Kickin' Wing
03-08-2009, 19:33
There we stood, packs on on our backs, in the heart of darkness, ready to take on the biggest physical accomplishment of our lives. That's when the thoughts started to burn their way through my head. The type of mental processing that can make even the strongest man queasy. What if I break a leg? What if I don't have enough food? Did I forget something? Enough socks? Where's my knife? That's when I realized...All of this didn't matter. We were determined to start our journey. We certainly weren't going to cower back in the car and travel the two and a half hours back to town. There was no negotiating an exit. If I forgot my knife, I'd use my hatchet. As long as I had two pair of socks, I'd get by. If my food supply diminished faster than expected, I could eat Glen. Okay, maybe not so, but I could eat bugs. Isn't that what survival is all about? Doing without? Encountering the unknown?
Ah, yes. I had remembered why I came. And after a brief kiss to my wife, I walked with Glen through the entry of the woods, single file to fit within the narrow pathway, walking eagerly along the same worn path that excited so many people before us. Heaven awaited.
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kjrv6glmRzQ/SZy-1iVbheI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/Sf0BJAFmOfU/s320/100_0996.jpg (http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kjrv6glmRzQ/SZy-1iVbheI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/Sf0BJAFmOfU/s1600-h/100_0996.jpg)The "100 Mile Wilderness" winds it's way through the northern Maine woods from Monson to the boundaries of Baxter State Park -- home of Mt. Katahdin and the northern tip of the Appalachian trail. It's beauty is striking, and is regarded as the longest stretch on the AT where you don't pass a single paved or public road. Some refer to it as the "Untouched Wilderness". While researching the trip, I came across several blogs about experiences on this section of the AT. I read that anyone attempting to thru-hike must count on at least 5 days on the trail. They also said that an experienced and conditioned hiker could easily be at this lower bound, but a novice hiker or large group should count on hiking aggressively for 8-10 days. Since my last hiking trip was last Columbus Day , I was seriously debating whether the 8-days I had planned was going to be enough.
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kjrv6glmRzQ/SZ3WZcP-7tI/AAAAAAAAAKA/DpZjufjZJ7E/s320/100_1083.jpg (http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kjrv6glmRzQ/SZ3WZcP-7tI/AAAAAAAAAKA/DpZjufjZJ7E/s1600-h/100_1083.jpg)Weeks before our trip began, I started preparing my pack with all the necessary equipment. See, Glen and I had hiked numerous times before, but never 100 miles all at once. We knew that the only way to succeed in comfort was to drastically reduce the size and weight of our packs. I had heard that if an object I was intending to stuff in my pack wasn't going to be used every day of the trip, lose it. Throw it back in the closet and forget you even have it. On a 100-Mile hike, lightweight travel trumps the comforts of camp -- high powered flashlights, extravagant food, excess water, 5 pairs of socks, bulky coat, etc. Forgetaboutit. This advice gave me the perfect excuse to go shopping and get some brand new equipment from my employer -- L.L.Bean. Before I hopped in the car to make the journey to Freeport, ME, I focused my sight into the kitchen, only to find wife staring at me with that stinging look. The one that embodies frustration and resentment. You know...Half open eyes, closed lips, scrunched-up nose, arms folded. I had to tame the fire by explaining the consequences of not purchasing this equipment. I may not be able to walk out of the woods due to sheer exhaustion in my legs. And Glen...He would have to carry me out. To many implications. It was time to go shopping.
L.L.Bean provided all the equipment I needed -- as it always does. However, anyone who tells you that hiking is an inexpensive activity is in some kind of fantasy world. If you want the lightest, most efficient, usable equipment you'll need to shell out the cash for it. If you think you're going to get away with purchasing your goods at Walmart, try again. Just ask Glen, who bought a pair of Swiss Gear Hiking Poles (http://www.timberwolfsports.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=219) for $21.50 plus tax. And, yes, they are made by the same company that makes the Swiss Army knife. Glen talks about what happened -- "I actually fell (backpack and all) on top of one of those Walmart poles on the 1st day, bending it in the shape of a 1/2 moon. I was able to bend it back in shape and use it the rest of the trip." I told Glen he was out of shape -- needed to lose a few pounds -- but he insisted it was the fault of the equipment. Although he was able to finish out the trip, I don't think those poles will last many more.
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kjrv6glmRzQ/SZ8CcoSB3iI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/eFZADQMeOVg/s200/Osprey_Pack.jpg (http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kjrv6glmRzQ/SZ8CcoSB3iI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/eFZADQMeOVg/s1600-h/Osprey_Pack.jpg)I walked out of L.L.Bean with a new Osprey® Aether 70 Backpack (http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?categoryId=45566&storeId=1&catalogId=1&langId=-1&from=SR&feat=sr) for $259. It's about mid-range on the price scale, but I was fortunate enough to be trading in my Mountain Guide Pack (http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?categoryId=57622&storeId=1&catalogId=1&langId=-1&parentCategory=9197&feat=9197-tn&cat4=1098) for $119, so the difference was a little more manageable. My trade in was very uncomfortable on the trail due to a heavily padded and ridged support that kept jabbing into my lower-back. Comparatively, the Osprey has a unique suspension system which combines flexibility, load support and comfort in great unison. Although there are very few compartments to segment your gear, the pack offers plenty of room at 4,200 cu. in. with an optional increase to 4,400. It also weighs an efficient 4 lb. 9 oz.
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kjrv6glmRzQ/SahpN0_pUYI/AAAAAAAAAM8/Dtgc8WuYU3U/s200/Black_Diamond_Poles.jpg (http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kjrv6glmRzQ/SahpN0_pUYI/AAAAAAAAAM8/Dtgc8WuYU3U/s1600-h/Black_Diamond_Poles.jpg)I also picked up some great hiking poles. I had never hiked with them before, but I heard that hiking without poles was comparable to skiing without poles. At the time of purchase, I had considered them as accessories, so I had a hard time shelling out the money for highend sticks. However, I think I was successful in purchasing poles of reasonable quality and price, settling for Black Diamond Trail Trekking Poles with Flick locks (http://www.rei.com/product/784402?cm_mmc=cse_msn-_-datafeed-_-product-_-784402&mr:referralID=d8a0b91d-051d-11de-a8aa-000423bb4e95). They are extremely lightweight at 1 lb. 4 oz. and made of a featherweight aluminum alloy that's tough as steel. They also have durable extension clasps that stand up to constant trail abuse. I paid $74.95 at L.L.Bean, but I have found some at discounted prices around $55. In my best Borat voice, I say "Very Nice".
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kjrv6glmRzQ/SahuubGUIPI/AAAAAAAAANE/WvSg7Dw_ilY/s200/GSI_Cookset.jpg (http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kjrv6glmRzQ/SahuubGUIPI/AAAAAAAAANE/WvSg7Dw_ilY/s1600-h/GSI_Cookset.jpg)
The last significant purchase I made was my cook set. For the past 3 years, I had been carrying around a Peak 1 stainless steel 5 piece cook set that weighed nearly 16 ounces. I knew that this was a piece of equipment I could improve upon to lighten my load. I settled on the GSI Ultralight Soloist Cook System (http://www.gsioutdoors.com/detail.aspx?p=50141&lu=%2fDefault.aspx&c=4&&a=9). This is a 3 piece unit (including cover) that I bought for $29.95 and it only weighs 10 ounces. It has a folding handle that locks the cook set into compact storage. The best thing about this set is it's made to store your fuel container to save space in your pack. It has an insulation sleeve for your mug and folds into a bag which is designed as a insulator for your freezer bags. Genius! I highly recommend this set to all freezer-baggers and ultralight hikers.
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kjrv6glmRzQ/SaBCG6z1bvI/AAAAAAAAAKY/3dQdRpuujQM/s200/100_1037.jpg (http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kjrv6glmRzQ/SaBCG6z1bvI/AAAAAAAAAKY/3dQdRpuujQM/s1600-h/100_1037.jpg)After picking up some other accessories, I headed home to start the tedious, but exciting task of laying out and weighing my equipment, documenting all weights to the ounce and listing what I absolutely needed vs. what could be eliminated in the event my total pack weight came in above the 35lbs I was targeting -- which included my food and water. This IS the most important planning mechanism for your trip and without diligent focus, you could make your trip 10 times more uncomortable than what it should be. Trust me, I've been there. I've taken 15 pounds of water on a 3-day hike because I didn't have the necessary purifying system to suck clean water out of the nastiest of waterholes. I've brought 2 knifes, 3 lighters, and an extra pair of shoes on hikes before. Your instinct is to bring what you need, and what you think you need are back-ups. Well, back-ups add weight. Weight adds to exhaustion. Exhaustion adds to bad time. Bad time adds to, "Not doin' this again!" Get my point? Stick with the basics. Remember, "If you won't be using it everyday, leave it home." Okay, except your raingear.
The 100-Mile Maine wilderness is the longest section of the AT that does not cross a single paved or public road. There are private road access points where someone could potentially make a food drop for you or set you up for slack packing, but most hikers will need to bring all their food with them at the onset. This is an area you should really pay attention to while you're planning your trip. Food weighs a lot and even if you are thru-hiking the AT, your pack will be the heaviest during this section of the trail. I highly recommend freezer bagging as a primary cooking method on the trail because it's an ultralight alternative, can taste great depending on how you prep and what spices you use, and only requires you to boil water when you're ready to eat. For more info on this practice, visit Freezerbagcooking.com (http://www.freezerbagcooking.com/) -- a great site recommended by Backpacker magazine. Below was my food inventory for the trip:
6 - Ramen noodle freezer bag
2 - Cajun chicken with rice freezer bag
2 - Pad thai freezer bag
1 - Spanish rice freezer bag
1 - Classic beef curry freezer bag
1 - Apple crumble freezer bag
2 - 6 ounce package of Spam
2 - 6 ounce package of Tuna
1 - 6 ounce bottle of honey
3 - Hersey chocolate bars
Half loaf of french bread
16 - Folgers coffee singles
6 - Various teas
3 ounces olive oil
Spices - Sugar, Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning, Paprika, Creamer
8 - Assorted Cliff bars (Breakfast)
1 - 8 ounce package of beef jerky
10 ounces of gorp
I may have forgotten a couple things, but that was essentially my food supply. It all weighed roughly 11 lbs -- certainly the most I have had to carry at one time. To eliminate any possibility of the food becoming mangled, compressed or wet, I stored it all in two containers used for whey protien (you can see one of the containers in the above picture). The containers served not only the aforementioned purposes, but they also provided space fillers in my bag as the trip wore on. This eliminated any issues related to my bag shifting or poor weight distribution. I even used the first empty container for all my trash, which kept my bag very clean.
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kjrv6glmRzQ/Sak7IujyojI/AAAAAAAAANM/x8NCQwi8qnA/s200/100_1071.jpg (http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kjrv6glmRzQ/Sak7IujyojI/AAAAAAAAANM/x8NCQwi8qnA/s1600-h/100_1071.jpg)So with all the food and equipment checked and double-checked, Glen and I made our way up to Monson. Everything we read and heard about this section of the AT was about to become a reality. This wasn't just a single journey lasting 7-8 days, this was a stepping stone to future adventures. Meaningful accomplishments breed the desire for more challenging expeditions -- ones that test your mind, body and soul. The anticipation had killed me during the weeks leading up to the hike, but we had finally made it. In the pitch black of night, Glen and I hiked through that trailhead, ready to take on northern Maine.
This concludes part 1 of "Hiking the 100 Mile Wilderness -- Northern Maine". Please come back frequently to catch the final chapter. Happy hiking!
Ah, yes. I had remembered why I came. And after a brief kiss to my wife, I walked with Glen through the entry of the woods, single file to fit within the narrow pathway, walking eagerly along the same worn path that excited so many people before us. Heaven awaited.
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kjrv6glmRzQ/SZy-1iVbheI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/Sf0BJAFmOfU/s320/100_0996.jpg (http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kjrv6glmRzQ/SZy-1iVbheI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/Sf0BJAFmOfU/s1600-h/100_0996.jpg)The "100 Mile Wilderness" winds it's way through the northern Maine woods from Monson to the boundaries of Baxter State Park -- home of Mt. Katahdin and the northern tip of the Appalachian trail. It's beauty is striking, and is regarded as the longest stretch on the AT where you don't pass a single paved or public road. Some refer to it as the "Untouched Wilderness". While researching the trip, I came across several blogs about experiences on this section of the AT. I read that anyone attempting to thru-hike must count on at least 5 days on the trail. They also said that an experienced and conditioned hiker could easily be at this lower bound, but a novice hiker or large group should count on hiking aggressively for 8-10 days. Since my last hiking trip was last Columbus Day , I was seriously debating whether the 8-days I had planned was going to be enough.
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kjrv6glmRzQ/SZ3WZcP-7tI/AAAAAAAAAKA/DpZjufjZJ7E/s320/100_1083.jpg (http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kjrv6glmRzQ/SZ3WZcP-7tI/AAAAAAAAAKA/DpZjufjZJ7E/s1600-h/100_1083.jpg)Weeks before our trip began, I started preparing my pack with all the necessary equipment. See, Glen and I had hiked numerous times before, but never 100 miles all at once. We knew that the only way to succeed in comfort was to drastically reduce the size and weight of our packs. I had heard that if an object I was intending to stuff in my pack wasn't going to be used every day of the trip, lose it. Throw it back in the closet and forget you even have it. On a 100-Mile hike, lightweight travel trumps the comforts of camp -- high powered flashlights, extravagant food, excess water, 5 pairs of socks, bulky coat, etc. Forgetaboutit. This advice gave me the perfect excuse to go shopping and get some brand new equipment from my employer -- L.L.Bean. Before I hopped in the car to make the journey to Freeport, ME, I focused my sight into the kitchen, only to find wife staring at me with that stinging look. The one that embodies frustration and resentment. You know...Half open eyes, closed lips, scrunched-up nose, arms folded. I had to tame the fire by explaining the consequences of not purchasing this equipment. I may not be able to walk out of the woods due to sheer exhaustion in my legs. And Glen...He would have to carry me out. To many implications. It was time to go shopping.
L.L.Bean provided all the equipment I needed -- as it always does. However, anyone who tells you that hiking is an inexpensive activity is in some kind of fantasy world. If you want the lightest, most efficient, usable equipment you'll need to shell out the cash for it. If you think you're going to get away with purchasing your goods at Walmart, try again. Just ask Glen, who bought a pair of Swiss Gear Hiking Poles (http://www.timberwolfsports.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=219) for $21.50 plus tax. And, yes, they are made by the same company that makes the Swiss Army knife. Glen talks about what happened -- "I actually fell (backpack and all) on top of one of those Walmart poles on the 1st day, bending it in the shape of a 1/2 moon. I was able to bend it back in shape and use it the rest of the trip." I told Glen he was out of shape -- needed to lose a few pounds -- but he insisted it was the fault of the equipment. Although he was able to finish out the trip, I don't think those poles will last many more.
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kjrv6glmRzQ/SZ8CcoSB3iI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/eFZADQMeOVg/s200/Osprey_Pack.jpg (http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kjrv6glmRzQ/SZ8CcoSB3iI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/eFZADQMeOVg/s1600-h/Osprey_Pack.jpg)I walked out of L.L.Bean with a new Osprey® Aether 70 Backpack (http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?categoryId=45566&storeId=1&catalogId=1&langId=-1&from=SR&feat=sr) for $259. It's about mid-range on the price scale, but I was fortunate enough to be trading in my Mountain Guide Pack (http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?categoryId=57622&storeId=1&catalogId=1&langId=-1&parentCategory=9197&feat=9197-tn&cat4=1098) for $119, so the difference was a little more manageable. My trade in was very uncomfortable on the trail due to a heavily padded and ridged support that kept jabbing into my lower-back. Comparatively, the Osprey has a unique suspension system which combines flexibility, load support and comfort in great unison. Although there are very few compartments to segment your gear, the pack offers plenty of room at 4,200 cu. in. with an optional increase to 4,400. It also weighs an efficient 4 lb. 9 oz.
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kjrv6glmRzQ/SahpN0_pUYI/AAAAAAAAAM8/Dtgc8WuYU3U/s200/Black_Diamond_Poles.jpg (http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kjrv6glmRzQ/SahpN0_pUYI/AAAAAAAAAM8/Dtgc8WuYU3U/s1600-h/Black_Diamond_Poles.jpg)I also picked up some great hiking poles. I had never hiked with them before, but I heard that hiking without poles was comparable to skiing without poles. At the time of purchase, I had considered them as accessories, so I had a hard time shelling out the money for highend sticks. However, I think I was successful in purchasing poles of reasonable quality and price, settling for Black Diamond Trail Trekking Poles with Flick locks (http://www.rei.com/product/784402?cm_mmc=cse_msn-_-datafeed-_-product-_-784402&mr:referralID=d8a0b91d-051d-11de-a8aa-000423bb4e95). They are extremely lightweight at 1 lb. 4 oz. and made of a featherweight aluminum alloy that's tough as steel. They also have durable extension clasps that stand up to constant trail abuse. I paid $74.95 at L.L.Bean, but I have found some at discounted prices around $55. In my best Borat voice, I say "Very Nice".
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kjrv6glmRzQ/SahuubGUIPI/AAAAAAAAANE/WvSg7Dw_ilY/s200/GSI_Cookset.jpg (http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kjrv6glmRzQ/SahuubGUIPI/AAAAAAAAANE/WvSg7Dw_ilY/s1600-h/GSI_Cookset.jpg)
The last significant purchase I made was my cook set. For the past 3 years, I had been carrying around a Peak 1 stainless steel 5 piece cook set that weighed nearly 16 ounces. I knew that this was a piece of equipment I could improve upon to lighten my load. I settled on the GSI Ultralight Soloist Cook System (http://www.gsioutdoors.com/detail.aspx?p=50141&lu=%2fDefault.aspx&c=4&&a=9). This is a 3 piece unit (including cover) that I bought for $29.95 and it only weighs 10 ounces. It has a folding handle that locks the cook set into compact storage. The best thing about this set is it's made to store your fuel container to save space in your pack. It has an insulation sleeve for your mug and folds into a bag which is designed as a insulator for your freezer bags. Genius! I highly recommend this set to all freezer-baggers and ultralight hikers.
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kjrv6glmRzQ/SaBCG6z1bvI/AAAAAAAAAKY/3dQdRpuujQM/s200/100_1037.jpg (http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kjrv6glmRzQ/SaBCG6z1bvI/AAAAAAAAAKY/3dQdRpuujQM/s1600-h/100_1037.jpg)After picking up some other accessories, I headed home to start the tedious, but exciting task of laying out and weighing my equipment, documenting all weights to the ounce and listing what I absolutely needed vs. what could be eliminated in the event my total pack weight came in above the 35lbs I was targeting -- which included my food and water. This IS the most important planning mechanism for your trip and without diligent focus, you could make your trip 10 times more uncomortable than what it should be. Trust me, I've been there. I've taken 15 pounds of water on a 3-day hike because I didn't have the necessary purifying system to suck clean water out of the nastiest of waterholes. I've brought 2 knifes, 3 lighters, and an extra pair of shoes on hikes before. Your instinct is to bring what you need, and what you think you need are back-ups. Well, back-ups add weight. Weight adds to exhaustion. Exhaustion adds to bad time. Bad time adds to, "Not doin' this again!" Get my point? Stick with the basics. Remember, "If you won't be using it everyday, leave it home." Okay, except your raingear.
The 100-Mile Maine wilderness is the longest section of the AT that does not cross a single paved or public road. There are private road access points where someone could potentially make a food drop for you or set you up for slack packing, but most hikers will need to bring all their food with them at the onset. This is an area you should really pay attention to while you're planning your trip. Food weighs a lot and even if you are thru-hiking the AT, your pack will be the heaviest during this section of the trail. I highly recommend freezer bagging as a primary cooking method on the trail because it's an ultralight alternative, can taste great depending on how you prep and what spices you use, and only requires you to boil water when you're ready to eat. For more info on this practice, visit Freezerbagcooking.com (http://www.freezerbagcooking.com/) -- a great site recommended by Backpacker magazine. Below was my food inventory for the trip:
6 - Ramen noodle freezer bag
2 - Cajun chicken with rice freezer bag
2 - Pad thai freezer bag
1 - Spanish rice freezer bag
1 - Classic beef curry freezer bag
1 - Apple crumble freezer bag
2 - 6 ounce package of Spam
2 - 6 ounce package of Tuna
1 - 6 ounce bottle of honey
3 - Hersey chocolate bars
Half loaf of french bread
16 - Folgers coffee singles
6 - Various teas
3 ounces olive oil
Spices - Sugar, Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning, Paprika, Creamer
8 - Assorted Cliff bars (Breakfast)
1 - 8 ounce package of beef jerky
10 ounces of gorp
I may have forgotten a couple things, but that was essentially my food supply. It all weighed roughly 11 lbs -- certainly the most I have had to carry at one time. To eliminate any possibility of the food becoming mangled, compressed or wet, I stored it all in two containers used for whey protien (you can see one of the containers in the above picture). The containers served not only the aforementioned purposes, but they also provided space fillers in my bag as the trip wore on. This eliminated any issues related to my bag shifting or poor weight distribution. I even used the first empty container for all my trash, which kept my bag very clean.
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kjrv6glmRzQ/Sak7IujyojI/AAAAAAAAANM/x8NCQwi8qnA/s200/100_1071.jpg (http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kjrv6glmRzQ/Sak7IujyojI/AAAAAAAAANM/x8NCQwi8qnA/s1600-h/100_1071.jpg)So with all the food and equipment checked and double-checked, Glen and I made our way up to Monson. Everything we read and heard about this section of the AT was about to become a reality. This wasn't just a single journey lasting 7-8 days, this was a stepping stone to future adventures. Meaningful accomplishments breed the desire for more challenging expeditions -- ones that test your mind, body and soul. The anticipation had killed me during the weeks leading up to the hike, but we had finally made it. In the pitch black of night, Glen and I hiked through that trailhead, ready to take on northern Maine.
This concludes part 1 of "Hiking the 100 Mile Wilderness -- Northern Maine". Please come back frequently to catch the final chapter. Happy hiking!