Right on dude. And yeah. You learn something most every time out on a solo when you're first getting in to it. Good for you. That's the right attitude. Although you might want to avoid being "relieved" when it comes to water. You need to be SURE when it comes to water. And not to sound like an asshole but...I don't care because it's important. Here's the deal with fire as a backpacker in SoCal. Not only was that wood WAY too big but you light a fire if you need it for warmth. They're not for entertainment. That's what car campers do. One spark can light up a forest unless it's raining or there's snow on the ground. And you weren't in the snow. I have a feeling, given how you're clearly getting in to backpacking, you couldn't live with yourself if you lit a forest up. So it's nothing to mess around with. With wood, you only use what's on the ground and no thicker than your wrist. There's the saying, "Indian build small fire - sit close. White man build big fire - sit far away." So be an "Indian." Also, that big piece you were busting on the rock? Take the wood, lean in on a rock, turn your face away and break it with your foot. And just one more tip. You can do what you want but I'd suggest either learning the PCT method for hanging a bear bag or, in most areas given how few bear are around, I'd tie off to a tree. Wouldn't take much for a bear to hit that line and get your bag. Again, don't mean to be a dick but the fire thing is super serious stuff. Keep getting out there bro. It gets addictive.
@@noviceinthewild5772 You bet. If you're outside the Sierra hanging is going to be fine. It's more about rodents and smaller mammals. But if you do plan on getting out of the area, a bear can is a wise investment. The weight and bulk suck a little but it's a much safer and easier way to go. Have fun out there.
Right on dude. And yeah. You learn something most every time out on a solo when you're first getting in to it. Good for you. That's the right attitude. Although you might want to avoid being "relieved" when it comes to water. You need to be SURE when it comes to water.
And not to sound like an asshole but...I don't care because it's important. Here's the deal with fire as a backpacker in SoCal. Not only was that wood WAY too big but you light a fire if you need it for warmth. They're not for entertainment. That's what car campers do. One spark can light up a forest unless it's raining or there's snow on the ground. And you weren't in the snow. I have a feeling, given how you're clearly getting in to backpacking, you couldn't live with yourself if you lit a forest up. So it's nothing to mess around with. With wood, you only use what's on the ground and no thicker than your wrist. There's the saying, "Indian build small fire - sit close. White man build big fire - sit far away." So be an "Indian." Also, that big piece you were busting on the rock? Take the wood, lean in on a rock, turn your face away and break it with your foot. And just one more tip. You can do what you want but I'd suggest either learning the PCT method for hanging a bear bag or, in most areas given how few bear are around, I'd tie off to a tree. Wouldn't take much for a bear to hit that line and get your bag. Again, don't mean to be a dick but the fire thing is super serious stuff. Keep getting out there bro. It gets addictive.
Good advice is always welcomed, thank you. Going to look into the PCT method for hanging food like you suggested, until I can get a bear canister.
@@noviceinthewild5772 You bet. If you're outside the Sierra hanging is going to be fine. It's more about rodents and smaller mammals. But if you do plan on getting out of the area, a bear can is a wise investment. The weight and bulk suck a little but it's a much safer and easier way to go. Have fun out there.