Camping and Backpacking GEAR thread

Or do it NOBO and have it all be downhill!

 

But but but...it's all foreplay (and conditioning) for Whitney!

Plus Trail Crest and Forester and Muir passes from the south would suck.

 

I've already done tuolumne to HI, downhill. And I'll probably do it again. But permits are slightly easier to get starting at Lyell...

 

I was only referring to the Tuolumne to HI leg, northbound.

 

Great day for hiking at Huntsville State Park. About 70 degrees when we started, then a high of 80. Glad I was able to go. The camera clip worked great. I was planning to attach it to the shoulder strap of my day pack, but that put it it too close to my face. Put the clip on my belt and and I could hardly tell the camera was there.

The trekking poles also worked great. The only problem was that I used bmx handlebar grips with a pretty aggressive pattern that got to be a little uncomfortable, not to mention pretty sweaty. So, I either need to wear gloves or come up with other grips.

One big thing I did discover was that I needed new hiking boots. I was wearing a pair of Vasque Breeze mid height boots that I've had for several years. I haven't worn them that much...hiking a couple of times in the summers or in cold weather here in central Texas, which we really don't much of. Vasque shoes tend to run a little narrow and a couple of miles into the hike I knew I was in trouble. So, when I got home, I made a trip to Gander Mountain and bought a pair of Keene Targhee II boots.

 

Maybe some old foam bike handle grips? Or, wrap the current ones with a layer or two of kinesio tape or something breathable that smooths out the handle surface. It would be great if you could find something in cork.

 

Corkish bike tape is great

 

I tried using handlebar tape over the bmx grips, but it made them a little too fat to grip comfortably. My original plan was the use cork handlebar tape, but when I couldn't find it locally, I tried just the standard tape, but I wasn't pleased with how it turned out. I found the bmx grips and I really like them because they give me a place to rest my hands (think of how they flare out on the inside when on a bike handlebar), but they get kind of slick when they get sweaty. They're still a work in progress, so I'll let you know what I finally come up with.

 

Make sure you are using the wrist straps on your hiking poles correctly. You should be putting your hand up from the bottom, so the strap is around your wrist and then goes up through the palm of your hand. This way, you and roll your wrist to reach out a bit farther as you put the pole down, then roll your wrist again at the end of the stride to give a little push off. When I read up on this and starting using mine they way they were designed to work, it made a huge difference.

 

Guess I'm going to have to read up on this because I do not understand what you are talking about.

 

https://www.rei.com/video/2013/06/18/hiking-expert-advice-trekking-pole-wrist-straps.html

 

Same as XC skiing, hope this helps.

Part 1: Skills For Flat Terrain
Level: thru

Adjusting Pole Straps



Pole straps need to be adjusted properly to learn a poling motion that provides power while allowing the arms and hands to relax.

Correct grip through the pole strap is the first step. Start with the hand below the strap then bring it up through the bottom of the loop (1a). The midway point of the strap should now rest on the top of the wrist. Now when we grip the pole the rest of the strap is under our palm.

Next, check to see that the strap lays flat as it wraps around our hand. A flat strap is necessary for comfort. If it twists, unwind the strap until it’s flat. If it still twists we’ll need to release the strap from the pole, unwind and reattach.

The final process is adjusting strap tightness. A tight fitting strap allows us to control the pole with only a slight pressure between out thumb and forefinger. Grip the pole so that about a quarter to one-half-inch of the top, or knob, appears above your hand. Then tighten the strap( 2a).

The knob is designed to fit and lock in the saddle, between our thumb and forefinger, as we extend our arm behind us. To help it along, point the fingers back towards the basket at the end of the pole push(3a).

If you have a pair of poles with straps that come right out the top, take some durable tape and wrap down the top inch of the strap. This will provide a proper pole grip that allows for a relaxed and full arm extension.

 

Okay, but I was not talking about the straps on my poles, I was simply talking about the grips.

 

Poster is correct that the correct use of the pole straps will ease the grip on the pole, and it will work way better. Same technique as used in alpine, xc and backcountry skiing. You'll grip the pole more loosely, sweat less on it and comfort will improve.

 

Oh, we fancy now

 

Holy shite.


Trigger warning, this is the result of a bear atrack (he survives).

 

Woah.

 

Here is the story. He details it well.

 

Taking care of your feet is arguably the most important thing when hiking. I always had problems w blisters from sweaty toes and constant rubbing. Once I changed to Injini toe socks (after reading about them in hiking forums) I no longer get blisters! Additionally, the nuwool or coolmax fabrics allow your feet to breath and wick moisture away. I don't think I'll ever wear (nor buy) cotton socks ever again.