Pukaskwa National Park: A Journey Along the Coastal Hiking Trail

Following a memorable trip along Lake Superior a year ago, the author returns for another adventure filled with solitude and scenery.

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Loncke Completes First Unsupported Death Valley Traverse

Louis-Philippe Loncke, a Belgian explorer completes an 8-day, unsupported, solo trek through some of the harshest conditions and terrain on the planet.

Louis-Philippe Loncke Australia Loncke Unsupported Death Valley Expedition — Louis-Philippe Loncke on the world’s first unsupported Simpson Desert expedition (500 miles, 35 days) in Australia in 2008. Photo used with permission of Louis-Philippe Loncke.

Loncke Death Valley Traverse: 8 days, 143 Miles

Belgian explorer Louis-Philippe Loncke recently completed an unsupported, solo trek traversing the length of Death Valley (North to South) in 8 days. Facing scorching temperatures and limited access to water, Loncke had planned to cover the 143 miles in 6 days but dehydration, gear troubles, and severe weather stretched his expedition longer.

Loncke claims that his trek was the first successful expedition of its kind, but expeditions like this are hard to verify. Loncke did not have a car to shuttle his gear or supplies nor did he utilize any caches – he carried all of his gear, food, and water – close to 95 lbs in all to start – on his back.

Watch this video and get a feel for what this expedition was like.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHDb397Wj-k

I love to prepare for such challenges, the pain in the knees, feet, lack of food and water is compensated by this immersive experience with the desert and having the privilege to witness all its beauty – Louis-Philippe Loncke

Loncke’s past experience prepared him for Death Valley

Loncke is no stranger to the hardship that is required to complete a trek like this.

In 2007 Loncke completed one of the most remarkable treks in recorded history: a trek across the entire Tasmanian Wilderness – 310 miles and 49 days. The end became a battle for survival, as he ran out of food, had a dead GPS, and no communication with the outside world.Here are some of Loncke’s other expeditions that led him to the Death Valley traverse:

Here are some of Loncke’s other expeditions that led him to the Death Valley traverse:

2006: World’s first, unsupported trek where someone has climbed all of the highest peaks in West McDonnell National Park in Australia – 205 miles/11 days;
2010: World’s first unsupported trek between its extreme latitudes (north to south) across Iceland – 350 miles, 19 days;
2012: World’s first human-powered (by foot in the mountains and kayak and packraft on Vistula river) trek from the highest point in Poland to the Baltic Sea – 750 miles, 30 days;
2013: World’s first circumnavigation of Lake Titicaca by kayak – 680 miles, 38 days;
2013: Failed attempt at the world’s first unsupported trek across the 2 largest salt flats in Bolivia – completed 110 miles, 7 days.

Has the Death Valley route been done in an unsupported, cache-free style before?

A complete traverse of Death Valley has been completed a number of times – with resupply and water caching.

According to Loncke’s research an unsupported traverse has been attempted twice by the same American who employed a desert cart to transport his gear. The American failed both times (on one trip, his cart would break down and he had to spend too much time repairing it; on another, he lost too much time ferrying gear across difficult terrain so he could drag his cart across it).Loncke believed he could do it with nothing more than strong legs, determination, and a backpack.

Sand Dunes Death Valley National Park Wikipedia Loncke Unsupported Death Valley Expedition — Sand dunes in Death Valley National Park. Photo from Wikipedia.

Quick Facts about Death Valley National Park

95% of the park is Wilderness;
Northern part of the Mojave Desert and borders California and Nevada;
Largest National Park in the lower 48;
Hottest and driest location in the North America;
Broadwater Basin in Death Valley is 279 feet below sea level, and is the 2nd lowest point in the U.S.;
The 134 F temperature recorded in Death Valley in July 1913 remains the hottest ever recorded temperature on the surface of the earth.

Louis-Philippe Loncke Hiking Unsupported Death Valley Expedition — Louois-Philippe Loncke hiking through Death Valley. Photo used with permission of Louis-Philippe Loncke.

The Death Valley Expedition

After some adventurous hitchhiking from Las Vegas, Loncke began his trek in the afternoon sun. He opted to do some of his hiking at night when it was cooler, aided by the light of a full moon. Other than being forced to rest in the middle of the day due to extreme heat and leaky water bottles, the first two days passed without major incidents.

On the third day, Loncke stopped sweating, couldn’t keep his heart rate down, and began to overheat. He reasoned that this state was due to an improper salt mix in his water which caused the salinity of his blood to be to high. As a result, he stopped sweating which is very dangerous especially so in a desert environment. His state continued to decline into day four when he decided to abandon his trip.

And then – as he was preparing to exit, he came across some pools of water where he was able to ditch some of his salty water supply and replace it with fresh water. He decided to continue and complete his trek.

I woke up at 1 am and started walking with the moonlight at 2 am until 7pm the same day. The first four days I stopped during the heat of the day for several hours due to my overheating but the last days I could continue walking even during the heat. – Louois-Philippe Loncke

With each successive day, Loncke’s pack weight decreased and his speed increased. On the final night, he took a risky shortcut through some hills that saved 4 to 5 miles. The next day he completed his trek.

Is it possible to do this expedition in 6 days?

Loncke insists that an “athlete” who prepares well and takes the right gear would be able to do this trip in 6 days. He has the following suggestions for anyone willing to try:

Carry less water (25.5 L total);
Carry less food (14 lbs total);
Start before the full moon to take advantage of its full brightness in the middle of the trip;
Walk 18-20 hours a day (because you’ll have to cover almost 25 miles per day);
Leave extravagant camera gear behind – it’s just extra weight;
He even thinks it is possible to do an out and back trip in 11 days provided you are ready to run on the final day!

How tough was this expedition?

Loncke was on the move for 16 hours a day (averaging almost 19 miles per day) through some of the harshest terrain on the planet. Death Valley has more than 20 different classifications of terrain, limited access to water, and the conditions are hot and dry. The physical and psychological toll, especially on a solo trek, can be excruciating.

Louis-Philippe Loncke Celebrating Unsupported Death Valley Expedition — Louois-Philippe Loncke celebrating during his adventure. Photo used with permission of Louis-Philippe Loncke.

Paramo Socorro and Katmai Shirts (Flash Review)

The Soccoro ladies shirt can be used in the field or while traveling, and makes for a nice gift.

Introduction

The Paramo Socorro is a very light long-sleeve shirt designed specifically for ladies. The male equivalent is the Paramo Katmai. This review will specifically address the Socorro.

The Paramo Socorro is classified as a “Trek and Travel” style, and it is designed for warmer weather. Key details are as follows:

Button-down-front;
Hook & loop closures at the cuffs;
MSRP $100
Sizes available: XS, S, M, L, XL
Average weight (Women’s Medium): 5.3 oz (149 g)

At the time of review, the color and pattern combination shown below is the only one available for the Paramo Socorro.

The Paramo Socorro, a women’s trekking shirt that weighs a paltry 5.3 ounces.

It offers increased wind and sun protection through a traditional-style collar, and has a UV protection rating exceeding SPF 50 meaning the shirt will block out virtually all harmful rays. The shirt has double buttons across the bust to prevent the exposure caused by a gap. It is designed to afford maximum freedom of movement with articulated shoulders. A center back pleat aids in movement and fit and the shirt also has a flattering scooped hem. It offers temperature control through a lightweight, flexible cuff closure, and low-bulk cuff allows the sleeves to be rolled up for cooling. It is made from a dense fabric weave and the shirt can be secured tightly using the cuff closure both of which aid in keeping insects out. Two spare buttons are provided. A discreet passport sized pocket is included, and there is a small, buttoned chest pocket to hold credit cards or train tickets. It is very quick and easy to wash and dry.

Paramo Socorro Performance

I gave the Paramo Socorro to Sue, my wife, to test; it wouldn’t fit me you see…the ladies’ fit was particularly noticeable. She rather liked it – so much so that she declined to wear it in the field, where it might get a bit hassled by the scrub. She said she preferred to wear it as a nice shirt when not in the field. She said the fabric and the shirt felt very comfortable.

The features listed by Paramo are all reasonable and seemed to be true despite the fact that some of them would be pretty stock standard for any ladies’ shirt. All in all the shirt worked just fine.

If you used this shirt travelling the quick wash and dry feature would be an asset. With the versatility afforded by the sleeves and buttons, we think it could be used across a reasonably wide temperature range.

Summary

The Paramo Socorro fits well and is cared for easily. Whether you would want to wear it in the field – that’s up to you. I can definitely see it being worn while travelling.

I am not sure how this fits in with the rest of Paramo’s ‘directional fabrics,’ but I wanted to share it as it could make a nice present.

Learn more at the official Paramo Clothing website.

Note: Flash Reviews are intended to inform the reader about new and interesting products. Any assessment herein is solely the opinion of the author and is not necessarily based on extensive field performance. Learn more about our product review program here.

The Holiday Gift Guide of Lightweight Outdoor Gear for Trust-Funded Gear Junkies

Petzl Ultra Rush Headlamp, Benchmade Osborne Knife, Hyperlite Mountain Gear Dyneema Duffel Bag, MSR Carbon Core Stakes, La Sportiva Stratos Cube Boots.

I get a little tired of reading gift guides littered with junky trinkets that will eventually make their way to the Gear Swap, but I also understand the need for your Aunt Betty to send you a little Christmas sugar that she can afford on her meager social security check.

But what if your Aunt Betty owns a Williston tater farm and secured her oil rights early?

Then you, my friend, are in business.

Send this link to Auntie and all her friends in her Dakota bridge club because Santa’s going to make sure you are GEARED. UP. this Christmas.

All fun aside, I have included items that I think are engineering marvels, products reflecting aesthetic beauty, or otherwise offer extraordinarily high levels of performance. Whether spending the money is worth it to you or not, well, that’s a decision only you can make!

Petzl Ultra Rush Headlamp: $500 & 760 Lumens

No, that’s not a typo:

It really is 760 lumens.

Petzl is going after thrill seekers looking to go fast at night when nothing short of a massive flood lamp will prevent you from toppling head over heels while screaming downhill at 50mph on bike or ski. This should open up more than 50 hours a week of new adventure activity, tap into an untold market of those who aren’t really into daytime adventures, and cause an entire industry to explode wide open.

Key Metric: 9.3 oz w/battery ($54/oz.)

Buy Now: REI | Backcountry.com

Benchmade Osborne Axis Folding Knife – $285

When you look at photos of knives online, it’s hard to appreciate what separates those that simply feel good in your hand from those that have a magical quality to them. The Benchmade Osborne falls into the latter category. A carbon fiber handle and CPM-S90V SS blade combine to make this a precision tool that will be hard to leave behind even if you’re a gram counter.

Key Metric: 2.9 oz ($98/oz.)

Buy Now: REI

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Dyneema Duffel Bag – $595

I spent $14 on my first expedition duffel in 1986. It was made of lightweight Cordura, with a Chinese zipper. It weighed less than two pounds. I used it for 10 years until it was stolen from my car. I replaced it with an obscenely heavy whitewater raft-fabric bag that has been just as trustworthy while still not breaking my bank. So when I heard that Hyperlite Mountain Gear was releasing a six hundred dollar duffel bag, I was laughing so hard tears were coming out.

But then, when I received a media review sample in the mail, I had to cry again – this time, tears of joy. The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Dyneema Duffel is a work of art: clean lines, simple yet solid engineering, impeccable manufacturing, seemingly indestructible fabric, and for its size, remarkably light. Now, I’m crying again – due to separation anxiety, as the bag gets sent to the next poor media schmuck who’s gonna experience the same emotional roller coaster ride I did.

Key Metric: 41.8 oz ($14/oz.)

Buy Now: Hyperlite Mountain Gear

MSR Carbon Core Tent Stakes – $30 per 4

If you only have thirty bucks but still want to live high on the hog, then this product may just be up your alley.

I have to admit that I’m a sucker for really, really light stuff. Especially when that light stuff actually works. The MSR Carbon Core Tent Stakes fall into that category for me.

I used to be a fan of 6″ x 1/8″ titanium skewer stakes (0.23 oz, or so…) but their (lack of) holding power limits their versatility. I now carry a “mixed stake” kit that includes a few skewers, a few aluminum V-stakes, and a batch of MSR Carbon Core stakes. The MSR Carbon Core has a large diameter for terrific holding power in a variety of soils, saves weight with a carbon inner tube, and has an aluminum tubing veneer encapsulating the carbon which vastly improves its strength over a standard carbon stake. From an engineering perspective, these are some of the most beautifully designed stakes on the market.

Key Metric: 0.2 oz ea. ($37.50/oz.)

Buy Now: REI | Backcountry

La Sportiva Stratos Cube Alpine Touring Ski Boot – $3,000

These boots weigh 555 g apiece – 19.6 ounces per boot. The La Sportiva Stratos Cube SKI BOOT weighs less than my first pair of trail running shoes.

Of course, this is a product reserved for the most elite randonee racers in the world, not backcountry Joe’s like you and me.

Unless of course, we have an Aunt Betty with some oil in her backyard…

Key Metric: 39.2 oz/pr ($76.53/oz)

Buy Now: Backcountry.com

If you want to understand a little bit of the culture behind the crazy people who would spend $3,000 on an ultralight ski boot, watch this video from La Sportiva about ski mountaineering gear, or just subscribe to backpackinglight.com and hang out here for awhile.

Searching for Wapiti: An Overnight Backcountry Hunt in the Gallatin National Forest

A backcountry hunting trip exposes the author to new ways of looking at his gear as well as an excuse to go off-trail and wander with a purpose.

Backcountry Elk Hunting, Hyalite Canyon

by Eric Vann
As much as my previous Notes from the Field: Hidden Lakes trip was defined by a warm, Indian Summer, my recent backcountry hunting trip was characterized by colder temperatures and the onset of winter.

I tried my hand at an overnight backcountry elk hunt in Southwest Montana, on Forest Service land flanking Hyalite Canyon near Bozeman.

The details:

I left during the mid-afternoon and returned the following day by noon.
My friend Scott joined me on the first day.
In all, I hiked about 7 miles total; 3 on the first day and 4 on the second day.
The lowest elevation point on the trip was about 6400 feet and the highest point was about 8000 feet.

I like that fall hunting is another excuse to get outside and fits nicely in the between summer adventures and skiing. For me, hunting is a particularly unique way to see the landscape – the quiet activity makes your senses more acutely aware of what’s going on around you.

Photo Narrative

Old Logging Road Elk Hunting Trip Hyalite Canyon — Scott leading the way on an old logging road off the main road in Hyalite Canyon. We left the car just before 3 pm, and with shooting light ending around 5:30 pm that gave us time to reach a higher elevation to start looking for elk.

Off-trail Looking Elk Tracks Follow Animals Elk Hunting Trip Hyalite Canyon — We left the road to follow tracks. That’s the major distinction between hiking and hunting – with hiking your objective is a fixed place, and with hunting the objective is moving.

Elk Hunt Meadow Elk Hunting Trip Hyalite Canyon — After scoping out a meadow that had promise we continued up the mountain determined to find an “elk hangout.”

Wapiti Avoid Boot Prints Trail Elk Hunting Trip Hyalite Canyon — After bushwhacking most of the afternoon we stumbled upon the Moser Creek hiking trail laden with tracks. The only problem? They were boot prints and we were after elk hooves. Elk are known by their Native American name, “Wapiti” which is translated “ghost of the forest,” – they certainly live up to their name. They seem to know when you are around before you see them and they avoid the trails most commonly used by hunters use.

Hiking Snow Camping Hunting Hyalite Range Elk Hunting Trip Hyalite Canyon — Scott wondering, “Why so slow? Oh ya you’re carrying a heavier pack and spending the night…Lucky me I get to go home and sleep in my warm bed.”

Sunset Scenery Hyalite Canyon Off Beaten Path Elk Hunting Trip Hyalite Canyon — With the sun setting, we scope out terrain for possible future hunts and admire the scenery of Hyalite Canyon. Hunting often takes you to surprising places since tracking animals takes you off the beaten path, following a route that is far from routine.

Cold Night Bushwhacking Hyalite Range Elk Hunting Trip Hyalite Canyon — Scott and I parting ways with him leaving me to face the elements, and he facing some gnarly bushwhacking back to the car in the dimming light.

View Bozeman Mt Bridger Mountains Hyalite Range Elk Hunting Trip Hyalite Canyon — The evening view of my campsite: the distant Bridger Mountains to the north and the valley harboring my hometown of Bozeman, Montana.

Fire Food Psychological Benefit Cool Winter Night Elk Hunting Trip Hyalite Canyon — I eventually got a nice fire going to keep me warm. It is amazing the psychological stamina a fire provides on a cool winter night on a solo trip. I practiced Leave No Trace principles by allowing the coals to fully become ashes, and in the morning I mixed the ashes with dirt and spread pine duff over the fire pit to mask it with the surroundings. I boiled water to reconstitute my food on the MSR Windburner stove, which is going through the product review process with us right now. Since it was winter and I was high up, water was not readily available so I made do by melting some early season snow, even if it did harbor the extra fiber of a few twigs and leaf litter.

Cold Night Bivy Sack Quilt Sleeping Pad Backcountry Elk Hunting Trip Hyalite Canyon — Since I was traveling solo and the weather looked precipitation-free, I decided to keep things simple with a bivy sack for shelter. Inside are my pad and down quilt. The views of the stars from my bivy were “out of this world”. However, my summer sleep system met its match on this night – I slept cold.

Morning Tea MSR Windburner Elk Hunting Trip Hyalite Canyon — The best part about a bivy? Early morning tea and oatmeal from the comforts of your sleeping bag.

Remington 700 Rifle Hyperlite Mountain Gear Porter 4400 Elk Hunting Trip Hyalite Canyon — All packed up and ready for a morning hunt. I am grateful that I have been able to learn the ultralight techniques which makes this kind of trip possible. A lot of hunters carry unnecessary weight and gear causing them to make noise and to slow them down. Being able to move quickly and silently is important in hunting.

Elk Hiding Hyalite Canyon Terrain Elk Hunting Trip Hyalite Canyon — If nothing else the view is worth the journey. All that terrain in Hyalite Canyon to scour, but where are the elk?

Elk Scat Elk Smell Wapati Elk Hunting Trip Hyalite Canyon — After hiking for about an hour, I came across some recent elk scat. I followed their tracks for a while and occasionally got a whiff of their scent. Let me tell ya – it’s potent. Alas, I eventually lost the recent signs. They don’t call them the “Wapiti” for nothing and I am in their domain after all.

Elk Trail Lightweight Backcountry Elk Hunting Trip Hyalite Canyon — Unlike the hiking trail littered with boot prints this is the kind of trail you want to find – lots of elk tracks and no human footprints. Many of the elk tracks were heading uphill (opposite direction of my quickly disappearing car) so I begrudgingly decided to follow the few that were headed down. None of the tracks up or down were very recent otherwise I might have decided differently.

Moser Creek Forest Service Road Elk Hunting Trip Hyalite Canyon — Eventually, I made my way to the Moser Creek Forest Service road which was open to motor vehicles. I followed it for a bit and then began bushwhacking again. Maybe next time I’ll drive up this road and get a head start towards a higher elevation.

Elk Hunting Meadow Elk Hunting Trip Hyalite Canyon — As I neared my car I stopped for a break to take in a view of the meadow we had scoped out the previous day. I was hoping to get lucky and catch a herd of elk grazing but I wasn’t so fortunate. There were some fairly recent tracks on the far end that belonged to either a massive elk or a moose. I followed the tracks which eventually crossed the main road a few hundred yards south of my car.

Backcountry Elk Hunting Hyalite Canyon with Lightweight Pack Elk Hunting Trip Hyalite Canyon — Barring an elk waiting for me by my car, the hunt was virtually over, but I was all smiles. Another great adventure in the books.

Equipment Notes: Backcountry Hunting & Camping Gear

Hunting Gear

Hunting was the defining characteristic of this trip so let’s start here.

Hunting in an ultralight setting can be challenging and it must be defined in different terms than traditional ultralight backpacking due to a different travel style and tempo, heavy hunting gear, and seasonal and terrain challenges. Dave Chenault wrote about the quest to come up with a reasonable definition for ultralight hunting. I’m not sure that I fall into his ultralight category, but I did make an effort to minimize what I actually needed to camp and also to bring what I only really needed for the hunt. In addition to my backpacking gear, I brought:

Remington 700 rifle
20 rounds of .308 ammo
Vanguard binoculars
SOG hunting knife
Pocket knife (in case hunting knife became too dull to get the job done)
Elk and deer tags
Black electrical tape (for attaching the tag)
3 trash compactor bags for holding the meat during transport
Disposable ear plugs (like I’d have time to put them on once I see an animal…)
Orange vest and orange ball cap
Bear Spray

Of course, I didn’t have the chance to actually use any of this gear on this trip, so I can’t offer too much commentary on how it worked!

Clothing, Shelter, and Sleep System

Item	Brand	Model	Notes
shelter	Moutain Laurel Designs	Event Bivy	With my pad and sleeping bag on the inside I felt cocooned but was definitely warmer than without a bivy.
sleeping bag	Warbonnet	Mamba Winter Quilt	I slept cold (again). Despite feeling like a cocoon the cold snow prevented my pad from warming up all the way and since I had a quilt it was hard to get fully separated from the pad. As a result, I had trouble sleeping. Next time I think I'll bring a foam pad to put between the snow and my pad.
sleeping pad	Alp Mountaineering	Featherlite Series	Although this pad is a little on the heavy side (24 oz, 680 g) when compared to just as functional ultralight pads on the market it has a unique design I wanted to try. Instead of blowing the pad up with your mouth or an inflation bag the pad is filled up with an attached "pump." Valves trap the air and pushing down in a CPR-like fashion causes the pad to inflate.
jacket	Patagonia	Nano Puff	This jacket is woefully inadequate on its own for this time of year. I complimented it with long underwear top, windshirt, down vest, and balaclava (all of which I wore to bed).

I also brought a set of rain gear and wore my rain pants during the evening as I prepared dinner and made a fire. They kept me dry and warm in my snowy home. The only bummer: they (were) brand new and I now have some holes in them from flying sparks. I slept in long underwear and all of the torso clothing that appears in the table above. When moving, I wore wool socks, trekking pants, long underwear top, windshirt, and a ball cap.

In the future, especially as the weather continues to get colder, I think I’ll opt for a more robust and roomy shelter even at the cost of some weight. I’ll definitely add a thin foam pad for sleeping on snow – going without was not worth the weight savings, even with a fat winter-weight quilt. And, it won’t be long before the Montana winter arrives in full force, relegating my Patagonia jacket to the closet until spring – to be replaced with a winter parka.

Packing

I used my Hyperlite Mountain Gear Porter 4400. Even though this trip was just an overnight, I opted for this pack over a smaller pack because the Porter’s 70 L volume would be nice to have in case I had to pack out meat.

The pack carries well – hunting gear and an overnight kit certainly didn’t tax its suspension. The low-water absorbency of the fabric and the seam sealed packbag make this pack a solid winter option.

Pros:

Lightweight yet durable Cuben fiber material;
Cuben fiber is also water resistant and the pack features a dry-bag-like closure;
Ruck-sack like design and compression straps accommodates a wide variety of loads;
Hip belt pockets for snacks and ammo.

Cons:

I don’t have any external pockets other than the hip belt ones so I always need to open up the whole pack to get anything I need. This of course can be solved with accessory pockets from either HMG or a third party manufacturer.

Footwear

While on the move, I wore Gore-Tex Salewa Rapace GTX Trekking Boots. I choose these boots for their warmth (water resistance) and support. I previously used these boots on an expedition in the Wind Rivers and they worked well for glacier trekking there. I combined them with high gaiters which kept my trekking pants and socks dry. If the snow had been deeper than mid-calf height I may have also worn my rain paints while on the move.

Pros:

Warm even in snowy, cold conditions with only thin wool socks;
Breathable waterproof membrane keeps the feet (mostly) dry and allows moisture to evaporate;
Rigid yet flexible sole which offers support without compromising (too much) comfort;
Rubber toe rand protects the toes from impact with rocks and sticks and greatly increases your confidence while traveling off-trail;
Climbing-style flat area on sole underneath toe area improves edging when scrambling;
Large lugs offer stability on snow and ice;
Reasonably lightweight for a boot (2.9 lbs / 1.3 kg per pair);
For a trip like this they were the “perfect” shoe for me – a great application of being able to use one piece of gear (an alpine climbing boot) for two applications (alpine climbing and hunting).

Cons:

Heavier than trekking shoes;
Become wet on the inside after prolonged use in warm, snowy conditions;

While in camp, I wore my REI down winter booties. After walking in boots all day these are a lifesaver! They are warm and and polyethylene beads on the sole bottoms provide enough traction to move around camp on snow.

Meals and Cooking

I used the MSR Windburner for boiling water for my dehydrated meals. Since there was no running water at my camp, I first had to melt snow. Over the course of several trips, I’ve found the MSR Windburner to consistently boil 28 oz (794 g) of water in less than 5 minutes in cold conditions – a bit longer when I’ve had to melt snow (doubling that time). I had about half of an 8 oz fuel canister with me for this backcountry hunt and I used all the fuel to make dinner, breakfast, and 5 cups of tea.

All of my meals and snacks were items I had lying around the house. For dinner, I had a salmon packet combined with ramen and instant mashed potatoes. For breakfast, I had some quick oats, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and sliced almonds. I also had several varieties of tea with – hot drinks went a long way on a trip like this to keep the ole’ insides warm and toasty.

Instead of bringing a bowl, I brought a Pack-it Gourmet pouch lined with reflective material to help maintain heat while the food was reconstituting. Instead of bringing a utensil, I used sticks and practiced my whittling skills. Of course that was intentional.

Lessons Learned

Hunting vs. Hiking: Backcountry hunting will take you off the well-worn path. It’s wandering with a purpose. Mileage and pace goes down. The sound of silence goes up.
Sleeping Insulation: Even in early winter with moderate temperatures, a foam pad is critical as an extra layer of insulation on snow, regardless of how fat your sleeping bag is.
Wapiti: Elk are intelligent and just when you think you are getting close they give you the slip. Don’t get discouraged. They’re called the ghosts of the forest for a reason.
Warmth: I would like to find ways to be warmer which is something I struggle with if I’m not moving. Insulated pants and a warmer parka are on my shopping list right now.

Max Neale & Sarah Brey Complete 500 Mile Brooks Range Traverse

Max Neale completed a 5-week, 500-mile traverse of the Brooks Range by foot and paddle and learned why bush culture and wilderness are indistinguishable.

Hitch, Trek, Paddle, and Fly: A 5-Week, 500-Mile Expedition in the Brooks Range

The Brooks Range marks the northernmost section of the American Continental Divide. Traverses of the Brooks Range are not uncommon, but what makes each of them unique is their route and style. Max and Sarah recently published an account of a Brooks Range expedition this summer that involved creative use of hitchhiking, trekking, packrafting, and fine dining in some of the remotest habitations in the world. Neale’s account uniquely marries the experiences of traveling through a vast untouched wilderness with spending time in pockets of luxury made possible by Alaska’s resident oil subsidies.

The Route: “Anchorage” to “Kotzebue”

After hitchhiking north from Anchorage, Max and Sarah started at the Haul Road and worked their way west 60 miles by foot to the town of the Anaktuvuk Pass where they picked up their packraft. A combination of walking and paddling took them the 160 miles from Anaktuvuk Pass to Walker Lake (where they enjoyed some fine dining at an outfitter’s lodge). Paddling (and walking their boat in the slowest water) dominated the 197-mile section from Walker Lake to the town of Ambler. Another 107 miles took the duo to the town of Kiana, and the last 58 miles of the expedition from Kiana to the coastal town of Kotzebue was accomplished via bush plane.

Max Neale's trek-and-packraft route through Alaska's Brooks Range. — Neale’s route (red). Photo: Max Neale.

The Alaska Factor: North Slope Community

As I read Max’s story (never having ventured to Alaska), what was especially eye-opening for me was learning about how Alaska residents lived and about the infrastructure that helps support them. On their trip, Max and Sarah crossed near or through several villages and outfitting lodges. The accounts of their experiences – a dichotomy between wild nature and remote luxury – made me realize that the connection between the “middle-of-no-where” (where they trekked) with “everywhere else” (where I live) is a bit tighter than I thought.

Diesel at Anaktuvuk Pass, Brooks Range Alaska - Max Neale. — Diesel, flown in and heavily subsidized from north slope oil revenue, powers Anaktuvuk Pass generators. Photo: Max Neale.

For Alaskans, full-time residency (and for some, never leaving the state) is a badge of honor. “The North” is a region steeped in tradition and respect for the outdoors, hard-work, and self-reliance. In the North Slope villages of the Brooks Range, where pavement is scarce and mail delays can be measured in weeks, life seems simpler and more peaceful. Despite the miles of wilderness that separate habitations in Northern Alaska, Max and Sarah learned that the North Slope residents have a bond of community and service towards each other – simply by cohabitating this giant space that they love – that seems rare in a modern society where two people sitting on a bus next to each other rarely say hello.

Highlights of a Journey in the Brooks Range

Walking through bear dens;
Discovering hundreds of caribou antlers;
The silence of quiet paddling on some of the remotest lakes in the world;
Extraordinarily low water flows that forced them to “walk” their packraft;
Wilderness sand dunes – in Alaskan mountains? Whaaat!

Enjoy their journey in Max’s video, “North With You: 5 Weeks in Alaska’s Brooks Range”:

Q & A with Max & Sarah

What was the highlight of your trip?

Max: As the trip progressed, my mind became ever quieter. I cared less and less about our competitive, consumptive society. The highlight was returning home with a calm, quiet mind.

Sarah: Without question, the 50-mile flight over the delta was the highlight. That delta has been in my dream world for a long time.

What was the low point?

Max: Paddling the lower Kobuk was the most monotonous thing I’ve ever done. There were virtually no views because the river was the lowest in living memory (roughly 60% below the 33-year median flow – we mostly saw tall banks looming above us). It rained at least part of 11 consecutive days, and the river felt like a lake (it only dropped 6” per mile).

Sarah: I disagree. There were views! I enjoyed the expanses of sky and river-time. My low point was the day we arrived at Walker Lake. We were exhausted, eating only cheese and chocolate, and fought through lots of brush and bogs.

If you had to pick, did you enjoy learning more about the Alaska bush culture or being in the wilderness?

Max: Most Arctic villages are dependent on fossil fuels and have a large carbon footprint (they receive huge subsidies from oil production, burn diesel for electricity, almost everything including food and fuel is flown in). Simultaneously, climate change is impacting the Arctic more than any other place on the planet. The villages’ existence relies on the very thing that’s radically, negatively affecting them. Though I knew this before going there, seeing a massive cargo plane filled with diesel land in Anatuvuk made it much more real.

Sarah: This is not a dichotomy to be distinguished. I enjoyed learning about how what we perceive as wilderness is part of Alaska bush culture.

What was the most challenging part?

Max: The lower Kobuk. Kneeling/sitting on top of my feet, which were in a pool of water, and limping for a few minutes every time I got out of the boat was Type III fun—not fun to do and not fun to talk about afterward.

Sarah: The moment on any frigid morning when I had to pack away the sleeping bag and my dry sleeping clothes and slip into cold, sticky, wet clothes.

Was the trip challenging from a fitness standpoint?

Max: It was really hard on my feet. Walking in the rivers and creeks and through tussocks was tougher than I expected. I didn’t do enough to prepare my feet before we started the trip.

Sarah: It required a lot of stamina. There were times when I wanted to (and did) collapse.

Quiet. Immense quiet. Huge wilderness. Nothing threatening. Aching body. Sitting up hurts. Always want to lay down. Loving the uncertainty and anticipation of new food. – Max Neale

Doug Tompkins, North Face Founder, Dies Kayaking

North Face founder Doug Tompkins died as a result of hypothermia after a kayaking accident on a Chilean Lake.

Cold Water Kayaking Accident and Hypothermia Cause Tompkins’ Death

Doug Tompkins North Face Founderl Dies in Chilean Kayaking Accident — “Doug Tompkins” by Sam Beebe – Doug Tompkins. Licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 via Commons.

By now news reports about the death of Doug Tompkins, founder of The North Face, appear in every major media outlet.

Tompkins died yesterday as a result of hypothermia incurred during a kayaking accident. His boat was overturned by a large wave in the cold waters (less than 40 deg F / 4 deg C) of General Carerra Lake in Southern Chile. Strong winds creating waves up to three meters in height were a contributing factor in the accident. He was airlifted to Coyhaique Regional Hospital, where upon arrival, his body temperature was only 66 deg F (19 deg C). Tompkins was 72 years old.

Tompkins was kayaking with friends and outdoor industry colleagues Yvon Chouinard (founder of Patagonia), Rick Ridgeway, Jib Ellison, Weston Boyles, and Lorenzo Alverez.

Doug Tompkins Leaves Behind Lasting Legacy

Doug Tompkins leaves behind a conservation legacy that is complicated and controversial, but one that will have lasting impact for generations to come.

Tompkins founded The North Face and Esprit and grew them into billion-dollar enterprises. At the peak of his entrepreneurial success, Tompkins realized that he was playing a role in promoting the same consumerism that conflicted with conserving natural resources. After selling Esprit, he began purchasing vast swaths of land in South America for the purpose of conservation into national parklands.

Tompkins’ most notable conservation efforts include his contributions of lands that have now become Pumalín Park (Chilean Nature Sanctuary), Corcovado National Park, and Great Iberá Park, a wetlands park that may soon be adopted as Argentina’s largest National Park.

A Debt of Gratitude to Tompkins and The North Face

I for one owe a personal debt of gratitude to Doug Tompkins.

When I first started graduating away from a kit assembled from military surplus stores and towards more functional specialty gear and apparel, I was a teenage climber with a strong thirst for the mountains of the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State.

My first stop en route to becoming a “real” climber was The North Face store in downtown Seattle on First Avenue during the mid 1980s. That store became a source of great inspiration for me, as I learned about new fabrics and how they were incorporated into layering systems; why the hybrid tunnel-geodesic tent design of the Mountain Tent might be a good choice on a multi-day winter climb of Mount Rainier; and why the little aluminum rods inside thin sleeves sewn on backpacks were the secret weapons that would keep a climber’s load stable on a gnarly approach.

My first TNF purchases were a fleece jacket (the Denali), a synthetic sleeping bag (the Cat’s Meow), and a mountain tent (what is now the Mountain 25). I would make many more through the years. I financed them with money from my summer job as a backpacking guide for the boy scouts.

And while the gear was cool, it was the people in that store that had the greatest impact on me.

Store employees became my mentors. They walked me through guidebooks, route climbing strategies, managing inclement weather, and of course, what was then a lost art – saving weight and moving fast.

The employee culture of that store (and in fact the entire culture of The North Face back then) was predicated on a sense of authority. Everyone who worked in that store, from the cool dudes on the shop floor to the manager in the back room (who would allow me to walk out with some awesome gear on a handshake layaway deal) were climbers and backpackers to be respected and learned from.

Even today, walking into a TNF store brings back special memories of my youth. I still like to browse for new gear and try on a jacket or two, but I seldom walk out of the store with anything other than the memory of little seeds of great influence that were sown and cultivated by the legend that is Doug Tompkins.

Thank you, Mr. Tompkins: RIP.

Henry Worsley: Antarctica Solo, Unsupported

Henry Worsley is attempting what could be the first solo, unsupported, and unassisted foot-crossing of Antarctica.

Henry Worsley attempt solo crossing of Antarctica via a route from the Weddell Sea to the Ross Ice Shelf — Worsley’s approximate route for his attempt to cross Antarctica solo, unsupported, and unassisted, by foot (ski). Photo Credit: Henry Worsley, shackletonsolo.org

Update: 25.Jan.16 – Henry Worsley Ends Attempt 30 Miles Short of Completion, Dies Shortly After

Henry Worsley made it to within 30 miles of completing this expedition and was evacuated to a Chilean hospital. He has died of organ failure due to complications resulting from surgery after it was discovered that his abdomen was infected with bacterial peritonitis.

Backpacking Light expresses deep sympathy for Henry’s wife and two children, and his extended friends and family.

Audio Journal (Updated Daily!)

Henry Worsley is waltzing across Antarctica right now. Let’s put that into some context.

I’ve completed a number of long trips without resupply, up to about 500 miles in length and three weeks in duration. Wearing trail running shoes. During the summer. In the mild and benign belly of the temperate regions on the North American Continent.

And they’ve all been pretty grueling expeditions – to me.

So when I heard that British adventurer and Shackleton fanboy Henry Worsley was getting ready to attempt what could be the first solo, unsupported, and unassisted foot-crossing of Antarctica, my mind was simply blown.

He should get some type of award that honors Ti cajonnes just for trying.

Mr. Worsley “weighed in” at the start with 315 lb (143 kg) of gear.

That probably seems a tad heavy to you and me, because we’re, you know, all SUL and stuff.

But at least consider that he’s packing for an 80-day journey. Across snow and ice. Through crevasse fields.

In freakin’ Antarctica!

He started November 17. I hope he didn’t leave anything behind.

Antarctica Expedition: Henry Worsley’s Gear

Mr. Worsley’s gear list must be quite involved. To spend 80 days trying to cross Antarctica has to incite some organizational anxiety into anyone. Here are a few of the more interesting bits:

Satellite Comms: Iridium Extreme sat phone, Iridium AxcessPoint for photo uploading, Iridium Shout Nano for tracking and PLB use
Skis: Ski Trab w/BCNNN bindings & Alfa GTX boots
Flag: The Worsley Family Crest – awesome!
Stove Kit: MSR XG-K + 5L Stainless Steel Kettle – no room for gimmicky ultralight cooking systems when you’re hanging it out this much, I suppose…
Shelter: Hilleberg Nammatj 2 Tent – a 2-pole tunnel for Antarctica?! This is either a testament to Hilleberg tents, a roll of the dice by Worsley, or both!

What will Mr. Worsley’s daily routine look like?

Hear about it yourself in this video from Mr. Worsley:

I also love Mr. Worsley’s video commentary on going solo. It gives plenty of insight into some of what we all experience on our solo treks as well.

Don’t miss Mr. Worsley’s broader-reaching vision in doing this trek, either: he’s trying to raise money to support transition of vets as they exit their service tenure in armed forces.

Learn more and follow Mr. Worsley while he traipses across the ice at shackletonsolo.org, where you can hear his daily audio diary and view photos sent via satellite from his expedition.

Backpacking News Digest (December 4, 2015)

This week’s news: Man Completes Triple Crown of Hiking; A Search for a Missing Climber is Suspended; Explorers Look to Walk 1,000 miles through the Middle East, and more – plus some stimulating forum discussion questions!

About Backpacking News

This week’s top backpacking news from around the web.

If you run into a neat story that might be of interest to our backpacking readership, please drop us a note at submissions@backpackinglight.com or copy us @backpacking on Twitter.

Campfire Questions

Each week: three questions about this weekend’s reading to help stimulate a bit of discussion:

At what point should a search for somebody missing in the backcountry be suspended?
Do we know all there is to know about the High Sierra already?
What’s your favorite backcountry campsite?

My Journey from Injury to the Canadian Rockies

In February of 2015, a traumatic farming accident landed me in the hospital. Three 1800 pound (816 kg) bulls crushed my entire upper body between two steel cattle panels and left me physically broken and devastated. This is the story of my return to the backcountry. It includes information about my recovery and training, the story of my re-entry trip in the Canadian Rockies, and of course, my gear list!

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Mike St. Pierre: Interview with the Founder of Hyperlite Mountain Gear

Mike St. Pierre founded Hyperlite Mountain Gear while working as chef in NYC out of a desire to have lighter gear for his weekend adventures. He has not looked back and HMG is quietly and quickly making a name for itself in the outdoor industry. Read what Mike has to say about his company and his recent adventure in the Grand Canyon.

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UPDATED: 11/30/15 4:00 PM MST – “I can’t login at the new website!”

Alert: 11/26/15 5:40 PM Mountain Time: If you want to access the site and can’t login, be sure to follow the instructions in this Knowledge Base Article.

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Alert: 11/26/15 5:40 PM Mountain Time: If you want to access the site and can’t login, be sure to follow the instructions in this Knowledge Base Article.

YOU MAY NOT BE ABLE TO ACCESS YOUR ACCOUNT WITH YOUR OLD PASSWORD: Most user accounts have had their passwords reset. If you received one or more password reset emails today and successfully logged in, then enjoy the site! If you were not successful resetting your password, or received multiple confusing emails, or perhaps have multiple usernames associated with one email address, then please be sure to follow the instructions in this Knowledge Base Article.

SUPPORT REQUEST TURNAROUND TIMES: Because of the timing of the launch – entering the peak of holiday web traffic – we are going to proceed very cautiously to preserve site stability and security. The bulk of our time over the next 72 hours will be spent monitoring everything and responding only to mission-critical issues that compromise site stability and security. We certainly expect that there will be some problems with some user accounts, but we don’t expect to be able to resolve them all before the end of the weekend – thank you for your patience during this time. We really appreciate it.

NOTE: Some user accounts may need to be manually activated. If yours is one of them, please send a note to customer support (the little question mark at the lower right hand side of the screen) – and thank you for your patience as we get to your request! – it may take a few days, especially with the holiday weekend.

Andrew Skurka Completes Wind River High Route

A “high route” is generally defined as an off-trail, above-the-treeline trek that traverses a range of peaks. And this summer, Andrew Skurka completed a doozy of a high route in Wyoming’s Wind River range – 100 miles and 60,000 feet of elevation gain.

Andrew Skurka on the Wind River High Route — Andrew Skurka at Downs Mountain, nearing completion of a 100-mile Wind River high route.

Wind River High Route: 100 Miles, 60k of Elevation

This is a particularly interesting story for me because high routes are my own passion when it comes to wilderness travel styles, and I’ve completed a handful of high routes of varying lengths in the Winds.

Lots of attention has been given to “high routes” through the years – and for good reason: they take you above the treeline (so they’re scenic), they take you off trail (so they’re remote and offer solitude), and ‘there’s no markers, blazes, or signs (so they offer navigational challenges).

Some of the classic high routes, of course, include Roper’s (High Sierra, CA) and Petzoldt’s (Tetons, WY). You can now add, perhaps, Skurka’s (Wind Rivers, WY) to the list.

He recently pieced together a beautiful route that captures the essence of what a high route is all about. It is, of course, “yet another Wind River high route”. High routes have been “invented” in the Winds since the 1960s. But Skurka takes it to a new level, and his high route is the real deal.

He writes:

The world-class Wind River High Route is a 100-mile backpacking route through Wyoming’s Wind River Range. It is bookended with two 13,000-foot peaks, features 60 miles of off-trail travel, hovers usually between 10,000-12,000 feet, and never crosses a road. It is best completed as a continuous point-to-point thru-hike, but it can also be section-hiked via shorter loop routes.

Andrew hiked it in 4.5 days. That’s quite a clip for a hundred miles and 60k of vert through talus and tundra and passes and ridges, but us mere mortals should still be able to enjoy the route in a pair of joggers and carry a pretty light pack.

Backpacking Light 101 (Curated Collection)

We’ve hand picked these pieces to give you a solid foundation of what we think are important pieces to the vast mosaic of lightweight backpacking information. We hope you find these articles to be valuable on your road to traveling lighter in the backcountry.

Access to the entire content of some of the articles below may require a Premium or Unlimited Membership.

Start Here

Gear Lists

Watch The 60-Second Backpacker, Episode 1: Weigh Your Stuff

Next, watch Episode 2, Leave the Kitchen Sink at Home

Backpacking Checklist (Gear List): 3-Season, 3-Day

State of the Market Reports

Research & Technology Reports

Techniques

Places

Nigor Didis 2 Tunnel Tent Review Part 1

Tunnel tents are known for their robust frames and thriving in inclement weather. Does this tent from outdoor industry newcomer Nigor uphold to these standards?

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JepPaks Alpine Pack Spotlite Review

The JepPaks Alpine pack combines durable materials with a slim, lightweight design yielding a pack that is well-suited for efficient and fast alpine travel.

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Lightweight Backpacking News: Digest No. 26

In This Month’s News: Woman Plans 5-Year Trek Across the Americas; Man and Woman Meet and Marry on the PCT; UL Sleeping Bag and Quilt Comparison Table; Ingredients for Planning an Expedition; Beginner Tenkara Tips; and much more!

Expeditions

Man Crosses Scotland by Foot

David Brown joined the Great Outdoors Challenge sponsored by the British outdoor magazine, “Great Outdoors” for a 13-day, 200-mile walk from west to east across Scotland. The Great Outdoors Challenge helps about 300 people each year with the logistics and advice to complete this trek. On his trek from sea to sea, Brown learned to savor the moments in quiet while alone and experience the joy of meeting another hiker on the trail and swapping stories. While on the trail, Brown stayed in hostels or bed & breakfasts every couple of nights but that was not to say his trip was without hardship. Harsh weather forced Brown to wear all the warm clothing he brought on one particularly stormy day which tested his determination and fitness. Also Scotland’s hills are round and bare so what appears to be the summit often turns out to be just another ridge as the hill stretches skyward.

Read the full report on the Great Outdoors Challenge from National Post.

Girl Completes One-Year Backpacking Journey Across Latin America

Elodie, author of Further But Closer, wrote the story to chronicle her year spent in Latin America where she was determined to live as the inhabitants do and experience their lifestyle. She spent the year backpacking and exploring countries across Latin America. From the food to the sights she was fully engaged in the experience. She produced a video showing her travels and all she learned.

Watch the video showing her experience living as a local from Daily Motion.

Friends Reunite for 8-day Trip in Arctic Circle

Ten friends from Knoxville, Kentucky ventured to Gates of the Arctic National Park. Their trip was filled with the usual hardship brought to you by the Brooks Range; wet conditions, tundra, and mountain passes are the ingredients for a challenge and a memorable trip. Halfway through they faced a raging stream and used teamwork and ingenuity linking arms and step by step forded the stream because there was no turning back. Even reaching the park entrance is an adventure as the surrounding area is devoid of roads, cell phone service, and other amenities of modern living. After a plane flight into the heart of the park from Bettles, Alaska (year-round population of 12), some adventures along the way both by plane and foot, and a plane flight back to Bettles these adventurers were ready to share their stories with their family, friends, and the world.

Read the full report on the Brooks Range adventure from Knox News.

CLIMBING THE NOSE OF EL CAPITAN – The video below shows European climber, Jorge Verhoeven’s October 2014, thirty-day attempt climbing the nose of El Capitan which has only seen four ascents since 1993.

IMPORTANT: If you don’t see the video immediately below, or see a “Sorry…” message in the video player, just click this link to refresh the page, and you’ll be good.

IMPORTANT: If you don’t see the photo immediately below, just click this link to refresh the page, and you’ll be good.

16 Trips to Add to Your Bucket List

Who needs a vacation? “16 Astounding Backpacking Trips To Add To Your Bucket List” http://t.co/FR9mlDaOI0 (via @BuzzFeed)
— Sierra Club (@sierraclub) October 19, 2015

FIRST TIME TO HAWAII? – Daily News has these trail recommendations for you.

BOARDPACKING ON WESTSIDE VANCOUVER ISLAND – Elder SUP reports on some friends who strap their gear to a stand up paddle board as a way to look for adventure.

Outfitters Hard at Work in Denali National Park

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See outfitters working in Alaska’s DENALI NATIONAL PARK #backpacking #climbing @DenaliNPS http://t.co/DWyG8II5I3 pic.twitter.com/4RuMyZ0ruh

— Brown’s Guides (@BrownsGuides) October 12, 2015

MOTHER AND DAUGHTER THRU-HIKE JOHN MUIR TRAIL – Kaweah Commonwealth reports on mother-daughter duo who spent the summer hiking the JMT.

Photo of the Month

Wouter Boer an adventurer from the Netherlands who explores much of Northern Europe stops to in northern Scandinavia for an iconic photo along the rim of a glacier.

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Roaming Norwegian and Swedish grounds this week with backpack and tent.. There will be very little signal so this is my last post for a while #offgrid ?

A photo posted by Wouter Boer (@wouter.boer) on Oct 24, 2015 at 10:48pm PDT

Skills

Ingredients for Planning an Expedition

Alastair Humphreys is a well-traveled man. That’s actually a bit of an understatement. He has traveled across India by foot, Iceland by packraft, across the Empty Quarter Desert with a cart, and has even biked across the whole world – a journey that took four years. These adventures have given him a lot of perspective about life and what it takes to plan an expedition. He insists that the best adventures are simple, but agrees that they may not be easy. He does believe they are worth it as challenges lead to learning and memories. In his recent blog post, Humphreys lays down the basic ingredients for planning an expedition and the steps needed to make those dreams a reality. In addition to covering equipment, budget, training, and logistics Humphreys also interviews other experts who offer their insights on the best ways to start your next adventure.

Read the full report on the expedition ingredients from Alastair Humphreys.

10 Ways to Go Lighter

Although we subscribe to Backpacking Light, a refresher on some tactics to lighten your load is never a bad idea. Sometimes they are obvious taking less gear, choosing trekking shoes over boots, and choosing lighter versions of the gear. Other times methods like looking for ways to multi-task and cut redundancy in your gear can make a significant difference in your pack weight. Going light is a mindset where you challenge yourself to see how much you can really leave behind.

Read the lightweight techniques from Camping Canuck.

5 Tips to Seeing More Wildlife on Your Thru-Hike

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5 Tips for Seeing More Wildlife on Your Thru-Hike: https://t.co/RMCk7AoVbC by @WildWhiteBlazin #backpacking #hiking pic.twitter.com/gGYaV1PqPX

— Appalachian Trials (@AppTrials) November 2, 2015

10 Beginner Tenkara Tips

Any new endeavor can be frustrating if begun the wrong way. On the flip side, there is no substitute for learning the right way to do something. The same is true with Tenkara Fly Fishing. Tenkara rods are a great compliment for your lightweight kit swapping food rations for a rod and tackle. Plus tasty, fresh fish is a blessing on any backpacking trip. Furthermore, they offer another form of wilderness recreation and a way to unwind after a long day. Before you begin this sport, there are some tips that will increase your enjoyment and decrease your frustration. Tenkara, devoid of a reel and and a lot of line is already a step ahead of traditional fly fishing in terms of simplicity. Nevertheless, learning proper techniques under an expert, having the right gear and fishing equipment, and learning trout behavior can make a big difference and increases your success rate.

Read the beginner tenkara tips from Section Hiker.

How to Budget to Travel the World

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Looking for a Saturday morning read? See how I budgeted to travel 14 countries over 2 years- http://t.co/zOrTG8UImh pic.twitter.com/cKRXOu3YBD
— i come undone (@icome_undone) October 10, 2015

TRAINING FOR HIKING MAKES A DIFFERENCE – According to Poughkeepsie Journal, Hiking is fun only as long as you are in shape. For a long thru-hike or a multi-week adventure there is time to work into your fitness, but for a shorter expedition a lack of fitness can lead to misery and sometimes it becomes impossible to complete your trip’s goals. Fitness is only acquired through persistent training.

Gear

Andrew Skurka Completes Long-Term Review of Third Generation SPOT

Andrew Skurka has used his third generation SPOT for several years with an estimated 100 days over the last two years so he feels comfortable giving a long-term review. In his review, Skurka stresses that there are a lot of emergency and non-emergency satellite devices available and they all have strengths and weaknesses, and the most important factor for choosing a device is the intended use. The third generation SPOT is ideal for someone who values the weight of every item in their pack and doesn’t mind one-way communication. In some, circles the latter may be viewed as a weakness while it is a blessing for others who want to have an ability to communicate in an emergency without the temptation of a two-way communication device like a satellite phone. There are severe limitations with one-way communication; SPOT only has four features, OK, Help, SOS, and Custom Message, so in emergencies with multiple injuries, unique terrain features, or other complicating factors SPOT may be inadequate to address the scenario. As a result, it is best for shorter, less remote trips where access to advanced medical care is not too far away. For long expeditions, the SPOT should be accompanied by a two-way communication device that can facilitate the complicated features of the scenario and coordinate evacuation.

Read the full report on the third generation SPOT from Andrew Skurka.

A Geek’s Guide to Ultralight Backpacking

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Great article from @chrisbrinleejr on #UltralightBackpacking https://t.co/4XReA1yxzC

— Hyperlite Mtn Gear (@HyperliteMGear) October 29, 2015

Gear Comparison Table Simplifies Trip Logistics

Often times, choosing the right gear for an expedition can be very taxing. It’s even worse when you don’t have the right information or have to spend hours scouring the internet doing research. It is much easier to make decisions when the information is right in front of you, and all you have to do is classify the type of trip you are doing, and characterize the expected weather conditions and the difficulty of terrain. Mark of Mark’s Walking Blog recognized this fact so he compiled a list of the UL sleeping bags and quilts 1 lb or less. The result is a very comprehensive and detailed table showing weight, price, construction, links to reviews, and comments for a wide variety of UL sleeping bags and quilts. He has plans to add more gear comparison tables so keep your eye out.

Checkout the UL sleeping bags and quilts gear comparison table from Mark’s Walking Blog.

Are Trekking Poles Needed?

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Trekking Poles – Are they needed while #hiking & #backpacking? Thoughts from the community: http://t.co/bYCtSWg0lx pic.twitter.com/XOQufEJHyn
— TrailGroove Magazine (@TrailGroove) October 12, 2015

Deuter Fox 30 Backpack Review Works Well for Kid’s Backpacking Trips

Some of the challenges associated with backpacking or hiking with young kids aside from the obvious are those associated with subpar gear. Often kids’ backpacks are poorly constructed and fall apart easily. The Deuter Fox 30, a 2 lb 10 oz pack although not necessarily ultralight carries well and has enough space (2,000 cubic inches) for kids to carry their sleeping bag and some other items. The Deuter Fox 30 is an adult pack shrunk to kid size which teaches them how to pack a real backpack from an early age.

Read the full review from Trail Cooking Blog.

LIGHTEST REUSABLE RAZOR NOW AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER – The travel edition of the 3d printed Nylon Ockham Razor is now available for pre-order on Indiegogo and Kickstarter.

MCNETT CORPORATION ACQUIRED BY COGHLAN’S LTD. – McNett Corp makers of Gear Aid (Tenacious Tape) and Aquamira announced earlier this month that it was being acquired by Coghlan’s Ltd of Canada which makes a range of outdoor accessories. Business is expected to continue as usual and Duane and Nancy McNett former owners of McNett Corp. are looking forward to their retirement.

People

With His Wife as His Support Team 74-Year-Old Man Hikes the Appalachian Trail

After years of wanting to hike the AT, Michael Venus delegated some of the responsibility of his mechanical engineering business to his son and decided to hit the trail. His wife, Rita was his support staff and made the thru-hike possible. She would bring him dry clothes after rain and bananas to keep his potassium levels up during his 6-month thru-hike. Each night, she would drive him to the nearest hotel except for a few days when he slept in a tent or cabin. He endured the hardships of the walk; the physical toil and the loneliness and in the end he became the fourth oldest man to hike the Appalachian Trail. He was never really alone, his wife was shadowing him the whole way. Aside from keeping herself busy as his “sherpa,” Rita became a tourist exploring and shopping in trail towns from Georgia to Maine. Her help was not only indispensable from a logistical standpoint but her backbone of encouragement and practicality helped Michael finish the trip. Near the end, as the trail winds through New Hampshire, the terrain increases in difficulty and the weather worsened, Rita’s support and advice enabled Michael to take it one step at a time and ultimately finish the thru-hike.

Read the full story about this dynamic duo from NJ.

Hendrik Morkel Enjoying the Via Dinarica Trail

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Day 3 of my #ViaDinarica #backpacking trip: https://t.co/3HHUUgzTHX #hiking #mountaineering pic.twitter.com/UpkwuiyMoO

— Hendrik Morkel (@hendrikmorkel) October 15, 2015

A Man and Woman meet on the Pacific Crest Trail and Marry

Before Claire Henley left on her PCT thru-hike in April 2015, she told her family she was going to meet her future husband on the trail. And she did. Two weeks after “Big Spoon” (her husband’s trail name) caught up to her on the trail they knew they wanted to be married. They say you get to know people very fast on the trail as you get to see their genuine self as they struggle with the rigors of the trail. Shortly, after the proposal and calls to their respective families, Claire and Big Spoon were married in a remote Los Angeles county courthouse. Afterwards they set off on the trail again, together to finish their hike.

Read the Claire’s account of her Pacific Crest Trail adventure and Marriage from Chattanoogan.

88-Year-Old Women AT Hiker Offers Advice from 40 Years of Trail Hiking

Nancy Weaver has spent forty years hiking sections of the Appalachian Trail. She started out backpacking with her late husband and her sons, and now goes out with friends. Over the years, she’s learned the lightweight way to do it. After years of observing people struggle under the weight of lots of gear they never used, Weaver concluded that the best strategy was to not bring a lot of gear because you need to carry it. She thrived on minimalism and perseverance as she met all the challenges she faced whether bears or torrential rain with determination.

Read the advice on making hiking a lifetime committment from Al.

The Six Characteristics of Successful Thru-Hikers

IMPORTANT: If you don’t see the photo immediately below, just click this link to refresh the page, and you’ll be good.

6 characteristics of successful thru-hikers: https://t.co/Zk2ECIpvvp #AppalachianTrail #Hiking #Backpacking pic.twitter.com/hwSnSkKKAY
— Appalachian Trials (@AppTrials) October 30, 2015

Tom Hills running in Scottish Highlands. Photo by Chris Davies courtesy of Sidetracked.com.

MAN RUNS UP SULIVEN MOUNTAIN IN SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS – Sidetracked has the story of Tom Hill a trail runner. While we don’t think any records were set, Chris Davies with camera in tow follows Tom Hill up the mountain and in the process shows us that running can be meditation.

IMPORTANT: If you don’t see the video immediately below, or see a “Sorry…” message in the video player, just click this link to refresh the page, and you’ll be good.

SENIOR HIKING GROUP GIVES NEW MEANING TO “VITALITY” – Centre Daily News shares the story of a group of seniors who get outside every Tuesday morning for a hike in Central Pennsylvania.

HEATHER ANDERSON SETS RECORD FOR APPALACHIAN TRAIL – Heather “Anish” Anderson, a personal trainer from Seattle recently set the record for the fastest known time in a self-supported fashion on the Appalachian trail. Outside Online writes how it may have been her determination from being a trainer that gave her the mental edge to do the impossible. Also read, my interview with Anish about her life and her recent accomplishments on Backpacking Light.

TRAINING TIPS FROM A 74-Year-Old AT THRU-HIKER – ABC News reports on the training she undertook to prepare her mind and body for the grueling trail.

Brooks Range Summer 2015 – fragments: Part 1

Time in the outdoors gives us a chance to question ourselves and find the primary motivation for fear. Oh and there are bears too.

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MYOG: Backpacker’s Pot Stand

A simple design makes this one of the easiest MYOG projects we’ve published. The result is a lightweight, compact pot stand for your alcohol stove.

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Faces No. 4: Heather “Anish” Anderson

Anish set the self-supported record for the Appalachian Trail at the end of September, and is the first person to hold simultaneous records on the AT and the PCT.

(Faces is an interview series that will focus on letting you the BPL reader get to know more about people in the outdoor community.)

Some of the people interviewed may be people that have a relationship in the BPL forums. You can expect content from people that work in the outdoor industry, photographer’s, gear makers, athletes, or bloggers, scientists, and of course backpackers. The goal here is to give you a perspective of these individuals’ lives, backgrounds, and what they currently do. We want to share their thoughts, passions, and the stories that are the most memorable to them with you. This interview will be with Heather “Anish” Anderson who set the self-supported record for the Appalachian Trail on September 24th finishing in 54 days, 7 hours, and 48 minutes. In 2013, she also set the record for the Pacific Crest Trail finishing in 60 days, 17 hours and 12 minutes. She is the only person to ever hold both records simultaneously. She attempted to set the record for the John Muir Trail in 2014, but ultimately fell short. She has a tireless desire to see what she can prove to herself and she cites that as her primary motivation. This interview focuses on her life and what led her to make her life backpacking.

First, I want to ask you some questions about you:

Where are you from and when did you become excited about the outdoors?

I’m originally from Michigan. I did my first hikes at Grand Canyon National Park, but I really truly fell in love with backpacking when I thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail in 2003. Although I had no prior backpacking experience, my first journey on the AT set my course in life. By the time I’d traveled 200 miles I knew that there was nothing else I wanted to do in life except be in the outdoors.

Anish on a firetower somewhere along the AT in 2003.

How did you get your trail name?

My great-great grandmother was Anishinaabe which is a Native American people of the upper Midwest. I wanted to honor that part of my heritage and named myself Anishinaabe on the AT in 2003. Other hikers shortened it to Anish.

Next some questions about your long thru-hikes:

How much did you sleep while on the trail? What was your typical daily hiking routine?

On the AT in 2015 I slept between 4 and 5 hours a night. I woke up every day at 4, ate breakfast, packed up camp and was walking by 4:30. I would walk for the next 17-19 hours. Then I would pitch my tent, eat dinner (which was soaked in a Ziploc) and sleep. During the day I ate snacks hourly, reminded by a chime on my watch. I stopped for water every 20 miles or so. Around 6:30pm I would add water to my dinner. Aside from that I seldom stopped.

Morning in the tent.

What were the differences and similarities between your AT and PCT record thru-hikes?

The trails are quite dissimilar and therefore thru-hikes on them are as well. The PCT was characterized by overcoming fear and discovering potential. The AT was characterized by personal growth and self-actualization: being the absolute best hiker I could be each and every day.

Anish on Max Patch.

You were on the trail for 54 days for the AT and 60 days for the PCT by yourself. Did you feel alone? How did you pass the time? Were there times when you’d hike with others?

Sometimes I felt alone, even though there were people around. Oddly, though there were more people on the AT than the PCT, I felt much more solitude on the AT. I think because most people didn’t really stop to interact. They just said hi and hiked on. Most everyone on the PCT wanted to chat.

Passing the time was easy. I was hiking. I don’t really get bored when I’m hiking, especially on the AT. There’s always something going on. The forest is very alive. Chipmunks were an especially lively source of entertainment during the day. At night I was serenaded by owls, which was lovely to listen to. On the times that I did get bored I would listen to music, but never for more than an hour.

I hiked with two other SoBo’s (southbounders) the final few miles of Massachusetts. We all were headed up the climb at the same time. They headed into the Hemlocks Shelter and I continued on into Connecticut that night. I also walked about a mile with a SoBo outside of the Delaware Water Gap. She and I were headed into the same shelter to get water.

Anish with a fellow SoBo near the Hemlocks Shelter in MA. Photo Courtesy Liam Cameron.

What led to the JMT record attempt coming up short? Do you view that attempt as a failure? And how did you get motivated to try for the AT record?

In short, I didn’t succeed with my goals on the JMT in 2014 because of extreme AMS. I wrote a pretty extensive blogpost about it at the time which folks can read here. I don’t perceive anything that you learn from in life as a failure. I learned a lot about myself on the JMT, probably more than I have ever learned in any other endeavor. Therefore, I cherish it as one of the best experiences of my athletic career. Much of what I learned there didn’t really come to light until I was on the AT. Often it takes a separate endeavor to cast light on the lessons of a previous one. Motivation for the AT record was easy. I believed deep down that it was something I had to do for myself.

Extreme AMS on Mather Pass 2014.

What’s your favorite piece of gear? Why? What’s your most used gear item?

My favorite piece(s) of gear have been my ZPacks tents. I used the Hexamid on the PCT and the Soloplex on the AT. I slept in them every night I camped on the trail. They are light, easy to set up, keep the creepy crawlies out, and are well designed. My most used item would be my backpack. I use a Gossamer Gear Gorilla.

Anish at the ATC Center in Harper’s Ferry with her Gorilla..

How do you train to hike 45 miles a day? How active are you when you are off the trail?

As with any thru-hike nothing really trains you to hike all day except hiking all day. That said, any athletic advantage you bring to the trail will make the adjustment easier. Prior to the PCT I was injured (knee) and didn’t run or hike more than about 10-15 miles a week for the 6 months prior. Instead I did a lot of strength training. The adaptive phase (the first 10 days) of the hike was brutal. I started the AT much more fit and the adaptive phase was considerably easier. I am highly active year round. I run ultramarathon distances (although I don’t race much). I mountaineer (my training for the AT was primarily ascending 22 of the highest 100 peaks in Washington state in the 3 months prior, including Rainier). I am also a rock climber and enjoy yoga and weightlifting. I am a personal trainer by profession because being healthy and active is my passion and I enjoy sharing it with others.

Anish climbing Mt. Fernow, the 8th highest peak in Washington, 6 days after finishing her AT FKT hike.

When you hiked the AT which way did you hike? Did you start in Maine or Georgia? What about for The PCT? Why did you pick one direction over the other?

My first hikes of both trails were NoBo (northbound). My fastest known time (FKT) hike on the PCT was also NoBo. My FKT hike on the AT was SoBo (southbound). I chose to go NoBo on the PCT because that afforded the most services, daylight, and coincided with the two snowpacks that year. I chose SoBo on the AT to cover the more technical terrain while I was fresh.

Tell us about your most memorable experience from one of your thru-hikes.

As I crossed yet another bald in North Carolina, I met a bird research team that was capturing, measuring, and banding birds. I stopped and asked about their research and they showed me how they check the migratory birds for body fat and measure their wingspan. Then they asked if I would like to release one of the birds. They showed me the way to hold them and I carefully took a tiny songbird into my hand. I turned to face south along the AT and slowly loosened my grasp.

I felt the power of flight ignite in my palm as she shot down the trail and disappeared.

It was by far one of the most beautiful moments of any of my 5 thru-hikes.

A bald similar to where I met the bird research team.

Have ever faced danger while on the trail?

Plenty of times. I’ve encountered mountain lions face to face while nighthiking. I nearly stepped on a Copperhead on the AT in Virginia this year (also at night). I’ve surprised a sow grizzly and her cubs. I’ve forded rivers that very nearly knocked me over. I’ve been in the advanced stages of hypothermia, saved by my hiking partner. I’ve had handholds blow out on me while scrambling class 4 terrain and fallen. I’ve had lightning strike very close to me while on exposed ridgelines and mountain tops. The list goes on.

Ominous clouds approaching in the Sierra in 2013.

What kind of mindset do you need to be able to push yourself to the limits and accomplish these hikes?

“I will not quit.”

It’s really the exact same mindset it takes to do a thru-hike at any speed. You simply have to determine what it is you must do in order to succeed and do it, no matter what, without fail. And you must not allow yourself to stop doing it until you’re done. Also, I enjoy pushing myself. I’m insatiably curious about what I am physically and mentally capable of.

Anish at the completion of the AT in 2015.

What other trail ambitions do you have? What hiking goals do you still want to achieve?

Too many to list. I live to explore the wilds. Whether on trail or on a mountain I want to be out doing, living, moving, and exploring. Name a trail I probably want to hike it. Unless it’s in the jungle. I’m not interested in that.

Sights like this are common around me. As are spreadsheets and piles of maps..

Some philosophical questions:

Why did you start hiking? Why have you continued to hike? And how has hiking impacted your life?

Someone invited me to hike down to Indian Gardens. I wanted to make friends with my new co-workers and it sounded interesting so I went. I continue to hike because it’s my calling in life. It is exactly what I am meant to do. Hiking hasn’t impacted my life; it is my life.

Anish receives her Triple Crown Award in 2007.

If you could recommend one trip to change someone’s life what would it be and why?

Take the trip that scares and intrigues you the most. After the greatest fear and struggle comes the greatest joy.

Anish at the end of her PCT FKT hike in 2013.

In some of your Facebook posts, you mention overcoming doubt and self-defeating beliefs – how did you learn to do this and what techniques do you use to stay motivated?

I don’t know how to explain or answer that. It’s simply been a 20+ year long journey of prayer, introspection, and facing fears head on. I think every person has areas in which to grow and overcome, but each journey is radically different. My motto is to Dream Big. Be Courageous. It’s a statement that can be applied to every arena in life by anyone.

Anish after quitting her job, selling her possessions and buying a one way bus ticket to Ashland, OR in 2012.

What advice do you have for the BPL membership?

Same as above: Dream Big. Be Courageous. Also, Tread Lightly.

Anish radiant after finally taking the leap to live in the desert all winter in 2014.

Where do you see yourself in 20 years?

In the mountains doing exactly what I love to do.

Anish climbing Mt. Pugh..

What do you foresee as the challenges the next generation of backpackers will face?

Climate change will affect seasons, vegetation, and animal life. I’ve personally witnessed the decline in the pika population in Washington in the last decade. Fire seasons are becoming more intense and widespread fire closures in our protected lands are impacting recreation immensely. Droughts are leading to water scarcity in many areas. I anticipate all of these things will continue and potentially worsen as time goes on.

Large burned area in the Pasaytan Wilderness.

Social Media

Thank you Heather “Anish” Anderson! You can follow her adventures using the links below:

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Loncke Death Valley Traverse: 8 days, 143 Miles

Loncke’s past experience prepared him for Death Valley

Has the Death Valley route been done in an unsupported, cache-free style before?

Quick Facts about Death Valley National Park

The Death Valley Expedition

Is it possible to do this expedition in 6 days?

How tough was this expedition?

Introduction

Paramo Socorro Performance

Summary

Petzl Ultra Rush Headlamp: $500 & 760 Lumens

Benchmade Osborne Axis Folding Knife – $285

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Dyneema Duffel Bag – $595

MSR Carbon Core Tent Stakes – $30 per 4

La Sportiva Stratos Cube Alpine Touring Ski Boot – $3,000

Backcountry Elk Hunting, Hyalite Canyon

Photo Narrative

Equipment Notes: Backcountry Hunting & Camping Gear

Hunting Gear

Clothing, Shelter, and Sleep System

Packing

Footwear

Meals and Cooking

Lessons Learned

Hitch, Trek, Paddle, and Fly: A 5-Week, 500-Mile Expedition in the Brooks Range

The Route: “Anchorage” to “Kotzebue”

The Alaska Factor: North Slope Community

Highlights of a Journey in the Brooks Range

Q & A with Max & Sarah

What was the highlight of your trip?

What was the low point?

If you had to pick, did you enjoy learning more about the Alaska bush culture or being in the wilderness?

What was the most challenging part?

Was the trip challenging from a fitness standpoint?

Cold Water Kayaking Accident and Hypothermia Cause Tompkins’ Death

Doug Tompkins Leaves Behind Lasting Legacy

A Debt of Gratitude to Tompkins and The North Face

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Audio Journal (Updated Daily!)

Henry Worsley is waltzing across Antarctica right now. Let’s put that into some context.

Antarctica Expedition: Henry Worsley’s Gear

What will Mr. Worsley’s daily routine look like?

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