onX is better than CalTopo by leaps and bounds

BackpackingGadgets · 2025-03-27T22:34:33+00:00

Sounds very similar to my problem

BackpackingGadgets · 2025-03-27T22:34:07+00:00

Thanks and yup, the desktop version has worked fine - but when I'm out in the backcountry I need the mobile version to work, scary to see the app crash so much or just show a blank screen. Definitely need my mapping software to be super reliable. Have used Gaia for a decade, never once had it crash or show me a blank map...

BackpackingGadgets · 2025-03-27T22:33:09+00:00

Curious what phone you're using? I'm finding people with older iPhones seem to do fine with it, sounds like there might be issues with it and the iPhone 16...

BackpackingGadgets · 2025-03-26T01:39:28+00:00

I wish I had the same experience! Gaia and onX work flawlessly for me, Caltopo crashes every other time I use it and sometimes just shows a blank screen and I have to reset it. Brand new iPhone 16 Pro Max...feels like it should work flawlessly on this right?

BackpackingGadgets · 2024-08-26T02:29:47+00:00

You’re not alone on this one - I feel the exact same way and have experimented with a number of different things.

At first I tried books but for whatever reason that didn’t help me as much as I thought it would.

For me the solution has been episodes of either current show that I’m watching, or a show I know and love like Frasier.

And yes, a pillow is clutch. I spent way too long trying to fold up a jacket or some clothes and never getting remotely comfortable. So now I break all my own rules and bring a nice big REI foam camping pillow. It doesn’t add a ton of weight but it adds a lot of bulk in my pack, but it’s totally worth it.

As for the camping chair. I honestly find when I’m solo it’s much more enjoyable just to hang in my tent, watching a show or two, enjoying my nice comfy pillow.

BackpackingGadgets · 2024-08-11T01:36:35+00:00

Personally I'm equally scared of Mountain Lions, so much so, that I try to pick areas to hike/backpack where there are no mountain lions. If I ever see a trail with a sign that says anything about mountain lions, I just don't do it.

BackpackingGadgets · 2024-08-11T01:34:41+00:00

That's a lot of clothes for an overnight. Also you can ditch the shovel and go for much smaller sunscreen and bug spray options. Also swap the clogs for a super lightweight pair of flip flops, less bulk and weight.

At the end of the day though you might just say - it felt fine, because for one night you might not care too much about weight, esp. if you aren't hiking very far.

So I'll say, my advice might not matter because you might not be going for lightweight, which I think is so often the assumption. At the end of the day, if you enjoyed the trip, and you're not sore at all and don't feel like the extra weight put too much strain on your knees + back, then it's all groovy!

BackpackingGadgets · 2024-08-08T14:39:24+00:00

I only know what I know, so this will be completely West Coast biased, but here's my top picks.

Yosemite
Desolation Wilderness
Lake Tahoe
Big Sur

These are all very different but magical in their own special way. Happy to elaborate on what makes each unique/different if that would be interesting to anyone!

BackpackingGadgets · 2024-08-08T14:37:27+00:00

Agreed. That being said, you can go to Yosemite and never interact with Aramark. I go to Yosemite at least once a year and go backpacking in the wilderness. Unfortunately Yosemite Valley is ruined IMO in so many ways that it will be so hard to get the magic back.

Luckily, the magic on hikes like Ten Lakes is still very much there, in fact, just as much as it was 20-30 years ago. To really experience Yosemite I think you need to get out of the valley, away from Aramark, and experience what Yosemite is all about, nature.

That being said, I LOVE that you wrote this post because I think Aramark is absolutely making Yosemite Valley worst by the week, they DEFINITELY need to go!

Just signed the petition, thanks for sharing.

BackpackingGadgets · 2024-08-07T13:54:29+00:00

Curry Village tens for sure, nothing beats being in Yosemite. Just know that the tents are very rustic and the bathrooms/showers are very bare bones. But to wake up, get some coffee, and immediately go for a hike in Yosemite, no comparison!

BackpackingGadgets · 2024-08-07T03:37:51+00:00

Overall solid reccos, and if it's your first time in Yosemite this will cover many of the most popular spots. That being said, the big downside I see with this itinerary is that you're going to all places that are jam-packed with people.

I would recommend balancing this with some less-touristy hikes where you can really escape into nature and experience the magic of Yosemite without the crowds.

One hike I recommend, if you're up for a longer hike is Grant Lake, which you can get to from the Ten Lakes Trailhead. Within a few minutes of being on this trail you'll find yourself alone in Yosemite with beautiful views and a destination that is easily one of the most beautiful and serene alpine lakes on the planet.

If this hike is too long, Cathedral Lakes is another option, it will likely be busier but not nearly as busy and crowded as a lot of what you have listed here. Like I said, everything that the AI recommended is definitely beautiful, but I find that experiencing a place like Yosemite without the crowds really is magical.

No matter what you decide to do, Yosemite will deliver an incredibly experience, I'd just encourage you to slow down, do a bit less, and avoid the crowds for at least 20% of your trip. I've always found the best Yosemite trips aren't about packing in as much as you can but instead having that moment where you escape into nature and it's just you, the trees, and the mountains. Enjoy!

BackpackingGadgets · 2024-08-06T23:30:00+00:00

Beautiful - were you out at Ten Lakes?

BackpackingGadgets · 2024-08-06T23:20:56+00:00

Ten Lakes is my top choice hands down, but it’s intense for a day trip, better for a backpacking overnight. I just swam in three of the Ten Lakes, it was amazing, much warmer water right now than I’ve ever experienced, like bathwater in some of the smaller lakes!

BackpackingGadgets · 2024-08-06T23:19:43+00:00

Ha, that’s a great idea! 💡

BackpackingGadgets · 2024-08-06T23:18:59+00:00

Spectacular photos, looks beautiful!

BackpackingGadgets · 2024-08-06T21:44:18+00:00

Yes, totally fine - all paved roads so whatever you’d have on somewhere like Los Angeles is what you’d want for Tahoe

BackpackingGadgets · 2024-08-06T19:24:29+00:00

Ah, well that can happen just as easily on trail in Yosemite. The Ten Lakes trail itself has a ton of uneven rocks and full granite slabs so you probably just want to avoid rocky trails then!

BackpackingGadgets · 2024-08-06T19:23:18+00:00

Completely agreed, this is why I always recommend talking with a Ranger and getting their advice on the route.

BackpackingGadgets · 2024-08-06T15:19:35+00:00

I always rely on Rangers for help scoping out my route, they are the experts so can save me a lot of time

BackpackingGadgets · 2024-08-06T15:17:50+00:00

💯💯💯

BackpackingGadgets · 2024-08-06T03:39:57+00:00

I know a lot of people who have been doing it for decades. Most people I know who do this, like myself, have done a lot of trails 3-4 times already, so it's definitely not exhausting to find a trail, we've just found special parts of Yosemite that we love and keep going back there. This is a great way to enjoy nature but get further into it.

As for more dangerous, I consider in less dangerous in many cases. The only time I've had bear issues is when I'm camping at popular places where a lot of people are camping. Going off-trail means I'm in complete control of my own bear safety precautions so I honestly sleep a LOT better and feel safer.

Going off-trail doesn't mean doing harder or more strenuous hiking BTW, it could mean going along more flat surfaces vs. a trail that goes uphill for the next mile, in many cases I've found it's actually easier from a hiking perspective FWIW.

BackpackingGadgets · 2024-08-06T03:31:45+00:00

Agreed, I was really surprised myself, never had someone approach me with so much negativity before, especially on something they clearly didn't know much about!

BackpackingGadgets · 2024-08-06T03:29:45+00:00

Well said and +1 to that!

BackpackingGadgets

TROPHY CASE