this post was submitted on 30 Sep 2023
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ultralight
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Overnight backcountry backpacking/hiking in the spirit of taking less and doing more. Ask yourself: do I really need that?
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got back from Asheville, NC and GSMNP, everything went really well. trip was really more about reconnecting with a friend and my SO dipping her toe into the ultralight world; but anytime one can visit a NP it’s special. will write up a teeny tiny trip report when I sort through the pictures. how are y’all doin?
Yeah! I hope you had a great trip. How did it go with the SO?
I'm hanging in there. No hiking right now but we will do a short (day?) trip soon to the Channel Islands NP. I am pretty well recovered from COVID...been watching my cycling stats. Today I smashed my PR speed record for a ride so I am pretty stoked!
Overall it went well; SO tried trail runners for the first time and found them comfortable. Trying a frameless pack, initially SO was frustrated that pack body was annoying to access. Repacked pack so that frequently-accessed items sat outside and were easy to access but still secure — this worked. Second change is going to be streamlining camera kit by consolidating lenses and mounting the camera permanently on shoulder strap, hoping a Peak Design capture clip does the job. Tried to go a step further by convincing SO that iPhone camera is enough but this proved to be non-negotiable 😅
Glad to hear you are feeling better and congrats on your speed record 😀👍
I know almost nothing about Channel Islands, tell me about it!
I tried Altras last year, which I liked, but decided they didn't have enough grip - I fell a few times on some steep descents. This year I switched to approach shoes and they are awesome. I love them for the hikes in the Intermountain West.
What pack did your SO try?
Oh my, a full camera with lenses? Is she a pro photographer or major enthusiast? I get some pretty nice shots from my Pixel 6... All the stuff I put up here is from that.
Will report back when we go to CINP!
SO jogs in Brooks so tried Cascadias and liked them, though to be fair we haven’t done anything too gnarly yet.
Pack was sewn by me, it’s an imperfect clone of an MLD Burn in spiffy new Challenge UltraGrid fabric. My new off-season hobby it seems. Pack came out pretty well though I always see the imperfections in it.
I agree a smartphone camera is perfectly good (I took a bunch of photos on the PCT I really liked with an iPhone) but SO is passionate about photography and full camera is non-negotiable at this point. SO carried 3 heavy-ass lenses this time but is interested in dialing it down to 1 do-it-all lense, though apparently they’re expensive.
Can’t wait to hear about CINP! 👍