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March, 2025

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NS Backpacking Thread

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byubound
Posts: 1636 - Karma: 9,873
Need inspiration for trip ideas this spring/summer, especially out in the midwest.

Any other people big into backpacking out there? I was out constantly until a couple years ago, did a PCT thru, some oregon coast, and lots of other small trips. Haven't been out a ton recently but want to do more again this year. Might end up working in Minnesota so if anyone has trip ideas out there I would be very interested.

Talk gear, routes, whatever. I'm always game to talk backpacking
4 years ago
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byubound
Posts: 1636 - Karma: 9,873
BrandoComandoSuper cool! I bet those views are awesome

You should go with a hammock! They're so comfy and the cost/weight ratio is better than tents. And as you say, there's trees everywhere in the NE. If my backpacking routes weren't on so much Sierra granite, I'd go hammock too

Hammocks are the way to go. Where are you hiking in the sierra that you can't? I did the whole pct in a hammock a few years ago
4 years ago
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SurfinCow
Posts: 363 - Karma: 3,141
BrandoComandoIf I have a heavy pack or I’m putting in lots of miles in each day, I’ll use poles. It helps takes the strain off my back. Sometimes it provides some balance on really techy climbs or descents, but mostly it helps distribute that pack weight. I’d recommend collapsing poles if you got em, but ski poles should work if you aren’t looking to store them on your bag


Awesome thanks, gonna try and do some day hikes soon and I'll give it a go, and prob get collapsible down the line
4 years ago
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BrandoComando
Posts: 1486 - Karma: 18,792
byuboundHammocks are the way to go. Where are you hiking in the sierra that you can't? I did the whole pct in a hammock a few years ago


That's impressive! PCT is a bucket list dream of mine. Desolation is a good example of a place that's hard for hammocks. I could probably make it work if I chose my campsites carefully, but it gets tricky around Aloha. Higher elevations in Humboldt-Toiyabe NF, Inyo NF, and everywhere in Nevada can get pretty barren too. I'm happy to have the versatility of a tent
4 years ago
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byubound
Posts: 1636 - Karma: 9,873
Bumping to flex this bivy I just finished for summer camping. Weighs 3.9 oz
3 years ago
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Charlie_Kelly
Posts: 11955 - Karma: 12,303
Charlie_KellyI have a framed pack that I got when I was in the scouts. Just need a sleeping pad and either ultralight tent or hammock. I kinda like the idea of a hammock, you definitely can get it dialed in and it’s usable pretty much anywhere in the NE. And yeah a canister stove as well.

One thing I love about YouTube is the wealth of resources I can go to.

Anyways, I’ll be hiking Mt Ellen and Mt Abraham (VT) Saturday and Cannon and the Kinsmans (NH) Sunday. Should be about 20 miles total, I’m stoked.


36/48 done in just about a year. After suffering my seizure not sure when I’ll get back out there.
3 years ago
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elcheapo
Posts: 3449 - Karma: 13,982
byuboundBumping to flex this bivy I just finished for summer camping. Weighs 3.9 oz


Were did you buy that at
3 years ago
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IHatePedophiles
Posts: 714 - Karma: -6,987
Backpacking to ur moms house
3 years ago
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byubound
Posts: 1636 - Karma: 9,873
elcheapoWere did you buy that at


Made it myself.
3 years ago
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