Last week, my friend Ed Johnson and I hiked up to The Hidden Lakes chain in Gallatin National Forest of Southwest Montana for a quick overnighter to enjoy the scenery and to test some gear for BPL. The trailhead is 6 miles off the main road, and the drive up offers beautiful scenery as you bounce along on a very bumpy and rocky road (really not recommend for vehicles with low clearance). The Hidden Lakes chain is an easy 3-mile, 1000 ft elevation-gain hike from the trailhead that crosses through a healthy alpine forest scattered with deadfall.
ARTICLE OUTLINE
- Introduction
- Photos
- Equipment Notes
- Clothing, Shelter, and Sleep System
- Packing
- Footwear
- Cooking and Meals
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Discussion
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Companion forum thread to: Notes from the Field: Hidden Lakes, Montana
Nice report. I am becoming a bigger fan of the overnight trips since they require so much less planning, so I like reading about others doing the same. One thing I noted was that you mentioned having to sew a couple of more tie down points in your top quilt. If you are talking about getting it tucked into your sides and around your shoulders, my Mid Atlantic Mountain Works top quilt has shot cord running in channels up the sides when pulled tighter, tuck the quilt in. Since that was one of the concerns I had with top quilts, thought I would mention it. Full disclosure it is my son that makes the quilts, but I think it is a good solution to the problem if that is what you are referring to. Tom
Eric, its interesting that you point out the cold mornings/quick heat up. I always have the same issue. My friends tend to joke about my "wardrobe change" each morning just a short distance from camp or time after breakfast ;) It was nice to know some other people experience the same thing.
Yeah, it's amazing how fast you heat up. One moment you are cold and the next you feel like you are in a sauna.
Hmm. Thanks for the info. I'll look into those quilts and see if they give me any ideas!
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