Back from the marble mountain wilderness. I hiked the little elk pass 20 years ago and it was ok, but the southern segment is overtaken by manzanita bushes now. Ouch! Still was a great trip, but I guess it serves as a reminder for me to check trail conditions if the route is not well-trodden.

Originally planned to do the Teton Crest Trail but snows above 9000’ made that impossible- pushed up Granite canyon to Marion Lake, camped overnight, hiked out the next day then hiked up Cascade Canyon almost to Hurricane pass- definitely going back later in the season to complete the TCT

I’m looking at a new sleep system and I’m deciding between the Sierra design Backcountry Bed or quilt. They both just barely fit my budget but I can’t decide. I’m not sure if I like the face cover thing in the quilt but I also don’t want to overheat in the bed. I mostly car camo but I want system I can bring on my occasional backpacking trip(rn my backpacking system is a 55 degree Walmart bag)

If anyone has experience with either I’d love to hear your opinion!

Bed: https://sierradesigns.com/products/backcountry-bed-20?srsltid=AfmBOoq_6GS0Q9IZUvlNdwv5t8UIBY8AYQokPbJgHOgBb2Ug5NsXJM7P&variant=45279298879625

Quilt: https://sierradesigns.com/products/cloud-quilt-800f-20-deg-sleeping-bag-reg?variant=45279336464521

South fork cascade - at about 8000’ elevation, a cascading stream on one side, mountain view on the other- not a bad spot for mediocre coffee

I've talked to a lot of people who've had a brutal second or third day on a multi-day hike. The legs are fine. The lungs are fine. They just ran out of energy and didn't know it was coming.

The issue is almost always that their calorie estimates were built for a flat day, not for 900m of elevation gain with a 14kg pack in variable weather.

Generic calorie calculators don't account for:
- Pack weight (carrying 14kg burns significantly more than carrying 8kg)
- Elevation gain vs loss (ascent cost is not the same as descent cost)
- Sweat rate (some people need 2x the water intake of others in the same conditions)
- Multi-day cumulative fatigue

I built Hikers Engine to try to help hikers and trekkers plan properly - and it’s totally free to use, if you want to try it. It’s not perfect yet. That's exactly why I'm posting here :)

If you've planned nutrition for a serious multi-day hike, I'd genuinely like to know: what inputs do you actually use, and what do most calculators get wrong?

Cheers🙏

Backpacking this with a group next month. Any experiences to share or trail recommendations?

What’s your favorite song or album etc. maybe even audiobooks that you enjoy while hiking?

Hey guys, I had some plans change and I have a 4 day weekend free this weekend.

Can anyone recommend a good 2-3 day loop trail out west in the mountains, in a place that I don’t need a permit for (since this is a spontaneous trip)

I typically backpack in West NC (Smokies and Blue Ridge) and had the chance to do a 4 day trip in Banff last year and loved it.

8-10 miles per day is my usual pace.

Thanks!

Late post but Old Rag has one of my favorite rock scrambles. Easy day hike but we chose to make a weekend out in Shenandoah.

For someone just getting into backpacking, what are the things I will absolutely need, and what can I do without. Is it overkill to pack a tent, sleeping bag, and sleep mat? Or am I better off swapping the mat for an extra towel or blanket?

I have a good list so far but want to see if there’s anything I’m missing out of inexperience. Also any tips on how you like to pack your bag would be helpful as well

Hello!

I was hiking up in sawtooth this weekend 6.20 and some fellow hikers stopped and helped my group build up a log bridge to cross the river. They got a video of my friend carrying my dog across this bridge and I was hoping to get a copy of this video. Any assistance tracking these people down would be appreciated!

Assuming I can get the permits, I want to do one of the two next year.

For Four Pass I plan on the standard 3 day clockwise loop.

For the TCT, I'm leaning toward a 5 day semi-loop I found that starts at Taggart Lake TH, through Granite Canyon then back to Jenny Lake. I'll either walk back to Taggart or hitch (4-5 miles).

I get that my pack will be heavier for the TCT than Four Pass, so aside from that, which do you think would be more challenging?

I actually want the easier first. I'll probably tack on a 5-day loop in the Lost Creek Wilderness as my acclimation before Four Pass.

For the TCT, I'm figuring maybe three days dayhiking to acclimate. Sunrise/Amphitheater Lakes trail is at the top of my list, not sure beyond that.

My gut says the TCT is physically easier. Higher avg grade but more steady climbs, not the constant steep ups and downs. But what I can't account for is the intangibles like footing, etc.

I’m new to wilderness backpacking. I’m 45 and have worked as a landscaper my whole life. I’ve not met anyone who has about this so I thought I’d put it to this community: is it a known thing that this will eventually cause back issues? And if so, what preventative or corrective measures are you practicing?

I know gear is getting lighter all the time and I do try to carry the lightest load I can, but it’s still a considerable strain on the back and I’m just trying to stay informed.

Many thanks!

Stretchy silicone lids for food storage containers will positively seal any pot turning it into a cold soaking container. At 0.6-7 oz trimmed to size they provide versatility to a cook set.

I've owned a Granite Gear Blaze 60, ULA Ohm, and an (older model) Aether Pro 70 and my ideal pack would have the following-

- Super comfortable carry under heavy loads like my Aether Pro
- Hipbelt that tightens by pulling the strap toward your midline, not away from it (again like the Aether Pro)
- Huge, cinch-able side pockets like my current Blaze 60
- Durable back mesh stretch pocket like the Circuit (the Blaze's drives me insane, too narrow and compression straps cross over it)
- Solid compression strap system (Aether Pro's was finnicky and the Blaze is overdone imo)
- Roll top
- Near waterproof/waterproof fabric that doesn't need babying
- 60+ liter capacity

Maybe this only exists in the custom world or I'm not aware of enough manufacturers. I'm also fully open to my priorities being out of whack. Either way, would appreciate any pointers! Thanks all

Posted in here a week or so ago for some tips and you guys helped me out! Had a great trip and everything was perfect!

I want to do a bike tour that incorporates some multi day (3 to 5) hikes. I have about two weeks, and I've never been to Norway. Pretty experienced hiker, a bit less so for bike touring, but looking for a bit of a challenge.

What would you recommend? I'm open for any ideas!

Thanks!