|
charity rereg posted:It turns out canoes are loving expensive and as a cyclist/hiker it's not my area of gear porn. Anyone know poo poo about canoes for 4-6 week canoe trips for 2? I've done a few canoe trips, usually 4 days out, and have always just rented.
|
#
?
Apr 15, 2019 20:56
|
|
|
|
| # ? Apr 23, 2024 12:47 |
|
|
deong posted:I've done a few canoe trips, usually 4 days out, and have always just rented. They want $2800 up front for 4-6 weeks, and we'd have to drive it back approximately 600 miles when we're done from absolutely loving nowhere Canada/Maine. And the return location is an additional 300 miles from where I live. I can straight up buy the same canoe (Wenona Minnesota 2) for $2800 cash and sell it when I'm done, but at that point there is literally no reason to buy a canoe new, so I guess I'm in the used market for ~18 foot 2 person canoes in the 30-40 pound range.
|
|
#
?
Apr 15, 2019 21:05
|
|
|
charity rereg posted:They want $2800 up front for 4-6 weeks, and we'd have to drive it back approximately 600 miles when we're done from absolutely loving nowhere Canada/Maine. And the return location is an additional 300 miles from where I live. drat. yea, very different scale of economies there. Mine was like 250 for the trailer, 2 canoes and the groover. Will you need to buy a groover and trailer? I'm excited for you. I really enjoy the trips I've done.
|
|
#
?
Apr 15, 2019 22:18
|
|
|
charity rereg posted:They want $2800 up front for 4-6 weeks, and we'd have to drive it back approximately 600 miles when we're done from absolutely loving nowhere Canada/Maine. And the return location is an additional 300 miles from where I live. 30-40 pounds for a canoe sounds very very light. I used to do week long boyscout trips in old 18 foot coleman canoes that were indestructible. If I had to guess they were 80lb each. It sounds like you might be doing a fair amount of portaging so I can see why you might want to save weight. Canoe trips were great because you didn't have to pack light like for backpacking. How far are the portages typically?
|
|
#
?
Apr 15, 2019 22:37
|
|
|
Typically you could find an old beater canoe and use that but yeah if this is like a Canadian adventure then yeah it’s portages galore. I’ve been looking at rafts so sort of the same “boat ur in” but harder to find. Typically you could find an old aluminum for cheap and if there’s two of you it’s def portageable. It sucks, I’ve done it in Canada, Isle Royals, and home. Or you can get lucky and find a guy asking a little too much for an older model Old Town and go that route. Do you need a trailer? Haul it on the vehicle?
|
|
#
?
Apr 16, 2019 00:39
|
|
|
charity rereg posted:They want $2800 up front for 4-6 weeks, and we'd have to drive it back approximately 600 miles when we're done from absolutely loving nowhere Canada/Maine. And the return location is an additional 300 miles from where I live. The graphite Minnesota looks pretty awesome but even that is 42 lbs. I picked up an older Wenonah for $900 on Craiglist last year. Probably weighs 55 lbs or so. You can also check with an outfitter about buying a previous year's model. I see a lot of places near boundary Waters doing that.
|
|
#
?
Apr 16, 2019 01:19
|
|
|
This thread keeps making me want to experience things. Expensive things.
|
|
#
?
Apr 16, 2019 01:57
|
|
|
It's 740 miles and a little over 50 miles of it is portages, 63 different ones in total, not counting anything you personally decide to portage rather than line/track/plow through, or low water levels. It starts in the Adirondacks and ends extremely remote up in the Allagash. There's a 5.7 mile portage in Quebec. You also cross Champlain, which is the big loving deal on this trip. This started as an AT thru hike but my friend's plans didn't line up, and work was really fuzzy about the time off even with a lot of it unpaid, so we're doing the NFCT. I've done the first 90 before with this friend and another friend, so we're a little familiar. We're both very good at outside but not necessarily super experienced canoers, but we figure a lot of that is mitigated by doing 2 people 1 boat. When it's this light we can shoulder it upright and carry things in it, we got really good at it. We borrowed our friends ~35 lb carbon fiber racing canoe to do the 90 miler and got spoiled, also we are not poor (but not rich) and I am taking vacation time for all of it, so I'm getting my computer toucher salary to paddle around. Also we have some LSD left over from the last time we did it. I reached out to our friend and have a line on a Wenonah Escape, it's like $1800, but as long as we don't ruin it we can almost certainly sell it quickly for even $1200 at the end, so hopefully this works out. 
bus hustler fucked around with this message at 03:22 on Apr 16, 2019 |
|
#
?
Apr 16, 2019 02:59
|
|
|
Hey Canadians, I had the brilliant idea to join MEC over the weekend. Is there anything I can buy there that's notably cheaper or better than its REI equivalent?
|
|
#
?
Apr 16, 2019 05:55
|
|
|
Well now I own a canoe, I guess this is happening.
|
|
#
?
Apr 16, 2019 20:54
|
|
|
Cascade trekking poles are at my local Costco now.
|
|
#
?
Apr 17, 2019 19:47
|
|
|
Yeah, they've been in seattle costcos for the last few weeks. Also, a bunch of rotomold coolers.
|
|
#
?
Apr 17, 2019 19:51
|
|
|
lavaca posted:Hey Canadians, I had the brilliant idea to join MEC over the weekend. Is there anything I can buy there that's notably cheaper or better than its REI equivalent? MEC T3 is a great lightweight fleece jacket. It's very similar to and basically equivalent with a Patagonia R1. And at half the price of an R1 I think it's the best lightweight fleece out there.
|
|
#
?
Apr 18, 2019 05:33
|
|
|
Ropes4u posted:Has anyone tried the EVA foam snowshoes? Sorry this is from way back, but yes I bought a pair to use last winter and really liked them! I've probably only done about 20 miles total with the crescent moon pair I have but I really liked them. They're comfortable and easy to snowshoe in. You just need to understand that they're arent the best in steep hills/mountains. For rolling hills and flat ground though they work really well.
|
|
#
?
Apr 18, 2019 13:46
|
|
|
remote control carnivore posted:Am extremely interested in your trip report!  OK, I just got home after an 11 hour drive from west Texas. Here's a rough breakdown of my trip, my thoughts, and my suggestions for anyone else looking to try out the Guadalupe Ridge Trail. The trip ended up being a little over 100 miles and we experienced everything from 100 degree days to sub-freezing nights. Scorching sun, frigid fog, rain, sleet, 70+ mph sandstorms, and calm beautiful days. The west Texas/New Mexico high desert is a wonderful place and every day had new surprises for us in terms of weather, environment, animals, and history. Now some thoughts: • We traveled from Texas to New Mexico, which I feel was optimal as it is a net downhill. • We did the trip in ten days and nine nights. I think nine days and eight nights would be optimal. • As an itinerary, I would suggest the following: -Pre-hike: Get camping permits from Guadalupe Mountains National Park and inform them of your itinerary. Also let them know how long you will be leaving your vehicle at McKittrick Canyon parking lot. Camping permits are not required for Carlsbad Caverns National Park as you will not be camping in the park, but it would be a good idea to inform them of your itinerary as well. Inform the Lincoln National Forest, Guadalupe District Office in Carlsbad of your itinerary and that you need to stage two gallons of water at Dark Canyon observation tower. Do not attempt the drive up 69a to the tower in anything less than a high clearance truck. Four wheel drive is recommended. If you ask nicely, you may be able to convince the forest service to stash a couple gallons for you in the near box next to the cabin. Don’t count on it though and look for a way to make it up to them if they do this for you. This water is critical! -Day 1: Day hike Guadalupe Peak and stay at the Pine Springs drive-up campsite. (8.2 miles up and back down) -Day 2: Arrange for your vehicle to be left at McKittrick Canyon parking lot and secure transport back to Pine Springs. Hike up the Tejas trail with two days’ worth of water all the way to the McKittrick trail and camp at McKittrick Ridge campsite (12 miles) -Day 3: Hike down McKittrick Canyon to your car at the parking lot. Resupply with water and supplies, which you have stored in your car. Then hike up the Permian Ridge Trail with two days’ worth of water to the Camp Wilderness campsite. (11 miles) -Day 4: Hike out of the National Park (and Texas) and make your way to Dark Canyon observation tower, where you have stored two days’ worth of water. Camp there (11 miles) -Day 5: Descend from Dark Canyon until you reach the intersection of Forest Road 412 and highway 137. Then travel another three miles along the route into the back country and camp in a suitable location (13 miles) -Day 6: Hike to Sitting Bull Falls and resupply a small amount of water to get you through the rest of your day at the picnic area. Continue hiking until the Guadalupe Administrative Site and camp there (15 miles) -Day 7: Fill up with two and a half days’ worth of water and travel roads and trails until you rejoin the GRT. Then hike until you reach Carlsbad Caverns National Park (CCNP)and make camp just outside the park. (13 miles) -Day 8: Hike into CCNP and continue until you reach the small section of BLM land and camp there. Be careful because it is the New Mexico desert and there is no natural shade or shelter, so plan accordingly (10 miles) -Day 9: hike five miles to the CCNP visitor Center and resupply your water. Check in with the rangers to brag about your accomplishment and to let them know you are not dead in the desert. Hike the final five miles to Whites City and get a hotel room or arrange transportation to your vehicle at McKittrick Canyon parking lot (12 miles) • Be aware that it is about 45 minutes by car from Whites City to McKittrick Canyon parking lot and the lot is locked every evening at 6pm mountain time. • Many, but not all, National Forest trails are well-marked with stone cairns and / or tree blazes. The GRT itself has a few sparse cairns and no tree blazes at all. The cairns seem to be placed for greatest visibility to people hiking from CCNP to GMNP. • The GRT near CCNP and on to the park itself is old double track keep trail that has not been used in decades and is completely overgrown. It is easy to lose the trail in places, so be ready to confirm with your GPS routing software frequently. • When taking trail T208 / 207 up to the GRT, it is very poorly marked and extremely easy to lose the path. This was the worst section of trail for us and we ended up having to bushwhack up the side of a mountain to get back to the ridge trail. Be competent and confident using a topo map and your GPS device to keep your path. The transition from T207 to GRT is particularly tricky to locate and took us several tries before we sorted it out. • You will have no cell service for nearly the entire trip. There is a small amount of AT&T and Sprint coverage near Dark Canyon tower and again at Guadalupe Administrative Site. I was told the Verizon has coverage near the town of Queen, but I was not able to test this. Here are some photos from the trip.      (Let me tell you a mesh-top bivy is a loving nightmare during a 70 mph sandstorm)             
|
|
#
?
Apr 19, 2019 02:17
|
|
|
BaseballPCHiker posted:Sorry this is from way back, but yes I bought a pair to use last winter and really liked them! We decided to rent for another year. Maybe I will pony up the cash for some next year.
|
|
#
?
Apr 19, 2019 04:14
|
|
|
Hungryjack posted:Snip All excellent beta, my dude. Thank you! I wanted to head out that way over winter break (I work at a college, so I am a slave (ha) to the academic calendar) but it didn't work out. Maybe next year!
|
|
#
?
Apr 21, 2019 02:08
|
|
|
 Skye Talk! My wife has veto'd too much Skye as she would like to explore Edinburgh a bit longer. Day 1 : Recovery day, close to cottage. We're staying in Lusta. Dunvegan Castle Coral Beach Broch's near Struan Oronsay Island Neist Point Day 2 : Trumpan Church to Waternish Point (8.5 Miles total, may not go the whole way) Day 3 : The Storr (Early) Quirang Dino Footprints Portree Tuesday Bagpipes Day 4 : Camasunary Sgurr na Stri if weather bad other Blevin What do you guys think? If need be I can short Edinburgh a day and risk the wrath of my wife.
|
|
#
?
Apr 21, 2019 16:32
|
|
|
Anyone get anything cool at the REI garage sale? I got my paddling partner a bunch of stuff - a sleeping bag with a "broken" zipper that is just REI's standard mediocre zipper for $24 was the highlight for me. Picked up a few things for the trip too. Also this: 
|
|
#
?
Apr 22, 2019 18:11
|
|
|
I didn’t get anything of note from the garage sale but your car photo is making me want to post my recent outdoor gear score: a 2019 Forester and a Yakima rack. Seen here in the cabin I rented for the week. Did some hiking, it was good. 
|
|
#
?
Apr 22, 2019 21:16
|
|
|
not my car unfortunately, i drive an 01 
|
|
#
?
Apr 23, 2019 01:34
|
|
|
Speaking of plans for the season what else are y'all getting up to? I have two big trips lined up thanks to folks on meetup with more initiative than myself. Late May we're doing a five day trip in Yosemite including Half Dome, Cloud's Rest, and some other peaks. Then in September another group is doing a six day clockwise circuit of the Rae Lakes Loop in Kings Canyon NP (one layover day).   
|
|
#
?
Apr 23, 2019 01:45
|
|
|
Chard posted:Speaking of plans for the season what else are y'all getting up to? Almost nothing because my past 8 months or so have been a poo poo show especially the last 5-6! Gonna try to get in something maybe in the Trinity-Alps or maybe Idaho somewhere. Other options might be something like the Rae Lakes Loop but maybe Gardiner Basin sucks, I want to go camping/backpacking but with all the poo poo going on I have absolutely no mental energy to plan
|
|
#
?
Apr 23, 2019 01:49
|
|
|
I’m supposed to hike the CT with my husband this July but my janky leg is giving me hell. Hopefully TRX and Pilates sorts it out. I’m a little over having a sometimes-dysfunctional leg.
|
|
#
?
Apr 23, 2019 02:06
|
|
|
A four day trip with a 7, 9, and 11 year old. A second trip with the 7, & 9. Hopefully a late season 2 week long in the western UP. What’s the longest trip anyone has done with kids? So far it’s been two nights but next to a Great Lake so they usually had the water to preoccupy their attention.
|
|
#
?
Apr 23, 2019 02:25
|
|
|
Biking the tour divide in June  
|
|
#
?
Apr 23, 2019 02:35
|
|
|
Gonna hit up Yosemite and Glacier in June. Very excited since I thought due to life things it'd be a few years down the road.
|
|
#
?
Apr 23, 2019 03:28
|
|
|
Bottom Liner posted:Biking the tour divide in June hell yeah long distance! want to visit pie town Nateron posted:A four day trip with a 7, 9, and 11 year old. A second trip with the 7, & 9. Hopefully a late season 2 week long in the western UP.  that's impressive friend. how much are the kiddos planned to carry on this trip? i've seen some little ones in places i would not, in my childless opinion, expect them to be but they always seem to do fine!The Aardvark posted:Gonna hit up Yosemite and Glacier in June. Very excited since I thought due to life things it'd be a few years down the road. nice! are you driving? if so i can recommend some other places to check out on the way along the southern end Chard fucked around with this message at 04:07 on Apr 23, 2019 |
|
#
?
Apr 23, 2019 04:03
|
|
|
Nateron posted:A four day trip with a 7, 9, and 11 year old. A second trip with the 7, & 9. Hopefully a late season 2 week long in the western UP. 7 months when I was 5 and my brother was 9. We went all around the US and up to the Arctic Circle in Alaska in a pop-up camper pulled behind the family car. Trip of a life time and...I can't remember most of it. I'd love to have the opportunity to do the same with my own kids some day. We had one Gameboy between the two of us and school work to occupy our time.
|
|
#
?
Apr 23, 2019 04:17
|
|
|
Chard posted:hell yeah long distance! want to visit pie town [/quote] The rule is their clothes, their bag, pad, snacks, and whatever toy, item they bring. Oh, and they each carry a small knife/first aid kit deal. But the bag, etc are all light and they follow my clothes regimen. So it really isn’t much. Besides there isn’t huge mile days and with three boys they stop constantly.
|
|
#
?
Apr 23, 2019 04:32
|
|
|
That's awesome, I hope y'all have a great time!
|
|
#
?
Apr 23, 2019 04:38
|
|
|
Four week road trip from Chicago to Jasper. Two weeks in the Canadian Rockies with several two night stays (Assiniboine, Mt Robson, Yoho) plus one week each way in Montana (mostly one night in and outs on BLM land for photography spots) along the front and the hi-line. We opted for quantity, never been up into Canada so cast a wide net. I really wanted a stay in lake O'Hara too but we couldn't get in. 
|
|
#
?
Apr 23, 2019 04:39
|
|
|
Chard posted:
Yeah we're going to drive from San Diego so I'm open to ideas.
|
|
#
?
Apr 23, 2019 05:10
|
|
|
George H.W. oval office posted:7 months when I was 5 and my brother was 9. We went all around the US and up to the Arctic Circle in Alaska in a pop-up camper pulled behind the family car. Trip of a life time and...I can't remember most of it. I'd love to have the opportunity to do the same with my own kids some day. I’d love to do this but using a refurbed old camper, or homemade. Literally space for two queens and converts to storage/bench & table. Plus lights.
|
|
#
?
Apr 23, 2019 07:13
|
|
|
I'm getting married this fall so unfortunately all of my money and time is going towards that. The most I'm getting out of this year is several weekend in state camping trips. Not as fun but better than nothing. I didn't score anything at this last REI garage sale. I'm wondering if they're putting more and more towards their online used site. Should start scouring GearTrade to see if I can get any cheap winter gear now.
|
|
#
?
Apr 23, 2019 14:43
|
|
|
Bottom Liner posted:Biking the tour divide in June Chard posted:hell yeah long distance! want to visit pie town Pie Town is cool as hell and also, based on that route, the only town you're going to see between Grants and Silver City. Get your water situation right, Bottom Liner! You should assume zero cell service for most of your New Mexico route. Can't wait to see pics!
|
|
#
?
Apr 23, 2019 18:32
|
|
|
Oh yeah, I’ve got a pretty detailed map and route guide with like 2500 POIs for water, food resupplies, etc. I’ll be carrying about 5l of water in those sections of NM.
|
|
#
?
Apr 23, 2019 18:37
|
|
|
I love AllTrails for finding hikes and trails. Is there anything similar for places to car camp? I’m wanting to plan a camping road trip with parks to sleep in. Trick is I want to do it solo, so camping within sight of the car would be nice. I’d rather find primitive secluded places than share 100 yards with 5 campers and screaming kids. I don’t know where to start and Google gives vague answers. I’d like to find some kind of database.
|
|
#
?
Apr 24, 2019 17:06
|
|
|
I found campendium.com to be very useful on my US road trip.
|
|
#
?
Apr 24, 2019 17:19
|
|
|
|
| # ? Apr 23, 2024 12:47 |
|
|
Look up a BLM map, if it's under their umbrella dispersed camping is going to be ok 99% of the time and will be well posted if there are any restrictions. Browsing for BLM blocks can kind of be a pain (and getting to the blocks can also be a hard if it's isolate behind private land) but there are databases out there. Montana, for example, has an online cadastral which is super useful: http://svc.mt.gov/msl/mtcadastral An arcgis version of all BLM lands is here: https://www.arcgis.com/home/item.html?id=bc53e2874af349ee93909240e27010d7 I would recommend chatting up the local BLM office for any sites you want to visit. Certain regions can be problematic due to the locals.. for example it is illegal to put up 'no trespassing' signs on BLM land but lessees will do it anyways and may decide to defend those signs with guns. There is also a small but non-zero chance of encountering a squatter who may be straight up crazy to the point no one will ever find your body. And mercy on you if the spot you want to visit is in proximity to anything Weyerhaeuser owns. The only way to identify problems is to talk to the BLM and the local offices are going to know best. That said, dispersed camping owns and I suggest doing it whenever you can.
|
|
#
?
Apr 24, 2019 18:10
|
|