Search results

  1. mak1277

    Assateague Island National Park

    I'd really like to go there sometime...not too far at all from where I am in Northern VA. I think your solitude was entirely weather driven. I have heard Assateague described as "just as crowded as any other popular beach in the summer".
  2. mak1277

    Guided River Trips

    I think it would be awesome. A friend of mine did 9 days on the Colorado and said it was one of the best trips of his life (and he's been everywhere). The other place I'd pay to do a guided trip is Alaska.
  3. mak1277

    Zion

    Yes...when I said bottom, I meant south end and I *really* meant site 1 or 2 near Cabin Spring. I have my calendar marked for March 5 when I can book my backcountry sites online!
  4. mak1277

    Zion

    I'm planning a long weekend in Vegas with my wife in mid-May, followed by a solo backpacking trip down to Zion (my first trip anywhere in UT). My tentative plan is to rent a car in Vegas and drive to Zion on Sunday afternoon. I plan to do part of the Zion Traverse (from Lee Pass back down to...
  5. mak1277

    Backpacking Stoves

    Better/Faster I'll grant you. But you can't get lighter or cheaper than a fancy feast stove with a Stanco grease pot. Total weight of 3.5 oz and a total cost of $12.59. Not the most durable solution, nor the fastest boil time, but there hasn't been a time yet where I've *needed* to boil...
  6. mak1277

    How to properly hang a bear bag

    I use the PCT method and I've not had any problems with bears or mice.
  7. mak1277

    UL Backpacking: A Thread for the Gram Counters

    If I step on my fancy feast stove, I can re-mold it into a functional stove again under all but the most ridiculous of circumstances (i.e., something that would cause the metal to break instead of merely bending out of shape). What if you step on or drop your stove and bend/break the valve that...
  8. mak1277

    UL Backpacking: A Thread for the Gram Counters

    My big 3: Osprey Atmos 65 (54.9oz) or ULA CDT (23.7oz) - depends on trip TT Rainbow (36.4 oz w/ stakes and stuff sacks) EnlightenedEquipment Revelation 20* quilt (23.0 oz) 5lbs 3oz on the light side with the CDT, 7lbs 2oz on the heave side with the Osprey. Throw in 13.4 oz for my NeoAir. As...
  9. mak1277

    UL Backpacking: A Thread for the Gram Counters

    I stuck with aluminum, largely because I'm a cheap bugger, ha. Actually I considered the carbon but decided the two ounces weren't that big of a deal (considering my previous tent weighed >4lbs, this was a big time reduction for me). I also had them seam seal it for me...they painted silicone...
  10. mak1277

    UL Backpacking: A Thread for the Gram Counters

    I haven't had any condensation issues yet with my Rainbow, and I don't have the liner. My POV when I got it was to go without the liner and then add it later if I felt I needed it. You can always order it separately at a later date if you're having condensation problems.
  11. mak1277

    UL Backpacking: A Thread for the Gram Counters

    I use a TarpTent Rainbow and I really like it. Weight per my scale is 36.4 oz including stakes and stuff sacks. The floor space is a little smaller than your Copper Spur, but it's only 2" shorter (88" vs. 90") and the walls taper away from your head and foot. There's plenty of room to spread...
  12. mak1277

    Hiking Books (entertaining not informational)

    I recently read Indian Creek Chronicles by Pete Fromm and thought it was outstanding. On the flip side, I'm currently struggling through The Man Who Walked Through Time by Colin Fletcher. I want to love it, but I can't read more than 10-15 pages at a time without starting to daydream.
  13. mak1277

    Hi from NOVA!

    You're not the only resident of Northern VA on the forum...welcome!
  14. mak1277

    Kolob Canyon to Hop Valley

    I'm planning to do the traverse in May this year, although I'll probably skip the section from the Grotto to the East Rim and replace it with a Narrows thru-hike/overnight.
  15. mak1277

    Mile Mile and a Half

    I wholeheartedly recommend Mile, Mile and a Half. The group filming was fairly entertaining, but even if you hated them it would be worth watching on mute for the absolutely amazing video and photos of the scenery. They are artists (filmmakers, photographers) who are hiking, not hikers filming...
  16. mak1277

    compass. do you use it.

    I carry a small button compass in my first aid kit, but I've never had cause to use it. I'm relatively new to backpacking (just over 2 yrs so far), though, so I have limited my trips to established trails. I suspect as I continue to gain experience I'll want to learn compass navigation so I...
  17. mak1277

    backpacking & the state of the Art

    This is an interesting discussion. re: lightening up for me, the biggest trick for lightening my pack load has been just being conscious about what I'm carrying and not carrying stuff "just because". I don't carry changes of clothes, backups for backups, etc. I have a reasonably light base...
  18. mak1277

    To Do in 2015

    1) Fly fishing/backpacking trip with my dad in Shenandoah Nat'l Park 2) Backpacking trip to Zion (Planning on Zion Traverse + Narrows hike in May!!) 3) Not a backpacking goal, but I want to go bird hunting for the first time this year and eat something I've successfully shot.
  19. mak1277

    backpacking & the state of the Art

    I say carry what makes you happy. I'm not ashamed to admit that I'm a bit lazy, so I like carrying stuff that's pretty light. My motives for going to the woods are the search for relaxation and solitude and the ability to see new and beautiful places. I'm not out there to impress anyone...
  20. mak1277

    Ultimate Survival Alaska

    Regardless of whether or not the show is scripted/staged, it's worth a watch just for the eye candy of Alaskan scenery. And even if it is staged, there are definitely enough accidents that have happened to make me sure that it's real enough to be highly dangerous for the people involved.

Don't like ads? Become a BCP Supporting Member and kiss them all goodbye. Click here for more info.

Back
Top