Introduction
This May, unseasonably cold temperatures and a winter storm warning were too much to pass up, so my son Chase and I set out for an overnighter in SE Wyoming.
We hiked about 16 miles, some on trail, but much of it off-trail through snow, swamp, tussocks, and bushwhacking through aspen, pine, and fir forests.
Here’s the trip video:
Selected Gear
My starting skin out weight, including 3+ lb of camera equipment, food, and all worn/carried items was about 25 lb (not including water, of which I didn’t usually carry any (exception: I filled up 3L of water for a dry camp after we cooked dinner by the creek).
| Shelter | Tarptent Notch (weight includes stow bag, extra stakes and guylines, silnylon canopy, and partial mesh inner tent) | 33 oz |
| Sleeping Bag | Enlightened Equipment Enigma 10 deg F, 10d, 950 fill, pad straps | 20 oz |
| Sleeping Pad | Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Uberlite | 8 oz |
| Pad Inflation Bag | Exped Schnozzel | 2 oz |
| Pillow | Hyperlight Mountain Gear Stuff Sack Pillow (with some open cell foam pieces) | 4 oz |
| Sleep Gear Compression Sack | Osprey StraightJacket Compression Sack | 3 oz |
| Insulating Jacket | Enlightened Equipment Torrid Apex Jacket (Mens) | 8 oz |
| Rain Jacket | Arc’teryx Zeta FL Rain Jacket | 7 oz |
| Rain Pants | ZPacks Challenger (old model, now replaced by ZPacks Vertice Rain Pants which are even better!) | 4 oz |
| Base Layer Top | Smartwool PhD Light Hoodie | 7 oz |
| Base Layer Bottoms / Trekking Pants | REI Winter Running Tights (discontinued model) | 9 oz |
| Wind Shirt | Patagonia Houdini Air Windshirt (Men’s) | 4 oz |
| Active Insulation | Patagonia Nano-Air Light Hybrid Vest (Men’s) | 5 oz |
| Trekking Socks | Darn Tought HIker Boot Socks | 3 oz |
| Oversocks | Rocky Gore-Tex Oversocks | 2 oz |
| Shoes | La-Sportiva Akyra Trail-Running Shoes | 27 oz |
| Gaiters | Outdoor Research Rocky Mountain High Gaiters | 6 oz |
| Gloves | Black Diamond Lightweight Screentap Gloves | 2 oz |
| Mitten Shells | REI Minimalist Waterproof Mittens (Discontinued) | 2 oz |
| Hat | Smartwool NTS Merino 150 Beanie | 0.6 oz |
| Stove | MSR PocketRocket Deluxe | 3 oz |
| Pot | MSR Titan Kettle | 4 oz |
| Spoon | MSR Folding Spoon | 0.3 oz |
| Satellite Communicator | Garmin inReach Mini | 3.5 oz |
| Fitness / GPS Watch | Garmin Fenix 5X+ | 3 oz |
| Trekking Poles | Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Trekking Poles | 17 oz |
| Camera Gear | GoPro HERO7 Black, mic adapter, external mic, tripod, extra batteries, lens pen, Lume Cube Air Lights (2), and some iPhone accessories (Moment tele lens / ND filter for B-roll shot between 32:43 and 34:17 in the video) | 48 oz |
| Weather Station | Two Kestrel Drop loggers (one for inside the tent, one for outside), Kestrel 5500 Weather Meter meter with Kestrel 5000-Series Elite Wind Vane, small tripod, some notetaking supplies, extra batteries | 10 oz |
| Phone / GPS / etc. | iPhone XS in a Moment Case, 10000 mAh battery bank. Apps I use in the backcountry: Gaia GPS App, Kindle, Filmic Pro, Notes | 16 oz |
| Sunglasses | Smith Challis Photochromic | 2 oz |
| Saw | Suluk46 Uki Saw | 4.5 oz |
| Water Treatment | Katadyn BeFree Collapsible 20oz Water Bottle | 3 oz |
| Extra Water Bottle | Hydrapack Seeker 3L Collapsible Water Container | 2.5 oz |
| Headlamp | Fenix HM50R Rechargable Headlamp | 2.2 oz |
| Dinner | Good-to-Go New England Corn Chowder (with Bonito!) | 7 oz |
| Breakfast | Good-to-Go Oatmeal | 4 oz |
| Favorite trail food | Patagonia Provisions Wild Smoked Salmon Filet | 7 oz |
Field Notes
- The Uberlite was too cold for a 21 deg F night, sleeping on wet ground. In the middle of the night, I removed the foam back pad from my pack, placed it under my torso on top of the Uberlite, and slept great the rest of the night. I should have brought my Gossamer Gear Thinlight pad to use with the Uberlite, or a warmer inflatable pad like my Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xtherm.
- My feet were cold – again – I place blame on the Uberlite. I wrapped them in waterproof stuff sacks mid-way through the night and it was manageable. I wish I had my down socks.
- I appreciate the weight of the Enlgihtened Equipment Enigma, considering its temperature rating, but I certainly missed the wide girth and insulated collar of the REI Magma Trail Quilt I’ve been using most of this spring. I would have rather had that bag, it’s more comfortable overall, but a 21 deg F night would have been pushing its limits pretty hard.
- Chase used Katabatic Gear Palisade (30 deg F) quilt, and wore lightweight long underwear and an 8 oz Goosefeet Down Hoody at night. He was a little cold, but I heard him snore, so I know he got at least a few hours of decent sleep.
- The Suluk46 Uki bucksaw is a wonderful tool – my favorite “extra” when I know I want a campfire. Time to retire my folding saws now.
- I was too busy filming (and carrying my camera rig) to use the trekking poles but needed them for the tent. I have to rethink tent poles for my Notch. I have the aluminum set from Tarptent but they’re too wobbly. Maybe it’s time to invest into some custom-made stiff carbon poles for my Tarptents.
- The Tarptent Notch is a great tent in these conditions, but I was wishing for a fly that went all the way to the ground and a full-mesh inner, both of which would be better in wind and snow.
- I brought four 8-inch MSR Ground Hog stakes for the two ends and two vestibule doors for the Notch. These stakes have the highest holding power:weight ratio of any stakes I’ve tested, and I want to be able to tension the Notch’s silnylon canopy as tight as possible for wind resistance and snow loading. I brought lighter stakes (MSR Carbon Core) for the rest of the guylines.
- My trekking layer ensemble for my torso is as good as I’ve ever experienced in 35 years of backpacking – Smartwool PhD Light Hoody for the base layer, Patagonia Houdini Air Windshirt, Patagonia Nano-Air Light Hybrid Vest, and Arc’teryx Zeta FL Rain Jacket. Breathability, comfort over a wide temperature range, and very fast dry times are the hallmark features of this ensemble.
- Darn Tough Full Cushion Boot Socks + Rocky Gore-Tex oversocks for the wet-and-cold win!
- As I continue to use the MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe stove in the field, the more I like it for its performance in cold and windy conditions.
- Patagonia Provisions Smoked Salmon is the best-tasting fish I’ve ever eaten on the trail. My dad has been smoking salmon and steelhead since we were kids, and I grew up in Seattle. As a result, I’m a bit of a salmon snob. This one passes my test with flying colors.
- The BeFree filter continues to perform for me in a wide range of conditions. The creeks we encountered weren’t exactly clear (some color from spring runoff), and cold temperatures can slow filtration rates. It performed exceptionally well as usual, with no clogging. And the current filter I used on this trip has seen more than 50 days of use.
- I wore the rain pants and the mitten shells only at night in camp, but I would have needed them on the trail if the temperatures had been 5 or 10 degrees warmer and the snow that was falling was wet/heavy slop.
- I didn’t need 10,000 mAh of battery bank capacity. I really only need to charge my phone once on a 24-hour trip. I gotta shop for a smaller, lighter battery. Any suggestions for an ultralight 3000 mAh battery?
- I was very disappointed in the quality of the B-roll I shot with my iPhone, Moment tele lens (58 mm), and ND filter between 32:43 and 34:11 in the video. The shots between 34:12 and 34:16 were shot without the lens and ND filter, and they turned out great. Same settings on all the shots (24p, 1/48 sec., low ISO). Something’s going on with that Moment lens / ND filter combo that I need to sort out.
- I brought 36 oz of food for the trip but only ate about 25 oz. I did grab a Jimmy John’s sandwich on the way out of town! The GTG chowder was funky. Not a pleasant mix of ingredients.
Final Comments
Overall, in spite of gear glitches here and there, I had a really wonderful time on this trip.
We saw pushed hard enough, but not to the point of suffering.
The weather was chilly but I remained comfortable 95% of the time.
Sitting by the fire made me really, really happy. So did not running into any hormonally-charged moose.
The bird life we saw was remarkable – herons, ospreys, falcons, and a dozen different songbirds.
Nature is restorative and healing and I cannot imagine experiencing it like this on a regular basis.
Spending time with Chase out in the wilds is a rare treat that I’ll always cherish. We started Backpackinglight.com when Chase was two years old. He turns 21 at the end of this month. Every trip I take with him, I ask: is this the last one? Huge thanks to my wife, Stephanie, for encouraging us to go.
Related Content
- Uberlite Review | YouTube Video
- Magma Quilt Review | YouTube Video
- Tarptent Notch Li Review
- Arc’teryx Zeta FL Jacket Review | YouTube Video
- BeFree Filter Review | YouTube Video
- Canister Stove Gear Guide
- Lightweight Backpacking with Young Children
Disclosure Statement
Updated September 15, 2018
- We do not accept money or in-kind compensation for guaranteed media coverage: Backpacking Light does not accept compensation or donated product in exchange for guaranteed media placement or product review coverage.
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Discussion
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Companion forum thread to: Field Notes: Wet, Snowy, Cold – Spring Backpacking with my Son in Wyoming with Lightweight Gear
Unseasonably cold May temperatures and a winter storm warning were too much to pass up, so we set out for an overnighter in SE Wyoming.
Nice chill footage Ryan. I miss winter already… my son is 5 and we just did our first overnight for this season…
if you’re looking around for a real small charger I might suggest the smallest Jackery. It is their smallest “lipstick” size 3350mAh and weighs 3.7oz
i personally use the 6000 mAh Jackery it’s good for what I need it for, long weekends and some week-longs. it has a bonus light that I consider the back up light for Photon II. it (Jackery 6000)weighs 5.4oz
glad you had a great time out there, minus the cold feet… the underrated stuff sack emergency socks come thru again!
I’ve used both the Lightning and Micro USB versions of the EasyAcc 6000mAh power bank and really like it (it weighs 5.3 oz.). I use a short Lightning cable with the Micro USB version as it charges faster than the version with the built in Lightning cable. I also like it because it can charge 2 devices at once if needed, and it has a built in light like David mentioned for his.
I saw a peek of your tripod at one point, looks like the Really Right Stuff Pocket Pod and maybe one of their ballheads? I absolutely love their gear. I wasn’t sure what the column in between them was though?
What was your rational for going with the Tarptent Notch when you have many other tents?
Thanks for the charger ideas!
Ken, I took the Notch because it’s probably the best balance of weight and weather protection for any tent I own.
Jon – yes, the RRS pocket and #25 ball head. The column in the middle is a 2-pc telescoping CF tripod extension.
Nice video.
While watching I kept thinking how, for me, this is good terrain for hiking poles. It just goes to show…
I have one flat foot and a slightly shorter left leg, so my balance is slightly off. also, I’m addicted to poles. clearly you and your son are balanced walkers!
Ryan, for these shoulder season conditions I wear Merrill Moab Mid WPB lined boots. Inside I wear thin poly liner socks with 3 mm closed cell neoprene divers’ socks from US Divers. That brand has shaped Left and Right socks (marked) and is factory seam sealed.
This combination or waterproof boots and sweat proof insulated socks keeps my sweat inside and gives me fairly warm boots WITH knee high GTX gaiters. Gaiters seem to add about 10 to 15 F. of warmth as well.
In camp at bedtime I remove boots, put them in a light, non waterproof stuff sack and set them in the vestibule. Then I remove the divers’ socks and sweat soaked poly liners. The liners go into a Ziplock freezer bag for “safekeeping” of the odor. ;o) I turn the divers socks inside-out to dry for a while in the tent and then don new liner socks and heavy “sleep socks”. At bedtime the divers’ socks go into my sleeping bag.
In the morning I remove the “sleep socks” and put on the warm divers’ socks then my boots and gaiters. Now I’m ready for breakfast, No freezing toes or frozen boots.
Jeffrey – I actually wanted to use my poles a lot more (I found myself carrying my camera and tripod most of the time) – I slipped around quite a bit in the slop.
Eric – that’s a great setup for cold and wet. I get a little nervous about stiffer shoes over long distances. Maybe I’ll have to give the Moabs a try at some point, everyone I talked to who has them love them.
I’m really interested to know how you mate an Exped Schnozzle with a Thermarest Uberlite. I have both but don’t see a straightforward way to connect them.
Hey Tom – I used to use boiling water – dipped the schnozzel valve (female) into the boiling water to soften it, then mate it to the (male) t-rest valve, and let it cool. It worked OK, but not so well when the temps dropped.
More recently, I used a little blowtorch to melt the schnozzel valve, then mated it to the t-rest valve and let it all cool.
Now it works great.
I went through the hassle of doing this because my schnozzel bag is also my in-tent dry bag for storing wet shoes, socks, gaiters, water filter, etc., so none of it freezes at night, and if needed, I can stow in my sleeping bag. Most of the time, I can sleep with this all right next to me and it stays thawed, at least if I’m in a tent and the nights don’t get below 20 or so.
Cool schnozzel hack, thank you! I will try that myself when my schnozz arrives…
I blew up my neoair a bunch (30 + nights) over the winter with my lungs. If there is condensation build up in there does anyone know a way that i could attempt to eradicate/evaporate some of it? Hang upside down? Blow warm air into it with hair dryer on low heat? Or is that liquid water destined to be trapped forever…
I took a dremel to the inside of my schnozzel valve and removed a little bit of material that way. Worked out fine, just don’t remove too much material.
@ryan Ingenious! Thank you.
Nice trip report Ryan – makes me wish I was not sitting in the office right now. I’m curious how you pack that little buck saw. I’d be worried the blade guard would come off and I’d open my pack to some damaged gear. Folders don’t give me that worry. Maybe it’s best to lash it to the outside of the pack?
Justin – yep, I carried it on the outside shoved down behind my back pocket and the top strap secured through the saw.
Great report Ryan. Nice to see Chase was with you too. I also appreciated the silences and very judicious use of music. Question: what’s the pack that you are using?
Looks like a McHale – one of the models without the detachable external backpad.
Rachel – it’s a 45L (ish) McHale Windsauk. Guide harness, lenomesh back panel, hybrid DCF fabric, full Dyneema bottom.
What did it weigh? McHales were kind of heavy last I knew.
The current lightest charger you are likely to find is a modular setup using a Folomov A1 (21g) mated with a bare Li-Ion cell. 18650 cells weigh about 48g, larger 21700 cells weigh around 69g. These are the exact same cells you will find inside all the powerbanks you are using/considering. The Folomov setup basically just ditches the weight of the powerbank’s case.
18650 cells: Sanyo NCR18650GA, Samsung 35E, or LG MJ1 will all have similar capacity (~3500mAh).
21700 cells: Samsung 48G (4800mAh) or Samsung 50E (5000mAh).
Keep in mind that cold temps severely decrease the capacity of li-ion batteries, and charging circuitry isn’t 100% efficient (on the charger and on the device side). So don’t expect a 3500mAh cell/charger to fully charge your 3500mAh phone, for example.
@ryan I’m kind of puzzled by your tent choice as well. You replied to Ken that “it’s probably the best balance of weight and weather protection for any tent I own.”
However, knowing you expected to experience “unseasonably cold temperatures and a winter storm warning,” this seems to totally contradict what you wrote in your Notch Li review:
Please elaborate on what changed your opinion so quickly.
I also believe on Field Note #7 you meant completely solid inner rather than “full-mesh inner”. At least that is what you said at 25:48.
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