Posted: 9/4/2011 3:54:59 PM EDT
I used to carry those big loads in the backcountry on climbing trips. No way that is happening now. 
It is much harder to do then many know. http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr321/bigdaddy-photos/CoMountainsSkiApprochcropped.jpg |
|
I love winter backpacking. 
But, the load is killer. I've learned how to trim that down as much as possible over the years. I pretty much won't go out in the death zone though (freezing rain, that sort of thing). Give me warm or cold, that 1/2 azzed stuff doesn't cut it. 
You can stay pretty dry and warm in the cold since the humidity is generally pretty low. But when it "warms up" to around freezing, that's when it gets brutal. |
|
I recall carrying a 90+ pound pack of climbing gear, as estimated by the park ranger, up to Chasm View on Long's Peak. Somewhere around 11,000 feet, my climbing partner and I each barfed and passed out on a rock from exhaustion. One passer-by stopped to check on us thinking we were dead. Nope, not dead, just resting peacefully in pools of our own bodily fluids. It was, if I recall correctly, a pretty refreshing nap, by the way.
Big loads are hard, very hard. |
|
Quoted:
I recall carrying a 90+ pound pack of climbing gear, as estimated by the park ranger, up to Chasm View on Long's Peak. Somewhere around 11,000 feet, my climbing partner and I each barfed and passed out on a rock from exhaustion. One passer-by stopped to check on us thinking we were dead. Nope, not dead, just resting peacefully in pools of our own bodily fluids. It was, if I recall correctly, a pretty refreshing nap, by the way. Big loads are hard, very hard. Yeah,, I have lost my lunch once or twice.
The Diamond (Longs Peak) behind me, Feb climb, very cold and lts of bad weather. We did the route just off to the left. http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr321/bigdaddy-photos/LongsPeakWinterClimb.jpg |
| Since I day camped most of my younger years, I overpacked considerably the first time that I went got on the Appalacian Trail. Believe me, when I humped what we joked was the "outdoor barkalounger" (~large folding chair), I sweat enough to fill a child-size swimming pool. Needless to say, I drastically changed my focus regarding what optional gear to bring along on a long hike. |
|
Quoted:
I hear you on learning to carry lighter loads, and agree entirely. That being said, is that an A/T ski setup? W/ Silvrettas? I need to know everything you know about it. Please.  
Sorry for the late reply. Short and wide mountain skis with silvretta 404's. I used climbing skins going in. This photo was taken on the way up to Black Lake for a week of ice climbing. |