Hungry Jack
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Post by Hungry Jack on Apr 20, 2017 13:03:25 GMT -8
I'd prolly go with a 20 degree bag, if it were me. I'd have a hat, gloves, longjohns, and a fleece hoody for sleeping as backup.
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Post by Lamebeaver on Apr 20, 2017 13:07:39 GMT -8
It's really tough to predict the weather. May is not too late for a spring snow that could drop several feet in the high country. Traditionally, Memorial Day has crappy weather. Since you'll be our here for most of the month, you are bound to get some rain or snow sometime. Check the forecast before you head out and keep an eye on the weather.
Temps may vary from the 20s to 40s at night. It cools down quickly once the sun goes down. YMMV on the bag, there's not much consistency between bag makers on temperature rating, and lot also has to do with your metabolism, etc.
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Hungry Jack
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Post by Hungry Jack on Apr 20, 2017 13:14:03 GMT -8
Bailey CO is a nearby town to Lost Creek for which you can get a NWS forecast. Elevation is 7700 ft, which is close enough to the TH elevations. Bison and McCurdy peaks exceed 12,000 feet.
Kenosha Pass is also nearby, a bit higher, and should have a local forecast.
Seasonal averages for Bailey in late May are 65/35, which is ideal for packing, IMO. Prolly 10 degrees cooler in the LCW high country, on average. You could get snow. You could get 70 and sun in late May.
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Post by dirtytrails on Apr 22, 2017 8:36:55 GMT -8
First and foremost, thank you all for the help/advice/tips. I really appreciate it! Thanks.
Okay, I'll admit it. I don't know as much about extended hiking/camping as I thought.
I went to REI to get a sleeping bag. I had to walk through the backpacks to get the sleeping bags. That's where it all went downhill.
Everything I was going to take is pretty much outdated and really meant for campsites. My tent was, is an old Coleman that sleeps four with aluminum poles. I was planning on carrying that. I know.... I know....
I decided to try on a backpack and get fitted to see what one felt like. I picked one that could hold 68 liters worth of goods. The employee put 30/35 pounds in it. Can someone please tell me what the possible, average weight would be for a pack filled for three nights, four days? Is that size backpack overkill?
Also at REI, I was introduced to the hammock. I really like that idea. A lot! I've looked at websites and read reviews on a lot of them. Too cold in Colorado for that in May/June? Even after all the ropes, tarp, and other gear to hang a hammock, is there really that much weight difference than some of the higher end one person tents?
I have so many questions now. Sorry for bugging. I'm just trying to learn as much as possible. Thanks for your time.
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Hungry Jack
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Post by Hungry Jack on Apr 22, 2017 8:49:13 GMT -8
A 68 liter pack is a big pack--something I would use for a week. For 3-4 nights on cooler weather my pack weight is around 30-35 pounds, depending on how much food I pack.
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Post by dirtytrails on Apr 22, 2017 8:54:42 GMT -8
A 68 liter pack is a big pack--something I would use for a week. For 3-4 nights on cooler weather my pack weight is around 30-35 pounds, depending on how much food I pack. Cool. Thanks Hungry Jack! Back to REI....
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Deborah
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Post by Deborah on Apr 22, 2017 9:43:43 GMT -8
Too cold in Colorado for that in May/June? That is up to your own temp preferences as well as the quality of your sleeping bag. But, the bigger thing to consider is the availability of healthy trees to tie to. Between fires and beetle kill you have to be very careful where you pitch a tent or put a hammock.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Apr 22, 2017 10:00:03 GMT -8
I decided to try on a backpack and get fitted to see what one felt like. I picked one that could hold 68 liters worth of goods. The employee put 30/35 pounds in it. Can someone please tell me what the possible, average weight would be for a pack filled for three nights, four days? Is that size backpack overkill? I think 68L is a pretty reasonable size for a backpack, particularly if you also want to backpack back in Texas at times, which often requires carrying most of your own water.
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Hungry Jack
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Post by Hungry Jack on Apr 22, 2017 14:10:48 GMT -8
Your bag is the key to sleeping warm. A tent will keep you dry and out of the wind (also important).
There is a hammock thread here that is very informative. Check it out.
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trinity
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Post by trinity on Apr 22, 2017 14:26:09 GMT -8
I think 68 liters sounds reasonable, given that you are transitioning from car camping and may be carrying some bulky gear, and that you may encounter some chilly temps that time of year. My hammock setup is a little bit heavier than my tent, but not by much, and it is very compact. But your issue with a hammock is going to be insulation underneath. Hammocks are great, but there is a learning curve involved, personally I think you'd be better off sticking with a tent this trip. Also, I think REI mainly carries ENO hammocks, which are decent entry-level hammocks, but you'd be much better off looking into some of the cottage gear manufacturers. Perhaps your best bet would be just to rent most of your gear from REI for this trip?
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rebeccad
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Post by rebeccad on Apr 23, 2017 21:12:50 GMT -8
I'll chime in about the pack and gear: I use a 60L pack, and have carried all my own stuff (including shelter) for 7 days in it. So it's doable. 65L gives you some slack, and more room for things like a bear can (required in many places, and not a bad idea in many more). Crazy though it sounds, I'd either rent a tent or just make do with the one you have, assuming it doesn't weigh 12 lbs or something. You'll want to upgrade, but get a feel for things first, and make sure you spend your money up front on a good pack and a good sleeping bag. Heck, I carried a 3-man tent (solo) when I first started backpacking. It was from Sears, and wasn't as heavy as you'd think, but probably 6 or 8 lbs (that wasn't as heavy back then as it is now).
I just got a 20-deg quilt this winter, and haven't yet really started using it, but for years I've been using a 32-deg bag, mostly in summer, but sometimes on nights as cold at high teens. That requires putting on more of my clothes, but it can be done. As you might guess from my new purchase, I think 20 deg is a better compromise for handling most conditions I'll encounter (I don't do real winter camping). The quilt makes it more workable at warmer temps (see thread on quilts).
Think through the warm clothes you'll have, for hiking, camp, and sleeping, and how they can be layered up (and what might serve multiple purposes there). If I'm thinking about hedging my bets, I throw in an extra thermal shirt, often one with a hood. Those are nice for sleeping.
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Post by dirtytrails on Apr 27, 2017 12:48:51 GMT -8
Sorry for being slow to communicate.
I’m really busy getting my stuff together for a month long visit away from home.
Thank you all for the information that you all have provided.
I didn’t know you could rent a tent. Thanks for that information. I just might do that.
I’m going to be staying in Broomfield, Co instead of Lakewood, Co. Does anybody know if that area is nice or not? Thanks!
I’m also going to have more free time than I thought. I’m excited. I almost want to leave now and camp until hotel check-in time.
I’ll be back soon with updates. Thanks again for the advice, tips, and general information.
Happy Hiking!
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Post by dirtytrails on Apr 28, 2017 6:17:00 GMT -8
Good morning. I hope all is well with everyone.
I've been watching the weather reports for Bailey and Broomfield, CO. It's pretty cold at night. Below freezing in Bailey.
I am still looking for a sleeping bag that will keep me alive during the night in the Lost Creek Wilderness. Any recommendations for a non-mummy type sleeping bag? I'm not sure I'd be comfortable like that. If that's the best and only option, I'll make it work. I'm 6' 1". 165lbs. if that helps. Should I still look at 20 rated or lower?
I just received my first Amazon package. This is awesome! This is so much fun.
Two days and wake up!
Thank you. I apologize for bugging you people.
Have a good day!
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trinity
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Post by trinity on Apr 28, 2017 8:01:53 GMT -8
Without knowing the rest of your kit, whether you sleep hot or cold, etc, it is difficult to recommend the best temp rating for this trip, but I think every backpacker needs a decent 20 degree bag, so that's probably what I'd go with. Since you're running low on time, and I gather you have an REI nearby, just go to the REI, get their advice, and buy the best 20ish degree bag you can afford from them. Get down, if at all possible. The North Face Blue Kazoo and the Marmot Sawtooth are both decent entry level options. Have you tried out any mummy bags? They're not really all that restrictive, if that's what you're worried about. In the future, if you really don't like mummy bags, you could look into quilts. I take it you also have a decent pad? You'll need a fair amount of insulation between yourself and the ground. BTW, where in Texas do you live?
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Post by dirtytrails on Apr 28, 2017 9:39:11 GMT -8
Without knowing the rest of your kit, whether you sleep hot or cold, etc, it is difficult to recommend the best temp rating for this trip, but I think every backpacker needs a decent 20 degree bag, so that's probably what I'd go with. Since you're running low on time, and I gather you have an REI nearby, just go to the REI, get their advice, and buy the best 20ish degree bag you can afford from them. Get down, if at all possible. The North Face Blue Kazoo and the Marmot Sawtooth are both decent entry level options. Have you tried out any mummy bags? They're not really all that restrictive, if that's what you're worried about. In the future, if you really don't like mummy bags, you could look into quilts. I take it you also have a decent pad? You'll need a fair amount of insulation between yourself and the ground. BTW, where in Texas do you live? Thank you trinity! I have decided on the Marmot Limelight 2 Person Tent. After looking at the length of several others, it's the longest at 88". I have the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol Mattress on the list of must haves along with thermals. Top, bottom and a pair of wool socks and boxers. If there is a better option than the Therm-a-Rest, I'm open to all options. I haven't tried a mummy bag. They just look really restrictive in pictures. I'm more of a side sleeper as well. I tend to sleep hot. I sleep better when it's cold. I will go back to REI again to get their opinion too. I'm in Houston. Thank you again! I appreciate it!
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