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Archive for category Backpacking

Trial Lake Basin July 2011

Jul 18

Posted by OUTNBACKMAN in Backpacking, General Outdoor | No Comments

So with all the snow, all the mixed reviews, and everyone trying to decide where to go and what to do, I scouted the trial lake area this weekend.

I started out Friday, July 15th from the crystal lake trail head just off the mirror lake highway. My goal was notch pass but due to my excitement and hurry to get going missed the first trailhead and ended up going west towards smith and morehouse. I made it to “Island Lake” before turning around.  I can report that the trail is about 65% free of snow. The countryside is beautiful and there were a fair amount of hikers in the area.

After heading up the correct trail I soon past “Wall Lake” stopped for lunch and snapped some pictures. The trail this far was snow free and easy to navigate. After crossing the bridge though the trail played hide and seek with me and I did some bush wacking to get to the notch. 50% of the trail was clear but there are some pretty big drifts of snow hanging around and some pretty soggy bogs. Towards the top of the pass you will feel like a mountaineer trudging up the slope to the top. Well worth the trip as the views are inspiring. Getting down the north side of the pass was a cross between a slippy slide and sledding. I had a good time with it but my butt and clothes were cold and wet. I finally found a trail and meandered down to “Ibantik Lake” and spent the night. The lake was about 80% free of ice and the mountains are GREEN. I was also surprised that I only noticed 1 mosquito the whole trip.

I would imagine that within the next two weeks the snow will have receded to a point that all trails are visible and easy to navigate. It will also give the mosquitoes a chance to build up some numbers and acquire a thirst for hikers.

Spring is just beginning to emerge in the backcountry. I have never seen it so green and the abundace of wild flowers was dazzling. Make sure to check with the local ranger stations and forest services for road closures and trail accessibility. There are a lot of washed out roads and trails. High water flow and snow. Take a buddy and tell someone where you are going.

Circle cliffs Fun!

Dec 1

Posted by Jonathan in Backpacking, Camping, Canyons, Gear, General Outdoor, Hiking | No Comments

Recently me and my nephew, and consummate backpacking buddy, Nicholas went on a quick trip to southern Utah.  We were in Wolverine canyon in the Circle Cliffs area of the Grand Staircase.  The days went from 10 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit so we got to use all of the gear that we packed… always look on the bright side right?  We traveled through the canyons and to the top of mesas and back down again in a about a thirty mile loop.  We used the Mountain Hardwear Hammerhead two-man tent (my favorite) and it was superb even with a light snow load.  Good times and fun were had by all.  Could have done without the sugary snow drifts, though, they made for slow going.

Behind the scenes of Nebo loop!

Jun 12

Posted by Ranae in Backpacking, Camping, Gear, General Outdoor, Hiking | No Comments

My husband and I just adopted our first baby, a German Shepherd named Mogli. After taking him on several hikes within the first two weeks of Mogli being ours, we decided it was time to take him camping. We wanted a short drive, little to no other campers, and a place to do plenty of hiking. This brought us to Nebo loop.

We took the Nebo loop from Payson, to the first turn off past Payson lakes, walked about a mile to the first spring we came to, and set up camp there. This was a great spot for a weekday trip. We had a couple of cyclists pass by, and that was about it. We hiked around the area to Rock Spring and using the 7 1/2 minute map and our GPS, we found a few other not so well known springs in the area.

Before we left, we stopped by Out N Back, and rented the 2 man Elbow Room tent by MSR. As much as we liked the tent, we’ve decided when we do buy our own tent, it will have to be a 3 man tent. Mogli would have managed his way out of the vestibule to chase down the animals he could hear down by the spring had we made him sleep there. Instead he crashed down by our feet.

I also used one of the Big Agnes sleeping bags from Out N Back rentals as well. I’ve never stayed on a sleeping pad through out the night when camping so after hearing so much about Big Agnes’ integrated sleep system, I had to try it out. Instead of making a bag that is insulated all the way around, they leave out the insulation on the bottom of the bag and instead built in a sleeve for a sleeping pad. The bag and pad work together as one this way. They stay together, so you and your bag don’t role off, and the pad provides the insulation and warmth. I loved it. This was definitely the most comfortable I’ve ever slept while camping out! If you haven’t tried one out, you definitely should. My next sleeping bag will definitely be made by Big Agnes.

Oh, and in case you are wondering, Mogli did great! He stayed off his leash the whole time and never strayed away. He had a great time and made our trip all the better. :-)

Deer Creek Canyon

Jun 8

Posted by kendrakos in Backpacking, General Outdoor, Hiking | No Comments

Deer Creek Canyon is a small canyon in Alpine Utah. It has great places to camp, hike, and play. For camping you do have to pack everything in, but the closest campsites are about 10 minutes in. The trail is alongside a river and the scenery is beautiful. There are boulders to play on, waterfalls, meadows, and granite slabs everywhere. My sister and I backpacked in and camped for the night. We hiked up to a waterfall that was roaring. It was very full from the spring runoff and full.

Fun in Snow Canyon with Vaude’s Jolly Comfort IV

Sep 25

Posted by Kelly in Backpacking, Camping, Gear, General Outdoor, Hiking | No Comments

Oh man, last weekend was a blast in beautiful Snow Canyon. Pioneer graffiti rules!  Never mind the TV show – being married, with children, does not mean your life is over.

Ride along

Vaude (almost rhymes with Audi) produces some awesome child carrier packs that make taking the family along a breeze.  There is nothing I like more than sharing the outdoors with my two year old son, and that’s why I love this pack. This is not a commercial, I honestly take this thing everywhere. At two years old, it gives to see that my son is big enough to walk by himself on shorter hikes, but on longer treks, when he gets tired I just hoist him up in the JCIV and off we go.

pack 'em up

Another thing I love about this piece is that we have them for rent in the shop, so you can try it out for the weekend before you buy it! It really is a feature rich little pack with tons of pockets and accessories that make it an awesome option for those looking to enjoy their favorite hobby with their kids.

Spot the climber

(Editor’s note: There is a climber in this picture.)