You do not avoid the climb from Fish Creek to Silver Pass by taking the conventional JMT to Virginia and Tully Hole.? JMT drops to cross Fish Creek below Tully hole and climbs the same 1700 feet from there that the Cascade Valley trail from Iva Bell connects with.? And you dont have to miss Virginia and Tully Hole either.? The JMT is only 600 Feet above Iva Bell at Purple Lake, so the hot spring can just be a quick side trip from there, or a shiort climb if you are taking the whole Cascade Valley route to IB from Red's.
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Hi Jingbo, ????????? I haven’t done the Iva Bell detour, but it’s been on my bucket list for awhile. The JMT from Reds to Purple Lake isn’t all that scenic, and I hear the hot springs are great. Of course you’ll miss Virginia Lake and Tully Hole, which are spectacular, but maybe that will just make you come back. I have heard that the uphill from Fish Creek back to the trail up Silver Pass isn’t much fun, so factor that in, maybe. Peter ?
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From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Jingbo Ni
Sent: Friday, May 17, 2024 4:24 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [JMT-groups.io] Iva Bell Hot Springs? Hello Folks? We will hike JMT SOBO starting from Tuolumne Meadows late August to mid-September. I’m planning our daily itinerary. In the section from Reds Meadow to Silver Pass I would like to take the route that takes us to Iva Bell Hot Springs instead of the official JMT trail through Purple Lake. Is this a good idea??
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Hello Folks? We will hike JMT SOBO starting from Tuolumne Meadows late August to mid-September. I’m planning our daily itinerary. In the section from Reds Meadow to Silver Pass I would like to take the route that takes us to Iva Bell Hot Springs instead of the official JMT trail through Purple Lake. Is this a good idea?? Thanks!
Jingbo
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Hi Geraldine,?
If you are getting hip bruises under a heavy load, it may be a sign that the hip belt on the pack you are using isn't suited for your body type.? That is a conclusion I came to myself after using a Gregory Baltoro for a number of trips and having the same thing
happen to me.? The problem went away after switching to other packs.??
Greg
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Thanks Tom, that's very helpful.
If there is no difference when punctured, then that makes my sleeping bag decision much easier.
On the backpack, I will look at upgrading to a similar model, however I would have to say it's been working fine for me, and the fact that I get hip bruises on a heavy load; is it just me?), is not necessarily related to the
life of the foam. I have always got them on a longer trip.
Thanks for all your help,
?Geraldine.
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Osprey has some outstanding exceptions that meet or exceed weight advantages of the best of them.? Look at the Eja (Exos) which is under 3 pounds for a full framed pack and a pound lighter than? for the Pro model, all under $300.? Backpacker pack of the year in 2023.
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Geraldine there are some pack brands out there that have pretty solid frames with low total pack weights. The Osprey’s are comfortable for their weight because the frames are excellent, but they are heavy (I recently refurbished my old Dana Designs Terraplane pack for possible winter trips - it also has a very comfortable frame, but the pack is heavy!).?
Even if it doesn’t solve your hips bruising, a pack like the ULA circuit is half the weight of your Osprey but still with a good frame and hip belt - lighter load must be (slightly) easier on hips. ULA also has the option for “S” shaped shoulder straps that are designed as a better fit for women (I read that ULA’s client base is over 50% women as a result).
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On 11 May 2024, at 7:16?AM, Ger Murphy via groups.io <germurphymail@...> wrote:
? Thanks for all the input and advice on sleeping pads. I really appreciate it and will digest it and make a more informed decision. I would love if REI came to Europe (and Ireland specifically) so I could actually go to a physical store and try them all out. One question I have is on insulation when punctured; is there any measure on insulation when a sleeping pad is deflated??
I was also considering upgrading my backpack as it's quite heavy. I have had an Osprey woman's?backpack that weights 4.5/5lbs for over 15 years but it's very comfortable, and on the first part of the JMT, I still got bruises on my hips from carrying a heavy pack. So I can't lose any paddling as this time I will have to carry for 9 days.
Thanks, Geraldine
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Thanks Tom, that's very helpful.
If there is no difference when punctured, then that makes my sleeping bag decision much easier.
On the backpack, I will look at upgrading to a similar model, however I would have to say it's been working fine for me, and the fact that I get hip bruises on a heavy load; is it just me?), is not necessarily related to the life of the foam. I have always got them on a longer trip.
Thanks for all your help,
?Geraldine.
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Insulation is near zero on a deflated pad. ?The good news is top tier pads are quite durable when treated well. ?Some people prefer foam pads which is a durable low cost option. ?I use a neoair womens (higher r value) and 1/4”foam pad under for puncture protection. ? ?Very durable and going strong after >1000 miles. ? Lower weight costs money. ?High end Pad about 200. ?Backpack 250-300 ? You might look at Adam packs. They are from the UK and might be available to look at locally. ? A 15 year old pack should be replaced. The foam is likely degraded.
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On May 10, 2024, at 2:16?PM, Ger Murphy via groups.io <germurphymail@...> wrote:
? Thanks for all the input and advice on sleeping pads. I really appreciate it and will digest it and make a more informed decision. I would love if REI came to Europe (and Ireland specifically) so I could actually go to a physical store and try them all out. One question I have is on insulation when punctured; is there any measure on insulation when a sleeping pad is deflated??
I was also considering upgrading my backpack as it's quite heavy. I have had an Osprey woman's?backpack that weights 4.5/5lbs for over 15 years but it's very comfortable, and on the first part of the JMT, I still got bruises on my hips from carrying a heavy pack. So I can't lose any paddling as this time I will have to carry for 9 days.
Thanks, Geraldine
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Re: Shuttle from Fresno to VVR on Sunday 25th August
Thanks Heather.
I'm looking forward to meeting you, returning to VVR and the JMT!
Geraldine.
On Friday, May 10, 2024 at 10:05:21 PM GMT+1, Heather McCoy <healeemccoy@...> wrote:
Awesome!?
I am working the front desk at VVR all summer and will look forward to meeting you.?
Happy trails, Heather L McCoy @mermaidlovesmountains
On May 10, 2024, at 1:54?PM, Ger Murphy via groups.io <germurphymail@...> wrote:
? I have booked a shuttle from Fresno to VVR with Jim Clement (vvrjim@...) on Sunday 25th August 2024 around noon. Happy to leave later too if anyone is interested in sharing the journey and shuttle costs?
I got a shuttle from Jim's company out of VVR in 2022, and couldn't recommend them more. We had a full car (4), a very amenable driver and great chats along the way.
Geraldine.
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Thanks for all the input and advice on sleeping pads. I really appreciate it and will digest it and make a more informed decision. I would love if REI came to Europe (and Ireland specifically) so I could actually go to a physical store and try them all out. One question I have is on insulation when punctured; is there any measure on insulation when a sleeping pad is deflated??
I was also considering upgrading my backpack as it's quite heavy. I have had an Osprey woman's?backpack that weights 4.5/5lbs for over 15 years but it's very comfortable, and on the first part of the JMT, I still got bruises on my hips from carrying a heavy pack. So I can't lose any paddling as this time I will have to carry for 9 days.
Thanks, Geraldine
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Re: Shuttle from Fresno to VVR on Sunday 25th August
Awesome!?
I am working the front desk at VVR all summer and will look forward to meeting you.?
Happy trails, Heather L McCoy @mermaidlovesmountains
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On May 10, 2024, at 1:54?PM, Ger Murphy via groups.io <germurphymail@...> wrote:
? I have booked a shuttle from Fresno to VVR with Jim Clement (vvrjim@...) on Sunday 25th August 2024 around noon. Happy to leave later too if anyone is interested in sharing the journey and shuttle costs?
I got a shuttle from Jim's company out of VVR in 2022, and couldn't recommend them more. We had a full car (4), a very amenable driver and great chats along the way.
Geraldine.
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Shuttle from Fresno to VVR on Sunday 25th August
I have booked a shuttle from Fresno to VVR with Jim Clement (vvrjim@...) on Sunday 25th August 2024 around noon. Happy to leave later too if anyone is interested in sharing the journey and shuttle costs?
I got a shuttle from Jim's company out of VVR in 2022, and couldn't recommend them more. We had a full car (4), a very amenable driver and great chats along the way.
Geraldine.
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I'm a sucker for a thick sleeping pad. I have a pretty old Big Agnes one (orange). It's heavy but worth the weight. With a thinner pad, if I sleep on my side, my hips can sometimes bottom out on the hard ground. I like to be comfy—nay, luxurious—at night when I'm exerting myself all day. Treat yo'self!?
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I love my Big Agnes Q-core SLX.? Combined with the Lost Ranger bag with sleeve it's terrific.? I like to be comfortable at night and it does the trick, along with an inflatable? pillow.? The fact that you can't roll off the pad is a game changer as far as I'm concerned.? I also use an inflation bag and find it pretty handy.? This will be my 8th season using the Q-core and, knock on wood, it's never sprung a leak.? The downside with the sleep system is if the pad fails, there is no insulation on the bottom of the bag.? I've added a thin lightweight pad, Gossamer thinlight,? this year as an additional protector and a bit of backup insulation.
Hopefully, their product quality has not diminished since mine was produced.
I use thermorest.? Used to use big Agnes’s.? Had 2 blowup on day 2.? They did not stand behind their product. ? Stupid move in the backpacking world. ?? On Apr 29, 2024, at 5:34?PM, shannon macconnell via <shannonmacconnell=[email protected]> wrote:
?I used the old, noisier version of the Thermorest XLite and loved it.? I believe they have a newer version out which supposedly sounds less like sleeping on a bag of Doritos chips.? I was so tired at the end of the day I didn’t even notice the sound.? It kept me very warm on a few hailing/freezing nights and packs down incredibly small.? It is pricey however.
? I hope it's ok to post a gear question.
I did the JMT from Yosemite Valley to VVR in 2022, got stopped last year because of the San Joaquin bridge being out, and have a plan to continue from VVR end of August this year.
I need a new sleeping pad, looked online and ordered the from REI which I will be returning. It was very expensive, and the inflation pump sack is way too much work.
Appreciate if anyone has any recommendations based on personal experience.
Thanks for your help.
Geraldine.
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I use thermorest. ?Used to use big Agnes’s. ?Had 2 blowup on day 2. ?They did not stand behind their product. ? Stupid move in the backpacking world. ??
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On Apr 29, 2024, at 5:34?PM, shannon macconnell via groups.io <shannonmacconnell@...> wrote:
? I used the old, noisier version of the Thermorest XLite and loved it. ?I believe they have a newer version out which supposedly sounds less like sleeping on a bag of Doritos chips. ?I was so tired at the end of the day I didn’t even notice the sound. ?It kept me very warm on a few hailing/freezing nights and packs down incredibly small. ?It is pricey however.
On Apr 29, 2024, at 1:39?PM, Ger Murphy via groups.io <germurphymail@...> wrote:
? I hope it's ok to post a gear question.
I did the JMT from Yosemite Valley to VVR in 2022, got stopped last year because of the San Joaquin bridge being out, and have a plan to continue from VVR end of August this year.
I need a new sleeping pad, looked online and ordered the from REI which I will be returning. It was very expensive, and the inflation pump sack is way too much work.
Appreciate if anyone has any recommendations based on personal experience.
Thanks for your help.
Geraldine.
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Have a look at Big Agnes: I had several and they usually last ver long and are comfy. If cost is an issue, wait until the mid May 20% REI coupon.
Best of luck!
Rick
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My wife and I spend about 20-25 nights per year in the backcountry. Our favorite has been the Thermarest Neoair Xlite, short version. Used to weight cca. 8 oz. We went through a few, each lasting cca. 6-7 years. Noise was never a problem. (Winter: regular-sized XTherms.)
Problem is, Thermarest discontinued this. Currently, their lightest mattress weighs 12 oz. They also discontinued their Uberlite series (cca. 6.5 oz. for the short). I talked to them and they said people are upset, so they might bring back some short/light version next year.
Our latest Xlites wore our recently and we managed to get two of the last Uberlites. Can't say yet how well they hold up, we just got them a few days ago.
As for inflation, I always blow them up by mouth, takes about 10-11 breaths for the short mattresses. It's good breathing exercise. Never had a problem with molding or moisture accumulation.
Steven
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Re: Ultralight Backpacks Used by Women on the JMT and InReach/Garmin units
Used this same panel +10 Ah PB on the JMT August 2019 nobo.
This year I am on the PCT, started 3 weeks ago at the Mexican border, with a very similar panel and 10 Ah PB. Phone, inReach, headlamp and camera. Never a problem, PB is fully recharged again every evening.
Henning
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Diese Nachricht wurde von meinem Android Mobiltelefon mit Mail gesendet. Am 29.04.24, 09:26 schrieb "Greg via groups.io" <greg.r.ford@...>:
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I tested out a Lixada Solar Panel, intended to supplement a 10k battery, on a PCT section hike the last week and a half.? So far results have been positive.? I was able to charge my phone from the battery at night and then recharge the battery up to full after about 5 hours of hiking.? Of course, this is not necessarily a realistic test for the JMT.? I was going NOBO (will be going SOBO on JMT in August), there was full sun on most of my PCT hike, and very little alpine terrain.? I will need to test the panel more on some shakedown hikes in the Sierra, but will likely take it along on the JMT, if nothing else than as a backup charger for my phone, in reach mini, and headlamp.
The panel weighs 86 grams and costs about $20.?
Greg
I took an ECEEN (brand/company on Amazon) 13W panel on the JMT for my various devices and it was great. I had enough things to charge to make it worthwhile (phone, InReach Mini, Kindle, headlamp).
It had two USB ports and could charge two devices in parallel. I had it clipped it across the top (not back) of my back and I would charge up a small powerbank so I could charge my phone at night.
It wasn't sold as 100% waterproof so I would put it away when it rained hard. But it got wet. No issues.
I had an older panel of theirs with a single port and both have worked for years.?
aaron
What have folks used for solar panels while long-distance hiking?
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? aaron.ximm@...
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?
? 83% happy
?? 9% disgusted
?? 6% fearful
?? 2% angry
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Re: Ultralight Backpacks Used by Women on the JMT and InReach/Garmin units
5 years with Lixada here :) I use external battery case with my iPhone ( so charge that instead of the phone ) and charge inReach on the lunch breaks and at the camps.? The only fixture I did is to tape USB port with duct tape , because that plastic is not very strong and I read it was a good idea with trail use. Works great ! Karina Bezkrovnaia
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On Apr 29, 2024, at 16:39, Lange Jorstad via groups.io <langejorstad@...> wrote:
? Regarding charging of phones with solar panels, there has been a lot of past feedback that charging phones directly from solar panels can be problematic. An issue that was raised repeatedly for iphones is that as you move from sun to shadow, the phone would stop charging and "go to sleep", and wouldn't necessarily start charging again automatically when the panel was back in the sun (as in, hikers would have to unplug and replug the power cable back into the phone to restart the charging process). I know most people here say that they charge a powerbank and then use the powerbank to charge their devices, which I think is the preferred solution. Just flagging the other issue for anyone who might not have heard or experienced that before.
In terms of daytime charging efficiency, I also read that the difference in performance between NOBO and SOBO hiking directions was negligible, the key limiting factor is forests, shadowing from high valley walls, etc. which is the same issue regardless of hiking direction. The sun sits high enough in the sky during summer months that you don't get a major distinction in solar panel performance during the day whether hiking north facing or south facing - panel sitting on top of your pack facing the sky instead of strapped on the side of your pack will make a bigger difference.
I took an ECEEN (brand/company on Amazon) 13W panel on the JMT for my various devices and it was great. I had enough things to charge to make it worthwhile (phone, InReach Mini, Kindle, headlamp).
It had two USB ports and could charge two devices in parallel. I had it clipped it across the top (not back) of my back and I would charge up a small powerbank so I could charge my phone at night.
It wasn't sold as 100% waterproof so I would put it away when it rained hard. But it got wet. No issues.
I had an older panel of theirs with a single port and both have worked for years.?
aaron
What have folks used for solar panels while long-distance hiking?
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?
aaron.ximm@...
?
?
? 83% happy
?? 9% disgusted
?? 6% fearful
?? 2% angry
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Re: Ultralight Backpacks Used by Women on the JMT and InReach/Garmin units
Regarding charging of phones with solar panels, there has been a lot of past feedback that charging phones directly from solar panels can be problematic. An issue that was raised repeatedly for iphones is that as you move from sun to shadow, the phone would stop charging and "go to sleep", and wouldn't necessarily start charging again automatically when the panel was back in the sun (as in, hikers would have to unplug and replug the power cable back into the phone to restart the charging process). I know most people here say that they charge a powerbank and then use the powerbank to charge their devices, which I think is the preferred solution. Just flagging the other issue for anyone who might not have heard or experienced that before.
In terms of daytime charging efficiency, I also read that the difference in performance between NOBO and SOBO hiking directions was negligible, the key limiting factor is forests, shadowing from high valley walls, etc. which is the same issue regardless of hiking direction. The sun sits high enough in the sky during summer months that you don't get a major distinction in solar panel performance during the day whether hiking north facing or south facing - panel sitting on top of your pack facing the sky instead of strapped on the side of your pack will make a bigger difference.
I took an ECEEN (brand/company on Amazon) 13W panel on the JMT for my various devices and it was great. I had enough things to charge to make it worthwhile (phone, InReach Mini, Kindle, headlamp).
It had two USB ports and could charge two devices in parallel. I had it clipped it across the top (not back) of my back and I would charge up a small powerbank so I could charge my phone at night.
It wasn't sold as 100% waterproof so I would put it away when it rained hard. But it got wet. No issues.
I had an older panel of theirs with a single port and both have worked for years.?
aaron
What have folks used for solar panels while long-distance hiking?
--
?
aaron.ximm@...
?
?
? 83% happy
?? 9% disgusted
?? 6% fearful
?? 2% angry
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Peter Montalbano
Lange Jorstad
Ger Murphy
Rick A.
Henning Rech
Karina Bezkrovnaia