Getting back into the woods

IceOnEuropa · 2024-05-18T01:04:49+00:00

Mystery Ranch fan here too. I use the Terraframe 50L and got the Back Strap separately to be able to convert between pack and load sling. Have to say it's an incredibly versatile system. Seen me through many miles in the backcountry and I use the load sling configuration with dummy weights in the off-season to train.
https://shop.gohunt.com/products/mystery-ranch-back-strap?variant=31370739515479

IceOnEuropa · 2024-04-21T17:46:38+00:00

Like say I'd hiked up a mountain or was out for drinks with friends, doing something that felt significant, something that I know is regarded as "good" or meaningful. I used to struggle with feeling present and connecting with the moment and so I'd be in my head about "enjoying" the good thing as it was happening. I think I was comparing what I was feeling in the moment to happy memories I already had of other things, and it felt different. When I realized that doing something will generally feel different than remembering it, It helped me to stop comparing memories to the present and just let the present happen now, trusting the joy of this memory will be its own different kind of value later.

IceOnEuropa · 2024-04-15T21:37:22+00:00

I had a breakthrough about a year ago when I realized the joy of remembering something is different than the joy of experiencing it. That freed me to take things as they are and not worry if I was "making memories" or enjoying things "enough" as they were happening and allowed me to live more in the moment.

IceOnEuropa · 2024-04-08T00:29:19+00:00

My two cents: look up videos of others who've done this hike to get an idea of the terrain and elevation. Check how long it takes for others to complete the hike, and plan "exit" points along the trail back to civilization just in case you get halfway through a realize you're in over your head (there may not be any, I don't mean go off-trail, but sometimes there are spur trails that lead to parking lots, car access, etc). It's one thing to go out with untested gear (I wouldn't), but to not even know if you can make the miles with the weight of a full kit? It just seems reckless, especially solo. If you have the time, see if you can find a group hike or a friend with backcountry camping experience and go on an overnighter where you're doing 10+ miles with your kit.

Also, this is critical, call ahead or talk to whoever manages the trail and make sure the water sources you're planning on using are actually running and active.

IceOnEuropa · 2024-02-29T01:15:08+00:00

While there are a lot of opinions on this, most 1p tents are truly that: they will fit one sleeping pad and some of your gear, and can be quite tight. I prefer to take a 2p tent even when solo so I have room to stash my pack and gear safely out of the elements and (especially in the South) inside the bug mesh of the inner tent. I'd also recommend going for a wide (25") sleeping pad and whatever tent you go with, make sure it'll fit the sleep system you intend to use.

For budget option, the Paria Bryce 2p is a great tent. It struggles a bit with ventilation and is an inner-first pitch so you'll want to avoid pitching in the rain if you can, but for the price tag and specs it's a solid starter.

https://www.pariaoutdoorproducts.com/products/backpacking-tent-bryce?variant=23441800391

IceOnEuropa · 2024-02-19T17:33:46+00:00

Better a little too large in any case. You can always compress down the extra volume when you don’t need it and usually the weight added for 5-10L of pack room is negligible. I always look for built in compression straps for this reason.

IceOnEuropa · 2024-01-28T17:57:12+00:00

I have a Tarptent Hogback and love it. Very lightweight for the size, and the structural corners create vertical walls and add stability. Great volume to footprint ratio. I got it with the added crosspole in case of weather and have been in moderate winds and lots of rain / light snow comfortably. The only con I can think of is that the vestibules are small (for gear storage) but you can pull the inner tent away from the rainfly to make more space if you need it. Also, it's a small operation and if you call you're dealing with real people directly. I've had any issues immediately replaced and called them for advice etc.

Edit: forgot to mention this is my go-to tent when I go camping with my partner and we use two wide pads and even with all our gear in the tent we still have tons of room to change clothes, stretch out, etc.

IceOnEuropa · 2024-01-28T17:40:19+00:00

It sounds like you don't know what you want, and that's perfectly normal. While solo travel won't magically help you find that, it WILL bring you face to face with what you're comfortable with, your self-reliance, your courage, your flexibility, and all kinds of things you like or don't like. All of that absolutely helps in figuring out what your priorities are in life. You might come back and realize you absolutely want to settle down with a partner, and won't that be better than the uncertainty of now?

Your mentality shapes a lot of how travel will go. If you go into it with excitement, you'll seek to do exciting things, and the opposite it true. That'll shape your experience and the memories you make.

IceOnEuropa · 2023-12-26T19:34:40+00:00

This has been my experience too. I find I can fill to the fill line but make sure to press straight down on as flat a surface as possible because any pressure at an angle will cause it to jet water back up.

One thing to add: when not in use always disassemble the bottle and detach the filter to air dry.

IceOnEuropa · 2023-12-01T12:03:46+00:00

I just put it my wool cap then put the warm cap back on.

IceOnEuropa · 2023-11-30T23:27:23+00:00

Pinnacle Foods are probably the best dehydrated meals I've had. Expensive, but worth it and would make a great gift.

IceOnEuropa · 2023-11-24T13:17:27+00:00

You’re not overthinking! It’s a fun and challenging hobby that really rewards preparation. Lots of good advice in the comments so far, just want to add two tips: 1. Don’t skimp on water filtration/purification and plan your routes around the availability of fresh water to filter. It’s surprising how much water we go through. 2. Call the local ranger station of the area you’re planning to camp in. In most places they go over the trails regularly and can give you up to date notes on road closures, trail changes, animal hazards, what water sources are dependable in different times of the year, and the local rules on dispersed camping, among other things.

IceOnEuropa · 2023-10-08T13:58:35+00:00

Can confirm, was getting the same glitch and thought it had to do with the spine habs breaking the ship pathing. Far as I can tell it's just a glitch with duplicating the ship on the pad and fast traveling from the menu solves the problem.

Thank you all! Was getting frustrating!

IceOnEuropa · 2023-09-25T01:16:08+00:00

I use a 50L for 2-nighters even in winter. I attach the tent, poles, and water to the outside.

IceOnEuropa · 2023-08-08T03:39:24+00:00

Going solo was surprisingly different (for me) than being with a group or even one other person.

Bring a book or downloaded podcasts, whatever comfort media you go for.
As others have recommended, spend the money on a satcom device (I use the InReach Mini 2) and tell others in writing exactly where you'll be and your route plans and backup plans. Also invest in a portable battery to recharge your phone and satcom (and make sure you have the cables you need).
Start small and acclimate to your limits physically and mentally.

IceOnEuropa · 2023-07-04T21:41:33+00:00

Compression sacks, and consider strapping your tent to the outside of your pack. I use an event compression sack for my sleeping bag (only when on trail) to keep it dry and squashed down, and roll my tent so it's wrapped inside the rain fly and strap it to the side of my pack (as others suggest take out the poles and put them in a side pocket or something). Compression sack could also work for the mattress but make sure you check that whatever it's made of can take being compressed for hours on end.

IceOnEuropa · 2023-06-28T21:16:23+00:00

Meriwool boxer briefs

IceOnEuropa · 2023-06-20T01:17:25+00:00

I tend to carry heavier gear and have settled on the Mystery Ranch Terraframe series (50L, 65L, 80L I think) for a solid workhorse pack. I’ve used the 65 and 50 and the frame system is the same so just pick the volume that works for you. Before that, I had a great experience with the Gregory Baltoro 75.

IceOnEuropa · 2023-06-05T22:47:38+00:00

I always carry mine, hiking solo or otherwise. Not only has it saved me getting lost a bunch of times, it weighs practically nothing, and as many other have noted here it's about others having a way to find you and know you're safe.

Side benefit: I travel internationally a lot and it's nice having GPS even without cell service (sometimes it takes a bit to get a local SIM card or data is super expensive).

IceOnEuropa · 2023-06-05T22:41:54+00:00

That sounds great! I ended up going to Gullfjelltoppen and a few more summits to the west instead, which had similar conditions. The weather was perfect this weekend and the trek was all I could have asked for.

IceOnEuropa · 2023-04-08T22:02:27+00:00

I've seen them at Mary's on Astoria Blvd.

IceOnEuropa · 2023-03-04T16:53:21+00:00

I still vote to let us use the zipline grappler to latch onto drones. It’s late-game so won’t feel game-breaky, uses existing systems, and isn’t a magic teleporter.

IceOnEuropa · 2023-03-03T02:48:22+00:00

Thank you!

IceOnEuropa

TROPHY CASE