Hwy 5 North at Tetlin Junction into Yukon, then the dempster highway north from there into NWT and Inuvik. I'd do Denali either before or after. Probably after to get a break from the bike.
How do I feel about inbred rednecks lighting cars on fire when hikers leave for the day? How do I feel about them hanging fish hooks from trees and face height and then robbing/beating people after they get caught? Not very good. I always have at least a Mora 510 for backup. Good little knife for $7. I've never really settled on a primary knife, but I really want one of these: That guy has some serious skills. I just got one of these but haven't had a chance to get out this year
Good call, forgot to mention the hatchet I've got a 3" Winchester pocket knife and a 6" Cutco hunting knife. Plenty enough for practical use as well as defense, along with the hatchet
Anybody done the Bright Angel Trail in Grand Canyon NP from the river to the South Rim? Rafting down the Colorado in 2 weeks and need to know how much trouble I'm in. TIA
Had a good two day hike in the Grand Tetons in Wyoming about a month ago. Went on a bunch of mini(2-8 mile) hikes when I was in Yellowstone. I'd highly recommend the Tetons. Yellowstone all depends on where you are and what you want. I'm all about being the only guy on the trail, and that can be tough at a park like that.
Got to do some good hikes in Wind Cave NP and Teddy Roosevelt NP.. short overnight trip in TRNP. Great places, much different than anything we have in the south
Went hiking couple weeks ago, had to wear my running shoes(Asics) with them already losing grip and had to use a lot of strength to keep my place when climbing up cliffs and whatnot. On the way down, I had to slide down while randomly catching myself on trees or other rocks(was fun). Anyone here have any suggestions on good shoes and other equipment on bringing. Not talking rock climbing up cliffs where i would need rope but it's enough climbing where if I get high enough and fall i could break something. If that makes sense... Basically just need recommendations on good shoes.
I second that on the Merrells. I bought a pair this past year for trail running and ended up using them for light hikes too. They obviously don't offer the ankle support of boots when carrying a lot of weight, but they work well with a light pack.
I have these specifically: http://www.merrell.com/US/en-US/Pro...ve/Smoke-Adventure-Yellow/J85521?dimensions=0 I wear them hiking, running, kayaking or just around every day.
I have a pair of Patagonia AC Drifters that I love. Good grip but not as heavy as a boot. Wouldn't wear them everywhere, but I do wear them when I go mountain biking. Plus, I made out like a bandit, $40 on clearance.
My biggest thing is I also have a dislocated knee. I surprising was fine the whole trip and didn't wear a brace(though was stupid). I like those Patagonias....there is a store here where I can go try on some of those. I also have a wide foot and wear orthodics(im a mess), so need to test them out. thanks all.
I'd try out La Sportiva and Scarpa before Merrill, but I do have a pair of Merrill boots that have logged 1000+ miles in the Colorado Rockies - broke one lace tie and wore out the footbeds. Recommending brands is tricky b/c they're sized for different types of feet. One site I look at (backcountry.com maybe) actually mentions the widths the different brands are suited for. REI's return policy is gold for shoes if you have one nearby.
Forgot to mention, trail running shoes are increasing in popularity with high mountain hikers out here. The soles are tough enough for ankle support despite the low height, and the weight savings adds up over 10-15 miles. The main downside is for people with bad ankles and those who are hiking through ankle-bruising talus (1-3 ft. rocks).
Dont think I need boots, probably just shoes. most likely something with ankle support, though i don't have bad ankles just precaution. I'll have to just try a bunch on first, im one of those people who needs a shoe that fits a certain width while also being a size 13-14.
Salomon for light hiking shoes (carrying less than 20 lbs. or so on your back). For boots: Asolo, Mammut, or Scarpa (my favorites are the Scarpa SL M3). Most boots, including the ubiquitous Vasque Sundowner, are now made in China. So far as I know, Asolo, Mammut, and Scarpa are the only ones who still make them (very well) in Europe. China makes good products, but hiking boots aren't one of them. If you ever find a pair of Sundowners in size 10 that still say made in Italy in them let me know...I'll pay dearly for them.
Boots are usually only necessary for heavier loads than your ankles are used too or extreme distances on rocky terrain. You're probably going to find some good options in the hiking shoe/trail runner style even in your size.
Yea im not doing anything serious. Just started seeing how far I can go and the type of climbs I can accomplish. Soon I plan on going a little more north or east and do some serious hiking. I think I just need shoes or trail runner style.
Condolences on size 13/14. I wear the same sizes. I've found it tough to get what I want, esp. La Sportiva.
http://www.thenorthface.com/catalog/sc-gear/men-39-s-double-track.html I bought these last spring and now wear them just about everyday.
Trail runners for sure. What type depends on what you run in (neutral, stability, motion control, etc) I went with merrells, but because I pronate they would bother the inside of my knees. I'm a Salomon guy myself... Use these for light packing and dayhikes: http://www.rei.com/product/818508/salomon-speedcross-3-cs-trail-running-shoes-mens Use these for packing loads of 25-30 pounds (skin out): http://www.rei.com/product/807599/salomon-xa-pro-3d-ultra-2-trail-running-shoes-mens
For soulfly SF Handcuffed TheChatch or other guys who might know the area: I have to go to Seattle for work on the 14th/15th so like we always do when I go there since it's the absolute GOAT city in North America, my wife is coming with me and we're going up on Thursday 5/10. We really love to hike around there and have done many of the Mt Rainier trails. This time we're looking to do Mt Rainier on Friday and Olympic National Park on Saturday, and we're looking for good suggestions for both. We are looking for trails that we could drive to within a couple of hours, day hike, then drive back to the city that evening. We have done research on the wta and nps websites and some of the reviews have said that the distances can be deceiving as most are listed as one way due to the amount of people who camp. We have started at Mowich Lake a couple of times but not sure if it will be open yet due to snow. We have never been to Olympic National Park but from reviews it seems like we should check out one of the rainforest trails or the Mt Zion trail. thanks
Lake Angeles and High Divide in Olympic: http://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/lake-angeles-trail.htm http://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/high-divide-loop.htm
You know I went backpacking through the ONF some years back. I can't remember the name of the trail, so I'll have to ask my mom when I talk to her today, but the fishing was extraordinary. We were in the rainforest, so we definitely got soaked on a couple if the days, but the old growth was really cool to trek through. I'll ask my moms today and get back to you. In the meantime, here are some food tips: Steak - Metropoltan Grill/El Goucho/Brooklyn S&C/Buenos Aires Grill Creole/Cajun - Talouse Petit/Kingfish Cafe Seafood - Rays Boathouse/Ivars/Aqua/Seastar Lounge/Elliots Burgers - Palace Kitchen/Dicks Drive in/Jaks Grill Happy Hour - Talouse/Pesos/Shiku/Met Grill Sushi - Umi Saki House/Shiros/Shiku Bar play - Pesos/Bal Mar/Barca/Havana Italian - Volterra/Il Terrazzo/Pink Door If you wanna do something that your wife will love, take the ferry to Bainbridge Island and dine at Four Swallows. Probably my favorite restaurant in the region. Just phenomenal.
Some pictures of this past weekend at Eagle Creek in Oregon. Although we didn't know there was 1-2 inches of freezing rain there from the night before. No way we were turning back although we should have. Nothing like icy paths next two steep cliffs, some of which would take one slip and death. The big ass icicles crashing around us were another concern. Still was an awesome hike though. Some pics... One of my buddies in an ice cave...
Hiked a nice leg of the Ozark Highlands Trail this weekend. Trying to finish it before I leave Arkansas. Spoiler
This was two weeks ago. Anyone want one son of a bitch of a fuckin workout, go snow-shoeing for almost 9 miles up a mountain (Larch Mountain) in fresh powdered snow. Here's a pic...
I'm considering doing the John Muir trail in its entirety for my BAR trip. Anyone done it before or know someone who has? What was your preparation like? I've never done anything more than a full-day hike. I'm worried less about the physical preparation than I am about the gear, food and water. Those who have done 15+ day packs chime in!
Whoa, whoa, didn't finish reading. You've never done a multi-day hike and you're going to dive into that? Easy, killer. Start with weekend trips where you're doing a good number of miles per day. Loops, or if you have a hiking buddy shuttles, are key.
The preparation seems daunting, but the lawyer in me LOVES the potential research and execution of a plan. I need to decide in one to two weeks due to permits, however. It's hard to commit to a 210 mile trek when you haven't started anything, however.
Sounds like you're going a little balls-deep, man. What's the longest stretch of time you've spent outside, nights-wise?
When I was younger and lived in Utah I used to do week-long treks. I didn't do any intense hiking, but I spent a significant time in the outdoors, sleeping in tents etc. I went to Yellowstone two summers ago and completed 20~ miles of backpacking in two days. I did not spend the night outdoors, however. I really miss being in the outdoors and this seems like a wonderful life achievement and something I probably will not have the opportunity of ever doing again.
Yea, start small. Do plenty of 1-3 nighters before going for week long plus hikes. Glad this thread got bumped too.
Going overnight hiking for the first time in a month. looking to stay on the trail for 5 days. we will start in north georiga on the appalachian trail. im going with a couple of friends that have been before but by no means are the experts. i was wondering if anyone had any tips or advice. if anyone has specific recommendations on any gear, food, supplies, or clothes that would help as well. thanks
How much hiking have you done in the past? For me it's all about staying dry. I seem grip my tent and always pack a tube. I have a pack cover and a poncho that covers my pack and of course rain pants. I've hiked the area your going to. Nothing special is needed. Should be nice this time of year. It's usually crowded but the cold will keep people off the trail.
I've only done some day hikes where we honestly didn't need any gear at all. I've got a nice pack and a tent/tarp to sleep under
The ground is cold. Be sure and take a sleeping bag pad. I use this one http://www.backcountry.com/therm-a-rest-prolite-sleeping-pad For winter hiking I like to take a down jacket. They fold up into nothing and are light. They are great for once you've stopped for the night and are hanging out around the camp site. http://www.backcountry.com/marmot-guides-down-sweater-mens
Will be keeping a watch on this thread. Having recently moved to Oregon I will be doing a lot of this once summer approaches.
..oh and I always pack Booker's Bourbon and canned beer of some sort. Crush the cans and they pack out easy.