R01 TR: Roads End to Upper Basin, August 2014

[LMBSGV]

Here’s my 2014 trip report with photos. It’s my usual wordy (25 pages) account of a ten day trip in August in Kings Canyon National Park. I had fun writing it from my pages and pages of scattered notes even if it took me longer than I wanted to finalize it. This was essentially done a month ago, but work and real life interfered. I finally had a chance to finish it the last couple of days. I hope you enjoy the report and photos.

The trip report is here:

http://laurencebrauer.com/Images/TripRe ... in2014.pdf

The photos are here -- scroll down:

http://laurencebrauer.com/ASITHSTripReports.html

[freestone]

Wow, what a nice read! The people you ran into were fun to read about and almost as colorful as the places you visited. Time for a new tent, eh? Let us know what you end up with.

[rlown]

Enjoyed the TR immensely. I really liked the tent/storm sequences, but I don't think you did until you wrote about it! The generation comparison on trail etiquette was interesting as well.

thanks the the report.

Russ

[markskor]

"The word adventure has gotten overused. For me, when everything goes wrong, that’s when adventure starts.” -Yvon Chouinard

[LMBSGV]

In my case, misadventure is a better word. Thanks Russ and Freestone for the generous feedback. I'm curious if others have had similar experiences with trail etiquette. The new tent choices are down to an REI Quarter Dome, MSR Hubba Hubba NX, and Big Agnes Seedhouse SL 2. Since the dividends won't come until next year, I've got lots of time to go in REI and compare them.

[oldranger]

LMBSGv
Also look at the BA copper spur. The side entry is a nice benefit for an old guy like me but a youngster like you may not need one yet. I use the Copper spur 3 as a two person tent with family. When solo I use the Fly Creek ul 1. It is big enough for my exped LW air mattress but still quite tight and I can barely crawl out the front entry. But it is less than 2 lbs and the fly is removable for warm nights. Since I carry fishing gear, including a raft, keeping weight down is key. By the way I sold my Seedhouse UL 3 when I bought the copper spur. We even use the copper spur when car camping sometimes instead of our larger car camping tent. I have also used single wall tents, which are great weight wise but have some other disadvantages.

Have fun looking, I never stop looking for the next, best piece of gear.

Mike

[freestone]

There is also the REI Dash 2 which would be comparable to the NX and is tagged as semi free standing.
Not cheap by REI standards but the weight is in there at just over 2 pounds. Not bad for a tent that's almost free-standing!

[maverick]

Thank you for another outstanding trip report Lawrence. The photo's are very
pretty, especially enjoyed the clouds in Upper Basin shots.

Mike wrote:
Have fun looking, I never stop looking for the next, best piece of gear.

You got that right Mike.

[LMBSGV]

Thanks Mike and Maverick. Photo compliments from you, Mav, are always appreciated.

I guess I'll get to annoy the salespeople at REI with more tent questions and requests and then demanding to erect the tent in the store if they don't have one already there up for inspection.

Salesperson: "But you can take it home and then return it. You don't need to put it up here."

Me: "It's a 45 minute drive to and from my home each direction and then I have to go through the hassle of a return versus getting to see it now and making up my mind. So I'm saving REI the expense of processing the return and not wasting the gas and resulting air pollution."

[Herm]

In 2010, I used the BA Seedhouse SL3 as a solo tent. The front entry ended up being the deal breaker for me. I returned the tent, and now have BA Copper Spur UL 2. The side door entry is much better, especially considering you get 2 side door entry points, with vestibules.

LMBSGV -

Your TR was a very nice read. Good on you that you were able to make the best of it, even with the difficulties that you encountered.

I am going to be 49 years old next hiking season, and I am one of those who will always greet you with a smile and a kind word on the trail. My hope is that you enjoy all of your remaining hikes.

Herm