stir crazy
03-10-2010, 10:20
Just got back yesterday from an overnight test hike. We did the approach trail up to Springer and then went a couple miles on the BMT to a great campsite right on a creek. I think that campsite was 2.2 mi. past Springer. Great spot. Here's my observations:
1. Great way to test gear, and yourself. The approach trail is no piece of cake. North or Southbound.
2. It was just my son and I. Best way to do a test hike is with somebody that you can laugh at. My son particularly enjoyed me cursing the Katahdin Hiker Pro. I was attempting to fill my bladder thru the gulp tube where I had installed a valve for easy connection. Forgot to open the valve. I kept trying to pump the Hiker Pro and so much pressure would build up, the tube kept ejecting and spraying me in the face. What an idiot.
3. Forget trying to sleep in a hammock w/ a self inflating mattress. It doesn't work. Too narrow. Too slippery. My son finally went to the ground after wrestling his pad all night. My next try is going to be a 41 inch wide Gossamer 1/4 pad and cut if off at the knees. Or cough up for an underquilt.
1. Great way to test gear, and yourself. The approach trail is no piece of cake. North or Southbound.
2. It was just my son and I. Best way to do a test hike is with somebody that you can laugh at. My son particularly enjoyed me cursing the Katahdin Hiker Pro. I was attempting to fill my bladder thru the gulp tube where I had installed a valve for easy connection. Forgot to open the valve. I kept trying to pump the Hiker Pro and so much pressure would build up, the tube kept ejecting and spraying me in the face. What an idiot.
3. Forget trying to sleep in a hammock w/ a self inflating mattress. It doesn't work. Too narrow. Too slippery. My son finally went to the ground after wrestling his pad all night. My next try is going to be a 41 inch wide Gossamer 1/4 pad and cut if off at the knees. Or cough up for an underquilt.