Quick tip with the Ursack and carabiner, maker sure you use a strong carabiner, Ive seen a black bear pull hard enough to snap a cheap one clean off like it was nothing (lol we actually watched the bear do it, he gave it one good yank and ran off with the bag).
Every time I watch your video or a post I learn something new. Furiously took notes on this video. My base weight is 25 lb, but you just saved me several more!
I appreciate the thoughtful nature of your gear selection. I know that I am running heavy at 35 lbs ex-water, core weight less food is 28 lbs. I live north of the 49th and bear spray is a staple item, I had to chuckle that you are carrying the smallest can. I've had 4 grizzly, 2 black bear and 3 cougar encounters. Good luck on your through-hike, stay safe.
Yeah, that's why I don't think I could live that far north. I'm terrified of grizzly bears. Ran into three while hiking in Glacier National Park. No thanks. Don't need to experience that again. lol!
New subscriber here. ☺️ Can’t wait to check out your previous videos. I hope to do some trail magic on the CT and CDT. I bet I’ll learn some good nutritional food ideas. Thanks for creating these vids. 👍
Great video, thank you! I’m section hiking the CT this summer (2-4 days at a time as I can) so awesome to see other perspectives on gear. Also FYI if you need to upgrade/replace your Inreach the mini does allow texting without the phone. Only slightly more tedious than the Inreach you have. Hope those “flushable” wipes get packed out 😬
Someone else mentioned that to me about the mini. Maybe I'll upgrade sooner or later. Wipes get flushed after packing out. TP in the backcountry is NOT cool! We've seen more than enough "white tulips" while camping in our van. Bleh.
This is helpful for me. This summer. I am doing a fastpacking on High Sierra Trail, Cresent Meadow to Mt Whitney, out-back. Looking forward to using your lightweight meals. Got my base weight just under 15lbs, but looking to shave a bit more. Got some good ideas, tips from this video. You are always informative.
High Sierra Trail is supposed to be pretty amazing! Hope our recipes work well for your trip. I'm having a hard time not snacking on the trail mix I already made for me hike. lol!
Raingear- sorta skimping with just an emergency poncho in Colorado..I did see the explanation; toilet paper- maybe going paperless; sawyer mini backflush- hope the caps works..betting it will be needed for a month long hike. Have a great trip!
Yeah, we'll see how the poncho works out. I can always switch it out for my rain coat when resupplying if I need to. I've actually never needed to flush my filter on a month long trip. Maybe I've always been lucky to filter relatively clean water?
New subscriber. Great video!!! One idea to consider: Add tourniquet to your first aid kit. You may not be capable of, or have the time to improvise one if you need it. People can bleed out in 5 minutes. The COMBAT APPLICATION TOURNIQUET (C-A-T) by North American Rescue is designed to be applied one handed.
I'm really enjoying your channel. I appreciate the knowledge and how you present both it and yourself. plus, I really like that you practice what you teach. I'm going to try some of your drinks, yogurt, etc... also regarding the water bottle, how often do you need to change it out? I just finished a 5 day hike and I noticed an odor coming from it. I filter water into the bottle and try to keep them as long as possible. your thoughts?
Appreciate the kind words. 😊 Honestly, I can't remember the last time I changed out my water bottle. They typically last a season or two. It's also rare that I have to filter water with lots of sediment, funk from water troughs, etc. I do make sure that I completely dry out my bottles as soon as I get home. Not sure why it developed an odor so soon. Sorry.
When are you starting on the CT? I'll be starting in August but going NOBO. Thanks for all of your tips! I was thinking of multiple uses for the poncho, and you just confirmed for me!
Hiker from bear country here ... don't bother with the little spray. It might be good for a hitchhike-gone-wrong situation, but those little ones have about a 10 ft range, and only a couple of seconds of spray, compared to the larger ones: 8oz, 32 feet for 7 seconds, which is what you'll need if you're countering a charging bear. Here's to seeing them from way afar! Your gear looks great, and I for one would love to hike along with you to get a few tastes of your yummy meals.
Yes, custom orthotics made using a digital image of my foot. They're the only reason I'm able to still hike. Tried every treatment under the sun and nothing worked until I spent the money on the custom orthotics.
@@HM-gk3rq Paid $450 for mine and they’re worth every cent to hike pain-free! Had them refurbished recently after putting well over 1000 miles on them. Good as new for $50.
It's totally a thing! I use Flonase when I'm trail running. Works great, but it's not something I want to use day after day while backpacking. So, runny nose it is.
What a nice video, my friend! Great backpacking equipment review! Enjoyed watching, very useful info. Cheers from Russia, darling, and welcome to my channel about bushcraft tips and hacks! Kind regards, Yuriy!
Hi Aaron. 1. Like your idea with the Squeeze and Smart W. bottles. But. How hard is it to fill the narrow openings in the Seater Bottle? 2. So did you switch from a 9oz puffy and a 9oz fleece to a 13oz puffy. Correct? You get a lot of warmth from the puffy. But what do you give up by not having a fleece hoody? Thanks Rick At a high elevation!
1. If the water source is deep enough to submerge my bottle/bladders or the water flow is strong enough, I typically don't have trouble filling them. If they don't fill easily, I usually have a plastic bag of some sort in my pack. Submerge that and use it fill up my bottles/bladders. 2. Previously, I took my Mountain Hardware Ghost Whisperer puffy (7.1 oz) but it was never warm enough unless it was a summer evening. So, I would also wear my OR Helium rain coat (5.9 oz) and a long-sleeve wool base layer (5.7 oz). Total weight of old set-up: 18.7 oz, 5.2 oz more than my new puffy. I've found that the puffy keeps me warm in windy 40 degree temp while wearing a t-shirt. Should work just fine in addition to a 20 degree bag. This way I also take one piece of clothing instead of three since I'm already planning to leave my rain coat at home (replaced with 3.9 oz poncho).
I tried a Columbia sun hoodie last year and it was a disaster. It was so hot I wound switching with my sleep shirt. How did this one work out for you. I really want to try again.
Same experience. I switched it out for my umbrella after my first resupply. Best decision ever! The umbrella provided much needed shade and kept me dry during the downpours. Wore my button down sun shirt instead without a t-shirt underneath. Perfect temperature regulation - rolled sleeves up/down as needed.
Coghlan's Brand - Here's my gear list with sourcing links: backcountryfoodie.com/colorado-trail-gear-list/ Walmart or Amazon are usually the best place to find them.
Compostable bags by TekPak Solutions. Unfortunately, they’re only available in huge quantities. I’m trail testing them on the CT next month. If they work well, we’re considering selling them in reasonable quantities on our website.
I make a pillow by putting whatever clothing/jackets I'm not wearing into my sleep pad's pump sack, roll it up and slide it inside my buff like a pillow case. Works pretty well. Have never used an actual inflatable pillow.
I use the S2S Aeros UL. It was the tallest I could find. However, I also discovered that by sliding my Gossamer Gear Thin Light pad under the pillow, it raised the pillow up. You can double the pad and get a touch more height. Bonus, the pad helps keep the pillow on my sleeping mat.
isn't experiance an awesome teacher ???? i've heard the same the BOT's !!! { wrkg on a fix 4 that issue } LOVE E E sleeping bags !! as of last year i switched to the Convert custom. 8) 20 degree. a real + in sleep comfort, weight savings.. I agree about sleep so i started using a blow up pillow. Also a MUCH !! more comfortable pad has been added !!! Klymit insulated Static V luxe SL. a 6.5 r value and ( as far as i found ) the only company that made a 27" pad !!! i'm a active sleeper & i cannot tell u how AWESOME it is not to b concerned about pad room on top of tossing about ( restless leg syndrome ) i did order extra straps for my EE Convert to go around the pad but oh my word what a nights sleep !!! How does ur Frogg hold up for durability ???? i hear hey tear easy. but u r not the only person i know of using poncho but no comment on durability. will u b posting ur Co trip on Utube ??? i didn't hear that one. cant wait 2 c how food testing goes......... any hints ????? R u doing the entire trail ?? n or s bound ?? will Chris join u on any sections or solely trail support ??... aka TRAIL ANGEL LOL !!!! GREAT " WHATS IN UR PACK " VIDEO !!!! I MITE join the Sawer squeeze revolution..... which one is ur pref ?? what do u c as cons ????? what makes ur pack sit up empty ??? alum stays or a inner plastic ' sheet ' ?? i'm not familiar w ur pack. ( have to replay to get it ) just rewatched... saywer mini !!!
Pillow: I forgot to mention in the video that I make a pillow by putting whatever clothes I'm not wearing into my sleep pad's pump sack. Roll it up in the shape of a pillow and cover it with my wool buff like a pillowcase. Works great without having to carry a pillow. Poncho: Durability depends on how rough I am on it. I typically get about 500 miles out of one after beating it up on a thru-hike. Otherwise, it'll last a few normal seasons. Have never had it tear, delaminates first. Trip Videos: The plan is to film food and daily experience videos while I'm out and to download them to Chris's laptop when I resupply. Trail Angel: That's a great way to put it! Chris is planning to join me for a few days here and there over the course of the trip if the timing works out. If not, he'll resupply me along the trail via the van every 3-7 days. Pack Sitting Up: My pack does have stays, but it still falls over when empty despite the stays being there. How I fold my sleep pad and have my sit pad situated on the bottom of my pack to keep it upright. Don't spend time looking for my pack because it's no longer available. It's a classic. lol! Glad you enjoyed the video. I'm super stoked about the trip. Fingers crossed I finish it because I have a history of having to go home early due to injuries. Slow and steady will be key.
@@BRB_Doggos Empty water bladders. I remove the carabiner and swap out the push/pull top for a SmartWater bottle top. Here's a link for them: www.walmart.com/ip/Outdoor-Products-Foldable-Canteen-1-Liter-Space-Saving-Water-Bottle-33-8-fl-oz-Unisex-Blue/897281183?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0&&adid=22222222227000000000&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=42423897272&wl4=pla-51320962143&wl5=9031744&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=8175035&wl11=online&wl12=897281183&veh=sem&gclid=Cj0KCQjw4eaJBhDMARIsANhrQADLaIb3WUJbuXoNyUArfDAscqYPD1tDiglWcNIuQMG1xEDYjF64p_MaAs4SEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
I agree with Celynda. Also, the number of dead trees due to the beetle kill is another thing to keep in mind. There were several days that I had to sleep under standing dead trees because that's all that was around me. Crossed my fingers that a storm didn't come through during the night and cause one to fall on my tent.
. . .Retro or Retrogrouch Backpacking" ...I read this in a add on the internet...talking about Backpackers that primarily used vintage backpacking gear...now is this a real thing...is there a new fad called Retrogrouch Backpacking? I know Vintage backpacking gear is becoming more in Vogue. . .then it was... Some call this ("Retro" (Grouch) Backpacking)...for short. Retrogrouch -noun 1. One who is skeptical of technological developments until their usefulness and reliability have been proven. 2. One who insists on minimalist equipment that may be user-serviced, and has proven its usefulness in the past. . . 3. He is such a retro Grouch he still uses a camera that takes film. . . 4.If it's not broken you don't need to fix it. . .
I forgot to mention during the video that I also use the pump sack to make a pillow. Fill it with everything that I'm not wearing and cover it with my buff.
Your right on that but I was thinking it was a lot heavier than that. I went from about a 12-pound base weight to about 8 and to be honest it was the best thing I have ever done to improve my backpacking experience. Less is truly more. I did the Long Trail in Vermont this year and plan on doing the Colorado Trail next year. Looking forward to switch backs and smooth trails. Not looking forward to the blazing sun.
Quick tip with the Ursack and carabiner, maker sure you use a strong carabiner, Ive seen a black bear pull hard enough to snap a cheap one clean off like it was nothing (lol we actually watched the bear do it, he gave it one good yank and ran off with the bag).
Didn't consider that! Thanks for sharing.
Every time I watch your video or a post I learn something new. Furiously took notes on this video. My base weight is 25 lb, but you just saved me several more!
Thanks for sharing that! Glad to hear you've found the videos helpful. :)
I appreciate the thoughtful nature of your gear selection. I know that I am running heavy at 35 lbs ex-water, core weight less food is 28 lbs. I live north of the 49th and bear spray is a staple item, I had to chuckle that you are carrying the smallest can. I've had 4 grizzly, 2 black bear and 3 cougar encounters. Good luck on your through-hike, stay safe.
Yeah, that's why I don't think I could live that far north. I'm terrified of grizzly bears. Ran into three while hiking in Glacier National Park. No thanks. Don't need to experience that again. lol!
@@backcountryfoodie its all good here, the wildlife encounters are almost always benign however the wild country is exceptional.
New subscriber here. ☺️ Can’t wait to check out your previous videos. I hope to do some trail magic on the CT and CDT. I bet I’ll learn some good nutritional food ideas. Thanks for creating these vids. 👍
Thanks for watching! Be sure to say hello if you see me on trail.
Doing the CT also this summer. Always pick up new ideas on these 'This is my gear' videos. Happy trails. Zman
Glad the video was helpful. Be sure to stop and say hello if you happen to see me on trail!
@@backcountryfoodie Will do. Thx.
I was amazed that you kept pulling out gear from the bottomless bag! Great job packing!
haha! I need to create a post-hike review because quite a bit of my gear changed over the course of the hike.
I'm starting June 28th!!! Getting wicked excited
Great video, thank you! I’m section hiking the CT this summer (2-4 days at a time as I can) so awesome to see other perspectives on gear. Also FYI if you need to upgrade/replace your Inreach the mini does allow texting without the phone. Only slightly more tedious than the Inreach you have. Hope those “flushable” wipes get packed out 😬
Someone else mentioned that to me about the mini. Maybe I'll upgrade sooner or later. Wipes get flushed after packing out. TP in the backcountry is NOT cool! We've seen more than enough "white tulips" while camping in our van. Bleh.
Extremely helpful! Thank you so much 👏🏼🙌🏼
Glad you found it helpful. :)
This is helpful for me. This summer. I am doing a fastpacking on High Sierra Trail, Cresent Meadow to Mt Whitney, out-back. Looking forward to using your lightweight meals. Got my base weight just under 15lbs, but looking to shave a bit more. Got some good ideas, tips from this video. You are always informative.
High Sierra Trail is supposed to be pretty amazing! Hope our recipes work well for your trip. I'm having a hard time not snacking on the trail mix I already made for me hike. lol!
Raingear- sorta skimping with just an emergency poncho in Colorado..I did see the explanation; toilet paper- maybe going paperless; sawyer mini backflush- hope the caps works..betting it will be needed for a month long hike. Have a great trip!
Yeah, we'll see how the poncho works out. I can always switch it out for my rain coat when resupplying if I need to. I've actually never needed to flush my filter on a month long trip. Maybe I've always been lucky to filter relatively clean water?
New subscriber. Great video!!! One idea to consider:
Add tourniquet to your first aid kit. You may not be capable of, or have the time to improvise one if you need it. People can bleed out in 5 minutes.
The COMBAT APPLICATION TOURNIQUET (C-A-T) by North American Rescue is designed to be applied one handed.
Great tip!
So lucky to be on the trail.
Yeah, we feel fortunate to lead the life that we do. Working remotely from our van allows us freedom that we wouldn't otherwise have.
Good gear list and explanation of why and how you use items.
Thanks!
Love RivetedOakDesigns! Lindsey made me a custom ultralight weatherproof case for my kindle that is completely awesome.
That's awesome! I'm hoping her hanky makes my nose happy. :)
I'm really enjoying your channel. I appreciate the knowledge and how you present both it and yourself. plus, I really like that you practice what you teach. I'm going to try some of your drinks, yogurt, etc...
also regarding the water bottle, how often do you need to change it out? I just finished a 5 day hike and I noticed an odor coming from it. I filter water into the bottle and try to keep them as long as possible.
your thoughts?
Appreciate the kind words. 😊 Honestly, I can't remember the last time I changed out my water bottle. They typically last a season or two. It's also rare that I have to filter water with lots of sediment, funk from water troughs, etc. I do make sure that I completely dry out my bottles as soon as I get home. Not sure why it developed an odor so soon. Sorry.
When are you starting on the CT? I'll be starting in August but going NOBO. Thanks for all of your tips! I was thinking of multiple uses for the poncho, and you just confirmed for me!
Starting 7/12. Be sure to say hello when you pass me. 👋
Hiker from bear country here ... don't bother with the little spray. It might be good for a hitchhike-gone-wrong situation, but those little ones have about a 10 ft range, and only a couple of seconds of spray, compared to the larger ones: 8oz, 32 feet for 7 seconds, which is what you'll need if you're countering a charging bear. Here's to seeing them from way afar! Your gear looks great, and I for one would love to hike along with you to get a few tastes of your yummy meals.
Thanks for the bear spray tip! I normally carry it when I’m walking my dog when we’re boondocking for cougar and coyote purposes.
Cool!! Hope to see you on the trail.
Yes, please stop and say hello is you see me!
Curious if you use any insoles to keep the PF away? Good luck on you trip!
Yes, custom orthotics made using a digital image of my foot. They're the only reason I'm able to still hike. Tried every treatment under the sun and nothing worked until I spent the money on the custom orthotics.
@@backcountryfoodie thanks. PF stinks. Have a great hike!
@@pgreenx It's the WORST!! At one point in time, I wore a walking cast on one foot and a walking boot on the other foot. Hope you find some relief.
That’s interesting. My podiatrist just said I should get custom insoles and I balked at the price. But if it helps maybe I should go for it.
@@HM-gk3rq Paid $450 for mine and they’re worth every cent to hike pain-free! Had them refurbished recently after putting well over 1000 miles on them. Good as new for $50.
Excellent info! Thanks.
Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks.
I actually got a new self diagnosis! Exercise induced rhinitis… I never knew what it was called lol
It's totally a thing! I use Flonase when I'm trail running. Works great, but it's not something I want to use day after day while backpacking. So, runny nose it is.
What a nice video, my friend! Great backpacking equipment review! Enjoyed watching, very useful info. Cheers from Russia, darling, and welcome to my channel about bushcraft tips and hacks! Kind regards, Yuriy!
Thanks for watching! Glad you enjoyed it.
Hi Aaron. 1. Like your idea with the Squeeze and Smart W. bottles. But. How hard is it to fill the narrow openings in the Seater Bottle? 2. So did you switch from a 9oz puffy and a 9oz fleece to a 13oz puffy. Correct? You get a lot of warmth from the puffy. But what do you give up by not having a fleece hoody? Thanks Rick At a high elevation!
1. If the water source is deep enough to submerge my bottle/bladders or the water flow is strong enough, I typically don't have trouble filling them. If they don't fill easily, I usually have a plastic bag of some sort in my pack. Submerge that and use it fill up my bottles/bladders.
2. Previously, I took my Mountain Hardware Ghost Whisperer puffy (7.1 oz) but it was never warm enough unless it was a summer evening. So, I would also wear my OR Helium rain coat (5.9 oz) and a long-sleeve wool base layer (5.7 oz). Total weight of old set-up: 18.7 oz, 5.2 oz more than my new puffy. I've found that the puffy keeps me warm in windy 40 degree temp while wearing a t-shirt. Should work just fine in addition to a 20 degree bag. This way I also take one piece of clothing instead of three since I'm already planning to leave my rain coat at home (replaced with 3.9 oz poncho).
@@backcountryfoodie thanks for the detailed response!
I tried a Columbia sun hoodie last year and it was a disaster. It was so hot I wound switching with my sleep shirt. How did this one work out for you. I really want to try again.
Same experience. I switched it out for my umbrella after my first resupply. Best decision ever! The umbrella provided much needed shade and kept me dry during the downpours. Wore my button down sun shirt instead without a t-shirt underneath. Perfect temperature regulation - rolled sleeves up/down as needed.
Those odor proof bags you're using, what's the brand (I couldn't hear it well in the vid) and where did you purchase them? Thanks!
Coghlan's Odor Proof Storage Bags
Coghlan's Brand - Here's my gear list with sourcing links: backcountryfoodie.com/colorado-trail-gear-list/ Walmart or Amazon are usually the best place to find them.
What paper type bags are you using to store your snacks in?
Compostable bags by TekPak Solutions. Unfortunately, they’re only available in huge quantities. I’m trail testing them on the CT next month. If they work well, we’re considering selling them in reasonable quantities on our website.
I'm a side sleeper too and I haven't found a lightweight pillow that's high enough to be comfortable. Any suggestions?
I make a pillow by putting whatever clothing/jackets I'm not wearing into my sleep pad's pump sack, roll it up and slide it inside my buff like a pillow case. Works pretty well. Have never used an actual inflatable pillow.
I use the S2S Aeros UL. It was the tallest I could find. However, I also discovered that by sliding my Gossamer Gear Thin Light pad under the pillow, it raised the pillow up. You can double the pad and get a touch more height. Bonus, the pad helps keep the pillow on my sleeping mat.
@@cheri7828 great idea thanks cheri!
The mini? common!
isn't experiance an awesome teacher ????
i've heard the same the BOT's !!! { wrkg on a fix 4 that issue }
LOVE E E sleeping bags !! as of last year i switched to the Convert custom. 8) 20 degree. a real + in sleep comfort, weight savings.. I agree about sleep so i started using a blow up pillow. Also a MUCH !! more comfortable pad has been added !!! Klymit insulated Static V luxe SL. a 6.5 r value and ( as far as i found ) the only company that made a 27" pad !!! i'm a active sleeper & i cannot tell u how AWESOME it is not to b concerned about pad room on top of tossing about ( restless leg syndrome )
i did order extra straps for my EE Convert to go around the pad but oh my word what a nights sleep !!! How does ur Frogg hold up for durability ???? i hear hey tear easy.
but u r not the only person i know of using poncho but no comment on durability.
will u b posting ur Co trip on Utube ??? i didn't hear that one.
cant wait 2 c how food testing goes......... any hints ?????
R u doing the entire trail ?? n or s bound ?? will Chris join u on any sections or solely trail support ??... aka TRAIL ANGEL LOL !!!! GREAT " WHATS IN UR PACK " VIDEO !!!!
I MITE join the Sawer squeeze revolution..... which one is ur pref ?? what do u c as cons ????? what makes ur pack sit up empty ??? alum stays or a inner plastic ' sheet ' ??
i'm not familiar w ur pack. ( have to replay to get it )
just rewatched... saywer mini !!!
Pillow: I forgot to mention in the video that I make a pillow by putting whatever clothes I'm not wearing into my sleep pad's pump sack. Roll it up in the shape of a pillow and cover it with my wool buff like a pillowcase. Works great without having to carry a pillow.
Poncho: Durability depends on how rough I am on it. I typically get about 500 miles out of one after beating it up on a thru-hike. Otherwise, it'll last a few normal seasons. Have never had it tear, delaminates first.
Trip Videos: The plan is to film food and daily experience videos while I'm out and to download them to Chris's laptop when I resupply.
Trail Angel: That's a great way to put it! Chris is planning to join me for a few days here and there over the course of the trip if the timing works out. If not, he'll resupply me along the trail via the van every 3-7 days.
Pack Sitting Up: My pack does have stays, but it still falls over when empty despite the stays being there. How I fold my sleep pad and have my sit pad situated on the bottom of my pack to keep it upright. Don't spend time looking for my pack because it's no longer available. It's a classic. lol!
Glad you enjoyed the video. I'm super stoked about the trip. Fingers crossed I finish it because I have a history of having to go home early due to injuries. Slow and steady will be key.
Where do you get those flat water bottles??
Wal-Mart - inexpensive and hold up really well
@@backcountryfoodie awesome thanks for the reply! Did everything have a liquid product in it? or are they just empty flat water bottles you can buy?
@@backcountryfoodie thank you for the videos by the way I just found your Channel after just decided I want to live Vanlife!
@@BRB_Doggos Empty water bladders. I remove the carabiner and swap out the push/pull top for a SmartWater bottle top. Here's a link for them: www.walmart.com/ip/Outdoor-Products-Foldable-Canteen-1-Liter-Space-Saving-Water-Bottle-33-8-fl-oz-Unisex-Blue/897281183?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0&&adid=22222222227000000000&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=42423897272&wl4=pla-51320962143&wl5=9031744&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=8175035&wl11=online&wl12=897281183&veh=sem&gclid=Cj0KCQjw4eaJBhDMARIsANhrQADLaIb3WUJbuXoNyUArfDAscqYPD1tDiglWcNIuQMG1xEDYjF64p_MaAs4SEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
Is hammocking a good option?
On the Colorado trail specifically, no. Just because of the fact that you will be above tree line for extended periods of time.
I agree with Celynda. Also, the number of dead trees due to the beetle kill is another thing to keep in mind. There were several days that I had to sleep under standing dead trees because that's all that was around me. Crossed my fingers that a storm didn't come through during the night and cause one to fall on my tent.
. . .Retro or Retrogrouch Backpacking" ...I read this in a add on the internet...talking about Backpackers that primarily used vintage backpacking gear...now is this a real thing...is there a new fad called Retrogrouch Backpacking? I know Vintage backpacking gear is becoming more in Vogue. . .then it was...
Some call this ("Retro" (Grouch) Backpacking)...for short.
Retrogrouch
-noun
1. One who is skeptical of technological developments until their usefulness and reliability have been proven.
2. One who insists on minimalist equipment that may be user-serviced, and has proven its usefulness in the past. . .
3. He is such a retro Grouch he still uses a camera that takes film. . .
4.If it's not broken you don't need to fix it. . .
Suppose I fall into the "retro" category now that my gear is four years old and I don't see a need to purchase new. lol!
Stealing pump sack as bagliner🙂
I forgot to mention during the video that I also use the pump sack to make a pillow. Fill it with everything that I'm not wearing and cover it with my buff.
12 pounds isn’t ultralight just saying.
Yeah, for this trip I'm not meeting the true definition of UL (
Your right on that but I was thinking it was a lot heavier than that. I went from about a 12-pound base weight to about 8 and to be honest it was the best thing I have ever done to improve my backpacking experience. Less is truly more. I did the Long Trail in Vermont this year and plan on doing the Colorado Trail next year. Looking forward to switch backs and smooth trails. Not looking forward to the blazing sun.