Category: Carol’s Blog Page 8 of 14

Choosing Your Backpack

On January 12, 2022

Have you decided you want to try backpacking but don’t know where to start? I can’t help you…….. Well okay…… maybe I can…

If you’ve never backpacked before or if you’ve done a little, hiking gear is a huge and confusing topic. Information overload can make you dizzy and feel like you are on a Tilt-A-Whirl! How’s that for encouraging?

Researching backpacks alone can be worse than trying to find the best wine for that special occasion. Since I began in 2019, I’ve owned three backpacks and just got another for Christmas!

So what is a beginner supposed to do? Well…Just start! There are always gear lists available like my Free 2022 Gear List. (Link at top of my website.) You can watch YouTube reviews, read blogs, and go to your favorite outfitter to actually try some on. There are major brands and cottage industries all vying for your favor and their websites are usually most helpful with videos and salespeople who are happy to answer any of your questions!

What I’ve found as the most important considerations for me: Comfort, capacity, weight, cost – in that order. Here’s my experience.

Before I knew what I was doing, I went to a major outfitter’s garage sale and found two brand new packs for a fraction of the retail price. I bought one for me and one for my granddaughter who I was hoping would share my enthusiasm. That one, alas, is still in new condition.

But the one for me, a Gregory Jade 50 was a perfect fit and still had the original tags! (This one is no longer available on-line but it may still be found at a retail outfitter.) A 50-liter bag (refers to the capacity) It was like a Cadillac for comfort and I used it for several hundred miles before I started to calculate my base weight: the weight of everything except food, water, and other consumables such as fuel and batteries.

However, the Gregory was 4 pounds! In order to lighten my load I’ve since then, tried a Granite Gear, a two-pounder that wasn’t comfortable for me so it was returned. (Many hikers love the Granite Gear.)

Next was a Gossamer Gear Mariposa, at two pounds – I used it for 1000 miles. The Mariposa is very comfortable and I do love that pack with a 55-liter capacity. The biggest drawback is that it rests flat on my back, making it always wet with sweat. And after 1000 miles it’s showing a bit of wear & tear.

For 2022, I’ll be using a zPack Arc Air, with a 50-liter capacity and an arched back allowing for better circulation, and best of all it is only 24 ounces. Comfort rating is yet to be determined.

Gear can be cheap or very expensive. And there is no shame in trying what’s within your budget. But sometimes economizing can cost you if there is a breakdown while in the wilderness or it wears hotspots on your body. Much depends on your aspirations. For me, I LOVE backpacking long-distance, and buying the lightest gear is in my best interest (dare I say “At my age?’)

Other gear will be discussed in subsequent blogs, but for now, as a beginner, you should be focusing on research and getting in shape!

Many of these are items I use personally and others are recommendations if you are starting out building your 10 Essentials. You should also know that “As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.”

What Happens When You…

By Late Bloom

On January 5, 2022

In Carol's Blog

Make Up Your Mind!

What happens when you make up your mind to do something you thought you’d never do?

Well – It happens! Maybe not the way you thought, or according to the timeline you set.

Here’s what happened when I said, “IT’S NOW OR NEVER!”

In 2018 I said, “This is it – now or never.” And I took measures to find a hiking partner for the BIG ONE – the PCT!. I’d been collecting gear over the years with this long-term goal in mind. (You can read about how that came about in a previous blog:. “Twenty-Year Journey to the PCT” to learn how I met my hiking partner, Debbie.)

2019 – Debbie and I obtained the required permit for a through hike. (Mexico to Canada 2650 miles) We began by hiking different sections in Southern California, avoiding snow, preferring to go where the weather was favorable. Debbie said, “We’re going all the way to Canada!” I had my doubts, but Debbie was adamant! After a few small section hikes to see if we were compatible hikers, and if I could actually do this at age 65. After a few hikes I did some math and informed Debbie that if we hiked every day with no breaks we’d be hiking until February 2020! She conceded to a two-year plan and gradually came to accept a three-year plan. (eye roll) That year we completed about 900 miles that included 300 miles of Oregon!

2020- With over 900 miles behind us we got new permits and planned a minimum of 1000 miles for 2020. But while we were getting prepared, the news of a pandemic hit, and the PCT was basically CLOSED. Ugh! What a kick in the pants, not only for us but hikers from all over the world who had quit jobs, saved for years, quit their leases, and had tickets for international travel. To close out 2020, we decided to fill in some of the local PCT gaps for a grand total of 86 miles.

2021 – Feeling more relaxed about Covid -19 fears (including our Governor declaring Covid was no longer a problem EYE ROLL!) we obtained new permits to begin a quest for another 1000 miles. The plan was to go South Bound (SOBO) from northern CA and go to Walker Pass. If successful we would have completed contiguous miles from Mexico to Washington – Oregon border. As typical of our track record, we didn’t quite get all those miles in but did hike through the Sierra including all the major passes for a total of 800 miles. Isn’t that a lucky number?

Moral of the story…Make up your mind! And stop putting off what you want to do!

Day Hiking 10 Essentials

By Late Bloom

On December 6, 2021

In Carol's Blog, Tips & Tricks & How-To

Great Gift Ideas for Your Hiker Friends

These are the 10 essentials that should go with you on EVERY hike. For sure you will likely change out some of these depending on weather, length of your hike, and what kind of terrain.

Let’s keep it simple and start with the basics for a day hike. You may think that many of these items are overkill for a simple day hike, but things happen, and you’ll be happy you are prepared. And sometimes you will be the hero when you can lend aid to another less prepared hiker. As an example; for years I carried an Ace bandage in my first aid kit. One day I saw a hiker wipe out, resulting in a sprained ankle. There was still a long way to get to the trailhead. He was grateful for the support I could offer. (And I was happy that that poor little Ace bandage got to do some good!)

First Aid: You can always build your own, but this is a lightweight & loaded First Aid Kit.

2. Sun Protection: Include SunScreen & at. Here are a couple of my favorites. Love the ability to pull my ponytail out the back.

3. Navigation. There are numerous ways to download maps and I use them all! My overall favorite is the All Trails App. You can download maps if you go where there is no cell service. No matter where you are, this all-purpose app gives all the information you need to determine if a trail is right for you and your physical level.

4. Knife: I’ve carried a number of different knives from large to tiny. But the most useful has been the tiny Victorinox Swiss Army Knife. I carried this in 2021 on 700-mile section hike of the PCT!

5. Shelter: Depending on where you are and the weather, you could carry a Lightweight bivy for winter or if you get the First Aid Kit mentioned above, an emergency blanket is included. If you want something a little more robust check out this 4 0z compact shelter.

6. Fire: If stranded a fire can be a lifesaver. Fire Starters can be a simple as a Bic Lighter or a Ferro Rod Steel that never runs out of fuel. (Word of caution! Check fire regulations where you plan to hike! Apply for CA Campfire Permit)

7. Headlamp: Especially this time of year it gets dark early and FAST! Don’t be caught in the dark. Headlamps are so convenient and keep your hands free. I LOVE this beanie with built-in rechargeable light! Serves two purposes: Light, and counts as the next Essential.

8. Extra Clothes: This depends heavily on the weather. Most likely you have a lightweight jacket to keep in your pack, but if you are looking for something very versatile try something like this Mountain Hardware long sleeve shirt with a hoody. You won’t believe how much protection a hoody can add to your comfort on trail.

9. Extra Water: Running out of water can be disastrous. Be sure to carry enough for yourself and possibly others on the trail who foolishly didn’t carry enough. Even while on short day-hikes I love having drink-tube hydration. There are a variety of sizes and brands but my favorite is the Platypus Hoser. Oh and don’t forget the Bite Valve Cover. It seems that all bite valves dive for the dirt every time I take off my pack for a break!

10. Extra Food: You may or may not be stopping for a break, but having a nice snack will refresh your energy and brighten your spirits especially if it’s a particularly yummy treat! Granted you will pack something fresh each time, but it never hurts to keep an emergency snack or drink. Consider one of my go-to high-protein bars, the Builder Bar. Most grocery stores sell them individually. And that’s a good option if you don’t need 14!