ctrl + shift + ? :
Show all keyboard shortcuts
ctrl + g :
Navigate to a group
esc to dismiss
Re: Shortest way from JMT (arriving from HI) to Tuolumne Meadows store & PO
Be cautious walking along the road ?There are a lot of distracted drivers. ?I was hit by a rental RV while walking on the shoulder in 2017. ?Thankfully my bear can took the direct hit and I was not badly injured. ?The road has been improved since then, but I recommend the trail as a much safer alternative. ?
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Aug 18, 2024, at 9:34 AM, Roger Keating via groups.io <rogerk223@...> wrote:
I would use the trail that parallels the road. It will take you to the PO, which under an EZ Up next to where they are rebuilding the store. ?You can also walk along the road, or take the trail thru Parsons Lodge.? On Aug 18, 2024, at 5:41?AM, judithsmcguire <judithsmcguire@...> wrote:
? Not sure how much construction is getting in the way of travel around Tuolumne Meadows.? What's the shortest way to get to the PO/Store from JMT arriving from the Valley??
?
Thanks
?
Judy McGuire
|
Re: Shortest way from JMT (arriving from HI) to Tuolumne Meadows store & PO
I would use the trail that parallels the road. It will take you to the PO, which under an EZ Up next to where they are rebuilding the store. ?You can also walk along the road, or take the trail thru Parsons Lodge.?
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Aug 18, 2024, at 5:41?AM, judithsmcguire <judithsmcguire@...> wrote:
? Not sure how much construction is getting in the way of travel around Tuolumne Meadows.? What's the shortest way to get to the PO/Store from JMT arriving from the Valley??
?
Thanks
?
Judy McGuire
|
Shortest way from JMT (arriving from HI) to Tuolumne Meadows store & PO
Not sure how much construction is getting in the way of travel around Tuolumne Meadows.? What's the shortest way to get to the PO/Store from JMT arriving from the Valley??
?
Thanks
?
Judy McGuire
|
Re: Mosquito and wasp activity
I just, last Monday, completed the North Lake to South Lake loop and the mosquitos were almost non-existent.? A few old lazy ones around.? I didn't see any difference with altitude.? I would bring some repellent, but my bet is you won't need it.
I had similar reports from people coming from both north and south on the JMT.
I think I saw a wasp.
On Sat, Aug 17, 2024, 10:28?AM Martha via <marthagilmorephd= [email protected]> wrote: Anyone have information on current mosquito and wasp activity lately? We’re going Virginia Lakes through Tuolumne to Happy Isles. We’re not going until early September and any other information is welcome.? Thanks, Martha Martha Gilmore, PhD, CGP, FAGPA
. Please excuse brevity and typographical errors.
|
Re: Mosquito and wasp activity
If you mean Lake Virgina just north of the Tully Hole,
From there to Tuolumne was essentially mozzie free as of a couple weeks ago. All good.
Can't speak to the stretch from Tuolumne to HI.
No yellow jackets ("meat bees") to speak of. ? aaron.ximm@...? ? ? 83% happy ?? 9% disgusted ?? 6% fearful ?? 2% angry
On Sat, Aug 17, 2024 at 10:28?AM Martha via <marthagilmorephd= [email protected]> wrote: Anyone have information on current mosquito and wasp activity lately? We’re going Virginia Lakes through Tuolumne to Happy Isles. We’re not going until early September and any other information is welcome.? Thanks, Martha Martha Gilmore, PhD, CGP, FAGPA
. Please excuse brevity and typographical errors.
|
Mosquito and wasp activity
Anyone have information on current mosquito and wasp activity lately? We’re going Virginia Lakes through Tuolumne to Happy Isles. We’re not going until early September and any other information is welcome.? Thanks, Martha Martha Gilmore, PhD, CGP, FAGPA
. Please excuse brevity and typographical errors.
|
I had/have a Light Heart SoLong 6 made from Dyneema (no longer available).? My first one lasted 10 years and a couple of JMTs and SHRs.? It wore out after 10 years.? I’m on my second one now and expect another 10 years. ? Joe ?
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of M P
Sent: Friday, August 16, 2024 12:12 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [JMT-groups.io] UL Tents? I used the silnylon TarpTent Notch on over 2000 miles including Tahoe to Whitney and nearly all pitches were using cords wrapped around rocks.? No problems with stability though one night I had to add some heavier rocks.? Love this tent. Used the dyneema Zpacks Triplex for a few years also.? Was disappointed in the design.?? Moved up to a 3 person Tarptent and had some issues with stability in wind,? had to use extra guylines, perhaps smaller 1 person tents are by default more stable?? Re:? dyneema vs silnylon:? Dyneema lighter, pricier, doesn't stretch (usually need to reach out and tighten up the silnylon during rain.)? Dyneema is more see-through so you have less privacy and it's brighter so I found it harder to sleep at night in far Northern mountains.? It's more brittle so beware hail.?? ? I have updated (and unweighted) my sleeping bag (to a quilt) and pad and am now tackling the bear canister, backpack, and tent to prepare for the JMT next year, I hope. ? - On the bear canister, I am planning on switching to the Bearikade Weekender or Blazer, which will shave off 8 to 10 oz from the BV500 I have
- On the backpack, I am leaning towards the GG Maripoa, which will shave 2+ pounds from my current backpack
- On the tent, I am leaning towards the Durston XMid, but would like to hear from others who have used it.? How does it do on granite?? I have always used freestanding tents and wonder how the staking would work at a place like Guitar Lake (between Crabtree Meadow and Whitney Portal).? And, how do these tents do on a windy day?
I ask because I just completed the High Sierra Trail.? We had one extremely windy night at Guitar Lake.? I staked my freestanding tent using rocks and wonder how things would work with the XMid.? I have tried, unsuccessfully, to find a YouTube video showing the tent setup on granite. Also, several of the trekking pole tents use Dyneema, which is significantly lighter -- how does Dyneema hold up long term?? Pros and cons between DCF and silnylon or silpro?
|
I used the silnylon TarpTent Notch on over 2000 miles including Tahoe to Whitney and nearly all pitches were using cords wrapped around rocks.? No problems with stability though one night I had to add some heavier rocks.? Love this tent.
Used the dyneema Zpacks Triplex for a few years also.? Was disappointed in the design.??
Moved up to a 3 person Tarptent and had some issues with stability in wind,? had to use extra guylines, perhaps smaller 1 person tents are by default more stable??
Re:? dyneema vs silnylon:? Dyneema lighter, pricier, doesn't stretch (usually need to reach out and tighten up the silnylon during rain.)? Dyneema is more see-through so you have less privacy and it's brighter so I found it harder to sleep at night in far Northern mountains.? It's more brittle so beware hail.??
Hello:
?
I have updated (and unweighted) my sleeping bag (to a quilt) and pad and am now tackling the bear canister, backpack, and tent to prepare for the JMT next year, I hope. ?
- On the bear canister, I am planning on switching to the Bearikade Weekender or Blazer, which will shave off 8 to 10 oz from the BV500 I have
- On the backpack, I am leaning towards the GG Maripoa, which will shave 2+ pounds from my current backpack
- On the tent, I am leaning towards the Durston XMid, but would like to hear from others who have used it.? How does it do on granite?? I have always used freestanding tents and wonder how the staking would work at a place like Guitar Lake (between Crabtree Meadow and Whitney Portal).? And, how do these tents do on a windy day?
I ask because I just completed the High Sierra Trail.? We had one extremely windy night at Guitar Lake.? I staked my freestanding tent using rocks and wonder how things would work with the XMid.? I have tried, unsuccessfully, to find a YouTube video showing the tent setup on granite.
?
Also, several of the trekking pole tents use Dyneema, which is significantly lighter -- how does Dyneema hold up long term?? Pros and cons between DCF and silnylon or silpro?
?
Thanks in advance,
CJ
|
Regarding your question about UL tents, here's my $0.02 worth.
On our JMT trip in 2018, my son and I used a Zpacks two-person tent - the Duplex Classic with the added external poles to pull it out more/create a bit more head room. I carried the tent and my son carried the poles. It was a good tent for us, and I have considered
the Durston tents, too, since then. I think that you're making a good choice - but, YMMV! ?
My second point is slightly?different. Over the past couple of years, I've tried to slim down a bit more. I'm not really packing any less weight, but I do feel that I'm creating more "utility" in my system. When I'm solo packing (which is more often than not),
I now use a ?with a . There aren't really any weight savings. But, when I can, I prefer to cowboy camp - but without mosquitoes - so the bivy works great for that. If it seems like rain is on the way, then I'll easily put up the Gatewood Cape
as my tent; the utility comes from using the Gatewood?Cape as a raincape if it's raining while I'm packing.
|
|
11 oz - 310 g Solo Tarp The Gatewood Cape is the super ultralight backpacker’s dream – shave ounces by combining your rain gear and tarp into one. The Gatewood Cape is the ONLY poncho-style Tarp to provide complete 360° protection. Since its introduction in
2006, it has been carried over hundreds of thousands of trail
www.sixmoondesigns.com
|
|
|
The Bristlecone Bivy provides a waterproof floor with a water resistant upper to protect your quilt from spray and mist. Featuring a large mesh window and long U shaped zipper extending from waist level across the top, allowing for easy entry and exit. Designed
to work well with both pyramid shelters and tarps.
katabaticgear.com
|
Good luck,
Tim
Tim Mulholland
Illuminata Photo
Fitchburg, Wisconsin
608.628.2925
?- fine art sales
Author of
|
Heya Chaya,
For the Sierra where others have stated that there are no shortage of rocks and often in site where stakes are problematic I’ve been using the “Big Rock, Little Rock” technique successfully for many years. ?In fact I prefer using this instead of stakes. ?More secure if you use a hefty enough big rock and much easier to adjust guyline angles for a pitch especially for a trekking pole tent which I use. ?I own both Durston XMids and Tarptent tents. ?Both excellent manufacturers who stand behind their product. ?For the rock method I’ve added about two feet of extra guyline to the existing lines for extra flexibility of where I can place the rocks if there are obstructions in the way. ?Hope this helps and good luck next year!
|
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Aug 16, 2024, at 8:11?AM, Ian Goldsmith <ian@...> wrote:
?
I have a zPacks Duplex with over 100 nights in the Sierra on it, it still looks and works perfectly, like a brand new tent. ?I’ve camped in high winds on rocky surfaces, and as others here have said, it’s all about finding rocks to anchor the guy lines.
Ian
On Aug 15, 2024, at 10:06?PM, chayaj via groups.io <chayaj@...> wrote:
Hello:
?
I have updated (and unweighted) my sleeping bag (to a quilt) and pad and am now tackling the bear canister, backpack, and tent to prepare for the JMT next year, I hope. ?
- On the bear canister, I am planning on switching to the Bearikade Weekender or Blazer, which will shave off 8 to 10 oz from the BV500 I have
- On the backpack, I am leaning towards the GG Maripoa, which will shave 2+ pounds from my current backpack
- On the tent, I am leaning towards the Durston XMid, but would like to hear from others who have used it. ?How does it do on granite? ?I have always used freestanding tents and wonder how the staking would work at a place like Guitar Lake (between Crabtree Meadow and Whitney Portal). ?And, how do these tents do on a windy day?
I ask because I just completed the High Sierra Trail. ?We had one extremely windy night at Guitar Lake. ?I staked my freestanding tent using rocks and wonder how things would work with the XMid. ?I have tried, unsuccessfully, to find a YouTube video showing the tent setup on granite.
?
Also, several of the trekking pole tents use Dyneema, which is significantly lighter -- how does Dyneema hold up long term? ?Pros and cons between DCF and silnylon or silpro?
?
Thanks in advance,
CJ
I have a zPacks Duplex with over 100 nights in the Sierra on it, it still looks and works perfectly, like a brand new tent. ?I’ve camped in high winds on rocky surfaces, and as others here have said, it’s all about finding rocks to anchor the guy lines.
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Aug 15, 2024, at 10:06?PM, chayaj via groups.io <chayaj@...> wrote:
Hello:
?
I have updated (and unweighted) my sleeping bag (to a quilt) and pad and am now tackling the bear canister, backpack, and tent to prepare for the JMT next year, I hope. ?
- On the bear canister, I am planning on switching to the Bearikade Weekender or Blazer, which will shave off 8 to 10 oz from the BV500 I have
- On the backpack, I am leaning towards the GG Maripoa, which will shave 2+ pounds from my current backpack
- On the tent, I am leaning towards the Durston XMid, but would like to hear from others who have used it. ?How does it do on granite? ?I have always used freestanding tents and wonder how the staking would work at a place like Guitar Lake (between Crabtree Meadow and Whitney Portal). ?And, how do these tents do on a windy day?
I ask because I just completed the High Sierra Trail. ?We had one extremely windy night at Guitar Lake. ?I staked my freestanding tent using rocks and wonder how things would work with the XMid. ?I have tried, unsuccessfully, to find a YouTube video showing the tent setup on granite.
?
Also, several of the trekking pole tents use Dyneema, which is significantly lighter -- how does Dyneema hold up long term? ?Pros and cons between DCF and silnylon or silpro?
?
Thanks in advance,
CJ
|
You will find excellent information, and superior tents on the TarpTent site.? TarpTent is using the ultra fabric in some of its tents, along with Dynema in many of its tents.?
? ? Ultra cuts weight and price, yet Dynema is still THE fabric of the lightweight hiker.? Silnylon is also used by TarpTent.?
? ? I suggest that you peruse the TarpTent site, then call Henry Shires of TarpTent and ask him for a quick summary. Best in the business.?
? ? I love my TarpTent DiPole Li1.?
?
? ?Your other question:
?
Every tent, dedicated poles or trekking poles, should be outfitted with rock loops.
Rock loops: go to your local hardware store and get some masonry cord.? Bright colors, lightweight, inexpensive.
Tie 8-10" loops of cord to each stake out point.
Place a rock or stick through the loop, piling more rocks on top.
Position the anchor point of the loop so it's in the same position as if staked and your tent pitch will be correct.
I've camped on slickrock in my TarpTent DiPole Li1 using rock loops.
http://wildernessvagabond.com/WV-GC-trip-links-all.htm
http://wildernessvagabond.com/john-muir-trail-2021/john-muir-trail-2021.htm
?
--
Wherever you go, there you are,? Cheers, WV
|
You are definately on the right ultralight track. ?Re: the Durston tent I would email Dan Durston. ?He has a reputation of being very responsive and helpful. ? I personally use a dynema tarp and bivy which is very light, but not for everyone. ?Switching bear cans is an expensive option, but people do love their Bericades.
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Aug 15, 2024, at 10:06?PM, chayaj via groups.io <chayaj@...> wrote:
? Hello:
?
I have updated (and unweighted) my sleeping bag (to a quilt) and pad and am now tackling the bear canister, backpack, and tent to prepare for the JMT next year, I hope. ?
- On the bear canister, I am planning on switching to the Bearikade Weekender or Blazer, which will shave off 8 to 10 oz from the BV500 I have
- On the backpack, I am leaning towards the GG Maripoa, which will shave 2+ pounds from my current backpack
- On the tent, I am leaning towards the Durston XMid, but would like to hear from others who have used it. ?How does it do on granite? ?I have always used freestanding tents and wonder how the staking would work at a place like Guitar Lake (between Crabtree Meadow and Whitney Portal). ?And, how do these tents do on a windy day?
I ask because I just completed the High Sierra Trail. ?We had one extremely windy night at Guitar Lake. ?I staked my freestanding tent using rocks and wonder how things would work with the XMid. ?I have tried, unsuccessfully, to find a YouTube video showing the tent setup on granite.
?
Also, several of the trekking pole tents use Dyneema, which is significantly lighter -- how does Dyneema hold up long term? ?Pros and cons between DCF and silnylon or silpro?
?
Thanks in advance,
CJ
|
CJ,
? ?I can attest that the Durston XMid 1P is excellent and used on 3 trips in the Sierra. Setting it up on granite is very straight forward. Just need 4 big rocks or 8 medium rocks. I also added a longer cord to the 4 corners of the tent for just this purpose.?
Happy Trails, Chuck
Hello:
?
I have updated (and unweighted) my sleeping bag (to a quilt) and pad and am now tackling the bear canister, backpack, and tent to prepare for the JMT next year, I hope. ?
- On the bear canister, I am planning on switching to the Bearikade Weekender or Blazer, which will shave off 8 to 10 oz from the BV500 I have
- On the backpack, I am leaning towards the GG Maripoa, which will shave 2+ pounds from my current backpack
- On the tent, I am leaning towards the Durston XMid, but would like to hear from others who have used it.? How does it do on granite?? I have always used freestanding tents and wonder how the staking would work at a place like Guitar Lake (between Crabtree Meadow and Whitney Portal).? And, how do these tents do on a windy day?
I ask because I just completed the High Sierra Trail.? We had one extremely windy night at Guitar Lake.? I staked my freestanding tent using rocks and wonder how things would work with the XMid.? I have tried, unsuccessfully, to find a YouTube video showing the tent setup on granite.
?
Also, several of the trekking pole tents use Dyneema, which is significantly lighter -- how does Dyneema hold up long term?? Pros and cons between DCF and silnylon or silpro?
?
Thanks in advance,
CJ
|
I cannot comment on the specific tent you're considering, but I did use a UL tent (zPacks Hexamid Twin) for many years in the Sierra Nevada and other locations where it was not possible to stake the shelter down into the ground. The method I used was to find large rocks. I rigged guy lines to the shelter longer than the standard lines to make it possible to make loops around the large rocks. This worked anywhere large rocks could be found, which is most anywhere in the Sierra Nevada. The pitch was sometimes not perfect but I rarely had a problem with the shelter failing to stay upright. One of the first nights I experienced this was at a very windy campsite at Thousand Island Lake. I somehow achieved a nearly perfect pitch and I had almost no experience with the shelter at that point, pictured below. I would recommend practicing before going out on the JMT. Picture of the setup, from my trip in 2013, is below.
?
?
|
Hello:
?
I have updated (and unweighted) my sleeping bag (to a quilt) and pad and am now tackling the bear canister, backpack, and tent to prepare for the JMT next year, I hope. ?
- On the bear canister, I am planning on switching to the Bearikade Weekender or Blazer, which will shave off 8 to 10 oz from the BV500 I have
- On the backpack, I am leaning towards the GG Maripoa, which will shave 2+ pounds from my current backpack
- On the tent, I am leaning towards the Durston XMid, but would like to hear from others who have used it. ?How does it do on granite? ?I have always used freestanding tents and wonder how the staking would work at a place like Guitar Lake (between Crabtree Meadow and Whitney Portal). ?And, how do these tents do on a windy day?
I ask because I just completed the High Sierra Trail. ?We had one extremely windy night at Guitar Lake. ?I staked my freestanding tent using rocks and wonder how things would work with the XMid. ?I have tried, unsuccessfully, to find a YouTube video showing the tent setup on granite.
?
Also, several of the trekking pole tents use Dyneema, which is significantly lighter -- how does Dyneema hold up long term? ?Pros and cons between DCF and silnylon or silpro?
?
Thanks in advance,
CJ
|
Re: Return to Car Strategies
Yes, the new transfer? at the Tavern Road Park and Ride in Mammoth Lakes is reflected in the schedules you see online on the respective ESTA and YARTS websites.
|
Re: Return to Car Strategies
That's great news ,Steve.
Previously exiting Whitney Portal at Lone Pine would have taken
an overnight in Lone Pine AND one in Mammoth to catch the early
buses. Does this connection show up in new schedules yet?
-Rick
On 8/14/2024 6:21 AM, steve herr via
groups.io wrote:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
Don't transfer between from
ESTA to YARTS in Lee Vining.? ESTA and YARTS have finally
agreed on using the Tavern Road Park and Ride stop in Mammoth
Lakes as the transfer point between the two services.? The
northbound ESTA bus from Lone Pine and Bishop arrives at 8:20
am, the YARTS bus to TM and YV leaves at 8;50, so this should
be a reliable connection.
|
Re: Return to Car Strategies
Don't transfer between from ESTA to YARTS in Lee Vining.? ESTA and YARTS have finally agreed on using the Tavern Road Park and Ride stop in Mammoth Lakes as the transfer point between the two services.? The northbound ESTA bus from Lone Pine and Bishop arrives at 8:20 am, the YARTS bus to TM and YV leaves at 8;50, so this should be a reliable connection.
|
Re: sturdiest tortilla chips backpacker and guacamole
Yes it has worked and I dry many things with olive oil in them.? They do have a greasy-ish surface but they're dried.?
?
I love Backpack Gourmet recipes.? Been using that book since my 2007 AT thru-hike when I backpacked all my dinners.? Never got bored.? Never got any food poisoning either.?
?
Judy McGuire
|
Tim Mulholland
WildVagabond
ravi_jmt2013