Thanks Nick for fixing my screwups, never liked pdfs
Thanks for the replies Nick, Julie and Eric.
I am a Toya fan. I still own a '94 pre Taco truck. I think Toyota called it DX.
Weight, figure it would be better with a load, so I guess might be best to just leave the camper on it full...
Hey folks: I am currently looking at a new(to me, it is 12 years old though) truck. 77,000 miles, mint condition, frame has no rust and was undercoated, manual 5 spd, The seller has changed the gearing from 4.33 to 4.88. He says it has a Toytec Ultimate suspension kit with the re-gearing...
I like the Sawtooths a lot. Less elevation, while not as spectacular allows for less altitude acclimatization. You are from sea level so starting @ 10K in the Winds is going to slow you down. Most of the guys on this site are very use to high elevation changes, so 10 K is easy to them. I...
Safety: @ Angels Landing a few years ago I saw a couple hiking with them. They had the non collapsing style. I recommended to stash them so they could use their hands. Well they didn't and she struggled continuously with them until she fell backwards on a steep section right on top of me. I...
Welcome to the group. Another east coaster here. You are correct in saying these guys on this site are great. Extremely helpful to me on my trip last year.
Do listen about the altitude. I am also at sea level and remember many years ago hiking on my first day in New Mexico at 8,000ft. I...
Sorry to be late on this thread. REI has their new Quarter Dome tent on sale for 200. A friend just bought and used for 10 days in Utah and loves it. 3lbs
http://www.rei.com/product/862423/rei-quarter-dome-2-tent#specsTab
It takes 3-4 days for regular folks to hike the AT in MD. It is very easy, ~40 miles. These days people try to do the 4 state challenge. Start in Va hike through W.Va, then MD ending in PA. They do this in 1 day, midnight to midnight. Here's a break down for the area you want to hike...
Hi It is a big forest. Most hiking is through forest. I like the hikes that end or at least have views along the way. This means you will be climbing up and up.One of the best BP trips is the "Triple Crown" It is tough, long but great views. Here is a nice blog with good info...
The best is always relative. I happen to love Old Rag. It is 2-2.5 hrs from B-more. Great hike, rocky crag with a unique trail along the ridgeline. Just drop off the backside to camp. Skyline drive is the next ridge over.
All I have to add is that backpacking alone is a great way to experience your environment. Silence will follow you so you can enjoy natures sounds. You only eat when you are hungry, you only hike when you feel restless. Enjoy it, solo adventures can be exhilarating. Plus, you will love...
This is what I do. Cheap and light. I forgot my footprint last fall for my Utah trip. I only used my tent a handful of times. I always had to pull goatheads off of the bottom of the tent. I'll let you know how my tent fairs in the next mega down pour.
I agree w/ @Parma , the sole is key.
On Utah's slickrock and redrock I like sticky soled shoe. It really grips rock. Vasque Scree w/ Stealth rubber works well
If you are travelling over sharp rocky trails then a stiffer soled shoe is more important. Might be what you need for the Winds. I...
Check out quilts. Cheaper and lighter. I use a enLIGHTen Equipment, Revation. His ratings are right on or a bit underrated. I have a 20F bag. I have used to to the mid 20sf and have been toasty. I actually think it could go down to 10F. Plus a local cottage industry guy. Great support as...
Very nice, with excellent photos. One of your group was wearing gloves to climb. I guess it was cold. I can't climb rock in gloves. I really liked the yellow pants.
Are the batteries AA or Li-Ion? The AA can't handle the power needed by the newer lights. I only buy Li-Ion these days. My lights last many weeks on a single charge with routine camping needs. Slightly bigger, slightly heavier, more expensive but I like them.
Thanks. I should be there in the fall for another one. Work comes to an end June 1st!!! Had to extend it 2 months to finish some lose ends. I was to be retired tomorrow, April 1st(AKA Aprils Fools Day). I am ready to play full time. Tough job but someone has to do it:)