October Camping with a Bivy

[dirtbag]

Country United States
State New York
Area Harriman State Park
Trip Month (10) – October

Report / Notes
Mid October in NY. Perfect temperature with clear skies day and night. A short 9.3 mile hike through the park,  across some small mountains and around some beautifully decorated lakes. The colors are there, not quite peak yet, but they are starting to show.  I started this trip expecting to do 2 nights and hike about 12 – 15 miles each day.  My buddy decided to join me so I cut the mileage down to 9- 10 miles a day and spotted our cars at the end destination and the beginning.. which after the first 9.5 mile day would loop us back around and our camp for night 1 would only be a short 1 mile easy hike back out to the car if needed.  My pack weight was at 10 lbs before food and water and  at about 13.5 lbs with food and water to start.  The trails we hiked were pretty nice, for me it was a very easy casual hike.  We ended up making camp earlier then I wanted at about 3 pm,  but we did cover 9.5 miles over 5.5 hours and my friend was wiped out. This was not his first time out but he does not hike regularly so it was evident and I did account for this when I mapped out the trails and distance.  We both slept on the ground in our bivies, no tarps needed on this one. Daytime temperature was low 60s F and overnight temps were mid to hi 30s F.  Last minute decision for me I swapped out my MLD Vision quilt for my 28° MLD quilt. I did not pack any extra clothes other then a pair of 32° heat thin base layer bottoms, socks to sleep in,  my Nano Air hybrid hoody,  houdini wind shirt and nano puff vest and I only wore my shorts and hooded zip windshirt while hiking.  Reality is I would have been just fine with the lighter weight Vision quilt but I wanted the reassurance of the warmer 28°  quilt since I was not bringing my air pad and would be sleeping on the Nemo Switchback ccf  alone.  I do find it very very comfortable,  convenient and reliable as opposed to the air pads. This was not a first for me.  Anywho.. he bailed out due to fatigue so thankfully I set us up with bail out options.  Check out the video I posted if interested.  I also posted a short one with what was in my pack… feel free to comment good or bad, any questions I will be glad to answer.  Maybe someone will get something out of this, if not a kick.  I really make my videos for my own memories and friends/family to watch.. I don’t do it for hits and likes, which is why they are pretty raw/basic.  I post them here with hopes that someone will enjoy the views or maybe get something from them.

[Bob Kerner]

Nice job. Looks familiar. I think there are two perfectly good trees at the campsite to hang a hammock! :)

Short hikes are good especially if you’re walking with someone you enjoy talking to.

[dirtbag]

Yeah plenty of trees to hang from.  I actually just picked up a large 12 ft tarp for hammock or ground camp so if I’m torn between which one I want to do, I can do both. Nothing more comfortable then my hammock but something very special about earthing, lol.  Short for me, long for him but we made it work.  49 years old and we been besties since kindergarten!  I don’t talk much as u may have heard me say at one point.. ” I don’t wanna talk”  but conversation is always good!  Thanks for checking it out!

[Terran]

Your first video looked like your first video. It felt a bit rushed. Your second video looked like your tenth. A lot more relaxed a well done. Your lunch looked interesting. I thought I’d personally add some chia or maybe Basil seed. Nice shots of the scenery. The rock outcroppings make nice view points. Good practice letting your buddy set the pace when he was having a rough time. Its always hard to turn back. You obviously made the best of it. Good job. I’ll look forward to the next one.

[dirtbag]

Hahaa. Thanks. I just do what ever happens. There was no turning back!!

[Kerry F]

Where’s the short video about what’s in your pack? Thanks!

[Kerry F]

Never mind dirtbag, I found it. Thanks for posting about your trips, especially at Harriman!

[Murali C]

dirtbag – have you looked at this Bivy? pricey – but boasts 40,000 g/m2/24hr breathability numbers…..and 8.8 oz!

https://www.garagegrowngear.com/collections/shelters/products/nano-bivy-by-samaya-equipment

 

 

[dirtbag]

Whoaaa. $550.  I really do love my MLD eVent bivy when called for.

[dirtbag]

@ Kerry F.  No problem.  I love Harriman for a quick escape that is close by.  So many trails  to hike and things to see and places to sleep too!

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