Gear notes from NH section hike

“Gear notes from my NH AT hike (13 days, approx 188 miles):

Mountainsmith Ghost:

I was pretty happy with the pack – it has a nice suspension for a light bag (38 oz) and it really wasn’t too hard squeezing everything in to the 3100 ci. It held up well to lots of banging around as I slipped and slid over difficult, rocky and wet terrain.

One weird thing though: I seemed to get a bit of a rash where the shoulder straps were and where the pack mesh touched my lower back. I’d read one report about this problem on another site (thruhiker.com) but figured it had nothing to do with the specific pack (that it was something like detergent in the shirt and friction). I hadn’t had the problem before, but had never had the pack get wet while I was wearing it. I wonder if there is some chemical in the straps that got released when the straps got rain soaked. Has anyone had this problem? The problem subsided later – maybe because there was less rain, maybe because whatever chemical was in the straps leached out. Has anyone heard about a similar problem with the Ghost (or any Mountainsmith Packs)?

.
Western Mountaineering Caribou 21 oz. : This was my newest piece of gear. I settled on this instead of other ultralight bags, because it’s a bit roomier and has a full-length zip. I almost got a Marmot Hydrogen on-line at a great price, but the dealer cancelled the order because they were out of stock. I was very happy with the bag… it compresses to almost nothing, is very warm and I really like the flexibility of the full-length zip. I kept the bag unzipped and went to sleep in the liner with the bag near me… as it cooled off, I pulled the bag over me and used it as a blanket. Even on cool breezy evenings near 4000 ft., I never zipped myself into the bag. For me, the bag is a perfect compromise between heavier bags and the ultralight 1 lb bags with no zip (or half zip) and no hood.

Foam matt (FY-20/bevazote from owfc.com): This weighed about 6 oz after I carved it up. It is subject to tear at corners (when cut), so vulnerable cut points should be reinforced with tape in order to prevent this. It was surprisingly comfortable on the three nights I slept on hard surfaces (in a lean-to, on the ground when I used my Hammock as a bivy, and on the floor of an AMC hut).

Hennessy Hammock A-Sym (w/original tarp):

I still love the Hammock. I need to improve my knot skills to make better use of it (esp. for quicker set up and take down), but like it even better as I get more familiar with it. The tarp and the side tie strings give a lot of options for configuring the hammock – so I can balance air circulation with weather protection in whatever way I want. I also could run cord under the Hammock and tarp to dry things out overnight without the risk that they would get rained on. With a little more practice it got easier to set things up so I could lie comfortably and not get into that hammock “banana” shape – I actually felt looser getting up out of the Hammock in the morning than getting out of my own bed.

I had my first field test of using the Hammock as a bivy and it worked fine, my set up was pathetic – but it still did OK through moderate wind.

Late one day as I was hiking up Moosilauke (spelling?) it started getting dark before I could reach the shelter. Moosilauke is steep and moderately difficult and was new to me, so I really appreciated being able to hang the Hammock quickly and easily despite without having to search for flat ground.

Pur Hiker (my one luxury – I just love to have fresh filtered water while it is still kewl)
I still love the simplicity and immediate gratification I get with the filter… and no chemicals. I almost used Aqua-Mira instead, but couldn’t bring myself to do it.
-
805 New Balance Trail Runners I was a little disappointed in the grip and shock absorption. I will have to see if my 904s so better. Maybe boots serve me better for long hikes in bad weather in tough terrain. After 9 days, I switched my EMS Gore-Tex Summits (light boots) and was relieved to be able to rumble down the trail and land on one foot with all my weight when leaping from a rock to the ground and enjoyed the superior grip. I’m limited in my range of options for footwear, because I need them wide - 4E (or at 2E at the very least).

Leki Titanium Ultralight trekking poles: I tried some terrain without hiking poles (36 miles o/o 188) and found it much better with poles. It was a bit of a hassle changing lengths with these poles, but they were sturdy, lightweight and useful. During my trip I made a mental note of the pros and cons of hiking sticks. For me, the pros vastly outweigh the cons:

Cons:

Extra weight
One more thing to look after
The poles get in the way when you need to use your hands a lot to get around (I was glad not to have them for Mahoosuc notch, and they got in the way while going for the summit of Mt. Adams).
Cost

Pros:
Legs stay fresh much longer as the arms and chest take some of the work, impact and weight.
Great for balance in: rock hopping and stream crossing.
Help in maneuvering around muddy and wet spots in the trail
On rugged downhills, they ease things for the knees and ankles by taking much of the impact.
Keeps the upper body involved, so it gets a work out, too.
Helps in keeping up a good rhythm/pace.
Can go much faster on down hills and rugged areas, since they can help in balancing and stopping.
Useful for other purposes: Hanging things, setting up a tarp, tent or a hammock when used as a bivy, can be used as a splint in emergency, or to replace tent poles.
Can go with lighter boot or shoes, as the support is not as needed so the poles do work and take impact.
Some use in self-defense.
Can use to break up spider webs or shake a water laden tree or bush (so you don’t get wet).

70 oz platypus This got annoying. I find that only the first liter or so flows easily and then the water can stop at any point and I have to go into the pack to get it going again. I also lost the bite valve on Mt. Adams and happily switched to Gatorade bottles (+my small extra bottle that I had all the time) when I hit Franconia Notch..

No Stove! (food: dry sausage, cheese, bread, nuts, trail mix, trail bars, dried fruit…)
I was happy with this decision. I could just eat when I was hungry with no worry about clean-up, no holding off until the big meal. I did have a few hot meals: at Mt. Washington Cafeteria, at Sunny Day diner off trail near Franconia, at a McD’s off trail, soup at Pinkham Notch for Lunch (as part of a mostly cold buffet) and when some very nice South Bound thru-hikers I made camp with near Garfield Pond offered me some of their curry couscous.”

“Interesting report. I'd never bothered to research the Hennessy (or any hammock system), but it sounds pretty neat for solo hiking.”

“that's cool ped. i sometimes like my platy and sometimes can't figure out why i continue to carry it. the fact that it actually fits in/on my pack better than two bottles would is the only reason i continue to carry it i think.

13 days with no stove. i have never tried anything like that. only a few nights. it sure does make it easier. would you attempt it in the winter or do feel warm drinks/food would be too crucial?”

“Thanks for the insight ped. I'm still wondering about the usefulness of poles or a hiking stick and your thoughts are helpful. I also am still debating boots vs. shoes. The boots are instantly gratifying - I feel more confident with my steps and that my foot is more secure. The shoes are a delayed gratification. As the miles pile up my legs stay more fresh. A toss-up.”

“Thank you, this is a great post.”

“70 oz platypus This got annoying. I find that only the first liter or so flows easily and then the water can stop at any point and I have to go into the pack to get it going again. I also lost the bite valve on Mt. Adams and happily switched to Gatorade bottles (+my small extra bottle that I had all the time) when I hit Franconia Notch..
pedxing
09:46:51 PM
08/27/03
Carry the platypus so the hose is on the bottom. Using this method you will be able to get nearly every drop of water out of it.”

“lumberzac: Thanks, I'll try putting in the sleeve with the hose at the bottom. Usually what I've done is pulled it out of the sleeve and left it at the top of the pack when it stops running.

Baume: I'm still a winter newbie - but I'm definitely not ready for a winter trip without a stove... or even a Fall trip at altitude without one. At some point, an external heat source seems like a matter of safety. In the summer, even in the Presidentials, stoves are about convenience and comfort.”

“thanks for the gear reviews ped, sounds like you had awesome trip!

I'm curious what you thought of Mahoosuc Notch. I was hoping to do that this year, but looks like I won't make it.”

“Thanks to everyone for their comments.

Big Coop: While the debate over whether I will use poles or not is resolved, my internal debate on boots vs. trail runners is less clear than before. I'll have to keep experimenting with different kinds of trail runners and rethink when to use which. Hopefully, I'll find some trail runners that do a little more for me - and fit me. In the meantime, boots keep getting lighter.”

“Thanks for the reviews Ped.

I've been wondering how the bag worked out.
I have had the Caribou since May and thought it might be too much with the liner. Everyone sleeps different but it has been too much for me all except one night without one. I didn't think of using a liner and the adding the bag as needed. Great idea.

I also have the EMS Summits (the only boots that seem to fit) and don't think I would be willing to switch any time soon.

Poles: I got some for my birthday. I had visions of carrying them on the pack most of the time but it didn't happen. Thanks to SirPete for getting me to try them.

I use 2 smaller Platypus bags (and a nalgene if needed). A 1.8 liter and a 1 liter. I use 2 so I can keep track of my water. I was always afraid I would run out and not know it, but it may have an added benifit. I don't seem to experience any problem getting all of the water out. I do try to put the hose at the bottom as much as possible though.

I'm going to try my next overnight without a stove. I really like that one hot meal but if you can go 13 days I can try it one night and see how it works for me.”

“Twiggy... I'm posting the first couple days of my trip report, which includes the Mahoosucs. Ifn ya got any questions, please email 'em or post 'em.”

“Pepsi : I like the liner for keeping the bag clean - as well as for comfort. It was also useful in case I had to make camp in unseasonably cold weather in the Presis.”

“Ped,

Did you use a pack cover for your Ghost? I just got one myself but haven't had a chance to use it yet. I was under the impression that the pack is pretty waterproof by itself. Also, did you try to protect it in any way when you set up your Hennessey, like hang it underneath the hammock or something?”

“Hub: I didn't use a pack cover with the Ghost. Whenever there was a chance of rain, I did make sure it was sheltered from the rain by the hammock and tarp. After I woke up to find it in 6 inches of water (and only elevated 2 inches above the ground) - I made sure that it was also off the ground (propped up on branches or at least kept standing by the hiking poles). I kept things in separate waterproof bags within the pack as an added precaution.

I agree that the pack is pretty water resistant... it certainly took on water when it was lying in it for hours, but not many backpacks would pass that test.”

“Concerning the bag / liner combo. I have just discovered the versatility of this set-up myself. Between my 20 degree down bag and the silk line I can comfortably sleep in temps ranging from 10F up to 75F:

Hot - Bag under me laid open over pad, liner laid on top as needed.

Mild - Bag open underneath, in liner, bring bag over as needed.

Cool - Liner covers pad, Bag laid over open over body.

Chilly - In bag, liner to the side.

Cold - In liner, in bag.

Now I just need to get a WM Megalite to replace my Campmor downbag to cut 2lbs off the weight.”

“Yeah BC - thats pretty much how I do it, with the long capilene type underwear and a head band (or baklava) being the other variables (as well as how tightly closed the bag and hood are).”

“Just noticed this on backpacker:

Pole Science

Now here's scientific proof that trekking poles are a hiker's best friend.

By Therese Iknoian, December 2001


Hikers have long known that trekking poles help when crossing streams and on thigh-burning downhills. Now there's scientific proof to go along with our "field research." Scientists at the Universities of Massachusetts and Wisconsin and at Steadman-Hawkins Sports Medicine Foundation in Colorado found that poles provide the following benefits:


Fewer injuries. Poles reduce the risk of injury and tendonitis in knees, calves, thighs, and even hips, according to Michael Torry, Ph.D., director of biomechanics research at Steadman-Hawkins. Trekking poles also allow hikers to keep a more normal stride and a faster pace with less effort.
Less pounding. Up to 4.4 percent of the force that reverberates through your body with each step is absorbed by the poles. After a long day and thousands of steps, that support adds up.
Relief for ailing knees and joints. Dr. Torry says that angling the tips of your poles forward slightly can reduce the compression in your joints as you hike downhill. When hiking uphill, angle the poles backward for an extra boost and reduced ankle stress.
Fewer face plants. While researchers didn't test stability, they agree with what many backpackers already know: Four legs are better than two on uneven terrain.
Less fatigue. According to Christopher Knight, Ph.D., who led the study at the University of Massachusetts, properly used poles (see "Proper Pole Use" below) reduce the workload for lower-body muscles and joints by transferring some of the load from your legs to your arms. Subjects in Dr. Knight's study (who hiked with loaded packs for an hour on a treadmill) said the trek felt easier with poles.

PROPER POLE USE
When walking on flat terrain, hold your poles so your arms are bent at about 90 degrees. Take time to readjust pole length when going up (shorten) or downhill (lengthen) so you can maintain a comfortable grip and upright posture. Researcher Dr. Knight recommends using wrist straps and a light grip on the handles.”