LifeStraw

Have you guys ever herd of LifeStraw? Looks interesting but I don't know if I would like something like that for backpacking.

http://www.vestergaard-frandsen.com/lifestraw

New Pot

I just made a new Cooking Pot out of a metal water bottle. It's light and thin (aka cheap) and actually works better than my Monster Pot. Looking forward to trying it out on the next trip.

Badlands Trip

This looks like it might be a pretty sweet trip.  It's a 22 mile trip through the Sage Creek Unit.




Check it out here: http://bp2.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip.aspx?tripId=490492

TEAM Meeting

The next expedition I rapidly approaching. We're going to meet on Sunday November 13 to plan out some of the details. Any recommendations on a location that would work for everyone. Maybe Jim can make us a map again?

Until then take a look at where you'd like to go. I've got some maps and I'll do some research on the area too.

We also need to finalize the dates. The plan now is to leave Wed afternoon and come back Sunday or Monday.

University of Scouting

Thanks to everyone that came out for the UOS presentation today. We had a lot of fun presenting the course.

I'll add some of the course materials to the site as well as some packing information. Feel free to browse through our older posts.

Thanks again, Dave

Cirque Of Towers

Aug 4 - 9 ...

Cirque of Towers in the Wind River Mountains of Western Wyoming ...

Get you pack and lets go ...

Any takers?

Improved Gear List

I've done some work with my gear to get the weight down some. Here's what I have so far.

Pack - Gregory Z55 54oz (3lb 6oz)

Sleep System (4lb 7oz)

Bag - REI Sub Kilo +20 31oz (1lb 15oz)

Pad - Therma-Rest Prolite XS 8oz

Bivy - NEMO Gogo LE 38oz (2lb 6oz)

Cook Set (4.9oz)

Stove - Alcohol Stove 1.4oz

Pot - Monster Pot 1.1oz

Spork - Sea to Summit Spork 0.3oz

Case - Neoprene Sleeve 1.3oz

Lighter - Bic Lighter 0.8oz

General Items

Water Purifier - Adventure SteriPen 4.5oz

First Aid Kit 4.5oz

Head Lamp - Black Diamond Ion 1oz

Compass 0.8oz

Water Bottle - Nalgene 1L soft side 3.8oz

Platypus 3L 3.7oz

String 2.6oz

TP 0.5oz

Shovel 3oz

Spot Receiver 4.2oz

Bear Spray 11.2oz

Bear Container - BV450/500 40oz (2lb 8oz)

Total: 215.7oz (13lb 8oz)

Question on Fuel

I'm attempting to build my own alcohol stove and pot but I was wondering about fuel. How much fuel do you guys use to boil a cup of water?

GoLite Sale

GoLite set up a 30 day location in Fort Collins where they are selling off excess and last years model of stuff at reduced prices. If you are really looking for something from GoLite I can pick it up and you can pay me back.

http://www.golite.com/main/home.aspx

Good luck to Chad & Ryan as they head up to the BWCAW for the 5th annual T42 winter BWCAW expedition!

Wyoming

Jimstrom and I are in the very early stages of planning a backpacking trip in Wyoming over 4th of July.  Nothing for sure yet, but my initial thought is to fly into Denver on 7/1 and then back into Minneapolis on 7/10.  Jim's already got a thought on where to go.

If anyone is interested in joining us, let us know!

Super Ultralight Backpacking

Here's a summary of the stories from 2008 highlighting my transformation from traditional (ie, HEAVY) backpacking to ultralight.

1st attempt
Sleep System
Shelter
Updated Sleep System
Celebration

Improvements in 2009
What's In My Pack
What's Not In My Pack
Essentials Bag

From 2010
Evolution of a Cook Set

If you were going to check out just one of those posts, I'd recommend the 1st one, as my starting point was really where most novice backpackers find themselves.  Each post after that documents my attempt to get my base weight* down to 12 pounds.  The Cook Set one is really good too.

*Base weight refers to the weight of items carried minus consumables such as food, water and fuel, since those items vary based on conditions and duration of the trip.  The base weight stays the same regardless of how many days you are out.  For example I bring the same number of extra t-shirts for a two day trip as I would for a two week trip (zero).

Base weight varies by season, this example is for a summer backpacking trip and items listed are exactly what I am going to have on me for both my four day backpacking trip at Haleakala National Park (HI) and my four day backpacking trip at Volcano National Park (HI).  The high low temperature at Haleakala is 42/59 Fahrenheit and 50/67 Fahrenheit at Volcano National Park.

My goal is now 7.0 pounds.

SLEEP SYSTEM 31.41 oz (1.96 lbs)

• Western Mountaineering SummerLite Sleeping Bag 19.31 oz
• Thermarest Z-Lite 10.00 oz
• Outdoor Research Waterproof Sack for sleeping bag 2.10 oz

SHELTER 26.50 oz (1.66 lbs)

• Big Agnes Fly Creek UL2 Tent & Rain fly (SB will be carrying poles and stakes at 12.9 oz) 26.50 oz

BACKPACK 24.10 oz (1.51 lbs)

• Ultralight Adventure Equipment Ohm Backpack 24.10 oz

SPARE CLOTHING 18.31 oz (1.14 lbs)

• DriDucks Rain Gear (shirt & pants) 9.70 oz
• Patagonia Down Shirt 5.61 oz
• ExFficio Boxer Briefs 2.80 oz
• Sea to Summit Small Stuff Sack 0.80 oz
• WrightSock (2 pairs) 0.20 oz

HYDRATION 6.30 oz (.39 lbs)

• 3 liter Platypus Reservoir 3.50 oz
• Aquamira Water Treatment Drops 2.00 oz
• 1/2 liter Platypus Water Bottle 0.80 oz

COOK SYSTEM 5.60 oz (.35 lbs)

• Heine Pot 1.90 oz
• Lighter 0.80 oz
• Wind Guard (tin foil) 0.70 oz
• Pot Lid/Measuring Cup 0.60 oz
• Travel Size Listerine Bottle (for fuel) 0.60 oz
• REI folding titanium spork 0.50 oz
• Homemade alcohol stove 0.40 oz
• Clip (to help with cooking) 0.10 oz

THE REST 16.1 oz (1.01 lbs)

• Sea To Summit iPood Trowl 3.50 oz
• Sunscreen 2.50 oz
• First Aid Kit 2.30 oz
• Black Diamond Ion Headlamp 1.00 oz
• Sea to Summit Small Stuff Sack 0.80 oz
• Spare Camera Battery 0.80 oz
• Hand Sanitizer Bottle 0.70 oz
• N-rit towel 0.70 oz
• Whistle 0.50 oz
• Sea to Summit Pocket Body Wash 0.50 oz
• Ziplock Bags (3) 0.40 oz
• Aveda Lipsaver 0.40 oz
• Small Compass 0.20 oz
• Toothbrush 0.50 oz
• Matches 0.30 oz
• Spare Ion Battery 0.30 oz
• Floss & Sewing Needle 0.20 oz
• Weather proof matches 0.20 oz
• Backup Water Tablets (6) 0.10 oz
• Emergency Fire Starters 0.10 oz
• 50' Aircore Cord 0.10 oz

TOTAL PACK WEIGHT 128.32 (8.02 lbs)

Looks like I have about a pound to trim, but I can live with 128.32 ounces.

Just for fun, let's take a look at the items that I'll have that aren't in my pack.

HIKING CLOTHES 65.10 oz (4.07 lbs)

• Merrell Hiking Shoes 37.00 oz
• REI Zipoff Pants 13.3 oz
• Outdoor Research Gore-tex Hat 3.30 oz
• REI Wicking T-Shirt 6.7 oz
• Exfficio Boxer Briefs 2.80 oz
• Bandanna 1.00 oz
• Sunglasses 0.80 oz
• WrightSock 0.20 oz

BEING CARRIED 20.70 oz (1.29 lbs)

• Black Diamond Trekking Poles (with tape wrapped around them) 19.10 oz
• Tripod (incorporated with poles) 1.60 oz

ITEMS BEING CARRIED ON ME 12.80 oz (.80 lbs)

• Canon PowerShot SX210 IS 7.60 oz
• Leatherman Squirt Ps4 2.30 oz
• Osprey Camera Bag 1.60
• Stopwatch 1.30 oz

TOTAL WEIGHT NOT IN MY BACKPACK 98.60 oz (6.16 lbs)

EVERYTHING 226.92 oz (14.18 lbs)

Backpacking Continuum

Where do you fall on the continuum?  If all goes to plan I'll be joining the Super Ultralight Club sometime in the coming weeks.  Who's coming with me?

7 Pound Challenge

Update coming soon...

Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park '011!

Here's the details on the wilderness adventure Brenda and I will be taking on the Big Island in March.

After arriving on the Big Island, we'll head over to the small volcano community known as...Volcano.  We're going to spend a little time at a day spa before heading out in the afternoon to hike portions of the Crater Rim Trail.  It'll be a pretty leisurely hike, mainly to check out the volcano and to acclimate a little to the altitude to prepare us for what's coming next.  From there we'll make the short drive back to our resort in Volcano.

The next day is the day that I'm most excited about of our entire 15 day adventure.  We'll be getting up around 4am to drive out to the Mauna Loa Observatory.  We should arrive at the Observatory right around day break.  From there we'll start the six mile trip to the summit of the world's largest volcano!

You can read more about the summit hike on the Internets, but sufficed to say, it will be the most intense hiking experience I've ever been on.  I'll even need to pull the big bulky hiking boots out of retirement!

The whole trip there and back takes about nine hours and covers a distance of 12.6 miles.  The summit is at 13,676 feet, over 1,000 feet higher than the last mountain I summited.

After descending from our successful summit bid we'll drive back into Volcano for some drinks, a huge dinner and some much needed sleep.

The next morning we'll head to the southern end of the park for a two night, three day, much less intense coastal backpacking trip on the Hilina and Ka'aha trails.  Based on the pictures I've seen and descriptions I've read of Halape and Keauhou campsites, I have no doubt that they'll be the two most beautiful places I've ever put up my tent.

The week before this we'll be backpacking at Haleakala National Park in Maui.  I'll post the details of that expedition at a later time.

Website

Looks like I've got some updating to do on the website.  Are there any new cool features that you would like to see?

Also, looking to change up the bio page a bit.  I'm thinking maybe to get a little more in depth with each member, maybe a question and answer with everyone?  Any thoughts?

I'm going to make the trip history go away unless someone else wants to maintain it.  It's just too much for me to remember to update it it after someone goes on a trip and I'm not always sure when someone is out.  I think I'll replace it with just a list of places that we go expeditioning.

Feedback is always welcome.

BWCAW Winter Expedition 2011

Ryan and I have chosen a date for our annual BWCAW winter expedition. We will be leaving the evening of Thursday, Feb. 17, 2011. Hiking Friday, Feb. 18 - Monday, Feb. 21, then driving back home after the morning hike on Monday. Not sure where exactly we will end up, but the Ely area was mentioned.

Anyone interested?

SB the Super B

I would like to nominate SB the Super B for TEAM42 membership.

In addition to being my wife and and having a great set of knockers, she enjoys backpacking on the Superior Hiking Trail and at Isle Royale.  She'll be going on two backpacking trips in March in Hawaii.  She meets the requirements for consideration.

The first step is for questioning and review by the ELDERS.

Ultralight Backpack

The 1,500 mile car trip to/from the Turkey Day IV trailhead gave Chad, Bort and I plenty of time to reflect. While each of the reflections were beneficial, the one that made an immediate impact was when we talked about what we are going to do next to improve our gear.

Weight cutting was the hallmark of my 2009 backpacking improvement, and I followed it up in early 2010 with a reduction in cook set weight by creating my own stove and pot.

And now I sit at a 10 pound base weight for a summer expedition, below my initial goal of 12 pounds but unchanged since January and still above my 7 pound super ultralight goal.

The next thing for me to work on is my pack and so far I've narrowed it down to ultralight backpack brands Gossomer Gear and Ultralight Adventure Equipment. Anyone hear any reviews good or bad either way? Or is there another ultralight pack company I should look at?

Thanksgiving IV

4th Thanksgiving trip, 4th trail.  Not to bad!  Below find maps and a description of the proposed route.  It's going to be great!  I'll put up directions to the trailhead later.

BELL MOUNTAIN WILDERNESS, SOUTHERN TRACE, AND ENTIRE MIDDLE FORK

MILE MARKER:	DESCRIPTION:
0	Start at North Bell Trailhead. North Bell Trailhead. About 1.8 miles down a gravel road off Highway A. Lot is on right and is signed.
2.3	Continue straight past the Joes Creek turn-off toward the summit.
3.2	Open glades that look for miles to the west-- a great spot to catch a beautiful sunset.
3.4	Along the north ridge of the summit you'll find several informal paths that lead east to glades overlooking the St. Francis Mountains. Definitely a five-star view!
3.5	Stop for a second and take in the view from the top of Bell Mountain.
4.9	A stock pond can be found on the south side of the trail.
5.1	At the 'Y' in the trail, keep to the left.
6.2	Taum Sauk trail intersection. Take a right to continue to Highway A.
6.7	Occasional water. Dry much of the year.
6.8	There is a small trickle of water here for most of the year that feeds a diverse growth of flowers and grasses. A good resting spot with scenic views of the valley. Day 1 Camp/Thanksgiving Meal 6.8 miles
7.6	Nice valley view, especially a bit off-trail to the south
7.6	This low glade is found at a switchback on the trail. If you have some time you can explore to the south for excellent views of Ottery Creek valley.
8.2	Continue straight after crossing Highway A, heading west to Ottery Creek.
8.2	Located 200 feet south of main trail is Highway A TH and parking lot.
8.2	This crossing can be treacherous after a heavy rain. While water levels are only a few inches deep in the summer, you may have a shallow wade in other seasons.
8.7	Trail goes on/off gravel road. Watch for signs and consult your map. Right from trail onto gravel road. (TC13)
9.6	Trail goes on/off gravel road. Watch for signs and consult your map Right onto trail. This turn is frequently missed, so keep a watchful eye for signs. (TC12)
10.3	Gravel road in Peter Cave Hollow. The trail zags a bit as it crosses the road.
10.3	Peter Cave Hollow creek. Very reliable water.
11.2	The old topographic maps show two caves in this area. The maps are wrong, so don't waste your time hunting for caves here.
11.7	Trail goes on/off gravel road. Watch for signs and consult your map Left onto gravel road. (TC10)
12.1	Right onto trail. Keep a watch for signs to avoid bypassing turnoff. (TC9)
12.2	You may notice hundreds of uprooted trees along this section of trail, the result of wind and ice storms in 2006 and the derecho in May 2009.
13.1	Left at gravel road. Take gravel road about 200 yards. (TC8)
13.2	Trail goes on/off gravel road. Watch for signs and consult your map Right onto trail. Watch for signs. (TC7)
13.9	Panther Branch. Often has water
14.7	Highway 32 crossing. Watch for approaching vehicles.
17.2	As the trail levels out pass the switchbacks be alert for the Middle Fork junction sign. Make a left at the sign onto the Middle Fork section.
17.4	Big River crossing. Not so big, here! In the wetter seasons you'll spot a small spring seeping out of the banks. The plank bridge was washed down stream during the May 2009 derecho.
18.5	Highway 32 crossing. Paved. Big trucks and on a turn, so look both ways and listen before crossing.
19.9	Headwaters of the Middle Fork. This valley usually has water.
20.1	Cedars have claimed this old pioneer field. The headwaters of the Middle Fork of the Black River start their flow here.
20.9	Headwaters of the Middle Fork. Reliable water.
20.9	CR-72 crossing.
21.8	For a mile in either direction you'll wind through mixed pines and hardwoods as the trail makes its way through a narrow public land corridor. Day 2 Camp 15 miles
23.1	Logging road. Dirt
24.4	Wolfpen Hollow waterfall. About 12'. Quaint, peaceful and a great stop.
25.5	CR-73 crossing.
25.5	Brooks Creek
26.3	Highway 49 crossing. Short sight distance, so listen and watch for approaching vehicles.
27	The creek drops over a 2' fall into a lovely pool of water. The rock-bottom riffles flow pass a stand of whispering pines.
27.4	There is a cleared primative camp in the pines 100' off the trail. Look for a small path. This clearing and nearby bridges were Eagle Scout projects.
27.5	Just off this sharp turn you'll find a spring flowing from a small opening in moss-covered rocks.
27.5	Henderson Creek. Wooden bridge over creek.
28.3	FS-2367 crossing.
29.7	Cross the gravel road (CR-79), picking up the trail on the other side.
29.7	Stay to the left as the trail turns down an old field road.
29.8	Sharp turn off field path to Neals Creek to the south. This is an easy turn to miss if traveling to the south, so keep an eye out for signs and watch your map.
29.8	Neals Creek. Subject to flash flooding. Normally 6'-18' deep. Do not attempt to cross during high water-- take the gravel road bypass to the low-water bridge at CR-78 to get back on the trail.
30	Good view of large beaver dam. Past the dam is a large marshy area known as Barton Fen, home to the endangered Hines Emerald dragonfly.
30.7	Go straight across the gravel road.
30.7	County Road 78. Gravel
30.7	Crib wall along Neals Creek-- an AHS Volunteer Vacation project.
30.9	Make a right.
31.4	Switchbacks through a pleasant pine/hardwood forest
31.8	FS-2702 crossing. This area was part of a timber salvage and is fairly open.
32.6	Upper end of Gunstock Hollow with its rock-bottom creek and pines. This area has a mysterious feel to it.
33	Creek crossing. Just upstream is a 3' waterfall with a nearby spring.
34	Buick Mine Road
35	Little Creek. Just upstream is a great stopping point next to a short bluff and near a beaver dam. Day 3 Camp 13.2 miles
35.6	The trail passes above a rock-bottom creek with lovely riffles that empty into shallow pools.
36.1	Forest Service road 2369. Gravel
37.1	Strother Creek crossing. Can be a 'wet' crossing. Hikers may elect to walk across a downed sycamore. NOTE: this is an easement through Doe Run property and downstream of a lead tailings pond. You may want to avoid drinking the water here.
38.6	CR-836 crossing
39.2	County Road 835, also known as the Mack Ridge road. Gravel
40	When the leaves are off you have a nice view of the Brushy Creek valley.
40.5	End at Highway J. Parking is located down the gravel road marked by signs. Please do not block the gates to the field.Meet up Location and end of trip 5 miles