*** Official Backpacking Thread ***

[crustBrother]

I appreciate how all the other noise instantly falls away, revealing the real big
underlying thoughts and ideas in your life that need attention

Solo backpacking does this to level that I find hard to put into words.

I loved doing the Trans-Catalina Trail. For my first (and only so far) real foray into backpacking, it was luxurious. 10 - 12 mile days. Places to stop, eat, and drink on the way. Both Little Harbor and Parsons were awesome. Only downside is that you're forced to camp in designated campsites and it's a bit pricey. Oh, and going up Fenceline Road was quite awful. Buffalo Milks at Two Harbors made up for it.

Overall, though, yes, absolutely agreed about getting away from everything and keeping everything simple. Frees the mind from all the extraneous bullshit, of which you realize there is a lot of once you're away from it.

BTW, this is an awesome thread.

Dude, that sounds so killer!

Did you have snorkeling gear with you?

Catalina isn't the right place for it, but how about something like this?

 

[Kento]

Solo backpacking does this to level that I find hard to put into words.

Dude, that sounds so killer!

Did you have snorkeling gear with you?

Catalina isn't the right place for it, but how about something like this?

Just a 12 hour hike can really clean the mind. Hell, just perched off-trail above Ruby Lake in Sierras for an hour or so, zoning, was nice. I could have sat there all day, no food, no water, just take it all in.



Would love the opportunity for a solo backpacking trip one of these days, just to clear the head. Lots of quality surf time lately has helped that, especially with almost zero crowds. That hike (I think I can guess where that is) is a great place to get both.

I did not bring snorkeling gear and I regret not doing so. Little Harbor is a great campground and I definitely plan on going back there. Relatively busy but not horrible. Parsons towards the west end though was secluded paradise.

 

[Havoc]

solo is super fun but sketchy with mtn lions at lower elevations

 

[JBerry]

santa barbara back country


Piute Pass outside of Bishop,Ca.

Tomohawk Lake, Humphries Basin this is a good 6-9 hr hike in from North lake up and over Piute pass (11k ft)
across Humphries Basin. Nice little spot, no fires as its above 10k'. Usually hike in to here day 1. Day hike around the basin
for day 2, then move to a nice spot above the pass. Day 3 hike over and down the pass and head out. Fun 3 nighter!

This trip was a 3 day. One of the heaviest thumderstom events I've been thru. Super scary, mega lightining all around.
Pretty much just holes up in my tent after arrival for about 6-8 hrs, waiting for a break. Next day was hot 75-80F and super buggy! Mosquitos were hatching by the millions!! we split a day early, lol, yikes! good times!

 

[PPK96754]

I loved doing the Trans-Catalina Trail. For my first (and only so far) real foray into backpacking, it was luxurious. 10 - 12 mile days. Places to stop, eat, and drink on the way. Both Little Harbor and Parsons were awesome. Only downside is that you're forced to camp in designated campsites and it's a bit pricey. Oh, and going up Fenceline Road was quite awful. Buffalo Milks at Two Harbors made up for it.

Overall, though, yes, absolutely agreed about getting away from everything and keeping everything simple. Frees the mind from all the extraneous bullshit, of which you realize there is a lot of once you're away from it.

BTW, this is an awesome thread.

I remember when you and your wife did that hike! Fun photo's and essay that you did on the erBB. I watched a YouTube video where some hikers had their backpacks picked up and dropped off at different camp sites on that Catalina hike and I thought of you Kento & Sis, lugging your packs over hill and dale ~

 

[Icu812]

.I (read: my knees) need trekking poles

I'm with ya on the trekking poles--I've backpacked for 50yrs now and never used poles, I was a skeptic. Then we did the hike up the backside of Kings Peak here in Humboldt (highly recommended, Lost Coast Trail too)...2.2mi, 2000ft up and my friends had poles and I became a fan. I wouldn't go without 'em now.

 

[stringcheese]

Sold on trekking poles, sounds like they work for you all. could be the answer to my problem.

Love solo hiking, camping. Kinda limit myself to channel islands, for the relative isolation and the nothing that can eat me factor in a way; it's nice to be more nonchalant, eat dried meats, stop and read random places with good views. Problem is my knee.

I'm in killer shape and have no trouble with distance, terrain, altitude, but...i have...i don't know...hockey knee. That's what I've always called it. Playing goalie fvcked my knee up super weird, where it almost never hurts, but randomly gives out and just doesn't function for hours. I've never wanted to be somewhere with bears and unable to walk. Maybe I should bring a weapon.

Beautiful photos everyone *bow down emoji guy* (there's another one we're missing)

 

[Icu812]

Piute Pass is probably the easiest pass to go over on the east side of the Sierras


Looking down into Humphreys Basin from Piute Pass


Looking across Desolation (not kidding) Lake towards the west


Trying to move what looks like a precariously perched erratic...not happening...


Eat dinner out of your disc, then some spirited disc golf, then relax


Full moon rise over Humphreys Basin


Alpenglow on Mt. Humphreys..with full moon on the right


OK, last one from that trip..then we went down in the trees and the mosquitos were sooo big

 

[afoaf]

it seems like there are a lot of options out there for trekking poles

large price range

what do you guys like?

cork handles...carbon fiber...special tips....a compartment to put your weed in?

 

[r32]

it seems like there are a lot of options out there for trekking poles

large price range

what do you guys like?

cork handles...carbon fiber...special tips....a compartment to put your weed in?

my knees and lower back prefer the best

Leki Micro Vario Carbon Review

The Leki Micro Vario Carbon is a good trekking pole with a hefty price tag. The foldable sections lock together securely, and the silky wrist strap is very...

www.outdoorgearlab.com

 

[cnelson]

A ton of places disallow those alcohol stoves which is a bummer (if you get caught) and you have to use the screw in canisters.
Also, depending on the area, finding a good spot for a tent AND nearby for a hammock is like winning the lottery.

I use this tent (Zpacks Duplex). It's so damn light, roomy and easy to set up. I have the flex-pole option and rarely use it but it's good if you want freestanding - like in sand where stakes won't really work. Trekking pole setup. I wish I had better pics of just how roomy it is. All of my gear goes in except for food and I can organize everything. Early AM, I pack up and only have to roll up the tent and stick it in the backpack side pocket and I'm on the trail.

Duplex Tent

The most used two person ultralight tent on the AT and the PCT. The Duplex has proven itself to be the go to shelter for long distance hikers around the world. Free shipping for US orders over $100

zpacks.com

View attachment 94066

View attachment 94067

Cottonwood Lake 3?

 

[Mr Doof]

Flash lights please.

Cutting tool(s) too. (for Eunice)

I have a pair of these.

Small, light, and in a plastic ziplock for water protection because they don't do water perfectly.

Kento said:
BTW, this is an awesome thread.

Yeah, going to have the break out the "Mr Doof Tortures his Nieces" excursion from last summer.

Now, what hard drive are those photos on?

 

[crustBrother]

I've never wanted to be somewhere with bears and unable to walk. Maybe I should bring a weapon.

If I'm in black bear country, I have no concerns other than keeping my food away from them.

When in brown bear country, I carry a 12 gauge with alternating magnum slug/buckshot rounds. Most likely useless, but it sure helped me sleep at night when I was living in a tent up in Alaska.

One bright sunny night I was heading up cross-country to my tent and saw a big fresh steaming pile of bear sh!t. Knew griz was VERY near. Put a slug in the chamber and continued on up to camp singing at the top of my lungs to make sure I didn't surprise it. Next morning two people out for a run on a trail were killed by a bear about 1/2 mile away from where I saw that pile of sh!t.

 

[stringcheese]

A'ight then, trekki poles and 12 Guage it is

 

[PPK96754]

Trekking poles added advantage = skewing yer kill over the fire!
Episode 1 of "Alone" .... with crustBrother

 

[afoaf]

Alone is a crazy show

did you see the latest season in the arctic?!

nuts

 

[PPK96754]

Woniya, impressed me with her "home smart" knowledge and skills in building her shelter and the tools, that she decided to bring with her. Food was an emotional roller coaster for her but she did quite well with her finish.

 

[afoaf]

Woniya, impressed me with her "home smart" knowledge and skills in building her shelter and the tools, that she decided to bring with her. Food was an emotional roller coaster for her but she did quite well with her finish.

can you imagine watching your shelter go up in flames!?

devastating

or being told you have to go for health reasons.....oof

 

[Iceman]

it seems like there are a lot of options out there for trekking poles

large price range

what do you guys like?

cork handles...carbon fiber...special tips....a compartment to put your weed in?

I have some basic Black Diamond trekking poles (Trail Back model I think) I purchased probably 12 years ago. Never collapsed unexpectedly, used them on various big day hikes, backpacking trips, snow, summits, and more recently my splitboarding adventures. Getting pretty scratched up but still feel plenty confident using them.

 

[JBerry]

I have some basic Black Diamond trekking poles (Trail Back model I think) I purchased probably 12 years ago. Never collapsed unexpectedly, used them on various big day hikes, backpacking trips, snow, summits, and more recently my splitboarding adventures. Getting pretty scratched up but still feel plenty confident using them.

Costco has some. Not the best but definitely above basic and not $$$$. Worth the price just to try out poles if you've never had them and don't want to spend bookoo bucks. here's 2 pairs for $70 but I think you can get them in store now for $30 1 pair.

https://www.costco.com/cascade-mountain-tech-trekking-poles%2c-2-pack.product.100480782.html

When Sport Chalet, man I miss that store, was around you could get some decent mid priced poles as well as all kinds of killer gear!