View Full Version : Superior Hiking Trail - Need Thru-Hiking Advice
Hello, I am going to thru-hike the Superior Hiking Trail this summer. I don't have much experience with long hikes, but I've done some shorter backpacking trips. I will be going alone, and will be leaving for a southbound trip around May 13th. I just subscribed to the Superior Hiking Trail Association and got the 6th edition guide, which should help my planning a lot.
The thing I need the most help on is my gear list. This is what I have on my list so far. I own about 3/4 of it already:
Pack (with liner)
o Tent
o Water Filter
o Water bottle & water bladders
o Sleeping Bag (sleeping pad?)
o Rope (& carabiners)
o Knife
o Food
o Flashlight (headlamp?)
o Sun screen
o Bug repellent
o Clothes
o Towel
o Boots/Trail Runners
o Notebook and pen (with duct tape)
o Lighters/Fire-starters
o Compass
o Maps
o Cookware/Silverware/Plate
o Toilet Paper
o Toothbrush
o Rain Gear
o Stove & Fuel
o Hiking Poles
o First aid kit (including whistle, tylenol, etc.)
o Cell phone (emergencies)
ID and cash (plus debit card)
Bandana
How does this look? I know it's too heavy, so I need to find some ways to cut it down. I'm keeping my tent and water filter. Even though tarps/hammocks, alcohol stoves, and other water filters are lighter. I can switch out my Nalgene for a lightweight water bottle if need be. I am having a lot of trouble deciding between boots and trail-runners. I've read a lot of debates on this forum and it seems that most people prefer trail-runners. I am going to go to REI and try a couple of each on and see what fits me the best.
Once I get the book I will be able to plan out a detailed itinerary, that will be very nice. I am gluten and dairy intolerant so eating on the trail is going to be interesting, but I think that I have found enough recipes to last me.
Does anybody have any experiences on the trail? I have read one report on Trailjournals and the one thread that I found on it here. I am extremely excited. I am very underweight right now (because of my stomach issues). So I am going to spend the next 6 months gaining weight, training, and acquiring the rest of the gear that I need.
If you have any advice, experiences, or just want to say hi, feel free to post here. Thank you very much,
Bryan
Kerosene
11-27-2011, 09:42
I strongly suggest that you invest in a small digital scale to weigh all of your items. Your list looks reasonable, but it may very well be too heavy if you're lugging a water filter better suited to a group or a two-burner stove! Food will also add a lot of weight, although you should be able to re-supply along the SHT as needed if you don't mind wasting a day to get to a store and back.
.
I've only hiked a few miles of the SHT on day hikes and researched a bit on-line. I think you will find cool-to-cold temperatures in mid-May, and quite a bit of water (falling from the sky and in the streams). I'd replace the water filter with Aqua Mira. I do think that the SHT would be ideal for trail runners, as there did not appear to be as many pointy rocks in the trail bed as on the northern portion of the AT.
I haven't through-hiked the SHT, but have done the northern 30 miles plus the Border Route and KEK a few years back. As suggested above, you have given general items to take, which looks good, but the real proof will be in the details. You need a scale, or at least manufacturers weights to really see how you are doing. Each of the items you list can vary tremendously, and have either great or miserable affect on you overall load and comfort.
Reconsider the filter, it is heavy, plus you may well hit some below freezing nights. Filters are a pain when they freeze.
Trail runners will be fine. You may have some snow to deal with, depending on the year, so make sure you have plenty of dry socks (three pair). You will have wet trail conditions.
Strongly suggest carrying a head net. They are light, compact, and do wonders saving your sanity during a black fly or gnat outbreak - completely possible.
You seem insistent on a stove, which is fine. Depending on what style cooking, if it's boil water type, REALLY consider an alcohol pop-can stove. If you want to do real cooking, one of the light-weight canister stoves will serve you well, such as the Pocket Rocket, or others of similar design. You will have more difficulty getting canisters along the way than you will getting alcohol.
When I did my hike up there, we started the first week in May. Mostly daytime temps were fairly warm. Some snow about a foot or two deep in areas left on the ground. We did also have wind/rain/sleet/snow for a couple of days with temps well below freezing. These were the exceptions, however, and temps were generally pleasant. We did have several days of intense gnat activity a bit later in the trip, MAN are they annoying - hence the recommendation for a head net.
It's a great area, beautiful hiking for the most part. I really love the north woods and have spent much time in the UP of Michigan, Boundary Waters in MN and Isle Royale. Never had a bad trip up there.
Good Luck and HAVE FUN!!!
I just noticed a few minor points with you list. I will just add a few more comments below.
Hello, I am going to thru-hike the Superior Hiking Trail this summer. I don't have much experience with long hikes, but I've done some shorter backpacking trips. I will be going alone, and will be leaving for a southbound trip around May 13th. I just subscribed to the Superior Hiking Trail Association and got the 6th edition guide, which should help my planning a lot.
The thing I need the most help on is my gear list. This is what I have on my list so far. I own about 3/4 of it already:
Pack (with liner)
o Tent
o Water Filter
o Water bottle & water bladders
o Sleeping Bag (sleeping pad?)Definitly need an insulating pad. Plus a lot of rocky ground so comfort should also be a consideration.
o Rope (& carabiners) Hope that by rope you mean nylon cord. No real need for anything like climbing rope.
o Knife Small, light. Mostly used for spreading peanut butter, slicing sausage, occasionally cutting some of you cord (above). I find a micro leatherman to be fully adequate, and the scissors option is very useful.
o Food
o Flashlight (headlamp?) Headlamp with a tiny Photon keychain LED for back-up (especially since you will be solo)
o Sun screen
o Bug repellent
o Clothes
o Towel Bandana works, and you're already carrying it.
o Boots/Trail Runners
o Notebook and pen (with duct tape)
o Lighters/Fire-starters
o Compass
o Maps
o Cookware/Silverware/Plate Only silverware needed is a lexan spoon and your pocket knife
o Toilet Paper
o Toothbrush
o Rain Gear
o Stove & Fuel
o Hiking Poles
o First aid kit (including whistle, tylenol, etc.)
o Cell phone (emergencies)
ID and cash (plus debit card)
Bandana
How does this look? I know it's too heavy, so I need to find some ways to cut it down. I'm keeping my tent and water filter. Even though tarps/hammocks, alcohol stoves, and other water filters are lighter. I can switch out my Nalgene for a lightweight water bottle if need be. I am having a lot of trouble deciding between boots and trail-runners. I've read a lot of debates on this forum and it seems that most people prefer trail-runners. I am going to go to REI and try a couple of each on and see what fits me the best.
Once I get the book I will be able to plan out a detailed itinerary, that will be very nice. I am gluten and dairy intolerant so eating on the trail is going to be interesting, but I think that I have found enough recipes to last me.
Does anybody have any experiences on the trail? I have read one report on Trailjournals and the one thread that I found on it here. I am extremely excited. I am very underweight right now (because of my stomach issues). So I am going to spend the next 6 months gaining weight, training, and acquiring the rest of the gear that I need.
If you have any advice, experiences, or just want to say hi, feel free to post here. Thank you very much,
Bryan
Wow, really great advice everybody. Thank you very much for taking the time to help me.
I have heard a lot about Aqua Mira on these boards. It looks like they are water treatment drops. I will have to look into those because they would be much lighter than my MSR water filter. The reason why I was so insistant on the water filter and stove is because I just spent a lot of money on them a few months ago, and the thought of having to buy something else and not using them upsets me, but that's just my ego getting in the way to an enjoyable backpacking trip. I will definitely look more into Aqua Mira and Alcohol Stoves (I also just bought a Whisperlite).
I will definitely look into head-nets, thank you very much for the tip. I hadn't even considered that, I guess that's why you guys are here. I will go to REI in a few weeks and try on some trail runners to see what fits well.
I will get a sleeping pad as well. That's going to be a pain to fit into my pack. Yes, by rope I meant Paracord, I just call it rope. I had a Buck 110 knife before I lost it. I loved that thing to death. It is heavy for a knife but I really would like to re-buy it. I just probably consider the Buck 55 or an actual lightweight knife for my trip however.
It looks like I should ditch the towel for a bandana. I guess it will be too early in the year for a swim, so that should be alright. My silverware is a spork that is part of my GSI cookset, it is very lightweight. That won't be a problem.
I am scared that I am not going to be able to maintain this level of excitement for the next 6 months. It's all that I can think about. I really need to go and really want to go. I just need to make it happen.
It's nice to see some fellow Minnesotan hikers on here. I really appreciate the advice everybody. I don't know what I'd do without you all.
I can't figure out how to edit my post. Yes, next step is definitely planning an itinerary and weighing out my pack. I need to go pick up a scale.
A foot plus of snow in May? Man, in the cities it's all melted by then. Thanks for the heads-up, I will plan accordingly.
Picking out clothes is also going to be quite a task. I just found the "Articles" section of this website which is helping my planning immensely.
Cookerhiker
11-28-2011, 09:33
I hiked nearly all of the Superior Trail just this past September; I ended less than 20 miles short of a thruhike because of excruciating heel blisters that were starting to become infected. I don't think the problem was my trail runners per se so I think you'll be OK with them.
Resupply will definitely be a challenge for you. We sent ourselves maildrops in Grand Marais and Finland. There are also decent grocery stores in both towns.
By definition, you don't face any long 1,000'+ ups and downs like the AT but most of the ascents & descents are very steep. Also much of the Trail is rock and root strewn similar to New England.
Re. water, I used Aqua Mira with no problems. Water availability was an issue in some parts but you should be OK with a May hike.
If you can time it, camp one night at Gooseberry Falls State Park. You pay a reduced rate for backpackers and the backpackers' campsites are right on the lake - much better than the car campers.
I recommend an overnight stay in Grand Marais and dinner at the Angry Trout restaurant. In addition to superb Lake Trout, everything on their menu is health-conscious. For example, all their veggies come from local sources. The only issue is whether they're open in May or not. I know they close for the winter.
Finally if you haven't discovered it yet, the guidebook is geared to day and section hikers, not thruhikers. So the mileage is misstated because it includes side trail miles from parking areas not on the SHT itself.
It's a very nice trail. Good luck. And check out WB's "Other Trails" forums; do a search and you'll find other Superior Trail threads: http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/search.php?searchid=709988
Oh - to edit your posts, join WB as a Donating Member.
Cool! Did you hike SOBO or NOBO? A zero in Grand Marais would be really cool. The Angry Trout looks like a really nice place, and it's right on the lake too. They say that they are open starting in May, so it looks like I will be able to do that.
Did you have any problems with sediment in the water? Oh my, I spent one night in Gooseberry right on the lake with no tent, just right under the stars. It happened to be during a meteor shower. I was with my ex-girlfriend and it was one of the best nights of my life. I would love to work another night there into my trip.
The guidebook is still in the mail, and this is extremely disappointing to hear. I was really counting on that to plan my hike.
Thanks for the heads-up on the donating member. I am very active on other forums and usually don't have trouble figuring stuff like that out. It looks like there are a lot of threads on the Superior Hiking Trail, I have my reading cut out for me. I should probably wait until finals are over but I just can't. Time to practice some restraint.
I outlined my gear list with the template laid out in one of the articles on this website, it is much more organized.
Pack Group:
REI Pack – xx ounces
Liner – xx ounces
Stuff sack? – xx ounces
Total – xx ounces
Shelter Group:
REI Quarter Dome – xx ounces
Stakes – xx ounces
Total – xx ounces
Sleeping Group:
Sleeping Bag – xx ounces
Stuff sack? – xx ounces
Z-Lite Sleeping Pad? – 14 ounces
Total – xx ounces
Kitchen Group:
Whisperlite (or alcohol stove) *– xx ounces
Fuel bottle (or alcohol) – xx ounces
GSI Ketalist Cookset – 11.1 ounces
Lighter ~ .6 ounces
Nalgene (or Gatorade bottle) – xx ounces
3L Platypus Bladder – 1.5 ounces (empty)
Stuff Sack/Food bag – xx ounces
MSR water filter (or Aqua Mira) – xx ounces
Total – xx ounces
Hygiene Group:
Toothbrush – xx ounces
Toothpaste – xx ounces
Toilet Paper – xx ounces
Ziplock bag – xx ounces
Hand sanitizer – xx ounces
Total – xx ounces
Navigation Group:
Map – xx ounces
Compass – xx ounces
Headlamp – xx ounces
Bundle of paper – xx ounces
Pen – xx ounces
Camera? – xx ounces
Repair/First Aid Group:
Paracord (how many feet?) – xx ounces
Duct tape (wrapped around) – xx ounces
First aid kit (inc. whistle, vitamin C)– xx ounces
Emergency fire starter (magnesium/Swedish fire steel) – xx ounces
Head Net – xx ounces
Carabiners – xx ounces
Sunscreen – xx ounces
Bug repellent – xx ounces
Matches – xx ounces
Cell phone (emergencies) – xx ounces
Total – xx ounces
Rain Gear:
Rain jacket – xx ounces
Rain pants – xx ounces
Rain mittens? – xx ounces
Total – xx ounces
(2 tops, 2 bottoms, rain gear, extra pair of socks)
Clothing:
3 pair socks – xx ounces
Underwear- xx ounces
Wallet with ID, cash, debit card – xx ounces
Pocket knife (buck 110?) – xx ounces
Watch (with alarm)? – xx ounces
Trekking Poles – xx ounces
Trail Runners (Vasque?) – xx ounces
Bandana – xx ounces
Sunglasses? – xx ounces
WHAT ELSE
Total – xx ounces
Consumables:
Fuel (how much, how many days?) – xx ounces
Water – xx ounces
Food – xx ounces
Food bag – xx ounces
Total – xx ounces
The things I own already are:
REI pack, REI quarter dome T2 tent, Whisperlite stove, MSR waterfilter, GSI Ketalist cookset, sleeping bag, and other miscellaneous things.
I need to buy:
Trekking poles, trail runners, maybe Aqua Mira, maybe alcohol stove (build), rain gear, clothes, stuff sacks, paracord, knife, water bladder, compass (I have a cheepie), headlamp, headnet, and other miscellaneous things.
Feral Bill
11-28-2011, 13:26
To edit posts become a donating member. Well worth it to support the site.
stranger
11-28-2011, 17:45
I would recommend that you don't break everything down and analyze it, a much, much easier way is to plan a 3 day hike, bring everything you think you will need, when you get back dump everything you did not use. You don't need to spend alot of money to keep a pack down in weight, just take what you need. If you decide to lighten up some more, one can usually shed the most weight in these 4 categories:
- Shelter
- Pack
- Sleeping Bag
- Extra Clothing
I now carry about 10lbs less than I used to in these 4 categories alone!
I will definitely consider becoming a donating member. All this information that I'm getting is worth a couple of bucks, even for a student.
I am hoping to do a warm-up 3 day trip in early spring that will help me get my pack weight down. But for now, analyzing it gives me something to do. Thanks for the advice again everybody.
I think the time you are going is a great time of year to hike the SHT. There is a time window in mid to late May after typical snow melt and before the typical first hatch of mosquitoes (though you will experience a number of gnats in a few locations). I hiked it this same time period three years in a row in 2006, 2007 and 2008 (I've hiked all of the trail north of Two Harbors both NOBO and SOBO). In a total of six weeks of May hiking in those years I only got one overnight dusting of snow (though there was snow on the ground in a few protected areas), and maybe three or four nights that got down around freezing. Two of the years I didn't run into any mosquitoes to speak of and one year I was just starting to see them around Memorial Day weekend. At that time of year average lows are in the low 40s and average highs are in the 60s. This can make for some great hiking weather.
I never was tempted to filter water at that time of the year -- I just used chlorine dioxide tablets to treat (the same chemical you find in the Aqua Mira liquid). You will see some tint in the water you get from streams and lakes, in varying degrees, due to tannins (from decomposing leaves), but this does not effect taste in my experience.
Great, I would love to not run into too much snow. I just realized that my sleeping bag is only rated to 40 degrees, not 20 degrees. Is that going to be a problem?
I was thinking about these trekking poles, does anybody have any experience with them?
http://www.rei.com/product/745686/rei-hiker-shock-light-staff
(http://www.rei.com/product/745686/rei-hiker-shock-light-staff)
Lots of variables when deciding on a temp rating for a bag. Do you sleep warm or cold? How many clothes do you wear in the bag? How insulating is your pad? I find I would rather err on the side of caution and be sure my bag is warm enough. I also find that if I'm expecting a cold night it's really important to keep my feet warm. Once they get really cold it's very hard to warm them back up and really difficult to get any sleep. So I pack an extra pair of socks if it's going to be cold -- some heavy fleece socks just for sleeping. Insulated booties work too.
Hmm, I'm not really sure whether I'm a hot or cold sleeper. I would say a little more on the warm side, but I like my warmth as well. I guess before I decide if I need a new bag (I really should have not bought anything until I came here), I need to figure out what clothes I'm bringing.
I am planning on buying the REI Z-Rest Lite Sleeping pad, although I do not have it yet, and am still open to suggestion. Apparently it is a very good pad but is a bit bulky from what I have read.
Heavy socks sound like a very good idea, I'll have to bring those for sure.
There are tricks to extend a bags warmth, but a 40* bag will be stretching it in northern MN that time of year. The items in red are what I find most effective, the others will also help.<br><br>-<span style="color:#ff0000;"> Sleeping pad - along with your Z Lite, buy a cheap blue pad from Walmart and cut it down to fit under your torso. Double pads will help a lot in stretching your bags rating.<br></span><br>- <span style="color:#ff0000;">Nice warm, DRY pair of socks will help. Make sure they are loose fitting so they do not constrict your circulation at all. Tight socks compound the problem instead of solve it. Best option - some down booties but these are expensive, and probably overkill for this temperature expectation.</span><br><br>- Silk Bag liner is very lite and compact and adds a little warmth, about 3* worth. Fleece liner adds more warmth (10*), but is much heavier and bulky.<br><br>- <span style="color:#ff0000;">Sleeping set of lightweight or mid-weight silk long underwear is very effective. Cheap PolyPro from K-Mart will also work.<br></span><br>- Wear your extra insulating clothes to bed. Just be certain that you do not over-stuff your sleeping bag so that you are compressing the insulation from the inside, that is counter-productive. Maybe just drape your jacket over you bag instead of wearing it.<br><br>- If you do hit really cold night, a sturdy water bottle (Nalgene) filled with hot water just before bed can be taken into your bag with you and put at crotch or feet.<br><br>- <span style="color:#ff0000;">Make sure to eat a late night snack, have something handy to eat during the night if you wake up cold. Got to fuel the furnace.<br></span><br>- Isometric exercise inside the bag can warm you up at least temporarily, allowing you to get back to sleep.<br><br>- If you have to pee, do it, you will be much more comfortable than trying to avoid getting out of your bag and hold it 'till morning.<br><br>These things will help get you through a cold night, but some will add extra weight/bulk to your pack. <br><br>It is ALWAYS best to start out with a bag that is capable of handling the temps you will probably encounter, and will get you through the worst you can expect (using the tips above). Unfortunately, a 40* bag probably doesn't fit this criteria for your planned hike. <br><br>Did you buy your bag at REI? How long ago? Have you used it much? The reason I ask, is that REI has an excellent return policy. Could you exchange it for a warmer bag? That would be your best option. Just something to consider.<br><br>
WOW! The above is NOT what I formatted. The system logged me out while I was writing, and completely jumbled the formatting while I was logging back in. Definite problem with the system. I'll try again.
There are tricks to extend a bags warmth, but a 40* bag will be stretching it in northern MN that time of year. The items in red are what I find most effective, the others will also help.
- Sleeping pad - along with your Z Lite, buy a cheap blue pad from Walmart and cut it down to fit under your torso. Double pads will help a lot in stretching your bags rating.
- Nice warm, DRY pair of socks will help. Make sure they are loose fitting so they do not constrict your circulation at all. Tight socks compound the problem instead of solve it. Best option - some down booties but these are expensive, and probably overkill for this temperature expectation.
- Silk Bag liner is very lite and compact and adds a little warmth, about 3* worth. Fleece liner adds more warmth (10*), but is much heavier and bulky.
- Sleeping set of lightweight or mid-weight silk long underwear is very effective. Cheap PolyPro from K-Mart will also work.
- Wear your extra insulating clothes to bed. Just be certain that you do not over-stuff your sleeping bag so that you are compressing the insulation from the inside, that is counter-productive. Maybe just drape your jacket over you bag instead of wearing it.
- If you do hit really cold night, a sturdy water bottle (Nalgene) filled with hot water just before bed can be taken into your bag with you and put at crotch or feet.
- Make sure to eat a late night snack, have something handy to eat during the night if you wake up cold. Got to fuel the furnace.
- Isometric exercise inside the bag can warm you up at least temporarily, allowing you to get back to sleep.
- If you have to pee, do it, you will be much more comfortable than trying to avoid getting out of your bag and hold it 'till morning.
These things will help get you through a cold night, but some will add extra weight/bulk to your pack.
It is ALWAYS best to start out with a bag that is capable of handling the temps you will probably encounter, and will get you through the worst you can expect (using the tips above). Unfortunately, a 40* bag probably doesn't fit this criteria for your planned hike.
Did you buy your bag at REI? How long ago? Have you used it much? The reason I ask, is that REI has an excellent return policy. Could you exchange it for a warmer bag? That would be your best option. Just something to consider.
There are tricks to extend a bags warmth, but a 40* bag will be stretching it in northern MN that time of year. The items in red are what I find most effective, the others will also help.<br><br>-<span style="color:#ff0000;"> Sleeping pad - along with your Z Lite, buy a cheap blue pad from Walmart and cut it down to fit under your torso. Double pads will help a lot in stretching your bags rating.<br></span><br>- <span style="color:#ff0000;">Nice warm, DRY pair of socks will help. Make sure they are loose fitting so they do not constrict your circulation at all. Tight socks compound the problem instead of solve it. Best option - some down booties but these are expensive, and probably overkill for this temperature expectation.</span><br><br>- Silk Bag liner is very lite and compact and adds a little warmth, about 3* worth. Fleece liner adds more warmth (10*), but is much heavier and bulky.<br><br>- <span style="color:#ff0000;">Sleeping set of lightweight or mid-weight silk long underwear is very effective. Cheap PolyPro from K-Mart will also work.<br></span><br>- Wear your extra insulating clothes to bed. Just be certain that you do not over-stuff your sleeping bag so that you are compressing the insulation from the inside, that is counter-productive. Maybe just drape your jacket over you bag instead of wearing it.<br><br>- If you do hit really cold night, a sturdy water bottle (Nalgene) filled with hot water just before bed can be taken into your bag with you and put at crotch or feet.<br><br>- <span style="color:#ff0000;">Make sure to eat a late night snack, have something handy to eat during the night if you wake up cold. Got to fuel the furnace.<br></span><br>- Isometric exercise inside the bag can warm you up at least temporarily, allowing you to get back to sleep.<br><br>- If you have to pee, do it, you will be much more comfortable than trying to avoid getting out of your bag and hold it 'till morning.<br><br>These things will help get you through a cold night, but some will add extra weight/bulk to your pack. <br><br>It is ALWAYS best to start out with a bag that is capable of handling the temps you will probably encounter, and will get you through the worst you can expect (using the tips above). Unfortunately, a 40* bag probably doesn't fit this criteria for your planned hike. <br><br>Did you buy your bag at REI? How long ago? Have you used it much? The reason I ask, is that REI has an excellent return policy. Could you exchange it for a warmer bag? That would be your best option. Just something to consider.<br><br>
Those are some great tips, thank you very much.
I bought my sleeping bag from REI Outlet while it was on sale around a year ago so I doubt that I will be able to return it.
Another member provided a link to a website that is having a sale on sleeping bags right now. I found these two sleeping bags rated at 15 and 20 degrees, respectively. Should I be thinking even lower to a 0 degree bag for this trip?
http://www.takeahikenc.com/istar.asp?a=6&id=BELR11!BIG01
http://www.takeahikenc.com/istar.asp?a=6&id=ADWKLNG!TNF01
(http://www.takeahikenc.com/istar.asp?a=6&id=ADWKLNG!TNF01)I don't have much money, so it would be a shame to have to spend 100-200 dollars on a new sleeping bag, but I will be out for about a month and I don't want to be miserably cold. That would make the experience much less enjoyable.
I would still check with REI about exchanging your bag. They have a VERY liberal return policy, and I think this would be a legitimate reason for exchange. Unless, of course, the bag is heavily used.
I expect a 15 or 20 degree bag would be very sufficient for most nights you will encounter. Temp ratings are very subjective though, and usually mean "You can survive at this temp, not necessarily will you be comfortable." This is especially true for lower cost bags.
I would shop around for a name brand bag on sale. Campmore used to have a highly regarded down bag, rated to 20*, but I don't see it on their website currently. Perhaps it will return in the spring. Also check out Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS) I have been very happy with their Primaloft insulated bags in the past.
You can sometimes pick up a great bag off ebay for cheap. I would just keep my eyes open for a good sale. You have plenty of time to buy a full-priced bag before your trip.
If your current bag is still in like-new condition, though, I would REALLY check into returning it to REI before you do anything else.
Another option would be to offer your current bag for sale here, then replace it. Unless of course, you like the bag and will have a use for a "summer" bag.
I guess it's worth a shot. I'll bring my bag with when I go to try on boots/trail runners and see what they have to say. Maybe I should just keep it as a summer bag though, I'll have to give that some thought.
I am nervous about down bags because to my understanding they perform very poorly when they get wet. The trade off is that they are a lot lighter for their heat though right? I'll keep my eye out for a deal on a good, warm bag in the next couple of months and see what pops up. I just grabbed a headlamp off of SAC and maybe I'll see a bag there as well.
I got an amazing cheat sheet from Map Man that is going to make planning this trip much easier. I am planning on hiking south bound, and am going to start making an itinerary soon. The only problem is that I don't have a good grasp on my hiking speed. I think I'll plan for about 10 miles a day, plus two zero days, but I'll have to see how that fits into the distances between campsites.
My lease on my current place ends on May 31st I am pretty sure that I am going to move into a new place on June 1st, so that is going to be interesting to work into my trip. I was planning on leaving around May 13th, and won't be able to get the trail done by then (I definitely don't want to be rushed). I might just move all of my stuff out before I leave and then move into the new place a week or two later.
MNBackpacker
11-29-2011, 14:55
Bryan,
I have section hiked the southern half of the trail and have just started planning a SOBO thru-hike for Fall 2012. I have some used gear in excellent condition you may be interested in and am certainly willing to share any information that you are looking for. Let me know.
Mike
Bryan,
Check out this thread for a discussion of Down vs. Synthetic. Lots of good info.
http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?75043-Down-vs-synthetic-sleeping-bag-for-thru-hike
Hmmm, great post in that thread Lyle. That really has me considering down. I guess I could get a down bag for cold weather and keep my synthetic bag for summer.
MNBackpacker - how did you like the trail? I still need stuff sacks, trekking poles, compass, and head net. If you have any of that you can go ahead and shoot me a PM.
MNBackpacker
11-30-2011, 20:47
REI will let you return anything for any reason. I have yet to have them tell me no even after a year since purchase. I LOVE this trail! I have some stuff sacks and a bag that seems to fit your needs if you are looking for one. I also have plenty of ideas on how to save $$$ on many of these items.
Cookerhiker
12-02-2011, 11:18
I hiked nearly all of the Superior Trail just this past September; I ended less than 20 miles short of a thruhike because of excruciating heel blisters that were starting to become infected. I don't think the problem was my trail runners per se so I think you'll be OK with them.
Resupply will definitely be a challenge for you. We sent ourselves maildrops in Grand Marais and Finland. There are also decent grocery stores in both towns.
By definition, you don't face any long 1,000'+ ups and downs like the AT but most of the ascents & descents are very steep. Also much of the Trail is rock and root strewn similar to New England.
Re. water, I used Aqua Mira with no problems. Water availability was an issue in some parts but you should be OK with a May hike.
If you can time it, camp one night at Gooseberry Falls State Park. You pay a reduced rate for backpackers and the backpackers' campsites are right on the lake - much better than the car campers.
I recommend an overnight stay in Grand Marais and dinner at the Angry Trout restaurant. In addition to superb Lake Trout, everything on their menu is health-conscious. For example, all their veggies come from local sources. The only issue is whether they're open in May or not. I know they close for the winter.
Finally if you haven't discovered it yet, the guidebook is geared to day and section hikers, not thruhikers. So the mileage is misstated because it includes side trail miles from parking areas not on the SHT itself.
It's a very nice trail. Good luck. And check out WB's "Other Trails" forums; do a search and you'll find other Superior Trail threads: http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/search.php?searchid=709988
Oh - to edit your posts, join WB as a Donating Member.
Cool! Did you hike SOBO or NOBO? A zero in Grand Marais would be really cool. The Angry Trout looks like a really nice place, and it's right on the lake too. They say that they are open starting in May, so it looks like I will be able to do that.
Did you have any problems with sediment in the water? Oh my, I spent one night in Gooseberry right on the lake with no tent, just right under the stars. It happened to be during a meteor shower. I was with my ex-girlfriend and it was one of the best nights of my life. I would love to work another night there into my trip.
The guidebook is still in the mail, and this is extremely disappointing to hear. I was really counting on that to plan my hike....
Sorry for the late reply - I just returned home after rather sporadic internet access.
We hiked it southbound. Parked my car at Fox Farm Rd. trailhead and obtained a shuttle from the Superior Shuttle. For 2 of us, it was $75 each. If you're hiking alone, it's $90 or thereabouts.
I didn't mean to imply that the guidebook is useless - just read it carefully. There are only a few segments where the mileage is off.
In general, we found the Trail corridor hitchhike-friendly. We even encountered an impromptu Trail Angel near Finland who shuttled us for a slackpack day. Speaking of Finland, the grocery store is OK but the restaurant situation is limited in light of your dietary restrictions. But you could also do a town stop in Beaver Bay which is close to the Trail and features several restaurants.
I don't recall any problems with sediment in water, not even those places where the water was marginal. Hiking in May means you should have plenty of water.
Nice trail - have a good hike!
$90 for a single person? Ouch, this trip is going to by a lot more expensive than I thought. Yes, I received the guidebook in the mail. So far I've only read all the prepping sections (history, wildlife, etc.). I have really enjoyed it. I'll have to venture into the trail parts soon.
That's good to hear. When you got a ride were you just walking with your pack and somebody stopped, or were you actively looking for a ride? Wow, that was really nice of that person to shuttle you, it's nice to hear of positive human interaction. I've been kind of losing faith in humanity recently.
Thank you for the heads-up on the restaurants. I will make sure to do some research to see what towns it would make sense for me to stop in and which ones it wouldn't. I hadn't thought of that.
Ok, I may have to switch to Aqua Mira if that is the case. I could always filter through my bandana too if necessary.
Thank you very much! 5 and a half months to go, I can't wait.
Those down bags aren't cheap are they? I'll have to see if REI can take my 40* back, otherwise I don't think I can work it into my budget.
I'm working on my clothes list and this is what I have so far:
§ SHTA moisture-wicking microfiber t-shirt – 22 (grey or navy)
§ SHTA long sleeve microfiber jersey – 27 (grey or navy)
§ SHTA Bandana – 6 (purple, tan, red, yellow)
§ SHTA Hiker Hat – 22 (khaki or olive)
§ Rain Jacket ~
§ Light wind jacket ~
§ Pants ~
§ 3 Pair Socks ~
§ Fleece sweater/down jacket ~
o Bug Net ~ $10
Trail Runners
Trekking Poles
Underwear ~
I still have a lot of work to do as you can see. I really appreciate all of you guys helping me out so much, it really is a life saver.
Might want to contact Shug for some perspective once you get your gear worked out......
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MuGD8uXDkTw
Haha, I love his videos. I've been living vicariously through them for the past week. He seems like a really fun guy. I hope I run into him on the trail.
SHT is on my 2013 itinerary. The North is one of my favorite places to be in the Fall
Cookerhiker
12-04-2011, 20:58
$90 for a single person? Ouch, this trip is going to by a lot more expensive than I thought. Yes, I received the guidebook in the mail. So far I've only read all the prepping sections (history, wildlife, etc.). I have really enjoyed it. I'll have to venture into the trail parts soon.
That's good to hear. When you got a ride were you just walking with your pack and somebody stopped, or were you actively looking for a ride? Wow, that was really nice of that person to shuttle you, it's nice to hear of positive human interaction. I've been kind of losing faith in humanity recently. ....
Re the shuttle, keep in mind it's 200 trail miles and probably at least 150 road miles so it's not a real bad price.
All of the rides we got were hitching i.e. sticking out our thumbs except for one time when we bumbed a ride at the grocery store in Finland. The motel in Finland was about 1.5 miles from the grocery store, PO, and restaurant so we hitched sans packs and got rides every time except after dark.
righ,t so you're looking at paying the shuttler for a 300 mile round trip. 90 is plenty fair, imo. Rte 61 is very hitchhiking friendly as I recall but at the beginning of a long hike or trip I don't want to mess around finding rides. Where will you be coming from and how are planning to get there?
Yeah I suppose the price isn't that bad, I just need to pump a little more money into this than I thought.
I am coming from the cities and will be driving a car up there.
Thank you for the tips on hitching. I still need to plan my itinerary before I get any further into this.
Woo buddy!
Cookerhiker
12-05-2011, 20:50
righ,t so you're looking at paying the shuttler for a 300 mile round trip. 90 is plenty fair, imo. Rte 61 is very hitchhiking friendly as I recall but at the beginning of a long hike or trip I don't want to mess around finding rides...
Even if you successfully hitched all the way up Rt. 61, it would be nigh impossible to get a ride from 61 to the Northern trailhead unless you asked your last hitch to take you there and of course, offered plenty of $$$ incentive.
That's a fact. i'd be wary of anyone wanting to take me that far out,lol.
I hitched successfully off the Gunflint many times but that's a highway in comparison
I didn't mean to give the impression that I want to hitchhike to the north end. I was simply curious about the method in which he got to town. I will definitely pay 90 dollars for the piece of mind. I'm not going to plan this trip and prepare for 5 months and then have it hinge on somebody stopping to pick me up.
Thank you for the concern though.
So I've decided to cut my thru-hike down to a week or so hike along the trail. I need to be back by the first anyway and don't really have enough experience to go out for a month on my own. Now I just need to decide on a suitable section. The only part I've done before is the hike right by Bear and Bean Lake, man that's a nice area. Fond memories there. Lots of fresh blueberries too when I went last.
Definitely take a camera. It is a beautiful hike and I mean stunning views. Our group did the a 35 mile section to Grand Marais in September of last year. It was extremely wet and deep muddy so I was glad I had boots but some of our group had over the ankle lighter boots which I wish I had.
We had alot of water discoloration from the tanins, the water was brown but drinkable. We ditched the book, just got the section maps and the trail is very well marked. Lake Agnes was our favorite camping site. I posted a pic of it on WB under my photos but don't know it it shows after all the changes.
I definitely recommend Grand Marais. It is a very nice town and welcoming to hikers. We had two vegetarians and there are places that will work with your dietary restrictions.
Have a wonderful time!!!
Just saw the above post from another hiker. We also used the shuttle, it was fine and on time. We were staying at one of the parks the first night and he even stopped so we could buy a six pack for our one night at the state park. We also hitched to get back to our vehicle. People up there are super friendly to hikers and hitching was no problem. We are over 40 so we look pretty harmless but...well, we fell in love with Minnesota. Hiking Isle Royale is now on my life list.