|
cov-hog posted:I've been dreaming about hiking the West Coast Trail since I first saw photos from someone's trip years ago. I'm graduating this summer and my friend is getting married in Vancouver this August, so it seems like this would be the perfect opportunity to make this happen. I did it this summer and I probably would probably not recommend it for your first hike for a number of reasons but it is certainly possible to do so if you are motivated to. If you are fit and are used to camping/hiking then it would not be all that much of a stretch, it seems like many people who do it are on their first trip like this. The problem is that you may not be able to fully enjoy the scenery if all you are doing is concentrating on getting to the next campsite. An alternative I would recommend is the Jaun du fuca trail (http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/juan_de_fuca/), it is very similar (starts/ends in the same "town" as the WCT starts/ends), is shorter, cheaper and you can get you can bail out pretty easily if you need to, I would also argue the scenery is just as spectacular even if there is not quiet as much of it. I actually enjoyed my time on the Jaun du fuca more than the west coast trail, I found it less busy and since it was a bit easier/shorter days there was more time to take in the scenery. If you have any specific questions I have done a fair bit of hiking in that area.
|
#
?
Jan 27, 2014 03:21
|
|
|
|
| # ? May 18, 2024 10:54 |
|
|
cov-hog posted:I've been dreaming about hiking the West Coast Trail since I first saw photos from someone's trip years ago. I'm graduating this summer and my friend is getting married in Vancouver this August, so it seems like this would be the perfect opportunity to make this happen. As long as you can handle the chance of perpetual hurricane rain, don't get caught by the tide somewhere deadly, and are physically fit then it's not that bad. Seriously, 10 year olds do the WTC every year without needing medivac. North Coast Trail / Cape Scott is more brutal in terms of weather, and The Stein is a far longer haul, the WTC is just...really loving wet. When it was a decrepit and remote telegraph route that saw maybe 10 brave souls a year, it was more deserving of the reputation. Mud. Mud everywhere.
|
|
#
?
Jan 27, 2014 03:40
|
|
|
The same friend who is getting married in August actually recommended the Juan de Fuca trail -- but as an addition to the WCT, not by itself. Not sure why I didn't think of that possibility!! haha. But yeah, it will take a little more research but that's a really solid option. I could take the full six days and have shorter hikes with more gently caress around time at or around the campsites. It would be really nice if it were less busy than the WCT too! Thanks everyone for not discouraging me outright; I think the full WCT would definitely be a challenge, but I'm not convinced it's out of reach... I'm really looking forward to this trip; I hope it all comes together!
|
|
#
?
Jan 27, 2014 16:12
|
|
|
cov-hog posted:The same friend who is getting married in August actually recommended the Juan de Fuca trail -- but as an addition to the WCT, not by itself. Not sure why I didn't think of that possibility!! haha. But yeah, it will take a little more research but that's a really solid option. I could take the full six days and have shorter hikes with more gently caress around time at or around the campsites. It would be really nice if it were less busy than the WCT too! It is not overly difficult per say (the WCT), it is just long and conditions can be poor (plan for at least one day of miserable rain). Be prepared for mud regardless of which trail you do (although this year it may be drier as we are having a very dry winter this year). I don't think you would need 6 days for the Juan de fuca.
|
|
#
?
Jan 27, 2014 17:45
|
|
|
Has anyone ever tried rip-stop nylon for an overhead tarp? I tend to use a hammock when I go backpacking as it is much lighter to carry, and I don't have to care about the ground conditions when I pick a spot. However I kind of have to have a roof when I do so, right now I just use a crap "light-duty" 12x10 tarp which probably weighs as much as the hammock does and takes up a ton of space. I figure the nylon won't be as strong or durable as the tarp, but hell of a lot lighter and more compact. But I am worried about how to tie it down and about it possibly leaking in a heavy rain.
|
|
#
?
Jan 27, 2014 17:58
|
|
|
ripstop needs a membrane/coating to become waterproof
|
|
#
?
Jan 27, 2014 18:12
|
|
|
evil_bunnY posted:ripstop needs a membrane/coating to become waterproof Kind of what I figured. So since that idea is out the window, does anyone have any suggestions on a lightweight waterproof/resistant tarp? 10x8, 12x10 is the size I am expecting. That also said, if anyone has done hammock camping, has anyone tried a waterproof cocoon. Instead of having a big tarp overhead, instead using a tube around the hammock, hanging off a separate line. I have similar with my bug netting, maybe I can run a "tarp tube" around me on the same line, so I can peel back the layers if it isn't raining.
|
|
#
?
Jan 27, 2014 19:00
|
|
|
If you don't mind spending a lot of money you can probably find a tarp made out of cuben fiber. ZPacks sells some but they're not cheap (the material isn't cheap but it's light and waterproof) http://www.zpacks.com/ Going cheaper you could maybe find a tarp made out of sil-nylon instead which will still be light and mostly waterproof, but I don't know off the top of my head where to find a tarp specifically
|
|
#
?
Jan 27, 2014 19:16
|
|
|
Whatever a light tent's rain fly is made of is probably a good material. You could find someone who is getting rid of an old/broken tent, and take the rain fly off their hands. Or buy a separate rain fly for a tent if that's a thing you can do. Searching on rei, it looks like they sell hammock-specific rain flies for $80, yikes.
|
|
#
?
Jan 27, 2014 19:33
|
|
|
I made a video of a trip from last year to RMNP. I'm terrible/new with video production, editing and effects so yeah. I also need to reconfigure my photo/video gear. Bringing an SLR and a GoPro wasn't bad, but it would be nice if my SLR shot video ... maybe later down the road. And I need to bring my gorillapod. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gr69h-322jk Verman fucked around with this message at 19:45 on Jan 27, 2014 |
|
#
?
Jan 27, 2014 19:40
|
|
|
Pd3k0y posted:Kind of what I figured. So since that idea is out the window, does anyone have any suggestions on a lightweight waterproof/resistant tarp? 10x8, 12x10 is the size I am expecting. Bushcraft Outfitters has some awesome silnylon tarps in various sizes. I own one and love it.
|
|
#
?
Jan 27, 2014 20:19
|
|
|
I will check those two places out then, I'd like to keep it on the cheap since the hammock is DIY for 20 bucks, would be a little odd to have a tarp at multitudes that cost. A tent rainfly from a tent is a good idea if I can find one large flat one, and not one that is shaped to the tent. Thanks
|
|
#
?
Jan 27, 2014 21:52
|
|
|
Verman posted:I made a video of a trip from last year to RMNP. I'm terrible/new with video production, editing and effects so yeah. Thanks for posting this. Going to Denver next month and I really hope I get a chance to check out RMNP.
|
|
#
?
Jan 28, 2014 04:40
|
|
|
Internet Explorer posted:Thanks for posting this. Going to Denver next month and I really hope I get a chance to check out RMNP. Are you bringing snow shoes? My first time there was in late May early June a few years ago and while the temps in Denver were 80s - 90s, we were post holing in waist deep snow to get up to ouzel lake and could go no further due to feet of snow and losing the trail beneath it. While I had a sunburn on my neck from the hot day prior, we woke up to 4" of snow overnight and hiked out in blizzard conditions. If you know what you're getting into and are prepared for it then cool but if you're expecting hikeable and clear trails then you might want to reconsider. Also the main road through the park closes between October and whenever the snow clears enough to pass (april-may?) A local Coloradoan would probably be able to give you more up to date trail conditions.
|
|
#
?
Jan 28, 2014 05:28
|
|
|
This isn't comprehensive, but check it before your park visit: http://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/trail_conditions.htm
|
|
#
?
Jan 28, 2014 06:01
|
|
|
I've only read up to page 2 but I figured this is the best place to ask: Has anyone here ever tried the North Face Ultra 106 or Merrell Moab Waterproof? Which one is the best trail runner? I'll be doing a cold mountain hike 2 weeks from now (the trail is fairly easy, nothing major) so wouldn't have time to do the break in crap either.
|
|
#
?
Jan 28, 2014 07:23
|
|
|
Anyone know of a good workout regimen for staying in shape for mountaineering? I won't be able to get on the mountains for the next two months due to school, but I'd rather not devolve into a sack of poo poo during that time. I guess lots of cardio, with leg and back exercises in the gym? The Troons Poon fucked around with this message at 08:53 on Jan 28, 2014 |
|
#
?
Jan 28, 2014 08:42
|
|
|
The Troons Poon posted:Anyone know of a good workout regimen for staying in shape for mountaineering? I won't be able to get on the mountains for the next two months due to school, but I'd rather not devolve into a sack of poo poo during that time.
|
|
#
?
Jan 28, 2014 14:51
|
|
|
Verman posted:Are you bringing snow shoes? My first time there was in late May early June a few years ago and while the temps in Denver were 80s - 90s, we were post holing in waist deep snow to get up to ouzel lake and could go no further due to feet of snow and losing the trail beneath it. While I had a sunburn on my neck from the hot day prior, we woke up to 4" of snow overnight and hiked out in blizzard conditions. Oh, sorry for not being clear. I don't plan on doing any sort of hiking. I realize it is not the right time of year and that I may not even be able to get to the park. Thank you for the heads up. I'm going to Denver to scope it out before moving and I am going to at least try to see RMNP a bit if I can.
|
|
#
?
Jan 28, 2014 15:22
|
|
|
I want to get back into backpacking, would consider myself pretty experienced. Done 1/2 of AT in one shot. Most of my gear should work but the only backpack I have is an arcteryx that fit me when I was 10 and doesnt fit me now that I am 26. Can anyone recomend any lightweightish but durable packs? Is the atmos 50 any good? Also looking to get my girlfriend a pack, any lady recommendations for packs they have enjoyed? DholmbladRU fucked around with this message at 16:05 on Jan 28, 2014 |
|
#
?
Jan 28, 2014 15:55
|
|
|
Internet Explorer posted:Yeah, I'm fairly sure I'd bring firewood on my back before I bring cast iron cooking stuff. That poo poo is ridiculously heavy.  I was always mistified by Samwise Gamgee carrying not one but SEVERAL cooking pots most of the way to Mordor. Plus he probably weighs like 100 pounds, he should be carrying even less than us.
|
|
#
?
Jan 28, 2014 16:03
|
|
|
There isn't a dedicated canoe/kayak thread, which strikes me as a bit odd, and this thread seems to be the most appropriate place to ask short of a canoe/kayak thread, so here goes: I'm gearing up to run the Texas Water Safari this year in June, and I'm trying to find a pair of shoes that are at least as sturdy and grippy as typical cross trainers, but can dry out rapidly and/or breathe extremely well. I'm going to have them on my feet non-stop for probably 60 hours and there's no way I won't end up with my feet in the water; I don't think I want to try to slip them on and off for every portage (and won't get a warning if we miss our line and get hosed into a tree and rolled), the sunlight is also a consideration, I'm trying to be as covered as possible to avoid the sunburns I will get if I try to just depend on sunscreen. Are there any hiker tricks to keeping dry feet despite guaranteed soaking in water? Three days of soaking will do very bad things to my feet.
|
|
#
?
Jan 29, 2014 00:47
|
|
|
How long of portages? Wetsuit boots would cut it for short ones, or mesh topped shoes that I've seen my friend use for up to a mile portage with me in isle royale.
|
|
#
?
Jan 29, 2014 00:56
|
|
|
mastershakeman posted:How long of portages? Wetsuit boots would cut it for short ones, or mesh topped shoes that I've seen my friend use for up to a mile portage with me in isle royale. There are some persistent log jams that will push some of the portages just over a mile. In BFE nowhere. In boot-stealing mud if rain has even glanced those stretches. Probably encountered at night if my pace estimation and the mileage numbers are right  . I'm seriously considering just walking over the longer jams at the risk of venomous snake bites, just to avoid having to drag a boat filled with food and gear for a three day paddle through that loving mud.Edit: Keens look a bit too flip-floppy to have stuck to my feet for three days and jump out of a canoe and drag it up a bank. I'll probably get a pair of those techamphibians, though. EightBit fucked around with this message at 07:18 on Jan 29, 2014 |
|
#
?
Jan 29, 2014 01:07
|
|
|
Wear sandals. To be specific: wear Keens, or a similar style of water-shoe. I have an old pair of Merrels that I hate, but they do the job.
|
|
#
?
Jan 29, 2014 03:22
|
|
|
You're taking a canoe right? Get a huge pack for all your stuff for one guy and the other takes the canoe? Keen is a good choice.
|
|
#
?
Jan 29, 2014 03:29
|
|
|
I like Solomon Techamphibians as water shoes.
|
|
#
?
Jan 29, 2014 03:35
|
|
|
EightBit posted:
I posted a couple of pages back about this, but I effectively walked through a stream for 4 days (it was a trail, but constant rain turned it into a stream) back in January. That said, this seems completely impractical for what you are trying to achieve. My formula was; - Good quality Icebreaker socks - Leather boots, sno-sealed - Waterproof pants (optional, kept the tops of my legs above gaiters dry) - Gaiters, tight fitting around the top of the boot. I think these were key. Stopped water getting over the top of the boot. I would have still worn these even if the rain stopped because of the mud and deep puddles. Also I might have a fighting chance against snakebites. 
|
|
#
?
Jan 29, 2014 11:26
|
|
|
EightBit posted:Edit: Keens look a bit too flip-floppy to have stuck to my feet for three days and jump out of a canoe and drag it up a bank. I'll probably get a pair of those techamphibians, though.
|
|
#
?
Jan 29, 2014 14:59
|
|
|
Shrinking Universe posted:I posted a couple of pages back about this, but I effectively walked through a stream for 4 days (it was a trail, but constant rain turned it into a stream) back in January. Gaiters are one of my favorite things in the world. Not only do they keep snow and mud out of your boots, they also give your $200 softshell pants a fighting chance against your crampons.
|
|
#
?
Jan 29, 2014 19:50
|
|
|
SubponticatePoster posted:Does anyone carry fishing gear when they backpack? I figure if I can get a pretty light setup it would be fun to fish in places that haven't been filled with old discarded line and beer cans. I've taken some fishing gear with me before on long hikes. Tenkara poles like somebody else mentioned are great and light. What I do more frequently though is wrap a bunch of line around my water bottle and then tie a hook to the line. You can pack a bobber, sinker and lure separately to use when needed. Then you just unspool a bunch of line and toss it out and then wind it back around your bottle to reel it in. Obviously not the best solution but a fun little distraction out on the trail. I've hauled in grayling and trout with this method.
|
|
#
?
Jan 30, 2014 01:06
|
|
|
TerminalSaint posted:Gaiters are one of my favorite things in the world. Not only do they keep snow and mud out of your boots, they also give your $200 softshell pants a fighting chance against your crampons. For warm weather hiking, Dirty Girl gaiters are awesome for keeping little rocks out of my shoes and for looking stylish.
|
|
#
?
Jan 30, 2014 04:44
|
|
|
I like my Dirty Girl gaiters, but I wish they were a little tougher. They snag easily if you are off the trail and in the bush. Otherwise, they're wonderful for keeping stuff out.
|
|
#
?
Jan 30, 2014 04:54
|
|
|
I'm planning a trip out to Guadalupe Mountains National Park, White Sands, and Carlsbad Caverns. Anyone here have recommendations on what to see/do or advice to offer? I'm planning on 3-4 days at Guadalupe, and 1 day each at White Sands and Carlsbad Caverns
|
|
#
?
Jan 31, 2014 02:23
|
|
|
Stupid question time: What's the best pose you guys did on a mountain?
|
|
#
?
Jan 31, 2014 09:27
|
|
|
Disharmony posted:Stupid question time: What's the best pose you guys did on a mountain? Face plant?
|
|
#
?
Jan 31, 2014 09:58
|
|
|
Business of Ferrets posted:Face plant? Abject terror/awe?  Backstory: this was my first peak above the tree line. I took up rock climbing, hiking, and working in theater catwalks to get over my fear of heights, and clearing that tree line and having nothing opposite the side of me which was facing the mountain rekindled that old chestnut. This picture is the second I looked up after watching the ground for about an hour (by the way, the microflora is amazing at altitude, take a second to look down sometime.) But drat, if the view isn't worth it every time. Makes the slog up the side that much more beautiful. Now I'm itching to go out. Chicago in January doesn't serve much for hiking. P.S. I hope stories are cool here? I always love hearing people's and that question got me reminiscing. Edit: also, other people's pictures always get me pumped. I think this thread really needs more awesome hike pictures. FreakerByTheSpeaker fucked around with this message at 16:23 on Jan 31, 2014 |
|
#
?
Jan 31, 2014 16:21
|
|
|
Above the treeline you say? e: vvvv - cool, I've done that area of the Grand Canyon several times, once down the Tanner trail which is an absolute poo poo show Levitate fucked around with this message at 16:58 on Jan 31, 2014 |
|
#
?
Jan 31, 2014 16:54
|
|
|
Over the past year I've gotten in the habit of editing together videos of my bigger hikes. I don't want to spam the thread but want to share a few of the most recent videos. This first one was a 3-day visit to a lesser-traveled part of the Grand Canyon, including exploring off-trail down some non-technical canyons. This trip took place over the Thanksgiving holiday, which meant that it was timed during the once-a-decade inversion that filled the canyon with clouds from rim to rim. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afSGASD465Y This video is from a 10-day trip I took in late September. The primary purpose of the trip was to spend four days hiking the 4-pass loop in the Maroon Bells outside of Aspen Colorado. However, I also crammed in a bunch of side visits and dayhikes in national parks and monuments on the drive up and drive back from Arizona, including Natural Bridges, Arches, Canyonlands, Colorado, Great Sand Dunes, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Mesa Verde, Canyon de Chelly, and Petrified Forest. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1LOu95lg5Y This last video is slightly different. It's from a 2 day canyoneering trip down Tonto Creek in central Arizona. This trip was non-technical canyoneering, meaning no rappelling or technical rock climbing, but lots of wading and swimming through the creek the whole way. Its much like a trip down the Zion Narrows, but with more swimming (and 100% less people). This is my favorite kind of hike to do these days. Its physically very demanding, but so much fun. I've spent the last few months getting trained up on the technical skills, and intend to spend much of 2014 focusing on canyoneering trips. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNpAPanrJ7o
|
|
#
?
Jan 31, 2014 16:56
|
|
|
|
| # ? May 18, 2024 10:54 |
|
|
Disharmony posted:Stupid question time: What's the best pose you guys did on a mountain? 
|
|
#
?
Jan 31, 2014 17:14
|
|