I definitely need to do some hiking in Idaho. The Sawtooths are there, correct?

The sound is really nice in this one. Headphones recommended!

New John Zahorian video: hiking across oregon on the PCT [no music] [2023]

Sucks the rain/snow came in so hard for your trip. The landscapes in the Uintas are so cool. I do want to get there some time soon. We had an experience like that a couple years ago where rain/snow came in a day earlier than the forecast said and had to turn a loop into an out-and-back. It rained on us for two days straight, our gear wetted out and we got to the brink of hypothermia.

We’re expecting snow this week, but I’m not sure how much, so it might not mean anything for the remainder of the season. We might be able to still go to high elevation spots. If the high country is too snowy, we go to lower elevation mountains or maybe high plains canyons.

It’s in the Collegiates.

Last week we went out for a few days. I injured my toe a couple days before it so we kept things low key. Managed to get some decent views in either way:

We’re seeing the first snows in CO. Trying to plan something this week, but have to figure out where we can go.

P.S. Post some pics when you get a chance!

I’ll probably be up in the high country again in a few days. I can give you an update after that regarding bugs. I will say that every trip I’ve done this summer there have been mosquitoes, but the last one a week ago wasn’t as bad and I assume it’ll continue going that way.

As you know, pretty much all of that route is above treeline. It’s been a weird season for weather and conditions can be unpredictable anyway. We’re currently having stormy weather up in the mountains. Main thing is familiarizing yourself with the route, finding potential bail points, planning days with afternoon storms in mind, etc.

You may be able to get some cell reception up there and check the weather. I like the app with NOAA reports since you can pinpoint your location in the mountains. It’s usually pretty reliable.

I’ll definitely consider it, if I have the time of course. Gear analysis, etc, is definitely fun, but the point in all off this is getting out in woods after all. Seeing others’ pics of cool places they’ve been is far more interesting to me.

That makes sense. My mom has been offering to teach me, so I definitely should.

I eventually want to make an FKT-style quilt for summer, that’s maybe rated 50* with a 30* footbox. Something light that I could stretch slightly lower by layering clothes.

I’ve been cooking in my 20* quilt this summer.

Oops, I meant Granite Gear in this context, although I have referred to Gossamer Gear as GG previously when talking about my solo pack. Granite Gear packs are easy to find cheap.

It’s way cooler that you sewed your own pack. That’s a skill I’ve been meaning to pick up forever.

That is a good deal. I use a GG pack for 2 person trips and they’re hard to beat, especially since you can find them on sale a lot of the time.

That is indeed a Motrail. It’s the lightest 2 person tent I have. Not as much room as the one I normally use (lunar duo), but lighter for sure.

We got rained on a little bit everyday, but lucked out overall. We rushed down from 13,500-ish because clouds were building, but it didn’t start raining till we were back on trail.

Got out again for a few days. Made a loop by connecting trails via a cross-country hike and a tiny bit of class 3. As always, just another excuse to get above 13,000’ and eat candy.

No problem. I doubt I added much of anything useful. Glad someone that just hiked it chimed in with some trail beta.

rain skirt

I love mine. I don’t use it much, but the times I’ve needed it it helped a lot.

stove

I get the inner debate. When I’m by myself the simplicity of no cook is amazing, but a hot drink on a chilly morning is also pretty unbeatable. I’m sure you can get fuel in town before you start, but it’ll definitely add to the hassle.

bear bag

It sounds like people don’t see many bears higher up, so you’ll probably be okay. I’ve heard you have to watch out for mice wanting to get in your stuff. Do you use a ‘scent proof’ bag?

bidet

Coming from the food industry where clean hands are paramount, for whatever reason I can’t get over the idea myself. It’s all up to personal preference, though, obviously.

I think you’ll have am amazing trip. I definitely want to do it soon. All the pics I’ve seen look fantastic.

Finally had chance to look at it. Not a lot to add really.

Clothing/layers are minimal, but should be fine since you’ll be in your quilt during the coldest part of the night. And I assume you’ll be moving most of the daylight hours. Do the wind pants add much warmth and can you sleep in them?

Looks like you’re going no cook/no cold soak?

Nothing for foot care or blister prevention? I keep a few square of leukotape on release paper for this purpose. I mostly need it for off-trail hikes where I get more side to side movement and friction on my heels, but I like having it anyway in case I get a hot spot.

How are you hanging your bear bag? I don’t think canisters are required, but I’m not sure what the regulations there are exactly.

I see no TP, etc. Doing the Skurka-style bidet?

Like I said, not a ton to add. That’s a tight system. Very efficient, no excess. Overall, it seems like you have a lot of experience with long distance hikes and know what works, what doesn’t and what you can handle.

Good, thoroughly writ gear list. Cool to see all the myog stuff. I’ll take a better look once I’m done with work later tonight.

I have two printers a HL-L2350DW b&w laser printer and a label printer. The laser printer is connected to our wifi and is detected in Fedora and Ubuntu without having to install additional drivers.

Director of Chrono Trigger, Takashi Tokita, directed Live a Live the year prior. Definitely a throughline there.

Awesome. LMDE shouldn’t be too far behind then.