That raft was made in like 2012-ish. At the time it was called the Yak. The maker is Alpacka Raft and I think they have renamed the models a few times since then.
Nice set up. I kind of lean towards alcohol but haven't actually used it that much. I don't want to keep buying and throwing away those metal canisters and alcohol is lighter.
Very familiar! Just did the Crystal Range traverse last week. I've done some off-trail before but majorly underestimated this one! The non-stop boulder fields were just such slow going. Unfortunately I was only up for one night and had to hike the 10mi on trail back from mosquito to Echo Lake TH! Spent my one night by American Lake and got moving before 6am but didn't get back til 3am. I didn't scramble anything like you did at 15:25 up to Pyramid. I guess I stayed farther north because I never hit any visible trail.
2 pearls I’d like to share with you. Blowing up a pack raft sucks unless you use the Flextail pump! We are fans of the Supai Adventure Matkat packraft and came across this amazing little pump. It comes with multiple nozzles so you can use it for your inflatable sleeping pad. Easy peasy! Second, ditch the Sawyer and go to the Katadyn BeFree and a smart water bottle. Some drink directly from the BeFree 1L flexible bottle but I prefer a separate bottle from the filter… I’ll send link to my review of the Flextail in a separate comment… We are looking to do more pack rafting/fishing trips in the future. For now we have primarily used the packraft to get to the other side of the Colorado River to backpack the northern side of the Grand Canyon. Always a rush taking on the mighty CR! Yew!
Absolutly great video. Gave me great perspective on terrain. I am planning on doing the trail in 2 months in May. Can you please share/advise what kind of shoes to wear? My regular hiking boots? Hiking water shoes? Gym shoes? Please advise. Thank you in advance!🙏
I agree that a 5.11 type pouch is not needed if the it is stored inside another bag/pack. You can save a lot of weight if you have multiple pouches in your pack.
Vo-gel-sang: vo like 'go', gel like 'gal', sang like sang a song. My favorite spot in all the Sierra, went there several times late 80s/early 90s with my Dad, I've taken my kid there several times with his Scout troop, great memories. Sliding down the snow in trash bags above Fletcher Lake... great times.
You gotta "reprime" those Sawyers after they've been laying around and dried out. Soak 'em a bit, back flush and you should be good to go. If that doesn't work try soaking in vinegar for 20 min or so and backflush. Oh and that Three Bean meal on night one is Peak Refuel.
so i did loon lake to wrights via McConnel late aug early sept, bad decision it rained from the base of the loop for 3 days with lightning and flash floods, the trail off rockbound was a creek. i agree the trail was more a basic guideline then a trail.
Great video man. I use to rock crawl out there in my 4x4 on the rubicon trail it was unreal beautiful. Would have liked to see a little more fishing tho
29:23 Thank you! If a hiker is so scared of being outdoors and need their mini in-reach on their shoulder strap, turned on, then maybe they should stay home? Some years ago, watching a Matterhorn (swiss) climbing video, the guide asked one of his clients, “Do you feel safe here? If not, you shouldn’t be here.” Bam! The only time I’ve worn my in reach, turned on, was a dicy water or snowfield crossing. Otherwise, like you, in my pack somewhere. Great video. Fyi, fellow MLD user, Duomid XL.
Wow! I found your channel!! First watched you many years ago with robinet portage-camping. Now, after I've scoured the internet and decided desolation is my dream hike, I find you again. Wow!
Did the south loop . The end of your video explaining the loop was spot on. Wish I would have seen your video before doing south loop. It took me and my brother 2 days. Not going to lie. It kicked me in the teeth!!!! Doing North loop soon. Thanks for your advice. Just did counter clock wise to camp 7 and back for conditioning to get ready for North loop.
