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Summary

When Backpacking Light Gear Editor and Podcast Producer Andrew Marshall set out on a fast thru-hike of the Tahoe Rim Trail, he knew he’d be contending with Sierra snow pack that was several hundred percent above average. The story of that trip – trail conditions, lessons learned, and gear tested – is the subject of this BPL TRIP SHORT.

After a brief introduction, Ryan and Andrew spend some time discussing the Tahoe Rim Trail and conditions in the Eastern Sierra. Among other things, the guys talk about Andrew’s route finding, food strategies, training, and how to walk on sun cups (hint – meditate).

In the second half of the pod Ryan and Andrew talk about the gear – what Andrew loved, what he didn’t, and what he wished he’d left behind. They wrap it up with a lament on the state of footwear in the ultra-light world.

 Outline

• Ryan introduces show topic and guest – BPL Gear Editor and Podcast Producer Andrew Marshall  
  • Andrew shares his past hiking experience.
  • Some basic facts on the Tahoe Rim Trail.
• The Hike
  • Trail conditions – another record breaking year for Sierra snowpack
  • Mileage per day
  • Route finding in the snow
  • PCT thru-hikers
  • Training and fitness
• The Gear
  • Mountainsmith Zerk 40L
    • A minimalist pack for people who don’t like minimalist packs. A master of external and easily reachable storage.
    • See Andrew’s First Look review here, and stay tuned for a full review coming soon.
  • Big Agnes Fly Creek HV1 Carbon
    • A hybrid Dyneema/Sil-nylon semi-freestanding double wall shelter.
    • Does the performance justify the cost?
  • Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite
    • Still probably the best sleep you can get for the weight, but not without its limitations.
    •  Check out Andrew’s extensive review here.
  • Therm-a-Rest Vesper 20F Quilt
    • Andrew has changed his mind a little on this quilt since his initial review.
    • Ryan and Andrew discuss quilt pad connection systems.
  • MSR Pocket Rocket 2
    • This stove has a great value.
    • The Pocket Rocket 2 may not have the chops of the Pocket Rocket Deluxe or Soto Windmaster, but it blazes along well enough to earn it high honors in BPL’s Upright Canister Stove Gear Guide.
  • Hillsound Trail Crampon Ultras
    • Aggressive, durable, and simple – this piece of gear probably saved Andrew’s bacon more than a few times on the Tahoe Rim Trail. Check out BPL’s  enthusiastic review.
• The Lessons
  • Andrew’s training mistakes.
    • The difference between cardiovascular endurance and muscular endurance is important!
  • The most important piece of gear in Andrew’s pack (for this trip).
  • Eating real food.
  • Why Andrew and Ryan are slightly disappointed in the ubiquitous Altra Lone Peak 4 trail running shoe.

Feedback, Questions, Tips?

• Submit them to [email protected] or Twitter and get featured on our next podcast!

Credits

• Backpacking Light – Executive Producer
• Ryan Jordan – Director and Host
• Andrew Marshall – Producer, Host, and Editor
• Look for Me in the Mountains – Music
  • Written by: Chris Cunningham and Ryan Jordan
  • Performed by: Chris Cunningham (acoustic guitar, lead and harmony vocals, harmonica), Chad Langford (upright bass), and Tom Murphy (mandolin).
  • Produced by: Basecamp Studios in Bozeman, Montana

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Contact

You can contact us at [email protected], or follow us on social media –

• Backpacking Light – Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
• Andrew Marshall – Instagram | Twitter | WWW
• Ryan Jordan – Instagram | Twitter | WWW

Disclosure

• We do not accept money or in-kind compensation for guaranteed media coverage: Backpacking Light does not accept compensation or donated product in exchange for guaranteed media placement or product review coverage.
• Affiliate links: Some (but not all) of the links in this review may be “affiliate” links, which means if you click on a link to one of our affiliate partners (usually a retailer site), and subsequently make a purchase with that retailer, we receive a small commission. This helps us fund our editorial projects, podcasts, instructional webinars, and more, and we appreciate it a lot! Thank you for supporting Backpacking Light!