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Citizen Z posted:I've had the urge to pick up hiking or backpacking for a few years now and haven't really acted on it. I currently live in central OK, which is pretty flat. Can anyone recommend some good parks for day hikes in Oklahoma, Arkansas or north Texas? Southeast Oklahoma has relatively secluded places, and the rest of the Ozarks. Wichita Mountains has decent trails, though once you've been a couple times it's pretty boring. They do allow backcountry camping with a permit though. I usually only go to get in a sort of "test run" to get me ready for a bigger trip. However, depending on what you're after it's definitely near the top of places to start. I've seen nicer photos of more places in Arkansas, but I gravitate to "real" mountains much more so I've never spent time there. I suspect that's where the better hiking is in the region. That's about the extent of my experience. I usually just go to New Mexico for weekend trips, taking a Friday or Monday for driving. It's only about ten hours if you hoof it (8 to Albuquerque). ABQ also has an REI. OKC only has Backwoods and Sun and Ski Sports which are both a little more expensive and have a much smaller selection. JAY ZERO SUM GAME fucked around with this message at 16:26 on Jan 21, 2013 |
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Jan 21, 2013 16:23
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Here's something I'm curious about. When I was a young scout, I remember being counseled not to set up a tent under a tree "or you'll get rained on twice." Now, I seem to recall reading that it is better to set up under some degree of canopy. It's probably silly to ask if things have changed over the past 20 years, but where do you set up a tent these days? On a related note, what are some old camping or backpacking rules-of-thumb that have been debunked over the last few decades?
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Jan 21, 2013 16:35
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Citizen Z posted:I've had the urge to pick up hiking or backpacking for a few years now and haven't really acted on it. I currently live in central OK, which is pretty flat. Can anyone recommend some good parks for day hikes in Oklahoma, Arkansas or north Texas? Arkansas is really beautiful and is likely your best bet. I'd recommend picking up a book by Tim Ernst like this one and choosing a trail from there to start out.
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Jan 21, 2013 16:51
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I made it out yesterday, had some fun on a lazy trail (for me), helping my friend lose weight. Really beautiful day, and relatively warm for a Canadian January. 
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Jan 21, 2013 21:14
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JAY ZERO SUM GAME posted:I'm in your boat, I live in OKC but travel to backpack. I've never really done much hiking, aside from a bit of rambling through the woods where my family lives in New York. I went to Petit Jean state park in Arkansas a couple of years ago for a family reunion, and it was absolutely beautiful but because it's a popular park there were quite a few people. I'm hoping for a little more solitude. The Wichitas are probably a good place to start, since I'm mostly interested in some day hikes and getting out of town and away from city life. I also hear the burgers are Meers are good, and I haven't had one yet. pragan4 posted:Arkansas is really beautiful and is likely your best bet. I'd recommend picking up a book by Tim Ernst like this one and choosing a trail from there to start out. I'll check that out. Arkansas is close, and as you said, really pretty. Aside from the crowds, I really enjoyed the weekend I spent at Petit Jean.
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Jan 21, 2013 22:03
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The Meersburger is not good, not at all. But don't let me stop you.
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Jan 21, 2013 22:11
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JAY ZERO SUM GAME posted:The Meersburger is not good, not at all. But don't let me stop you. Damnit. I was hoping it wasn't another Eischens. I'm gonna eat one, anyway, though.
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Jan 21, 2013 22:46
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I went on a quick and easy hike in the Hudson Palisades this weekend. The scenery in this part of the world is nothing compared to what you all have out west and in Canada, but I have to make do with what I got. Looking up the bank of the Hudson.  The Palisades from below.  The Palisades from above.
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Jan 21, 2013 22:54
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Did another Outing Club trip last weekend. We did a loop over Mount Lafayette and Mount Liberty (New Hampshire) going up the Old Bridle Path, and down Falling Waters Trail. I'd been wanting to do this hike in the winter for awhile, but my wife prefers shorter hikes in the winter, and want me hiking solo above treeline in the winter. I jumped at the opportunity, when this trip was posted. Below treeline there was a good bit of snow, but cover was patch above treeline. There was some harpack, sporadic patches of ice, some snow drifts, and a lot of exposed rock. Still a fun day. Eagles Lake and Lafayette by EPICAC, on Flickr  Climbing Lafayette by EPICAC, on Flickr  Mount Lincoln by EPICAC, on Flickr  Mount Lafayette by EPICAC, on Flickr  Mount Lincoln by EPICAC, on Flickr
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Jan 24, 2013 17:01
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I finally finished my slide-show with some footage of my hike in Waterton National Park right on the American border last July. I would have liked to make something better but I was pressed for time, so stopping and filming regularly would've extended the trip too long. All the photos and video are in chronological order to give a good sense of what the trip is like. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGO43qY-gdQ I found this map online that shows the trail, plus I added the summit of Mt. Carthew in as well. Gorgeous area, and a perfect day! 
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Jan 25, 2013 21:42
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Picnic Princess posted:I finally finished my slide-show with some footage of my hike in Waterton National Park right on the American border last July. I have family that lives about 30 minutes from there. Amazingly beautiful and peaceful place. And it's true that Canada got the smaller, but more beautiful, half of Glacier Naional Park!
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Jan 26, 2013 01:04
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I'm heading on a hike of the Devil's Path in the Catskills in early March with some coworkers. We've done several winter hikes before, but I think this one will be a little colder. Seeing how my 20 degree sleeping bag wasn't quite warm enough on our last winter hike, I'm looking to get a sub 0 degree bag for this one. Anyone have any suggestions? I'm currently looking at the bags at REI (might as well try to build up my dividend if I'm buying some new gear) and the REI Expedition -20 bag looks pretty good: http://www.rei.com/product/801839/rei-expedition-20-sleeping-bag Can anyone suggest other sub 0 bags I should be looking at?
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Feb 3, 2013 03:59
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Saddamnit posted:I'm heading on a hike of the Devil's Path in the Catskills in early March with some coworkers. We've done several winter hikes before, but I think this one will be a little colder. Seeing how my 20 degree sleeping bag wasn't quite warm enough on our last winter hike, I'm looking to get a sub 0 degree bag for this one. Anyone have any suggestions? Not sure just how low the temperatures will get where you're going, but you might not need a sub-zero bag if you're going to wear a base layer when you sleep. For when there is a good chance I or my things are going to get wet, or that I will have to sleep wet/damp, I have a Mountain Hardwear Ultralamina 0°. I prefer down, but the UL is comfortable and reliable. Here is a review of the 15° version. I think I paid about $160 for it, discounted. It’s heavy at 3.5 pounds, so I only take it when wetness is a real issue, but it is nice to have around. Do note that the 0° rating is probably a little optimistic, though this has done well in temperatures below freezing.
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Feb 4, 2013 02:16
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Saddamnit posted:REI Expedition -20 bag looks pretty good: http://www.rei.com/product/801839/rei-expedition-20-sleeping-bag I personally wouldn't spend 500+ dollars on a REI bag, especially one that still used 700 fill power down. If I were in your position, I would put a little money with it and buy a nice 5 or 0 degree bag from Western Mountaineering or Feathered Friends and wear my puff coat to sleep in. I don't think that REI bag is going to be very true to its rating. Sadly, WM just raised their prices again. 
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Feb 4, 2013 02:16
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I'd probably just rent a -20 bag from Rei. My zero degree bag in -15 degree temps at Yellowstone required a ton of extra clothing that outweighed just bringing a bigger bag.
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Feb 4, 2013 05:05
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There's a big difference in any given manufacturer's bags at the same ratings. Even people who work at REI tell me that Marmot bags are going to be warmer at 15 degrees (the rating of my bag) than their own brand, for example. Down fill and quality make a big difference. Also a great sleeping pad can make any given bag warmer. Or add something like this so depending on how much colder you expect it to be than your bag's rating: http://www.rei.com/product/705534/sea-to-summit-reactor-thermolite-mummy-bag-liner I bought an REI bag and I returned it for a Marmot. I don't recommend it. However I do get cold easier than most. e: I mean I don't recommend an REI bag, at least if you plan on getting properly cold. JAY ZERO SUM GAME fucked around with this message at 05:31 on Feb 4, 2013 |
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Feb 4, 2013 05:16
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Marmot & Western Mountaineering are the go-tos for down bags, but it's drat hard to find WM on sale.
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Feb 4, 2013 05:24
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These guys make some tempting looking sleeping bags, though I've never actually seen anyone using one: http://www.nunatakusa.com/
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Feb 4, 2013 05:54
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I'll vouch for Marmot sleeping bags and also winter camping. I was in the Grand Canyon for four nights over New Year's, hardly saw anybody, and even though it hit -9 at night I was fine in my Pinnacle 15-degree bag + liner just wearing a base layer.
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Feb 4, 2013 06:04
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BeefofAges posted:These guys make some tempting looking sleeping bags, though I've never actually seen anyone using one: http://www.nunatakusa.com/ I have a custom specialist. You need to get a little bit of an overfill to make them comfortable at their advertised ratings imo. Not that its a bad product or anything, just a warning. Maybe they changed? The two big go to, cottage industry quilt makers right now are http://www.enlightenedequipment.com/ and http://katabaticgear.com/ I personally wouldn't buy a quilt for 20 below trips.
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Feb 4, 2013 07:32
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Add another vote for Marmot bags. Last trip I went on with my 15 degree bag it only ended up getting into I think the upper 20s at night, and I had to sleep with the zippers open since I was too hot just wearing nylon pants and a t-shirt. It's also the only sleeping bag where my feet have never frozen to stone by morning. It's a few years old and it's not light (around 3.75 lbs I think?) and does not compress well. But I happily make those sacrifices for a bag I know I can burrow in if the bottom drops out of the weather forecast without breaking the bank. I think I paid $60 for it on sale.
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Feb 4, 2013 23:56
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Thanks for all the advice, guys. Right now I'm leaning toward the Marmot Lithium (http://www.rei.com/product/762530/marmot-lithium-sleeping-bag), assuming they can get a long size in before my trip. Now another question: anyone have any good sleeping pad recommendations? I have an REI one from a few years ago, but over the course of 5 or 6 hiking trips it has developed a lot of tiny holes at the foot end that leak air. I have no idea how those holes got there, but there are so many that it would be impossible to repair them all. Plus, if those holes developed so easily, I don't have high expectations that they won't develop again. So, needless to say, durability is one of my primary concerns. I also want something that works well for the cold, obviously. Anyone had any experience with the Big Agnes pads? I'm currently looking at this one: http://www.rei.com/product/775892/big-agnes-dual-core-mummy-sleeping-pad
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Feb 5, 2013 01:04
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Saddamnit posted:Thanks for all the advice, guys. Right now I'm leaning toward the Marmot Lithium (http://www.rei.com/product/762530/marmot-lithium-sleeping-bag), assuming they can get a long size in before my trip. Just return it. Thats one of the biggest perks of rei is returning anything especially their own brand. Im currently using an rei pad and its great. I find that the self inflating are warmer than just air filled. The foam inside insulates a little better.
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Feb 5, 2013 01:45
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I used a Big Agnes inflatable about two years ago and hated it. I now own a Synmat UL 7 and it is so amazingly comfortable. Not sure what the difference is. The Big Agnes also didn't help when it got down to maybe 25 degrees. I was still cold underneath. The Synmat has never let me down in similar conditions. Hell I spent a night in Canyonlands last summer and it was too warm, I slept without my sleeping bag and just on that. http://www.rei.com/product/811907/exped-synmat-ul-7-air-pad However others seem to love Big Agnes stuff. Go to the store and lay on them in the position you would sleep in, too, of course.
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Feb 5, 2013 01:46
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Saddamnit posted:Thanks for all the advice, guys. Right now I'm leaning toward the Marmot Lithium (http://www.rei.com/product/762530/marmot-lithium-sleeping-bag), assuming they can get a long size in before my trip. Definitely return the REI pad if it's faulty. If you don't want another one of those, what is your price range? I love my Thermarest Neo Air XTherm, but it was pricey. Incredibly light, warm, strong and comfortable. My backup is a Z-Sol, which is amazing compared to the closed cell foam pads I used twenty years ago as a scout. If you combine the two, you get just about the best cold-weather sleeping experience available.
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Feb 5, 2013 01:58
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Business of Ferrets posted:Definitely return the REI pad if it's faulty. If you don't want another one of those, what is your price range? I love my Thermarest Neo Air XTherm, but it was pricey. Incredibly light, warm, strong and comfortable. My backup is a Z-Sol, which is amazing compared to the closed cell foam pads I used twenty years ago as a scout. My top price point would be around $175. Is the Neo Air the one with the crinkly material? If so, I'd be worried about waking up anyone I'm sharing a tent with.
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Feb 5, 2013 02:57
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Some of the Exped mats have a built-in pump, which is sweet, highly recommend them. I have the same fear about the NeoAirs (crinkly), thought I've never tried one. Edit: I've got the Helium, the 15* in that style, definitely a winner - but supposedly the Plasmas are even better Speleothing fucked around with this message at 05:11 on Feb 5, 2013 |
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Feb 5, 2013 05:07
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I used a Klymit Static V (uninsulated) on the AT and I love it. It inflates pretty fast, it's fairly lightweight, and it's comfy. They also have a slightly heavier insulated version. What I really want, however, is the Inertia X Frame. I hiked 500 miles with a guy who used one, and it's amazing. It's a full length inflatable pad, but it only weighs a bit over 9 oz. It's certainly not the most comfortable pad, but it's pretty comfy for the weight.
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Feb 5, 2013 05:27
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   "Midwinter hiking in San Diego" Actually this is the shortcut down to the beach. I just felt like participating. So yeah, 15 degree sleeping bags, that's interesting.
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Feb 5, 2013 06:20
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Saddamnit posted:My top price point would be around $175. Is the Neo Air the one with the crinkly material? If so, I'd be worried about waking up anyone I'm sharing a tent with. It does crinkle a bit, but not as much as I expected before trying it. If you're worried about the noise, definitely try it out in a store before you buy. In my experience, it has been no louder than the ambient outdoor noise, but I might just not be sensitized to it as much as others are. If you can find a discount, a Regular size would be within your budget.
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Feb 5, 2013 07:29
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I hiked up the Welsch-Dickey trail in the White Mountains this weekend. It was a lot of fun, but we couldn't complete the entire loop because we were only wearing Timberland boots and apparently you need spikes to get up past a certain point. We spent about 90% of the time a few yards off the trail in the woods using the snow to improve our traction. It was a blast, and my first real experience hiking in the winter. Gonna buy some spikes now.
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Feb 5, 2013 16:40
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Pron on VHS posted:I hiked up the Welsch-Dickey trail in the White Mountains this weekend. It was a lot of fun, but we couldn't complete the entire loop because we were only wearing Timberland boots and apparently you need spikes to get up past a certain point. We spent about 90% of the time a few yards off the trail in the woods using the snow to improve our traction. I just got a pair of these and tried them out in the snow this past weekend: http://www.rei.com/product/774966/kahtoola-microspikes-traction-system Went up and down several very steep hills with 60+ lbs on my back and never had a traction issue while some of my buddies who didn't have spikes were sliding around all over the place.
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Feb 5, 2013 23:44
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Yeah, microspikes own. I was all over Monadnock cleaning up trails after the ice storm of '08 with just them, and there were probably only 2 times(in the same spot) I wished I had something more substantial.
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Feb 6, 2013 00:39
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Speaking of winter camping... I'm planning a trip to go snow camping on mt. hood with a friend in March. We probably won't hike in far, maybe a few miles into some closed for the winter campgrounds with snowshoes. Neither of us has camped in a snow-shelter before though. I'm hoping to find a weekend where there's fairly fresh snow but it's not too cold and not raining... say 25-32 degree weather which is fairly normal for that area this time of year. I wanted to ask though, should my 20 degree North Face Cat's Meow sleeping bag do the trick if we're sleeping in a shelter? Does anyone have experience building quinzhee huts? That was our plan, and from what I'm reading they can stay fairly warm if you build them right. I just thought it'd be a fun first experience snow-camping.
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Feb 6, 2013 01:10
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I'd like to start doing some basic day hikes to get off of my lazy rear end and such. I currently have a 14 month old daughter that I take care of during the day, so she would go with me. There are a few hikes I could just push her in a stroller (paved with mild hills), but I'd rather hike on dirt. I have a wrap where I can fasten her to my back, but that prevents me from carrying a backpack for water and snacks. Is there any kind of (less dorky) advanced fanny pack system I could use or am I stuck trying to purchase a frame pack for the baby/stuff?
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Feb 6, 2013 01:16
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Business of Ferrets posted:It does crinkle a bit, but not as much as I expected before trying it. If you're worried about the noise, definitely try it out in a store before you buy. In my experience, it has been no louder than the ambient outdoor noise, but I might just not be sensitized to it as much as others are. You only say that because you're still asleep when you roll over at 3am, while your hiking buddy shoves leaves in their ears.  Granted, that was only on one trip and it was too hot at night to sleep well so I'm most likely exaggerating how aggravating that crinkly thing really was.
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Feb 6, 2013 01:39
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PabloBOOM posted:You only say that because you're still asleep when you roll over at 3am, while your hiking buddy shoves leaves in their ears. I've never really understood how people that are light sleepers deal with sleeping outside on camping trips without some industrial strength earplugs or something. I always read complaints about air mattresses that are too noisy or whatever and for some reason I just can't wrap my head around how something like that would wake someone up when you're sleeping outside with wind/rain/river/animals all around you making various noises.
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Feb 6, 2013 01:54
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MMD3 posted:I've never really understood how people that are light sleepers deal with sleeping outside on camping trips without some industrial strength earplugs or something. I always read complaints about air mattresses that are too noisy or whatever and for some reason I just can't wrap my head around how something like that would wake someone up when you're sleeping outside with wind/rain/river/animals all around you making various noises. All those noises are just fine by me (unless it's something like a deer that keeps grazing through camp and stepping on sticks, that always bugs me after about 10 minutes). But for some reason that crinkle got to me on that particular trip.
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Feb 6, 2013 02:09
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Amykinz posted:I'd like to start doing some basic day hikes to get off of my lazy rear end and such. I currently have a 14 month old daughter that I take care of during the day, so she would go with me. There are a few hikes I could just push her in a stroller (paved with mild hills), but I'd rather hike on dirt. I have a wrap where I can fasten her to my back, but that prevents me from carrying a backpack for water and snacks. Is there any kind of (less dorky) advanced fanny pack system I could use or am I stuck trying to purchase a frame pack for the baby/stuff? Yeah, you want to look for lumbar packs or waist packs. You can find pretty good ones for hiking in sizes ranging from slightly-larger-than-a-fannypack to holds-more-than-a-small-backpack. I've got one for summer day hikes because I hate having a backpack keeping my back all sweaty.
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Feb 6, 2013 02:42
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MMD3 posted:I just can't wrap my head around how something like that would wake someone up when you're sleeping outside with wind/rain/river/animals all around you making various noises. loving ravens man. Crows just kind of go "caw caw" but ravens make the most godawful screeching and gurgling noises when they're squabbling over a corpse of a mouse or whatever the gently caress. Ravens 
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Feb 6, 2013 04:25
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