Preparation for Grand Canyon Hike: South Rim to River to Rim, Part 2
January 2022 to March 2022: Preparation for grand hiking trip continues as time gets closer. Over the last 3 months we have been continuing researching, training and purchasing our remaining backpacking gear to be prepared for our Hike.
Since I first posted, I have completed the Grand Canyon iFIT training 5 times prior to the REAL Life HIKE! I just could not get enough….I was hoping this would be enough preparation!
The other part I loved about the series (besides the physical workout) was the knowledge about Grand Canyon that was shared. I became so interested in learning about the different rock layers of the grand canyon and the rock formations prior to the real life adventure. Limestone, sandstone, silt stone, shale and combinations of these rocks. The geology is fascinating… dates back at least 2 billion years. As you hike deeper and deeper into the canyon you go back further and further in time. The thought is just incredible to imagine that much time and the beauty of every rock layer.
Now we live in Florida at 20 Feet elevation give or take 10 feet. So no elevation changes here to test us for our 5,124 feet elevation changes on our hike! And weather considerations, average weather for March in Florida are 62 Low to 74 High temperatures. At the Bright Angel Campground within the Grand Canyon 45 Low to 71 High Temp as found on weather-us.com for the month of March. But South Rim Grand Canyon averages are 24 Low to 53 High Temperatures. Weather is a factor for planning your gear list.
We really trusted our elliptical training, my daily 6 mile walks, strength/stretching exercises, yoga and meditations. Long 8 mile beach walks and we found a hill walk near us for fun!
When planning and preparing for backpacking in which neither of us has done before, we took all the research and information seriously the weight of our backpacks too! There are important considerations for backpack base weight being at a comfortable weight then adding other essential consumable items. And does the weight add up fast!
After we finished purchasing our backpacking gear (list below) we planned a wilderness hike an hour north of us to test out our gear! We got lucky… a cool 40 degree morning to take our hike at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park, a 7.4 mile Loop. We prepared our backpacks…filled water bladder 1.5L, sleeping bag, air pad, snacks, first aid kit, foot care kit, loaded up to 15 pounds! Kyle’s backpack weighed 20 pounds. Off we went early in morning dressed in hiking clothes, hiking shoes and loaded backpacks.
Once we arrived, we put on our backpacks, trekking poles (for practice) and headed on trail. I’m comfortable with 15 pound weight of backpack on back. We hiked a peaceful trail, sunny and cool while we listened to beautiful birds singing along trail. We took a break for few minutes and had a waffle snack and an mandarin orange…then hiked further along the trail. The trail was dirt but mostly dry and hard with rocks and tree roots. While some of the hike was like a prairie very flat and lots tall grass along the trail. At about 6 miles my toes were feeling the new hiking shoes, they needed more breaking in. But I hiked on to complete 8 miles. We arrived back at our car feeling invigorated and excited about carrying backpacks, drinking from water bladders and understanding the beauty of hiking. A great experience all in all.
We used the hike as a sample of real life backpacking and REI for purchasing backpacking gear, backpack sizing and personal recommendations for basic hiking skills. I found a grand canyon trail guide, a hiking training guide and interesting hiker blogs about their favorite gear. We also took a web class about hiking with an experienced hiker which was very informative which led us to more hiking blogs and information on backpacking the Grand Canyon.
Grand Canyon Backpacking Gear List for our Hike:
*Backpacks: Osprey Kyte 46L for myself, Osprey Atmos 50L for Kyle
*Osprey 2.5L Water bladders
*Big Agnes Tent with ground cover tarp
*Air Mattress Pad: Nemo
*Sleeping Bags: Nemo 30 degree Temp
*Trekking Poles, REI brand
*Hiking Shoes/Boots with orthotics
*Wool socks by Darn Tough Socks
*Hiking clothes; 3 layers tops and hiking leggings, 3 layers tops plus Hiking pants for Kyle
*Rain Jackets
*First Aid Kit; basic
*Foot Kit; blister pads, ointment, bandaids, mole skin…
*Micro Cleats for shoes (in case of snow/ice trails)
*Gloves, Face masks
*Food: Energy Cubes by Clif; Stinger variety Pack of waffles, protein bars, energy cubes; peanut butter; nuts; mandarins
*Electronics: Iphones, Go-Pro camera, Battery power cell, cables, kindle, tablet (installed Book: Down the Great Unknown by Edward Dolnick)
*Headlamps with extra batteries
*Waterproof journals with pen
***A Last week decision based on updated weather report- Sleeping Bag Extreme Liner- GOAL: add 10-15 degrees warmed for night time along with an extra layer of clothing and glove
Other Links:
Video of our climb out the canyon
Video of our climb into the canyon
Blog Posts: Our Decent, Our Ascent, Our Equipment, Preparation Part 1, and Preparation Part 2
About The Author
imombecky