Want to do a 1-2 day backpack hike in OC

[gsxr310]

this will b my first hike.. i got pretty much all my gear and would like to do a shakedown hike to see what i don't or will need. any suggestions?

[God Bless America]

Holy Jim?

[Garv]

Keep the weight low and the trail fairly easy for the first time.
Best to go with a buddy, preferably an experienced one.

Might get better comments if you listed the gear you intend to take.

I'll start with good hiking boots.

[gsxr310]

Holy Jim?

Heard this place gets pretty crowded. Any suggestions for less crowded? Also, would like to sleep a couple nights. Most OC trails I've looked up are only for day use??

Keep the weight low and the trail fairly easy for the first time.
Best to go with a buddy, preferably an experienced one.

Might get better comments if you listed the gear you intend to take.

I'll start with good hiking boots.

For gear, I'll b hiking w a 65l backpack. One man tent/sleeping bag/foam pad. Portable stove/canteen. First aid kit. 32oz Nalgene bottle. 1L Smart Water. Survival Water Filter. Mountain House mre's for 3 days. Extra pair of skivvy's.

[ElvenSoul]

Was one of my favorite hikes in SoCal

https://www.hikespeak.com/trails/bridge-to-nowhere-hike-los-angeles/

[God Bless America]

^That is a good hike. Plenty of water too. But bears.

[cabikefreak]

Santiago Truck trail is less crowded than Holy Jim. I think there is a campsite in about 7 miles. All up though!

[ElvenSoul]

Wow closed. If you can get someone to drop you off you could walk in.

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/barker-valley-spur-trail

[Garv]

Cooper canyon out of Buckhorn campground is a nice one.
A bit more alpine than lower in the San Gabriel's.

Look up "10 essentials" and check the REI backpacking gear list.
Flashlight
Bear can
Bug spray
Hat

Have fun and give us a trip report.

If you have time and like to cook a bit, look up a few homemade backpacking recipes.

If you drink soda, plant one in a stream on the way in closest to your car.
Find it on the way out, tastes much better after filtering water.
Substitute a small amount of adult beverage as needed.

[reverser]

Flashlight with replaceable bulb and a spare bulb and batteries (or at least use new batteries). A reasonable weight knife, paracord belt, and a few safety pins.