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07-08-2012, 10:28 AM
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#1 | | Forester
Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Minden, NV Posts: 1,374
|  Observations on Modern Backpacking
Just returned from 4 days up on the volcanic plateau of the southern Cascades. It was all we hoped for, with the exception that my partner Cindy had some problems making her pack fit (Lowe Alpine internal frame). I observed:
Good friends and dogs still make the best hiking companions.
It is good to be unplugged.
Dehydrated food has improved but not that much.
By the third day, cowboy poetry is welcome around the fire.
A headnet is important for bad mosquitoes.
Katadyn water pumps do what they are supposed to.
The new Big Agnes air-core is light but uncomfortable.
The old ThermaRest 2 1/2 in is heavy but really comfortable.
I am looking for an old Kelty external frame pack.
It is fun to see large mule deer from 25 yards.
Backpackers are a friendly group.
It is fun hike all day and not see another person.
The propane stoves are handy and work fine.
What observations have you made recently about modern backpacking techniques and equipment? How has the sport changed? For all the discussion I found it to be pretty much the same as always, but the equipment is somewhat lighter. We carried around 35 pounds, but that includes dog food, alcohol, and some other luxuries.
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07-08-2012, 10:49 AM
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#2 | | Moderator
Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Cleburne, Texas Posts: 1,299
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I am too cheap to replace my external frame Alice pack. It is still 100% functional.
“Do not consume these thoughts or ideas if you have a history of high blood pressure, heart problems, tendency to get your panties in a bunch, mangina issues, no sense of humor, realization that you need to wear a tin foil hat, lick glass or want to cry like a sissy" | |
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07-08-2012, 08:20 PM
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#3 | | Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Colorado Posts: 994
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ppine  The new Big Agnes air-core is light but uncomfortable. | Try letting a little air out of it.
“Pay no attention to what the critics say. A statue has never been erected in honor of a critic.” - Jean Sibelius | |
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07-08-2012, 08:56 PM
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#4 | | Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Idaho Posts: 3,338
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Sounds like you had a good trip Ppine. So where are the pictures? 
Guns; my right to own one is what protects your right to tell me I can't.
Your beliefs do not make you a better person, your behavior does. | 
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07-09-2012, 12:01 AM
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#5 | | Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 281
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ppine Just returned from 4 days up on the volcanic plateau of the southern Cascades. It was all we hoped for, with the exception that my partner Cindy had some problems making her pack fit (Lowe Alpine internal frame). I observed:
Good friends and dogs still make the best hiking companions.
It is good to be unplugged.
Dehydrated food has improved but not that much.
By the third day, cowboy poetry is welcome around the fire.
A headnet is important for bad mosquitoes.
Katadyn water pumps do what they are supposed to.
The new Big Agnes air-core is light but uncomfortable.
The old ThermaRest 2 1/2 in is heavy but really comfortable.
I am looking for an old Kelty external frame pack.
It is fun to see large mule deer from 25 yards.
Backpackers are a friendly group.
It is fun hike all day and not see another person.
The propane stoves are handy and work fine.
What observations have you made recently about modern backpacking techniques and equipment? How has the sport changed? For all the discussion I found it to be pretty much the same as always, but the equipment is somewhat lighter. We carried around 35 pounds, but that includes dog food, alcohol, and some other luxuries. | Buy the dogs thier own packs, let them carry thier own supplies and they can carry some of the alcohol too. This will lighten your load even more.
I never met a dog I didn't like............................ Gun control means using two hands | |
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07-09-2012, 05:07 AM
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#6 | | Senior Member
Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 659
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I like the idea of dog dogs carrying their own packs. I saw Mountainsmith carries some good packs. Anyway ppine, nice to see you had a good time out there.
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07-09-2012, 05:43 AM
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#7 | | Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Idaho Posts: 3,338
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Tank's pack is a Kelty large. He can carry 4 days food, his blanket and his food dish. (The bottom 2 inches of a plastic milk jug) I don't make him carry any of my stuff except what is needed to balance his pack as his food supply dwindles.
[IMG][/IMG]
Guns; my right to own one is what protects your right to tell me I can't.
Your beliefs do not make you a better person, your behavior does. | |
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07-09-2012, 09:14 AM
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#8 | | Forester
Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Minden, NV Posts: 1,374
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I have used dog packs since the early 1970s with good results. The two Corgis are not really built to carry anything, and the BC is 15 years old. My next (younger) dog will be carrying a pack.
I will try the advice on the Big Agnes.
I am also not in the habit of sharing my photos with the world. It seems too personal.
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07-09-2012, 12:42 PM
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#9 | | Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: In a house with a tin roof Posts: 451
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What a cute dog! And for the record I have never met a backpacker (or a hippie) that was never anything but friendly. I think the more you unplug, the more you get back to your basics and people tend to relax a tad, its a great feeling.
I choose my friends for their good looks, my acquaintances for their good characters, and my enemies for their intellects. A man cannot be too careful in the choice of his enemies. - Oscar Wilde | |
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07-09-2012, 07:03 PM
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#10 | | Senior Member
Join Date: May 2011 Location: West Virginia Posts: 1,072
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I agree Coz- It took a little adjusting but once I got it right, my old Alice was quite comfortable, especialy in the hot weather, because the external frame allowed vntialtion between my back and the pack.
Re- propane stoves. For some reason I just can't warm up to them (no pun intended) I think the thrifty part of my soul hates discarding fuel cannisters. I know they work fine. My brother loves his, but I think I'll stick with my MSR Whisperlite (or my mini-Trangia, for short trips and day trips).
Glad you had a good time Ppine! Looking forward to getting out again this summer, but might be a while as my wife's medical condition will require my presence for a while.
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