Sub 5lb Backpacking - Guadalupe Peak - Texas State Highpoint 

West Texas is amazing if you ever get out that way.

Thanks a lot Leyla. I feel like I know the park pretty well. Glad you were able to make it up to the peak even with all the craziness going on. I think trekking poles are a must at GUMO.

Hadn't done it in a few years. I was surprised how few people were on the trail. I've seen that trail look like a super highway before. Its was pretty nice.

Thanks for watching. It's quite the hike. This was my second time and it was just as fun as the first. You're right, there are some awesome views from up there.

That's awesome. I didn't remember all the lights from the last time I was there. But there was a really thick blanket of clouds under us and we couldn't see the desert floor. It was a little disappointing this time. The view toward the canyon and Shumard and Bush was cool though.

I hear you on too many people. I was really worried about that on the Peak trail. But was pleasantly surprised. Sounds like yall had a great trip. I really want to spend more time in Mckittrick Canyon. Maybe some off trail stuff. And I'd like to spend another night or two on Wilderness Ridge. I'm going to plan another trip for late fall or winter. Itd be cool to get a small group together.

Cameron, here's our trip: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-gGwROLtGJgw.html

Thanks for watching. I really appreciate your comment. It was my second time up Guadalupe Peak and I really enjoyed this hike.

For sure. Really unique views in every direction.

Zachary Teich I wanted to. I just didn't have it in me. Wasn't really having a ton of fun after day 1. Probably good because I would have run out of water even though I carried 8L. I need to train a little bit before I try it. Hopefully over the fall or winter.

Very cool. Sounds like you had a very cold night. Bet your hammock was rocking that night. I've spent a couple nights in the Guads with winds that were around 60 or so and snow on the ground. I really like it out there in winter. Also less people around. I haven't taken a hammock out there in a couple years but look to do so again this winter.

Ultralight Outdoors The 20° UQ, TQ and extra pair of socks came in handy. Actually pretty cozy. I just lost tension in my tarp from user error so there was a lot of flapping. When possible, hammock is a no brainer.

That's what I was expecting. A ton of people. Really cool to have it to myself for a while. You made pretty good time. Maybe we'll cross paths or meet up there over the winter.

You should for sure. It's a neat campsite. Can get really windy though.

That's awesome. I would say 20lbs is probably pretty typical. It's mainly the water weight that is killer. Dont underestimate how much you'll need. I normally carry 1 gallon per 24 hours but drank way more on this trip and still needed more. Hope you end up with great weather. Have a great trip.

Thanks Cameron. I appreciate your reply. Keep up the great work

Sorry to bother Cameron. I will drive more than 6hrs to Guadalupe M. Just worried about available camping spaces on the peak campsite. if that is the case what other campsite do you recommend me ? with great views. Thanks. I will appreciate any advice

If its a weekday, you should have no problem getting a Guadalupe Peak campsite. If its a weekend, you will most likely be able to get one, but I'd make sure you are there to register for it in the morning sometime. For whatever reason if you need a different campsite with views, McKittrick Ridge probably has the best views. Bush Mountain has great views nearby, and Pine Top has pretty nice views also.

Thanks Cameron. for your advice. I camped 2 nights at the peak campsite as planned . weather was amazing with fast winds and thunderstorms at night... but I really enjoyed it. I had a great experience!.

I actually just rewatched your trip from last year before I went on this. Your birthday trip. Really good video. It reassured me that maybe there wouldn't be too many people at the campsite. My quilt worked out fine. My toes got cool a couple times but I'm really too big for the quilt and mines not sewn up. I'll have the El Cap video up next week.

KrizAkoni ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-HtqrlwbYuW0.html This is my review of it. I'll look for a link to where you can purchase it and post below.

www.outdoorresearch.com/us/en/sun-runner-cap/p/2434330800008

Sweet, thanks! 🤓

Gary, thanks for watching. The narrow parts of the trail are not nearly as narrow or scary as they may seem in video. The trail is still plenty wide. I wouldn't worry about it too much. I hope you enjoy your hike. Prepare for winds and feel fortunate if it happens to be a calm day.

Thanks Cameron for your reply back to me. Enjoy each adventure Bud.@@CameronHall88

Thanks David. Sounds like you're picking a couple of the most scenic places in the park. Let me know if you have any questions before you go. Hope you enjoy your trip.

I'm hoping to have the stamina for Guadalupe Peak, but would the Salt Basin/El Capitan Trails be a good alternative if I find I can't hack Guadalupe Peak trail? I'm not finding much info about these trails during my research.

If you're planning on hiking to the top of McKittrick Ridge when you do McKittrick Canyon, that hike is a lot harder than Guadalupe Peak. If you plan to just hike to Pratt Cabin or the Grotto, its fairly flat. Guadalupe Peak is tough for the first 1/3 or so. Once you make it to the forested section, you get the shade and it isn't nearly as steep. Salt Basin/El Cap trails have more elevation change than you would think if you go all the way to Williams Ranch. If you just did the Salt Basin Loop, it isn't too bad. But the trail will be very overgrown in sections. And there will be nearly zero shade. Here is a video I did from just the Salt Basin Loop. I started at the highway and hiked up the wash instead of starting from Pine Springs Campground. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-IGWxFu5u3IQ.html

Cool. Thanks for all your help and expertise.

The only protection from the wind at Guadalupe Peak campsites is the small wall campers have built out of branches at the one tent pad. Hopefully you catch it on a good wind night.

Oh my goodness! That sounds rough! I was thinking I was going to end up getting a prickly pear thorn in my leg while pushing through some of the thicker brush. I had that happen down on the El Cap/Salt Basin Loop trails last year. But I was fortunate not to this trip. I didn't notice any painted rock. I feel like it would have stuck out to me. But I might have just missed it. Have you explored much in the actual forest on El Cap? I thought that may be neat during cooler temps. And exploring along some of the rock walls across El Cap.

I haven't explored any of El Cap yet. Last year was my first attempt and I failed to reach it. I know I departed the trail at the right point but I chose the wrong path to take down. I started out following the hill on the left and was aiming to reach the bottom in the first wash on the left. I believe now I would have had better luck working my way over to the wash on the right. I also know now that I need to strengthen my legs a bit before attempting again because I was beat by the time I made it back up to the GP trail. I can't imagine what the the climb would've been like after summiting El Cap had I been successful. My goal is to return in November to hike up to The Bowl via Bear Canyon and make another attempt on El Cap. You're more than welcome to join. I live in DFW and don't think we're that far from each other.

Yeah I would be interested. Bear Canyon is my new preferred route to the Bowl. I'm planning to hit Shumard and Bartlett on my next trip. I had originally planned it for this past trip but it didn't work out that way.

Two more on my list I need to check off! I'll message you my contact info through Hangouts and we can discuss further.

I'm usually so tired I don't even think about it!

I have my eye on Britton Hill sometime soon. I already have a route mapped out to do the south eastern state highpoints. The pack was fine. I'd had 26 lbs in it once before. It's not the most comfortable. But I lost the weight quickly by drinking the water. I left 4 liters at the campsite also before I headed to the peak. On my way down the mountain the next day my pack felt as light as it should have. It's definitely better to go somewhere with water. Just doesn't happen too much around here.

I suppose in certain places I might. But when I used them at Guadalupe mountains, I didnt. I also have a net rent that fits under the tarp to use in certain situations.

Awesome. It can be an addicting place. My wife really enjoyed the one trip she took with me out there. But that's been a few years. I hope to take her and my boys car camping out there sometime next year.

Guadalupe Peak itself can definitely be done without any experience. El Cap is a good offtrail route for people new getting into offtrail hiking. The route itself and views are great. It definitely would be a test as a first ever hike.

It was more than I'd normally carry. And I ran out about 20 minutes before getting back to the trailhead. Glad I had that much though.