South Lake to North Lake via Lamarck Col

“Phil, when I oredered my Bearikade, I mentioned that I had seen Snow Nymph's and they waived my shipping charges.”

“I sent in the pic of Snownymph showing her butt with my order. Not only did I get free shipping they gave me another 10% off of the purchase price. Its as good as coupon. Try it!”

“What picture is this? I want to see it.”

“LMAO at Rockman ! Was that the hot spring shot or the outhouse window? LOL”

“Are you really out. I have you on the permit. Not by name but by no. If you are then I have room for one on my permit. Let us know but say its not so. We'll dispurse at campsites and make the numbers legal so I wouldn't let that worry you."
jvz
10:44:43 AM
02/23/04

For the longest while it looked like there wasn't going to be very many on the trip, so I planned on getting my name on a permit then waiting till w/in a month of the trip to make final preps for it. It never occurred to me that soon the trip would fill up fast.

The reason I was going to wait is because i hope to move on from my current job...if I'm still working there I can certainly make the trip...If I move on, I won't be sure if I could take the time off. So Frankly, I'm an unofficial maybe.

I do feel funny having my name on a permit, not knowing if I will make it, and having another (who knows they'll be there) wait in the dark till I know if I can go or not. That's why I posted about not coming, but now that you put it that way wrt splitting groups, I'll reconsider.

One thing for sure is...I have never backed out of a trip I said I'd go on. However, none of them called for flying across the continent either.”

“Buddur, if there's any trip worth flying across the continent for, it would be this one!”

“Oh yeah...Check out my pics linked on this thread.”

“OMG! I was planning on getting the Weekender, and then when I heard of Rockmans [Pants Candy] score, I called Wild Ideas, and they gave me the same deal!!”

“I have a garcia canister someone can use. I haven't used since I got my Bearikade Weekender a while back.”

“trekkingirl, that's great that you'll be there! Welcome back to Cali!

wingding, so you're bringing a bearcan with the name "weekender" for a 5 day trip? I must eat more than you. :0 Does that really hold 5 days worth or is it a really tight fit?”

“The Bearikade Weekender holds a little more than the Garcia. I think they mean a weekender for two people, but because I go solo with it I can get 6 to 7 days of food in it when I pack it right.”

“On Sierrapalooza Tommy and I shared a Garcia. On the 2nd night we both got our food into 1 canister. Hodgeman borrowed 1 and I think he got all of his food into for the week.

Hopefully you can use that as a guide.”

“Thanks Hikerchic..can't wait to see you guys again..I took my bearikade weekender on Sierrapalooza..it held all my food for..what was it 7-8 days?I just had to plan it out carefully..

Hi Sir Naviguesser. : )”

“Hi back at ya Lady.



So when is this trip starting? Tomorrow? I can't wait!”

“hikerchic - Either the bearicade weekender or the Garcia should work for the trip. I hope to have a weekender by then to save a pound. If I do, I will have a Garcia available for loan.

I looked at a website that has some other bear canisters, but they all weigh near what the Garica does. The weekender is still the hot ticket IMHO.”

“Actually, I think I got all of my remaing food into the canister by the third night, Navi”

“I have a Backpacker's Cache, and it weighs 2 1/2 lbs. Are you folks telling me there is something better out there? Ouch. I'd hate to think I wasted $70 on a piece of "loser" equipment!lol. At least it holds all my food for 5-8 days, depending on menu and my willingness to repackage things.”

“So, Hodge, are you going repackage and rethink some of your food for this trip? 8^)”

“Slugman - The bearicade weighs 1 lb. 15 oz. but costs $195.
Bearicade Weekender
”

“Geez, I didn't know the weekender cost that much! Thanks everyone for clarifying how much food it actually holds.

I just submitted my taxes on line and I guess I'll be purchasing that along with a lighter weight one-man tent with some of it.

Is anyone purchasing any new equipment to replace their old stuff? And what are you replacing? Just curious!

Nav, I'm with ya! It's still 4 1/2 months away!”

“4 1/2 months?!?!
OH MY GAWD!
I can't wait that long!

Boo hoo boo hoo snivel whine”

“HC-5: I usually "go light" with my Hennesy hammock, not usable above timberline, so I am going to borrow a friend's tent for this trip. I've never hiked the Sierras before, so I have some learning to do before all gear choices are made. Maybe a couple folks could post a list of the gear they're bringing, so's I could get a few ideas?

PS- my bp-er's cache actually weighs in at 2 lbs, 10 1/2 ozs, and cost $78. I guess it'll do until I can afford a nice titanium model, right after that lottery ticket hits.”

“Hikerchic5 - among other new doodads, I got the REI Quarter Dome and a PUR Hiker (which replaced my MSR which pooped out on Wingdings' Twin Lakes trip last summer). And, yes, an expensive, but light!!, beakikade.”

“what happened to your MSR? mine is super-reliable”

“so far”

“Oh, yeah. I'm still listed and counted twice on the "who's coming" list for this trip. Since I plan on leaving the evil twin home, there will be only one of me.

Thanks for the info, Phil. The bearikade Expedition is way bigger than mine (900cu vs 700), and still 6 ozs lighter! I often have to hang food the first few nights of a week-long trip, so that might be my "fantasy choice".”

“Hikerchic - For this summer, I am hoping to replace the following gear:

Canister: Bearicade to replace my Garcia (save 9 oz)

Tent: Waypoint 1 to replace my Inyo 2 (save 2 lbs or so)

Sleeping Bag: Replace current 550 down bag with lighter down bag (save 1 lb)

Ground Pad: Replace Thermarest LE long with Thermarest LE 3/4 (save 1 lb).

Cut down thermarester chair kit to fit 3/4 LE (save 5-6 ounces)

My new pack will save me 3 lbs over my previous setup.

On SierraPalooza my PUR Hiker died. I replaced it with a Sweetwater based on Naviguessers recommendation. I had no problem with the PUR hiker performance, but the Sweetwater does have the ability to field clean the filter.

I finally replace my white gas stove with a Pocket Rocket. The Pocket Rocket rocked!

I got some titanium cutlery for Christmas. That is cool stuff.

Next I need to work on clothing. I'm slowly getting fleece, cool max, etc. I finally got some $12 socks and worth every penny.

After using my external frame pack for so long, it will take some adjustment to get used to the internal frame, especially for longer trips.”

“"So, Hodge, are you going repackage and rethink some of your food for this trip? 8^)"
the-naviguesser
10:37:42 AM
02/28/04

Navi - I always reduce as much packaging as possible, but short of reducing my intake I don't think there's much else to be done. I rarely have anything more than a couple of snacks left over after a trip.”

“Have you thought about compressing your food?
Yeah, compress that PB&J Sandwich.

8^)”

“If only I could find a way to dehydrate that Cdn Wiskey ;-)”

“Helinka, It just stopped pumping one day on the Twin Lakes trip. I tried to field service it, and all the parts seemed to be working well. I think the filter picked up some silt along the way, and finally gave out. Don't despair, my filter was one of the first MSRs: bigger than what is out now, all gray in color, and I think it was a second. Its now home is a nice non-profit thrift store in Sacramento [tax write-off!!!]”

“my MSR quit working on a canoe trip in Quetico. I too tried to field service it, everything seemed to be working, but just wouldn't work. We were brave enough to drink the water from the Lakes on the way back in. None of us got sick.”

“My MSR did the same thing 1/2 way through a week long trip in the Sierra.
REI took it back. Sweetwater is the best.”

“Hodge, wiskey don't go in the canister!
No wonder you had problems.


Dang kids!”

“My pack is a Granite Gear Vapor Trail (2 lbs)

If I bring my 30 degree bag, it's a Feathered Friends Grouse (2lbs 10 oz)

Integral Designs Salathe Bivy (1lb 14 oz)

Older Model Bearkade (1lb 12 oz)

Thermarest Guidelight if I don't buy that new one (1 lb 6oz)

Then I add a blue foam pad, a fleece layer, rain gear, food, stove, fuel, girlie stuff (not too much of that stuff because I like to be one of the guys out there), water filter, lots of socks, sandals or down booties.....

Total Weight should be under 35 lbs at the beginning of the trip with a liter of water.”

“Now it's starting to sound like a real trip.

I have a Sierra Designs one-person tent someone can borrow since Jerry and I will be using our two-person. Also, a Garcia cannister, although it doesn't sound like anyone wants one of those.

Our MSR Whisperlite stopped working in the snow at Winterfest. A plastic part got melted somehow. Probably too close to another stove or I put the pan on before the fire died down and deflected the heat to the plastic. It was okay since I noticed it leaking while I was cooking, but it could have been a mini-explosion. At least, the igloo wouldn't have caught fire. We got a Snow Peak after Sierrapalooza. It's way lighter, but it sure takes a long time to boil water for two, compared to the MSR.”

“oops, wrong weight on my sleeping bag - the 30 degree bag is 1 lb, 10 ounces. My 10 degree bag is 2 lbs, 10 ounces.

So, for bivy, sleeping bag, and pack I'm at 5.5 lbs.”

“"Hodge, wiskey don't go in the canister!
No wonder you had problems.


Dang kids!"
the-naviguesser
06:17:16 PM
02/29/04

Ya, like there's any chance it would fit !! He He

But, if I ever catch one of those little California marmots goin' for a sip, it'll be the first thing in the bucket at night !!”

“Question - I am in the process of buying a new backpack. I am tired of my old external frame pack. I worked great many many times in the past, but last hike I went on was just too uncomfortable. Any suggestions for something around $200 or alittle higher. I am looking for usability, comfort and weight. I was thinking about a couple of REI brand packs (Aconcagua, Mars) or maybe the Osprey Aether.

Also, if someone has a spare bear canister, I would love to borrow it. I might eventually buy one, but I will wait for now, have plenty of time.

Thanks”

“Cubfan, I don't think you can go wrong with the Aether; Its well made and fairly lightweight. I don't know much about REI packs, but other stuff I've got from them is great. And the return policy/customer service is very good. Also Check out the Granite Gear products [the one I'm thinking of is just under 5 lbs, 3800 cubes, about $240, and is very colorful].”

“Hodge, I'm an eyewitness that bears don't care for tequlia. And no marmot as touched it either.

Trust me, I know about these things.”

“cubfan - You might look at the P2 lightweight backpack thread that has been active the past week or so. You can get a P2 in your price range if you don't go overboard on options. The new model comes with some standard features that are very nice.

If I get a Bearicade to replace my Garcia, I will have a Garcia available for loan on the trip.”

“Phil, boy! You'll be flying up those trails won't ya? You won't know what to do with yourself with that light of a pack!

slugman, I need to buy a one person tent too. Only have a two man. Now, if I knew you better....he he

wannabp, I'd take you up on that offer of your one person tent but I want to buy one for a few solo trips I'd like to do this year.

hodge I'm with ya! Would love to find some dehydrated wine. Was thinking of bringing wine and brandy this time.

wingding, you ceased to amaze me on how light your pack is! I'm jealous!

oh yeah,in case you didn't see it, Hodge started a new thread on the trip page about carpooling. Not sure if that goes on the main tt page like this one does.”

“There is a new bear canister out called the bear vault (bearvault.com). It has a conditional acceptance for use. It is slightly less weight(2lbs 4ozs) than the Garcia one, has a ratchet screw type opening bigger than the Garcia opening and only 1/2" longer. They say it will hold up to 7 days worth of food. It costs the same as the Garcia and a lot less than the Bearicade Weekender (too expensive for my taste). It looks like a giant Nalgene bottle (it is also see through). Prolitegear.com has it on sale for $65.00 with free shipping. I think I will get this one.”

“"Conditional" is a key term here. I originally purchased my Ursacks because they had "conditional" approval. Guess what... approval never happened. In the case of the Ursack that's OK for me, because I use it as my food bag when I'm somewhere that doesn't require cannisters by law. They are great for keeping raccoons & assorted other critters away from your food... BUT... that's not why I originally purchased it.

Just don't cry if the final approvals don't happen!”

“Soooooooooo... final approval depends on whether the test bear(s) get into the thing, or what?”

“Yep, that's final approval. There's a bear here in the Folsom Zoo they use a lot, he's a noted Californian!”

“HC5- to know me is to love me!LOL.

Does anyone know if Everclear is available in Oregon or California? The strongest liquor available in Washington is Bacardi 151. Even that's 25% useless water! Of course, I'm assuming I can get Hodge to pull over for a liquor store stop between Portland and Sacramento!”

“Slugman - I seem to recall that everclear was in Mel's vocabulary. Maybe someone else remembers.

Hikerchic - I don't know if I will ever run up a mountain. I just don't want to go cross-country again with my external frame pack and any weight I don't need.”

“The Bear Vault, according to their web site, lasted 24 hours with Fisher ( the black bear at Folsom zoo) and another 24 hours with Sequoia. It only needs to last 1 hour. You would assume from that that it should have full approval. I figure I will take a chance with it.

Everclear - oh what nasty stuff. After 1 incredibly bad hangover, I will never drink that stuff again.”