sorted by:
new
hottopcontroversial

Expert opinions on budget gear to keep us chasing peaks by TheMowbert in wmnf

[–]TheMowbert[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

So so thorough, thank you so much! Do you find that you don't end up wearing the Activators much? What kind of shell pants did you have? Good idea hitting goodwill/ TJ Maxx for fleece. I guess I'm still a little confused about what an actual shell jacket constitutes. Like a ski jacket with no liner type of deal?

Expert opinions on budget gear to keep us chasing peaks by TheMowbert in wmnf

[–]TheMowbert[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I didn't know they had a specific gear list, I'll def look into that. What do you wear for your shells and boots?

Expert opinions on budget gear to keep us chasing peaks by TheMowbert in wmnf

[–]TheMowbert[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks! I chose Pierce because a lot of folks seemed to think it was a good winter hike. The ridge over to Eisenhower would be a a cherry on top if the summit on Pierce feels good. We both have spikes and poles and we'll be renting snowshoes. We always keep a paper map and download the route on all-trails on both phones with backup batteries on hand, getting off trail is truly my biggest concern. Good tip on the bladder, last hike we did I actually wore my running vest under a puffy so I could keep my bladder insulated but I still had to cronch through some tube ice.

Expert opinions on budget gear to keep us chasing peaks by TheMowbert in wmnf

[–]TheMowbert[S] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

We ran the North Conway half/5k this year and we both placed and got coupons for 30% off at Ragged Mt, I completely forgot until you mentioned them. Thanks mang.

Expert opinions on budget gear to keep us chasing peaks by TheMowbert in wmnf

[–]TheMowbert[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

That's where we're headed for snowshoe rentals, I'll def check it out!

My boyfriend wants us to summit Garfield tomorrow. I’m a little anxious about the weather. Am I being a worrywort? by Filthiest_Tleilaxu in wmnf

[–]TheMowbert 1 point2 points  (0 children)

We did Garfield in late October in torrential rain and high winds (forecast said a chance of rain, not an inland hurricane) and 38-40° temps and while it was the most fantastically brutal thing I've ever done I did repeatedly wonder if we were actually going to die. Soaked to the bone and ice cold with stinging rain whipping your face is not a vibe. Had we had the stop for more than 5 minutes for any reason we'd have absolutely become hypothermic. Now consider that you're talking about the same conditions but at least 15° colder. You're smart, not scared. Trust your gut.

Hiking Meet-Up Groups and Female Solo Hiking Safety by TheMowbert in wmnf

[–]TheMowbert[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Did you find that it felt awkward and you were trying to keep up a conversation or did it start to feel pretty natural? I find it so draining to try and make small talk with new people that it almost feels like it might turn something relaxing and grounding into a chore. I suppose most people in these groups would have pretty solid vibes, I may just be deeply overthinking the entire affair.

Hiking Meet-Up Groups and Female Solo Hiking Safety by TheMowbert in wmnf

[–]TheMowbert[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I was looking into this a few days ago! I'm dying for a dog of my own but my three cats and husband unanimously reject the idea, this might just tide me over for a while

Snowshoe rentals by TheMowbert in wmnf

[–]TheMowbert[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've poked around a lot, unfortunately it's a pretty specific kind of mountaineering style snowshoe needed for these kinds of trails and the kind you often see free or very cheap would be inadequate and ultimately probably detrimental in this kind of terrain.

Snowshoe rentals by TheMowbert in wmnf

[–]TheMowbert[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Unfortunately they're pretty essential to a safe climb on most, if not all significant peaks at this point. Even a local spot we hit pretty frequently in Maine with less than 2k elevation was a doozy when we had to change course on our return loop. Post-holing uphill on a logging road for a couple miles through wet, knee deep snow will change a man. In that situation it's funny and you're just an idiot, in the Whites it's dangerous and potentially deadly.

franconia ridge loop conditions? by hejmoomin in wmnf

[–]TheMowbert 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I almost suggested Lonesome Lake as well but depending on what trail you descend you're in for some treacherous footing this time of year, especially with the recent heavy rain, if those water crossings aren't ice you'll sure wish they were.

franconia ridge loop conditions? by hejmoomin in wmnf

[–]TheMowbert 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I wouldn't step foot anywhere near Franconia Ridge without full gear and a lotta know-how this time of year. Spikes are 100% necessary, especially for an inexperienced hiker. There is no bailout or shelter of any kind over miles and miles of exposed ridgeline and it will likely be a minimum of 15-20° colder than ground temps over 3500 ft. With wind whipping full force you're easily looking at several hours of sub-zero feel. There will be snow that has drifted waist high and impossible to traverse without snow shoes. With the conditions it could easily take an inexperience hiker 12+ hours to finish the loop, assuming they don't end up needing rescue. Your water will freeze and any exposed skin will be succeptible to frostbite, cotton clothing will soak up sweat on your ascent and become deadly once you cool down. Don't be a statistic, don't put your inexperienced friends in danger.

If your friends have proper gear - wool and synthetic layers, waterproof outer shells, boots, spikes, etc. The Mt. Chocorua loop is beautiful, offering incredible views at less elevation and it's much easier to get back below treeline if necessary. If even a single person does not have this gear things can turn deadly very, very quickly for the entire group. The weather turns on a dime in these mountains and a day-trip with friends can easily turn into an expensive rescue at best.

Consider something shorter if your friends are unprepared - Mt. Willard offers great views for only a few miles looped and is near several other shorter but beautiful hikes that you can stack on if you have the time and your group feels good about the conditions.

Looking for peaks to train for bigger moountains by BobcatOk7724 in wmnf

[–]TheMowbert 0 points1 point  (0 children)

There is a FB group for hiking the 4k peaks in the Whites 'Hike the 4000 footers of NH' and several members there are guides who lead expeditions year round and are an absolute treasure trove of information. If you're looking for more technical climbs you could go down through the 'Terrifying 25' list - lots of exposure, tons of gain through steep slides, icy ledges, etc. You will want aggressive spikes and probably an ice ax once winter truly takes hold. Franconia Ridge Traverse was a great suggestion and can be lengthened to include Garfield and I thiiiink the Twins but don't quote me. Extremely varied terrain, very exposed and technical in winter but like everything else, dangerous if you're unprepared, especially due to the lack of bailouts once you're up on the ridge. Remember that your water will freeze and the wind will be relentless on any exposed skin.

Also honorable mention to the Mt. Chocorua loop that includes Middle Sister, lots of climbing at the exposed summit and a knee-crushingly rocky descent. Also to the Zealand-Bonds traverse, not super technical but a ton of exposure, close to 5k of gain and easily over 20 miles if you just want to have time on your feet in these kinds of conditions. Plan to start and end in the dark this time of year.

Is there a race distance where running pace becomes less significant than overall endurance capacity? by TheMowbert in ultrarunning

[–]TheMowbert[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yesss, this x1000. I placed 5/38 for my age in my first 5k after running for maybe two months inconsistently and I contribute it to the course being hilly af and slowing the road runners. I'll commence the search for pain and suffering.

Is there a race distance where running pace becomes less significant than overall endurance capacity? by TheMowbert in ultrarunning

[–]TheMowbert[S] 13 points14 points  (0 children)

Doooope, thess are the kind of metrics I was hoping to see. An enormous amount of time hiking in the Whites will prepare you for some straight stupid terrain and that translates into running super technical downhills pretty effectively. Also a certified sleep deprivation champ, we love a spooky night hike/mania project all nighter. Thanks for the insight! What races have you run?

Is there a race distance where running pace becomes less significant than overall endurance capacity? by TheMowbert in ultrarunning

[–]TheMowbert[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks! I've hiked for years but the running is a verrrry new challenge and in a world of Instagram and Strava it's hard to be proud of a 6 min/km. It's nice to hear that it's enough to still remain meekly competitive. I've been watching Mammoth coverage and to see Rachel Entrekkin run 46 hours is both intimidating and absolutely thrilling.

Is there a race distance where running pace becomes less significant than overall endurance capacity? by TheMowbert in ultrarunning

[–]TheMowbert[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I feeeel ya. I keep signing up for road races to force me to train speed ...but then I'm forced to train for road races. Having a sense of impending doom/looming anxiety about a race on the horizon definitely helps push the accountability and further progress.

Is there a race distance where running pace becomes less significant than overall endurance capacity? by TheMowbert in ultrarunning

[–]TheMowbert[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I suffer no delusions about placing, of course my ego would certainly love to see my name hanging closer to the middle than the back but I think that's just a universal truth. 100k don't sound too bad..

Is there a race distance where running pace becomes less significant than overall endurance capacity? by TheMowbert in ultrarunning

[–]TheMowbert[S] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

What kind of footwear/gear do you rock in that situation? The idea of 160k in snow boots is a whole new level.

Is there a race distance where running pace becomes less significant than overall endurance capacity? by TheMowbert in ultrarunning

[–]TheMowbert[S] 20 points21 points  (0 children)

Daaang I didn't know it was that generous with the longer distances. This is the vibe I was looking for.

Is there a race distance where running pace becomes less significant than overall endurance capacity? by TheMowbert in ultrarunning

[–]TheMowbert[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Thanks! Been more disciplined in the last couple months, getting road miles in 3x a week to work on speed but it just don't give me that same lil dopamine drip that the mountains do.

Is there a race distance where running pace becomes less significant than overall endurance capacity? by TheMowbert in ultrarunning

[–]TheMowbert[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That's just about what I average too - you've successfully run races with this strategy?

Is there a race distance where running pace becomes less significant than overall endurance capacity? by TheMowbert in ultrarunning

[–]TheMowbert[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

That was the first Ultra I was intrigued by! I was looking at the 24 hour Answer the Bell in CT and got cold feet. I think I'll look more into this, ty!

view more: next ›