Good hiking gear that really works can make the difference between having the time of your life or living through a suffering day on the trail. Along with the gear, who you bring as your company makes all the difference! We set out with five everyday gals from Newaygo County on a mission to

 conquer an overnight hike! The laughs, sweat, tears, grit and support it took for us to push over the next summit…This would not have been possible without the dedication from each one of us!

North Country Trail to Manistee River Trail Loop: 23 Miles

Trail Names:

True N’: Kelly W

Strappy: Amanda K

Sole Sister: Amy W

Bindi MRT: Kerry H

Captain Rally: Amy K

Knowing how popular the trails are this time of year with the warmer temps, we decided to set out on a Friday. THANK GOODNESS we did as the trail on Saturday was more like M-37 going both ways playing leapfrog with groups of hikers. We carpooled and staged my truck at Red Bridge Trailhead. We decided to start on the NCT side as that has more elevation and we heard it

 was a more intense hike. Our goal was to cross the suspension bridge and

 find a campsite on the MRT for the night. We were exhausted and defeated, but kept pushing on until we found the most beautiful site along the river. Being the leader of the tribe aka True N’, I asked the group about the 

experience. Here is what we had to share.

  

  1. How did you prepare for this trip?
    -Strappy: A few hikes with light pack and a few hikes on aggressive terrain
    -Captain Rally: I did not prepare enough for this trip. I should have conditioned my body more for the terrain. I ended up with heat exhaustion and a dislocated rib middle of the first day. But I did purchase a light weight tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and some camp essentials like cup, water filtration kit etc.
    -Sole Sister: I went on a few hikes- I should have went on WAY MORE hikes with my pack to prepare.  To prepare mentally, I thought through what I thought it would be like (I was wrong!)
    -Bindi MRT: You will need to prepare with good health and good shape. It is wise to go for a few hikes with your pack to make sure you can endure the distance.
    -True N’: I would load my pack with gear and hit the trail or woods by my house. I enjoy solo hikes or group hikes. We would try different types of terrain and elevation to prepare.

 

  1. What size pack did you take?
    -Strappy: WoneNice 50L
    -Captain Rally: Ozark Trail 47.5L
    -Sole Sister: Osprey 50L
    -Bindi MRT: Ozark Trail 40L
    -True N’: WASING 55L

  2. What meals/snacks did you bring?
    -Strappy: Granola bars, Tuna pkts, fruit snacks, drip drop pkts
    -Captain Rally: Cheeze It crackers, trail mix, cheese and beef jerky, dried bananas and peanut butter, oatmeal, energy bars, sour patch kids and jolly ranchers
    -Sole Sister: Tuna, paleo ranch dark chocolate sea salt bars (HIGHLY RECOMMEND), trail mix, cashews, dehydrated chicken and dumplings MRE (Also HIGHLY RECOMMEND), dark chocolate sea salt minis.
    -Bindi MRT: Peanut butter and Jelly, Chicken Teriyaki MRE, protein bars and pretzels
    -True N’: Trail mix, peanut butter, oatmeal, instant coffee pkts, canned chicken salad w/ crackers and plain bagels, cut up cheese, granola bars, energy pkts for my water.

 

 

  1. Best items for first aid kit?
    -Strappy: Items for blisters, ACE wrap for potential ankle/knee twist
    -Captain Rally: First aid kit pack blister band aids and extra hydration powder packs to keep you hydrated.
    -Sole Sister: BLISTER CARE is a must have in your first aid kit.  Tweezers and rubbing alcohol.
    -Bindi MRT: Band aides, wrap, sting cream, Neosporin, & tweezers
    -True N’: Tweezers, gauze, ankle wraps, band aides, ointment

 

 

  1. What type of shoe did you wear?
    1. Strappy: Nike Flex Motion running shoes that were broke in and very light
    2. Captain Rally: I wore my Asics trail running shoe and they did the job okay but will be purchasing some hiking shoes for next trip.
    3. Sole Sister: Merrell hiking shoes
    4. Bindi MRT: first thing I did when I go home was order a pair of supportive hiking shoes. I wore hiking boots for ankle support for the rough and steep terrain. I have hiked 10+ miles in them with no issues. Adding 35+ pounds did not offer the support I needed. After reading the reviews, I went with the Merrell Moab 2.
    5. True N’: Asics trail running shoe.

 

  1. Did you use trekking poles?
    -Strappy: No, I wanted my hands free to brace myself for a fall or slip
    -Captain Rally: The first day I did not use poles but the second day I did use the poles and I was glad I had then as my legs were feeling a little unstable and they really helped me!
    -Sole Sister: I used one pole which was strange, I would use two next time. Using the poles helped with stability and security on some of the more dangerous areas as well as helped my hands not to swell by keeping them semi upright.
    -Bindi MRT: No poles
    -True N’: No poles

 

 

  1. What clothes did you pack?
    -Strappy: Extra under garments, camp sandals with open toes, warmer layer for sleeping and extra pants
    -Captain Rally: I packed hiking light weight pants, extra wool socks, beanie hat, gloves, light weight jacket, long sleeve shirt, warm leggings, breathable t-shirt, and a vest.
    -Sole Sister: I packed a change of underwear/bra/socks for the next day along with another outfit to wear.  I also packed Marino wool long underwear for nighttime as it was cold.  These were a must have because I did stay quite warm throughout the night.
    -Bindi MRT: I dressed in layers: tank top, long sleeve, light jacket. Pocketed leggings and windbreaker pants. Extra under garments and socks, along with a heated vest for nighttime. I had a poncho incase it rained.
    -True N’: Base layers, tank top, dry wicking t-shirt, ¼ zip long sleeve, leggings, fleece leggings for nighttime and extra socks and under garments

 

 

  1. Top 5 items to not forget?
    -Strappy: Water filter, GOOD pad for sleeping, Multi-tool, bug spray, & fire starters
    -Captain Rally: Top 5 items—Hydration packs, water filtration system with extra water bottle, bug spray, cell phone with extra charger, extra clothes, and enough snacks to keep you going.
    -Sole Sister: BLISTER CARE STUFF, sunscreen, bug spray, chap stick, hand sanitizer/wipes, water filtration system.
    -Bindi MRT: Plenty of water or filtration system, food and snacks, portable phone charger, toilet paper, fire starter, and bug spray
    -True N’: Water filter, food, multi tool, fire starter/lighter, and solar charger, camp shoes

 

  1. Best advice for someone planning an overnight hike?
    -Strappy: Purchase water filter device and be sure to focus on footwear/sleeping pad & bag. FEET and SLEEP are very important.
    -Captain Rally: I would tell someone to prepare your body for the longer hike. Also, big lighter clothes in case you overheat and warmer clothes as it got cold at night.
    -Sole Sister: Believe in yourself.  You are much stronger than you think.  Also, if you hike for beer like me, opt to hike for something lighter to carry- consider a small flask to sip while around your campfire.  Trust me on this one.
    -Bindi MRT: Plan smaller trip first and gradually work up for longer, more miles, if that is your goal.
    -True N’: Know the area and terrain you plan to hike. Practice with you weight in pack.

 

 

  1. What did you learn about yourself from this trip?
    -Strappy: I LOVE hiking and being 1:1 with nature. I pushed myself and it paid off.
    -Captain Rally: I learned I am stronger than I think I am, and I can do hard things. I also learned my body is not as young as it once was and I need to prepare in the future for activities like this.
    -Sole Sister: I learned that I could do hard things.  I learned that you could get through anything with support from your hiking crew!  Teamwork makes the dream work!
    -Bindi MRT: I am stronger and more resilient than even I thought I was.
    -True N’: I am a leader and strong support for my tribe physically and mentally. Lean on your tribe when you need to push through the hard times. We are some amazing women!

 

  1. Anything you want to add?
    -Strappy: This adventure is just the beginning. I think every time you will learn something new to help for the next trip. The only way you will ever learn what YOU need, is by doing it. I am assuming each trip will present new challenges, that you may not be prepared for. You need to take that as part of the journey. I cannot wait for next time!
    -Captain Rally: I would add that this was a true accomplishment and a trip I will never forget with a great group of ladies! We pushed ourselves beyond what we thought our bodies could handle. I could not have completed this trip without the motivation of these strong ladies! Thank you Strappy, True N, Soul Sister, Bindi MRT Love you ladies! Cannot wait for our next adventure!
    -Sole Sister: I would like to add that this was a fantastic trip for a ton of reasons but mostly because we all stuck together, supported each other, and kept our attitudes positive even when the going got tough.  We all helped each other pull through when we thought we could not possibly make it one more step.  Be sure if you are embarking on an adventure such as this that you bring that positive energy because you are going to need it- and so will your hiking crew!
    -Bindi MRT: A plastic 3’ x 5’ tarp came in handy for sitting on, putting my pack and other things down on, and utilizing it as a cover for your tent. It was a great item to bring.  It also folds up super tiny and is extremely lightweight.  As a reminder, do not post to social media during your trip, wait until you are home safe.  It is wise to make sure someone knows where you will be and when you will be back.
    -True N’: Never stop exploring and finding your true passion. Hiking and being in nature are a part of me. “It may seem a little crazy to walk directly into the line of fire…those who are willing, are those who achieve great things.”- Jessi Combs.