Beginner looking for guidance

[LURE]

Donuts guys. Summit donuts.

I'm a real big fan of leftover pizza. Will always love my five layer burritos though.

Five layer burritos sound like a better TH food before the hike. It would give you a little extra propulsion up the mountain.

Oh ya, def, the one you bring is just the third of the three you bought driving to the trailhead the night before.

At this point, if I die young, it'll be because of my diet. I'll die a happy man though.

Jk, i eat like... broccoli and stuff.

[Jon Frohlich]

I second pancakes, bacon, and coffee for summit food.

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[two lunches]

i'll be the one with a packet of cocoa, accompanied by a dog who has one floppy ear.

[Daggermonkey]

I have to ask because the adventurist in me would be willing to go all out and be creative... were these pre-packed/pre-cooked or made on the mountain with a stove? obviously both are possible and I'm all for a full course meal of luxury provided I can carry it. and here I was thinking Pizza was fancy but now you got me thinking I'm going to need a dedicated "summit setting" of hardware hahaha.... in due time, and I will share with the group.. perhaps we need a forum posting of luxury meals on the summit for everyone to share. just my two cents.

as for older posts, I would rather buy new than used, and I have no qualms about spending a few extra dollars on quality gear, just might take a bit longer. sacrifice what I can now. Probably Getting Carbon poles over aluminum so they dont bend. Was thinking the Black Diamond Trail Back 3 unless its highly advised against.

Columbia Glennaker windshell.
Osprey 2/3L hydro pack plus the washing/drying kit

any recommendations on a light/quality daypack? 30-35L preferred. I could probably survive with smaller but would rather get something long term here.. I'll use a regular backpack in the meantime.

[Jon Frohlich]

I have to ask because the adventurist in me would be willing to go all out and be creative... were these pre-packed/pre-cooked or made on the mountain with a stove? obviously both are possible and I'm all for a full course meal of luxury provided I can carry it. and here I was thinking Pizza was fancy but now you got me thinking I'm going to need a dedicated "summit setting" of hardware hahaha.... in due time, and I will share with the group.. perhaps we need a forum posting of luxury meals on the summit for everyone to share. just my two cents.

The bacon was precooked ahead of time but the pancakes and coffee were made on the summit. We had two stoves: a Jetboil and a Whisperlite.

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Cooking bacon on the summit would be too much cleanup so it's easier to do it in advance.

[719BR]

any recommendations on a light/quality daypack? 30-35L preferred. I could probably survive with smaller but would rather get something long term here.. I'll use a regular backpack in the meantime.

http://zpacks.com/backpacks/nero.shtml

[two lunches]

FYI: found this dude on instagram over the weekend... @summitbrunch outdoing us all

https://www.airbnb.com/experiences/328653
"Have you ever dreamed of being on a mountain top for sunrise or sunset? What about with a restaraunt quality meal? come join me in Colorado’s high country for a Summit Brunch or summit supper. We will take a hike to an amazing summit above 9,000 feet, for you’re effort to reach the top you will be rewarded with an awesome meal cooked at the top. You get to relax while I cook, once the meal is prepared I am available to take photos clean up and get us all ready for a safe and full stomach decent back down. I’ll bring everything needed to cook and all plateware and utensils. You need to be prepared for a breathtaking hike, good workout and amazing meal."

[Daggermonkey]

THAT is living on top of the world. But I’d never want someone to carry my weight for me. Maybe if I carried the gear up too and contributed to cooking.

Started looking at hiking shoes this weekend to get an idea of what is comfortable and approx cost. Are there any suggested brands for moderate hiking? Nothing more than scrambles as I won’t be doing anything extreme obviously.

Or any brands that are a waste of my money? I’ve worn boots for far too long in my life to know you get what you pay for and you pay with your feet if you don’t. Tread style or ankle height preferences? Or is it all just personal preference & comfort? i know sturdy bottom over flimsy soles is better for your feet.

So far I’ve tried merrell moab2, keen, columbia newton ridge, and timberlands. Timberlands felt flimsy but could have been the model. Keen was very sturdy but made my foot feel claustrophobic so to say. Merrells were comfortable but seemed like they might be a middle road option and less durable. Same for columbia newton.

Really wish I made it up yesterday/this morning. Skies were gorgeous from my pov

[Conor]

I second pancakes, bacon, and coffee for summit food.

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That bacon looks too much like the canadian version. Which isn't bacon.

[myfeetrock]

Fried chicken and potato salad on the summit! A super supreme pan pizza from pizza hut works well to... For summit food.

[Broderick22]

Here are my thoughts for those new to 14ers:

Buy hiking shoes. They may be the most important gear you own. I like Solomon.
Buy wool socks. This will save your feet. Trust me.
Grab a pack that has a 3L bladder in it. Essential for 14ers imo.
Buy a rain/wind shell (coat) and good waterproof pants. These are the last 2 things that really make a difference. You will need both towards the top of most 14ers.
Bring gloves.
Plan to summit before noon. Leave the TH early. Time depends on length of hike.

These are the absolute essentials for starting out and I think if you follow them you will be in good shape.

[Daggermonkey]

Here are my thoughts for those new to 14ers:

Buy hiking shoes. They may be the most important gear you own. I like Solomon.
Buy wool socks. This will save your feet. Trust me.
Grab a pack that has a 3L bladder in it. Essential for 14ers imo.
Buy a rain/wind shell (coat) and good waterproof pants. These are the last 2 things that really make a difference. You will need both towards the top of most 14ers.
Bring gloves.
Plan to summit before noon. Leave the TH early. Time depends on length of hike.

These are the absolute essentials for starting out and I think if you follow them you will be in good shape.

I know shoes are vital. First thing to contact the ground and has to survive elements of you wont (rain/snow/rocks)

Got wool socks already.
Still testing out bags but I found a 30L pack with 3L compartment (needs bladder). Teton 1800, weighs 2.5 and has some support. Enough for essentials and last me at least until I get into serious climbs.
Probably getting an osprey 3L bladder
Got columbia hiking pants (conversion shorts with cargo pckts)

Still need shell jacket. Probably getting a columbia glennaker
Emergency blanket
Basic First aid & eventually a small trauma kit
Whistle, compass, flashlight, firesource