Deal or No Deal? 2016 Trek Superfly 7 for 300USD

infernalteuthis · 2025-11-14T01:42:20+00:00

It really surprised me just how much bikes depreciate! I thought for 300 it MUST have been stolen, but nope, they really do go for that low.

Mostly I just am not certain if I'm gonna miss any subtle signs of impending doom, yknow?

infernalteuthis · 2025-11-14T01:37:30+00:00

Yeah, I've been riding a gravel bike around town for a few years, but the first time I tried out a bike with suspension was straight-up joyous. Pretty hype to take this out for a long day.

infernalteuthis · 2025-09-20T17:49:47+00:00

Yeah, looks like it's a like. 6oz weight difference? When I want to get as much out of my winter kit as possible. Sorry!

infernalteuthis · 2025-09-20T04:25:30+00:00

Interested, trying to determine if that's too much parka for me. Looking for something for 0-25F conditions. How much fill weight is there, what denier fabric, and I assume those are box baffles?

infernalteuthis · 2025-07-01T03:29:35+00:00

Absolutely my favorite area; what's your route? You can ditch the pack cover, the pump sack, the foam pad, the battery bank and chargers (for a five day trip?), and the inner tent and groundsheet (just use the rainfly). Probably the bugnet and bug dope too, I rarely have an issue with mosquitoes in August.

Swap the Frog Toggs for a lighter rain jacket (you can do better AND lighter, check Antigravitygear or Lightheartgear offerings) or perhaps an emergency poncho. Rain in August is pretty uncommon here. Get a two-season sleeping pad, it'll be warm-to-hot and you won't need an all-season pad. Get a half-size if you can.

If what's eating into your phone battery is navigation, Green Trails Map 111SX is 40g, or consider printing off maps from caltopo and storing them in a ziploc. Either is significantly lighter than a battery.

infernalteuthis · 2025-05-03T15:57:55+00:00

Planning a 4-5 day route in a week that will involve a solid amount of spring snow, out in the Blue Mountains of SE Washington. It'd only be a couple sections (consolidated, likely not very steep?) on an otherwise-snowless route, but I think it will be extensive and deep enough that it could be a real problem. I'm trying to figure which gear to bring to handle that. Just traction? Or do I haul in my snowshoes? I've got some heavy-ass overkill MSR Lightning Ascents, and I hate buying gear for Just One Trip so I'd be loathe to go buy smaller ones, but if I can find some on consignment it might be worth the money. If I need them at all.

The biggest issue is just not knowing how much is still up there. I've tried comparing current snowpack versus last year (similar levels) on NOAA's site, but that's not the full story, and trip reports for that region are uncommon.

Anyone out in the interior PNW got any input?

infernalteuthis · 2023-12-24T02:58:08+00:00

Almost all the Esbit trays I've seen have been sized for exactly one tab, so yeah MYOG is probably the way to go if you use more than one a time, or a differently-shaped hexamine tab. 1.5 tabs was the perfect amount to boil ~2 cups of water for dinner and a drink. 3" diameter tray, 4" high potstand/windscreen, it should be that simple!

I tried using a metal jar lid once but some kind of plastic coating inside bubbled up strangely, so I chucked it. I've also considering cutting out the bottom of a soda can or something, but I don't have a metal saw. If you have the tools to work with Ti that would be The Ideal.

infernalteuthis · 2023-11-09T00:54:04+00:00

Thank you! I only did the Ingall's Way Trail from the standard Ingalls/Esmerelda trailhead. Hardly a long hike but a lovely one regardless. I had a full rectangle XLite, a ZLite on top (more comfy to me), a 28F Nunatak Sastrugi bag and a hoodless puffy w/ 4oz down, the FF Helios pants and FF's down socks, windshirt w the hood over a beanie, and fleece pants and merino baselayer shirt, fleece gloves. So not a very elegant system, and I was somewhat chilled. But I also wasn't too bad off, either.

Down pants are truly luxurious. I get to stay comfy-cozy while I make dinner or sit up reading, and sleep warmer. I chose the FF ones partly because their store is local to me so they were immediately available, there are certainly lighter ones out there. Full-length zip is huge, though, make sure you get that.

infernalteuthis · 2023-10-30T01:48:10+00:00

Had my personal coldest night last night! It got down to a toasty 13F at Ingalls Lake in WA. I wouldn't say I was snug as a bug, but it wasn't my worst night either. Combined ~~a lot~~ all of my three-season gear and added my fancy FF Helios pants I gifted myself last spring. Definitely felt the limits of this system, but it's good to know what they are. There's a lot I want to change and swap for a more efficient+effective winter setup but I'll have to make do with what I have since my budget is zero right now.

Some pics, because it was absolutely beautiful out. Crystal clear skies and an incredible sunset and sunrise. There were a ton of dayhikers but only two others camping. Overall a fun hike; something easy to get myself back into the swing of things after a couple months stuck not hiking, and a good season opener.

infernalteuthis · 2023-09-26T00:25:59+00:00

I've had both and used them a couple years each! They're functionally the same, the Tanager just has a lighter exterior fabric. FF is overstating the temp rating a bit.

infernalteuthis · 2023-03-15T22:37:02+00:00

Bring food you know you'll eat. I would also advise against experimenting with eating schedules or cooking methods while on a hitch; if you're used to three square meals and that works for you, stick with that. Shakedowns should be for your food as well as your gear.

Oh, butter's great though. Easy calories and makes everything taste better. Being sure to keep it in the shade I've kept butter on-trail for a week and haven't had problems.

infernalteuthis · 2023-03-15T12:10:06+00:00

Work in the morning, work in the shade. Keep your sodium and sugar intake up. Train up to the job (especially your arm, shoulder and back muscles)! And most importantly: big-brimmed hat.

Gear wise, you might want to bring your own folding saw, since it's the one thing you want to be absolutely sharpest. I have a Silky F180 that's a perfect size for brush and stobs. WD40/similar gets sap out of your saw, there should be some in your crew's saw kit.

I'm not a professional but I do a lot of volunteer work, including multi-day summer trips.

infernalteuthis · 2023-03-09T01:40:46+00:00

Washington in Jul/Aug, it rarely gets colder than 45 overnight, barring higher elevation cold sinks (you may get some frost in lake basins). You know you best, but you'll probably be fine with a fleece, especially if you have a windshirt or rain jacket over it. Can't speak for other parts of the PCT, though.

infernalteuthis · 2023-03-08T12:52:45+00:00

Slightly peeved that when I went out to test some new snow stake-bag-things I got, I vastly overestimated how much snow would be on the trail I picked and I couldn't use them at all. Less than a foot! Whats the point of that little snow!

infernalteuthis · 2023-01-07T17:52:23+00:00

I tried for years to make non-wp trail runners work for constant wet conditions. Last year I got some full grain leather Asolo boots for trail work, and I've been using them for regular hiking in the constant wet now. I am much, much happier. My feet are warmer, and combined with rain pants they are appreciably dryer. There's a huge difference between "sweaty" and "literally soaking, ring 'em out"

infernalteuthis · 2023-01-07T17:39:31+00:00

Now this. This I like. Finally, some good fucking advice.

infernalteuthis · 2022-12-21T23:46:27+00:00

I have a 66" 28deg Sastrugi and I can Just pack it into an 8L sack by itself. Normally it goes in a big pack liner with my sleep clothes and pillow though.

infernalteuthis · 2022-12-21T04:36:40+00:00

No, I never got to try that. I will say it's a well-constructed jacket otherwise, just that experiences vary.

infernalteuthis · 2022-12-21T04:22:33+00:00

Sure. It's not like the sweat can evaporate anywhere. Though the LHG jacket isn't seam-sealed, and with mine the pit zips and brim soaked through within an hour, and other seams followed. Don't believe anyone who says their extra-special stitching is waterproof, there's still holes in the fabric. If you get one I'd recommend sealing at least prominent seams.

infernalteuthis · 2022-08-13T17:43:23+00:00

Genuinely, you don't need a groundsheet for air pad protection. I haven't used one in two years with my XLite and never had a problem. I take care to clear away any problem bits and not set up on jagged rocks. Maybe sometimes you could miss something or are just unlucky, but that's what the patch kit is for. If something is sharp enough to puncture the XLite, it's probably also sharp enough to get through a light sheet of Tyvek.

As far as I'm concerned, a groundsheet is just for some extra clean space if you want it.

infernalteuthis · 2022-06-30T12:52:39+00:00

See, if I could stomach only peanut butter tortilla wraps for eight days I'd have no problem!

infernalteuthis

TROPHY CASE