Using most of the principles I learned on this site, I just went ahead and got out there. I was fully prepared to go solo (first time), but happy my buddy came with me.
Golden Ears Park (Alders Flat/Panorama Ridge), Maple Ride (basically Vancouver), British Columbia.
Glad I came across this site before spending a ton on traditional gear.
Turned out I had a somewhat suitable frameless pack (strap hip belt) lying around. Folded a 3/4 length self inflatable into thirds along back, and was very comfortable carrying more than I probably needed.
And I received my Hexamid Solo about a week or two ago (thanks Doug). I didn’t think I had my Tyvek ground sheet, bear bag, or stakes from Zpacks, but I was surprised to find it all there when I drove to WA to pick up my goods.
All the Zpacks gear worked great. The products are really well designed and exactly as he describes on his website. His bear bag w/the spectra cord he sells works perfectly.
I don’t have a lot of experience and gear, so I didn’t know what to expect with Cuben fibre, but I got to say it is very pleasant to lie under. You can see the trees. His Noseeum mesh worked very well. Did not pick up any dirt or debris at all and the views out of it were excellent. At dusk/first light/moonlight, almost like nothing was there.
I got an idea of what tarp camping with an open side pitch is like. The tent was very easy to set up, and way more room then I thought (I’m 5’8 155lbs though). You can fit two small people in there in a pinch and it wouldn’t be too bad. Probably want it to be someone you really like though.
It does take up a bit of real estate if you use the standard guy line configuration, which sets up the best (I did it in my backyard), but not a big deal shortening up the guylines. The Tyvek sheet works really well.
I just got a $12 collapse trekking pole from Walmart. Undecided about using a pole for hiking.
Joe Valesko is an awesome guy to deal with. Despite him being so busy (I imagine with his backorders), he answered all questions with suggestions and shipped quickly and was very pleasant.
Judging by his two products, it is obviously true when he says, “he sells gear that he finds useful/uses himself”. He walks the walk (judging by the pictures of thru-hikes). He’s going to be the first place I go to for gear.
It’s just business and usually I try not to be sentimental with consumerism but Joe’s customer service is outstanding. I hope he doesn’t get too swamped and this changes out of necessity.
Mind you, the weather was ideal for an outing (12*C nights, no wind or rain), but if he survived the CDT in a Hexamid during a snowstorm, it should be fine with the outings I’ll be doing in the near future.
From our campsite, it was 3500-3800 ft over 9km, I thought it was 4 km to where we were going (snow prevented reaching the top).
It was the first time doing the hike and it was pretty grueling. The entire way was steep, rocky paths.
Along the way, I saw people with huge packs and I thought I packed a lot. We ended up hiking 23km back to the parking lot (I thought it was 13km, no wonder I was so tired). I couldn’t imagine doing it the traditional way. Thanks BPL.
As for footwear, using “conventional” knowledge I would never have used running shoes. I didn’t have trail runners but had an old pair of New Balance 830 running shoes and used those. Probably not the best choice but, wow did they ever work out well.
I day hiked the Grand Canyon in Goretex NB “hiking” boots, because I thought that was the right thing to do, and boy did that suck. Thanks BPL.
Icebreaker 150 merino wool longsleeve, excellent. I even tested the shirt in 30-31*C, 100 percent humidity in Hong Kong and (it might be in my head) but I swear I was cooler than my cotton t-shirts. It seemed the longsleeves/wool insulated me from the hot blasts of air from the air/cars, buses etc.
I sweated in the shirt on the hike but it was very comfortable, dried quickly and I didn’t feel like taking it off. Sleeping in it was very comfortable. Truely is a miracle fibre.
I used a Petzl XP2 headlamp as well. I was contemplating getting a e-lite, but glad I went with the heavier product. It is has a very bright setting. If I needed to hike out of there at night on those rocky paths, I was confident I could do it with the XP. Long battery life in case I want to read etc. Worth the extra 2.5 ounces.
The creek was near camp and very clear (glacier water I assume). I used micropur tablets and was impressed. I thought the water tasted good. Again thanks BPL.
Sorry for the novel, but I am just stoked.
I had read a thread about long-time ULers cancelling their membership because it was full of newbies and the old guard no longer posted, but I hope that doesn’t happen. I think a lot of people could benefit from this site. I tell everybody who’ll listen about this resource. In fact I did it at MEC just before I left. Told some lady when she asked a sales person about water purification.
Going forward, I’m going to ditch my 2.5 lbs down bag and likely get a Katabalic. I think his sliding clip system would be more suitable for a side sleeper like me, who turns over a few times a night. Either that or a Montbell SS. I just found it was a pain to turn with sleeping bag material underneath you.
I’ve included some pictures, not the caliber of some I’ve seen on here but maybe some could give me suggestions on campsite selection etc.
Also not sure if that is the way to bear bag (but there were no bears out there.. I think, had bear spray though.. just wanted to practice).
Got a Double Rainbow, a Burn, and thanks to Travis a BA insulated Aircore on the way. I don’t think the 3/4 length pad is for me.
Thanks for helping me lighten up. I even had room to take out some garbage (douche bags!).
Now I just have to get my cheap friends into UL, so I don’t have to sleep in my DB with them and can use my Hexamid.
