Post by: whuppinstick on April 29, 2013, 05:10:29 PM
My base pack weight (not including food, water, fuel) is 21.5 pounds as of this morning, which includes a 4.5 pound professional SLR camera.
I haven't weighed it yet with food and water (still packing), but expect to be in the 35-40 pound range, only because I have to carry so much water through the NM desert.
Here's a quick list of what I'm carrying:
ULA backpack (2.5lbs)
Tarptent (2lbs) (but upgrading to a sub-1-pound cuben tarp in about a week)
Marmot Helium 15 degree sleeping bag
1/4" sleeping pad
Polycro ground cloth
Aqua Mira chemical water treatment
Evernew titanium pot
Pepsi can stove with wire mesh pot stand, foil wind screen, uses denatured alcohol
half toothbrush, toothpaste, flossers, sunscreen, athletic tape, duct tape, coffee filters (for filtering cow water), small cord, sewing kit, etc.
Clothing I'm not wearing includes zip-off nylon pants, Marmot Driclime jacket, Arcteryx Theta SL jacket, OR rain pants, Patagonia cap 2 bottoms, Arcteryx merino top (those last three are being shipped to northern NM and were not included in the base pack weight), fleece hat, fleece neck gaiter, liner gloves.
I'm wearing an Arcteryx long-sleeved top (Motus top), Golite shorts, Wright socks, and Montrail shoes. Also using Leki trekking poles.
And of course, the luxury items: SLR camera, ipod nano, am/fm radio, a smartphone, and a fishing pole to be picked up further north.
I'm sort of running through this quickly and probably forgetting some things since I'm leaving so soon, but again, if you have questions I'll try to check up at my town stops and answer them. I'm hoping some backpack hunters might get inspired to drop a few pounds from this!
Here is where I will attempt to keep an online journal: http://trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?trailname=14668 (http://trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?trailname=14668)
Post by: deerslyr on April 29, 2013, 05:15:39 PM
Post by: dawn2dusk on April 29, 2013, 05:20:38 PM
Post by: jackelope on April 29, 2013, 05:22:32 PM
Post by: kentrek on April 29, 2013, 05:43:35 PM
4.5 pound camera :yike: :puke: thing better take some really great pictures :tup:
have a safe trip :tup:
Post by: christopheri on April 29, 2013, 06:33:02 PM
Post by: Ridgerunner on April 29, 2013, 06:37:27 PM
Post by: Skyvalhunter on April 29, 2013, 06:42:35 PM
Make sure you plan for a day of rest every 6 or 7 days but sounds like you are well prepared. I am envious, you be safe out there and take care of yourself.
Post by: Smossy on April 29, 2013, 06:44:32 PM
Post by: Wea300mag on April 29, 2013, 06:49:46 PM
Post by: actionshooter on April 29, 2013, 07:27:44 PM
I subscribed to your journal.
I see you did the PCT in 05, :tup:
Post by: JoeE on April 29, 2013, 07:46:55 PM
Post by: scottcrb on April 29, 2013, 08:09:05 PM
Post by: timberghost72 on April 29, 2013, 08:14:11 PM
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on April 29, 2013, 08:23:50 PM
Post by: 270Flat on April 29, 2013, 08:26:25 PM
Post by: wilsongideon on April 29, 2013, 08:31:33 PM
Post by: whuppinstick on April 30, 2013, 04:51:55 AM
Where do you work whuppinstick, and can you get me a job there? This sounds like a great way to spend the summer! Good luck!
It doesn't pay very well, I promise you that!
Leaving for the trailhead right now, will try to stop by with an update in the next couple weeks. Planning to take a zero (zero mileage day) at the second town stop, Silver City, so hopefully I'll get enough internet time to come on here.
Yes, I know of Balls and Sunshine. They are a couple weeks ahead of me but I'm hoping to catch up to them in northern CO or beyond! They are famous!
Post by: Alan K on April 30, 2013, 05:22:37 AM
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on April 30, 2013, 05:37:51 AM
Where do you work whuppinstick, and can you get me a job there? This sounds like a great way to spend the summer! Good luck!
It doesn't pay very well, I promise you that!
Leaving for the trailhead right now, will try to stop by with an update in the next couple weeks. Planning to take a zero (zero mileage day) at the second town stop, Silver City, so hopefully I'll get enough internet time to come on here.
Yes, I know of Balls and Sunshine. They are a couple weeks ahead of me but I'm hoping to catch up to them in northern CO or beyond! They are famous!
Good luck on catching them, they hike fast and lite.
Can't wait for your pictures, I will be following your blog updates wathching to see if you even get close to them. They have support from another thru hiker, and his wife will join in when school is out.
Post by: 75johndeere on April 30, 2013, 05:40:29 AM
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Post by: cvandervort on April 30, 2013, 06:18:50 AM
Post by: CementFinisher on April 30, 2013, 07:11:57 AM
Post by: NW-GSP on April 30, 2013, 07:21:00 AM
Post by: Widgeondeke on April 30, 2013, 07:34:57 AM
I would :twocents:
Post by: B.G.hunter on April 30, 2013, 07:41:52 AM
Post by: pendoreilleadventures on April 30, 2013, 07:47:04 AM
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Post by: fillthefreezer on April 30, 2013, 08:17:38 AM
Post by: TommyH on April 30, 2013, 08:32:51 AM
Post by: Bmcox86 on May 01, 2013, 11:27:29 AM
Post by: dreamingbig on May 01, 2013, 06:07:42 PM
Post by: Worldhunter on May 03, 2013, 10:18:22 PM
Post by: clindsayrun on May 04, 2013, 07:02:10 PM
I'll be following you closely.
Why the 4.5 lb camera?
I'd consider a quality point and shoot for day to day carry, and shipping in the big lense for identified stretches of interest.
I thru-hiked the PCT many years ago (2001) and it wasn't long before we shed everything heavy. Base weight got down to under 15 lbs.
Take care of your feet! Buy new shoes every 700 miles... even if you don't think you need them, because you do! Prep for blisters from day one. Tape your feet until they're as tough as leather, it'll keep your mileage up. Watch your knees and ankles for the first month. Even if you're in great shape it'll take some time to get everything used to continuous mileage. EAT FOOD!!! LOTS AND LOTS OF FOOD! Shoot for no less than 25 miles per day. If you can go 40 in a day, shoot for it. Start early and walk into the late evening as much as possible. Our average was over 30 mpd, long day was 44 miles. We never cracked that 50 mile goal. Walk as often as you can, long breaks add up to low daily mileage. I met a lot of "thru-hikers" that were taking it easy... they never make it... the season isn't as long as they think it is.
Enjoy yourself. I wish I were there.
Post by: Smossy on May 05, 2013, 12:29:16 PM
Definetly following this adventure. Your a bad a**!
:yeah:
Post by: JLS on May 05, 2013, 12:38:31 PM
Best of luck to you.
Here is a point on the CDT in Montana that you will enjoy. Halfmoon Park might not be Heaven, but it's close.
Post by: fillthefreezer on May 06, 2013, 08:47:27 AM
Good Time!!!read his pct log, he's animal. dont quote me but i believe his pct base weight was like 30+ and he was logging some MILES!!!
I'll be following you closely.
Why the 4.5 lb camera?
I'd consider a quality point and shoot for day to day carry, and shipping in the big lense for identified stretches of interest.
I thru-hiked the PCT many years ago (2001) and it wasn't long before we shed everything heavy. Base weight got down to under 15 lbs.
Take care of your feet! Buy new shoes every 700 miles... even if you don't think you need them, because you do! Prep for blisters from day one. Tape your feet until they're as tough as leather, it'll keep your mileage up. Watch your knees and ankles for the first month. Even if you're in great shape it'll take some time to get everything used to continuous mileage. EAT FOOD!!! LOTS AND LOTS OF FOOD! Shoot for no less than 25 miles per day. If you can go 40 in a day, shoot for it. Start early and walk into the late evening as much as possible. Our average was over 30 mpd, long day was 44 miles. We never cracked that 50 mile goal. Walk as often as you can, long breaks add up to low daily mileage. I met a lot of "thru-hikers" that were taking it easy... they never make it... the season isn't as long as they think it is.
Enjoy yourself. I wish I were there.
Post by: wilsongideon on May 06, 2013, 07:07:23 PM
Post by: whuppinstick on May 06, 2013, 08:22:48 PM
Not so good things include breaking my waist belt clip on the way to the border and only getting it replaced today (tying my waist belt for 140 miles), water issues, pulling a 3/8" cactus spine out of my tongue, tearing a large hole in the top of my pack, and getting attacked by a cactus on my leg (I thought it was a creature and I danced around trying to get off).
I have seen a lot of desert sheep sign down in the Hatchet Mountains. Also saw my first deer today. They were whitetails - does anybody know if they were Coues? Also heard a rattlesnake this morning at 6am, then heard a gobbling turkey an hour later.
Next up is the Gila, though I am doing a popular alternate up the Gila River and through the hot springs and cave dwellings. I'm sad to miss the elk but happy to have water and (maybe) trout.
There was a question about my camera. I'm starting to question my sanity on that but I want to always have it on hand for awesome photos. It may have been a better strategy to have a point-and-shoot for NM, but at this point I'll probably just carry on.
On a lighter note, my sub-one-pound shelter is waiting at the post office for me tomorrow!
If anybody has any questions I should be around to answer tomorrow.
Post by: actionshooter on May 06, 2013, 08:31:44 PM
Post by: wilsongideon on May 06, 2013, 09:21:02 PM
Post by: Greenhorn on May 06, 2013, 09:49:44 PM
Post by: WAcoueshunter on May 06, 2013, 10:07:11 PM
I have seen a lot of desert sheep sign down in the Hatchet Mountains. Also saw my first deer today. They were whitetails - does anybody know if they were Coues? Also heard a rattlesnake this morning at 6am, then heard a gobbling turkey an hour later.
Awesome, I'm reading through the blog now. Thanks for taking us along!
Yes, those are coues down there in SW NM. We hunt them just across the border in AZ.
From your blog post...the cows out there in the desert eat the cactus, grass, etc. If you see prickly pear with big bites out of the paddles, those are cows. If the prickly pear paddles are shredded with exposed roots, that's probably from javelina.
Also, I think those quail are gambel's quail. Like a Cali quail but with a red head. There are also montezuma (aka mearns) quail down there, but they look quite a bit different than a Cali quail...smaller, round body, and no ornament on the head.
Post by: Smossy on May 06, 2013, 10:16:17 PM
I'm in Silver City now, the second town stop. Have had a couple rough days, including today. 8 miles of dirt road followed by 12 miles of pavement. Even with taped feet I got a lot of blisters. But it was evened out by some awesome trail magic in Silver City. I scored a free place to stay at a travelers house and somebody paid for my dinner at a restaurant after asking me all about the trail.Glad to see your still kickin them feet man, Keep on truckin.
Not so good things include breaking my waist belt clip on the way to the border and only getting it replaced today (tying my waist belt for 140 miles), water issues, pulling a 3/8" cactus spine out of my tongue, tearing a large hole in the top of my pack, and getting attacked by a cactus on my leg (I thought it was a creature and I danced around trying to get off).
I have seen a lot of desert sheep sign down in the Hatchet Mountains. Also saw my first deer today. They were whitetails - does anybody know if they were Coues? Also heard a rattlesnake this morning at 6am, then heard a gobbling turkey an hour later.
Next up is the Gila, though I am doing a popular alternate up the Gila River and through the hot springs and cave dwellings. I'm sad to miss the elk but happy to have water and (maybe) trout.
There was a question about my camera. I'm starting to question my sanity on that but I want to always have it on hand for awesome photos. It may have been a better strategy to have a point-and-shoot for NM, but at this point I'll probably just carry on.
On a lighter note, my sub-one-pound shelter is waiting at the post office for me tomorrow!
If anybody has any questions I should be around to answer tomorrow.
You are by far inspiring. Doing such a long journey. Your for sure savage. Safe trails! Cant wait for the next update.
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on May 08, 2013, 09:34:20 PM
I'm in Silver City now, the second town stop. Have had a couple rough days, including today. 8 miles of dirt road followed by 12 miles of pavement. Even with taped feet I got a lot of blisters. But it was evened out by some awesome trail magic in Silver City. I scored a free place to stay at a travelers house and somebody paid for my dinner at a restaurant after asking me all about the trail.
Not so good things include breaking my waist belt clip on the way to the border and only getting it replaced today (tying my waist belt for 140 miles), water issues, pulling a 3/8" cactus spine out of my tongue, tearing a large hole in the top of my pack, and getting attacked by a cactus on my leg (I thought it was a creature and I danced around trying to get off).
I have seen a lot of desert sheep sign down in the Hatchet Mountains. Also saw my first deer today. They were whitetails - does anybody know if they were Coues? Also heard a rattlesnake this morning at 6am, then heard a gobbling turkey an hour later.
Next up is the Gila, though I am doing a popular alternate up the Gila River and through the hot springs and cave dwellings. I'm sad to miss the elk but happy to have water and (maybe) trout.
There was a question about my camera. I'm starting to question my sanity on that but I want to always have it on hand for awesome photos. It may have been a better strategy to have a point-and-shoot for NM, but at this point I'll probably just carry on.
On a lighter note, my sub-one-pound shelter is waiting at the post office for me tomorrow!
If anybody has any questions I should be around to answer tomorrow.
I see that balls and sunshine have 434 trip miles logged. How many have you gotten?
Watch out for water cache thieves, they lost some water in NM desert area. :tup:
Post by: slim9300 on May 09, 2013, 09:22:00 PM
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Post by: whuppinstick on May 18, 2013, 07:31:29 PM
Lots of road walking so far which is no fun. Can't wait for Colorado.
I'll try to give a more thorough update in the next town, but i am keeping the trail journal page updated at every town so gel free to check that.
Have only seen six elk so far! :( (though it's been hard to.concentrate on anything but my feet.)
Post by: elk247 on May 18, 2013, 07:58:55 PM
Post by: rtspring on May 18, 2013, 07:59:48 PM
Dont know you from adam, but if you need anything sent to a place for you let me know!!
Good luck!
Rtspring
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on May 18, 2013, 09:20:23 PM
Post by: actionshooter on May 18, 2013, 10:51:45 PM
Post by: 75johndeere on May 18, 2013, 11:34:37 PM
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Post by: superdown on May 19, 2013, 09:33:03 AM
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Post by: whuppinstick on May 23, 2013, 02:40:31 PM
Awesome, I'm reading through the blog now. Thanks for taking us along!
Yes, those are coues down there in SW NM. We hunt them just across the border in AZ.
From your blog post...the cows out there in the desert eat the cactus, grass, etc. If you see prickly pear with big bites out of the paddles, those are cows. If the prickly pear paddles are shredded with exposed roots, that's probably from javelina.
Also, I think those quail are gambel's quail. Like a Cali quail but with a red head. There are also montezuma (aka mearns) quail down there, but they look quite a bit different than a Cali quail...smaller, round body, and no ornament on the head.
Thanks for all the answers! I've been telling the other hikers all this new information and they all think I'm an expert now. :)
Very interesting what you said about the bites out of the prickly pear - definitely saw that down in the southern third of the state and we were all wondering what would take a bite out of cactus? Now we know - cows!
Post by: boneaddict on May 23, 2013, 02:47:18 PM
Awesome thread to follow. Looking forward to more adventures
Post by: whuppinstick on May 23, 2013, 02:57:38 PM
I haven't removed much from my pack, but I've trimmed down some of the extras I was carrying (switched out a heavier dry bag for my camera for a lighter silnylon stuff sack and a couple plastic grocery bags, halved the amount of sunscreen I was carrying, eliminated a few batteries, gotten better about allotting my food and water). I could probably save a pound by switching to some ultra lightweight rain gear (from my Arcteryx Theta SL jacket and OR pants), but I really like being confident in my rain gear, so that is a sacrifice I'm willing to continue to make. I have worn my rain gear 2-3 times for 30-60 minutes each so far, plus its rained lightly on 3-4 nights. This is a lot more rain than we were expecting for NM, but not enough to make things miserable.
Speaking of miserable.. if you missed the story on my trailjournals blog, this is a good one:
I hope I never eclipse today's water story. Last night we camped a couple tenths of a mile short of what sounded to be a reliable spring. When we got there this morning all we could find was a concrete tank with shallow water about five feet down through a man hole. The water smelled awful. Why? Because a dead rat was floating in it. We had no other options but to rake four liters and hope to come across something soon to replace it. Which we did not for about 15 miles. After straining the water through pantyhose to collect some of the dirt and hair, I treated mine with Aqua Mira, my chemical treatment of choice, then tried to hide the dead rat flavor with Crystal Light. It helped, but the aftertaste was aaawful. I ended up drinking about 1.5 liters before we came across a well at 1pm.
----
I have seen very little wildlife. One javelina, six elk, 20ish wild horses, a rattlesnake, Coues deer, and Gambel's quail. But I was expecting to have seen hundreds of elk by now and I must say I'm a little disappointed. Our next town stop is Chama and I know I put in for some units up there this year, so I'm hoping to come across some elk on this or the next stint.
The terrain in NM had been pretty bland until this last section between Grants and Cuba. Lots of mesas and huge boulder fields to weave through over the last couple days, which has been awesome. Water has still been 15-25 miles between sources, but I think we should be getting past that problem as we approach Colorado.
I have computer access today and maybe tomorrow morning so if there are any questions ask away! I'll try to post some pictures.
Post by: JoeE on May 23, 2013, 03:04:26 PM
Post by: whuppinstick on May 23, 2013, 03:49:50 PM
Are you wearing shoes as in sneakers? Is that common for thru hikers not to wear boots?
Yes and yes. Boots are too hot and heavy for the miles we're doing every day (25-35). We will wear shoes through all sections, including big snows in the San Juans of Colorado.
Post by: Wea300mag on May 23, 2013, 07:12:25 PM
Post by: slim9300 on May 23, 2013, 08:34:20 PM
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Post by: MLHSN on May 23, 2013, 09:51:52 PM
Post by: whuppinstick on May 24, 2013, 06:26:08 AM
Do you have a crew you hike with or are you going it alone? I'm curious if there is the same culture you see from hikers on the PCT. I stopped at a diner last fall near a junction in the PCT. It was interesting listening to the ten or so people talk using "trail names" and referencing different places.
I started alone but picked up a group of four out of the second town stop. I've been with them since then both because we get along but also because I've been having GPS problems (which I think I finally resolved last night) and their navigation skills are great. Also, they keep a higher pace than I would have otherwise, so they've pushed me. I will probably stick with them for awhile yet, though I'm sure we'll go out separate ways somewhere in Colorado.
Yes, we do all have trail names and refer to each other that way. It made for an interesting conversation with my girlfriend last night to be discussing a deep conversation I had with the hiker, Half-Ounce, yesterday.
Funny you mention the restaurant story because there were five of us in a restaurant here in Cuba yesterday. We were telling stories about blisters (and cutting them open), how many miles we're doing, and the various ways we're going to consume as many calories as we can while in town. Before we got up I heard a lady behind speak quietly to her husband and say "sometimes I love eavesdropping on other conversations."
Post by: whuppinstick on May 24, 2013, 06:42:11 AM
Post by: CementFinisher on May 24, 2013, 12:21:50 PM
Post by: Smossy on May 24, 2013, 02:14:26 PM
Awesome! pinky toe looks like it might hurt a bit. Thanks for sharing:yeah: :yike:
Post by: Smossy on May 24, 2013, 02:17:29 PM
I added some new pictures to the trailjournals site: http://trailjournals.com/photos.cfm?trailname=14668 (http://trailjournals.com/photos.cfm?trailname=14668)You are one hell of a hiker whuppinstick. Totally Inspiring. Keep it up :tup:
Post by: Tony on May 24, 2013, 02:48:17 PM
Post by: Becky on May 24, 2013, 02:54:22 PM
Post by: Bmcox86 on June 08, 2013, 09:05:33 PM
Post by: whuppinstick on June 13, 2013, 04:41:14 PM
He updated his blog if anyone's intrested
Sorry for the delay, I tried to write a post on here from Silverton but the site was down. I'm in Salida, Colorado right now and things feel like they're gradually coming together for me. The snow in the San Juans wasn't too bad, but there was definitely plenty of it (which is why I was only doing 20-mile days). Since Silverton, though, there's been very minimal snow, so my mileages have been upwards of 25/day, which is nice.
I had a day where I saw 120-ish elk, which was awesome. The night before I slept below a rockslide that had two cows and three newborn calves on it. The cows were trying to escape me but the calves couldn't navigate the rocks so there was a barrage of cow calling going on. Fortunately they seemed to have hooked up again before I went to sleep, but I could see why this is a season of plenty for the predators.
I crossed a stream in the San Juans that had tons of 14-16" trout, but unfortunately I didn't have my fishing pole on me at the time. :( Now I'm carrying it and there's no fish around, ha.
Colorado is so much better than New Mexico so far. I struggle up many of the hills, but am comforted by knowing I'll be in decent shape come this hunting season. :) But man, 12,000' with a 35lb. pack and steep hills.. sometimes I wonder what the heck I'm doing out here. Then I reach the top and get to walk down the other side..
I found out I drew moose in Idaho, so that's a nice bonus that will help guide this training.
Fires haven't affected anything on the CDT so far, but we've still got a couple weeks left in this state. Really, really hoping I can squeak by.
I'm done with the big, long sections for a couple weeks at least, so I'll hopefully be able to update more often. If anybody has any lightweight backpacking questions as they begin planning their high country hunts please ask away. I'm probably a pretty good resource on this stuff right now. One tip is to look into alcohol stoves (google: Pepsi can stove or cat food can stove or alcohol stove) instead of MSR or canister stoves. They're simple, super light, and you can cook a lot of stuff on them.
Post by: JoeE on June 13, 2013, 04:57:18 PM
Post by: kerrdog on June 27, 2013, 06:59:41 PM
I've been following your trip too. I've adjusted my idea's of what's possible and what's needed.
I'd love to hear your approach to hunting Westside Elk. You Da Man. :tup:
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on June 28, 2013, 07:13:36 AM
Well happy trails Whuppinstick :tup:
Post by: halflife65 on June 28, 2013, 08:52:51 AM
Post by: Olympics777 on June 28, 2013, 07:26:10 PM
Post by: whuppinstick on July 18, 2013, 05:03:04 PM
Speaking of which, one of my first journal posts on Trailjournals had my body weight, which was 206 at the time. As soon as I got into Lander I went to the hospital and weighed myself - 170 pounds! That's probably the lightest I've been since high school. I was trying hard to keep up with the calories on trail, but I don't think I was taking in much more than 3000/day and I think I've read that thru-hikers usually burn 5000+, so there was a bit of a deficit there that even Ben and Jerry's (when in town) couldn't make up for. It might be a marketable diet plan (eat whatever you want!) if it didn't require 15 hours of exercise daily.
I was not very enamored with the New Mexico section of the CDT, but Colorado was much nicer. It was tough, though, as much of the hiking was above 12,000' and the terrain was not graded very well. For this reason it was tough for me to break above 25 miles/day in that state. I did hike half of Wyoming and really like most of what I saw, but I know some of the best remains in the Wind River Range and Yellowstone. And, of course, Montana will be great. The Divide Basin (water flows to neither the Atlantic or Pacific, but rather evaporates or goes into the ground) was the last section I did in WY. It's tough because it's hot and there are some long waterless sections (25 miles between good water), but there were a zillion antelope so I liked it.
When I stopped there were just three other northbound CDT hikers that I could account for ahead of me. That would probably leave 50-60 behind me. It is not a race, but I cite this fact to show how well I was doing. When I started there were probably 60-some ahead of me (many have since stopped hiking). I'm not a fast hiker, but I'm steady and I didn't take many zero days. This is how I got so far up in the pack. Also, my body really came around near the end of Colorado and I was feeling very good. I was doing 30+-mile days in WY and felt like I could just keep doing them without a break. I think without scheduling conflicts this summer and barring an injury, I probably could've finished the trail by the end of August. That's encouraging for me to know that my body is still capable of good things (since I'm getting pretty old - 34).
I intend to do a few more posts about gear, but I'll touch quickly on my 'big three' and how they performed for me:
Pack: I reused my ULA P-2 pack which I also used for thru-hiking the PCT in 2005 and many abroad adventures during the eight years between. That pack is a workhorse. It's a bit heavy at 40 ounces, but the durability is worth it to me. On the CDT the pack started to suffer from its age. The fabric has sun damage and some tears began in various places. It probably could've hobbled to the Canadian border, but I anticipate replacing it this fall with ULA's current comparable model.
Tent: I used Z-Packs Hexamid Solo-Plus (http://www.zpacks.com/shelter/hexamid_plus.shtml (http://www.zpacks.com/shelter/hexamid_plus.shtml)). Including the bug netting and stakes, it weighs in at 15.2 ounces. If I thought I was going to use it in real rain I would probably have the extended beak added. I also hike with trekking poles so I use one of those in the setup. I would say I was pretty happy with the tent. I think the .51oz cuben fiber is the thinnest cuben any manufacturer will use for a tent, which means it's both lightweight and also less durable. I've heard that the lifespan of these tents is about one thru-hike, but mine still seems to be in fine condition so I fully expect it to last beyond the remaining 6-8 weeks of the trail. Since I spent $350 on it I will cry if it doesn't make it that long.
This is definitely a lightweight, summery tent. I would probably use it on backcountry hunts through mid-October, but beyond that I'd want to be stepping it up to something with a bathtub floor and a little more protection. I used my Tarptent on my backcountry Idaho goat hunt last October and would be totally comfortable using this tent for that. I used a heavier Mtn. Hardwear tent on a November Idaho deer hunt (lots of snow) and would probably do that again.
Sleeping Bag: Marmot Helium 15 degree down bag. Same bag on the PCT, no problems with it on the CDT. I will only use down, for weight, compactness, and warmth.
If you have any questions, please ask!
Apologies to the people who were looking forward to seeing me finish this year. It's very hard to schedule five months to hike a long trail and I knew this might be my best chance for awhile, so I decided just to start hiking and see what would come my way. I knew I could work around the weddings, but the girl and the moose tag complicated things to the point that it would just be too busy trying to rush to the Canadian border then running back to a moose hunt. This will be my one shot at an Idaho moose so I want to do it right. The CDT will still be there next year...
Post by: whuppinstick on July 18, 2013, 05:08:29 PM
Hey Whuppinstick,
I've been following your trip too. I've adjusted my idea's of what's possible and what's needed.
I'd love to hear your approach to hunting Westside Elk. You Da Man. :tup:
Good! It helps a lot to do a couple practice backpacking trips, both to understand what 30, 40, or 50 pounds on your back means 10+ miles into a trip over rough terrain and to learn what you can get by without. For instance I would never carry a medical kit beyond some athletic tape and a needle, but I also never get hurt or take pills. For me that works, for others maybe the peace of mind is worth the weight?
For westside elk, all I can suggest is darn good rain gear. :) Also probably a heavier duty tent. But with the availability of water on the west side I definitely would not be carrying a water filter; I'd be drinking straight or using Aqua Mira (If you live close to Canada go to MEC in Vancouver and get Canada's version: Pristine).
Post by: Smossy on July 18, 2013, 05:11:09 PM
What was some of the gear you had along with you through your entire trip? I understand you swapped and unloaded this and that through different area's but what items could u absolutely not go without?
Post by: packmule on July 18, 2013, 09:53:07 PM
I'd like to hear more about your food/cooking on the hike. It sounds like you used an alcohol stove. . . how much fuel did you carry, what did you eat daily, what did you cook in?
Thanks!
Post by: actionshooter on July 18, 2013, 10:09:40 PM