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Beach backpacking advice request

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PostedSep 18, 2012 at 10:08 am

I'm going beach backpacking at Assateague Island seashore for a weekend.

I don't have much experience camping out on sand by the ocean side.

I'm not sure where exactly the backcountry sites are but whether behind the dunes or having a direct view of the ocean I'm assuming I'll have wind and sand to deal with.

1- I have a MLD trailstar, a golite hex3 with ground flaps and a TT scarp 2 with crossing poles to all which I have inners – bugs might still be a big problem. I also have a 4pk of the rei snow and sand anchors. Which to bring ?

2- I also read that boots would actually be useful for hiking on the sand ?

PostedSep 18, 2012 at 10:23 am

Spent Labor Day weekend on Fire Island (NY) Otis Pike Fire Island High Dune Wilderness. http://coolthingsandotherstuff.tumblr.com/image/30842034746

Mosquitoes around the dunes were as bad as I've ever experienced but were off the beach for the most part. I'd bring bug spray just in case.

We had a FlyCreek and used those big cheap yellow stakes that held solid. There was also plenty of beach wood washed up on shore to set a deadman anchor in the sand.

I hike in sandals, girlfriend in boots – but we both hiked barefoot on the beach to our campsite (less then 3 miles).

John G BPL Member
PostedSep 18, 2012 at 5:29 pm

Expect light winds, and fine grain sand that sticks to everything. Bring a squirt bottle to get any wind blown sand out of your eyes.

Expect huge amounts of mosquitos and biting horse flies anywhere except the breezy beach. Everything on the bay side of the main road is swampy. Ie: Bring a tent large enough to live in, plus permetherin treated long pants and long sleeved shirt, plus 40% deet, plus a fleece jacket or heavy sweatshirt just in case the horse flies are thick. Try to camp as close to the breezy beach as possible, and in as open of an area as possible to minimize the bugs.

There are wild ponies and deer walking around. The ponies sometimes brush up against tents when walking through if they are pitched near a bush. (it looks like the pony thinks the side of the tent will move out of the way like a bush if they just push through). If you bring your trail star, I'd pitch the edge about knee high to keep the ponies from stepping on it.

Hiking barefoot takes significantly less effort, but sand really works your arch muscles in your foot much more than firm ground. Running shoes worked good for tired feet, and were much, much easier than boots.

Ps: definitely attend the crabbing and oystering session the ranger station does if they are still doing them this time of year.

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