NS Backpacking Thread

[byubound]

Need inspiration for trip ideas this spring/summer, especially out in the midwest.

Any other people big into backpacking out there? I was out constantly until a couple years ago, did a PCT thru, some oregon coast, and lots of other small trips. Haven't been out a ton recently but want to do more again this year. Might end up working in Minnesota so if anyone has trip ideas out there I would be very interested.

Talk gear, routes, whatever. I'm always game to talk backpacking

 

[elcheapo]

Been upgrading my setup over the past few years buying one piece per year and this year is to replace my torn up wm flight jacket, thinking about tge montbell plasma 1000 because it's 6oz, any thoughts on that jacket?

 

[byubound]

Been upgrading my setup over the past few years buying one piece per year and this year is to replace my torn up wm flight jacket, thinking about tge montbell plasma 1000 because it's 6oz, any thoughts on that jacket?

That would be a huge upgrade from what you got right now in both warmth and weight. I own some montbell pants that are really comfortable and good quality. Seem like really well engineered products. Right now I own a mountain hardware ghost whisperer that I use for backpacking and it is probably my favorite down jacket I own. Weight is also around 6 oz., but it also has a hood which is a huge plus for me. Down hood means I don't need a beanie for chilling around camp or on cold mornings, and also allows me to use a non-mummy sleeping bag without my head getting super cold. Really neat piece of gear.

 

[elcheapo]

That would be a huge upgrade from what you got right now in both warmth and weight. I own some montbell pants that are really comfortable and good quality. Seem like really well engineered products. Right now I own a mountain hardware ghost whisperer that I use for backpacking and it is probably my favorite down jacket I own. Weight is also around 6 oz., but it also has a hood which is a huge plus for me. Down hood means I don't need a beanie for chilling around camp or on cold mornings, and also allows me to use a non-mummy sleeping bag without my head getting super cold. Really neat piece of gear.

I'll check that out ,the plasma has no pockets wich is another drawdack

 

[SammyDubz]

warming up here in NY, getting excited to get back up into the high peaks

I also need some recs for rain gear. gone thru a couple of "rain" jackets (TNF, ll bean, EMS) that claimed to be waterproof but fail when it starts to rain heavily for extended periods of time. anyjuan have personal experience/recs? would rather not have to hundreds to get somethings that's actually 100% waterproof but it seems like I may have to?

 

[SammyDubz]

warming up here in NY, getting excited to get back up into the high peaks

I also need some recs for rain gear. gone thru a couple of "rain" jackets (TNF, ll bean, EMS) that claimed to be waterproof but fail when it starts to rain heavily for extended periods of time. anyjuan have personal experience/recs? would rather not have to hundreds to get somethings that's actually 100% waterproof but it seems like I may have to?

spend hundreds!

 

[vibecheck]

Been upgrading my setup over the past few years buying one piece per year and this year is to replace my torn up wm flight jacket, thinking about tge montbell plasma 1000 because it's 6oz, any thoughts on that jacket?

i thought all u needed was creek water (giardia)

 

[elcheapo]

i thought all u needed was creek water (giardia)

I need my yearly dose of cryptosparidium too

 

[byubound]

warming up here in NY, getting excited to get back up into the high peaks

I also need some recs for rain gear. gone thru a couple of "rain" jackets (TNF, ll bean, EMS) that claimed to be waterproof but fail when it starts to rain heavily for extended periods of time. anyjuan have personal experience/recs? would rather not have to hundreds to get somethings that's actually 100% waterproof but it seems like I may have to?

Are you hiking in consistent rain or is it more of a backup thing? Are you trying to save on weight or just looking for a burly shell? Will it be mostly for chilling in camp or are you hiking or jogging in this jacket?

 

[byubound]

I need my yearly dose of cryptosparidium too

Throw in some e coli for good measure

 

[ModMommy]

Oooo I’m planning a wind river trip, a few glacier trips, and the beartooths.

 

[byubound]

Oooo I’m planning a wind river trip, a few glacier trips, and the beartooths.

Dope, the wind rivers gotta be one of the most underrated ranges in the west. Love that place

 

[ModMommy]

Dope, the wind rivers gotta be one of the most underrated ranges in the west. Love that place

An absolute gem

 

[SammyDubz]

Are you hiking in consistent rain or is it more of a backup thing? Are you trying to save on weight or just looking for a burly shell? Will it be mostly for chilling in camp or are you hiking or jogging in this jacket?

Let’s see here

dont care about weight, save plenty on other stuff. Need it for rainy camp days and days I’m on the trail and bad weather comes in unexpectedly. Not gonna really experience too many long stretches of lots of rain besides in the spring, Adirondacks and green mountains are relatively dry in the summer

Will take waterproof over breathability, gonna be sweaty no matter what lol would rather stay completely dry when the rain does come

really not trying to spend more than a couple hundred if possible. Also got a fat REI coupon for later in the month that I’ll prob use

 

[SammyDubz]

Are you hiking in consistent rain or is it more of a backup thing? Are you trying to save on weight or just looking for a burly shell? Will it be mostly for chilling in camp or are you hiking or jogging in this jacket?

I picked up a TNF futurelight dryzzle last year after going through a couple of hundred dollar jackets in college. hoping it would be the last rain jacket I needed based on its price and supposed performance but wetted out pretty easily. Was disappointed and wannna get it right this time

 

[byubound]

Let’s see here

dont care about weight, save plenty on other stuff. Need it for rainy camp days and days I’m on the trail and bad weather comes in unexpectedly. Not gonna really experience too many long stretches of lots of rain besides in the spring, Adirondacks and green mountains are relatively dry in the summer

Will take waterproof over breathability, gonna be sweaty no matter what lol would rather stay completely dry when the rain does come

really not trying to spend more than a couple hundred if possible. Also got a fat REI coupon for later in the month that I’ll prob use

I've had good luck with OR and Mountain Hardwear shells. OR sells a gore-tex rain jacket for like $200 that is really solid, especially if you have their prodeal. I also like my Marmot essence so much I own two of them, I think it became the bantamweight? It wets out eventually but its unreasonably good for the weight. If that is a concern though, I'd look at anything in gore-tex paclite. I've never had it wet out and it isn't stupid expensive.

 

[elcheapo]

I gave up trying to decide on wich piece of raingear to get so bought a cheap frog togg off Amazon for 15-20$, it works buts pretty fragile and basically disposable but will get me by till simeone invents something that 100% won't wet out .

 

[byubound]

I gave up trying to decide on wich piece of raingear to get so bought a cheap frog togg off Amazon for 15-20$, it works buts pretty fragile and basically disposable but will get me by till simeone invents something that 100% won't wet out .

If you want something that is 100% waterproof and don't care about anything else, check this out. I'm definitely intrigued by the concept of dealing with breathability through only zips and not material characteristics but haven't been convinced to pull the trigger. Cool concept though.

 

[elcheapo]

If you want something that is 100% waterproof and don't care about anything else, check this out. I'm definitely intrigued by the concept of dealing with breathability through only zips and not material characteristics but haven't been convinced to pull the trigger. Cool concept though.

That looks promising and not a budget breaker either and 6oz, hard to beat that.

 

[byubound]

That looks promising and not a budget breaker either and 6oz, hard to beat that.

If you try one please let me know how it is. I've been sewing a ton lately in silnylon and would love to make one if the concept is sound.

 

[elcheapo]

I will but not in any hurry. What are you making I made a tent out of syl nylon awhile back , I didn't do the sewing just designed it, it did not breath one bit.

If you try one please let me know how it is. I've been sewing a ton lately in silnylon and would love to make one if the concept is sound.

 

[byubound]

I will but not in any hurry. What are you making I made a tent out of syl nylon awhile back , I didn't do the sewing just designed it, it did not breath one bit.

I'm a mechanical engineering student, and do lots of high powered rocketry stuff with the school. My latest projects have been big parachutes for the rockets we launch. I've also done lots of tarps and the like for hammock camping

 

[JAHpow]

I'm planning to knock out sections of the Superior Hiking Trail along the MN North Shore this summer. That and hiking the length of Isle Royale (it's only like 40 miles tho).

I had a Wind River trip planned to go into Cirque of the Towers last year but canceled due to a huge storm that blew through. People were saying it took them 9 hrs to go 4 miles because of all the tree fall. Rangers were saying do not come here.

 

[guelah_papyrus]

Make sure you bring a set of skis no matter how ultralight your setup is. You can flex on everyone by ripping that booter you made by the alpine lake at 10,000'.

 

[byubound]

I'm planning to knock out sections of the Superior Hiking Trail along the MN North Shore this summer. That and hiking the length of Isle Royale (it's only like 40 miles tho).

I had a Wind River trip planned to go into Cirque of the Towers last year but canceled due to a huge storm that blew through. People were saying it took them 9 hrs to go 4 miles because of all the tree fall. Rangers were saying do not come here.

Dope man, if I end up out there this summer I'll hit you up, I'd love some trip advice.

 

[JAHpow]

Dope man, if I end up out there this summer I'll hit you up, I'd love some trip advice.

Yeah dude just give me a holler

 

[ModMommy]

Make sure you bring a set of skis no matter how ultralight your setup is. You can flex on everyone by ripping that booter you made by the alpine lake at 10,000'.

We we’re going to backpack up here. I had wanted to ski the Y couloir and hit up a few other patches of remaining snow too. I do not recommend a 5,200 ft gain over 10 miles in one day with skis on your back and all your camping gear. I was so exhausted we gave up on the backpacking part and went home.

 

[vibecheck]

View attachment 997576

We we’re going to backpack up here. I had wanted to ski the Y couloir and hit up a few other patches of remaining snow too. I do not recommend a 5,200 ft gain over 10 miles in one day with skis on your back and all your camping gear. I was so exhausted we gave up on the backpacking part and went home.

i’d die. cool pic fr

 

[SammyDubz]

I've had good luck with OR and Mountain Hardwear shells. OR sells a gore-tex rain jacket for like $200 that is really solid, especially if you have their prodeal. I also like my Marmot essence so much I own two of them, I think it became the bantamweight? It wets out eventually but its unreasonably good for the weight. If that is a concern though, I'd look at anything in gore-tex paclite. I've never had it wet out and it isn't stupid expensive.

I gave up trying to decide on wich piece of raingear to get so bought a cheap frog togg off Amazon for 15-20$, it works buts pretty fragile and basically disposable but will get me by till simeone invents something that 100% won't wet out .

If you want something that is 100% waterproof and don't care about anything else, check this out. I'm definitely intrigued by the concept of dealing with breathability through only zips and not material characteristics but haven't been convinced to pull the trigger. Cool concept though.

interesting concept thanks for the words

very intrigued by the concept of the light heart stuff, seems to get good reviews around the inter webs

got some more research to do before I make a decision, will let y'all know if I end up going w it

can somejuan explain the material/performance difference between this stuff?

Black & Blaze Orange jackets are made from a lightweight 20D ripstop polyester, silicone coated on outside, PU coated on inside >3000mm. HH.

Silver, Steel Blue, & Camouflage are made from LightHeart Gear exclusive H3-0 -Sil-Poly >3000 mm.HH. a 20D Micro-Ripstop polyester

 

[snowmosexual]

Oooo I’m planning a wind river trip, a few glacier trips, and the beartooths.

Im trying to get to the winds!

I've got a couple spring snow camping trips planned. Most notably Blackmore to shred the north face and Hellmouth coulior

 

[ModMommy]

Im trying to get to the winds!

I've got a couple spring snow camping trips planned. Most notably Blackmore to shred the north face and Hellmouth coulior

The winds are unreal. Absolutely amazing. And Blackmore sounds fun, we’re lucky we don’t have to go far for good backpacking!!

 

[elcheapo]

That's some amazing scenery whenever it is, gets me stoked for summer

View attachment 997576

We we’re going to backpack up here. I had wanted to ski the Y couloir and hit up a few other patches of remaining snow too. I do not recommend a 5,200 ft gain over 10 miles in one day with skis on your back and all your camping gear. I was so exhausted we gave up on the backpacking part and went home.

 

[byubound]

interesting concept thanks for the words

very intrigued by the concept of the light heart stuff, seems to get good reviews around the inter webs

got some more research to do before I make a decision, will let y'all know if I end up going w it

can somejuan explain the material/performance difference between this stuff?

Black & Blaze Orange jackets are made from a lightweight 20D ripstop polyester, silicone coated on outside, PU coated on inside >3000mm. HH.

Silver, Steel Blue, & Camouflage are made from LightHeart Gear exclusive H3-0 -Sil-Poly >3000 mm.HH. a 20D Micro-Ripstop polyester

So the black and orange will have a polyurethane coat on the inside, whereas the silver, blue, and camo will be silicone coated on both the inside and the outside. The polyurethane coated one will be more durable and heavier. I also personally prefer the feel of polyurethane on the inside, it isnt as clammy as silicone. Also just judging from similar materials i've used and the pictures they have on the website the poly coated option will be more opaque, most silpoly is pretty translucent.

 

[SammyDubz]

So the black and orange will have a polyurethane coat on the inside, whereas the silver, blue, and camo will be silicone coated on both the inside and the outside. The polyurethane coated one will be more durable and heavier. I also personally prefer the feel of polyurethane on the inside, it isnt as clammy as silicone. Also just judging from similar materials i've used and the pictures they have on the website the poly coated option will be more opaque, most silpoly is pretty translucent.

Yur the man thanks for the info brotha

 

[byubound]

Yur the man thanks for the info brotha

Of course man! I'm a huge gear whore, especially for cottage brands.

 

[guelah_papyrus]

View attachment 997576

We we’re going to backpack up here. I had wanted to ski the Y couloir and hit up a few other patches of remaining snow too. I do not recommend a 5,200 ft gain over 10 miles in one day with skis on your back and all your camping gear. I was so exhausted we gave up on the backpacking part and went home.

Lot's of summer spots in Colorado already calling my name!

 

[ModMommy]

Lot's of summer spots in Colorado already calling my name!

My dad is trying to plan some southern Colorado day trips, haven't really explored that part of the state outside of Durango.

 

[guelah_papyrus]

My dad is trying to plan some southern Colorado day trips, haven't really explored that part of the state outside of Durango.

Hope he's been enjoying some of those storms at Wolf Creek! Multiple 20"+ days so far this season. I absolutely love that part of Colorado.

 

[_Garagely_]

Currently have tentative plans for a 4-5 day trip in late August focused on Mount Stimson in Glacier. Nothing is set in stone but the other guys in on it have pitched in to troll the permit application, and that's a lesser used area, so I think there's a good chance they'll get permits. It's really encroaching on my school schedule but that would be a dope trip.

I've never really backpacked aside from spending a 1-2 nights out to hike/scramble a peak I wanted, but those were all cool little trips.

 

[elcheapo]

Hikes I'm planning this summer, Jake's lake/Mt Fernow, mary/June lakes, snowgrass mtn, cradle lake /highchair mtn/bootjack mtn loop if I have time. And some prospecting trips hopefully but we'll see.

 

[BrandoComando]

I put in for a 4-5 day Glacier NP permit with my lil bro this July. It'll be my first time in Montana if we get em. Super stoked if that trip goes through.

I'm also putting in for a smaller weekend backpacking trip in the Humboldt Redwoods and the northern CA coast in May. Absolutely love that area. It's magical.

Finally, I'm looking into spending a few nights exploring the Ruby Mountains in Eastern Nevada in the early fall once things start cooling down. One of the more underrated mountain ranges in the west imo.

Those are my 3 big backpacking trips this year. I'll probably hit up some local spots like Desolation and Yosemite too, but there's nothing set in stone yet.

 

[BrandoComando]

I put in for a 4-5 day Glacier NP permit with my lil bro this July. It'll be my first time in Montana if we get em. Super stoked if that trip goes through.

I'm also putting in for a smaller weekend backpacking trip in the Humboldt Redwoods and the northern CA coast in May. Absolutely love that area. It's magical.

Finally, I'm looking into spending a few nights exploring the Ruby Mountains in Eastern Nevada in the early fall once things start cooling down. One of the more underrated mountain ranges in the west imo.

Those are my 3 big backpacking trips this year. I'll probably hit up some local spots like Desolation and Yosemite too, but there's nothing set in stone yet.

I got the Galcier NP permits! Took a month and a half to hear back. The NPS gave us our fourth option and moved our dates a bit. According to their website, they received twice the number of opening day applications compared to other years. It's gonna be a busy season...

 

[byubound]

I got the Galcier NP permits! Took a month and a half to hear back. The NPS gave us our fourth option and moved our dates a bit. According to their website, they received twice the number of opening day applications compared to other years. It's gonna be a busy season...

Thanks sick, I'm mad jealous.

Has anybody done the maah daah hey trail in ND? I am hoping to backpack the north half and float the south half in a packraft late this summer.

 

[JAHpow]

Thanks sick, I'm mad jealous.

Has anybody done the maah daah hey trail in ND? I am hoping to backpack the north half and float the south half in a packraft late this summer.

If you like to mountain bike you should do the Maah Daah Hey 100.
https://www.experienceland.org/maah-daah-hey-100/

Nick Ybarra heads the badlands race series. I met him when I worked in tourism in ND. He's a cool dude.

 

[Charlie_Kelly]

I’ve been day hiking a lot lately. On a quest to hike all 67 4k’s in NE and all 48 NH 4k’s by first snow next year.

At some point I’d like to hike the LT but idk if I’ll be able to fit it in this summer. I’ve never done an overnight and feel like I need to educate myself a little more before trying.

 

[BrandoComando]

I’ve been day hiking a lot lately. On a quest to hike all 67 4k’s in NE and all 48 NH 4k’s by first snow next year.

At some point I’d like to hike the LT but idk if I’ll be able to fit it in this summer. I’ve never done an overnight and feel like I need to educate myself a little more before trying.

I'd love to do the LT. It's a great length where it's a long thru-hike but you don't need to quit a job to make time for it.

You should try an overnighter! You got the fitness part down. Getting the gear is a little harder, but you could make it work without spending too much money. My first backpacking trip was in a $60 tent and $50 backpack. I didn't even bring a stove. After that trip I got hooked, starting spending money on lighter gear and hunting for permits. I rarely car camp anymore since it's so much more fun to hike to a cool spot and sleep out in the woods.

 

[SurfinCow]

anyone ever use hiking poles? I have insanely bad feet that hurt after being on them for even short periods of time (I do have custom orthodics and good shoes) and have heard they can help lighten the strain on your legs. Maybe i'll just try my ski poles on a day hike or something lol.

 

[BrandoComando]

anyone ever use hiking poles? I have insanely bad feet that hurt after being on them for even short periods of time (I do have custom orthodics and good shoes) and have heard they can help lighten the strain on your legs. Maybe i'll just try my ski poles on a day hike or something lol.

If I have a heavy pack or I’m putting in lots of miles in each day, I’ll use poles. It helps takes the strain off my back. Sometimes it provides some balance on really techy climbs or descents, but mostly it helps distribute that pack weight. I’d recommend collapsing poles if you got em, but ski poles should work if you aren’t looking to store them on your bag

 

[buck_nasty]

anyone ever use hiking poles? I have insanely bad feet that hurt after being on them for even short periods of time (I do have custom orthodics and good shoes) and have heard they can help lighten the strain on your legs. Maybe i'll just try my ski poles on a day hike or something lol.

Yeah I use them and would definitely recommend if you're hiking longer distances or backpacking. Used to be a hater cuz they look kinda dorky, but they are a huge help tbh.

 

[Charlie_Kelly]

I'd love to do the LT. It's a great length where it's a long thru-hike but you don't need to quit a job to make time for it.

You should try an overnighter! You got the fitness part down. Getting the gear is a little harder, but you could make it work without spending too much money. My first backpacking trip was in a $60 tent and $50 backpack. I didn't even bring a stove. After that trip I got hooked, starting spending money on lighter gear and hunting for permits. I rarely car camp anymore since it's so much more fun to hike to a cool spot and sleep out in the woods.

I have a framed pack that I got when I was in the scouts. Just need a sleeping pad and either ultralight tent or hammock. I kinda like the idea of a hammock, you definitely can get it dialed in and it’s usable pretty much anywhere in the NE. And yeah a canister stove as well.

One thing I love about YouTube is the wealth of resources I can go to.

Anyways, I’ll be hiking Mt Ellen and Mt Abraham (VT) Saturday and Cannon and the Kinsmans (NH) Sunday. Should be about 20 miles total, I’m stoked.

 

[BrandoComando]

I have a framed pack that I got when I was in the scouts. Just need a sleeping pad and either ultralight tent or hammock. I kinda like the idea of a hammock, you definitely can get it dialed in and it’s usable pretty much anywhere in the NE. And yeah a canister stove as well.

One thing I love about YouTube is the wealth of resources I can go to.

Anyways, I’ll be hiking Mt Ellen and Mt Abraham (VT) Saturday and Cannon and the Kinsmans (NH) Sunday. Should be about 20 miles total, I’m stoked.

Super cool! I bet those views are awesome

You should go with a hammock! They're so comfy and the cost/weight ratio is better than tents. And as you say, there's trees everywhere in the NE. If my backpacking routes weren't on so much Sierra granite, I'd go hammock too