Camping and Backpacking GEAR thread

In regards to the ARB awning I want to share a tip when stowing the awning: if you keep the guy lines in place the horizontal poles can be retracted and put in the storage tracks before rolling up the awning. This makes it much easier during one person use.

 

Selling my new/never been used Eureka Timberline SQ 4 XT. Anyone in ME, NH or MA interested? Would consider meeting 1/2 way within reason.

https://maine.craigslist.org/spo/d/westbrook-eureka-timberline-sq-4xt-4/6928341467.html

Message me with any questions.

 

This past weekend was our first backpacking trip in about 18 months, and our first backpacking trip in 12 years without our pup with us. Felt good to get out for a night, and cover around 20 miles. This is from Mount Jefferson Wilderness, and we were able link up a couple different trail to circumnavigate Three Fingered Jack. If anyone has questions about our gear feel free to ask.

We're heading to Washington Tuesday evening for our next backpacking trip. This trip with be in Goat Rocks Wilderness, and will follow the PCT for a little. Just another short hike (23 miles), and 1 night on the trail. Then a couple days in Seattle to relax. I'll try to get some gear pictures this time around.

 

Pictures look great! Havent been backpacking for awhile. I have permits from Onion Valley to Whitney Portal for first week of Sept. Unfortunately, I fractured my tibial plateau and am barely walking again. Don't believe my knee will be able to handle the weight up the pack and elevation lost from descending the passes.

 

I feel for you, that would be an amazing trip! We plan on hiking the John Muir in the next couple years if we can pull a permit for it, no luck yet. If we can't get a permit I think we'll settle for the High Sierra Route, and that'll avoid about 95% of the people.

Mike

 

Ropers Sierra High Route will avoid 99.9% of people. It's rad. Do it.

 

We have a friend currently hiking that route, and the pictures are amazing. Seing them really makes us miss the trail, and we're looking forward for another long walk in a couple years.

Mike

 

When you do it make sure you get a hold of me. If you can time being in Dusy Basin on a weekend I'd be happy to resupply you there. I live in Bishop so it's an easy drive to South Lake. Then a quick hop over Bishop Pass.

There's a lot of really good info online and in print about the route. Even with all that it does not get done nearly as much as it should. Mostly because a lot of it is off trail and over 10000'. It's bucket list trail material and a lot better then the JMT.

 

Super sexy looking trail and trip. Great pics!

 

Oh you can get permits just about every year if you want. You will just have to get creative and start at a less used trailhead, do part of the trail, and either yoyo or get off trail and shuttle back to another trailhead and finish the trail in a 2nd piece. Mammoth Pass and Onion Valley are really handy trailheads to get permits for, and they give you options. Less folks, better parking, and if you're online in the morning, you can usually grab a permit for these just a few weeks in advance or even as walk-ups.

 

FYI for those who use the 24 gallon Action Packer bins (fit perfectly under tonneau).

They used to be only sold by REI in my area for $50. Now they’re available at Walmart for $25. Picked up my second one today. One for the camp grill and food. Other for the sleeping stuff.

 

Nice I grabbed one of the $8 home depot ones for my miscellaneous stuff but I do like the action packer better just not at $50.

 

They’re awesome but you’re absolutely right! I waited a long time to buy the second one because I felt that price was just ridiculous. I love them for $25 though

 

Our time has been limited over the last couple years, and just won't allow for a flip flop hike. With all the people picking up backpacking I think we'll end up sticking to more obscure routes, or creating our own long hike. We've been considering a couple hikes for our next adventure. One is the Te Araroa, and the other is the Big Foot Trail. The Te Araroa has seen a very large growth in hiking traffic over the last couple years, and the trail is suffering because of it. There are a lot of lesser known long distance trails packed with scenery, and not people.

Mike

 

Sound like you would enjoy parts or all of the Arizona Trail if it is no people you are after. You could run the northern sections starting around Pine, AZ say late April into early May after the thru hikers have come and gone. You might see 12 people in 100 miles. Or you could run Utah Border southbound to Flagstaff or further to Pine around the same time

 

Haven't looked into the Arizona Trail at all. There are a couple others in Arizona that seem pretty good. Trails like the Hayduke, and Grand Enchantment.

 

Look into the Uinta Highline trail. 100 miles of alpine in UT that hardly anyone hikes.

But don't give up so quickly on backpacking. The JMT surely isn't that busy once you're on it. And a 2-section hike of it split up without a yoyo would take just as much time as a thru, except for a shuttle day or zero added.

 

First I've heard of the Uinta, but it sounds like an awesome trail.

 

Subbed

 

This past week we took a trip to Goat Rocks Wilderness, and did a short overnight hike on the PCT.