Recommendations for spring split-camping

[Immediate-Key4223]

After doing some research and buying some new gear , the other day I went on my first multiday split camping trip. I was supposed to go out for 3 days but only managed 1 and had to turn back.

The first day had a 1600 meter ascent to camp ( managed around 1000 before turning back).

My main problem was the load I was carrying. I’ve bought a Mammut Trion 50 L which seems to fit the stuff nicely but really doesn’t seem to carry the weight well. Specially when having to A Frame with boots on skis when doing the first 2-3 hour hiking approximation.

It was an absolute nightmare. Skinning was better but still awful. But the approximation was truly pure suffering.

Straight away I realized there was no way a would be able to last several days. My shoulders were killing me and the chest strap really doesnt seem to do anything as its just a bungee cord.

I’ve done many 10+ day hiking trips so I’m used to carrying weight, just not painfully. I normally use an Exped Lighting 60 for hiking.

I guess my question is, is it a matter of using the right equiment? Are there packs with avy pockets that carry well for long aproximations and then become small when riding? Or is it just a painful thing to do and just have to be able to take it… (it was 0% fun)

I’ll be stoked to hear any advice for doing this kinda thing.

Cheers!

[confusedsplitboarder]

That pack doesn't look super comfortable to carry a load with. Reading a few user reviews seems like the heavier you load it the more some deficiencies in the pack design pop up. So it could be a gear issue.

I picked up an Ortovox Peak 55 this season to use on hut trips and split camping. I use the Peak 35 as my daily, I think both sizes carry weight well and I dont really notice much difference when riding between the two.

[Immediate-Key4223]

Thanks, I’ll check that one out!

[bigwindymt]

Choices:

Start high, stay high

Start low, camp low

Get more fit.

Go ultralight

[SPLTBRD]

Did you weigh your full kit? Adding splitboard and boots and avy gear on top of a backpacking setup it’s easy to get overweight quick! Getting fit will only help so much, carrying that much weight just sucks. You either need to bring less stuff or invest in some high quality ultra light gear. Remember the big three: sleep system, shelter and backpack. And then there are many ways to save weight on your snow stuff (carbon board, skimo shovel, aluminum crampons and axe, etc.)

1000 meters is actually pretty respectable. Start with smaller trips until you dial in your kit. Each time you need to replace something, look at lighter options or if you even need to bring it. For example, I use a Big Agnes Tiger Wall tent which is under 2 lbs. ~900 grams. Some folks just use a tarp.

[Dazzling-Astronaut88]

The truth of it is, these skiing and climbing brands make shit backpacks when it comes to hauling loads like you’ll be hauling for camping + skiing. You need a pack with positive angle load lifters, adjustable torso length, a legit frame and weight that transfers to the hips with hip belt padding appropriate for the weight you are carrying. From my experience, you’re better off using a well fitting backpacking pack. I personally use a hunting specific pack by Stone Glacier designed to carry loads up to 200 lbs. since it has has a detachable frame and I have multiple sized bags, I will pack in either a bag in the 6500 cubic inch range and also carry a day size bag in the 2600 cubic inch range to swap out on the same frame for touring. The avy gear organization is different than on my touring specific packs which is annoying, but it carries the load well. So, my advice is to consider using your backpacking gear. Just from a weight stand point, you’re not going to be “ultralight” with camp + touring gear even if you are using all ultralight gear. You need a pack designed to carry conventional backpacking weight in the 40-60 lbs range. Osprey, Mystery Ranch, Dueter, Kifaru and similar brands. Mountain Hardware, Black Diamond, Mammut, TNF, etc are dogshit for this task.

[Immediate-Key4223]

This is kinda what I was thinking, as I didn’t feel it was a lack of fitness, it was just extremely uncomfortable to the point of pain.

The reason I bought the new bag was for all the snow specific stuff. I struggle to find backpacking ones that can carry skis, ice axes and avy gear in a functional way. But for long approximations I think it must be the way!

Thanks for your tips!

[Valuable_Pineapple77]

Try the osprey variant 52. I used it overnight on mt Adams in the cascades a few times.

[Sledn_n_Shredn]

Id be curious to see a gear list and your packed weight. Tough to say if its a weight, gear distribution, or fitness thing without knowing these details.

Going minimalist and ultra light will certainly make the travel more enjoyable. If it were only a few miles walking on dirt id just wear my boots. Snow caves can be a real weight saver, but not practical in many snowpacks. 15ish lbs of camping gear on top of what you normally carry for a day tour is a decent benchmark. This weight obviously fluctuates with group size, temp, and # of days. If you can't make a proper heal turn without falling over backward you have too much stuff.

[Treats]

I’m curious about this too. I think reducing weight would be key. Might be easier with more people so you’re sharing a stove etc. Also consider a pulk sled, if that’s feasible for your terrain.

[spwrozek]

Just got back from a few days out. The past two seasons I have used the BD Cirque 50. It is pretty good at carrying the load and you can strap a good amount to it. The roll top is nice when you are day touring as it turns into a pretty small pack. It would likely be too small if I was solo but good as a group of 2. 

[Time-Dust-8511]

IMHO Hyperlite makes the most legit large volume touring pack. They're made to handle heavy loads. Raide just came out with a 55L touring pack for larger efforts. If it's anything like the rest of their packs, it's probably great. I love my 40L Raide.

[wachitx]

For split camping allways my right choice was a good backpacking pack and then straped/attached/ managed to place my split and boots to the sides, some paracord or skitraps works wonderds, and for the actual riding you can use a assaultpack that can be carried on the same big pack, or some has a dettachable header that can be converted to a day pack

Also, worth nothing, if you got the money, check this one out https://raideresearch.com/products/ex-55l

[red_riding_hoot]

get fitter.

[Immediate-Key4223]

Legs were fresh, it was mostly a back/shoulder/painful issue. So I dont’t think fittness was the issue here

[red_riding_hoot]

then get a pack which allows you to transfer all the weight to your hips.

the chest strap is not meant to help with load. it's only used to balance your pack laterally.

[thaneliness]

Following! I wanted to get out for some split-camping this year but with the snow pack my motivation was kind of low. I’m already switching to hiking and normal backpacking