Posts Tagged ‘backpack’

Ever ate a bagel at 1000ft?  It makes the bagel taste much better…

This weekend we had decided to take a hike and dust off the cobwebs and price tags.  We arrived at the Marilla trailhead near Mesick and Hodenpyl Dam.   The morning was brisk and the clouds looked iffy.  “Well,” I said “It’s either going to be a great hike, or a wet hike.”  We used the pit toilet that was so gracefully beckoning us by its pungent aroma, checked our packs, locked the car, and off we went on our adventure.

We started out on a segment of the NCT.  The trails were well trodden and the forest was calm and peaceful, with the occasional bird breaking the still.  Unbeknownst to us, the trail was slowly rising at a very gentle angle.  Then it hit us.   It was like a ton a bricks wrapped in lemons.  The view!  We stopped in amazement as we were staring down onto the Manistee River 250 ft below us.  We could’ve stopped and setup camp right there, and I think we both would have been satisfied.

We shook the stars out of our eyes, and continued along the NCT.    Slowly we began the hike down from our clouds as the trail began to drop a bit more steeply than it rose.  We passed only a few other hikers, who were friendly though reserved; as most backpackers tend to be.  Ultimately we arrived where the NCT left us, and the Manistee River Trail took us on another course.   We bid farewell to the NCT and its beautiful views and started on the MRT.

The MRT gently guided us further down into the valley.  No fewer than a dozen times did we stop and gaze up at the mountain next to us.  It was impressively surreal.    We crossed a few forest roads and got our first glimpse of the Manistee River.  Ironically, the spot where we arrived was the calmest water we would see in the next few days.

We tried to follow the blazes on the trees, but somehow got turned around and took a several mile tour of the woods.  A group of hikers ran into us in our desperate search with the same problem.  With their help we got back on track and arrived at the suspension bridge.  The MRT has a wonderful suspension bridge that reminds you of Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.  Don’t get me wrong, it’s VERY secure, and also very one-way.  Do not attempt to pass anyone as there is not enough room.

After the bridge, the MRT follows the river along the tops of the high banks.  For most of our adventure, we were staring down onto the Manistee.  The views were amazing and the trails were fairly easy.  There was quite a few roots to stumble over in the trail, but with the amount of giant trees desperately clinging to the banks, you understand why.

We passed several waterfalls here as well.  Sure, they are small, but the sound and fury of the water is no less fierce or beautiful.  You also find yourself crossing multiple tiny wooden bridges that cross over the streams that help feed the Manistee.

Backcountry camping is allowed here, plus they also have dispersed camp sites that are free for use.  These sites allow you to be close to the water and trail, as the backcountry rules still apply for distance from water and trails.   After about five miles of hiking we happened upon a dispersed site that was NOT taken!  I swear, we had the best seat in the house.    We were quite a distance down from the main trail, yet only a few yards from the roaring Manistee.  The site was perfect and we spent the rest of the day relaxing.

One thing to mention is that this area is posted with signs that warn you “If you hear a loud siren, seek high ground!”  Apparently they let the dam waters out on occasion and the water has been known to rush through 12 ft higher than normal.  Just keep an ear open for sirens while you’re down by the river bank.

The night was quiet and uneventful, with the morning greeting us as a cold harsh mistress.  We got a fire going and warmed up before breaking camp and hitting the trail on our way back.  The birdsong and spider webs kept us brisk and motivated and eventually we made it across the bridge.  This time we took the correct path back to the NCT.   The ascent back to our lookout seemed much more difficult than going down the first time, but we eventually made it back up to the top.

The hike was a success beyond any of our expectations.  We sat and gazed out into the sea of trees below us, reliving our trip and remembered how truly good a bagel tastes at 1000 ft.

Pictures can be found by clicking HERE

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One product that I have overlooked in the past but need to give it the spotlight is the GSI Micro-table.  Although we backpackers look amusing as hell trying to juggle our stove, fuel canister, water, food, chainsaws, and burning torches, it gets to be a bit tedious after the first severed finger…

Well now you don’t have to!  I bought our GSI table for a gift and thought it might be an item that we would only use on occasion.  Boy was I wrong!  Weighing in at only ONE pound (ish) this lightweight aluminum table offers a flat surface to work on.  Whether it be chopping up some food or just having a stable surface to set your stove on, this table will cure what ails you.  The cost is rather cheap (I think around $30) and it’s worth the minimal weight sacrifice.  It is a must have in every backpack.

The table comes in a handy nylon carrying case, and is folded up like an accordion.  By removing the 2 rods from their clips on the side, you simply fold out your table, slip the rods through, fold out the legs, and EAT FOOD!  …or play cards, or juggle chainsaws!  The possibilities are endless!  So next time you stop at the outdoors store to look around, look for the GSI Micro-table and buy it while you still have fingers left!

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Alright, if you were to walk up to me and ask “What do I need to know about backpacking?” I would simply walk to my shelf, grab the recent issue of Backpacker, and smack you with it. This edition of Backpacker Magazine is the most informative book to hit print since the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.

I sat welded to each page and after several hours and a short nap, I felt a bit more educated.

This edition of Backpacker reviews this years new gear, packs, tents, mats, bedrolls, you name it! Each section of the magazine is appropriately labeled based on what item they are going to review. Under the header, is a full page schematic of the item, labeled with every important point and feature, plus a description of the benefits. I cannot tell you how helpful this is to beginning backpackers, and even veterans.

After the educational section, they then review roughly 32 of the items, giving each one a breakdown, description, price, features, and rating. I do not exactly agree to some of them, but that’s why we’re not a hive-minded society, I’m allowed to have an opinion.

This edition is fantastic for many reasons. If you are considering purchasing ANY new gear, and want a breakdown of good/bad for ALL of the big brands out there, find this magazine and read it. It will help give you a better understanding of the design, pros/cons, and functionality behind whatever item you are thinking of buying.

The downside to this edition? There’s a few car ads. It essentially throws off my grove while reading.

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Well, I’ll begin by saying that I have not done much traveling around the United States. That being said, the Backpacker Magazine offered me a free PDF book called The Best Trails in America as part of purchasing my soul for their subscription. Gleefully, I obliged.

The book contains quite a bit of information on hidden gem trails located in several states. At first I asked myself “Crazy man, do you believe them?” and after wondering why I was talking to myself, I came to the conclusion that I did. I turned to the Michigan section and read the only entry for that state. I was instantly impressed. I had never heard of it! It was a wonderful gemstone of information regarding the Trap Hills in the Upper Peninsula. What an amazing hike that could be! Beautiful cliffs, waterfalls, old mines, abandoned tramway… sounds like a Scooby Doo episode!

So all in all, I would recommend leafing through this book and turning directly to your state. There just might be some great information that you’ve never heard of!
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If you’re from Michigan, and you have even a mild interest in hiking and backpacking, there is but one book you need to read: Backpacking in Michigan by Jim DuFresne.  When I first began hiking I purchased the earlier version of this book and fell in love with it.  There are so many trails around Michigan that most Michiganders have never even heard of.

This book begins with a few valuable hints and tips that every backpacker should know, and is tailored to Michigan specifically.  After the quick course on backpacking, he leads into numerically organized trail maps and descriptions.  The trails range from populated areas of the lower peninsula, to desolate areas of the upper peninsula.  Each section contains a trail map with symbols placed on every important location of interest.  The maps also have distances placed from leg to leg, and a recommended route based on how many days you wish to spend hiking it.

At the beginning of every trail description there is a summary which includes total distance, days required to hike, and general difficulty.  DO NOT be fooled by the difficulty ratings.  I assure you from personal experience, just because it says “Moderate” difficulty, does not mean it won’t kick your butt.

I recommend this book to everyone who ever plans to hike in Michigan, on either upper or lower peninsulas.  His descriptions paint an accurate picture of what you are to expect, without giving away the feelings and emotions associated with actually being out on the trail.  Enjoy this book!  I know I have!

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My first attempt to find a good book on trail cooking was a book that seems to be all over the Internet regarding hiking and backpacking.  This book was Trail Food: Drying and Cooking Food for Backpacking and Paddling. I couldn’t really justify buying it new, and about the time I was going to search for it on Ebay, Kelly and I found it used at a local Gander Mountain for $6.  Needless to say, I was ecstatic and purchased it immediately.

Upon spending an afternoon drinking Earl Grey and reading through this book, I found myself flipping through the pages trying to find a recipe in a backpack quantity.  The book contained very interesting recipes, and even blueprints to make your own homemade dehydrator, closet size!

In my opinion, this book is very good for getting ideas, and especially good if you are into Kayaking or multi-day canoe trips.  Basically, if you are planning a trip that does not concern weight, this book is good for you.  On the lighter side (pun intended) it does give quite a few handy tips and tricks to dehydrating your own fruits, vegetables and meats.

Point in case, if you can find this book on sale, or at a used book market, then pick it up just for the dehydrator information and the recipe ideas.

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Recently I received a small PDF handbook from the Backpacker magazine called “The Ultralight Handbook”. It’s a very good little book. I would say it’s one of the very few books that are 90% information and 10% fluff. The book reads quickly, with only 20 pages or so, but the tips and hints it gives are worth their weight in digital gold.

One interesting snippet was a breakdown on alcohol stoves. I have a friend who makes his own out of 2 aluminum pop cans and standard rubbing alcohol. I suppose everyone has their own views… and I would rather keep my Pocket Rocket and boil water in 1 minute, than simmer water in 8.

Another interesting snippet I will pass along is Fozzil bowls. The concepts behind these are neat as hell. I can not exactly wrap my brain around how they don’t leak, but every review I’ve read has been positive. Hikers use them for bowls, plates, cups, and sitting pads to keep your butt dry. The problem that I found with these, is trying to find a place to buy the darn things! I searched the internet for hours upon hours trying to find a “set” without having to buy them each individually. Every vendor that I found that sold sets, wanted anywhere from $8 to $12 in shipping! I paid less to ship my sleeping mat, and it weighed more! So I was just have to give these a virtual thumbs up, as unless I come across them in a store, I’m not going to pay that much to ship them to me.

The last interesting factoid that I will post has to do with a website called Freezer Bag Cooking. This concept of this is that you will have assembled your meal before hand in a freezer bag. Once mealtime on the trail, you would bring the required amount of water to a near boil, then dump it right into the bag! From there, put it in a cozy (which she sells as well, and are BEAUTIFUL) to let it set and soak up water. After it’s ready (roughly 10 minutes) grab a spork or foon, roll down the bag, and eat away! I’ll explain more in another post later on, and you can check out her website with the above link, or from my “Links” section on the right.

So all in all the Ultralight Handbook was worth getting, if even just for information on those few things. If anyone has any questions about this book, I “may be able to help you find a copy” by emailing me at freak_critique@hotmail.com .

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