Permit pending but id like to try the Four Pass Loop in Colorado this summer. I also do a yearly camping trip at Blue Mesa Reservoir near Gunnison, CO.
I've done quite a few canoe camping trips, including two this year already, but I'm thinking I'll try my first solo trip once the bugs die down a bit. I'm curious if I'll be bored out of my mind alone or if I'll enjoy it.
I'm still a day hiker, usually up to 15 miles or so, but the Four Pass Loop is definitely one I'd like to explore as well. It is more about committing to buying the gear than anything else. I would be interested in your experience if you do snag a pass.
I AM SO HYPED. I found out just last year that I LOVE hiking. Even though I don't have a lot of stamina, just something about being in the trees is amazing. Anyway, I got myself a little tent I can put up by myself, and a hammock, and some other basic camping stuff, and I'm gonna go for a few days at a time to state campgrounds (I can't believe how cheap this is! $17 a night). I'm hoping to go like twice a month but we will see
Me and a few coworkers are planning to do Karhunkierros in the fall, which is about 80km. I'm also hoping to find the time to visit multiple national parks this year, already started with Repovesi
Good question. There's still some details I'll have to figure out, but there are three aspects to take into consideration, it's just a hike, it's a longer distance than I'm used to and it's in fall where temps might dip below freezing. So I'll bring my 3-season gear + undetermined amount of food. I've been out up to -13c with the gear so the temperatures should be fine
Water
BeFree filter and a 3 liter bottle for it
A separate bottle for drinking
Purification tablets in case the filter breaks
Food
??? I'll have to figure out how much calories I need on a hike and multiply it by the days we're out
Either a gas or wood stove, depending on the weather
Sleep
Eno doublenest hammock + eno bugnet + dd underquilt + dd superlight tarp + suspension + ropes
3 season sleeping bag
Clothes
I would normally bring only extra socks, but maybe this time extra underwear as well
Probably an extra set of clothes, separate from the backpack so that I can shower after the hike before the drive back home
Unfortunately I canceled my camping trip because my wife is pregnant and was advised against swimming in lakes :(
I might head down there for a solo weekend trip so I can do some kayaking. Don’t want to miss seeing that reservoir full! Last time I saw it close to full was 2017 IIRC.
The Sun has a nice comparison photo here. Some of the trails are absolute mud currently but some of the higher elevation trails in Palmer Park in COS are still pretty ok. I try to make it out on the weekends for at least a few hours.