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Rooted Vegetable
Jun 1, 2002
Hey does snowshoeing fall under the hiking banner? It's what I tend to do to scratch the itch during winter. I'm planning a 2 day camp up at Brew Hut near Whistler, BC and will probably do it on snowshoes.

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Rooted Vegetable
Jun 1, 2002
Has anyone got any really gold recommendations for making your own maps? E. G. Something reasonably clear, 1:20000 or better with 200m contour lines, that you could plot points/tracks on... Preferably vectors/svg for better printing still?

Rooted Vegetable
Jun 1, 2002

Ehud posted:


And I got a little cheapy REI branded day pack. I'm thinking of waking up early to hike Table Rock here in upstate SC today. I want to try out my new stuff :haw:

Was it the REI Flash 18 by any chance? I whole heartedly recommend them if your pack doesn't have a detachable lid that turns into a small pack of its own. I needed one for summiting and this was perfect. I use it as a pack in its own right now.

Rooted Vegetable
Jun 1, 2002
1 week to Chilkoot Trail! Does anyone know where you can buy bear bangers, stove gas and similar in Whitehorse, YT?

Rooted Vegetable
Jun 1, 2002
Sat in a café in Whitehorse, YT, about to leave for Skagway, AK to do the Chilkoot Trail! Can't wait but also kind of concerned we are not exactly sure where the bus stop is.

We had an interesting problem though, does anyone know any formidable bear defences that can cross borders, and use planes? Bear bangers and spray are not suitable for air travel and the spray certainly counts as a weapon for crossing the border from US into Canada from he eyes of the Canadian Border Services Agency? :canada:

Bit late to be asking I know... We have whistles and bear bells. Also, for the Chilkoot Trail, apparently there are so many people bears don't bother us in any case.

Rooted Vegetable
Jun 1, 2002
For the few people in the last while asking about which GPS to get, honestly, learn map reading and also get Backcountry Navigator http://backcountrynavigator.com for Android. But, as with any electronic GPS device, have a map and compass backup (use GPS Visualiser to make your own if you must)

Now, question on knives. Most of the time when I go out I get along just fine with a simple Leatherman Crater knife ( http://www.mec.ca/product/5018-828/leatherman-c33x-crater-knife/). I've been wondering about grabbing a Light My Fire knife with the striker in it (http://www.mec.ca/product/5028-388/light-my-fire-swedish-fireknife/?bc=10/50036) mainly in case I get stranded somewhere and need a fire. Also because on our next trip were planning on taking up fresh veggies for a stir fry. Wondering if it might be better overall for not too much money (I don't want to get into an arms race)

Rooted Vegetable
Jun 1, 2002
Oh my stove had a piezo. It's mainly for the good practical knife I would think loose

Rooted Vegetable
Jun 1, 2002

Rime posted:

How the hell does Harmony House not have an equivalent in Canada? I mean, I frickin' love this order I got and it's replaced those sodium-heavy meal packs for the summer, but drat do I wish it hadn't cost me nearly double in shipping and duty. It's not like I can just get a freeze dryer either, the things are like $7000.

Good grief!! Make your own freeze dried meals. Awe-drat-some! Pity I can't get them before I head to Joffre Lakes next week.

Any particularly good recipes for these?

If you're near the border, look for receiving services just on the other side (for Lower Mainland BC, I use Hagen's of Blaine - http://www.hagensofblaine.com/)

EDIT: Anyone know where I can get strong resealable bags as well (better still if I can cook in them like the Mountain House ones) - EDIT AGAIN: found them on their site

Rooted Vegetable fucked around with this message at 05:44 on Jun 15, 2014

Rooted Vegetable
Jun 1, 2002
Dang it! Those are great Joffre photos! I haven't had a chance to post mine.

Have they fixed the outhouse door yet?

Rooted Vegetable
Jun 1, 2002

Coolwhoami posted:

Norvan Falls

Boots talk

This is precisely what mec is for! And it's at the other end of Mountain Highway (ish) so go try some on. You can buy online if you are sure you know the exact model, but honestly I'd rather spend my money at mec for those times you need to return an item.

Rooted Vegetable
Jun 1, 2002

What's that large, smooth looking green area that doesn't appear to be grass?

Rooted Vegetable
Jun 1, 2002
In a few weeks, I'm taking a larger group with me. My GSI Soloist just won't do the trick for that water boiling needs so I'm looking at around 3L pots.

All of these will be used on a Snow Peak Gigapower stove, with an optional windguard.

Top Contenders from MEC

Primus ETA Pot - CAD 58 for the 3L, CAD 50 for the 1.8L - has a heat exchanger which really caught my eye - feel it's kind of expensive. http://www.mec.ca/product/5031-833/primus-eta-pot

GSI Halulite Pot - CAD 39 for 3.2L - on the other hand, I like the simplicity here and the price is undeniably better. http://www.mec.ca/product/5035-553/gsi-halulite-pot

MSR Base 2 Pot Set - CAD 55 for a 1.5L and 2.5L pot. Smaller I know, but pretty much should be considered. Not sure I like the detaching handle but have lived with it before. http://www.mec.ca/product/5018-605/msr-base-2-pot-set

GSI Halulite Boiler - CAD 34 - Similar to what I have now, but larger. I like the design but wondering if I'm better off going big if I'm trying to serve a larger group. If I have a 1L pot, do I really need a 1.8L pot before a ~3L one? http://www.mec.ca/product/5035-552/gsi-halulite-1.8l-boiler

Any thoughts on those? Is the weight of a heat exchanger worth it? Also, recommendations can come from more than just mec, and can be US based too.

Rooted Vegetable
Jun 1, 2002
Looks good but a little small. Since I wrote that I've decided to rule out the 1.8L option.

Rooted Vegetable
Jun 1, 2002
Forgot to post this when I wrote it, but if anyone wants a guide to creating your own maps, a then using them on your phone: http://wp.me/p4Sy3-Xy

In short, CalTopo is the best Web service for creating them, there is no one data source (you'll have to find the best for your region) and barely one very capable format (gpx). As for phone apps, I recommend Backcountry Navigator, but honestly you could use Locus, GaiaGPS, OruxMaps etc and achieve similar results.

I wrote the guide using Dog Mountain in Mount Seymour Provincial Park, BC as an example, but should work everywhere.

Rooted Vegetable
Jun 1, 2002

A Kpro posted:

Well I'm definitely into peakbagging so I'll look into taking some avalanche safety courses before going out. The only time I've ever snowshoed was on a ski slope on Mt Hood so there wasn't too much danger.

Another thing worth considering. Feel free to use backcountry huts on snowshoes. I've done 5 trips on snowshoes up to huts and it's great!

Rooted Vegetable
Jun 1, 2002

Astonishing Wang posted:

I bought a 10400mah USB charger to take on trips like that. It was about $20 on amazon, I'll link it tomorrow if anyone wants. You charge it fully at home and can use it 3-4 time to recharge the phone. They make bigger ones too, but they get heavy quick.

The Wirecutter has a couple of guides on the same subject:
* http://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-solar-battery-pack/
* http://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-usb-battery-pack-travel/

Personally though, I find that phone on flight mode (usually still allows GPS use) and a big battery keeps it available all weekend.

Rooted Vegetable
Jun 1, 2002

OMFG PTSD LOL PBUH posted:

But quick showers behind some privacy tarps (warm water even if I choose too I guess) before bed after a long day hike sounds awesome,

You know, 1.8lb+the weight of the tarps all day vs. a few minutes of lukewarm water doesn't make a good cost/benefit. On a 6 day hike we hadn't seen a shower for 4 days. A freezing cold lake in the Yukon all of a sudden seemed great and someone had brought some natural environmentally friendly soap. We felt fantastic after that.

But do you think that I wanted a 1.8lb motor with me for all 5 days for that just moment? Nope.

As for batteries... I'm more understanding but still, think weight vs. benefit. If you can loose the bluetooth part, I sometimes take this speaker, but rarely use it: http://x-mini.com/product/x-mini-ii-capsule-speaker

Rooted Vegetable
Jun 1, 2002

You're taking an umbrella?

Rooted Vegetable
Jun 1, 2002

psyopmonkey posted:

Anyone have the best solution for charging devices on the go?

Im only charging a phone and a super cheapo MP3 player (the kind without a screen).

I could either get a 6xAA battery charger or I could go with a solar panel option.

What have you guys used?

Commence generic battery charging while away from power socket on some sort of physical activity post

The Wirecutter can help here: http://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-solar-battery-pack/
Or - http://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-usb-battery-pack-travel/

However, I've used quite a few batteries and they generally perform the same day to day.

I'm currently using the following selection of external batteries depending on how much weight and days I expect to be out there:
Lightest: http://www.ianker.com/product/79AN7913S-G2A
Lighter (noticably lighter than middle): http://www.aukey.com/product/ultraslim-external-battery-pbn8
Middle: http://www.aukey.com/product/dual-usb-external-battery-pb014-black
1lb!: http://www.aukey.com/product/20000-mah-external-charger-power-bank

Also, I use these noodle cables if I plan on sharing power with friends: http://www.everbuying.com/product359540.html
However, Monoprice is a good spot to pick up any desired length of cable.

If you think you will get to a charger before you get to your car, see if you can get a thin Samsung USB charger that weighs next to nothing to carry with you. Also, keep one in your car so you can recharge at a lunch stop on the way home.

Rooted Vegetable
Jun 1, 2002

LITERALLY SHAKING posted:

He's why I'm taking my 4 person tent. As I type, he's taking up a full third of the king size bed we're chilling on this afternoon.

I've shared my 2 person plus (longer) tent with a similarly sized lab, absolutely no issue with room. 4 person is excessive.

It's a good thing because all of the remaining advice adds weight, make sure you take the following into consideration:
1. He needs food and emergency food too - sure you could move him to dry food and mix with a little water or stock but remember he's burning energy all day as well.
2. You will need a first aid kit for him: http://indefinitelywild.gizmodo.com/how-to-make-a-first-aid-kit-for-your-dog-1663730206
3. You really should know the locations of the nearest vets to the route
4. Do not overload his pack. He can probably carry his own leash, booties, toys and a few things that can get wet, but not too much.
5. If you are going far from streams etc, he will also needs water.
6. When you stop in towns etc, you will have to find places he can come in. Restaurants will be especially tricky.

Rooted Vegetable fucked around with this message at 23:59 on Feb 23, 2015

Rooted Vegetable
Jun 1, 2002
I was wondering if this was more appropriate for the Skiing thread but think that, in this case, Hiking & Backpacking is likely better. I need some gear list advice.

I'm planning my gear for winter trips (either Ski Touring or Snowshoeing). Last year I had an overpacking problem that ended a trip, so this year, careful planning.

Some points to consider:

  • I intend to sleep in huts - so shelter is only for unexpected/urgent situations - some other discussions are saying to just take an emergency bivy or a bothy sack
  • I'm trying to stick to a 28L pack - perhaps volume will be a concern
  • This list is a hypothetical "One person carries everything" load out.
  • Avalanche Safety gear (Shovel, Probe, Beacon) is included

The list is here

Thoughts?

Rooted Vegetable
Jun 1, 2002
Wondering if an REI Flash 45 might be in my future? http://www.rei.com/product/862884/rei-flash-45-pack

Rooted Vegetable
Jun 1, 2002

n8r posted:

Generally speaking, people do not carry sleeping bags when ski touring. The most I've seen people do is stuff like space blankets.

For overnight stays all huts I've seen, a sleeping bag is required. Certainly for all the huts I'll go to.

For one day touring, there are other urgent shelter/unexpected night options.

Rooted Vegetable
Jun 1, 2002

n8r posted:

Ah - I've seen some places do sleeping bag liners. Most of the huts (yurts here) transport you into the place. Not a great hut/yurt system in the PNW at all.

Nah, we're getting there under our own power.

Example huts:
* http://www.ubc-voc.com/wiki/Diamond_Head_and_the_Elfin_Lakes_Shelter
* http://www.ubc-voc.com/wiki/Brew_Hut
* http://www.keithshut.ca/ (alternatively http://www.ubc-voc.com/wiki/Keith's_Hut)
* https://www.alpineclubofcanada.ca/huts/wendy-thompson-hut/ (alternatively http://www.ubc-voc.com/wiki/Wendy_Thompson_Hut)

Rooted Vegetable
Jun 1, 2002
A sleeping bag liner might add a few (-5C extra tops) degrees comfort level to your bag... But your plan to sleep outside in predicted -25C temperatures without shelter sounds dangerous. I've done -12C in similar equipment and woke up shivering.

Rooted Vegetable
Jun 1, 2002

Yooper posted:

All I have is my REI quarterdome.
....
Anyone tried 3 season tent in winter?

I've used my REI Quarterdome in snow several times. You're fine, use it.

You might find that you get a bit of condensation freezing on the meshing... and it may collapse (but can be quickly righted) in heavy falling snow. Other than that, it's perfectly fine. 4 season tents essentially cover those two situation specifically, otherwise, 3 and 4 seasons are the same functionally.

Rooted Vegetable
Jun 1, 2002
Sounds like a job for a Pack Ray Sil Stuff Sack. Weighs basically nothing and I use them for in bag organization, even if I don't need the waterproofing. http://www.mec.ca/product/5025-887/mec-pack-rat-sil-stuff-sacks/?bc=10/50042/50668

I would also consider packing cubes for this.

Rooted Vegetable
Jun 1, 2002

God Hole posted:

toppled ancient free-standing miracle boulders

...

Right now it seems to be a uniquely American zeitgeist.

If only...

Rooted Vegetable
Jun 1, 2002

Verman posted:

This.

If you get a boot, get something tall and waterproof for snow. Also, gaiters for winter are a game changer. Between two pairs of footwear, you'll have all seasons covered.

I cannot stress enough how much gaiters are worth it. I've got a $50 MEC pair I bought 8 years ago, still going strong.

Yesterday I did a quick hike on a well travelled mountain with snow boots, gaiter and $31 traction devices from Amazon. Had a great time and no issues that I wouldn't also have with snowshoes. I noted that, unlike previous years, I'd say 40% of people had traction devices vs. snowshoes.

Rooted Vegetable
Jun 1, 2002

Yooper posted:

The Ordnance Survey maps came yesterday, talk about some awesome maps.

Since moving to Canada I wonder how anyone ever gets anywhere. This is why I'm trying to update my local OSM.

Rooted Vegetable
Jun 1, 2002

Morbus posted:

Caltopo.com allegedly works well for Canada, although I haven't tried it myself.

Oh it does for BC, but even then the data sources it has are only so good. OSM could be the future for really great backcountry maps if we could get enough in.

Rooted Vegetable
Jun 1, 2002
Is there a good place to start my research on hiking with an 18 month old? I've taken my daughter on a few local hikes in the woods in our Deuter Kid Comfort 3 (bought used, but worth every penny even if it was bought new). Thing is I have to balance the time she's in the carrier and were covering distance vs. getting her out so she can exercise her legs and not get bored. Not really figured out the best way there, I stopped about every 1.5km last time. This has lead me to wonder if there's more I don't know.

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Rooted Vegetable
Jun 1, 2002

George H.W. oval office posted:

Did the AT with an average weight of 35 lb.

Including water? Keep in mind I'm the sort of person who praises people who don't go overboard on ultralighting.

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