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AngryMetalsmith's A.T. Thru Hike Thread

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Adventurous

Adventurous

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AngryMetalsmith said:
Got some more gear this week, electronics, food/bear bag and a black synthetic T-shirt to hike in. Keeping true to my mtb roots I will be hiking in Zonic Ether mtb shorts. They have all the necessary features and best of all, I don't have to buy them. Hardware wise all that's left is a couple tent stakes, dyneema tent repair kit and a cover for my pad. Still have a few clothing items to acquire. Having the hardest time convincing myself to buy hiking pants. Why, just why ?
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I might actually prefer hiking in pants to shorts. They really aren't any hitter than shorts, provide an extra layer of defense against ticks and biting creatures, and help keep the sun and dirt off of your lower legs.

I've had great luck with the guide pants from Eddie Bauer. You can usually find them on sale for $40 a pair, and I've put mine through the ringer with no complaints.
 
AngryMetalsmith

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Adventurous said:
I might actually prefer hiking in pants to shorts. They really aren't any hitter than shorts, provide an extra layer of defense against ticks and biting creatures, and help keep the sun and dirt off of your lower legs.

I've had great luck with the guide pants from Eddie Bauer. You can usually find them on sale for $40 a pair, and I've put mine through the ringer with no complaints.
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I find wearing pants outside, here in the land of humidity, when it's hot to be a miserable experience.

Uuuugghhh pants...

Better than discussing Trousers I suppose.
 
eric strt6

eric strt6

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AngryMetalsmith said:


I've got an Enlighten Equipment Convert 20°

Same company makes a pad cover that fits the Uberlite pad, which should make sleeping easier when it's warmer since I can open the bag up and spread it out like a blanket.
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very nice. Pro tip on down gleaned from working 15 years in the industry both on the MFG side (Montbel) and the retail side ( REI and Bugaboo Mountaineering). Every time you get out of a down bag or jacket for even if it's going to be just for a few minutes crunch all the warm moist air out of it and re-fluff. It prevents vapor condensation and a loss of loft and warmth
 
KenW449

KenW449

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[QUOTE="eric strt6, post: 4343093, memsynthetic-sleeping-bags2ro tip on down gleaned from working 15 years in the industry both on the MFG side (Montbel) and the retail side ( REI and Bugaboo Mountaineering). Every time you get out of a down bag or jacket for even if it's going to be just for a few minutes crunch all the warm moist air out of it and re-fluff. It prevents vapor condensation and a loss of loft and warmth[/QUOTE]
Or he could give one of these a try. I like my Nemo bag i have now, but its definitely not a backpacking bag. Works great in a kayak though.
https://www.outsideonline.com/2391043/synthetic-sleeping-bags-nemo
These are supposed to have water repellent fill thats light and compressible as down. Not bad for the price either.
https://outdoorvitals.com/collections/synthetic-sleeping-bags
 
jonKranked

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AngryMetalsmith said:
Maybe, but because of where my pack rests I can't have a belt or a rear belt loop. So that limits me to a few models that have either an adjustable waist or integrated belt like the Prana Stretch Zions. I usually hike in the same tights I ride in when it's cold, under my shorts. Since it's May and won't get too cold for very long tights should be fine. However a lot of hikers wear pants when it's warm. My Dad says it's to protect your legs from brush and rocks, I guess. But we're mountain bikers who routinely blast through branches, thorns and all kinds of trail debris resulting in frequent scratches and scrapes that go unnoticed. I just have a hard time buying something and carrying on my back that I probably won't use. I dunno maybe I'm just a pantsaphobe...
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I'll take a look tonight, one of the pairs may be free of belt loops. That being said, I have the prana stretch zion (both shorts and pants) and they are great. Highly recommend.

Also, pants help keep ticks off you. And you are going to pick up ticks.
 
AngryMetalsmith

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jonKranked said:
I'll take a look tonight, one of the pairs may be free of belt loops. That being said, I have the prana stretch zion (both shorts and pants) and they are great. Highly recommend.

Also, pants help keep ticks off you. And you are going to pick up ticks.
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Stretch Zions weigh between 14 and 16 ounces. The Arcteryx Lefroy which has an integrated belt weighs in at 9.7 oz. but costs $109 and I have yet to see a pair in person. I know a 32x30 pair of Pranas fits fine and can be found for around $60.
 
jonKranked

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AngryMetalsmith said:
Stretch Zions weigh between 14 and 16 ounces. The Arcteryx Lefroy which has an integrated belt weighs in at 9.7 oz. but costs $109 and I have yet to see a pair in person. I know a 32x30 pair of Pranas fits fine and can be found for around $60.
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shave your head/beard if you're that concerned about weight. also makes it easier to spot ticks.
 
TN

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AngryMetalsmith said:
Hopefully the week of the 14th. But I'm actually pretty stressed that I may not be able to pull this off. Which has lead me to entertain the thought of "starting" anyway and just hike to Damascus, VA, approximately a month.
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hike-evaluate-hike-evaluate kinda thing?
 
jdcamb

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I talked to my Brother today. He thinks all this hiking stuff is a bad idea. I need to sell my condo, I have a cat, and I have not finalized my health situation. My next appointment with the Neuro is June 3rd. I would like to hike the GWNF section, the PA section, and the Final Push from Hanover NH to Maine. After PA I could do the family stuff in Philly and then make my way to Marshvegas for more family stuff then meet up in NH for Pizza. If you're up for it I would like to take a few days off near philly. I just need to to get this Condo shit worked out. Transportation worked out. And find someone to take my Cat. I am thinking if I meetup with you and I impair your pace, which will be firmly established by VA. That would not be acceptable for me... We'll see.
 
AngryMetalsmith

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Did a short hike, 2.5 hrs., yesterday in the rain and pretty much had the trail to myself. First time getting a lot of the new gear wet. Learned a little bit so that's always good.

Finally talked myself into the OR Helium II jacket and was going to order it from backcountry on sale for 25% off when I got back, but it was gone. Dangit !

Any Denver Monkeys have any knowledge of Wilderness Exchange ? They have it even cheaper, but I've never heard of them before.
 
AngryMetalsmith

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Hiked yesterday with 23 pounds for 4.5 hours. Starting pack weight should be between 25-28 pounds. Been gradually increasing the weight to get used to wearing a pack and it has definitely helped.

This is the view from the fire tower looking down on Thuper Awethum where I ride.

firetower-view.jpg


And this is the view from the top of Thuper Awethum looking up at Moore's wall. Fire tower is on the top peak.

thuper-awethum-view-moores.jpg


I am fortunate that I live so close to actual mountain terrain. Not big mtns, but big enough to Hans und Franz my legs !

 
AngryMetalsmith

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SkaredShtles said:
25-28 lbs is impressive. My non-food weight when I hiked the Colorado Trail back in '94 was around 50#. With food, for the longest section between re-supply (2 weeks) I had over 70#. I was much younger then... :D
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Yeah those back in the day pack weights are way more than I'd even consider. By comparison to the Ultralight crowd, my gear is down right portly. One dude's starting weight was only 12 pounds including food. He also did 31 miles on day one. It takes some skill and experience to effectively use some of the Ultralight gear. I have a pretty manageable mix of Lightweight and Ultralight gear.
 
AngryMetalsmith

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Westy

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AngryMetalsmith said:
Wow. Just got caught up on that. Apparently a mentally ill dude was threatening hikers, got arrested, released, got back on trail and attacked four thru hikers. One is deceased and another badly wounded. Suspect is in custody. The identities of the victims have not been released.
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A lot of people ask me if I am afraid of bears or mtn lions when I go into the woods. Nope, just people.
 
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