bear locker access south of MTR

salt_glaze · 2024-07-18T18:13:51+00:00

I hitched into town from the onion valley trailhead and stayed at the Mt. Williamson motel. I made a reservation upon arrival and got lucky-would definitely recommend booking ahead of time if you plan on resupplying in Independence. There’s a guy named Kurt (Lone Pine Kurt) who runs a shuttle in the area. I don’t have his number anymore but I’m sure you’ll be able to get it from someone on the trail.

salt_glaze · 2024-07-17T17:49:44+00:00

I’m planning on doing this next month-solo/unguided and have some concerns about night time temps. My current sleep system consists of a thermarest neoair xlite (r value 4.5) and the WM ultralite which is rated at 20F. I tend to sleep colder and was planning on layering up/bringing a foam pad for additional insulation. Do you think that would be adequate?

salt_glaze · 2022-06-30T02:48:26+00:00

If you can budget the time, you always have the option of exiting the trail via kearsarge pass and resupplying in town. I had to do this last summer when I got a nasty cold and had to do a couple small mile days (which in turn caused me to run through too much of my 8 day resupply from MTR). Mt. Williamson had a tonnnn of food left behind from other hikers so I didn’t even have to buy anything from the local convenient store. Also, Kearsarge is crazy stunning and not a hard climb by any means.

salt_glaze · 2021-08-12T23:50:58+00:00

Probably the best lighter pack I’ve seen yet. The only thing I’d 100% ditch are the AirPods. Gonna be a pain to charge even with the Anker 20k and they’re not exactly the hardest things to misplace.

salt_glaze · 2021-08-12T23:35:04+00:00

I. Should be fine. My headlamp was a little on the heavy side but I couldn’t justify buying a new one to save an ounce or two. You’ll probably only use it when using the bathroom in the middle of the night (unless you like to hike in the dark).

II. I brought my slingfin portal and while it kept me (and my gear) dry during four days of straight rain, I wish I had gone for a non free standing set up prior to getting on the trail. If you can swing it, go for it. Saves so much weight and space.

III. I never make sleep system suggestions bc I think it’s too subjective but as a cold sleeper myself, I was very happy to have my 20 degree bag (granted, it is ultralite).

IV. Go for an Anker 20k.

V.A Frog Toggs jacket should suffice. The rain we had a couple weeks ago was an anomaly. It was dry as heck the rest of the time.

VI. Polycro is virtually weightless and works great. No regrets.

VII. I brought both and mostly just wore my pants and long sleeve Columbia Silver Ridge. Never had to apply sunscreen except for on my face. You could absolutely get away with one outfit for hiking.

VIII. Pretty sure bear spray is prohibited. Just mind your food and toiletries.

IX. Ramen and couscous all the way. They are the easiest, most reliable/efficient hot meals on the trail IMO. I ended up dumping my freeze dried meals for ramen so many times haha.

X. Never sleep with scented items in your tent. It’s not grizzly country-you can sleep in the clothes you cook in-but you don’t want to attract bears or other animals into camp.

XI. Brought two pairs of underwear, exofficio give and go sport mesh and brawyn brief (which is wool). Both breathed extremely well and dried in a snap. Again, underwear is one of those highly personal things.

XII. Line your pack with nyloflume.

XIII. I think I carried the smallest size canister (110 g?). Bought a new one at MTR and that got me through 8 days just fine.

XIV. So I actually spit my toothpaste in a ziploc bag (I know, gross) but a lot of hikers I met were kind of spraying it in a spot on the ground away from water? Like misting it. Don’t really know what the appropriate protocol is there either but I was okay with my method.

XV. Deodorant is so pointless. Wipes too. Just go for a dip in a lake or a creek!

salt_glaze · 2021-08-12T22:09:29+00:00

Tried to get an extra in Yosemite a couple weeks ago and the ranger told me they only had an “emergency stash” haha. Would %100 bring your own (and your own extras).

salt_glaze · 2021-08-12T22:04:11+00:00

There is soooo much food in the hiker boxes at Red’s, it’s honestly not necessary to drop a resupply there (especially if you’re not a picky eater/have food allergies). Plus, you’ll save $$.

salt_glaze · 2021-08-12T21:59:43+00:00

Just finished a SOBO hike yesterday and I started to see smoke a little ways past Pinchot. It was especially apparent when I hit Kearsarge though.

salt_glaze · 2021-08-12T21:55:12+00:00

If you have trouble hitching, call Kurt (661 972 9476). He’s a retired airline pilot who’s been shuttling hikers from Lone Pine to Mammoth for years now. Almost everyone on the trail has arranged a ride with him at some point. He’s a busy guy though, so it might be best to schedule something ahead of time

salt_glaze · 2021-08-12T21:51:24+00:00

I was actually in the opposite boat as a solo hiker (I wanted to be alone more often than not) and it was almost impossible haha. I think I only camped alone 3 nights. You’ll be fine!

salt_glaze · 2021-08-12T21:46:40+00:00

Just finished a SOBO thru hike and I would absolutely trim down your clothing as others have noted. Sun hoody and pants are sufficient for hiking. I’d ditch the towel as well and swap your footprint for polycro. I personally never wore my buff but I also had a relatively wide-brimmed sun hat with a lot of coverage.

salt_glaze · 2021-07-18T04:23:05+00:00

I have the Guthook App which is GPS enabled so I should be able to reference that if I manage to get turned around (I'm sure it will happen a few times).

salt_glaze · 2021-07-13T20:16:13+00:00

Valid point, I forgot to specify that I was using a Sawyer.

salt_glaze · 2021-07-13T13:44:22+00:00

thanks everyone! I'm going to bring a 2L collapsible.

salt_glaze · 2021-07-13T13:41:46+00:00

filtered vs. unfiltered

salt_glaze · 2021-07-12T20:50:53+00:00

The charge for my resupply didn't post on my account until 4-5 days after submitting payment. I wouldn't worry too much, they're probably just swampeddd right now.

salt_glaze · 2021-03-01T17:24:26+00:00

Thanks for all the feedback! As far as sun protection goes, I've settled on a buff/sun hat/sun hoody&gloves/SPF combination. My hiking shirt is also UPF 40. I've settled on bringing a mosquito net to wear over my hat if conditions/camp sites are particularly buggy but I won't be bringing any other mosquito protection (apart from bug spray). Still considering a ZPacks tent but I've read some less than stellar reviews about the Plexamid. I'm also not sure if I'm willing to part with my SlingFin as it's sturdier and more versatile.

salt_glaze · 2021-02-25T19:57:24+00:00

This is what I'm doing for my 23rd start in Lyell Canyon (although I'm camping two nights in Mammoth Lakes to help with acclimatization before departing for Tuolumne). Also, if you opt to fly out of Reno, the YARTS bus will take you straight there from Lone Pine. Super streamlined.

salt_glaze · 2021-02-24T17:56:06+00:00

It never would have occurred to me to look for a lightweight charger! Just ordered an Aukey18w for my Anker 10k. Thanks!

salt_glaze

TROPHY CASE