A Meeting with the Presidents

I eagerly await with anticipation to backpack out of my usual terrain. I am accustomed to rocks, roots and moose poops with a few mud holes in between. In February of this year, I thought I would plan a trip to my sister state of New Hampshire and traverse the Presidential mountain range in the White Mountains. On Friday morning I will take my first hiking steps on this state's beautiful land. I choose to backpack this traverse so I could take it all in. Although I love to backpack I try not to go over 10 miles a day. This gives me time to enjoy my environs. I'm no marathoner that's for sure. I do have some anxiety in regards to the terrain of the Whites. I've never hiked, let alone carry a backpack on terrain like this so I don't know what to expect. Luckily, I know how to research and that I did. I am confident that I am properly prepared both mentally and physically and I have no doubts about the quality of gear that I am using. This trip is planned to tent two nights below the treeline.

My pack:

Clothing:

A heavy baselayer

Convertible hiking pants

3 quick-dry shirts

4 pairs Smartwool and Darn Tough socks with liners

A rain & wind hard shell

Poncho

Transportation:

Merrell Outland Mids

Merrell Navigator Sport (lightweight camp shoes)

Trekking poles

Kitchen:

Katadyn Hiker Pro water filter

MSR Pocket Rocket stove w fuel

MSR Blacklite 1 liter pan

Squishy bowl & cup

Spork

Accommodations:
North Face Tadpole 23 tent w footprint

Thermarest Neo-Air sleeping pad

EMS Velocity 30 sleeping bag

Head lamp w extra batteries

What Nots:

Map, Compass and guidebook

Camel Bak 2 liter water bladder

2 Nalgene 1 liter bottles

First Aid kit with extra blister package

Personal hygiene kit 

My 10 essentials (modified)

Camera & tripod

Watch

Cell phone

...and a bunch of calories.