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mastershakeman posted:I take it the opinion on bear cans is pretty strong, but the rangers in Yellowstone told me they don't believe in bear cans at all and say to always hang your pack. There's no consensus on this at all, right? I think they might have been trolling you.
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Jun 13, 2013 11:41
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It actually varies park to park. Bears in and around the heavily traveled parks have apparently become familiar with bear canisters and have figured out a good deal, if not most of them. They are still preferred over bagging in most parks but it just depends. Also, not sure why a park ranger would troll someone on something like bear safety in their own park. Ive always found most park rangers to be overly cautious about what they recommend/tell their guests because they would generally rather be overly safe than not.
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Jun 13, 2013 16:24
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Levitate posted:That's pretty weird since I've read in places like the Sierra's, bears have started learning they can't even get into the bear cans and won't even try anymore if they see one. Hanging a bear bag on the other hand can be easily figured out by bears who have even learned how to send their cubs up trees to knock them down. It's illegal not to bear can in most of the high Sierra, there are small sections where you can hang legally and I believe it's in the more backcountry areas where less bears have been rewarded by food anyway so they are trawling campsites less. Many places there aren't many tree branches high enough to hang anyway... I heard one bear learned to roll bear cans off of cliffs to shatter them at the bottom, but mostly they will not even try because it's too much work. I can't speak to yellowstone, but a quick googling seems to indicate they provide hanging poles and prefer that method or they provide bear boxes. Perhaps indeed those bears have learned ways to get into MOST bear canisters. I don't know how they could get into the BV500 because I can barely get it open without fingernails, but that's not the cheapest/heaviest model of rental bear can in my experience (this one: http://www.campmor.com/backpacker-bear-resistant-food-container.shtml?source=CI&ci_sku=14097&ci_gpa=pla&ci_kw=) pizzadog fucked around with this message at 16:39 on Jun 13, 2013 |
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Jun 13, 2013 16:34
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Clearly the answer is to hang your bear can.
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Jun 13, 2013 17:47
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PRADA SLUT posted:Are fixed or folding knives generally preferred for multiday hikes? Depends on what I'm going to be doing during and on the hike. If I plan on fishing at any point in the trip or hunting I take my fixed blade. So much easier and quicker to filet a fish or dress an animal with a fixed blade. For books on edible plants try and find something region specific. I see lots of general North America books on wild edibles but I've found that the more region/climate specific books go into far greater detail and are more useful in helping to identify plants.
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Jun 13, 2013 18:59
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In preparation for my first backpacking trip, I bought these trail shoes, wigwam socks, and trekking poles a couple of months ago. I have water-proof boots but I bought the trail shoes because I wanted to switch over to something lighter and breathable. I found out today that the trail I'll be hiking on is going to be 'extremely wet & muddy' because of melting snow. I want to use my new shoes and walk in something lighter but extremely wet and muddy sounds like it'll be a nightmare for me. What would you guys do in my shoes(hurr)? I have pants and gaitors but v  v
Dr. Video Games 0089 fucked around with this message at 22:03 on Jun 13, 2013 |
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Jun 13, 2013 21:45
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Dr. Video Games 0089 posted:In preparation for my first backpacking trip, I bought these trail shoes and some trekking poles a couple of months ago. I have water-proof boots but I bought the trail shoes because I wanted to switch over to something lighter and breathable. Go with boots.
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Jun 13, 2013 21:52
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Boots. I only wear trail shoes if its going to be warm or dry and you wont be doing anything where ankle support is needed such as scrambling or climbing. If the conditions call for any water crossings (large or small), snow, rocks, or generally rugged terrain I will always opt for my boots over shoes any day. Pebbles and rocks, snow, water, bark and twigs generally find themselves into the bottoms of my low shoes where as they never get into my boots.
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Jun 13, 2013 22:06
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Dr. Video Games 0089 posted:In preparation for my first backpacking trip, I bought these trail shoes, wigwam socks, and trekking poles a couple of months ago. I have water-proof boots but I bought the trail shoes because I wanted to switch over to something lighter and breathable. Wear the boots. If you're camping, might be worth it to bring the trail shoes along as camp shoes.
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Jun 13, 2013 23:42
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krispykremessuck posted:Wear the boots. If you're camping, might be worth it to bring the trail shoes along as camp shoes. Yeah, boots. I own a pair of the Merrel Trail Glove 2's, but they're more for running and strength training than hiking. I'm sure it would be ok on a relatively developed trail for a shorter hike, but those things have next to zero padding, no shank, and are low. For your first backpacking trip I just have a feeling that your feet would be destroyed. Do you frequently do barefoot or minimalist walking/running? Because the trail gloves are pretty much Vibram Five-Fingers without the toe separation.
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Jun 14, 2013 00:53
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Sounds like you're set then. Have fun and take lots of pics! Marshmallow Mayhem posted:but mostly they will not even try because it's too much work. I've had bears come through camp, sniff around, follow the scent to the bear cans, and then walk away because they knew better. I use those black ones as well. We bring a nickel to open them. Fits perfectly in the little slot. I've always assumed cans are the safest way to go, so I'm really surprised that a ranger told you not to use one. Then again, I don't know how many or what other cans bears have figured out that would lead someone to mistrust using cans. Dr. Video Games 0089 posted:In preparation for my first backpacking trip, I bought these trail shoes... Go with boots like the others are suggesting, but bring these as camp shoes. Your feet will be glad to be out of boots at the end of the day.
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Jun 14, 2013 01:08
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LogisticEarth posted:Yeah, boots. I own a pair of the Merrel Trail Glove 2's, but they're more for running and strength training than hiking. I'm sure it would be ok on a relatively developed trail for a shorter hike, but those things have next to zero padding, no shank, and are low. For your first backpacking trip I just have a feeling that your feet would be destroyed. The Trail Glove 2's have a rock plate as well as 4mm of EVA in the midsole, so they're a bit more beefed up than your average VFF (the only Five Fingers with a rock plate to my knowledge is the Spyridon). One of the big changes to the Trail Glove 2's over the original Trail Gloves posted above is the DWR treatment to the mesh, so they won't wet out as quickly in soggy conditions. You'll still get wet in either of them, but less so in the 2s. If wetness is what you're trying to avoid definitely go for the boots, but if it's a short-ish hike your feet are made out of leather and are waterproof themselves so it's not like you'll be getting trench foot. It will probably just be uncomfortable. The Vapor Gloves are 2mm of floppy EVA and no rock plate so they're going to going to match up to VFFs a lot better as far as foot protection goes (meaning there is none). I still consider the Vapor Gloves to be my favorite trail running shoe, even more than my beloved New Balance MT10s, but I'm also a pretty dedicated and experienced un-shod runner / hiker. I like the Vapor Gloves for camp shoes too because they pretty much weigh next to nothing, roll up tiny and feel like a slipper made from a T-shirt and an old bike tire on your swollen feet at the end of the day. LogisticEarth, check out the new Ascend Gloves when you get a chance... they're more of a beefed up Trail Glove with 6mm of EVA and a Trail Protect pad in the forefoot and heel (like a slightly softer rock plate for protection w/o sacrificing ground feel) and still a zero drop package. I love them so much. i_heart_ponies fucked around with this message at 03:45 on Jun 14, 2013 |
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Jun 14, 2013 03:33
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Business of Ferrets posted:I think they might have been trolling you. Going back to this, I can't imagine rangers would troll someone with bear safety related information. We joke around with amiable park guests, but the only time we might ever give information that wasn't strictly accurate would be erring on the side of caution. For example: when a carload of 20 year old college guys pull in 3 hours before sunset with no lights and a 20oz bottle of water and ask me for the hardest trail up the mountain. I direct them up the main trail, telling them how tough it is. To be fair it is tough, but in a stairmaster way rather than the scramble-up-sheer-ledge way they're hoping for.
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Jun 14, 2013 03:51
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This thread is the first place I've ever heard of bear cans. They're not a thing here at all. Almost all backcountry campsites here have permanent bearbins, or lockers, installed by the Parks. Hanging your bag if there's a bearbin available is illegal. If there is no bearbin, then you can hang your stuff. But that's pretty rare, and I think is found only in really deep, deep backcountry areas. These are areas that maybe see one or two groups per year, if any at all, so tree damage is considered negligible.
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Jun 14, 2013 07:13
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TerminalSaint posted:Going back to this, I can't imagine rangers would troll someone with bear safety related information. We joke around with amiable park guests, but the only time we might ever give information that wasn't strictly accurate would be erring on the side of caution. Well, I wasn't actually being serious, if that helps.
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Jun 14, 2013 08:27
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It must be Yellowstone specific, where the density of bears and backcountry campers has led to the bears figuring the cans out or at least knowing they contain food and destroying the campsite trying to open them.
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Jun 14, 2013 14:34
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krispykremessuck posted:Wear the boots. If you're camping, might be worth it to bring the trail shoes along as camp shoes. Sounds a bit heavy. Save a pound and get minimalist flip flops or foam rubber sandals or clogs. AT is awesome. Just did Dragon's Tooth and my first 20 over McAfee's, am in Daleville. Spent the day in a rental car to take a 3 hour drive to the closest REI to return someone's pack and get new boots. Elijya fucked around with this message at 08:28 on Jun 16, 2013 |
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Jun 16, 2013 08:25
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Since flip flops and socks don't mix, sandals work much better for "around camp" footwear if it's at all chilly or buggy.
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Jun 16, 2013 11:08
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I need some Rocky Mountain NP suggestions. 4 days 3 nights in backcountry sites. My friend and I backpacked through the wild basin area (WB trail head to Ouzel Lake) last year and it was a blast. This time, we're bringing another friend who has never been to CO but we don't want to do the exact same trail so we're looking for something new. We will be on the trail Thursday morning to Sunday afternoon which will equal about 4 day sand 3 nights. Since we will be coming from Chicago (sea level), we will be staying low for the first night at the very least and just plan to hike high and return low at night. I did start to feel the elevation with a little nausea, sleeplessness and loss of apetite the first night or two so I would like to take better precautions against it this time. Any thoughts?
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Jun 17, 2013 22:08
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All the backcountry sites require permits so while I can recommend a bunch of stuff, not knowing what sites will be actually available to you as a walk-up makes my recommendations moot. Check out stuff in the Glacier Gorge area, it's relatively easily accessible from the park entrance without too much driving, there are a ton of designated backcountry sites in the area and it puts you in striking distance of a lot of cool peaks on the divide (Flattop, Otis, Hallett. etc.) for high day hikes. Also, it may be June, but there is still plenty of snow up there so be prepared. Also, currently active wildfires closed a bunch of stuff near Grand Lake so check out the conditions of the "Big Meadows Fire" before planning anything in that area. It was 75% contained as of yesterday (Sunday). i_heart_ponies fucked around with this message at 00:30 on Jun 18, 2013 |
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Jun 18, 2013 00:28
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I'm very excited by this so I have to share somewhere among those who would care, my backpacking base weight (minus food, bear can and water) is under 20 lbs! Very exciting to only have to carry maybeeeee a 30-35lb pack during the toughest stretch of the JMT next month 
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Jun 18, 2013 02:19
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Does anyone use Arc'teryx jackets or can comment on them? They're so massively expensive compared to other brands that have similar looking (and functioning?) jackets I was just wondering how they justify charging up to $900 for a jacket. Is half the cost just the name, or are they actually super amazing?
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Jun 18, 2013 17:30
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Chroisman posted:Does anyone use Arc'teryx jackets or can comment on them? They're so massively expensive compared to other brands that have similar looking (and functioning?) jackets I was just wondering how they justify charging up to $900 for a jacket. Is half the cost just the name, or are they actually super amazing? They make great pieces but I don't personally feel that they are worth that huge of a markup. Get them on sale. I picked up an Arc'teryx rain shell for my wife from our local REI garage sale and it's a great shell for a fraction of the retail cost.
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Jun 18, 2013 17:37
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Action Jackson! posted:They make great pieces but I don't personally feel that they are worth that huge of a markup. Get them on sale. I picked up an Arc'teryx rain shell for my wife from our local REI garage sale and it's a great shell for a fraction of the retail cost. This, get them on sale if possible. What you're paying for is the name, fit, aesthetic, but you're also paying for an amazing warranty/product guarantee. They're certainly not the only brand of outerwear manufacturers that has a great warranty but they are best of class performance outerwear makers. The stuff that is priced even more ridiculously is their LEAF product for military/law enforcement. That stuff is goofy expensive. I love my Arc'Teryx hooded soft-shell, I'm wearing it today actually. It's a perfect piece for Oregon Spring/Fall weather and amazing for layering. I wear it snowboarding under a hardshell, I wear it out around town, I wear it hiking, backpacking, you name it. It's incredibly versatile because it's a clean design with a well-fitted silhouette. I'm not trying to say it's a substitute for a sport-coat for a fancy dinner out or whatever, but there is definitely something to be said for a well-performing piece of outerwear with minimal branding that makes it far more versatile than something with loud color blocking and more conspicuous logos. For contrast, I have a ~$450 top-tier Mt. Hardwear hardshell snow jacket that I got for cheap, It works great as a snowboard jacket and is super rain repellant but the thing is much bulkier/heavier than it needs to be and the colors of it just make me want to leave it at home for anything short of a torrential downpour. It's a great technical piece but there's no versatility. If I could trade it in for an Arc'Teryx hardshell then I'd have something that would work equally as great for snowboarding but I also wouldn't be embarrassed to wear around town if rain was in the forecast.
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Jun 18, 2013 18:01
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Chroisman posted:Does anyone use Arc'teryx jackets or can comment on them? They're so massively expensive compared to other brands that have similar looking (and functioning?) jackets I was just wondering how they justify charging up to $900 for a jacket. Is half the cost just the name, or are they actually super amazing? The $900 jackets are top-end skiing equipment. The jackets most people would need are the Beta AR or the Gamma SL Hybrid Hoody. And they are the best. I am in love with my Theta AR, and will be ordering (prodeal) that gamma with my next paycheck. The construction is just miles ahead of anyone else. The only people who come close are Mammut, and even then only on the top-end Eiger Collection. Supposedly BD will have a line of clothes this winter that's meant to compete with the low-end Arc'teryx stuff. https://www.bentgate.com/all-products/browse/brand/arcteryx/sale/yes Speleothing fucked around with this message at 18:25 on Jun 18, 2013 |
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Jun 18, 2013 18:19
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I have a Beta AR and it balls out of control
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Jun 18, 2013 22:27
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Has anyone ever backpacked Acadia national park? Is it good backpackin'? Crowded? Any recommendations for a 2-4 day hike?
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Jun 18, 2013 23:27
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Speleothing posted:The construction is just miles ahead of anyone else. This. The thought they put behind design, fabric make up, and construction is what you're really paying for. I wear an Atom SV pretty much daily, however once summer comes in force, I'll have to closet it for the season. Get one on sale, as others have said.
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Jun 19, 2013 00:43
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I really like Arc'teryx stuff, but they used to be much much more worth it when they still made their stuff in Canada. They moved their production to China around 2009 and their quality did take a hit, at least in their finishing details (you never used to see adhesive over-runs on seam tape and the like). I've been working in the outdoor apparel & footwear market for much too long though, so I'm a nerd about that stuff. Their climbing harnesses are still tits though. I'm kind of sad I got too skinny to use my R320a and I'm back to a climbing in a BD Momentum. Also, you'll notice that they are one of the last remaining manufacturers to still use real Gore-Tex instead of using an in-house ePTFE membrane. Doing anything with W.L. Gore and Associates costs a pretty penny in R&D and manufacturing because you have to license the Gore-Tex name, buy all your materials from WL Gore & Assoc., make pre-release samples to have signed off by QC at WL Gore & Assoc. (who also warranty your purchase to be waterproof), etc... Take a look at the Patagonia Super Alpine Jacket, which is on par with an Arc'teryx Theta SV. It MSRPs at $599 compared to "only" $550 for the comparable Arc'teryx piece. So is it worth it? For the right people, definitely. I would say that most people who are dropping that kind of coin at REI on an Arc'teryx piece are doing it because it looks cool (aw man that skeleton bird is siiiiiiiiiiiiiick) and they figure that it's the "best" because it costs so much - even though they will never use it to it's full potential. Much like most BMW M-Series you end up seeing are doing 30MPH in rush hour just like the guy in the clapped out 1992 Accord in the next lane.
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Jun 19, 2013 02:41
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I hike and climb in the Olympic National Forest twice a week. It's pretty rainy. If you have the clams to drop on Arc'teryx then I'd say in a really wet environment it's probably totally worth it. On average though the REI shells or Marmot stuff will be suitable for most use-cases, they just won't last as long. If you're hiking in normally arid areas your rain shell doesn't need to be top of the line, probably. Gear is kind of subjective and individual taste, but basically what i__heart_ponies said. I'm having a bad gear year. Prepping for a climb I found my multi-day pack had a hole in the bottom of it. I picked up a Gregory Baltoro 75. I tried out the Black Diamond packs too. With 40lbs the Black Diamonds felt weightless. Some kind of voodoo with their suspension. The new Gregory feels really good, though. I didn't go with Black Diamond due to price and the fact that it only had one tool loop...? 
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Jun 19, 2013 05:37
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I bought this Platypus 3L Bladdder for my trip this weekend and I just tested it. I filled it with water, plugged the hose in....and leakage. Am I doing something wrong? Or is this a defective bladder? So many reviews and discussions praising this bag so I'm inclined to believe I hosed up...but...maybe not? Here is a video of the leaking problem : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KV6ewGSBF-s Edit - Emailed Platypus about this. I guess I'll also drop by REI tomorrow to buy a new bag 
Dr. Video Games 0089 fucked around with this message at 05:58 on Jun 19, 2013 |
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Jun 19, 2013 05:50
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It looks like you're missing a black o ring on the male connector.
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Jun 19, 2013 06:05
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It should just snap and work, I have one. No need to gently caress with it.
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Jun 19, 2013 06:09
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I agree with Verman. Check the packaging to see if the o-ring fell off. Otherwise, take it back to REI and get a replacement with an o-ring.
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Jun 19, 2013 07:07
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  This looks like the O ring you are missing.
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Jun 19, 2013 15:48
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If you can figure out what size you need, that sort of o-ring should cost about 25 cents at an hardware store.
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Jun 19, 2013 18:22
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I have a similar platypus system and a set of calipers. I can go home and measure it and give you the specs. Platypus should also be able to answer that question if you give them a call.
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Jun 19, 2013 19:45
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Thanks guys! I just went to REI and exchanged it. I'm looking at the o-ring on my new hose and the ring is extremely tight on the connector. There is no way I can take it off unless I used pliers to pry it off and even then I would probably damage it. I guess the one I got was just missing the ring for whatever reason 
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Jun 19, 2013 21:32
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Has anyone here posted a fitness log with a hiking toxx? How would I go about formulating a goal? I'm thinking it would be x miles OR x feet of elevation gain, with proof being an identifiable picture from the endpoint of the hike. Does that sound reasonable? I'm totally out of shape, but I try to get out and hike a few times a week. At the beginning of last year I was ~100 lbs over my goal weight. Doing short hikes several times a week last summer, I lost about 45 lbs. After a really lazy winter, I'm struggling to get back into hiking. Pushing myself today I did about 1.25 miles with minimal elevation gain on a fairly rough trail. I'm trying to figure out what a reasonable, but challenging, goal would be for the next two months. I feel silly posting about my really short hikes when you all do such amazing stuff, but I have to start somewhere, right?
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Jun 21, 2013 00:23
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There's nothing wrong with doing short hikes. Hiking isn't a competition. It's just about getting out and having a good time. Last weekend I did two hikes, each about four miles long and on pretty flat ground. I had fun, and that's what counts!
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Jun 21, 2013 01:15
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