/diy/ - Do It Yourself

When we set off on our journey, I will be 22, and my buddy will be 23. I've done a significant amount of research regarding hitchhiking laws, and we both understand the potential risks.

just 1 tip on hitchhiking
Bad weather is your friend. Rides are best when it's really hot, cold, raining or snowing.
Beautiful day out? Enjoy the walking.

Good to know, I can't ever recall that coming up in any of the reading I've done. However now that I think about it it does make sense, at the same time I suppose if were soaking wet people may be hesitant to pick us up. No one wants wet upholstery. Packing a cheap ass poncho may be in order.

>>300248
If it is sunny and hot weather you can fill a black plastic trashbag with water and soap, put dirty clothes in them and shake it a lot and let it lay in the sun for a while, it will get verry hot inside and your glothes will be cleaner.

I don't know about the climate in your area, but i wouldn't buy a tent, they get damaged verry quick and if you are not on an open spot, lots of shit from threes and birds will fall on it, staining it forever. A tarp or a self made shelter from available shit is also lighter to carry.

A fixed blade is good, but also take a small folder for back-up with you and for finer tasks. Also don't get that serrated shit, get one of those cool gardening saw folders. they are cheap and good. And it's hard to sharpen a serrated blade.

I also wouldn't take a fishing rod with me, although the weight is probably not much it will still be sticking out your pack being annoying and irritating, just take line and make your own fishing rod out of a long stick.

oh, and also, wear socks multiple times, the fat and oil from the skin from your feeth will lubricate it, so you won't get as much blisters.

And also, if you have the change to collect some more water, even if you already have enough, refill your bottles.

If you find any spooky shit in the woods, OP, don't forget to come tell us about it.
-love, /x/

>>300270
also, be prepared to be frustrated and irritated, it's just going to happen once in a while. it's part of it, don't get into fights with your comrade.

also, multi task, you can spare a lot of time when you both pack or build stuff at the same time.

If you buy new shoes, wear them a lot in advance so they are formed after your feeth and flexible, will save you from a lot of pain and blisters.

Also when you are going to sleep, hang your glothes outside (if it doesn't rain) so the air and wind can blow throuhg it during the night, next morning it will be a lot fresher and less stinkyer.

I've hitchhiked a little but only to get to a place, not to travel.

Get used to having whole days where no one picks your ass up.

Truck stops are your new Mecca. It's very hard to get a ride with a lot of average people especially around larger cities because of their larger homeless population. Truck drivers will likely be your main transport.

Since it sounds like you'll be two guys, it will be harder to get rides because the driver has a higher risk of being attacked. If at all possible, get a woman for part of your journey. Granted 3 people is going to be harder to get a ride.

Get used to hobo showers and shaving in truck stops. If you're gross and shaggy, you're not going to get a ride. You can also find showers are public beaches and gyms (Most gyms will offer you a free day pass to try out the gym).

I recommend always having a college town as a destination in the near future. Find the most liberal/hipster bar in town, head over there and have a beer and chat up the locals. College libs will think that you're some kind of enlightened being. You will get free drinks, free food, a place to stay, and sex. I used to do this every time I went to a college town.

Prepare to suck a lot of dicks

>>300270
Clever Idea for washing clothes. The cheapness of it is a plus.

Yeah I was still debating I was gonna get a cheap ass tent or just buy a tarp and some paracord.

Would you suggest something Bowie esque, a standard full tang fixed blade? Have you had any experience with the hand chainsaws?

The fishing rod I had in mind is something like the one in the pic they are about the size of a jumbo sharpie when collapsed.

Only planned on packing about 5 pairs of socks

The bag I have picked out is the Camelbak BFM with an included 3 liter hydration bag. I plan on keeping pretty well stocked. I will also probably buy some purification tabs Just in case.

>>300271
We'll be bringing some Film equipment, as well as a 1.5 tb external hd. If I happen to see some nifty shit I remember to let you know.

>>300279
We've been through quite a bit of bullshit together, but yeah I'm sure there will be some rough patches.

Yup yup.

I just bought a new pair of boots last weekend, the breaking in is commencing.

Good call. No one wants to pick up smelly fucks.

>>300281
Thats part of the adventure, if we end up having to spend a week in one place so be it, we'll get a chance to explore and fuck shit up.

Everything I have read said that truckers are pretty stingy when it comes to giving out rides, but I'm sure its gotta be nice to talk to random strangers for the lulz after being on the road for days at a time.

Yeah we've thought about getting a girl to go with, there is certainly no shortage of them around here it's just a matter of finding one that we can both put up with.

Yeah I wouldnt wanna pick up a couple smelly dirty dudes.

Looking forward to it, I enjoy talking with strangers, plus getting free shit from college libs is always great.

>>300288
I doubt this will come up very often if at all and if it does we'll just asked to be let out.

You will want to kill yourself without HIGH quality sleeping bag.

You will die quickly in wilderness.
Everything is about WATER.
You can get safe water at gas stations, at people's homes etc.
You can NEVER drink from anywhere else, unless the water had been purified.
Also, take GREAT care what you eat.
Sick stomach in wrong place may cost you life.
Learn a lot about fixing fractures and medical shit too.
Never be further than shout's range from your friend.
If you don't have cellphones or meeting point NEVER separate.

>>300301
I may pick this up later into the trip when we get to the northern part of the country and are spending a significant amount of time in the woods / mountains. But I feel it may just be added weight while we are down south.

>>300248
>spray paint
Why the fuck do you need spray paint on a backpacking/hitchhiking trip!?

>>300304
As I said in a previous reply I will have a 3 liter hydration pack, as well as a water bottle and some purification tablets.

If we do end up getting lost for whatever reason, I know how to make a sand, charcoal filter, and will have the means to boil the water.

I will probably pick up a nice survival guide that points out what foliage and animals are safe to eat, as well as proper preparation methods.

I do know a significant amount of emergency first aid and will have a well stocked med kit with us JIC.

Good Idea It perhaps some solar powered walkie talkies would be a good idea.

Well probably get a nice atlas and will have the means to use gps on an android device.

>>300310
Making signs, marking a path on trees in the forest, Tagging misc stuff, fire accelerant, emergency flamethrower to deter large predators, etc.

>>300291
full-tang, it's the strongest, i would prefer one of those scandinavian types, i wouldn't take a knife that Rambo would have in a movie.
The trashbag cloth washing thing isn't something i tried myself, i got the tip from some friends who camp a lot, and i saw them do something similar with a closed bucket, so i guess it works.

I never used water bags, just simple plastic bottles, i'm always paranoid that those bags can get broken and leak.
You can hang some bottles on the outside of your back, it's easy and fast when you see a water source and quickly want to refill.
>>300296
well, other people will probably still smell you, but atleast it feels a little bit more fresh and cleaner.
>>300309
maybe it's a good idea to learn something about plants before you leave, a lot of plants look the same as edible ones while they are poisenous.
>>300313
don't spray in the forrest pleaze, than it will still be fun for the ones who do the same later.

>>300321
I feel like a couple 5 gallon paint buckets would serve pretty great as a washing bucket. I could also be used as an improvised chair, and used for transporting raw water, toilet, and holding any game or fish we catch.

Everything I have read says the Hydration bags are pretty sturdy, they also come with a lifetime warranty, I will have a dry bag to hold my water sensitive items. I will also have a nice 1 liter bottle of some sort.

I will most likely get some kind of multipurpose condensed camping soap, that can be used for washing up and cleaning clothes.

Yeah I still have a significant amount of time to research survival foraging, and the like.

I suppose your right, figured it would make less of an impact than some kind of poly ribbon.

Actually the board you want to be on is /trv/. Read the sticky. It has a couple links that directly pertain to your questions. Also repost your thread there.

>>300339
going from youthhostel to youthhostel by train isn't backpacking just because you carry your shit in a cool adventurous looking backpack

Firstly, pay a lot of attention to what you're bringing with you. Everything you bring will need to be carried and even the small, lightweight stuff starts to add up really quickly. Find things that you can use for multiple purposes like a swiss army knife or the like.
Be prepared to use your stuff in ways that it's not intended to be used.
Don't bring the spray paint. I don't think your reason are good enough, the weight is a problem, and after six hours of hearing the cans rattle you'll want to tear your hair out.
Be careful of the water you drink. Water purification tabs are good but can take a good bit of time until it's safe to drink depending on the type you get. Boiling water is a good idea. Time it once the water comes to a boil, some people say that bringing it to a boil alone will kill most of the organisms and some people say that it needs to be boiled for 10 minutes. My advice is to use your own judgement.
Watch what you eat on the trail too, especially what you forage. A lot of plants that will make you sick look similar to perfectly fine ones to eat and diarrhea, vomiting, and possible poisoning are not something you want to be dealing with in the middle of the woods.

>>300339
Oh good call I didn't even realize that we had a Travel board.

>>300345
True, walking any distance with a heavy pack would get incredibly exhausting.

I didn't even think about the damn agitator in the spray paint. That's out then. Probably sub it out with a chisel tip sharpie or a paint pen.

Yeah most iodine tabs say they take about 30 mins to complete the process. Seems like a good idea to boil the water longer and be safe.

Yeah I don't plan on foraging for a significant number of our meals, I will be taking a hopefully decent bankroll with me. But I will definitely be doing a lot of research on what is ok to nom on out there should we need to.

Pic is the stuff I have selected as of now.

>>300354
Get a leatherman. It will be useful. Buy a better knife. Buy a better mess kit. Those little military style mess kits, about $10 for 2. Get them. And a pan , utensils separate. Get more paracord.

Don't buy a med kit that says 'tactical' in it. Especially when it has 3.5* reviews. Consider putting your own together.

Torch, (flash light?) Get a maglite. Get a map. Get a compass. You might want a few karabiners, maybe just to attach pocket knife to your belt if you're keeping it in your pocket. or attaching expensive items to your bag, (IDK, people recommend this lol.)

>>300373
Oh. and a fire starting kit. Zippo with extra fuel. Flint and striker.

two words
wool. socks.

>>300292
You don't really need an external hd... just use cloud storage. Free wi-fi is all over the place.

Also, have you thought of bike touring rather than hitchhiking? I much better plan, IMHO.

>>300388
I traveled over 1 200 km's a day by means of hitchhiking without tiring myself needlessly.
I don't believe such a feat is possible by bike.
Also, free wifi ain't quite the reliable thing.

I would say the best pair of boots you can afford (broken-in well before your trip), as many socks as you can carry, a blister kit and a hi-visibility vest.
>>I don't see many people offering a ride to 2 males +/- a female all with full gear.

Please consider bringing something to defend yourselves with.

i had to hitchhike once. i was with my dad, i was about 9 years old, our car broke down in the winter. we both looked presentable and non threatening (who takes their 9 year old on a murder spree?)

anyways despite there being a child in the cold nobody gave us a ride. hours and hours and hundreds of cars passed, all of them ignoring us. we had to walk the whole way, i was so cold.

hitchhiking is dead. it doesn't work anymore. they will let you die out there rather then pick you up.

so instead of hitchhiking i propose you each buy a cheap moped and put across the country on your cheap little gas bikes. it's the only way

>>300373
A leatherman completely slipped my mind good call.

Do you have a suggestion as far as knives go?

Wasnt really looking for something super high quality as far as the mess kit goes, but I will look into it.

Should I suck it up on the weight and get a nice cast iron skillet?

I have a collapsible utensil kit picked out.

100 feet of paracord sound like a better number?

I had mainly picked that med kit out for the pouch it comes in being compatible with the MOLLE mounting system that the bag I have picked out has, but yes now that I take a second look at it; it is lacking on actual supplies.

I have a nice flashlight already, on top of the crank one on the emergency radio.

I planned on getting a truckdrivers Altas that will show all roads and where major destinations will be, I suppose a compas would be a safe addition as well.

As far as karabiners go should I splurge and get actual weight bearing ones or just the cheapo dollar store variety made for keys?

I plan on having most of my expensive items in a drybag in my pack to be safe.

>>300375
Yeah I'll get some fire steel, I already have a few zippos.

>>300383
Good idea cheap socks will be worn out fairly quick.

>>300388
Raw HD footage even at 30fps can take up a ton of space. I don't want to have to be tied to a Mcdonalds for hours on end waiting for 150gb of footage to be uploaded to a cloud service.

I feel like biking would kill part of the thrill for me. I'm interested in the people who are gonna pick us up, and asking them what made them pick us up. Did they hitchhike when they were younger? Were they simply lonely and wanted a conversation partner?

>>300390
Have any pro tips? Horror stories? Really weird rides?

>>300427
Yeah I just bought a nice pair of boots this last weekend breaking them in now.

Ill probably carry about 5 pair of socks, as they can be washed at night and be dry by morning.

A blister kit is probably a good idea.

We'll most likely stay away from the roads when it gets dark, plus when I think of those orange reflective vests I think of wither road workers, or prison inmates doing community service, I would not want to scare off potential rides for them thinking the same.

If we get picked up cool if not oh well it's all apart of the adventure. Having rides spaced out farther will make them seem a little more special anyway.

>>300469
I will have several knives on my person as will my comrade, I contemplated getting a small caliber pistol but decided against it as it would be a headache with law enforcement from state to state as laws are a little different everywhere.

OP, try posting this on /k/ as well.
They're good for innawoods.

>>300248
>one man tent
Consider getting one for two men. You'll need to heat on cold nights.

God speed, man. You're living my lifelong dream, one that sadly I'll never get the chance to live. Enjoy it, don't waste a second of it. Do post often.

Socks. Lots of Socks.

OP, please share your experiences with us.
Damn, sucks getting old, I jelly.

I used to know a guy who used to stop for hitchhikers. He drove a pickup and he'd lean out and tell the hitchhiker to put their stuff in the back of the truck, then he'd take off.
Even he thought that was a dick move.

>>300248

OP, how old are you?

Not trying to be patronizing, just legitimately curious because I always wanted to do this and may still have time.

Also protip I have experienced when picking up hitchikers (I used to hitchike a lot but never went full Rambo like you): make good with your friend. How long have you known each other? etc. etc. you have to really know how to get along because that's the one thing that will be the toughest on your whole trip.

I used to pick up hitchikers in groups and the backpackers would be thankful for about 10 minutes then the one in the back would pass out and the one in the front would bitch for hours on end to me about the bullshit they have to put up with.

They usually leave the car friends though, so maybe it'll all work out.

good shit OP, my friend and i are planning this exactly. we might see you out there, if the fates align! i took notes from this thread, thank you all.

Rather than bring a blister kit which is heavy, bring duck tape. Wrap it around your hiking pole/fishing rod/whatever which minimizes the space it takes up. Then as you get hotspots you cut a round/oval section of the duck tape and place it over top. The lack of corners prevents it from peeling up with the constant rubbing.

Also duck tape is more versatile than Moleskin/blister kits.

I was thinking about this earlier and I figured it was worth a mention.
I know you said that you and your friend understand the risks in this but something you need to keep in mind is that you're going a good distance, even with hitchhiking. The Appellation Trail is a little over 2K miles and it takes a through-hiker about 4-7 months to complete, depending on the speed of the hiker. That might have something to do with the terrain which is mostly mountains but you should understand that this trip is probably going to take a LOT of time, even if you get rides.
Also, there are sections that you're going to be going through that are simply not hospitable to the travel. I'm not saying that it's impossible but it defiantly increases the danger. The AT, the Serra Nevada, and the Everglades are just a few places that are not to be fucked around in. I'm not saying that you're signing your life away doing this but keep in mind that there are areas and situations that you WILL lose your life in if you're careless.

>>300586
I definitely plan on posting quite a bit, I did archive this thread and plan on sharing links to the vids we post.

>>300595
Trust me I will, There will probably be quite a bit I wont get a chance to Document, but we are planning on at the very least making a terribly done LOTR parody while were at it.

>>300600
This is something I have read a bit about people driving off with gear. I plan on keeping everything in or attached to my daybag, and keeping it with me at all times. If I get a weird vibe ill just let the driver move along.

>>300603
I'm 21 right now by the time we take the trip I'll be 22 and my comrade will be 23.

Me and my pal are pretty tight we've known eachother for about 5 years now. We've lived together for a year + some change.

Were both pretty much the same person, and have exactly the same ideals, morals, and general outlook on life. I can't remember a single time where we were just annoyed with eachother, so I feel we'll be well equipped to deal with eachother.

Thank you for your concern however.

>>300633
I posted the route we plan to follow, perhaps we should exchange emails and try to meet up somewhere at some point.

>>300634
Duck tape the universal everything. thanks for the protip. Do you think that those duck tape sheets would be a better buy?

>>300705
If shit gets to intense for us to handle well simply head back where we came from. we will also most likely have an emergency prepaid phone with us that we can charge with the hand crank radio I have picked out. We're not too proud to say fuck this shit. If I'm fucking worried I will turn back to civilization. Thank you for your concern

http://pastebin.com/FUzBPDeD
It fucking said that field is too long. Goddamn.

On Socks
5 pairs is enough, but always keep them clean and dry. The lubrication thing is a lie.
Change them when they get damp and you will find less blisters.

On blisters
Duct tape is not good for blisters if you are walking every day. It just makes a smooth surface to protect your feet from the lining of your shitty boots.
If you put it over your blister you wiull sweat it off, taking the skin with it and give yourself a lovely gaping sore.
Use a colloid blister kit. and always buy the best boots and lined socks.

>>300920

Thanks for the reply man. Lot of good info. We don't really plan on coming back home after we leave. Hopefully well find a pretty chill place to settle down and keep not giving any fucks.

Maybe Ill buy a couple acres of land in north Cali and start a pot farm or something. Live off the land a bit.

>>300937
I read on a blog that keeping everything sorted and in ziplocks is a pretty good idea. Keeps things dry and should a Piggy decide that he needs to search our shit it'll keep everything sorted and make his job easier.

Also rolling your clothes vs folding them saves on space. Any experience with these things?

My feet are also rather calloused and I rarely get blisters, Would that newskin liquid bandage be a good substitute for a blister kit?

Op here going to bed pretty quick here, gotta work an 11 hour shift tomorrow. I will take another Archive capture and repost before I go into work should this 404.

Once again thanks for the tips and well wishes. You guys are a much more helpful crowd than the guys over on /TRV/ .

For all of you guys who are interested in this sort of stuff here are a few seasons of a web doc of a couple guys hitching across the US, as well as china. Pretty interesting stuff.
http://www.youtube.com/user/vice/videos?query=hitchhiking

Ill make a youtube channel in a couple days and repost on here so you guys can subscribe to keep an eye out for my vids.

Screen cap of thread for those interested.
http://niggaupload.com/images/9qa8h.png

Matt.wrisley@axiomrs.com
http://www.facebook.com/masterfawkes
my email and facebook for anyone who wants to keep in touch.

>>300946
This is /diy/.
Nothing 404s here.

>>300958
The more you know. Guess I need to spend more time on boards other than /b/, /mu/ , and /wg/

>>300961
Go to page ten.
Look at the date of the first post in the last thread.
Laugh.

>>300501
Knife, honestly, I'd just pick one out on amazon that's a little more expensive and read what the reviewers state about it's durability.

Perhaps buy 2 -3 sets of paracord, or maybe just bring two sets each. Everything wears away after a while, and it's gonna be pretty depressing setting up camp only to find your paracords not good for the job.

Yeah, they're not particularly high quality mess kits, it's just they're cheap, durable, and work well. And, well, there's the fact that most army's use them.

Just get a cheap one. Unless you plan on climbing some rocks. There about $10 for 4.

All in all, you seem pretty well stocked up. You planning on doing say a week or two trip in order to test out all your gear. Only way to find out what you might be missing I guess.

>>300961
Yeah, /diy/ is slow. You could hitchhike to Chattanooga and back and the thread would still be here.

>>300309
You can distill water too, if you have the right equipment, less hands on and provides much cleaner water.

>>300248
I don't know about any other states, but it is illegal to hitch-hike in Tennessee. I'd make a joke about storing everything you can't bring in one place like in vidjya james, but I can't think of anything clever. Good luck though, OP. Sounds like a fun thing to do.

The folks over in /k/ have a wealth of survivalist knowledge.

Thinking of doing the same thing as OP, except sleeping under roofs/in hostels and working odd jobs around the world.

>>301067
Most states have some laws pertaining to hitchhiking but are all worded in such a way that as long as your on public property, not blocking traffic, or on a highway your ok. I'll be bringing a printout of all relevant laws state to state for reference, If it seems questionable well try our best to avoid law enforcement. I'm sure well end up getting harassed by a couple cops, and that's fine cause we'll both be educated on whats ok and whats not even if the cop isn't.

And if all else fails we'll do a bit of train hopping.

>>301800
>And if all else fails we'll do a bit of train hopping.
Have fun dying. Hoping trains is one of the most dangerous things you can do.

>>301872
He's right.

>>301800
Train hopping ain't what it used to be. It's still possible, but it is dangerous and if you're caught, it'll be by the private railroad company security, and you will be shown NO mercy.

>>302071
You'd be surprised how many people train hop still today.

cara aposto que esse tipo de atitude numca vai acabar e como por exemplo a mendigagem ou a invasão de domicilos que nimguem usa mais

have fun hitching across texas... you'd be better off hitching north through ok;ahoma, and maybe across 80 than you would 40

>>302076
I live in Minneapolis and it's considered one of the main hubs for train hoppers. I know people who do train hop and I've met people who have done it for years. Actually my grandpa used to train hop to get down here from up north because his family didn't have a car as atalented /diy/er

That being said, I've heard stories from people who have seen first hand people killed and have whole limbs severed by trains. People are also crushed to death from the train buckling or having cargo loaded on. Certain depots use giant microwaves to kill pests on trains. I've also heard of people having the living shit beaten out of them and being shot at by security. Plus you also have to factor in that post 9/11 in America, if you get caught fucking around with a train, you can be brought up on terrorist charges.

Shit just isn't worth it anymore.

if you plan on walking long distances put on 2 pairs of socks, meaning 2 socks for one foot. the optimal way is that the one that's under is tight and doesn't move alot. the one that's over it is bigger one, moves a bit. i think the trick is that the friction/movement caused by shoe is between the socks and not between your sock and feet. worked for me, when i had to keep going few days straight.
also for preparations: try everything beforehand, the optimum would be taking a long hike with the gear on you before you actually leave.
thin steel wire is a good fix for many things. someone had teeth floss in his bug out bag, as there might be something like 50m of waxed (probably more water resistant) cord/rope which is cool for many things.
get your nipples covered with something, or atleast prepare for it. if you haven't been walking long distances, you're dirty and you've unfitting clothes you'll prolly get abrasions, especially between thighs and next to the sack, if you're a boy. between buttcheeks is also a common one.
goodspeed, best of luck and have fun

how do people in your life feel about this trip?

DO NOT GET A FUCKING DOG

Nobody wants to pick up two crusties with a natsy fucking dog crawling all over their shit, too.

Also, you gonna get raped. Every crusty I've picked up has a rape story, male or female.

and back to page one you go

Have fun getting raped.

>>302235
while you walk, open your zipper. sounds strange, but your crotch will be less sweaty and you are less likely to get blisters on your crotch area

>>300942
Zipocks take up a lot of room. I only use them for documents.
Have a drybag for clothes, and your sleeping bag.
For long distances I only take 2 sets of outer clothing. 1 "stinky" set and another dry clean set.
I've not used newskin, but I don't like the idea of liquids in my pack.
Pic is my gear [10 kilos] more for walking as there are no roads where I go.

>>303403
True, Suprisingly. Many's the time when i've been out in the middle of nowhere and thought of getting a utilikilt.
Then I realise what i'd look like in towns and >nope.jpg

Also i've never got blisters anywhere but my feet.

>>302235
Socks with liners especially in warm weather.
http://www.1000mile.co.uk/walking/1000-mile-fusion-walking-sock/prod_65.html

Not as good as advertised, but better than most other brands in my experience

>>300354
Get a Mora instead, they are dick sharp and it can take a LOT of beating. It's also cheap, replaceable and light.
Also, that chainsaw is no good man, its hard to use, and you probably won't.
You can make a mess kit with old cans, and since they hold more water, they are probably better for what you'll need them (You'll be mostly boiling)
You are going to need a good fire starter, I recomend a magnesium one because the flint won't break and you'll be able to use it even in wet weather (just learn to use it though)
Also, good luck man, I'm thinking of going on a permanent trip too, I'm just getting the money

>>301049
Gets you diarrheia

yeah bro, bring lots of weed. cheers

>>300514
they will tell you that you should go in full combat gear and you need a knife, machete, pistol rifle and shotgun with you, oh and some ammo and night vision goggles

Let me tell you from personal experience that foraging for food is the worst idea you can have in the wilderness if you dont absolutely 100% know what youre doing.
Last year i spent 3 weeks in the wild with 2 friends sustaining ourselves only with catching fish, hunting, a little emergency rice and foraging.
All 3 of us have done something like that before, just not for 3 weeks.

At one point i ate some berries that i was absolutely, absolutely sure were edible.. Bad idea.
Luckily this was the second to last day. I had to be flown out in a helicopter and have my stomach pumped. Those 2 days were the worst ive felt in my entire life.
Do not forage unless you have a lot of experience that isnt self-taught.

Captcha: contains roota... Oh the irony

>>302236
I've never really been to close with my family, My siblings are fine with it.

>>302247
Not really a dog person.

I'm not some push over hippie fuck. Rape is very unlikely.

>>303403
Never would have though of that, any other tips to prevent chafing other than staying as dry as possible.

>>303406
Roger on the ziplocks, I picked out a drybag with document pockets.

I was planning on 5 pair of socks, a t-shirt, a long sleeve thermal type shirt, two pairs of lightweight khaki pants, a pair of gym shorts, and what ever undergarments feel right. That is includes what I'm wearing.

>>303410
Those sound like they would be incredibly comfortable, especially considering I generally only wear cheapo crew socks.

>>303411
They look like pretty nice knives, I'll have to pick one up

Should I get a small hatchet for gathering firewood?

Good luck on your trip, whenever that may take place.

>>303424
I will not be taking any with me I will simply get some as we go, I would rather not have a bag of dope on me with the pretty much guaranteed cop stops.

>>303463
Lol sounds about right.

>>303464
Fuck man that's really shitty, I'll probably stick with fish and eating out.

>>303491
Firewood: dead, down, and detached. You won't be cutting branches off a tree and burning them. You don't need a saw or a hatchet.

Don't forage. Bring dehydrated rice and beans. Where are you actually going to fish? Are you going to walk 15 miles to somewhere you can?

For breakfast, pack quick oats, granola, cocoa mix and (optional) dehydrated milk. Combine that shit in a cup and eat like a king every morning.

You're going to need toilet paper. And lighters.

Get an actual hiking backpack. You probably won't have enough room in a daypack.

Get an actual sleeping bag. Lighter is better. A big wool blanket is too heavy and probably won't be warm enough.

When I went on my 8 week hiking trip, we cooked our beans and rice in a big coffee can. Popped a hole in the side at the top and tied it to a backpack with cordage.

Get a smartphone and ditch the radio. I've been legit homeless before and my smartphone saved my ass countless times. Recharging it is going to be sketchy. Buy a second or third battery. You can recharge them at a laundromat or library. OFC turn it off when you're not using it.

Overall, I would say hitchhiking is sketch. If you want a real adventure, drive in a car. A car is a lot easier, more efficient, has more storage and is a million times more suited for the urban environment. You're literally volunteering to be homeless without a car, and that's the worst kind of homeless you can get. I've been homelesss twice: once with a car and once without. Having a car was alot more fun.

Good luck!

>>303519
>Get an actual hiking backpack. You probably won't have enough room in a daypack.
Don't do this, no offense to this poster but having a bigger pack means you'll put more stuff on it, stuff that you don't really need to actually carry. OP, you should understand that any weight you carry with you will be the weight of your comfort. You have to make up your mind on wether your comfort is carrying a lighter load the whole day or sleeping warmer every night. Get some tips from ultra light backpackers on the internet, they can help, there are videos on youtube.
>A big wool blanket is too heavy and probably won't be warm enough.
I agree with this. Also, try to get a nice coat, something that doesn't get in the way and is light and sturdy. Also, don't underestimate looks, hitchiking is all about getting the driver to trust you, so try hard not to look like a hobo (though you'll smell like one most of the time).

When packing stuff, remember that you won't get too far from civilization. Toilet paper can be taken from most oil stations, lighters can be bought (though you should get a flint), water can be replenished pretty much everywhere and foo you can get for free.

Some countries and states have laws that bakeries can't sell day-old bread, so you can get it for free before they throw it away. Try to get some info on nutrition, you'll need vitamins and protein.Pine trees have lots of vit C on their leaves, for example, you can eat them or make teas.

Good trip man

If you can shell out the money for it, a collapsible bike might be good for longer stretches. Read a book on medicinal and edible plants, and try to bring a kit with you. Lots of medicines are nothing more than a plant in pill form.

When you guys get started, try to find internet cafes and such to post about the adventure here! If you come through my area I'll definitely give you a ride and food if I can spare it.

>>303519
Yeah Ill probably make a couple "oh shit" mre type of things (some rice, beans, trail mix, single serving peanut butter, etc)

Toilet paper ill probably just boost from fast food joints and such.

I'm pretty set on getting the CamelBak BFM, expensive? yes. But its a highly regarded bag, and seems how it'll pretty much be my life I would like a really high quality bag.

Yeah, I just don't want tons of shit attached to the outside of my bag, I'd prefer to have it all tucked inside. I will consider this further.

Coffee can is a pretty good idea in place of a mess kit.

My buddy will have an android, we will probably get a small solar charger, or at the very least make a battery powered charger. I picked out the radio mainly for the ability to not require batteries for power. Should our flashlights be dead I will have the crank light on the radio, as well as using it to charge the android. I feel the 1 pound of weight is well worth the benefits it provides.

I personally don't drive, my comrade will be selling his prior to the trip. It's not all about getting from point A to B, but more so the in between and the people we will meet. It may be more difficult, and it may be uncomfortable at times but that's the point.

Thanks man.

this just sounds really shitty. Why not just stay at home... I guess I'll never understand why people want to deliberately make themselves uncomfortable...

>>303530
I'm pretty much set on buying the CamelBak BFM, its a nice high quality bag, comes with a hydration bladder, and is quite highly regarded. Its decently sized and should suffice for everything I need.

Yeah Im still kinda shopping around for outerwear trying to decide what will suit me best. My partner has a nice oiled canvas riding coat.

Yeah I've always lived with a pretty tight wallet, and have kinda gotten accustomed to tracking down foodstuffs from such place.

Yeah ill probably be bringing some printouts or a flash drive with a bunch of docs on there for reference.

I have actually made pine needle tea before its not that bad.

>>303531
I have thought about getting one of these little bikes as it was suggested in some of the blogs I read. I still have to debate if its worth the added weight.

I suppose it wouldn't hurt to learn some medicinal plants and treatments using them.

>>303519
>For breakfast, pack quick oats, granola, cocoa mix and (optional) dehydrated milk. Combine that shit in a cup and eat like a king every morning.

Wanted to clarify: combine with water. Also, the cocoa is necessary.

>>303595
Sounds pretty great

have a gun

>>303581
>>303531
Medicinal and edible plant info is only useful in either the worst emergencies or if youre trained to distinguish between them and the often deadly quite similar looking ones. Just like other people have said before.
Avoid Foraging as best as you can.

sounds like you're both retarded. Have fun living with nothing. You'll both want to go back home after a bit.

>>300248
You should run this idea by /k/ and /ck/, too.

Just a thought.

>>303976
I wouldn't really say we'd be living with nothing, besides do you really need all the shit you have? Do you enjoy your life as is? Are you truly happy in your current point in your life? I spent the last 6 years working my ass off, and have no sort of gratification from it. I don't want to have a $40K a year job, I don't want a nice house with a white picket fence, I don't want a nice car, and I don't want to settle down with a wife and squeeze out 2 kids. I just wanna live, adventure, and see what there is to see.

>>300354
I never used those survival pocket saws but i heard that they break easily and that they suck,
I also don't think the rambo knife is that good, it looks big and is cheap, it's betther to get a bether one like a mora f1 or something like that

>>304295
hey i only skimmed the thread op but it reminds me of me when i was your age ( though i am not much older than you are now) and I'd say go for it man.
my best freind and I did and it was a truly great experiance and I'd repeat it if given the choice.

one thing i'll tell you though is expect to be cold, and miserable, and wet and hungry sometimes. expect to get weird looks when you are in town, and expect peopel to shun you sometimes. the flip side of that though is some people youll meet will be the most interesting and nicest people you'll ever meet. I remember we were road weary and this young couple we just met that day invited us to their house let us shower and fed us for liek 3 days let us do laundry etc... we left them i think a twenty dollar bill because thats all we had at the time and kept moving on.

onem ore thing.. you'd be surprised what yo ucan get just by asking for it

>>300600
that's a great idea

>>300882
i saw that you also ordered a pocket knife with eating utensels in it, i don't know about this particular type, but i have seen similar systems, and the edge of the spoons is often quite raw, after using it a while it will 'cut' or make the left and right side of your lips raw.
so only buy it if it's good

>>300937
i'm the guy who posted about the lubrication stuff.
why is it a lie? not to attack you, but if i'm wrong i like to know why, and how it could be done betther,
i used this lubrication stuff, and it worked quite fine, are germs and bacteries the problem?

>>304295
I thought that too when i was in my 20's, but things change when you meet "the one", and my 40k a year job turned into a 350k a year when i started my own company.

hey OP interesting thread you made here. I'm 21 and have been having similar aspirations to travel across the country. I'm here in South Carolina where I've lived my entire life and I've been thinking hard about moving to California as a paradigm shift large enough to let me be the person I've always wanted to be but can't because it is impossible to change yourself while keeping the same environment. Before seeing this thread I was already seriously planning a 2950 mile journey with the end destination Los Angeles, California. The only difference is I ride a motorcycle so my idea was to make the trip on a ZX6. Walking/hitchhiking would be a once in a lifetime experience but one too long and arduous for my goals. I want to be in California, but I want to get there knowing it was an enriching journey, not a series of plane rides. Riding there on a motorcycle seems like a good balance for me. However, I've recently seen firsthand how taxing and dangerous even that might be. Getting caught in a storm is sometimes unavoidable, especially when you're going such a long distance. Getting completely drenched without a place to take shelter because you have this mechanical horse to worry about as your top priority, well shit is stressful even thinking about. I hope we can both find the willpower and courage to embark on the quests we've chosen for ourselves.

>>304316
just sand it smooth, no probs bro

Get your lips ready for some serious trucker dick sucking, take it from me.. I hitchhiked from MAINE to CALIFORNIA then north to Alaska, and then east to Montreal, truck stops you can get awesome rides, most truckers will accept a blowjob & let you sleep in ther pimp little bed. Sometimes with a TV / DVD hell one had ps3, couple bj's and tons of free rides.. At first i was like hell no man, but it was raining and cold.. So i iust said fuck it amd thats how i got around.. I got to visit tons of places..ALWAYS. Carry a credit card or debit card which can be used incase of a SERIOUS EMERGENCY ( have enough so you COULD buy a plane ticket home from wherever you are!) i had one scary experience where i had to tuck and roll out of a guys car because he pulled a knife on me, and said he had a gun in his trunk.. ALWAYS bring some sort of weapon, tazer, knife, idc maybe even mace

>>304319
Not everyone can start a one-man brothel.

>>300329
>Shitting in the receptacle you drink out of
OP will be dead in a week

>>304331
Go with a friend perhaps? Is Ewan McGregor can do it...

>>300271
This.

Avoid walking on pavement. Walking on soft grass will cushion the impact from your footsteps. This will save your joints and ankles from agony.

had to post it, sorry.

>>300248
Can I come with you?

>>304317
I'm only speaking from personal experience and anecdotes from military friends.
When you sweat through a layer of clothing eventually it becomes stiff, really horrible to wear and actually makes you chafe more and if definitely much more uncomfortable than dry clothing.
I've had to [out of necessity] wear the same walking socks for several days and it really does mess up your feet.
You are better off taking several pairs, changing when the ones you are wearing are soaked through. rinsing them out and hanging off your pack to dry.

Also i've broken the habit of a lifetime and added Masterfawkes on FB as i really want to see how his trip goes.

>>300329
Folding buckets.
However unless you are traveling during harvest season or you know a local/are stopping in a plkace for more than a few days hunting for your own food will take up a lot more time than is usually practical

any and all problems you encounter on a trip like this can be solved by money. so the more money you save up before you leave, the better.

>>304559
yeperr

got a few suggestions for you to consider OP...

you and your buddy should each pack an mre or some other form of emergency ration. something just in case you are in the middle of no where and are literally dying of hunger.

freight hopping is still a viable form of transport, but it's not something you just jump into (pun intended) consider it for bypassing less hospitable ares like the Mojave Desert. you'll definitely want to read up and even speak to experienced hobos before attempting it though.

keep a list of email or physical addresses for the ppl you meet who were super cool/helpful. later on in your life you can write them and express your thanks to them for their services.

get a tetanus booster.

like others have mentioned, you and your buddy need to do some shorter treks before you begin this. it'll help you get your pack in order and you'll quickly find what items you've overlooked.

since you're interested in taggin you should cop some markals or sakuras. they are the marker of choice for hobos as the are light, aren't a liquid, and write on just about every conceivable surface

have you thought about learning some snare/trapping skills? you'll be traveling through plenty of areas that have small game but may not have river/lakes to fish in.

you mentioned a poncho, make sure it's stout enough to deal with the abuse you'll be giving it. also take a hat.

Ok so a few things come to mind after reading through the thread.

1 Water. Why did no one offer the suggestion of a water filtration system? they are decently light, a little bulky, but last forever, and if most will attach to the Camelbaks so you dont even have to unload to refill. Having said that, you are prolly not going to be "roughing it" that much. Most places near civilization have water (even in the toilets)
2. Food. Fuck all that huntin fishin foragin bullshit. Dumpster dive. there is more food in dumpsters that is still sealed or in boxes or whatnot than you can imagine. Also take an MRE or two each, just in case but break them down so you dont have all that packaging
3. Shelter, I suggest some survival blankets, the mylar kind. they are super light, very warm, very reflective, cheap, and can be used as tarps or whatnot if you need them. For sleeping I do suggest a good ThermaRest or some other pad, sleeping on the ground sucks. A bivouac style hammock is really cool too but may be a bit heavy and specific for your use. Like some have already mentioned, tarps are nice but tend to be heavy and bulky, Id stick to the mylar even if you have to replace it quiet a bit, WalMarts usually sell them cheap.
4. Always make sure anything in the pack serves at least 2 purposes. For knives there are a thousand uses, get a good folder with a solid backbone to it and a good blade length, 4-5 inches. For Duct tape, obviously there are a thousand uses, keep wounds closed, keep a pack together, hold up tarps, etc etc, For fires Ive always like a small purposeful camp stove, like a Dragonfly or the like, even though they take fuel, bc they WORK, almost ALL the time and there are very few places that dont allow them, whereas an open campfire may draw LEOs

I suppose this is a little late in the thread to give into my story, but I can give my input from a long history of living off the grid.

I've hitchhiked across Canada, and I regularly hitchhike up and down highway 6 (something like once a week up to Owen Sound, and then back). Hitchhiking is easy, and quick. You tend to meet a lot of people that will let you bum around with them too. I have never had a problem while hitchhiking, when it comes to my rides. Here's my suggestions otherwise:

1. Shit is heavy. Look up ultralight thru hiking. I carry the lightest tent I can. Garbage bags are a god send, same with newspaper.
2. I tend to use a tent that I can set up and take down quickly. That way, if I need to stay in any area for an extended period, I can keep my trace to a minimum. It's really easy to find spots to pitch tents in town.
3. Libraries are also a god send. Same with coffee shops. Good places for internet access. ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS google maps the area, and see where forests are.
4. YMCA membership. Fantastic if you desperately need a shower.
5. Garden raids. In times of desperation, you can find gardens, depending on the season. You can also start temporary gardens if you plan to be anywhere for awhile. I spent a month in a town in a tent once. Not enough time to grow any vegetables, but you get to know where everyones gardens are, and you can skimp all of them so no one is pissed off.
5. I have slept in numerous places. Forests, abandoned factories, abandoned houses, etc. A base of operations is key if you plan to spend time in a place.

anyways, if more of what I've done or learned comes to mind I'll leave it here. Also, just as a bit of a background, I'm a university educated chemist. Most people seem surprised when I go on hitchhiking adventures. I just like the open road.

Can't be assed too read every post too see if it was mentioned yet, but I would recommend you both keep a journal, and write in it daily.

1. Get to know your knots.
2. If you think you can handle it, hammock camping is great. eno makes the best hammocks.
3. Consider bringing a machete, it would be very useful, but would be very bulky.
4. If you or your friend are coffee or tea guys, consider that when packing extraneous consumables.
5. Carry generic medicine, it may come in handy.

>>304625
Yeah we'll be bringing some home mead type of MRE's, possibly pick up some camp food from walmart.

I definately plan on doing this, I think it would be great to share the blog, and vids we plan on making from the trip.

Yeah I'm probably due for one anyhow, good call.

At this point I'm working to fund this trip and that's it. My living expenses are super minimal I just have to buy food for myself and that's it. Once I get all my gear I'll at the very least spend a couple weeks hopping around the state just to get a feel of it.

Yeah those markers look pretty nice, ill have to pick up a couple.

That's another one of those skills on my list to learn, I watched a significant number of innawoods videos a few months back when I was looking into off the grid living, and homesteading. I'll probably have to see if anyone I know has and experience in this so I can learn it a bit.

Ill probably get something that's is made of a thin vinyl big enough to cover my pack.

>>304651
Yeah I have looked into the water filters, but I feel like we'll probably have access to water quite a bit as we'll try to stay some what close to civilization. But JIC i'll be bringing some iodine purification tabs.

Yeah I've started to notice this more and more now that I've started in the food industry. So much food is tossed at night. Still roasting a few fish over the fire will be a nice treat.

I've already got a couple of the mylar blankets in my amazon cart. I hadn't really thought about a sleeping pad as the ones I've seen are rather bulky, however the closed cell thermarest pad looks like it would work quite nicely.

I'll look into a nice camp stove, thanks for the suggestion.

>>304661
I'm probably gonna just scrap getting a tent, and carry a natural colored tarp and paracord, and set up a lean-to sort of shelter for the nights I spend out and about. My buddy has a small one man tent from his fathers military days.

Yeah while I plan to be off the grid as much as possible. I'll probably make a stop at some place like a cafe or whatever to upload vids, and update the blog and what not.

I never even thought of a ymca membership thats a brilliant Idea. Guess it never really crossed my mind that the membership was good nationwide.

Something I had pondered, as I have in the past wandered onto a farm and snagged a few apples, and some corn. A lot of churches near my city have public gardens I'm sure that would be a good place to check.

As far as squatting in abandoned buildings have you eve encountered any sort of legal trouble, or would the officer pretty much just tell you to move along?

Thank's for sharing your experiences with us sounds like you have some good times.

>>304687
I plan on keeping a blog, and shooting an episodic video documenting the trip, and the people that pick us up. I'd like to say that I plan on having a video update every week as well as blog updates. I'll post links to those once I figure out a name or whatever for the journey.

>>304702
A hammock might be worth looking into, as they do keep you off the ground which could come in handy in the even of rain. I will consider this.

I feel that a machete would be a bad idea as I am trying to get people to think me trustworthy, and it is unlikely that a machete would fit in my bag. However a small hatchet might serve some purpose.

I do enjoy coffee as well as a bit of tea every now and then, I will probably just get some when we are in between rides versus packing some.

I planned on packing a medkit with some random meds and such.

OP, if you make it far enough into Georgia that you can stop in North Florida, I'll house you for a night- I'd absolutely LOVE to hear stories and live vicariously through them.

I went ahead and created the Youtube channel and blog, designs and logo are pretty crude right now will work on them later in my free time as well as add some initial content. For those of you interested here are the links to bookmark and such.

http://www.youtube.com/user/BroventuresIRL?feature=guide

>>304829
Apparently 4chan doesnt like blogger links so the link for that is on the youtube channel.

>>304813
Ill keep that in mind. Doing a bit of channer couch surfing would be pretty neat. We do plan on heading south from Michigan when we depart. So I am sure we can make it to your area.

>>304702
Hammock camping is very comfortable. one problem though, a lot of places don't have study enough trees or supports to hang from and you end up with your hammock wrapped around you shivering cold at 3am.

>>300309
>3 liter hydration pack

lol, do you know how little that is? you'll need 5-10 liters on a hot day.

bump

>>304832
I'm in Detroit, and you're more than welcome to surf my couch.

>>300248
>permanent hitchhiking trip

So, in other words, you're going to drop out of society and become hobos?

>>300248

OP, hmu at my email

I live in carmel just north of indianapolis, you can crash with us for as long as need be and drop a lot of acid and other funky RCs. we have everything.

do not forget the lube

>>304993
Oh I am sure I will have to fill it up a couple times a day. However being able to carry that much neatly tucked into my pack is a nice plus.

>>306180
Neat were in the Grand Rapids area, perhaps well stop by on our way out of MI.

>>306198
In a way, we do plan on settling down eventually. It's sort of a soul searching quest, trying to find a place that feels right. Wherever, whenever that may be.

>>306229
Sounds like it could be a good time.

>>306508
There will be lube.

I'm trying to get an idea of what you fellas want to see us film. I mean do you even want to know who we are or do you just want a second hand adventure?

Any particular destinations or landmarks you guys wanna see us get to and hang out at?

What aspects of out trip do you want us to capture on video more than anything else ( interveiws with interesting people/ rides, panning views out of the car window, etc)?

Do you guys like the idea of me doing a bit of couch surfing with those from intertubes, and interviewing them?


Any other ideas for the trip, or suggestions for the vid-doc would be greatly appreciated. I love hearing feedback.

Also as a reminder I do have the blog up and running, I will be buying a permanent domain name in the next couple weeks, so I can properly share the link on here. Until then if you want to check it out the link is on my youtube channel.

http://www.youtube.com/user/BroventuresIRL?feature=mhee

This sounds like the best idea ever OP.

>>304331
As a Californian, don't end your journey in Los Angeles. You will look and smell like a hobo, and most places in LA are not kind to hobos. I'd suggest a place like San Francisco, especially around the more 'artsy' areas. They are more expensive, but the are generally kinder to hobos. Or consider stopping in one of the higher end towns between the two, like Santa Barbra or San Luis Obispo. Hell even Morro Bay would be kinder.

>>307162
I have some friends in Grass Valley, so that's the area I want to wind up. From California I wanna head up to washing ton and head back east towards Wisconsin. We'll decide from there where we want to go and settle down for a bit.

>>307145

Landmarks don't matter too much, just hit the major places but be sure to get some footage and photos of quirky places along the way.

Interview anyone you meet who's willing to talk to you and ask them what they think about what you're doing. Also ask them about interesting locales they may know about so you can check those places out too. Urban legends, old abandoned places, historical locations (there should be tons of history as you travel along, get some pamphlets and brochures from museums and stores as you travel). If you haven't already, check the National Register of Historical Places so you can find them along your planned route.
>http://www.nps.gov/nr/

Please take a camera so you can quality photos instead of just video footage. As you move, you can stop at Starbucks/restaurants or libraries and use their Wifi to upload recent photos/video/stories to your blog. You should take photos with timestamps (/diy/ with date/time and location on paper or something) if possible.

If you upload continuously on your journey, we can follow you across the country and you'll get a bigger fanbase, although I don't know if you're interested in that aspect. But we are. That way we get to see your progress as you travel, and you can also arrange meetings with anons along your route if you post online when you can, i.e. "We're going to be in x location in 3 days, anyone want to meet up?". Might be cool, and you could get food/supplies from people, get some interview footage, and hang out.

You can also give background info on yourselves at the beginning of your blog postings. Talk about why you're doing what you're doing. We already know a little bit, but when people find your blog they won't know what's going on unless you explain in your first post.

By the way, I live in Colorado if that's going to be one of your stops. I'd be willing to meet up with you guys if you're interested.

bring this to /k/, they will help you out alot.

There are lots of suggestions, but nobody said it : YOU NEED A TOWEL.
The towel is your best friend. You can use you towel when you're wet, you can use your towel as a blanket, you can wrap your towel around your head to protect it from the sun, you can use it as a bundle, you can do everything with a towel !
You need a towel.

OP you're the man. A few things: as said, stay the fuck away from railroads, I tried to cut through a railroad yard once and the whole place pretty much shut down and everyone was telling me to get the fuck out of there (though just walking down the tracks isn't a problem); I think you're underestimating a little your chances of getting raped/assaulted/killed/robbed, etc. even though you're with a friend and you'll be in peak shape from all your walking, the other guy could have a gun, or if you accept food from someone you might get drugged, trust your instincts and don't be stupid; make sure your medkit has ace bandage for if you pull a hamstring or anything; I think you already mentioned this, but do some practice hiking with all your gear before you go to strengthen your back muscles; watch out for crazies in abandoned buildings. Best of luck.