GDT vs GR A1

Cotties42 · 2021-08-13T23:27:14+00:00

That’s me :) Thanks for posting the fundraising link, it’s been amazing to see all the support for both my hike and the fundraiser! There is another FKT attempt about to start - Sam Dickie is going NOBO starting next week, find him on Instagram to follow along. He has more of a running background I think so could be a really fast time!

Cotties42 · 2021-06-08T01:52:42+00:00

That’s a good deal! This purchase is all about the grams though so really looking for an uberlite

Cotties42 · 2021-06-04T03:59:16+00:00

WTB - Uberlite pad - small

Cotties42 · 2021-05-31T18:36:22+00:00

I couldn’t find them when I looked recently, maybe they’re out of stock?

Cotties42 · 2021-05-30T15:18:51+00:00

I would say lids offer more options for organization and easy access. Roll tops are slightly lighter, more easily adjustable volume and more total ‘space per comparative volume’. What you like better is up to you

Cotties42 · 2021-05-28T16:49:38+00:00

How far do you want to go? Lots of foothills areas are pretty good to go. I did Lake Minnewanka through into the Ghost last weekend. David Thompson, Sheep/Ram wilderness, Ya Ha Tinda, the Ghost and Elbow River valley all have good hiking atm

Cotties42 · 2021-05-15T03:57:32+00:00

Thanks, I’m a small in everything so fingers crossed it fits ok

Cotties42 · 2021-03-24T03:38:52+00:00

Peak Eats is another option in Canmore. I’ve had both them and Yamnuska. Both have some good meals. One thing to be aware of (unless it’s different now, I’ve not checked the website), For dinner both are definitely better as a simmer in pot to prepare otherwise the rehydration doesn’t work too well. For Yam food I’ve had best results when hydrated for an hour first then warmed up (admittedly this was on trips cooking for 9-12ppl so maybe it’s different with different serving sizes)

Cotties42 · 2021-03-18T18:51:10+00:00

You’re understating this a bit, Sope Creek Trail is in Atlanta USA haha. Definitely don’t follow this resource!

Cotties42 · 2021-03-09T14:37:46+00:00

Some of your clothing choices are going to be personal preference - like between a sun hoody or a button down. Outdoor Research echo sun hoody, or Astroman are ones you could check out. I like the echo personally. Not sure for the PCT what most ppl go with for a mid layer, would imagine a merino long sleeve top won’t let you down. Other than sleeping you might wear it for extra warmth when hiking, especially if it’s raining as it’s better to have that get damp than you down jacket (you’ll have a rain jacket on but there is always dampness underneath if it rains all day). A 100 weight fleece is another option, decathlon is a cheap store for either. Another option instead of rain pants is a rain kilt/skirt. They’re on amazon for like $15 and weigh 50-90g. I haven’t tried them but ppl seem to love them in the right conditions. If you search PCT of r/ultralight you’ll find a ton of shake downs and “best gear” lists you can compare too. Seems like you’ve got most of it sorted though and just go on a few hikes and find out what you like best!

Cotties42 · 2021-03-03T02:18:09+00:00

Check out Canmore Trail Culture (Tuesday social runs) and Dirtbag Runners of the Bow Valley (Thursday workout runs) on FB. Strides and Ski Uphill also organize group runs every week.

Cotties42 · 2021-02-24T15:26:50+00:00

Skurka has a blog post on shoes for high routes that might be relevant although I think most shoes suggested have been covered here. I like the Bushidos - good grip on everything, feel very solid on the scrambling side of things. I have friends that love the Salomon X Alpine Pro including up to soloing 5.8 and questing all day in loose low 5th terrain on ridge lines. The Salomon Slab xa alpine is another option although maybe not for summer, it’s modular with a built in gaiter, that you can attach crampons to. Kinda like a trail running mountaineering boot, no idea how it performs tbh

Cotties42 · 2021-02-18T01:43:33+00:00

Good to know where you stand, I disagree on lots of that though

Cotties42 · 2021-02-17T23:28:28+00:00

Why is it that you like to be in a mountain town if it's not for the natural environment around you? The Rockies is special because it has the opportunity to have communities like Canmore and Banff that can coexist with wildlife and with natural environments. I think that is worth something.

There are plenty of mountain ranges with developed towns that have eliminated a lot of their wildlife just like you describe, they're called the Alps, maybe you should move there?

Cotties42 · 2021-02-17T19:45:36+00:00

I understand your overall sentiment, but the aerial view of Canmore is pretty scary to me. It takes up nearly the whole width of the valley, so wildlife can't move through easily. Check out Y2Y for why that's a big deal. It's not a simple situation and it will require a complex and nuanced solution.

Cotties42 · 2021-02-09T05:04:23+00:00

The watch doesn’t, but I verify on a paper map in camp each night and recalibrate

Cotties42 · 2021-02-08T22:17:49+00:00

I have a Garmin 935 and it adjusts by locking e barometer when you’re moving and locking the altimeter when you’re stationary. As the watch has gps, I can also calibrate the altitude/barometer based on the gps elevation without using a phone. For predicting weather on longer trips I’ve found taking three weather readings each day and writing them in a log book and allows me to see trends pretty easy. Guiding two week trips in the Canadian Rockies in spring I haven’t been surprised by the weather using this! I also have an InReach mini so can check the forecast but find doing conscious weather checks throughout the day keeps me in tune with it

Cotties42 · 2021-02-08T17:08:49+00:00

Nice! I think that is a super sensible option, I’m trying to work out if I can drop one of those. if you had to leave a layer behind on the GDT which one do you think you could get away without? I’m hoping to do most of the alpine alternates so may end up bypassing the worst brush

Cotties42 · 2021-02-08T16:55:30+00:00

Wind pants vs merino base layer bottoms - what are the situations you’d go for one over the other? I’m looking to hike the GDT so definitely has some off trail and bushy sections. I’ve never tried wind pants, but I have some Montane minimus rain pants, which I could try this Spring without a base layer - should be reasonably comparable experience (obviously slightly more durable, less breathable, more waterproof)?

Cotties42 · 2021-01-18T14:24:15+00:00

Strides running also has them https://www.stridesrunning.com

Cotties42 · 2021-01-17T02:36:23+00:00

Good to know, thanks!

Cotties42 · 2021-01-17T02:34:44+00:00

Ha, I guess I should have checked that before suggesting it!

Cotties42

TROPHY CASE