
Q
Wait, just one more question.
A
Well....okay.
Q
Okay...okay, so actually it's two questions.
A
So, you just lied to me to get me to say 'okay'.
Q
No, not purposefully; the...
A
'Cause that's what seems to have just happened.
Q
The second question just came to me, figured I would squeeze it in.
A
(pause) I got my eye on you....
Q
Okay, so what's with all the weird names? Are you just making these up so you can remember folks?
A
The trail names are names that people take on while hiking. Most names get bestowed upon you in some form or fashion. I came to the trail with my name in mind, but thankfully it stuck once I told folks about it.
Q
How did you get your name?
A
Some good friends of mine are the organizers of the Whispering Beard Folk Festival. This year's festival is in Friendship, IN, and oughta be a knee-slappin' good time. I came to the trail with Whispering Beard in my head, and started telling folks about it and it sort of naturally stuck. Whispering Beard sounds very sage-ish....not to say I'm a sage, but I can portray one in the woods.
Q
Weird.
A
Don't judge me. What's your last question?
Q
What are some of the best names you've come across?
A
That's a tough question. They've all been great in context; they seem to fit the person. As far as purely aurally aesthetic favorites?...Sawfoot, Celtic Thunder, Snuggie, The Guy with Max(Max being his dog), Panda Bear....there's a sampling.
Q
Most excellent.
A
Most excellent, indeed.
END
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