^^I've been told it's quite busy around now because of the leaves and there's always rangers asking for permits so we decided to not risk it and I think we're doing a loop up in the Grayson Highlands instead then doing Linville in November.

10/12/2011 8:44:19 AM

Doing St. Mary's Wilderness this weekend!! Anyone have any favorite spots in the area?

10/12/2011 9:26:57 AM

Dont the permits go towards trail upkeep and maintenance, as well as to pay the rangers that protect you? Seems like a douchey move to not pay them and/or lie about it.

10/12/2011 12:15:46 PM

it is douchey. Im amazed that he lacks shame and admits it publicly



[Edited on October 12, 2011 at 12:25 PM. Reason : y]]

10/12/2011 12:25:08 PM

You guys mean trailrider87?

I meant risk going up there and not being able to get a permit in the morning and having to come back. I'm not going to camp unless I get a permit. That's just douchey.

10/12/2011 12:27:56 PM

yea youre good

10/12/2011 12:35:11 PM

Anyone done any Grayson Highlands hikes? Recommendations? Lots of pony poop?

10/12/2011 12:49:08 PM

yepper, done grayson highlands (mount rogers)...none of us stepped in pony poo, but i'm sure there's enough of it...they don't usually hang out on the trails themselves, so you'd have to venture off to step in something

10/12/2011 1:20:46 PM

Particular trail or loop you did?

10/12/2011 1:23:01 PM

yes, trailrider87 is a douche
anybody that doesnt pay for the permits or camps without paying is being a douche. The campgrounds and trials wouldnt be there unless people paid to support them. It is the same as people that fish without a licence. The fees are what supports the land/water you are enjoying. If you dont have the money to throw down for a permit or a licence, you shouldnt have the money to buy equipment/ gas to get there/food/etc. Its not like it is expensive. I fucking hate people like this and have no problem at all turning them into the rangers and wardens. I call the warden on a regular basis to report people abusing the game lands and water that i frequent.

10/12/2011 2:25:25 PM

Looking at something like this:

http://www.midatlantichikes.com/mountrogersbp.htm

Those views are awesome.

10/12/2011 2:56:55 PM

^^^ we did the AT...in and out because it was extremely cold (somewhere on here are the pics) and the sleet was never-ending...we had a couple of new backpackers with us (my wife included) and they were not up for doing two nights

it was gorgeous, though

10/12/2011 3:23:04 PM

Sweet. Yeah we're trying to piece together a 2 nighter with 20-25 miles. That map is slightly confusing. Haha.

http://mrhyker.tripod.com/jnf-mountrogers.jpg

10/12/2011 3:39:27 PM

Grayson Highlands is so fucking cool - did most of the state park area this summer, just awesome

Quote :

"Doing St. Mary's Wilderness this weekend!! Anyone have any favorite spots in the area?"

Was planning St. Mary's this past spring but ended up at Ramsey's Draft Wilderness instead - which was pretty nice...lots of stream crossings, cool campsites.

Accessibility depends on where you're driving from, but there's a pretty cool brewery nearby: http://dbbrewingcompany.com/

[Edited on October 12, 2011 at 10:19 PM. Reason : k]

10/12/2011 10:16:11 PM

Ok you guys who own a GPS have probably already done this but I'm a GPS newbie and this is fucking awesome. Figured out how to integrate Garmin BaseCamp with Google Earth. For overlaying our hikes on the 3D terrain map.

10/12/2011 10:35:55 PM

My boyfriend informed me there are some wild cranberry bogs (in rumor) in St. Mary's wilderness...I'm very excited. This will probably be my 2nd to last backpack this season, I don't have the right gear to winter hike.

I think my 2011 Spring/Summer/Fall was a good back season:

1. Did a week for Konnarock Trail Crew and rebuilt some of the AT off Roan Mountain
2. 2 day hike through Roan Mountain (roughly 14 miles)
3. 3 days in Shenandoah from Beagles Gap North
4. 1 week in the San Juan's, Colorado (Silverton/Durango) Did Icelake Basin, American Basin, Continental Divide
5. Did the entire Art Loeb in 2.5 days
6. 4 days on the AT in PA (Wanted to see the museum, halfway point, and visit the ATC Mid-Atlantic Crew)
7. St. Mary's Wilderness 2 days backpack

I did lack a few trips I had planned...mainly seeing Grayson Highlands and the ponies, Wilson Creek, and 100 Mile Wilderness (was suppose to go with brother, but he had to go and have a baby )

How did everyone else fair this season?

10/13/2011 9:23:31 PM

i have no backpacking "season"...it's rare that i go in november or december, but that's because of holidays and birthdays that make it nearly impossible to set a weekend (though i do have a tentative date for november this year, so we'll see)

and i always backpack in january

[Edited on October 14, 2011 at 8:09 AM. Reason : .]

10/14/2011 8:09:10 AM

Yeah although when it's really hot an humid in the summer I steer more towards hikes that involve lots of creek crossings. Definitively trying to hike more in the winter this year.

10/14/2011 8:57:27 AM

Have any guys here gotten into backpacking from a girl, or are girls always being exposed to backpacking from a guy (husband, boyfriend, brother, father, etc)?

10/14/2011 9:19:40 AM

my gf has probably hiked more than i have. At the end of October we're going to hike to the top of Mt. Washington in New Hampshire. Tallest peak in the north east and has the highest wind speed ever recorded on earth!

10/14/2011 10:57:44 AM

What are the real "joys" in winter/snow backpacking? Is there still much to see, or is it more of test of fortitude?

I would be willing to try it, but unless I hear good things, no point in slapping down all those bones for good cold weather gear. My sleeping bag is rated at 25 and I still get cold at 50, lol

10/14/2011 11:01:09 AM

Quote :

"Have any guys here gotten into backpacking from a girl, or are girls always being exposed to backpacking from a guy (husband, boyfriend, brother, father, etc)?"

husband & i started backpacking together. neither of us had done it before. it was my idea. i had camped some as a little kid w/ my family, and husband & i started camping together in college.

10/14/2011 11:15:54 AM

Quote :

"What are the real "joys" in winter/snow backpacking? Is there still much to see, or is it more of test of fortitude? "

I guess it depends on where you go. In the mountains there's not a whole lot to see as far as foliage goes. First and last time I went winter camping was at Mt Rogers during the blizzard 2 year ago. Saying we were unprepared is an understatement. After the feeling returned to my toes I actually would say I enjoyed the trip, but that's mostly because I can say I did it and survived. I really want to try it again, with the right equipment, of course.


I'm thinking about trying to go backpacking/camping in Uwharrie this weekend. I've never been out there, so I could use some suggestions for nice, secluded trails, if there is such a thing there.

10/14/2011 11:49:48 AM

Quote :

"What are the real "joys" in winter/snow backpacking? Is there still much to see, or is it more of test of fortitude?"

there is a stark beauty in winter that i LOVE...this was my trip to mt. rogers when it sleeted the whole time















































[Edited on October 14, 2011 at 12:19 PM. Reason : pics]

10/14/2011 12:18:07 PM

Wow those are pretty awesome pics. I want to go back when it snows now. I'll be there next weekend!

-oh and to add to the snow/winter discussion. I love ANYTHING that involves the snow. The cold, the crunch it makes under your boots, the silence in the morning. Take it I haven't done any extreme winter hiking but when it's reasonable I love it.

Quote :

"My sleeping bag is rated at 25 and I still get cold at 50, lol"

I'm amazed at how much this varies between people. My bag is a 35 degree and I've used it down to 20-25 and been perfect. If it's over 55 or so I can't be in it or I'll be covered in sweat in the morning.

[Edited on October 14, 2011 at 12:38 PM. Reason : s]

10/14/2011 12:25:42 PM

well damn, REI doesn't carry a Uwharrie trail map. Anybody know where I can get one locally?

10/14/2011 10:05:36 PM

I got into backpacking simply because I finally did the math...

Love of outdoors + Love of athletics + solitude = DUR, backpacking!!!

10/15/2011 12:44:28 AM

^^^ Part of the problem with sleeping bags is the method that manufacturers use to determine the rating. Step 1: determine the lowest number that people will believe. Step 2: Write that number on the bag.

Western Mountaineering has a good reputation. I've never heard anyone say they were cold in the temp range for one of those bags. I guess if you fork over $300 you expect quality

10/16/2011 9:52:11 PM

Well that's not necessarily what I was saying. I'm saying different people need different types of bags. I'm fine with a t-shirt and sheet when it's 55 degrees in the tent. On the other hand my girlfriend might not be warm enough in my 35 degree bag at 55 degrees. I probably wouldn't even zip up the bag unless it's under 45-50. If it gets below 25 I just throw on a mid-weight long sleeve shirt and I'm fine.

I also can't hike with a heavy jacket on. I just get too hot. It's got to be below freezing for me to even consider it. Basically my point is the ratings are almost meaningless (other than telling different bags apart) because people vary so much in what they're comfortable with.

10/16/2011 10:47:15 PM

i agree with ^that

10/16/2011 10:50:11 PM

Found this sweet map online for Mt. Rogers. Might be doing something similar to that. That's about 22 miles I believe.

http://files.meetup.com/751131/Mount%20Rogers%20Map%20with%20our%20Route.JPG

10/17/2011 9:42:26 AM

any experience in camping solo? i have never done it but am interested in trying it out. Any advice

10/18/2011 3:59:41 PM

Make sure to have a phone that works and a GPS. Also have checkpoints with people. So like if you don't call x, y, z at a particular time then someone will know to look for your disembodied corpse at location a, b, or c.

I guess just be safe about it. Bring a book. One of my favorite activities to do alone is read and take photos.

10/18/2011 4:03:39 PM

I backpack almost exclusively solo. The best advice I can tell you is to be absolutely religious towards pre-planning. Have a route mapped and and with reasonable milages and camp down points. Give this copy and your general daily itinerary to anyone who loves you. If there are ranger stations or hostels (around the AT), check in. I always check into the log books at AT shelters just so people know I made it that far. I also carry mace and a knife, just in case.

If I run into anyone, I never let them know I'm out alone. If they ask I'll say I have a few friends that are either a little behind me or ahead, or meeting up with me at our checkpoint from another entrance.

If you get cell service, I always text my dad/mom and where I am about on my map.

I may be a tad more paranoid too, b/c I'm a girl.

10/18/2011 4:08:51 PM

i wouldn't recommend going solo, but that's because i prefer safe over sorry...obviously there are things you can do to keep yourself safer, but preplanning like a mofo and making calls at scheduled times is a good idea (assuming you have cell service where you are, of course...otherwise you're gonna freak out some folks)

don't get me wrong, though, i love backpacking alone (well, i've almost always taken my dog)...it's nice

10/18/2011 4:22:14 PM

If you do it a lot get a pay per use satellite phone.

But seriously why backpack solo? I see the appeal but I'd rather share the experience with other people. It's so much fun and I always want to take as many people as I can.

10/18/2011 4:51:43 PM

I was a bit afraid to go out by myself, but I only have a couple of friends that are serious enough to backpack with me, and most of the time I want to go on a whim. Now I just make sure I pre-plan, let multiple people know where I'm going and exactly what route I'm taking, and don't go anywhere too secluded when I go alone. Though, I much prefer having at least one other person with me to enjoy it with.

Now, I thought I was pretty badass by doing 15mi through Pisgah, but some of you make that look like a walk through Central Park I guess I need to get out to the AT for a few days.

10/18/2011 6:05:31 PM

I agree with what everyone says with regards to going solo and being safe. It's a risk, but if that's what you want for your experience, then by all means, go for it.

10/18/2011 6:57:17 PM

Just picked up a bottle of Macallan Cask Strength 120 proof for this weekend.

10/18/2011 9:05:53 PM

When I solo, I stick to the AT.

The longest I've been on my own is 10 days from Roan Mountain area to Damascus (roughly 120 miles with all the spur trails and side trails I took for fun).

Admittedly it did get a little lonely at times, but I ran into people so much and chatted with through/section hikers, I never felt too secluded.

10/19/2011 9:24:20 AM

^^Man with a plan right there.

^I heart Roan mountain...lost a wallet up there though

10/19/2011 12:04:52 PM

Just posted on my blog about my hikes in Glacier National Park - http://mikeallover.com/102/















[Edited on October 20, 2011 at 1:48 PM. Reason : ]

10/20/2011 1:47:54 PM

i haven't been to many national parks, but glacier is right up there at the top...loved that place

avalanche lake (the first pic) was gorgeous...i wanted to set up a cabin right next to the water and live there

10/20/2011 2:14:06 PM

Packed for tomorrow. New favorite backpacking food: lots of naan bread and deli salami.

10/21/2011 12:07:45 AM

Just went on a nice camping trip with the new Cub Scout pack that we joined when we moved to Carrboro. Went out to Jordan Lake. Decided after that we definitely need some camping gear for Christmas. Here is the list of things I think we need. Any suggestions or recommendations are greatly appreciated.

Family camping tent: I am looking at something like the Coleman Weathermaster or Red Canyon. I will not be using this for backpacking, so weight is a moot point. We have a small tent now that will just barely fit the 4 of us, and as our boys keep growing we will quickly run out of room in our current tent.

Cot: Any recommendations for a good collapsing, foldable cot? Space is a premium on this, as I used a cot that only folded in half and did not have room to haul it on our last big trip. One of the dads had one that folded down to the size of a camping chair that I could easily have fit in our car, so size and comfort are the two biggest things for us.

Sleeping bag: My parents have some, but I don't have any adult sized sleeping bags of my own.

Air Mattress: Do any of ya'll use these instead of a cot/sleeping bag combo? Could be an option for us as well.

We are going by REI this afternoon as I have never been there and want to check out some of these in person before I put them on the Christmas list. Again, all suggestions welcome. Thanks!

10/25/2011 2:40:20 PM

i would opt for the sleeping mat instead of cot option. much easier to pack. thermarest, rei, & big agnes all make good sleeping mats. if weight isn't a worry, just buy the thickest one you want i guess.

10/25/2011 2:53:36 PM

I second the sleeping pad/sleeping bag combo idea over the cot. If you are just camping and not hiking terribly far you can even get away with an air mattress probably.

10/25/2011 3:00:33 PM

^Yea my family will be years before we can do the backpack camping thing. I am more interested in setting up a base camp near the parking lot and facilities and then hiking for the day.

Down the road though when my boys are in Boy Scouts, I will be much more interested in backpack camping.

10/25/2011 3:16:32 PM

^my dad was the "cot king" growing up, car camping was just his style. He did take us backpacking later in life; I preferred backpacking and am thankful he was the one that introduced me but you could always tell he preferred car camping lol. Regardless, I remember having a blast camping either way and I'm sure it will be the same for your scouts.


As far as big "car camping" mega-tents I'm pretty sure that one of the big coleman or similar tents will be good enough. If the ones at REI are competitive in price I would probably spend a little more on those, maybe like $30-50 more? The fact is I have spent some nights in some pretty heavy rainfall in a big coleman tent and it did just fine. Where you choose to set the tent up and how well you put it up are gonna play a big role on how dry it keeps you.


4 things I would take a close look at with big tents:

-how big the zippers are on the entry. Bigger zippers cost more but they are gonna hold up way better. If you have ever had a zipper fuck up you know how annoying it is. Since weight isn't a concern, and you are going to have kids racing in and out of the tent then go for the bigger zipper. I think most come in "YPP" sizes with the larger the number indicating a larger zipper(ex. YPP 10 is huge). It might not be easy info to come by so it may be worth it to see if the store has one already set up and test it zipping back and forth really quickly.

-Ease of set up. Some of those huge tents can be a little more involved in setting up and it can be hard to keep all of your helpers focused. Look for quick set ups, they usually have less poles and the tent fabric snaps to the poles in some manner (rather than sliding the pole through tent fabric like a lot of old school tents). This probably isn't too big of a concern since I think most tents these days have the snaps.

-A vestibule or "porch" or something similar. These can be worth their weight in gold on rainy days where you need to take your shoes and socks off before coming in the tent or may need to cook or keep the cooler under. Not necessarily a deal breaker if a tent doesn't have one (you can easily rig your own) but something to consider.

-taped seams. I haven't bought a tent in a while so I'm not sure how many come with taped seams. I said earlier that tent location and how well you set it up are the difference makers on keeping you dry, but the next thing might be taped seams on the tent. You can waterproof/tape the seams yourself and it will probably save you some cash, but if you don't want that hassle then at least take a look if taped seams are a feature.


as far as cot vs inflatable mattress I think that is personal preference. Unless you are a tall or big dude I'm sure a run of the mill cot or air mattress would be good enough.

Sleeping bags are so much trouble, haha, there are a lot of factors that you have to take into account. I'm assuming that as cub scouts you will only have two or three October/November or March/April trips a year. SLeeping bags can be really iffy and depend on how warm you sleep and what you plan on camping in. It can be so personal IMO that you have to spend a few nights at various temperatures before you can decide what bag is right for you at what temp. If you don't plan on camping much below freezing and weight isn't a huge issue then I would consider just grabbing a decently priced 30-20 degree mummy bag that fits you. I would actually think about going for a slightly cheaper, higher temperature bag (atleast for now). For instance, I have a 0 degree, synthetic, Peak One bag from when I was a boy scout (barely still fits me) that I still use in the cold weather (I usually only break it out when I KNOW it is going to be below freezing, but I sleep cold). The fact is, it was overkill for 70% of all the camping we did in scouts. It weighs a crap ton, definitely isn't warm to 0 degrees (atleast not anymore, still warmer than my slightly newer 30 degree bag though), and was probably pretty cheap when I bought it. I am planning on getting a replacement (probably lighter and down) in the near future, but I have gotten years of use out of it. The flip side of that coin is that a really nice bag can last you almost your entire life (and probably hand it down) as long as you take good care of it. The nuance comes in that you should consider bringing a lot of cloths to wear to bed (long johns, hat, and thick socks) on the really cold nights, that way you can really modulate your temperature until you find something comfortable, This is often frustrating but definitely necessary. For that reason I would consider spending a little less on the sleeping bag but also buying a pair of (not cotton) long johns and some good socks.


I hope thats a little coherent. You deserve a pat on the back for getting you kids out in the woods, best of luck!

10/25/2011 4:51:14 PM

just remember if you buy it from rei & aren't happy with it, they'll give you all your money back, no questions asked. join the co-op while you're there.

for car camping, we have a big agnes big house 6 with vestibule. http://www.rei.com/product/748026/big-agnes-big-house-6-tent & http://www.rei.com/product/756713/big-agnes-big-house-6-vestibule

we started with a large coleman tent from target, that while it worked fine, it as wayyyyy more difficult to set up & one of the poles broke the 2nd time we used it. fiberglass poles ftl

[Edited on October 25, 2011 at 5:01 PM. Reason : ]

10/25/2011 4:59:29 PM