Two hikers wanted to go on their first backpacking trip. They’ve got a few 4000-footers under their belts, and they’re working on the list, so a 4000-footer (or two) made sense. The AMC tentsites are great for first time backpackers for a number of reasons. There are bear boxes, so you don’t have to worry about hanging your food. There is a water source, so you don’t have to carry more water, or find a source. There is usually a caretaker and other people around. It can be nervewracking to be alone in the woods overnight your first time. And the AMC sites have a privy, though sometimes I think pooping in the woods might be preferable.
So my recommendation for them was the Liberty Spring tentsite, and they could summit Mt. Liberty and Mt. Flume.
Being their first backpacking trip, I set up a gear shakedown for them. We reviewed the gear they would be bringing beforehand. They did great! It’s always a balance of having what you want and need, and keeping pack weight down. I recommended leaving a few things out, and adding a couple of things in. I think the day of their trip their packs were 21 pounds and 27.
I created their itinerary with expected driving times, hiking times, trails, weather forecasts, etc. I wanted to make sure they could get parking, get a tent platform together, and of course, have time to summit both mountains.
They had a great trip! One of the two had said beforehand this was a one time only thing, but I am currently planning their next trip!