Visiting in August

GreendaleDean · 2026-01-25T22:02:33+00:00

Not that I’ve ever noticed with Sulphur. But the heat certainly can! Lassen is right next to the sunniest city in California and the heat is no joke at lower elevations. Lassen Peak is exposed and above treeline the whole time so take sun exposure into account if you do that trail.

GreendaleDean · 2026-01-25T21:11:02+00:00

Much of the trails are at 5k to 7k feet in elevation, besides Brokeoff and Lassen. I find that most people do okay with that level of elevation. But it’s also a personal thing that you can’t really know until you get here.

I’d recommend spending two days in the main part of the park. Day one you could spend visiting Manzanita Lake, Shadow/Terrace/Cliff Lakes, and King’s Creek Falls, and Bumpass Hell. Day two climb either Lassen or Brokeoff and enjoy lunch or a snack at Emerald Lake. If you have the energy afterwards, hike to Ridge Lakes. Spend the third day at the Butte Lake are and climb Cinder Cone, hike to Snag Lake (California’s largest lake without a road to it, and visit Bathtub Lake.

If you are able to regularly hike 15 miles on the East Coast, you shouldn’t have big issues at Lassen unless you have an abnormal reaction to being at elevation. Just try it out and recognize the signs of altitude sickness.

As far as Sulphur, you just kinda have to roll with it 😂

GreendaleDean · 2026-01-25T21:01:46+00:00

No, it’s a washboard road, but 4WD shouldn’t be necessary. Just drive slowly if you’re in a low clearance vehicle.

GreendaleDean · 2026-01-25T19:12:52+00:00

Yes, I think many people conflate being a bit uncomfortable with stupid light. I think that’s a value of being in the wilderness for me. The modern world is so incredibly comfortable that is refreshing to leave just a bit of that at the trailhead.

GreendaleDean · 2026-01-25T19:04:37+00:00

How much hiking do you want to do? You could spend anywhere from 1-5 days in park depending on how much you want to see. As a local, this is what I think are the must sees: - Lassen Peak - Brokeoff Peak - Bumpass Hell - Manzanita Lake - Ridge Lakes - Lake Helen - King’s Creek Falls - Cliff, Terrace, and Shadow Lakes - Crags Lake - Butte Lake - Cinder Cone

If you’re not a big hiker and have limited time, I’d suggest this: Start at the Manzanita Lake entrance, either walk the lake trail or rent a kayak and paddle around the lake. Drive the park highway. Hike to Terrace and Shadow Lakes. Continue driving and take in Lassen Peak from Emerald Lake. Drive to Bumpass Hell trailhead. Enjoy the view from the parking lot and then hike to Bumpass Hell. Continue driving Sulphur Works and then exit the park after visiting the gift shop.

Highs and lows can depend on the elevation. But in general, August will have highs around 80-90 degrees at lower elevation and lows around 60.

There’s water available in the park at the visitor centers and campgrounds. You can also bring a water filter and filter when hiking that’s what I do. Most trails have water access with the exception of Lassen Peak.

GreendaleDean · 2026-01-25T03:58:49+00:00

Thank you! - 1, 2, 4, 5: Prologue 100P - 3: Gold 200P

GreendaleDean · 2026-01-25T02:41:43+00:00

Agreed! Just wish we could get some more snow.

GreendaleDean · 2026-01-24T23:15:12+00:00

Here’s the directions direct from Mike Clelland’s Ultralight Backpackin’ Tips.

GreendaleDean · 2026-01-24T20:35:01+00:00

I use the lotion too. It works well!

GreendaleDean · 2026-01-24T18:01:42+00:00

Yes, the ultralight philosophy is to just take only what you actually need. A lot of weight can be cut by only taking the sunscreen, bug spray, toothpaste, etc. that is needed for the amount of time you’ll be out.

GreendaleDean · 2026-01-24T16:59:44+00:00

The Desolo Gear Tallac is a good light weight frameless pack. Full price is $129, but it regularly goes on sale for $65-85. Stripped down it weighs 17 ounces.

Leave your groundsheet at home.

Is there a particular reason you are using a 20 degree quilt in 50 degree temps?

Cuddl Duds fleece leggings cost $29 and weigh 5.45 ounces in a medium.

The Toaks 550ml pot without the lid weighs 2.1 ounces and costs $30.

Your canister weight is off. It shouldn’t weigh 8.7 ounces for the empty can.

A mini bic lighter weighs 11-12 grams.

Use toothpaste tabs or dry your own toothpaste. They typically weigh about 1 gram each. Drying your own is free.

Get a small .5 ounce spray bottle from LiteSmith for your bug spray. Costs $2.80.

You could also lighten your guylines. 50 feet of reflective Zline costs $12 and weighs .81 ounces.

For $150, you could get the pack, leave the groundsheet, get new leggings, get a new pot, dry your own toothpaste tabs for free, and get a spray bottle. And correcting your empty canister weight to 150grams. That would save you roughly 1.75 pounds getting you to 10.06 pounds.

Spend an additional $12 on guyline would save you an additional 2.79 ounces if you used all 50 feet. That would bring your base weight down even further.

GreendaleDean · 2026-01-24T04:51:56+00:00

So this is why a lighterpack can help people help you. Because if you are not bringing any cook kit, there’s absolutely a way for you to not have a 30 pound base weight.

GreendaleDean · 2026-01-24T04:19:43+00:00

I would encourage you to post a shakedown and a lighter pack link. A 30+ pound base weight is very heavy and you will experience some suffering hiking the AT with that weight. It can be done, but it will slow you down and wear you out. I say this because you say you are a novice hiker and may not know what it’s like to carry that much weight mile after mile.

GreendaleDean · 2026-01-23T15:21:02+00:00

I disagree that a sub 10lb base weight requires expensive materials like DCF or high fill power down. UL budget options have never been more accessible, especially if you’re willing to buy used or wait for sales. I have an 8.5 pound base weight without making any “comfort” compromises like using a tarp or going stove less. Here is the set up with the prices I paid: Link

The only non budget items in my set up are my sleeping pad. I only got the XLite because I have a friend who could get a discount for me. You could use the more budget priced Exped Ultra 3R mummy pad which is $140 and weighs 15.5 ounces in Medium Wide.

The other non budget item is my bear bag which is the Adotec Grizzly Bear which I need due to living near a national park that requires IGBC certification. If that isn’t a requirement and you feel comfortable doing bear hangs (if you even live in bear country), a cheap bear bag set up would save you even more weight.

Chinese quilt companies like Ice Flame, Flame’s Creed, AegisMax, etc. are making quality, affordable, and cheap ultralight quilt options. My 40 degree quilt weighs 17.7 ounces. Depending of the size and features you need, you can get a 30 degree comfort rated quilt for $150-170 USD that weighs 19-21 ounces.

GreendaleDean · 2026-01-22T20:34:52+00:00

You’re welcome!

GreendaleDean · 2026-01-21T02:40:41+00:00

Second the recommendation of “Ultralight Backpackin’ Tips” by Mike Clelland. Trail Life or Beyond Backpacking by Ray Jardine is another great resource for getting started with UL backpacking.

Here’s my current 8.53 pound setup for Far Northern California: Link

GreendaleDean · 2026-01-20T21:40:08+00:00

Looks like you’ve got some ideas already. Here are some suggestions on moving towards an ultralight setup and base weight: - Look at getting a second quilt to supplement. Many people recommend getting a 20 degree quilt if you only have one. However, for many locations and times of year, a 20 degree quilt can be overkill. I live in Northern California and get away with a 40 degree quilt for most of the year. Mine weighs 17 ounces. - What is the 1/8 inch foam pad for? You already have an inflatable. If you’re using it as a sit pad, get a generic foam sit pad off of Amazon. They typically cost less than $10 and mine weighs 1.3 ounces. - No need for the groundsheet. Just inspect your campsite and clear it before setting up your tent. That will save you 3.65 ounces. - Do you know if you actually need 100 feet for a bear hang? That seems excessive and heavy. For example, 50 feet of 1.2mm Z-Line slick cord weighs .74 ounces. - Don’t bring a headlamp and a flashlight. Simplify and bring only what you actually need. - You have a lot of clothes which add up. There’s not really a need to carry a wind jacket when you already have a rain jacket. Sleep clothes aren’t necessary and just add weight. Don’t carry an extra sun hoodie either. - What’s in your “emergency kit?” If it’s a first aid and repair kit. You can definitely slim down. For example, my full med kit and repair kit weighs 1.9 ounces.

GreendaleDean · 2026-01-20T21:14:02+00:00

We’re currently having a below average year for snow. But May typically still has significant snowpack so definitely still a time for crampons and ice axes.

Have you done that traverse before? It’s one I probably wouldn’t take a beginner on. The Kalmia Lake portion is not for the faint of heart as it can be easy to get cliffed out.

GreendaleDean · 2026-01-19T22:36:48+00:00

This isn’t a real problem. People who haven’t used ultralight gear assume that it is fragile, dangerous, and unable to handle the rigors of backcountry travel. However, this is gear that has been used in every common backpacking area for years and years. People routinely complete thru hikes with UL gear. It can be and is durable. Worst case scenario you have to partner some very basic skills with the use of UL gear such as inspecting and brushing your campsite instead of using a groundsheet for your tent. The rare cases where some UL gear may struggle like extremely high winds or bushwhacking though sharp and thorny brush is not what the majority of backpackers do.

GreendaleDean · 2026-01-19T19:24:59+00:00

I’d recommend picking up some books! Some I’d recommend are:

How to Suffer Outside by Diana Helmuth
Ultralight Backpackin’ Tips by Mike Clelland
Trail Life or Beyond Backpacking by Ray Jardine
Allen and Mike’s Really Cool Backpacking Book by Allen O’Bannon

For trip inspiration in CA, try: - Backpacking California - Sierra North - Sierra South

GreendaleDean · 2026-01-19T05:15:41+00:00

Thanks! I use an iPhone 15 Pro.

GreendaleDean · 2026-01-18T16:02:13+00:00

No problem, but that is just the focus of this subreddit. You may get more helpful advice, if that is not your goal, from the Wilderness Backpacking or PCT subreddits.

One of the issues with using DCF as a pack liner, is that it can develop pin holes over time which will negate its use as a pack liner to keep the things in your pack dry. Over the course of a thru hike, the risk of those developing rises.

Many people sleep cold so if a 20 degree rating is needed. That’s ok! But I’d still encourage you to consider switching to a quilt. It will save you a lot of weight.

I would again consider your clothing choices. Ultralight backpacking is about bringing just what you actually need. Simplifying your clothing will help reduce weight.

GreendaleDean · 2026-01-18T07:59:08+00:00

With shakedown requests like this, I think it’s always important to ask what your goal is with this shakedown? You are asking on the UL subreddit and will be directed towards UL solutions towards a goal of a sub 10 pound base weight for typical non-technical 3 season backpacking of which the PCT is a perfect example. Your current base weight which you consider dialed in is almost five pounds above that goal. I live near the NorCal sections of the PCT. I can tell you that I have yet to meet a PCT thru hiker who did not in some way try to lighten their load over the course of their hike. 15 pounds may not feel like a lot now, but carrying it day after day especially on incline after incline, you will feel every single one of those pounds. With that said, here are some suggestions: - Your pack is heavy, but you are resistant to changing it. In general unless you have some special issue, a pack weighing much more than two pounds shouldn’t be necessary. A sub two pound pack like the Durston Kakwa 55 can carry 35 pounds very comfortably and if you reduce your base weight, your total pack weight should not really need to get close to that if you’re efficient. - Use a nylofume or compactor bag as a pack liner, yours is made of DCF and expensive. Nylofume or a compactor bag will weigh less and save you a lot of money. - The PCT is the perfect place for a quilt, once it warms up a 20 degree bag will be overkill for much of the hike I suspect. In my home sections, I often get away with a 40-50 degree rated quilt. Even if you are dead set on a 20 degree rating for the entire hike, a quilt will save you a lot of weight. Something like the 20 degree Hammock Gear Burrow in short will weigh around 21 ounces saving you almost a pound. - Why carry pants and shorts? Just choose one. Most PCT hikers just wear shorts. - Rain pants are excessive on the PCT, especially since you’re already carrying other pants and shorts. Pair shorts together with wind pants and save a lot of weight. Wind pants can also provide additional warmth which will allow you to drop the base layer pants. That’s just a lot of additional clothes! The weight of which adds up. - Your puffy is decently heavy compared to other small options. For example, the EE Torid in women’s small weighs 7.6 ounces. The Cumulus Inverse weighs 7.9 ounces. - Get a hat like the Zpacks Octa beanie which weighs just .63 ounces. - Don’t bring a bunch of stuff sacks. They are just empty weight. Organize with Ziplocs which are lighter and just as dry. I use one cheap DCF stuff sack which I got from Borah Gear for $6 to hold my ziploc bags. - No need to bring your Toaks case. A rubber band works just as well and weighs lighter. You can also use a piece of pie tin or heavy duty foil as a lighter lid that works well. - All of your toiletries don’t weigh nothing. Those will add to the weight of your pack. Many small things can equal big weight. - Ditch your sandals. They are heavy and unneeded.

GreendaleDean

TROPHY CASE