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CrimsonBlaze
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Приєднався 26 гру 2018
Backpacking Four Pass Loop | Day 1 | West Maroon Pass | Best trailhead to start the loop?
This video describes day 1 of my 4 day backpacking adventure in the Snowmass Wilderness hiking the Four Pass Loop. I am backpacking with my wife and we will be hiking one pass per day averaging about 7-8 miles per day. I think this is the best backpacking loop in all of Colorado and you should put it on your bucket list.
We started at a non-traditional trailhead, the West Maroon Trailhead to begin our journey of the Four Pass Loop. The traditional trailhead is the Maroon Lake Trailhead, however, there are parking reservations and certain logistics that need to be considered if you want to start from this trailhead. This is where you will get that million-dollar picture of the Maroon Bells reflecting off of Maroon Lake. But since I've done this loop a couple times already and have experienced that scene, I was wanting to try something new with a bit of less hassle from a parking reservation perspective.
The West Maroon Trail is known for its wildflowers. So, I planned this trip near the end of July because I wanted to see the wildflowers in full bloom, and they did not disappoint. For me, what makes this loop so magical are the wildflowers throughout the entire trail. But I have never seen wildflowers like this on any trail in Colorado. It was just miles and miles of wildflowers, up the hillside and down to the creek. It was just simply breathtaking and is probably by "go-to" trailhead for starting the Four Pass Loop, if you do it during peak wildflower season; otherwise, I would start from the Maroon Lake Trailhead and just be ready to get those parking reservations early.
Keep in mind about the West Maroon Trail: (1) The trailhead is a bit more difficult to get to. It is about a 9-mile dirt road with one sort of sketchy part if narrow one-way roads and steep drop-offs make you nervous. There is a sign saying you need 4-wheel drive and a high clearance vehicle but I say plenty of low clearance vehicles at the trailhead. I'm not sure how they made it past a couple of spots without bottoming out, but they did. (2) It is about 3 miles from the trailhead to the actual Four Pass Loop. You are basically replacing the 2-mile section from Maroon Lake Trailhead to Crater Lake with this section of trail. So, you won't see Maroon Lake from this route. (3) The wildflowers are beyond amazing. I've never seen anything like it in my life, anywhere. But like I said, above, if you are not coming in the peak of wildflower season then it might be best start from the Maroon Lake Trailhead.
Once we hit the Four Pass Loop, we began heading counterclockwise to ascend West Maroon Pass. Of all the four passes, I think this has the fewest switchback and just takes you straight up the mountain. So, to me, this is the most difficult pass, if you are heading counterclockwise. But once you reach the top of one of these passes, there is just something magical. Maybe it's nostalgia or my love of Colorado, but this was one of my first backing trips when I moved to Colorado, and I just remember that feeling of getting to the top of a pass and then just viewing 360 degrees of snow top mountains, green valleys, 14ers, wildflowers, lakes and creeks, and it just has a special place in my heart.
Coming down was no picnic either. The trail is steep, so you are going slow. The you start bushwhacking through these shrubs. You are also dealing with muddy trail in some sections and a bunch of rocks for most of the section. Very hard on the feet and very slow going. Our pace was greatly reduced because of all this.
We then finally made it to camp after hiking a little over 7 miles. My plan for this loop is to always do it in 4 days, hike 7-8 miles each day, and just enjoy it. Why wouldn't you? I'm in no rush to get through this trip, so I recommend doing this loop in 4 days and just enjoy!
That was our day one adventure. But after waking up at 2:30 am to get to the trailhead around 9 am so we could get to the top of the pass around Noon, we are pretty tired and going straight to bed.
Thanks for watching!
#backpackingtrip
#backpacker
#hammock
#hammocking
#hammocklife
#hiking
#hikingbackpack
#hikingadventures
#aspen
#crestedbutte
We started at a non-traditional trailhead, the West Maroon Trailhead to begin our journey of the Four Pass Loop. The traditional trailhead is the Maroon Lake Trailhead, however, there are parking reservations and certain logistics that need to be considered if you want to start from this trailhead. This is where you will get that million-dollar picture of the Maroon Bells reflecting off of Maroon Lake. But since I've done this loop a couple times already and have experienced that scene, I was wanting to try something new with a bit of less hassle from a parking reservation perspective.
The West Maroon Trail is known for its wildflowers. So, I planned this trip near the end of July because I wanted to see the wildflowers in full bloom, and they did not disappoint. For me, what makes this loop so magical are the wildflowers throughout the entire trail. But I have never seen wildflowers like this on any trail in Colorado. It was just miles and miles of wildflowers, up the hillside and down to the creek. It was just simply breathtaking and is probably by "go-to" trailhead for starting the Four Pass Loop, if you do it during peak wildflower season; otherwise, I would start from the Maroon Lake Trailhead and just be ready to get those parking reservations early.
Keep in mind about the West Maroon Trail: (1) The trailhead is a bit more difficult to get to. It is about a 9-mile dirt road with one sort of sketchy part if narrow one-way roads and steep drop-offs make you nervous. There is a sign saying you need 4-wheel drive and a high clearance vehicle but I say plenty of low clearance vehicles at the trailhead. I'm not sure how they made it past a couple of spots without bottoming out, but they did. (2) It is about 3 miles from the trailhead to the actual Four Pass Loop. You are basically replacing the 2-mile section from Maroon Lake Trailhead to Crater Lake with this section of trail. So, you won't see Maroon Lake from this route. (3) The wildflowers are beyond amazing. I've never seen anything like it in my life, anywhere. But like I said, above, if you are not coming in the peak of wildflower season then it might be best start from the Maroon Lake Trailhead.
Once we hit the Four Pass Loop, we began heading counterclockwise to ascend West Maroon Pass. Of all the four passes, I think this has the fewest switchback and just takes you straight up the mountain. So, to me, this is the most difficult pass, if you are heading counterclockwise. But once you reach the top of one of these passes, there is just something magical. Maybe it's nostalgia or my love of Colorado, but this was one of my first backing trips when I moved to Colorado, and I just remember that feeling of getting to the top of a pass and then just viewing 360 degrees of snow top mountains, green valleys, 14ers, wildflowers, lakes and creeks, and it just has a special place in my heart.
Coming down was no picnic either. The trail is steep, so you are going slow. The you start bushwhacking through these shrubs. You are also dealing with muddy trail in some sections and a bunch of rocks for most of the section. Very hard on the feet and very slow going. Our pace was greatly reduced because of all this.
We then finally made it to camp after hiking a little over 7 miles. My plan for this loop is to always do it in 4 days, hike 7-8 miles each day, and just enjoy it. Why wouldn't you? I'm in no rush to get through this trip, so I recommend doing this loop in 4 days and just enjoy!
That was our day one adventure. But after waking up at 2:30 am to get to the trailhead around 9 am so we could get to the top of the pass around Noon, we are pretty tired and going straight to bed.
Thanks for watching!
#backpackingtrip
#backpacker
#hammock
#hammocking
#hammocklife
#hiking
#hikingbackpack
#hikingadventures
#aspen
#crestedbutte
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Відео
Oh Be Joyful Campground | Site by Site Tour | Best in Colorado?!
Переглядів 88День тому
This video describes a campsite by camptsite tour of the Oh Be Joyful Campground in Crested Butte, CO. When I plan a car camping trip, I am always on the hunt for a good video of the campground I am going to visit in order to get an idea of the campsite that is going to work best for my family. So, I decided to make a video of my own that goes campsite by campsite for the entire campground. Sim...
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Переглядів 12214 днів тому
This video describes a hammock shelter I haven't used in years, the Tentsile Flight Hammock Tent. My family were car camping in Crested Butte in the summer of 2024 and I decided to knock the dust off this old shelter and take it with us. When car camping, my wife and daughter sleep in a tent, along with our dog Sherpa, but Nate and I still like to sleep in hammocks. It gives us the best night s...
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Переглядів 7221 день тому
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Переглядів 99Місяць тому
This video describes my final day backpacking in the Lost Creek Wilderness. We are doing a 30-mile loop starting at the Lost Park Campground. We will be tackling this loop counterclockwise and starting on the Brookside McCurdy trail. On this trip, I have my son, Nate, who is on his first backpacking trip of the year. I also have Sherpa with me for her first backpacking trip of the year. I also ...
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Переглядів 1,7 тис.Місяць тому
This video describes the five reasons why I think hammocks are better than tents. I know that selecting a shelter is very subjective and there truly is no "better than" solution when it comes to backpacking. It is whatever works best for you. Well, hammock camping is what works best for me, and these are the reasons why... - timestamps 00:00 - Intro 01:12 - 5 Chair to Relax 02:03 - 4 Coverage i...
Day 2 Backpacking | This loop keeps getting better and better...
Переглядів 155Місяць тому
This video describes Day 2 of my 3-day backpacking adventure in the Lost Creek Wilderness. We are doing a 30-mile loop starting at the Lost Park Campground. We will be tackling this loop counterclockwise and starting on the Brookside McCurdy trail. On this trip, I have my son, Nate, who is on his first backpacking trip of the year. I also have Sherpa with me for her first backpacking trip of th...
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Переглядів 218Місяць тому
This video describes Day 1 of my 3 day backpacking adventure in the Lost Creek Wilderness. We are doing a 30-mile loop starting at the Lost Park Campground. We will be tackling this loop counterclockwise and starting on the Brookside McCurdy trail. On this trip, I have my son, Nate, who is on his first backpacking trip of the year. I also have Sherpa with me for her first backpacking trip of th...
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Переглядів 4812 місяці тому
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Переглядів 592 місяці тому
This video describes Day 3 of a 3-day adventure in Moab, Utah. Nancy and I are car camping at a fabulous BLM campsite (Hal Canyon Campground) on the Colorado River, and I want to show her some of my favorite hikes in the area. - timestamps 00:00 - Intro 03:59 - Dog Ladder 06:26 - The Turnoff 07:41 - Heading Back Day 3 was our last day in Moab. We packed up camped and headed east on highway 128 ...
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Переглядів 762 місяці тому
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What an abundance of beautiful wildflowers with vistas for days! Thank you both for sharing!
Thank you :)
Here in Florida I stared out in the late 50's with my dad's old army bag and a U.S. Army Jungle hammock. As a kid packing was simple , toss everything in the bag and go. Later in life I pack about the same as you but here in Florida. I forget the under quilt and use a self inflating Therm-a-rest mummy style ( full length ) pad. In the hammock it is 1/2 to 3/4 inflated so it conforms to my body and the hammock. One thing always done , the rain fly is in snake skins and in the front pocket of the pack. Simple reason , 1st thing out and hung and then the last thing taken down and packed. That never changes , the same way every time , sun shade or rain protection for everything depending on the weather.
You've given me some great info in the past, and I'm stoked to start this same trip next week (except we will start at the tram). Do you mind sharing the pin drop for the North Fork camping zone. If your friend would rather you not, no worries. I've heard the best sites are on the upper end of the zone, curious as to your thoughts.
Hey! The coordinates are 43.7800634, -110.8272491. This site is identified on the Hiking Project app I use. And it's one of the first campsites in this zone. So, I don't know what the campsites are like at the upper end of the zone but I can't imagine it was better than this.
@@crimsonblaze_backpacker thanks!!!! Can't wait
What was the road like on the way in? Last year it looked rough and this year I’m driving with a low clearance car. Do you think it’s accessible?
Hey! Yes, it would be accessible for a low clearance car. I saw plenty of them in the campground. The road will be no problem. It's really the last tenth of a mile when you turn down into the campground. Very, very bumpy but doable for any car.
What size is that zpacks pillow? Looks like a medium?
Do you mean my zpacks clothes bag? Yes, I believe it is a medium long. Not sure Zpacks makes that exact size anymore, but they will have something similar.
Excellent video
My hips can't handle sleeping on the ground too well. I can for sure but boy do I feel it next day, hammock definitely isn't perfect but I don't wake up in pain so that's always a plus, being out in the north Appalachians definitely helps, have no shortage of trees out here
Interesting setup.
How the doggo sleep?
@@TheNikotin33 Hey! I have either a pup tent or Grand Trunk bugnet I use. I have a whole video about it! You should check it out!
I see a nice sigm for Ouray.... my nephew a local artist and brother in law live there
@@johnhabermehl5725 Love that place! One of my favorite places in all of Colorado!
ua-cam.com/video/DAMYsA0hWlI/v-deo.htmlsi=xmDcf23yjpU_Uy61
Just wanted to share this with you. You introduced me to the Colorado trail! Hopefully I can ride it fully in the future
Beautiful wildflowers in breathtaking Colorado scenery. It is a nice campsite and that little tent set up is intriguing! It sort of looks like a suspended flying saucer. Thank you for sharing a good family getaway with all of us!
Great video and content, glad i didnt have my earbuds while watching, yikes on the ectra bag
Have you tried the Amok hammock?
I’ve heard of it. Sounds comfortable but heavy. But no, I’ve never tried one.
I use a flat lay hammock…. I find the weights don’t vary much with any hammock that has an attached bug net….and most spreader bars are only slightly above half a pound…..I typically carry 20lbs in my pack, so 2 lbs isn’t a big deal for me…..but to cut down on other weights, I utilize a emergency blanket that I made minor mods to for an under quilt, an emergency sleeping bag in conjunction with a super ultralight 3 season sleeping bag and a modified emergency blanket as my rainfly that I can also use to enclose me in my hammock for added warmth in 30-40 degree temps
Great job guys. 🎉
Thanks! It was an awesome trip!
Great video, looking forward to the rest of the series, and great discussion in the comments. I agree with all your points. The main reason I do hammocks is the comfort, hands down, but I would add that in general hammocking is a hobby in itself, whereas tenting not so much. Hangers have an intimate relationship with their hammocks, and tenters use tents because it's the default camping shelter of all time. They're priority is not sleeping in the tent but rather the whole nature experience. Many tenters I know would easily switch their tents for a hut, or a bunk bed if available, whereas avid hangers, even if given the chance to sleep indoors, would very seldom give up the comfort of their hammocks to share a hut or a room with potential snorers and farters. Finding suitable trees is relatively easy in most areas, a bit more challenging in some, and impossible in very few. The one-pole stands are changing the name of the game for hammock campers. Now you have the option of taking a "transformer" trekking pole and use it as a hammock stand. That means you really only need to find one tree to rig your hammock. I have the Tensa Solo, and the Trekking Treez, and it's amazing the world of opportunities that they've opened for me.
Great video! One of our favorite hikes as well. My family hiked it on June 7, 2023. Here’s my son’s video of our hike. ua-cam.com/video/lFwzARdzrLg/v-deo.htmlsi=EA7u_UpL2Hv5k8PY
Good content! Just to play 'devil's advocate' here (and from a usual tenter's PoV, as I have yet to camp with my hammock), some counterpoints: 1) if you're only going to be camping in established camp sites (ie, not the back country), finding flat ground isn't so difficult, and frankly you're more likely to find nice flat ground than 2 appropriately-sized trees at the right distance apart (again, in established camp sites) 2) gear protection; in most tents you'll have enough space to keep your gear inside; that's just not really an option for hammocks. 3) packing weight/volume; typically, a full hammock-camping setup (hammock, tarp, suspension system, sleeping system w/ possible under quilt) will weigh more, and take up more packing space, than a back-packing tent (and sleeping system).
Hey! Thanks for the feedback! I have played devil's advocate myself with this topic. That's why I created the video "5 reasons to dislike hammock camping". I talked about your second point in that video. Here is that video if you care to watch... ua-cam.com/video/e1kjZ_OKYkE/v-deo.html However, all those dislikes are not enough to dissuade me from using my hammock. I sleep so much better being off the ground. And as far as pack weight, my lightest weight hammock setup is equivalent to my lightest weight tent setup, almost negligible. So weight has never been an issue. I just hate sleeping on the ground. 🙂 Thanks again for your comment, and thanks for watching!
I totally get what you’re saying about the hard making it great. Last fall doctors told me I was heading for hip replacement surgery. I have always been very active and the news was devastating to me. The Lord told me on December 20, 2023 that He was going to heal me and I would hike the CT to bring Him glory. I’ve been training and strengthening my legs this year. August 21st I start hiking Segment 15 at Monarch Pass and plan to meet my wife in Durango on Sept 6th. Thank you for sharing your videos. I have never through hiked before and they have been helpful in my planning for what lies ahead.
Thank you for sharing your story! I will pray for God to watch over you, keep you safe and have a successful hike so that He might receive all the glory. That is a beautiful stretch starting from Monarch Pass. The first few segments won't be much but I believe when you hit segment 20 it just gets better and better, all the way to Durango. Good luck! Thanks for watching!
and limits where u can go. no above treeline, no pratie or dessert, and so on.
I agree there are limitations. I mention several of those, including this one, in my video "5 things I dislike about hammock camping". However, I've never been a fan of camping in exposed areas even when I have a tent, but that is just me. As for the desert, I love backpacking in Utah and Arizona. I just recently backpacked in Capitol Reef and loved it. I just suck it up, bring a tent and sleep on the ground. What I am saving up to purchase are the Tensa Trekking Poles that allow you to setup a hammock anywhere. That will be the game changer for me. But they are expensive... 🙂
Just did my hammock backpacking trip and it was both awesome and terrifying at the same time… it was soooo much more comfortable than lying on the ground but I just felt so much more exposed. It really hindered my ability to calm my mind to allow myself a good nights rest. A tent, tho not much safer, really allows for better peace of mind. That’s the main thing I noticed between the 2
I agree it takes some getting used to. You should check out my video "5 things I disklike about hammock camping" at this link - ua-cam.com/video/e1kjZ_OKYkE/v-deo.html One of the reasons I give is feeling exposed. Some see it as a plus because you can view the nighttime sky or your beautiful surroundings or just be better aware of your surroundings. Others feel like wildlife is going to come and eat you in your hammock like a burrito. I am definitely diligent about not sleeping with anything scented on me or near me. I always keep that in a secure place away from camp. I think this helps give me a sense of ease and not worry about wildlife approaching my hammock. Anyway, I'm glad it was also an awesome experience for you. I hope you continue to give hammock camping a chance.
I can see that being an issue. I think I have a bigger 'fear' of creepy crawlies - so the hammock eases that little bit of anxiety over things crawling over me at night. 🤣
My number one reason is simple , been doing it for over 60 years. 2nd would be comfort. Then there is a very , very long list of positive reasons that could follow. Most can be summed up to simple easier and better in all ways. Here in Florida with the heat , humidity , bugs and critters it's a lot better up off the ground with 360 ventilation. Around here tents are sweat boxes.
I never even considered a tent when I first started backpacking. To me, a hammock was a no brainer. I’ve found that finding a place to hang a hammock is way easier than finding where to pitch a tent. Maybe because I’d be more picky about a tent site? It would have to be flat, no rocks, no drainage issue (or lack thereof), so many things to consider. Hammock? No widow makers and two trees - that’s it. To me it doesn’t even matter if the ground is level or not, rocks below (not too big!), etc. I hike with a dog, he’s small, so having him in the hammock is no issue. Because he is in the hammock with me, I use a foam pad, which also means I can go to ground if needed (and I have), so in a shelter, or under my tarp - doesn’t matter. It’s all I need in summer, and since it’s on the outside of my pack, it’s great for any breaks during the day. I love being able to sit in my hammock and relax, no matter what the weather. A piece of house wrap (I use about 3’x4’), a few rocks on the corners, works great as a ground cloth, so no worries about wet ground below me when getting in or out of the hammock. I sleep like a rock in my hammock. Better than I do in the bed in my camper. The real bonus is clear beautiful nights, no tarp, just the bug net between me and the sky.
I think the reason people like tents is that they can pitch them really quick. I'm a hammock camper and it doesn't take me that long to set up my system, but I can pitch my tent in 3-5 minutes. I'll gladly take the longer set up time for a hammock. The trade off is a no brainer for me. Better sleep, stay dry while setting up, no dirt/mud to deal with, no squating/crawling to get in and out. If it's raining, i can pull my hammock to one side and have a massive area under my tarp to sit up and do whatever. I only hike areas that have trees, so this isn't a problem for me. Each his own and hike on!
Until you find yourself in an area with no trees. A tent will work just about anywhere there is solid ground.
You can lie on the ground if you do not have trees.
@@stigcc Kind of defeats the purpose of a hammock, don't you think?
If that is the case where there are no trees, like I expect it to be a couple times when I hike the JMT this year, I will just pitch my tarp like a tent and go to the ground and sleep on my sleeping pad. Not ideal but something I prepare for on a thru-hike like the JMT and can live with a few times. For regular backpacking trips, I think the key is planning. Over my last ten years of backpacking, I have never run into a situation where I didn't have trees for hanging a hammock because I plan where I am going to camp each night where there are trees. I know that isn't as possible when you are doing longer thru-hikes like the Colorado Trail or JMT, (don't know if I would even consider on the PCT, but probably the AT) but in those cases I just prepare to go the ground and pitch my tarp like a tent. If I am going to a place where there are no trees then I will take a tent, the lack of trees doesn't prevent me from backpacking certain areas like Utah. But I should do prefer camping with a hammock than over a tent.
@@crimsonblaze_backpacker Agreed. My point is that the tent is useful in virtually all conditions, as long as flooding isn't an issue.
hmmm, like hammocks are useful unless there are no trees? So you can go to ground if there are no trees. What does a tenter do if there is a potential for lots and lots of rain - flooding?
Jesus saves
What you describe is what I’ve experienced with my hammocks. One thing I would point out is if there are no trees to hang a hammock from , which seriously one should do some research on the area you’re going to be hiking, a hammock can be pitched on the ground with the rain fly over it using a guy line and two trekking poles or other supports. In effect that arrangement is a tent and I wouldn’t recommend the reverse; flying a tent to make it a hammock.
Exactly!
Awesome video series, thanks for taking the extra time to record, edit and post! My daughter and I will be doing just about the same trip in October of 2024. We're staying 2 nights in Bright Angel. I'm wondering about room in the campgrounds. Is your tent the Duplex 2P? If not, do you know the footprint size?
Hey! Thanks! I think that is a good call with staying at Bright Angel two nights. Thinking back, I wish I had spent another night just so I could explore that area a bit more. Yes, my tent is the Duplex 2P. Love that tent and had no issues with finding a campsite for my tent. Thanks for watching!
Actually I like my hammock more than my bed.
Very useful video, thank you
Looks like a great hiking trip being enjoyed by all including Sherpa! I now see why you explained in her packing video that you put everything in waterproof bags, because she enjoyed walking in the creek on this video. Beautiful area and thank you for sharing!
What bag and size is your ditty bag?
Hey! The one featured in this video is the small dry bag from Zpacks. I have owed that for about 6 years now and it has worked out very well. It definitely does the job of holding all my small things and keeping them together. But I will admit it is beginning to show some wear at this point and I always wished it were just slightly longer. So I just recently purchased the Hilltop Packs medium long bag and it seems to be the perfect size for me so far. It just depends on what you plan to put in there.
Where does youre dog sleep?
Hey! I put out a video a couple of months ago in my Hammock 101 series called "Where does my dog sleep"? Basically I have two options that I have considered: (1) a pup tent from Dutchware that hangs like a pyramid from the end of your hammock or (2 - my preferred) is the grand trunk mozzy 360, which is a bug net with a ground floor that hangs around your hammock. I prefer this best because I have easy access to my dog to see how she is doing through the night. Check out the video if you want more details on setup and pros/cons of each. Thanks for watching!
Thank you for sharing about the Zenbivy system. It appears to be the best of all worlds!
That ZenBivy setup is nice. Thanks for that info. Going from warm FL to cooler NC, I've been wondering how I will change things up in the cooler climates.
Hi , great presentation, can you please let me know about the tent in this video, i am planning GC backpacking in November.
Hey! The tent I used is for this trip is the Zpacks Duplex Tent. It is a single wall trekking pole tent. It is a true two-person tent but weighs only 17 ounces. Zpacks does make a Plex Solo Tent which shaves off a few ounces but I liked having the extra room in my tent to spread around my gear, and for only a few extra ounces I thought it was worth it. Hope this helps! Thanks for watching!
What a great dog Sherpa is! I love her hiking/camping equipment, and everything appears to fit perfectly. Looking forward to your next trip to see her with it in action!
Great video of a classic hike. I've done this exact hike twice and will do it a third time soon. The only change this time is to schedule a zero day at Phantom Ranch. An extra day at the bottom for local hikes or simply enjoying the place while recovering from 2 days of descending before beginning the climb out. I see many people asking about scheduling all the other events that will surround a GC Rim to Rim hike, lodging before and after or meals at PR. The answer is immediately after you get the permit for the hike. Like the next second after you see your permit in your inbox! North Rim lodging - I enjoy the cabins on the rim in the park. Meals at PR, including the EARLY breakfast seating on your departure day. Lodging on the South Rim when you summit - Maswik Lodge is walkable from the Bright Angel Trailhead. And finally, consider making dinner reservations the night you get to the South Rim, or you may be left searching for a food court without a line.
Hey! Thanks for your comments. I will definitely do this hike again someday, hopefully with my wife. And I agree, I think I would take an extra day down at Phantom Ranch simply to explore the area and go on a day hike. I think that is a fantastic idea. Thanks for watching!
Thank you for this video. Linville is spectacular wilderness area and with conditions as in this video, it's doable for beginners. But alas... it should be noted how difficult this loop is for beginners and that water sources near Shortoff Mtn are dried up during this year's (2024) hot, dry summer. I learned that the hard way and had to make the descent to the river in a mad dash after running out of water. I learned the hard way to take serious the "hard" ranking for this trail. I'm ok but very sore, had a heat exhaustion scare, and had to abort the loop at the river where I got eaten up by chiggers.... be more prepared than I was!
Great point! I'm glad to hear that you are okay. It is always important to understand the water sources before going on a trip, especially when it has been hot and dry. The east side of that loop (i.e. up and away from the river) doesn't have many options for water to begin with. So, during a hot, dry summer, even those might be dried up. It is definitely a tough loop and strenuous, even when conditions are ideal. There are a few steep, steep climbs. And on the west side of the loop down by the river, I found that navigating the trail can be challenging. I remember doing it counter-clockwise about 10 years ago, and I lost the trail a few times. I think it is much better now but still can be difficult.
I've always been a ground sleeper and I have a good mattress (Nemo Tensor) but, like you, I always wake up, if I sleep at all, with sore hips and shoulders. I'm going on my first hammock camping tomorrow so this video is very timely for me. I appreciate all your advice.
Thanks for the comment! Good luck with your first hammock trip. I hope it works out well for you.
Did you use Nemo Tensor while using hammock? I’ve the same pad and just ordered a hammock for the same reasons you mentioned and was wondering if it works or do I need to get new pad or maybe an underquilt.
@@Scetchyeh Hey! I have used a Nemo Tensor in my hammock but it is not my preference. I prefer using an underquilt because I feel it gives me better coverage underneath to keep me warmer and is more comfortable when sleeping in my hammock. Plus, it is easier to get into my hammock with an underquilt than a sleeping pad as well as moving around to sleep on my side. The pad just moves around too much for my preference. However, if I feel like there may not be adequate trees for one of my campsite on my backpacking trip then I will bring a sleeping pad so I can go to the ground if necessary. For example, I am planning to hike the JMT this August and I will be bringing my Nemo Tensor because I think I might need it for one or two nights. So it is possible just not my preference.
@@crimsonblaze_backpacker Thanks! I’ve heard sleeping pads can be awkward to use in a hammock, but, as I just had to replace my old backpack that literally crumbled on me on my last trip and after the sleepless nights and sore back from that trip I decided to get the HH Expedition zip at the same time as it was on sale, I’m quite literally broke, so I’ll have to settle with my pad until I can acquire some funds and then I’ll get a good UQ. Speaking of UQ’s, as I’m new to the whole hammock camping, can you recommend any particular ones (that would fit to the Expedition zip)?
@@Scetchyeh I understand. It has taken me several years to build up to all the gear I wanted. My favorite underquilt is Hammock Gear's Incubator - 20 degree. I've had it now for several years and I love it. It would work fine on the HH Expedition zip. That was my first hammock ever, great hammock, and now my son uses it and has used the Incubator for that hammock. It fits just fine. Underquilts in general should fit most normal gathered end hammocks. Hope that helps. Good luck saving. The Tensor will be fine in the hammock. It is a great sleeping pad, my favorite. It just may take some getting used to for sleeping. I know some people prefer sleeping pads over underquilts so it is definitely a preference thing.
It took me a while to be able to really get dialed in on my hammock hang. I can sleep diagonally in my eno double nest and be perfectly comfortable all night. The biggest win I had this year was upgrading to an underquilt and top quilt. I’ve taken it into pretty low temps. And my new tarp has much better coverage and doors. Big game changer. Blocks wind and rain so much better.
Glad to hear about the big wins! It feels great when you start dialing in each part of your hammock setup and then it just all falls into place with sleep and comfort. I definitely prefer an under quilt over a sleeping pad for a better night sleep. I know that isn't true for everyone but once I made that switch, I slept warmer and felt like I had more freedom to move around in my hammock when I slept.
@@crimsonblaze_backpacker another thing I’ve been trialing the past few nights is throwing my clothes stuff sack under my knees. Helps with comfort while back sleeping.
I take a small inflatable pillow for under the knees but putting the next day's clothes there is genius
Thanks! That's one of my favorite hacks!
Thank you for sharing this with us. My white golden Zelda is going to love this solution
I've got a pair of the DW beetle-buckle 15ft straps but they seem pretty heavy, definitely interested in checking out those dynaglide daisy chains. I'm going to test out 1strap+1dasiychain as a suspension system to see if I can get a mix of ease of clipping extra stuff on the chain and the infinite adjustment on one end.
Hey! Thanks for your comments. I just wanted to let you know the dynaglide is a whoopie sling, not a daisy chain. And the latest from that video is that I replaced my continuous loop for my Dutch Netless hammock with a soft shackle, and that easily connects to the dynaglide whoopie sling instead of the long soft shackle that came with the dynaglide.
Saw your other comment about making your own DESS, just wanted to point out the Dream-Hammock offer some pretty substantially larger DESSes than DW.
Good to know. I will check that out. Thanks!
What time of year was this hike? Thanks for posting, good stuff
I hiked this in early September.
Delicate Arch was well worth the early rising, and thank you for the tips about going early for parking and less sun exposure! Then, the different perspectives of the long arches on the Devil's Garden trail was stunning! What a gorgeous day of hiking in the Southwest with a nice campsite waiting at the end. This time of year, some overcast skies does help in exposed areas for sure. Thanks to Nancy and you for sharing with us!
Is a bear canister required in this area?
Hey Catherine! No, a bear canister was not required. I simply used a UR sack. Thanks for watching!