Back country packing

[shanevg]

I don't know exactly what you mean bone.  They come to just above my ankle.  They are mountaineering boots so they are quite sturdy and you can fit crampons on them.  They are relatively light.  I really like them.

[actionshooter]

Huckleberry, thats cool, always wanted to do the PCT, I passed on a chance the summer after high school, buddies did all of Wa.

[actionshooter]

For boots, I've posted this on other threads, but I love my Kenetrek mountain extremes

[JBR]

I was looking at a pair of those La Sportiva's from REI last year and never got them.  How do they hold up for staying dry?  My Danner Pronhorns are supposed to be waterproof, but were soaked every day after walking through snow and/or wet terrain.

As for the comments about loneliness and thoughts of home while out in the backcountry (even when with a buddy or two), it does creep in, especially when hunting success is poor.  When you're seeing animals and putting stalks on them, your mind is focused on the hunt.  It's when you are not seeing anything, weather sucks, your're back at camp after a long day's hunt or just sitting up on a high ridge...the thoughts do creep in. 

Like others have said, it's nice to know that I'm not the only one that feels the nagging thoughts about home & family after several days in the backcountry.  One thing that has worked well for me is keeping a hunting/fishing journal. 

On last year's high buck hunt in the Pasayten Wilderness, I spent down time sitting by my spotting scope, jotting down thoughts in the journal.  After dinner, back at camp, either by the fire (weather permitting) or in my sleeping bag before going to sleep, I would write about the hunt and what I love about being out there.  It helps me to write about the aspects of the backcountry that I love and the feelings I'm having about my wife and kids back at home.  It's like a one-sided phone call back home. It's also a great way to reflect on the trip later.

Not long after I get home, I'm already thinking about the next trip back out. 

[shanevg]

The La Sportiva's hold up great to the weather.  The only time I've ever had wet feet is when I stepped in too deep of water or had too sweaty of feet (which happens to me essentially everyday so don't read too much into that.)

[shanevg]

So another question regarding sleeping under a tarp.  A lot of people mentioned sleeping in a tarp "burrito style."  Do you have any problems with condensation when you do that?  What do you use to waterproof your tarp?  Thanks.

[coastalghost]

Ill tell ya Shane...you dont have to do the burrito thing.  They make "tarps" that are so light now you wouldnt believe it.  I just  bought a "siltarp" which is a silicone/nylon tarp that is more than half the weight of a normal tarp.  A couple of good trees where you tie a centerline rope around 4 ft. off the ground and some titanium tent pegs and you basically have a ready made tent.  I use a peice of tyvek for the bottom and a 3/4 thermarest lightweight inflatable pad...works great.  I have enough room to put my pack etc inside with me. This method is also good for issues with condensation as there is always air moving thru.  Just make sure in the high country that you get your "tarp" very taught for wind purposes and in case it snows heavy (collapse).

[BrushChimp]

How big is your siltarp, coastal?

[bullchaser]

well put JBR. Great tips

[Skyvalhunter]

I sleep in a lightweight Hannessy Hammock. Great for backpacking light on those wayout hunts or hikes. Keeps you off the ground but you still need a pad to keep your backside warm. Plus they are more comfortable than sleeping on the ground. Can't say they are cheap priced thou if you are looking at a tight budget.

[coastalghost]

BC...its 9' x 11 1/2' approx. and is made by Granite Gear. Its got tie downs on all corners and inbetween corners.  It has an external loop on the top for making it into a pup tent.  Has its own built in stuff sack that doubles as a "holder" for your flashlight etc. Pretty sweet.  Its a semi clear material so it brings alot of light in.  I got it off ebay for less than half the normal price.  There are some other manufacturers of siltarps you could just google up.  

[shanevg]

Great advice, but it still looks a little pricey for me (even at half price on eBay.)  I'll have to add that one to my Christmas list.  Other than weight, is there any significant advantage to the siltarp?  Could you just use a normal tarp and make a tent in the same way?  Is the reason you make a tent to avoid condensation?  If it's pouring down rain, don't you get pretty wet with open ends?  Any advice on the best way to use a standard (cheap) tarp and to waterproof it is still appreciated.   

[coastalghost]

You can do pretty much anything with a tarp if you set your mind to it.  Its the weight factor for me and a lightweight insurance for bad weather.  If the weeks forecast is for nice weather I wont use anything but thermarest and tyvek bottom.  Love sleeping under the stars!  With the top loop and the tie downs located in between the corner tie downs...you can make a shelter that has no open ends.

I thought tarps were waterproof   

I had thought of using a tarp and sacrificing another....cutting two traingles out of a tarp to "close up the ends" on a regular tarp creating a tent.....A good idea which I may try sometime.....but why? you might as well just pack a good waterproof lightweight tent.  I just think its imperative to go as light as you can while still being relatively comfortable.  It makes coming out (if you get something) so much easier...if there is such a thing. 

[JBR]

Here is the homemade siltarp I made with fabric from Seattle Fabrics...it's 5' x 8' and is very light.



...another view. 



I added the gromets and tie-downs and use my adjustable trek poles.  You can raise or lower it off the ground as you please.

[coastalghost]

I dig that JBR....looks perfectly comfy....bear proof too  Thanks for sharin that.