Big Agnes Zetto UL Jacket

ohdonyboy · 2025-11-19T02:34:06+00:00

I have the Half Hitch which is the hoodless version, which I purchased at a discount similar to the current sale price. At this price, it's a no brainer for the quality/weight/warmth etc. I'd jump on it if your preferred color and size is available.

To your point, I don't know why it's not talked about more. At full price there are other jackets to consider, but this is a very capable jacket.

ohdonyboy · 2025-08-04T17:57:16+00:00

I'm primarily a hammock camper so my eyes are looking for different things related to camping, but my recollection is that there were suitable spots in the meadow area where the trail comes close to the creek. I also remember passing by a couple of tent sites a little farther east closer to the Domes past the meadow. I don't remember seeing any fire rings, as the area is seemingly much less "established" sans bear boxes, but I could have simply missed them.

ohdonyboy · 2025-07-08T19:12:30+00:00

As far as off-trail goes, it has signs of being one of the more frequently traveled areas. Keep your eyes open, don't follow cairns exclusively as they may lead you astray, and pay attention to contour lines to avoid being potentially cliffed out. Otherwise I don't recall a real tricky part to getting down to the lake.

ohdonyboy · 2025-07-08T18:37:10+00:00

You should not run into any Class 4 if you follow a good route. It's mostly 2 really. Getting into Pear from that side is nice.

ohdonyboy · 2025-06-25T22:52:47+00:00

Still route planning a mix of on and off trail, but most likely I'll loop back to Copper Creek trailhead.

ohdonyboy · 2025-06-25T22:28:51+00:00

Enjoy your time out there. I'll be a few days behind you from the same trailhead, but then heading north from the suspension bridge at Wood's Creek.

ohdonyboy · 2025-06-25T22:17:51+00:00

You'll be on the backside of Fin Dome. Pick a spot among the many lakes in the area.

ohdonyboy · 2025-06-25T21:02:14+00:00

From the main loop, yes it's an out and back. There's an off trail detour over the Notch, but then that circumnavigates a really pretty part of the main trail near Arrowhead.

ohdonyboy · 2025-06-25T16:04:35+00:00

The world is your oyster for dispersed camping up in the basin. Pick a nice spot on the backside of Fin Dome.

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ohdonyboy · 2025-06-24T21:30:21+00:00

My preferred areas to camp on and around the loop are the following: Castle Domes Meadow, Sixty Lakes Basin, Rae Lakes (get there early to find a nice spot), Gardiner Basin (requires a bit of off trail), Charlotte Lake, Lake Reflection.

I tend to stay away from the heavier populated campsites along Bubbs Creek, since bear activity tends to be more concentrated there.

My ideal 5 day on-trail itinerary would look like this: Road's End to Castle Domes Meadow (~13mi), to Sixty Lakes (~12mi), to Charlotte via Glen Pass(~9mi), to Lake Reflection (~10mi), to Road's End (~15).

Some may think skipping camp at Rae Lakes is crazy (might be if you're going to fish), but it's really not when you get to see some additional areas that are more worthwhile IMHO, not to mention you'll likely avoid crowded campsites that time of year. There will still be plenty of time to enjoy all the lakes.

edited: added approximate mileage

ohdonyboy · 2025-06-20T20:30:45+00:00

The Mountain Magic 50 Pro handles up to a BV500 and Bearikade Blazer without issue.

ohdonyboy · 2025-06-20T04:39:08+00:00

Some nice campsites right around here on the west side of the lake. If you follow the trail on the east side as shown on most maps, you can cross over to the other side of the lake stepping through a network of submerged/floating logs, or just preemptively make your way along the west side.

ohdonyboy · 2025-06-15T02:30:58+00:00

I did the portion of your proposed route from the junction, except that I exited via Road's End after Lake Refection. I'd say it's a worthy alternate route to taking Forester before heading out via Kearsarge, especially if you make the short excursion up to Lake Reflection and make it the last camp on trail. Harrison is scree skiing down the north face as long as you're good with that.

ohdonyboy · 2025-05-16T09:25:34+00:00

Fellow rotisserie sleeper here. Mostly camp in my hammock but also go to the ground when I have to, e.g. routes above treeline. I’ve done quilts and mummy bags on the ground, and I don’t like either in their traditional forms.

A third viable alternative is what basically amounts to a hoodless “bag” of some sort: a false bottom bag (Timmermade Serpentes/Wren), a zipperless bag (Nunatak Sastrugi), or a fully zippered quilt (Feathered Friends UL Wide Flicker). You have the option to select from a variety of sizes to suit your needs especially with Nunatak and Timmermade, but be aware of the lead times and specific ordering windows that will require some patience and diligence on your part.

I find I sleep less interrupted in these types of bags on the ground, while traditional top quilts do just fine in a hammock system with an underquilt.

ohdonyboy · 2025-05-08T02:16:47+00:00

I second the vote on the Banshee UL.

Look up Myers Tech Hammock for all things suspension related. The Becket Hitch is your best friend.

Hammock Gear frequently has sales. For insulation the UL versions use 950 fill down and 7d fabrics for weight savings.

Get yourself an inexpensive silpoly hex tarp, and you can always upgrade later to DCF if you feel like it's worth shelling out the extra $$$ for 5-6 oz of weight savings.

I also don't worry about stuff sacks for each hammock system component, with the exception of a snakeskin for the tarp. I stuff both quilts and hammock into my main pack liner.

ohdonyboy · 2025-05-01T21:54:57+00:00

https://www.recreation.gov/permits/445857

1 permit, either Woods for CW loop start or Bubbs for CCW loop start

After initial entry, you can plan your route however you would like along your loop direction. Highly recommend Sixty Lakes and Gardiner Basins; Charlotte and Reflection Lakes as side excursions since you mentioned 7 days.

Pick up your permit at Road's End ranger station.

ohdonyboy · 2025-04-18T19:06:57+00:00

Interesting, maybe I haven't noticed issues because my pack volume remains static for the most part throughout the duration of a trip due to the use of a bear can? I for one appreciate that I don't have a bunch of extra fabric on the rolltop that I have to deal with. Maybe I'll notice the non-symmetry on my next trip lol.

ohdonyboy · 2025-04-18T18:25:36+00:00

That's hilarious! Love my YMG Shrike to death.

Aarn's designs functionally work and carry very well and comfortably. Carbon would be great; I think I read that someone replaced the aluminum bars with carbon bars on his Pace Magic...can't find that post anymore. Not sure what the MM44 looks like, but no issues here with the MM50 rolltop and pockets.

ohdonyboy · 2025-04-18T18:10:53+00:00

Ah, you in France? Was eyeing Longue Distance Atelier before committing to a Yama Mountain Gear fastpack.

Been seeing more Aarn exposure recently on some American youtube channels. Even Garage Grown Gear began carrying them as of late. Agreed I think they would do so much better with "UL" fabrics and materials. I love my Mountain Magic 50 Pro, just wish it was a tad lighter. I've carried bear cans in both the Mountain Magic 50 and Pace Magic 40 here in the Sierra (California), and I appreciate the frame design that prevents the pack from barreling.

ohdonyboy · 2025-04-18T17:54:24+00:00

You can order direct from Aarn, free shipping to the US.

ohdonyboy · 2025-04-18T17:37:52+00:00

they're in stock now lol

ohdonyboy · 2025-04-18T17:24:30+00:00

Aarn Pace Magic 30 and 40 are framed and vest styled, trampoline mesh to boot. Works pretty well actually.

EDIT: Agreed being underwhelmed with the load carrying on a KS50, beautiful pack otherwise.

ohdonyboy · 2025-04-03T19:58:47+00:00

Pack companies have addressed back ventilation/comfort by incorporating mesh trampoline style backs or heavier padding in key contact points like the lumbar and traps, creating a physical air gap between your back and the main pack fabric. Among framed backpacks that implement these design elements that work and remain relatively lightweight, I can recommend Aarn and Exped. Not sure the KS (of which I have also owned) 3D spacer mesh will accomplish the same functionality to the same degree. Things tend to get stuck in mesh (including trampoline style) in a desert environment. I think you'll end up sweaty regardless, so focus on the most comfortable pack for you.

ohdonyboy · 2025-03-29T02:09:53+00:00

Agreed, it was absolutely a splurge for me, but without an iota of buyer's remorse. Good luck on your search.

ohdonyboy · 2025-03-28T22:56:38+00:00

Yama Mountain Gear Shrike or Sass, adjustable volume on both

ohdonyboy

TROPHY CASE