This was my first solo trip and first UL trip. I didn't have much daylight because I work nights so I chose a short trip. I got really lucky and had a great time.
Marmot Pass/Buckhorn Mountain Olympic NF
Length: 12 miles round trip
Highpoint: 6983 feet
Elevation gain: 4522 feet
Low temperature: 38 degrees
The weather looked good until I got to the trail head so all of my photos are from 6000 feet and above. At this elevation I was basically in a cloud sandwich with some intermitent sunshine.
Picture of Buckhorn mountain and the ridge I spent the night on.
I weighed my pack at the post office after my trip and found I had a base pack weight of 7.82 pounds. I've used all this gear before but always needed a larger pack for some reason. This time I took my time and found a place for everything in my slightly modified Ion. My only other pack weighs over 7 pounds empty and easily kicks me out of the UL category.
Here's my Ion and LT4 poles at the pass.
I wasn't solo after all. I was starting to make camp at about 6800 feet on Buckhorn ridge when I saw this guy come up from the mist.
He didn't seem to mind me and grazed around my camp for next next 3 hours.
He doesn't advocate the use of poles.
One of my favorites.
The DuoMid did great. It shed the gusts with ease and was condensation free in the morning.
MYOG quilt
Sunset
Sunrise
A sea of clouds.
If my battery didn't die I would have done this part up there too. I guess my dirty living room floor will have to do. My gear list is in my profile.
Packing my gear.
The pocket I added under the lid gives the ion a little organization. It holds first aid, emergency poncho water treatment, mini bic. compass.
Pad, thermal pants, balaclava, and socks go in first.
Quilt
Inner Parka
Shelter, gloves
Hydration, wind jacket, camp food, spoon
Cook set, trail food
I bought the Ion before I had all my gear (the wrong way to buy a pack) and quickly found it was going to be a tight fit. I can barely do 2 nights with this pack but I have an MLD Exodus on the way so longer trips are sure to come. Enjoy!
