Hi there!
My girlfriend and I are going on a bunch of different trips this coming fall and we are fairly new to the UL backpacking (she’s completely new to backpacking), though we are seasoned day hikers and car campers. We are a bit overwhelmed with the sea of information and choices. I will include the gear list that I have so far accumulated and what I am considering and the trips we are going on. I would like to have gear that works for all of these trips as well as for future trips of a similar nature. We aren’t made of money but we like spending it on things that will last and have great versatility.
Background:
We will be in Alaska from the 09/12 to 09/20. The first half as a multi-day (3) kayaking trip (with guide) through the Kenai Fjords, pitching tent near the beach/glaciers. The second half we will be in Denali, doing a leisurely overnight hike that finishes with 2 more nights at a car camping spot to break ourselves in and test out the gear.
09/27-10/04 We will be doing a six day ~55 mile hike (extended version of northern loop) at Mt Rainier.
10/16-10/21 A five day permit is granted to us for the enchantments in the northern cascades in WA. We received a “Core enchantment zone” permit, which allows us to camp in a different zone every night.
I am 6’4″ 235 lbs, She is 5’3″ 135 lbs.
Things we already own and plan to use:
EE revelation quilt 850 Regular Wide 24.32oz
I have my old trusted Kelty mummy (no idea what model) that I’ve used since I was in the scouts 42oz
Katadyn water filter 1.3 oz
hydrapak seeker 2.4L bladder 2.2 oz
2 Blackdiamond headlamps w/red light 6.1oz total
2 50ft reflective parachord 8oz total
Thermarest Neoair trekker L sleeping pad 24oz
Nemo cosmo 25L 36oz
Footwear:
Timberland waterproof hiking boots (M) 20.1
Timberland waterproof hiking boots (F) 14.7
Solomon River Trail Running shoes (M) 12.3
” ” (F) 9.5oz
2 X Thermarest backpacking pillow 25.2oz total
Scrubba 5oz
Gear we are looking at for ALL our trips and future fall (that’s when we camp most) backpacking:
Backpacks:
HMG 3400 Southwest (L or Tall)- me
ULA epic with S straps (S or M)- her
How do you think the HMG will hold up on our kayaking trip? Do you think for two novice backpackers these picks are too advanced (in relation to comfort)? with the small amount of monetary difference should I just go ahead and get the 4400? We plan on possibly doing some canoe tripping with rock climbing stops in the future along the colorado river.
Tents:
This is where I’m having the most trouble.
Considering:
BPWD hexetent w/innertent $930/~86L X 86W X 62h/ 43oz/
BPWD Luna 4 w/innertent $940/96 X 96 X 69/ 42oz
HMG Ultamid 2 w/innertent 1110/ 96 x 76 x 64/ 38oz
HMG Ultamid 4 w/innertent 1445/ 101 x 101 x 75/ 49oz
Zpacks Triplex 699/ 90 x 60 x 48 / 26.5oz
is the HMG worth the price difference? If we get snowed on will all of these tents be able to hold up? And which one is best suited for wind?
Other Questions:
There is a lot of confusing/contradicting opinions on the use of bear canister/bag/hanging method. If possible I would like to not use something like an URsack or canister. we will have to use a canister in Denali (for that one night), which I plan to rent, and the only other stipulation is that the higher enchantments (which we’ll be at for 1 or 2 nights) are above the tree line. And essentially my question comes down to this: If I do the hanging method, will it keep smaller critters away from my food? I already understand how to best keep it from the bears, but if I hang the sack correctly, or even overly correctly, will small mice/possums/coons be able to get to it?
Food:
I have a dehydrator (alton brown) that I find myself to be proficient in using (idiot proof) and plan on making our meals for the trips ahead of time. We having looked into many stoves (from tinny’s to catcan to MSR) and we are a bit overwhelmed. Honestly I would rather not bring a stove at all and just eat meals that aren’t hot but I have a feeling when I’m there I might feel differently. Is it really that bad to go without hot meals? As beginners should we mess with making our own stove (which excites us, really) or play it safe with a trusted brand. Obviously we would test everything at home (probably multiple times) before taking out in the field. Also does anyone know if you can make fruit leather with an alton brown style dehydrator? all the recipes I found call for more traditional methods.
I appreciate any and all advice and I am not afraid if you want to ream me on something I grossly overlooked or misunderstood. We want to get broken in as soon as possible.
Thanks.
Matt
