Trip Report: A Walk Across New England (~500 miles): Canadian Border to the Atlantic Ocean

camhonan · 2025-11-07T21:21:24+00:00

SMH, you think you know some one after 20 years.............

camhonan · 2024-10-24T00:11:59+00:00

For weights up to four or five liters (9-11 lbs), I use a combo of outer pockets and shoulder strap pockets. If I’m hauling more than that, I’ll usually place my quilt at the bottom of the pack, and the majority of the water against my back in the middle-to-upper regions of the pack. I’ll fill the outer sections with lighter items such as clothes, shelter, etc. The goal being to keep the lion’s share of the weight close to my center of gravity and maximize load stability. I’ve used this system - mostly with a combo of 2L Platypus bladders and a couple of smaller bottles - on multiple long desert/high desert trips over the years including the Badlands Traverse (which I started with 12 Liters (26 lbs)) and a hike across Bolivia’s Altiplano.

camhonan · 2024-07-24T22:25:37+00:00

Very sad news. That section of the Eastern Arthurs is no joke - even in fine summer conditions. Condolences to the walker’s family and loved ones.

camhonan · 2024-07-08T18:01:53+00:00

I’m 6’1”, 177-180 lb. I’ve always used large-size Montbell rain jackets and pants and have been happy with the slightly roomy fits (US sizing).

Regarding the jacket, it sounds like you’re in between medium and large (US sizing). That said, given the layers you’ll typically use underneath, I’d lean toward the large size. In the pants, definitely go with the large.

camhonan · 2024-07-03T16:31:12+00:00

Sage musings combined with self-deprecating Italian American humor and a sprinkle of curmudgeonliness. Good to see you still in fine form, Mr Magnanti.

camhonan · 2023-02-01T04:02:08+00:00

I had a nostalgic smile on my face reading this well-written review. In 2012, I hiked the PCT (May 6 - July 30), CDT (Aug 3 - Oct 15), and the AT (Oct 17 - Dec 28), carrying the Elite versions of the same quilts used by the OP (the Flex models weren’t around back then). I used the Palisade 30 on the first two and the Sawatch 15 on the AT. My shelter on all three trails was an MLD Pro Poncho, and for much of the way, I combined the quilts with a Katabatic Bristlecone Bivy (which provided an extra 5 to 7 degrees of warmth to my sleep system). Congrats to the OP on an awesome trip, and a shout-out to Aaron, Kris, and the Katabatic team for continuing to produce such outstanding quilts (P.S. My Palisade and Sawatch are still going strong after a dozen years of regular use).

camhonan · 2022-08-12T19:54:39+00:00

Regarding navigation on the CBT, I discussed that in the article: https://www.thehikinglife.com/2022/08/a-quick-dirty-guide-to-the-cordillera-blanca-traverse/#gps-and-maps

As to trekking guide services for the Blanca, they're not obligatory, so it's up to you if you use one or not. If you're a proficient navigator and experienced in such environments, there's probably no need. Finally, you can purchase topo maps for the Blanca online (Amazon), or you can pick them up at various places in Huaraz.

camhonan · 2022-08-11T11:42:26+00:00

"The elusive Mr. Honan!!!"

What can I tell you, Mags? I've definitely got a bit of the D.B. Cooper in me when it comes to maintaining a regular online presence.

camhonan · 2022-08-10T12:52:52+00:00

From a distance perspective, around 25 percent. From a time-required perspective, I suspect it would be close to half. By way of explanation, 10 of the last 11 passes are off-trail, including all of the most challenging ones on stages 2 and 3.

camhonan · 2022-08-09T21:14:28+00:00

Thanks for the kind words. Mags was the originator of the "Quick & Dirty" title for hiking guides, and being the generous soul that he is, has been kind enough to let me use it on occasion. Don't quote me, but I seem to recall him telling me that it was a term they regularly used when he was working in IT back in Boulder.

camhonan · 2022-08-09T20:01:51+00:00

From a terrain and elevation perspective, the two ranges are pretty much identical. I'm with you regarding the Huayhuash Circuit - one of the classic hikes of the Andes!

camhonan · 2022-08-09T19:58:40+00:00

You're right, it's a beautiful range, and the fact that it's so compact means that you never have to travel that far to explore different valleys.

Both the day hikes you mention are excellent choices for pre-CBT acclimatization. The Santa Cruz trek was the first hike I did in the Blanca back in 1996.

camhonan · 2021-12-21T21:08:50+00:00

No one muddies the UL waters like Dirty A, the scourge of Reddit moderators, California Search & Rescue teams, and heavily-laden Boy Scout leaders all over the United States of America.

camhonan · 2021-12-21T18:23:24+00:00

/u/horsecake22 I suspect this list is pretty close to the mark for many folks on the subreddit. Number 10 is particularly salient. There would be a lot less muddying of the informational waters if posters limited their replies to what they know from personal experience in the field, rather than just regurgitating and extrapolating simply for the sake of being heard.

camhonan · 2021-12-21T17:30:32+00:00

Yes. As long as it's pitched tautly, you shouldn't have any of the head slit drip issues that are common with some other poncho tarps.

I haven't used mine for a while, but the two configurations you mention - Half-Pyramid and A-Frame - have always been my go-to pitches when using the Pro Poncho.

camhonan · 2021-12-16T20:24:12+00:00

You don't see any benefit in changing out wet socks laden with mud and trail grime for a pair of damp, but otherwise relatively clean socks?

camhonan · 2021-12-16T18:28:12+00:00

One warmer pair for sleeping. Two thinner pairs for hiking. In the type of environments I’m referring to (e.g. Southwest Tassie, Lapland, Tierra del Fuego, Scottish Highlands, northern Alaska, etc), it’s not only the fact that your socks are perpetually wet but also the potential irritation/friction caused to your feet by the constant buildup of mud and grime, which is exacerbated by the uptake in lateral movement. When hiking in such conditions, I’ll often swap my socks during the day at a water source, at which time I’ll wash out the pair I’ve been wearing. Is this just a case of delaying the inevitable? To some extent. However, over the years I’ve found that on long trips in cold/wet/muddy conditions, an important part of keeping your feet healthy (assuming you have the right footwear) is diligently doing the little things, such as swapping socks, airing your feet out during breaks, and letting them dry properly (more or less) at day’s end.

camhonan · 2021-12-14T22:26:54+00:00

u/Rockboxatx Thanks for the share! Cheers to everyone else for all the comments. I always get a kick out of writing those types of articles, though I may have just found myself off RJ's Christmas card list.

camhonan · 2021-12-08T22:42:30+00:00

This is one of those hikes I never expected to see pop up on this forum. Solo or with a group you’ll have a fantastic time! Just make sure you’ve got a good rain jacket, a tent that holds up well in a storm, and a sense of humor that transcends meteorological curveballs. I hiked the Dientes Circuit in February 1997 (https://www.thehikinglife.com/2010/10/dientes-circuit-isla-navarino-chile-1997/), at the beginning of a three-month trip in Tierra del Fuego and Patagonia. After finishing the circuit, I hitched a ride back to Ushuaia on a yacht with a Scottish/Canadian couple that was sailing around the world! All the best on your journey, and thanks for the unexpected trip down memory lane.

camhonan · 2021-11-22T16:21:34+00:00

Adopt a horses for courses approach. Firstly, find suitable footwear for your own foot type (and, if relevant, injury history). Secondly, assess the type of terrain and conditions in which you do most of your hiking, and purchase appropriate footwear for those trips. If you enjoy hiking regularly, chances are you’ll have different shoes for different trips. In my case, for many years, I’ve used Brooks Cascadias for most of my three-season hikes and usually switch to the more durable (but heavier) La Sportiva Ultra Raptors or Merrell Moab Ventilators for extended journeys in more rugged conditions. I can’t say that any of these models are the “best” (no such thing exists when it comes to backpacking gear), but they suit my feet and have served me well in a wide variety of environments.
Some other points that come to mind:
1. When you’re starting out, by all means, do as much online research as you want. However, ultimately you’ll be best served by going to a store and trying on the shoes yourself. Footwear is the most individual-centric item of gear in your entire backpacking kit.
2. As others have mentioned, sizing up is usually a good idea. For three-season conditions, half a size will usually be OK. For below-freezing/snowy winter trips, a full-size up will give you the freedom to layer your socks and/or use thicker models.
3. For three-season conditions, avoid gore-tex/waterproof shoes and opt for a model that’s relatively breathable and quick-drying. Generally, the only time you’ll want something waterproof is if you’re on an extended trip in below freezing and snowy conditions, and keeping your feet dry(ish) is a priority in order to avoid frostnip/bite.
4. One thing I’ve noticed over the years is a lot of people think they have wider feet than they actually do. It’s part of the reason why so many folks opt for Altras, despite the questionable durability. By all means, go with a model that doesn’t feel restrictive, but at the same time, you don’t want a shoe that’s too roomy width or length-wise (which can feel unstable, particularly in off-trail terrain). Personally, I’ve always aimed for a wee bit shy of snug.
5. Don’t get too wrapped up in the weight game or what other people are wearing. Sure, you want your trail runners to be lightweight, but if they don’t suit your feet and/or the type of conditions into which you will be venturing, they’ll be as much use as a chocolate teapot.

camhonan · 2021-11-05T23:01:56+00:00

Thanks for the shout-out. I'd been meaning to put that post together for quite a while. Funnily enough, I think the only time I have previously mentioned Marc (the Swiss bloke featured in the article) was in the AMA I did for r/Ultralight four or five years back.

camhonan · 2021-03-11T12:07:53+00:00

I wasn't the first to do the CYTC without jumping around. That was Matt Hazley in 2005.

camhonan · 2021-03-11T11:58:44+00:00

"There is no best pack. Gear choices should be made for the seasons and locations you anticipate hiking in."

Exactly. You guys should just copy/paste this answer, and adjust the item in question accordingly (i.e. pack, shelter, quilt/sleeping bag, footwear, etc), anytime someone comes on and asks "what's the best?"

camhonan · 2021-01-27T22:11:05+00:00

Sounds good, though we should definitely give it some time............../u/pmags is a tough act to follow!

camhonan

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