What is in my 15lbs Pack?

Hey Everyone!!

Me almost at the summit of Mt. Adams in the White Mountains, NH (5,799ft)

Backpacker Chick here.  Back with a blogging vengeance after a month of backpacking in New England. Today I wanted to write about my success cutting the weight of my pack in half.

Through a careful inventory of my gear and by buying ultralight products when necessary, I have gotten my pack-weight down to around 15lbs!!

I hope this list can serve as a guide for new backpackers learning what to carry with them on the trail and for experienced backpackers looking for ways to trim down their loads.  The links I provide are to the exact products I use.  I recommend everything I link to but please leave a comment if you want to know more about a particular product.


Here is EVERYTHING I carry in my pack:

• Camping Gear:

1. Ultralight Sleeping Bag (REI Ingeo 2lbs 1oz)
2. Sleeping pad  (REI Stratus- 25oz)
3. Tarp Tent & 6 stakes (GoLite Shangri-La 2 1lbs 9oz)
• Only use bug net in high bug season

• Clothing:
1. Jacket (Patagonia Nano-Puff)
2. Plastic Poncho (REI) 
3. Baselayer Pants (Underarmor)
4. Camp/Stream Crossing Shoes (Marrel Barefoot Runners)
5. Warm Hat 
6. Extra Underwear (highly recommend for females)

• Cooking
1. Ultralight Backpacking Stove (MSR Pocket Rocket) 
2. Fuel
3. Small Ultralight Pot (second-hand, brand unknown)
4. Long Plastic Spoon (REI) 
• Eat from pot and bring plastic bowel for +1

• Essentials 
1. Med Kit (Small)
2. Head Lamp
3. Travel Sized Sunscreen (put in lightweight bottle)
4. Travel Sized Bug Repellent 
5. Travel Toothbrush and Toothpaste
6. Travel Brush (optional)
7. Travel Sized Hand Sanitizer
8. Bug Net 
9. 2 Water Bottles
10. Bandanas
11. Water Purification Tablets
12. Lethermen Folding Knife

• Food
• Travel sized and dehydrated options
• Be smart, creative, and think "ultralight"
• This requires an entire post to itself

Very Simple.  The rest is on my person.
Hope this helps and I welcome suggestions to lighten my load even more!

Happy Trails,
Backpacker Chick

 

Backpacking the Cutler Coast Public Reserve Lands in Maine

Wow! What a wonderful place! Any outdoor lover in the area should definitely check out the Cutler Coast Public Reserve Lands in the "down east" region of Northern Maine.  It is one of the last remaining and largest stretches of undeveloped coastline in Maine and is the perfect place for a spectacular and secluded day hike or one-two night backpacking trek.

Levi and I came across the Cutler Coast after spending the weekend in Acadia National Park.  We had a great time in Acadia (and I recommend the western side of the island for those who like to beat the crowds) but we left feeling the need to explore the coast of Maine from an area that was a little bit more secluded and wild.  Our experience at Cutler Coast was unforgettable and the views rival that of Acadia's (plus we only saw five hikers throughout our entire two day trek).  

Views from the trail. Credit: Levi Marcus (blog co-author)

If you choose to traverse the area, here are some tips and recommendations from my experience backpacking the area in June 2013.  Below I also provide links to the resources I used to help plan the trip. 

1) Hike the Coastal Trail

Me taking in the view on the Coastal Trail

There are only a couple of trails to choose from in the Cutler Coast area and the Coast Trail is by far the defining feature of this wilderness area.  While the wooded trails are also very beautiful, you will defiantly want to incorporate the Coastal Trail as the main event in your hiking itinerary.  Hike a mile from the packing area to find the trail heads.  Once you're on the Coastal Trail, hike another mile through the woods and you will soon reach one of the most breathtaking and magnificent coastlines in all of Maine.  The trail will continue along this wonderful coastline for the next 4 miles (roughly) and there will be plenty of opportunities to explore the cliffs, beaches, and vistas from the trail.

• GIVE YOURSELF EXTRA TIME TO COMPLETE THIS TRAIL.   

Me, again, traversing a rugged pebble beach. Absolutely amazing!

While the Coastal Trail is not very long (roughly 5 miles total) it seems a lot longer because you will stop frequently to take in the views and explore the many cliff and beaches along the way.  It is also somewhat challenging due to the rocking footing and frequently hills.  Levi and I had allotted the usual amount of time (1mile/hr) to complete this hike and we ended up feeling rushed to get to our camp before sundown.  

2) Backpacking Loop: Coastal Trail to Inland Trail

The way this area is designed, it is ideal for a one night stay taking the Coast/Inland Trails loop.  Each trail is roughly five miles long, though the Coastal trail took us an entire afternoon while the Inland trail took only about two hours.  Backpackers are required to stay at one of the three campsites, all of which are located at Ferry's point where both the Coastal and Inland Trails end. You could take either trail to get to the campsites, but we chose to do Coastal on our first day and Inland on our second day.  The campsites are a quarter mile apart and consist of a flat area for your tent/shelter and an outhouse facility.  You can stay at the site for more than one night if you want, but Levi and I were happy with just the one.

A note for hardcore backpackers: Do not be dissuaded by the shortness of the trails- the wildlife and panorama views are clearly the antithesis of this area, plus the extra time provided us with time to drive two and from the reserve (Levi and I made it all the way to the White Mountains in NH after finishing our second day of hiking by 1pm)

• YOU CANNOT RESERVE A CAMPSITE IN ADVANCE.  

This was pretty nerve wracking to me as we made the two hour drive into the middle of no where to begin our hike.  Once we got to the trail head however, we were able to check out the visitor log to see how many people were planning to spend the night.  We got to our campsite at 6pm, which is pretty late for us, and only one other couple was there.  The place is overall pretty deserted (thankfully and surprisingly) so you shouldn't have a problem getting a sight for the night.    

3) Try to Get the Second Camp Site

Coming from the Coastal Trail, the first campsite is just okay.  The outhouse is right next to the tent area (gross) and it is pretty small.  The second campsite is AWESOME but the other couple had beaten us to it.  It is perched on a wooded cliff overlooking to coast with a spectacular view.  Didn't get a great look at it but we would have stayed there if it wasn't occupied. The third site, where we stayed, was also amazing, but didn't have a view.  We were roughly 30 feet from the rocky coast and we had plenty of cool places to explore and eat our dinner from as we watched the sun set.  Just amazing!

4) VERY IMPORTANT:  Bring Plenty of Water!!! 

There are very few fresh water sources in the Cutler area and it was difficult to find a place to fill up.  Levi and I ended up finding a dark pond near our campsite, which (thankfully) wasn't stagnant.  The water was pretty brown though and the trip is so short we could have brought enough water to avoid the situation. If convinced myself the water was only brown because it was stained from the leaves, but who knows, and we boiled AND purified that stuff!  Avoid if possible.

5) MISC:

• Bugs were pretty bad but tolerable if you're prepared (See previous post for instructions)
• Wear long pants- there is lots of high brush
• The weather is unpredictable and rapidly changing- be prepared for everything
• The air is too moist to dry wet clothing in- best to bring extra shirt if you sweat a lot or dry in sleeping bag overnight
• It get's very cold and windy at night, so bring warm layers and a hat (even if it's 80 degrees in the day like it was for us)
• Make your own bear hang- there is not one provided 
• Stay on the trail- the area is fragile, especially the wetlands areas
• BRING YOUR CAMERA- it's beautiful!!!

I hope this post has encouraged you to visit the Cutler Coast area and made planning your trip a little easier. I will post pictures as soon as I sort through them all.

Happy Trails, 
Backpacker Chick 


Hike New England- Cutler Coast
Backpacker Magazine- Cutler Coast

Tip # 4: How to Avoid the Bugs in Bug Country

There is no avoiding bugs in the wilderness.  If you have a pathological fear of bugs, this post will not help you (I recommend self-administered exposure therapy and maybe one day these irrational fears will subside, as mine have.)  However, loosing a fear of bugs does imply overcoming a dislike of being bitten, stung, or otherwise painfully annoyed by bugs.

Here are a few simply items you can bring with you on the trail that will help you from being eaten alive in bug country: 

What some of friends look like when they are trying to avoid the bugs. 

Note: No skin is exposed and yes, my friend Dave is wearing a "rain dress"

1) Long Sleeve "Sun" Shirt

This highly versatile trail treasure can save your butt, or more precisely, your entire upper body, from bugs.  I recommend what is typically advertised as a "sun shirt" because these long sleeve button downs are breathable, wicking, and typically made with durable synthetic materials. Plus they have the added benefit of sun protection (duh), which is critical in high altitudes.  You can also find shirts with bug repellent built in, though I usually like to apply my own.
CAUTION: Some sun shirts have vents in the back.  Make sure the vents are made with fine mesh or the bugs can get in (and believe me they will).        

My friend Mara sporting a beautiful sun shirt

2) Bug Net

I used to think a bug net was overkill. Then I climbed a mountain surrounded by a mosquito invested swamp. Suck it up, get a bug net. You might not look cool but bug bites on your face are much worse. Plus, bug nets are cheap, extremely lightweight, and take up almost no space in your pack.  Never hit the trail without one, even if you don't think you'll need it.

Me looking fancy in my bug net AND sun shirt. 

 3) Bug Repellent with Deet

Seems like a no-brainer but many bug repellents do not contain deet.  I used to buy natural bug repellent without deet, figuring it was all in the same, plus I wanted to be healthy and mindful.  It wasn't until I borrowed my friends bug repellent with deet that I realized by organic stuff wasn't actually working!  Some people swear by non-deet products (although I know more people who swear by deet), and maybe there are some natural products out there that work.  Feel free to experiment with yourself as a human sacrifice.  Or just go buy some deet and make your life simple.  Levi special orders "pure" deet from African (???), which is extremely effective, although it might not be legal and can burn holes in synthetic material.  Use with caution.

 

4) MISC. Tips

Other tricks I use include wearing gloves and securing them under my sleeves (yes, I've done this in 90 degree weather), and buying lightweight tents with a separate bug net.  Tents with a bug net are nice because you can just set up the bug netting if you don't need the full tent.  That way you can sleep under the stars even when your stuck camping in dangerous bug territory.
A general note on tents: If you are backpacking with a tent, make sure its lightweight or hyper-light. Otherwise, you will be killing yourself with the weight.

I own something similar to this that is designed for 2 people and comes with a rain shelter.

Thats it for now.
Happy Trails,
Backpacker Chick.    

    

Tip # 3: Two Awesome Backcountry Female Essentials

Hey Everyone,
I thought I'd do a (right to the point) post about 2 products that have saved me pain and suffering while backpacking. And when I say pain, I am talking about the dreaded lady pain- which can really suck the fun out of back-country living if you don't know how it prevent it properly. So (caution men) here we go:

1) Bandanas
Now I thought this was gross when I first heard about it, but now I swear by it! Designate a bandana to use as your wipe when you go #1. This works wonders in preventing yeast infections, keeping your underwear dry, and making you feel less yicky. Urine is also 100% sterile, so I actually tie the bandana to my backpack to let it dry and rise it when I get to a stream. It also helps not to broadcast that your pee bandana is waving in everyone face (people tend to get grossed out by this) but it doesn't smell and no one will notice it otherwise.
IMPORTANT: Don't mix up your pee bandana with your other bandanas!!!!


2) Baby Wipes
Credit Lisa S. for reminding me about these because you really only need them on long trips (which I haven't taken in a while). Baby wipes are a quick and easy way to keep yourself clean when you can't take a shower and don't have access to TP.  I don't recommend actually using a baby wipe when you go to the bathroom but I've heard people say that they do. I am usually fine with leaves/sticks/rocks/etc. BUT..... after a couple of days, its nice to freshen up. I recommend buying the travel packs or putting some in a zip lock to save space.
IMPORTANT: Carry out what you carry in! There is nothing worse than encountering someones used baby wipes or toilet paper while on the trail- its bad for the environment and its just gross. Bring a small garbage bag to keep your small bio-hazardous waste in.

Hope this helps!
Happy Trails!
-Steph 

 

Tip #2: Coffee Addicts in the Woods

I am a coffee addict- if I don't have a cup of coffee by noon my head is pounding. The prospect of not being able to have coffee in the outdoors has even made me leery of going on a few group trips which had taken on the "all natural" or "toxin free" living philosophy. I personally don't have a problem with coffee addiction, but I do have a problem being trapped by my love and need for coffee. Here are a couple methods I use to support my caffeine addiction in the back country.

1) Instant Coffee!!!

My brand of choice is Starbucks VIA, which practically tastes like regular coffee! I usually use two packets in a single cup, and I also bring along a little powdered milk and sugar, which I also use in my oatmeal. There is nothing better than sitting at camp in the morning sipping a hot cup of coffee and waiting for your breakfast to cook. Instant coffee is also pretty lightweight! Defiantly a back-country must.






2) Chocolate Covered Espresso Beans

Espresso beans are good in a pinch! There could be many reasons why breakfast didn't happen- maybe you are not in a position to boil water; maybe you like to tear out of camp early and eat breakfast on the road; maybe you are with a group of people who frown on coffee (weirdo's- avoid at all cost). Whatever the reason, if you know your going to get headaches without coffee and you can't really make a cup, chocolate covered espresso beans are a sure fix. Keep in mind they are heavy but each one if extremely potent.


3) Caffeinated Tea

Now, this is my least favorite option but it's what I relied on when I was on a coffee free backpacking course in California. I know this course had its reasons for banning coffee, saying it had to do with the high altitude, but I really don't buy it because the freaking instructors had their own "secret" coffee stash! Either way, I didn't struggle detoxing from coffee as much as I thought I would, but tea is defiantly a poor substitute for a good cup of Joe if you are as big of a coffee fanatic as I am. However, I always bring a bit of decaffeinated tea for the evenings, so I'm not a total tea hater. 

Hope this helps fellow trail blazing coffee addicts like me! And of course- none of this applies if you are car camping because, that's what portable drip coffee makers are for!! Break out the freshly ground Jamaican Blue Mountain and have a blast!!!

Happy Trails,
Steph 

Weekend in the Dolly Sods, WV

Just got back from a nice weekend in the Dolly Sods Wilderness Area in Monongahela National Park, WV.

We had never been here before and we found this detailed description of a loop online, so we decided to chance it. The trip was great! Unfortunately, Levi got pretty bad blisters, but besides that, everything was perfect!!

We took the loop counter clock-wise and camped just before the yellow scenic trail to Lion's Head Mountain. 9.7 miles the first day and 6 miles the second day. 

Tip # 1- Hair on the Trail

BRAID YOUR HAIR AND IT WON'T TANGLE 

 

Day 3 in Smoky Mt. National Park

I am prone to develop dreadlocks while on the trail. I have long, fine hair, and as soon as I hit the sack on the first night- my hair is done for. The way I combat this horrible affliction is by wearing my hair either in two braids or in a tony tail with the end braided. Single braids and french braids are hard to sleep in and still tend to tangle.

I like to shower right before I set out on a trip and braid my hair while it is still wet. I'll wear the braids all day and then to bed. In the morning I'll redo the braids but my hair is tangle free and still smells fresh. By day 3 I can still smell the shampoo, and I won't have to use a comb until day 4!!! Woah!! If I am nearing the end of a trip I might let up on the hair maintenance, but I like spending the bulk of my trip without a bees nest on my head. 

I've also been known to wear a bandana but I don't think this helps much for hair.  Bandanas are useful in preventing ticks and soaking up sweat, but honestly I think they just look good.

Happy Trails, 

Steph

Welcome!!!

Hey All Back-Country Enthusiasts!
Welcome to my first blog post.

I decided to create this blog as I was hiking in the woods today because I realized there are a ton of back-country tricks I've picked up over time that might be sweet to share. I usually discovered these tricks by completely screwing something up along the way, or ending up in a lot of unnecessary pain.  My hope that this blog might save other hardcore backpacking ladies the trouble.

I also don't want to freak anyone out cause I made a "girls only" blog- it's defiantly not girls only, but many of the tricks I've learned might not be that helpful to the hardcore men out there. I also wanted to write this for woman because I visit a lot of backpacking blogs and websites, and while many of them are awesome and super helpful, there are few that are written by or for woman.

It is VERY important to note: while there are special accommodation's woman might make on the trail- this in no way means that the role of hardcore chicks is any less hardcore than the role of hardcore men while in the back country. In fact, one of the things I love about backpacking is that no one on the trail treats me "like a lady".  Everyone is expected to pull their own weight, and no one should expect to be supported by anyone else. While I am not going to freak out and punch someone if they offer me a hand carrying fire wood, it is important that I have the ability and anticipate doing EVERYTHING by myself. No Excuses. There is no men's work and woman's work; I carry just as much weight as anyone else, I navigate, cross rivers, get disgusting, set up camp, and haul serious ass if someone is hurt. So this blog is not meant to separate female hikers from male hikers, it's just simply meant to address special needs that come up in the back country for us ladies. Cool???

It's funny- when I think about the main differences between my boyfriend and I on the trail, it pretty much comes down to the fact that 1) I have a vagina, and 2) I have long hair. This blog will be about more than just hair and vaginas, but let me tell you, those two things are the first things to become disgusting when you haven't showered in weeks!!


Also, (super important) I AM NOT AN EXPERT!!!!!!!!
I am going to post my experiences and opinions. I am not a professional nor a veteran backpacker- I am just a young enthusiast who spends their summers sleeping outside in the mountains. Please feel free share your advice, corrections, disagreements, and questions.


Alright, lets get started!!!
Happy Trails,
Steph

Photo: Me in Ohiopyle State Park in PA- outside Pittsburgh, 2010.