Preparing for JMT

I leave Friday for the JMT. Although I'm not at the Dave level I have made significant improvements in my gear and have gotten my base pack weight down to 15 pounds (would be lighter if it were a shorter trip). I also bought a pair of trekking poles (they were on sale) and tested them out last weekend in the Cloud Peak Wilderness in the Bighorn Mountains. I have to say, I like them.

FYI - I still have 2 open spots.

See you guys in a few weeks! JMT!

New Blog

I've started a new blog about health and wellness.  My posts are currently about my decision to give up meat, but I think it will eventually tie in more with backpacking as I figure out good, nutritional, meat free meals to eat on the trail.  Fee free to check it out!

Lightweight Cooking Pot

Because I care so much about Brenda, I am busy making her a pot and lid tonight for my birthday backpacking trip this weekend.

My Bio for the Site

Hey everyone, here is my bio for the blog:

A veteran backpacker and camper, Cory lives for the outdoors. When out on expeditions, he can easily be identified by his blue 1970's Jansport, and his hammock. When not on the trail, Cory enjoys graphic design and wine making.

Base pack weight - Probably around 12-17 lbs.

Favorite Trail - Superior Hiking Trail

Favorite Gear - Hammock

Future Expedition - Tramping across the country.

Chad's SHT Thruhike

Chad's SHT thruhike Twitter feed has been posted on the TEAM42 homepage. www.teamfortytwo.com

Superior Hiking Trail Thru Hike

I am taking off tomorrow morning for my trip. Weather looks good so far, should be a great hike! I have an average of about 17 miles a day to hike. With 2 weeks of food on my back my pack weighs in at a staggering 45 pounds, with 29 of that being food. Each day my pack will be getting a little less than 2 pounds lighter by my consumption of food and fuel (and TP). More details after the trip!

Check out my twitter page for my updates along the trail. If you don't already know my username, check out the event I created on Facebook with all the info.

Despite my best efforts, my base pack weight is still around 10 pounds. Almost 4 lbs of which is my pack itself. I know where I need to cut next.