For the past five years, I’ve used Mystery Ranch for my day and backpacking packs. I have the now-discontinued Sweet Pea (33 liters/ 2,500 cubic inches) and Glacier (71 liters/ 4,300 ci). They fit my torso well and have been durable.
Initially, I was concerned about zipper strength in the Tri-Zip style pack and about Velcro durability in the Future Yoke (both packs; the harness is adjustable and held between layers in the pack’s back by a sewn-on sheet of heavy-duty Velcro.), Both worries were moot - the zippers have held well and, once I fitted the harnesses to the packs, I’ve not had to move them, and the Velcro hasn’t budged.
That stands to reason. Some companies are starting to make torso rigs for emergency gear and CCWs, but I’m hesitant to spend $150 for a little chest pouch. Hopefully chest rigs become more mainstream and the cost decreases.
On that point, I’ve never heard of the company that made your pack. I’m going to read about them.
Which brand and model are your snow boots? Every winter, I mean to start snowshoeing; this could be the year.
Learning about, buying, and using outdoor gear can be addicting! I enjoy sniffing out absurd deals which, unfortunately, seem fewer and farther between. Is a particular type of gear most interesting to you? I thoroughly enjoy reading about packs, boots, and coats.
Most excellent! @wanna_be got me fired up about hiking and the wilderness. The enthusiasm is contagious!
On that point, us in the Northern Hemisphere are moving into my favorite outdoor seasons of fall and winter. Hopefully there’ll more treks and pics soon!!
Good question! 14ers.com is dedicated to hiking 13,000- and 14,000-foot-peaks in Colorado. I used to have an account on backpacker.com’s forums, but I’ve not visited it in nearly two decades
(Mods, let me know if typing other websites isn’t allowed.)
Bear in mind that I’m hiking eastern mountains in the winter. I’ve hiked a number of other places in the US and Canada, but I wouldn’t do that in the winter. But for snowshoeing or hiking at my preferred 10 degrees or above (on a still day) on relatively kind terrain, they’re terrific. As for model, I’m not sure and also they’re womens. I love my snowshoes as well, in part because I’m in and out of mine more quickly than my husband, who has to mess with straps in a way I don’t. I don’t remember brand and they’re undoubtedly stored somewhere I don’t like to go (the filthy shed or deepest darkest basement). We’re planning to put some sort of floor covering on our back porch this year, because with the addition of the dog we’re snowshoeing paths through the yard for her, and I did some damage to the porch floor last year sitting to put them on. But that was a joyous thing:
The photo is deceptive - there’s probably 18" of packed snow under the trail we made. When she stepped off the path, she sank. She’s standing in front of a stone wall.
As for what I like, anything that’s light and easy to wear (like pockets for the blistex I always carry) and if warm, packs small. Speaking of bargains, I have two of the world’s ugliest turtlenecks. They’re Grinch green layering pieces, which I found on a sale rack at Eastern Mountain Sports. Bought one medium then went back and got the last one, a small. They’re just GOOD, though ugly. But it pains my feminine heart to be wearing them to the inevitable eating event that happens post-hike.
Thank you for the thoughtful, thorough reply. Knowing the terrain and conditions you wear the snow boots in is very helpful. My snowshoeing endeavors would/will largely be in the Sandia Mountains east of Albuquerque. Snowfall and winter temperatures vary greatly, but I’d place an average winter day around 25* F, night around 10* F, and anywhere from 12" to 60" of snow. And then there’s the ever-present wind…
Those are great snow trails you guys made for your doggo! I’m rather jealous of your snowfall and instant-access snowshoeing. My Nebraskan family assures me snow is nothing to envy, though
I believe your Nebraskan family is wrong! I’m up on the ridge and work in the valley, and there’s generally a significant difference in snowfall (though rarely they get it and we don’t). I feel sorry for them! Unless there’s some specific reason not to have mountains of snow, I want it. Until April or so. Then I don’t want it.
I’ve skied Red River and Angel Fire and mucked around in the area generally (Taos, Santa Fe), but never hiked there. I’m sure it’s terrific.
That Dakine is the pack I’ve been through the most with. I’m not sure the size, but it’s similar to my fiancee’s Osprey 26 over on the left. She’s got ~15L Gregory stashed under that. My Osprey 50 hasn’t gotten as much multi-day use as a hiking pack as it has a gear hauler for climbing days. I’ve also used it for a Euro-trip succesfully. Middle row is just a couple random packs from work, and under my Dakine is a 14L Osprey for my light days.
The vast majority of my hiking has been done in New England. I’m being a little lazy tonight. I allowed life to get in the way of me spending time in the woods the past few years, and I was able to change that course this year. Felt so good to be reconnected with something I’d identify myself with. Some highlights from the year:
I’ve been fortunate enough to do some hiking in Colorado and southern California, but I really need to spend some time exploring more of the west side of the country before it all burns down. I got to put some miles on my boots in Ecuador a few years back too which is a trip I’ll never forget. Those photos are a bit too buried for me to dig them up tonight.
I love climbing, but it’s another passion that I’ve allowed to slip a bit lately. My avatar is a photo of me at the crag. A handful of factors played a role in my being away from it for so long, but my closest climbing friend and I have been putting together a game plan to get back on the horse. Better days are ahead here.
I got back from a whitewater rafting trip this weekend, and I really dig that. I want to go do a wild river sometime. I expressed to the guide that I want to be terrified for the duration and physically exhausted from the paddling. That’s my type of adventure for some reason. Doing it in a kayak doesn’t appeal to me as much. But kayaking calmer waters is super enjoyable for me. I’d be totally down for a multi-day boat trip in the yak.
Had a brief stint with mountain biking, and it’s still in my garage waiting for me to fix it up. Most of what I did was single track and technical trail stuff, more so than downhill which looks bonkers.
Also been eyeing the hunting lifestyle lately. A lot of parallels between year-round hunting practices and my general outdoor hobbies, and I’ve been trying to move more towards ethically sourced animal products. I’ve got half a cow and half a pig coming later this year and get all my eggs from a guy down the road with a coop. Would be cool to add meat I harvest myself to that and cut down even further on store purchases.
Haha the few downhill sessions I ever did were a blast. Honestly though, at this point, I can’t see myself getting into it. I have too many hobbies already for how much time I have, and the physical/financial costs just don’t make sense for me. Pretty much the same reason I gave up snowboarding. If I do go it’s because I hiked up somewhere I can ride out these days.
Because this thread somehow caused me to get hiking boot ads in Facebook, I bought these (low tops). They’re supposed to be 30% easier to hike in, “the e-bike of shoes.” I didn’t realize that Keens are known for wide toe boxes, which explains my love of mine and my dislike of the Salomon and…the other pair, whatever they are. Oboz, I think. Anyway, Keens have wide toe boxes, for those of you shopping for shoes. I tried the new ones on last night, and they’re perfect right out of the box. I didn’t notice a 30% difference walking around the kitchen, but will report back.
Yep! Keen and Merrell are known for wide toe boxes. In fact, I’m going to need some new boots in the not-too-distant future and will be looking for a pair that’ll accommodate my apparently extra-wide foot (my Lowa Renegade IIs are wide and still crunch my pinkie toes.)
Congrats on your purchase! Definitely report back when you’ve tested your new boots beyond the kitchen’s environs.
I’ve bought plane tickets and started the planning process for going to New Hampshire to hike the Franconia Loop Trail in early January.
First time hiking in what is being described as fucking stupid weather conditions. I’ll be using snow shoes, micro spikes, and crampons all for the first time. The more I read and learn the more excited and worried I get . We will have a back up plan hike should we arrive and the weather is just too bad.
I’ll also be snow boarding at cannon mountain ski resort while there! Which will be a first as well.
I’m a little nervous about what could potentially be a deadly hike in conditions I’ve never experienced before. I won’t be alone, and although the person going is a far more experienced hiker, neither of us have dealt with these possible conditions before.
Minus the obvious layering and clothing needed, any words of wisdom?
Dude that’s awesome! That’s one of my favorite hikes, it’s pretty incredible. I’ve only done it in the summer, but I’ve had some friends do it in the winter and it looks even better.
In terms of things to keep in mind: water will be a bit tricky. Since it’ll be cold you won’t feel as thirsty, but you definitely need to stay hydrated as the wind will dry you right out. You also need to keep your water from freezing. Try to keep your bladder close to your body so it doesn’t freeze, and clear your hose often. The mouthpiece and hose will freeze first and if either cracks you’re screwed. An insulated bottle isn’t the worst idea to make sure you have some handy in an emergency situation.
Sunscreen for your face and lip balm will go a long way.
If you have a Garmin GPS unit that’d be a smart play in the event you need rescue.
Most importantly, don’t be afraid to bail if you need to. It’s a tough pill to swallow, especially if you fly in, but better to live to hike another day than take your chances with the weather. It can get gnarly quickly up there.
If you need a backup plan, the Kinsman’s are on the other side of the highway from Franconia ridge. They’re a bit smaller but would still be subject to rough weather. There are some nice spots and trails beneath the ridge line that are worth a hike themselves though. They actually connect via ridge trail to the summit of Cannon (my old favorite riding mountain, enjoy!) too which is neat.
Hit me up with any questions about the area if you have any!
Thanks for the reply man! I noticed my last hike when it was pretty cold I didn’t drink enough. Lesson was definitely learned and I will most definitely be better about monitoring my water intake.
I plan to buy a camel back insulation tube/pouch but I always carry an additional 1-2l of water on legit hikes in case I puncture my bladder I’m not screwed.
Most definitely sun screen and chap stick!!! I will also have a baclava and ski Goggles for when we get above tree line if needed.
I don’t have any sort of device unfortunately. I do have Alltrails pro with a couple maps already downloaded . I’ve done some reading and watching on bearing navigation but haven’t practiced it and don’t know how useful it would be up here with the potential limited visibility.
We are indeed making back up plans for hikes that aren’t so gnarly should the weather kick us off the mountain. I feel pretty confident in my desire to tackle this beast and hope it looks like a mini Everest but I’m clueless and also don’t want to die.
