spencer rifle
Grandmaster
Just got back from a 42 mile backpacking trip along Lake Superior, testing out our legs, backs and stuff. Some things learned:
1. Still brought too much stuff, though packs were lighter than our last trip. Didn't use several articles, which, by our usual backpacking rule, I should have had to eat - "Eat anything you bring and don't use." Some of those - milsurp solid fuel stove, compass, ESEE-5.
2. Frequent bathing is overrated.
3. Made more use of some things than I expected. Since axes/hatchets were not allowed in the park, I brought an old Sven folding saw. Used that rather frequently to cut up driftwood and larger branches. Used the Solo Stove a lot, saving the MSR and fuel for a rainy day (which never happened). Used the MSR for the last few meals so I wouldn't have to eat it.
4. The terrain was much more hospitable than our last trip - no 1800' climbs. Love all the smells of the north woods.
5. Most of us brought too many changes of clothes.
6. Don't trust an inflatable pool raft to sleep on, no matter how much you tested it beforehand.
7. Lake Superior is quite cold, but the streams flowing into it are relatively warm.
8. There is some fantastic scenery at Pictured Rocks.
9. Hiking 7 miles between camps and enjoying the sights and sensations is much better than 14 miles and flopping exhausted on the ground at dark.
10. The Leatherman Wave once again proved its usefulness in a variety of situations.
11. Zip-offs are great for changing conditions and minimizing wardrobe carried.
1. Still brought too much stuff, though packs were lighter than our last trip. Didn't use several articles, which, by our usual backpacking rule, I should have had to eat - "Eat anything you bring and don't use." Some of those - milsurp solid fuel stove, compass, ESEE-5.
2. Frequent bathing is overrated.
3. Made more use of some things than I expected. Since axes/hatchets were not allowed in the park, I brought an old Sven folding saw. Used that rather frequently to cut up driftwood and larger branches. Used the Solo Stove a lot, saving the MSR and fuel for a rainy day (which never happened). Used the MSR for the last few meals so I wouldn't have to eat it.
4. The terrain was much more hospitable than our last trip - no 1800' climbs. Love all the smells of the north woods.
5. Most of us brought too many changes of clothes.
6. Don't trust an inflatable pool raft to sleep on, no matter how much you tested it beforehand.
7. Lake Superior is quite cold, but the streams flowing into it are relatively warm.
8. There is some fantastic scenery at Pictured Rocks.
9. Hiking 7 miles between camps and enjoying the sights and sensations is much better than 14 miles and flopping exhausted on the ground at dark.
10. The Leatherman Wave once again proved its usefulness in a variety of situations.
11. Zip-offs are great for changing conditions and minimizing wardrobe carried.
