Backpacking

[MStudt]

I have a warbonnet blackbird and a eno double nest. My opinion is the eno hammocks aren't the best for backpacking. They could use a ridge line and are heavier than most brands.

If you use the eno with their slap straps, bug net and tarp you are looking at nearly as much weight as a 2 person tent. The blackbird hammock and tarp is much lighter.

I would recommend not using slap straps if you are going to use the eno and trying to set up your own suspension and ridge line.

If you are hammocking in the cold you will want a pad under you, as well as, a sleeping bag.

I'm been finding that true about the weight for the ENO hammocks. I've been looking into Hennessy Hammocks, and that would be the route I go if I decide to pull the trip on one. Right now we're at a Golite 2 person tent with footprint that weights 2lb 11oz or a Big Agnes 2 person with footprint that weights 1lb 14oz. If we go with the BA tent, and our BA sleeping pads we'll have a combined weight of 4lb 10oz. I'm yet to find two hammocks and lighter sleeping pads that will come in at less weight then that.

What might is happen is this; we might find that sleeping on the ground will really start taking its toll on us. At this point we might have to pack a little extra weight in order to have more comfort. I'm all for trying the hammock idea out, my wife on the other hand is not. I've been trying every other day it seems to get her just to try one out. Time will tell though.

 

[larrylegend]

I'm been finding that true about the weight for the ENO hammocks. I've been looking into Hennessy Hammocks, and that would be the route I go if I decide to pull the trip on one. Right now we're at a Golite 2 person tent with footprint that weights 2lb 11oz or a Big Agnes 2 person with footprint that weights 1lb 14oz. If we go with the BA tent, and our BA sleeping pads we'll have a combined weight of 4lb 10oz. I'm yet to find two hammocks and lighter sleeping pads that will come in at less weight then that.

What might is happen is this; we might find that sleeping on the ground will really start taking its toll on us. At this point we might have to pack a little extra weight in order to have more comfort. I'm all for trying the hammock idea out, my wife on the other hand is not. I've been trying every other day it seems to get her just to try one out. Time will tell though.

You likely won't find a two hammock setup that will weigh less than that BA tent. The thing that makes hammocks better is the comfort. Also, if you had unlimited funds (not likely for most of us) you would have a hammock with underquilt and topquilt. This would most likely be less weight than a tent, pad, sleeping bag, etc. The underquilt removes the need for a pad and the top quilt a sleeping bag. The quilts can be crazy light for their warmth.

Also, you likely won't have to sleep in your tent a lot. A lot of the hikers I have run into tend to like to stay in the shelters if possible. It just makes setup/teardown much simpler and easier. I am not sure if it has been mentioned or not yet but check out WhiteBlaze - Appalachian Trail - Appalachian Trail News, Announcements and Articles. Its a good forum for hiking the AT.

 

[MStudt]

You likely won't find a two hammock setup that will weigh less than that BA tent. The thing that makes hammocks better is the comfort. Also, if you had unlimited funds (not likely for most of us) you would have a hammock with underquilt and topquilt. This would most likely be less weight than a tent, pad, sleeping bag, etc. The underquilt removes the need for a pad and the top quilt a sleeping bag. The quilts can be crazy light for their warmth.

Also, you likely won't have to sleep in your tent a lot. A lot of the hikers I have run into tend to like to stay in the shelters if possible. It just makes setup/teardown much simpler and easier. I am not sure if it has been mentioned or not yet but check out WhiteBlaze - Appalachian Trail - Appalachian Trail News, Announcements and Articles. Its a good forum for hiking the AT.

I've been on Whiteblaze for a couple years now. I realize that a lot of people use the shelters while hiking, and that's what we plan on doing as well. We've already hiked several sections of the trail, and vow never to sleep in the some of those shelters again. Most of the shelters are of fairly decent quality, some of them are really nice, and some are rather crappy. Plus, I know there are going to be nights where we find a nice clearing and want to camp out there. I think we're just going to stick it out with the tent for now. Maybe switch to a hammock as the weather turns for the better.

 

[larrylegend]

I've been on Whiteblaze for a couple years now. I realize that a lot of people use the shelters while hiking, and that's what we plan on doing as well. We've already hiked several sections of the trail, and vow never to sleep in the some of those shelters again. Most of the shelters are of fairly decent quality, some of them are really nice, and some are rather crappy. Plus, I know there are going to be nights where we find a nice clearing and want to camp out there. I think we're just going to stick it out with the tent for now. Maybe switch to a hammock as the weather turns for the better.

Yea some of the shelters are terrible. I think the tent is the best setup for your current situation. Sounds like you have a good trip and beyond planned out. Good luck with your hike.

 

[MStudt]

I do feel like a tent is also going to be the way to go for us. Plus the fact that we're going to be hiking with our dog, and having to carry some of her wait. The only thing that makes me worry some would be popping a sleeping pad on the trail. At least we shouldn't ever be more than 7 days from a new one. I might even be worth it and carry an extra one since they only weigh a little over a pound each.

 

[MtnT4R]

I do feel like a tent is also going to be the way to go for us. Plus the fact that we're going to be hiking with our dog, and having to carry some of her wait. The only thing that makes me worry some would be popping a sleeping pad on the trail. At least we shouldn't ever be more than 7 days from a new one. I might even be worth it and carry an extra one since they only weigh a little over a pound each.

What sort of dog do you have? We fit ours with a dog pack and he carried his own food and treats, plus an extra water bottle or two. Dogs are much better engineered for long distances and movement than we are, especially in the mountains. Even with his 8ish lb pack, our guy runs circles around us all day. Check out the Ruffwear Palisades Dog Pack on backcountry.com

 

[MStudt]

What sort of dog do you have? We fit ours with a dog pack and he carried his own food and treats, plus an extra water bottle or two. Dogs are much better engineered for long distances and movement than we are, especially in the mountains. Even with his 8ish lb pack, our guy runs circles around us all day. Check out the Ruffwear Palisades Dog Pack on backcountry.com

Try not to laugh, but we have a Dachshund. She actually has a sponsorship from Ruffwear and should be getting a ton of gear from them to field test on the trip. There is enough water along to trail to not worry to much about that. The main thing is figuring out her food. We're trying to find out is she should be on dog food only, or if it would be OK for her to eat some of our food with a lot more protein than the dog food.

 

[MtnT4R]

I may have chuckled a little bit, but only because the image of a Dachshund with a dog pack on is pretty amusing. From what I've learned, people food is ok, but you have to wean them from one diet to another in increments. If you just change it all at once, intestinal bleeding is possible- I learned that one the hard way. Gave our dogs some red meat for a dinner treat, and paid for two trips to the vet.

At least you wont be packing TOO much food for a smaller dog. Interested to see what sort of gear Ruffwear gives you all to test

 

[MStudt]

I may have chuckled a little bit, but only because the image of a Dachshund with a dog pack on is pretty amusing. From what I've learned, people food is ok, but you have to wean them from one diet to another in increments. If you just change it all at once, intestinal bleeding is possible- I learned that one the hard way. Gave our dogs some red meat for a dinner treat, and paid for two trips to the vet.

At least you wont be packing TOO much food for a smaller dog. Interested to see what sort of gear Ruffwear gives you all to test

Here's the list:

Summit Trex boots
Web Master harness
Climate Changer base layer
Quinzee coat
Beacon
Top Rope Collar
Flat Out Leash
Bivy Clinch food bowl
Bivy Bowl water bowl

 

[MtnT4R]

My own hammock right now is a DIY - I have a Grand Trunk single, but it's slightly too small for my 6'3" frame. My homemade sling is a 92"x130" taffeta tablecloth with Warbonnet style bunches on the ends, and it's slightly too large. Hopefully that helps you get the correct size right off the bat.

I sleep under an Aquaquest silnylon 10x7, pitched on the angle for coverage, when I bother to throw up a tarp at all, and I love it, it's completely waterproof when I pitch it right. A buddy has a cuben fiber tarp that's even awesomer, but that's bucks.

This got me rethinking my setup again. I thought it would be a lot more involved than an afternoon of research and $130, but hey. I'll take it.

I just ordered a Grand Trunk Nano 7 hammock for $60 on amazon, and a minimalist Spinntrex asymmetrical tarp for $70 on mountainlaureldesigns.com

Hammock- 7oz
Tarp- 4.7oz

Also found a Western Mountaineering 35F sleeping bag that weighs in at 16oz, but thats probably a purchase for next spring.

Next years total sleep system weight?
27.7oz = 1.73lbs

hyperlitemountaingear.com has some awesome gear to check out as well.

 

[KidVermicious]

This got me rethinking my setup again. I thought it would be a lot more involved than an afternoon of research and $130, but hey. I'll take it.

I just ordered a Grand Trunk Nano 7 hammock for $60 on amazon, and a minimalist Spinntrex asymmetrical tarp for $70 on mountainlaureldesigns.com

Hammock- 7oz
Tarp- 4.7oz

Also found a Western Mountaineering 35F sleeping bag that weighs in at 16oz, but thats probably a purchase for next spring.

Next years total sleep system weight?
27.7oz = 1.73lbs

hyperlitemountaingear.com has some awesome gear to check out as well.

If you're going to be a gram weenie, you have to weigh the sleeping pad/ underquilt and hammock straps/tarp lines too. :flipoff:

 

[MtnT4R]

If you're going to be a gram weenie, you have to weigh the sleeping pad/ underquilt and hammock straps/tarp lines too. :flipoff:

Haha no sleeping pad or underquilt for me, and the tarp weight includes the attached lines. Im curious to see just how much weight 550 cord can handle :biggrin2:
I'd say all together I would be darn happy to have everything right around 2lbs.

I guess I'm into the whole ultralight thing insofar as it lets me bring more whiskey and unnecessary goodies along for the trip :cheers:

 

[MStudt]

hyperlitemountaingear.com has some awesome gear to check out as well.

I'm going broke because of this site! Thanks

 

[MStudt]

Down Jackets

Need some help with getting a decent down jacket. I currently have a North Face Windwall Thermal Fleece jacket and North Face Shell. Not being very fond of North Face I'm deciding to part ways with all the North Face gear I currently have. I'm really needing something that is bit lighter than a fleece, and something that packs better.

Here's what I'm considering for a jacket. The first one is my first choice and so on.

1. Outdoor Research Transcendent Hoody
2. Montbell Thermawrap Pro
3. GoLite Demaree 800

Here's what I'm considering for a shell.

1. Patagonia Torrents
2. Montbell Versalite
3. Montbell Dynamo Wind Parka

I really kind of leaning towards the Outdoor Research jacket since they have a lifetime warranty on their products. I'm also drawn between the Patagonia and the Montbell Dynamo. I know I can get the Patagonia this spring on clearance for about $70, and I like the fact that it has pit-zips. I'm really liking the Montbell Dynamo because it could double for a mid-weight rain shell too.

 

[KidVermicious]

Have you seen the Zpacks cuben stuff? I really want the cuben poncho - that and the rain pants would come in together at 8 oz total and are completely waterproof.

ZPacks.com Ultralight Backpacking Gear - Accessories

 

[MStudt]

Have you seen the Zpacks cuben stuff? I really want the cuben poncho - that and the rain pants would come in together at 8 oz total and are completely waterproof.

ZPacks.com Ultralight Backpacking Gear - Accessories

I have seen that before. However, I'm thinking about getting something that can act as both a shell and rain jacket. It'll be good to have a light shell for the entire trip, and better if it could double as a rain jacket. Plus I've already got a set of Frog Toggs. Although they're not a light, they are pretty good.

 

[aha2988]

I've never really found a jacket that has been amazing in my eyes that I could say "hey go for this one". I can say that from my experience in the NC mountains I just always layered up in comfortable light weight layers. I would just shed or add layers as the temperature increased or decreased comfort wise.

I'd typically have with me a base layer such as under armor nylon's or smart wool base layer shirts. They wick really well and help keep you dry. A thin light weight throw over fleece, and perhaps a shirt or sweater. Those layer I alternate. Then I just have a north face soft shell for warmth and a basic REI rain jacket for a "shell" that folds into it's own pocket.

leg wear I just run the north face, mountain hardware, or Columbia nylon cargo pants and long underwear if its cold enough. They get wet an still keep me warm. I can dry them out easy enough by a fire when its time to relax. I'll throw on those boot "gator" things that wrap around your ankles about half way up your shins and shed rain as well as trail debris.

During the coldest hikes I'll bring a fleece neck sock that keeps my neck and lower face warm and i always carry the most comfortable beanie I can find lol.

y'alls trip is coming up soon isn't when are y'all planning to head out

 

[MStudt]

I've never really found a jacket that has been amazing in my eyes that I could say "hey go for this one". I can say that from my experience in the NC mountains I just always layered up in comfortable light weight layers. I would just shed or add layers as the temperature increased or decreased comfort wise.

I'd typically have with me a base layer such as under armor nylon's or smart wool base layer shirts. They wick really well and help keep you dry. A thin light weight throw over fleece, and perhaps a shirt or sweater. Those layer I alternate. Then I just have a north face soft shell for warmth and a basic REI rain jacket for a "shell" that folds into it's own pocket.

leg wear I just run the north face, mountain hardware, or Columbia nylon cargo pants and long underwear if its cold enough. They get wet an still keep me warm. I can dry them out easy enough by a fire when its time to relax. I'll throw on those boot "gator" things that wrap around your ankles about half way up your shins and shed rain as well as trail debris.

During the coldest hikes I'll bring a fleece neck sock that keeps my neck and lower face warm and i always carry the most comfortable beanie I can find lol.

y'alls trip is coming up soon isn't when are y'all planning to head out

I totally agree with the layering, this is something that I've started using over the past couple years. When done correctly you can be extremely warm in the coldest of temps.

At this point I'm set on mid & light weight base layers from Terramr. After that I have a Sherpa Adventure Gear wool pullover that is super warm. For jackets, I'm really thinking the OR product due to the warranty. With the shell the Montbell Dynamo is starting to rule. I think this would be a pretty good set-up for the cold, and then send some of the stuff back when it starts warming up.

We're still a little under a year out. We're heading to a school board hearing next Wednesday to see if they are going to grand my wife the sabbatical she asked. I'm thinking they since the the majority of the board has already said yes. We're preparing some information for them and will have about 20 of her current and former students there are well. The students can give first hand information on what they have learned from my wife outdoor education club she started. Our plan is to leave around the 26th of December, and hopefully we'll hit the trail just before the new year.

 

[MStudt]

The pack situation is now taken care of. I recently picked up a Gregory Z55 pack off of eBay for $80. The pack looks brand new, and is still firm like a new pack.

 

[slapdappy]

Need some help with getting a decent down jacket. I currently have a North Face Windwall Thermal Fleece jacket and North Face Shell. Not being very fond of North Face I'm deciding to part ways with all the North Face gear I currently have. I'm really needing something that is bit lighter than a fleece, and something that packs better.

Here's what I'm considering for a jacket. The first one is my first choice and so on.

1. Outdoor Research Transcendent Hoody
2. Montbell Thermawrap Pro
3. GoLite Demaree 800

Here's what I'm considering for a shell.

1. Patagonia Torrents
2. Montbell Versalite
3. Montbell Dynamo Wind Parka

I really kind of leaning towards the Outdoor Research jacket since they have a lifetime warranty on their products. I'm also drawn between the Patagonia and the Montbell Dynamo. I know I can get the Patagonia this spring on clearance for about $70, and I like the fact that it has pit-zips. I'm really liking the Montbell Dynamo because it could double for a mid-weight rain shell too.

I've become a Marmot fan bc of their 'Marmot for life' policy. My simple hooded single layer waterproof/breathable anorak's interior laminate coating was wearing off around the shoulders. Contacted Marmot asking if it could be repaired, mailed it in, they said 'sorry, can't repair and don't make it anymore. Would you like us to send you a gift card for the orig purchase price ($99) or would you like to apply that and order directly from our website"? I threw an extra $75 at the problem and ordered this Oracle Jacket | Marmot.com. I wanted the removable hood. I wear it every day I ski as my outer layer. It is the only waterproof coat I own. This is a more basic one $99 PreCip Jacket | Marmot.com.
My lightweight wool zip neck long sleeved Icebreaker underlayer is my other piece of go to gear. It is a better thermal regulator than my Patagucci capilene and it doesn't get the funky smell after a couple of sweaty days.