Wind River Range- Mid August 2016

Sean – looks like a workable LW summer mountain gear list, especially if you’re sticking mostly to trails and some moderate cross country routes. You might want to add a little DEET and a woven mosquito resistant shirt (like RailRiders), maybe to replace the REI Sahara LS Shirt (you’ve already got long underwear). There can be mosquitos in places in early August – not as much of an issue above treeline most of the time. If you’re camping high or bagging peaks, consider replacing those light liner gloves with some wind stopper gloves for more insulation and wind protection.

Skip the 1 pound camp shoes – your trail runners are light and easy to slip on around camp. And you could save some weight by getting lighter long underwear, such as Patagonia lightweight Capilene (less than 4 oz each top and bottom).

Lots of little things you could do to pinch away extra ounces, but 13 lbs base weight (not including bear can) is pretty descent.

I would ditch the bear can and hang your food sack off the face of a large rock.  Up high it is the ground dwelling vermin you need to be most careful of and in the trees there are plenty of limbs to hang from.

+1 on the DEET and if the bug pressure is still present I would add a head net.  It really varies from year to year but mid August can still be bothersome, just depends on the year.  It even varies from drainage to drainage on the same day at times.

Thanks for the feedback. If this helps, our plan is to star at Elkhart Park Trailhead and hike to Lower Jean Lake, Peak lake area, Over Knapsack Col to Titcomb Basin, Barbara Lake. We are from the East Cost (sea level) so we are only averaging 9 miles per day with plenty of time to explore the area in the afternoons.

Gloves- I just received a pair of Borah Gear Event Mittens and based on the weather forecast right before the trip, I can bring these.

DEET- I meant to include that in my list and will certainly bring some.

LS Hiking Shirt- I am hoping that the REI shirt can replace wearing a base layer during the day as I run extremely hot and hope this will be a bit cooler (and less form fitting)? Do you think a Cap 3 (or 100 wt fleece) will be needed for additional warmth or will the button up and rain jacket be enough during the day?

Base layers- In a normal year (knowing that I run hot), would you estimate a 20 deg bag (for sleeping purposes) and a MB Exlite (for hanging around camp purposes) with thinner layers will be warm enough? I do have lighter base layers available but was thinking the extra warmth may be appreciated while in camp as we will likely have a good amount of down time.

Bear canister- I go back and forth on this and appreciate your insight.

Also, are sunglasses recommended. here on the East Coast, I never bring them.

Thanks again

The REI shirt is the Tech T (sorry for any confusion)…

http://www.rei.com/product/862927/rei-sahara-tech-long-sleeve-shirt-mens

Event mittens r good — figure it’ll rain some, and maybe sleet, hail & snow a bit (even in August).

Sunglasses are good, too.

Plus, don’t believe that your list has any of the following items which I’d recommend —

Odor-proof bag for food (may already be part of your canister setup); plus odor-proof trash bag.

Trowel (unless you’re gonna use tent stake to dig potty hole).

Odor-proof bag for used toilet paper (to pack it out).

Compass.

A small pencil (golf type) & small note pad or a few sheets of writing paper.

Stuff sacks, ziplocs, etc. — perhaps assumed, but not noted, re most categories in your list.

Rest of stuff in your list looks good, depending partly on personal choice/comfort.

Examples: I’d add a few feet of dental floss to toilet kit; leave the one pound crocs, replacing ’em with half pound of fishing gear; and add a square foot of ensolite upon which to rest my posterior.

If you’re still on the fence with the Bear can, then definitely leave it behind. +1 on doing a food hang from large rocks or a cliff. If you sleep warm, a 30F mummy bag should be just fine (with extra layers if needed), especially pitching the Duomid low if it’s breezy.

Thanks again Lester and thanks Richard. I have most of the items mentioned by Richard squared away (but missing from list). I think I may go with slightly lighter base layers for camp based on Lesters comment on a 30 degree bag. I know this is subjective but being s very warm sleeper and having a high end 20 deg bag (WM) , I should be fine. I will check the weather to confirm before we head out.

My suggestions below include the sale of gear on the Gear Swap forum to help fund upgrades. With patience and persistence, there are great deals on the Gear Swap form. It also involves a lot of money and time and change. So these suggestions are probably not what you are looking for:

Pack – That ULA is heavy. Common objections are cost of replacement and comfort. However, it is place to cut about a pound off your weight. Sell the ULA on Gear Swap to defray the costs and buy a Zpacks or MLD. Take the plunge and save a lot of weight.  Savings – 16oz

Mid – Sell the MLD sil DuoMid, use the proceeds to defray the costs of a cuben DuoMid. Cuts 6oz.

Sleeping Bag – Get a Quilt, like Enlightened Equipment or Zpacks. Save about 7oz.

Pad – Get a NeoAir X-Lite short, save about saves 11oz.

Lighter sleep cloths – Patagonia silk weight Cap or light merino – save about 6 to 8oz

Ditch Cap 3 mid-layer (you have a puffy and a rain jacket) – saves 8oz

Replace rain wear with Zpacks Challenger jacket and pants- saves about 8 to 9oz

Dump the Crocs, saves 16 oz

Dump the Bear Vault – Saves about 3 pounds

Scrap current cook set ( almost 26oz total, is that right?!) and go with something like the Trail Designs Toaks 900ml + Sidewinder Ti bundle (esbit) – saves about 20oz.

Savings: Approx 8 pounds

Yes, it requires a lot time to sell items and find deals, costs a lot of money, means a lot of change. For me, with lots of sports injuries, the change from a LW base weight of 13-14 lbs down to a UL base weight of 7.5 pounds was an amazing difference. Really a game changer for me. I don’t feel like I have sacrificed any comfort or safety either.

After a very quick look-

In August you could do with a lighter sleeping pad.  The NeoAir XLite is lighter.  Pricey, though.  Evazote is cheap, but many people need more cushioning.

Similarly, in August do you need a capilene mid layer if you have a puffy jacket?  I wouldn’t take one.

Though they look like a great idea, Crocs pretty much suck as camp shoes.  I just use the lightest, cheapest Target flip-flops I can find.  They’re semi-disposable, much lighter, and a hell of a lot easier to pack.

What kind of cooking do you do that requires more than just a pot and spoon?  Why the GSI cookset?

You might like checking out Alan Dixon”s trip report, he gives his 9lb gear list and different lightweight alternatives Adventure Alan Wind River High Route

P.S. you should never admit to not having a scale on BPL ;)

Thanks again for all the great feedback.

I sure wish I could make all of these suggested adjustments but at this point in my life, I unfortunately have to prioritize my financial means differently. I will likely leave the crocs at home and consider lighter base layers. The cookset weight may be a bit off as I only have the pot and spoon.

I will take a closer look at Alan Dixons list for comparisons and invest in a scale (shame on me).

I have been to Wind River Range twice in August and am going back this year.  The first time I didn’t take a bear can, but I found hanging above tree line to be a a real pain, time consuming, and sometimes dictated where I could and couldn’t camp, so when I went back two years later I took a 33oz Bear Vault Solo.  It takes some effort into to get 6 days worth of food in but I have done it multiple times.  This year I am thinking about bringing a Ursack S29.

I never have needed a midlayer in WRR and I doubt you will get the chance to use that SS Shirt.  I just roll up the sleeves on my button up hiking shirt (like your Sahara).

I would drop the crocs.

I like alcohol stoves (and the Caldera Cone in particular) but it can be a personal thing so there is nothing wrong with your stove.  I would verify that you need the large canister, you may be able to use a small one, but I guess that depends on how much water you boil.  I boil less than most.

When I went to WRR I was in late August and camped and stayed above treeline, but I didn’t see any bugs either time.  I do take a headnet and a small repackaged bottle of deet just in case though.  I don’t take a bug net for my shelter.

Some ideas to shed some weight:

Ditch the crocs

Ditch the midlayer

Whittle down the first aid kit

Look at lighter baselayer bottoms (like Cap 4)

Ditch the charger

You are taking the ability to carry 4 liters which is twice what I use – there is water everywhere there.

DO TAKE SUNGLASSES – The sun is brutal

DO TAKE LIP BALM – The sun is brutal and it is arid out there

Take a hat that covers you neck and face or take sunscreen – you will burn.  You will be in the sun all day with no way to get out of it.  The sun at 10K feet is stronger than at lower elevations.

Overall your list looks pretty good and you will have a great time in WRR it is a fantastic place.

I will be there starting Aug 22 so I wont be far behind.

Brad- Thanks for the feedback. I am constantly modifying my gear list (with plenty of time before the trip). I will skip the mid layer, probably keep the heavier top base layer (for a little error margin), and go with a lighter pair of bottoms. I figure I can wear my hiking pants and rain pants on the bottom if needed for some reason. I will also add sun glasses, chapstick, and play with my stove to see if a smaller 4 oz cannister will suffice. I will post an updated gear list as I get closer to departure.

Quick question regarding logistics I am hoping you can help with. We are flying into SLC around 2 on Saturday and planned to hit the REI in SLC (relatively close to the airport) for fuel and any other last minute supplies, and then we were hoping to camp at the Elkhart Park campground. Have you camped there before? Any ideas what the chances are of us NOT getting a site due to arriving late on a Saturday night (I am thinking we would get there around 8 or 9 PM)? Any ideas on camping alternatives in that area if the campground is full? Thanks in advance,

I just sleep in my car in the TH lot. I’d guess the CG would be full. I’ll be heading back mid-Aug as well but hitting the northern part this time.

With the suggestions you’ve been given, your list seems fairly close to mine. I think you can still see my old PDF if you look in my profile. Like you I’m thinking of taking a canister this time as I hate the hassle of hiding my bag somewhere. So far I’ve either been lucky or the Opsaks work OK.

Thanks Michael. Your gear list gave me another good reference.

Unfortunately (fortunately) I am going with my two brothers so sleeping in the car would not be ideal. I will do some more research though.

That would take a bigger vehicle. :) It was just me and my almost 8 year old. You might enjoy that video (North central Wind River July 2014) if you have some time to kill.

Train all you can on hills/bleachers to build up the cardio and strengthen ankles, knees and hips beforehand.

BTW, also just be aware it can snow significantly any time of year, but it will melt fast in Aug.

I haven’t started at Elkhart so I can’t comment. I started at Green River Lake in 2012 and Big Sandy in 2014.  There were plenty of spots at Green River but Big Sandy looked pretty full. I hiked in both nights a few miles and was able to find good camping both times.

The REI is an easy drive from the airport and it’d about 5 hours to Pinedale.

There is a pretty good Mexican restaraunt in Evanston which is pretty much the last civilization you will see until Pinedale.

I did ‘the’ High Route last year. Sub-20lb.

Your list looks pretty good.

Bearcan – no, easy to rock hang.
Sunglasses. Oh yes.
Bugs – very few, perhaps lucky.
Arc SL tights and shorts were fine.
PHD Ultra pullover.
Cheap synth gloves were useful – some cold mornings.

I can’t wait (but will have to, to go back).

My TR here:

a Wind Rivers High Route

A possible alternative camping plan would be to stay at the Warren Bridge Campground on BLM land about 20 miles “north” of Pinedale on Hwy. 191. It appears to be about 10 miles out of your way, though. That would mean starting your walk about one hour later but you would have the opportunity to have one more civilized breakfast in Pinedale.

I have not had a problem finding a site at the trailhead campground on the two or three occasions that I have tried but I usually enter the mountains after September 1. The campground does not have many sites. Can’t remember if there is water available. Watch out for the theiving chipmunks :)

Have a great time!

I agree with Ed about the gloves.  I found a pair of Powerstrech Gloves handy (1.4oz) and am taking them again.  However I do hike with some people who never seem to wear gloves so I guess it can be a personal thing, but if your hands get cold at all a pair of lightweight fleece liner gloves may be welcome.

Michael is also right about the snow.  It dumped a good 10″ of snow in 2014 but it was pretty much gone the next day.  I walked across Lizzard Head Plateau in blizzard conditions.

Thanks again to everyone responses. I think worst case, we can park and hike in from Elkhart Park a few miles and find a suitable place to camp (I hope)but I will look into the alternatives mentioned above also.

Ed- I read your trip report. It was a great read.

Left from Elkhart Lake TH twice and have never seen the TH campground full.

The campground at the trail head is nothing to get excited about but I have never seen it full either.   I have always been there after Labor day and the water has always been off and I have heard It hasn’t been on for several years, so you may want to pick up a couple plastic jugs for the night in and the way out.

Hiking up the trail a bit is always an option, just after leaving the trailhead there are some open grassy areas to the north of the trail, after that you will be in the trees with nothing much to see unless you get to Photography Point where things get a bit more interesting a mile or so before that point.

If you are coming in late it doesn’t matter much, just a place to crash and get an early start from.  With a 9am start, you will be able to get to “the good” stuff for the next night which is always nice!

Has anyone used a shorts/ long johns combo instead of hiking pants in the WRR? With rain pants I would think this would be fine for my lower half but I wanted to see if anyone had any advice as to why this is not advisable. I was hoping to use some zip offs but after a hike on the AT I realized this won’t work (zippers rubbed). I will look into other non covertible pants (any suggestions?)  if the long johns isn’t a  good idea. If long johns will work fine, would you recommend light or mid weight? I run extremely hot.

Thanks again.