Multi Day Backpack Review

ADDED BONUSES:

*rain cover - not all packs come with them…in fact very few do.

*extra day pack that I used to slack pack a portion of the Vermont Long Trail and also was used on my winter hut trips to carry my avi gear when we went on day exploring.

*my bear cannister slides into the interior compartment and fits absolutely perfectly with space beside it for other things.

*COMFORT!!

LIMITATIONS:

*frame is heavier than most and so this makes it not the most ideal for longer treks.

*there is no air flow for the back due to it’s solid lumbar support - something I was willing to trade off to protect my back.

I have used this pack for backpacking trips in all seasons….including winter!! I have had it loaded in excess of 50 lbs for some trips.

We spent 2 weeks on the Vermont Long Trail together and carried my life on my back from point A to point B. No truer test could be done but it did make me realize what one truly needs in a good pack and what is not as necessary.

It has been absolutely amazing….but now I want to find a lighter frame pack without sacrificing support for my back. So the hunt is on!! I have quite a few backcountry adventures planned for this year and my backpack is one of the things that I can not sacrifice the quality.

I have been doing A LOT of research and am excited to try a few on and see which one I decide is my new best friend on the trail!!

STAY TUNED! This will come in the next couple weeks. #backpack #backpacking #gearreview #backcountrycamping #bewild #adventure #explore #getoutside #hiking #womenwhoexplore #mountainaddict #gregory #gregorydeva

Gregory Deva 60 L

Well let’s start with one of the essentials!! Your BACKPACK! 4 years ago I decided it was time to replace my 10 year old MEC 65 L….it was getting a bit worn and figured there had to be some better ones out there with more features. I actually went through a proper fitting at Breathe Outdoors. I tried on about 6 packs…they added weight, did the adjustments for my body, etc. I discovered that my chronic back issue did not mean that I had to be in pain taking on backpacking adventures…I just needed the right pack!!

So things that had to be considered:

1. PROPER FITTING AND SIZED PACK FOR MY BODY - I have a chronic back issue with permanent disc damage. This means weight on my back and shoulders needs to be distributed properly. First thing that came from this was I actually wear a xs/small. This shocked me as a woman that is 5’7 and an average frame. But it came down to my torso length and where the pack landed on my lower back. Take the time to get a proper fitting from a store that has staff that knows their stuff!!!

2. FEATURES -

*lots of exterior pockets - this pack definitely provided that

*easy access to contents of interior of pack

*sleeping bag compartment - check

*hip pockets - check

*rain cover - check

*exterior easy access water bottle holder - check

*removable lid - check

The Last Minute Adventure

The last minute adventures have been some of my most rewarding trips. But all the same attention to detail needs to be there as if it were a well thought out, ahead of time adventure. This adventure was a special mission and due to our late, gorgeous fall weather I had the window of opportunity to achieve it.

My backcountry experiences really started with Wates Gibson Hut 10 or so years ago. I cross country skied in with a group of 10 of us. It has always held a fond spot in my heart as it was such a special place in such a remote location.

Recently I learned that my bestie, Justin’s Great Uncle, Bill Dowler helped build it for the Alpine Club of Canada. Along with a few other huts with Justin’s Great Grandpa, Hobart Dowler. They have been recognized as Master Builders of many cabins and huts in Alberta’s History. Very few of his family have had the opportunity to see any of them. This one being special to me as well so it made it a fun mission to go take pictures, videos, and write a brief report on the history of the area for them.

There are 2 routes into the hut…one is via Edith Cavell road through the Astoria River for about 31 kms. The route I chose took me on a more scenic more twisty turny route…that you better know where you are going because no sign til about 27 km in tells you that you are on the right track. There is no map. Just some written directions. To this campground, turn right, then follow this lake, turn left, to this campground, turn right….you get the idea. It was almost 34 km to the hut. I had all the weather on the way including snow!! But by the time I got up to the hut the sun was shining again! The route had me park at Portal Creek trailhead on the Marmot Basin road. From there I went up the stunning Maccarib Pass. Taking me further on to tour some of Tonquin Valley’s highlights. Such as Amethyst Lake, Surprise Point, The Ramparts, and then onward and upward (and when I mean upward…the last km is a kick in the teeth!!) to Outpost Lake where Wates Gibson Hut is located.

This hut is not on the way to anything….it is the destination. It was built for mountaineers, ice climbers and skiers. But due to the Caribou closures in the winter of recent years the hut is not accessible at all past November 1st til the spring. The Tonquin herd is the largest in our Rocky Mountains at only about 60. So they are trying to protect this herd. Reasons for the closures in the winter is they believe that the winter travel backcountry makes it easier for wolves to travel and kill the caribou as well as disturbing the habitat that the caribou like to be in during the winter.

This hut can sleep about 20 people and is one of the most well equipped huts I have been to…..especially for how remote it is. And I had the whole thing to myself!! Except maybe a Momma Griz and her 2 cubs that were in the area. But we left each other alone!! My journey back out was a warm one….it was a bluebird sky and I was in tshirt and of course shorts!!

So now it comes down to what the heck am I thinking taking this on by myself. I have said many times that if I wait for people of my ability and schedule to come with me then I may never go. So the other option is to learn to “Be Aware”. Wednesday night at 8:25 pm I called the ACC to book into the hut. From there I had 30 hours to plan!! They say “Backpacking is a lesson in what you do not need to carry”. So lists, lists and more lists!! So here we go:

1. Write an itinerary. Share it with 2 friends. Take a copy with me.

*departure and arrival approx. times

*approx.. time on trail

*trail location, hut location, details on my route

*emergency contacts - I had 2 - notify them they are emergency contacts…haha!!

*set check ins - not going to lie….I sometimes fail on this one but at least they can message me if I miss one…and I did.

*Jasper National Park backcountry emergency number

*when to push the panic button and call the above!!

2. Packing list

*I have a spreadsheet on my backpacking gear that I use to

remember all the little things.

*Pack for the worst, hope for the best.

*I even took my tent in case something went wrong along the way…it

is a long ways back where nobody else is at this time of year.

3. Bear Spray, wildlife horn, Zoleo, and switchblade!!

*all are accessible if needed

*Zoleo contacts have uploaded the app and we have tested message

sending. For this reason keep phone charged and bring charger.

4. Situational Awareness

*Be Aware of your surroundings - weather, trail conditions, evidence

Of animals, other humans, ensuring to know you are going the

right way!

*Being careful not to be complacent….I have to make sure I stay

switched on to my surroundings…it is easy to get lost in ones head

when you are alone so long on the trail. This is where missed turns

can happen, or even signs of wildlife nearby.

*this means looking behind you once in awhile too to ensure you are

aware of things around you 360 degrees.

5. Fear and a healthy respect creates 2 different reactions - do not go out

On these adventures afraid. Have a healthy respect to the hazards you

may encounter.

*Fear will bring on one emotion coming from a panic state

*a healthy respect will bring on another emotion from a thoughtful

state.

My journey started at 5 am Friday morning, 3ish hour drive to trailhead, gear up, 8 hour trek to the hut, beautiful evening by the lake with a beer, slept by the fire in the hut, tea by the lake for sunrise, gear up, clean up hut, back on the trail, 6.5 hours back to vehicle, beer and snack at Jasper Brewing Company then the 3ish hour drive home. Home by 8:30 pm Saturday night. In 39 hours, 67ish kms trekking, close to 3000 m of vert, 0 human contact, over 150 pictures, 12 videos, = memories to fill my soul for a long time!!

What I do is not for everyone but I take the steps to make myself as safe as I can be. I have learned a lot over the years with the adventuring I have done as well as the numerous courses I have taken. Right now I am working on an adventure planning and situational awareness program called “Be Aware” with Courtney the owner of Run Like A Girl. We are working with Adventure Smart to learn more on how to make this program the best it can be in teaching others wanting to get out to run, hike, camp, adventure in groups or solo on how they can do it safely. Stay tuned!!

Get ready! Day 1-6 is a read….but I will be breaking down the days once I am home because it’s been a journey already!!
Today I realized I created an aggressive itinerary using my ultra brain (yes, it took me 5 days for the suffering set into realization!) I wanted a new challenge but I underestimated this trail, the technicality is 😳, the heat + humidity, and my monster pack!! I have been humbled and brought to my knees by this trail! I went about this wrong and that mindset changed today thanks to Flipakey, Hamish, and Tenacious (trail names….stay tuned for mine 😜) I will be on the Long Trail for 2 weeks but I will not complete all 273 miles. I am stepping back, slowing it down, will start to appreciate this trail in the way it deserves and the way I should. I will jump ahead 30ish miles to get me to the more “fun/scenic” parts closer to where I will meet my bestie in about 5 days to head on to the final 50ish miles to the Journey’s End at the Canadian border.
Things I have learned:
1. Reduce expectations to increase enjoyment and reduce sufferfest
2. Slow down and embrace the journey
3. DROP PACK WEIGHT- shipping stuff back to Canada tomorrow!
4. The trail is magic and you don’t have to look for it. It’s there!! Relax, be patient!!!
LOW POINT - Curled up on side of the trail in my tarp in tears in worst thunderstorm since Hamell of 2016, lost trail, map not working….scared AF. More of this story to come!! Obviously I survived!!
HIGH POINT - Slackpacking Killington Peak with 2 new for life friends today!! (Slackpacking….dropping big packs to get miles…usually a loop or out and back to a peak)
MY TRAIL NAME: Long distance hikers are given names by other hikers. First one that came up was “Legs” but the one that stuck after today “she said”. If you know me you know 😜. There is so much more I could say but I am tired and I need to hit the trail tomorrow again 🤗 Today I stood in front of the 100+ mile mark of the trail… breathe!! New perspective….excited to see what Vermont holds for me next!! #vermontlongtrail #greentunnel #backpacking #hiking #womenwhoexplore #adventure #getoutside #takerisks #sufferfest #breathe #gratitude #appreciate #trail #vermont

Vermont Long Trail:

Cruel Beginnings!!

Vermont to Canada!!

As I get ready to embark on the biggest solo adventure of my lifetime I have made the itinerary (prepared for it to need tweaking I am sure!!), I have tested the gear, gone through all the emotions and landed where I am now…..making the lists, checking them twice, packing all the gear, counting the calories, planning my 2 resupplies, and now counting the sleeps til I step into the footpath in the wilderness. The Vermont Long Trail, the original long trail in North America and the inspiration of the Appalachian Trail.

Fast Facts about this historical trail:

*273 miles or 437.7 km

*over 67,000 feet of gain or 20,000 m

*construction started in 1910

*crosses 100 miles of the Appalachian Trail

*connects the highest summits of Vermont along the ridges of the Green Mountains

My plan involves an aggressive first 10 days with some days being over 40 kms heading north from the Massachusets/Vermont border. The last 4 days will be much more enjoyable and taking in some cool places on my way to the Canadian border. The start will be August 2nd, my 51st birthday.

When planning an adventure of this magnitude a lot of factors come into play.

1. Arriving to the trailhead with all required gear!!

*this had been proving to be the biggest challenge with the recent airline issues then the generous offer from one of my best friends that lives in Ottawa to drive me to my trailhead. No connecting flights required….so hopefully all my gear arrives with me!! The other option had 3 connections and panic attacks if I would arrive let alone all my gear!!

2. Resupply - Where, how, what?

*the plan is only to leave the trail once to go into civilization in first 10 days

*so where to ship (106 miles in will be my first stop on Day 5), decided that shipping my package for this location once we cross the US border for quickest arrival, and what to ship (as primarily vegetarian (some seafood) , relying on what can be bought in trail towns is not always ideal)

*2nd resupply will be brought to me by my bestie who will join me on day 10 (200ish miles in) for the last 4 days.

3. What to Pack!!

*I have been testing my gear and how to pack it a few times to ensure I could get everything in I need, how to pack it and if my chosen gear works!!

Let’s talk Gear!!!

1. Tent - I am carrying a Nemo 2 Person Hornet - super light and has withstood a few storms already!!

2. Sleeping pad - Nemo Astro Lite Insulated - with a chronic back issue this has been amazing!!

3. Sleeping bag - Rab - -2 rating (Rab silk liner as well)

4. Jackets - Patagonia Calcite Goretex and Patagonia Nano Puff Hoody

5. Rain Pants - Mountain Hardwear

6. Clothing - Smartwool - Merino wool all the way….tops, bra, shorts, socks, sleeping layers!!

7. Shoes - Hoka Speedgoat trail shoes

8. Pack - Gregory Deva 60 L

9. Poles - Black Diamond Trail Pro Shock Trekking Poles

10. Water Filtration - MSR Trailshot

11. GPS - 2 Way Messaging Device - Zoleo

12. Headlamp - Petzl Ikore

13. Meals - Happy Yak and Stoked Oats

14. Supplemental Calories - Gu Energy - gels and stroop waffles, fruit and veggie bars, homemade spicy almonds, bars, etc.

15. Bear Cannister - Mandatory to carry a bear bin for food storage…mine fits inside my pack!! I love it!! Annoyed at the added weight but understand the importance.

These are the key items I need to get through the full length of Vermont back home to the Canadian border. At the end of this adventure I am sure I will have stories of other items that became important along the way!! Less than a week to go…….

“And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.”

Click Image for Video!!

Freedom

It is said that we all have at least one soul place in the world. A place of empowerment, belonging and rejuvenation. To me it is a place of freedom. Freedom from what pulls me in different directions in my daily life.

How we all get to our soul places may vary. My mode of transportation on this soulful journey is by foot. It is a journey that takes me far back from the physical comforts of our everyday lives. I almost said home, but my soul feels at home the further into the forest I go away from my physical “home”

In less than 2 weeks I leave those comforts and discover how important everything I have packed on my back is to me. I travel into a different country, far from anyone I know, to a landscape I have never seen other than in books, and put faith in the foot path that lies ahead of me.

I am nervous, scared, exhilarated, emotional and excited for what lies ahead. The Vermont Long Trail will be a journey that will challenge me in every way possible…..my mind, body and spirit. Soon begins the journey where I will lose a piece of myself and find a whole other. I will find the FREEDOM to just be. Get ready to join me on this crazy ride!! August 2nd (My 51st birthday!!) is the day!

CLICK IMAGE FOR VIDEO!!

WILD WOMEN, DON’T CLIP YOUR WINGS: HOW TO ADVENTURE SOLO SAFELY

“The wild woman has a deep love of nature. A love for the ancient Mother. Though possibly misunderstood, it has always been in her. When she goes into the wilderness a part of her soul is going home”

I get asked all the time don’t I get scared? I am told it’s unsafe, not smart, reckless and crazy. What is crazy is living my life according to what others deem safe, smart and not crazy when we come from totally different backgrounds, experience level, ability and mind sets. If I was to wait to adventure with people that have my ability, experience, gear and thirst for adventure that I do….I may never go!!

The reality is there are a lot of things to consider when taking on solo adventures…whether it is a day adventure or something bigger such as the Vermont Long Trail I will soon be embarking on.

Let’s do a checklist:

1. Choose a route within your ability. Download the map on a source that can be used offline.

-look at terrain, distance, water sources, location, etc.

2. Gear

-ensure you have the right gear

-spend the $ on good quality gear….it will take care of you and last a long time!!

3. Make a plan - share your plan - make a plan b

4. Do research on recent trail reports

5. Weather - check reliable sources

6. Carry proper first aid kit, bear spray, and knife on holster

7. GPS 2 way messaging devices - Zoleo, Garmin Inreach, Spot

-have contacts set up and tested before you go out

8. Take a basic Wilderness First Aid course ahead of time so you understand the hazards and defences of any potential adventure you plan.

9. Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Whether that be wildlife, other people on the trail, the changing weather, trail conditions, etc.

10. Go with confidence!! Be empowered!

Solo adventuring can be reckless, unsafe, not smart and crazy if you do not take the steps such as I have listed above to make smart choices according to your ability and experience. But it can also be the most life changing experiences you create for yourself!! So go forth….be wild woman!!

Journey to Vermont Long Trail: Ultrarunner to Thru Hiker

My journey into ultra running started with taking up running as a source of therapy but also helped kickstart my weight loss journey. I ended up losing 65 plus lbs!! I transitioned from road running to trail running and then taking it to the mountain trails. Once you get hooked on those mountain trails it is easy to get sucked to the dark side and jump on the crazy bus of ultra running!!

For those unfamiliar with what exactly an ultra distance is…. it is anything over a marathon distance….although if you ask the hard cores it is 50 km!!

The exhilaration and challenge of the bigger distances gives those of us on this crazy bus a high that can not be explained. It became a way to see different places, meet new people, and go find new dark places within ourselves just to climb back out again!! The allure of ultramarathons has grown immensely over the years and more and more are being created in some really cool places.

As much as I love the race environment I also longed to slow down in some of these wild spaces to truly enjoy what I see around me. So I started to get more into backpacking.

Last year I did a fun solo point to point 64 km run in a very wild and remote place….the first thing I thought when I was done….I want to bring my tent back there and sleep under the stars!!

I feel there is a place for both in my life….but as my life continues to be a crazy rollercoaster I long for that slower time on the trail more and more. That time to slow down my body and my mind. Backpacking offered me that…..but being an endurance athlete, I was looking for that next challenge.

Enter thru hiking!! Thru hiking is defined as a point to point journey on a trail without leaving the trail for an extended period of time. A PCT thru hiker, Hook, was quoted as saying “If you can’t carry it in your heart or on your back, you probably don’t need it”. It has become a backpackers motto.

There is a different kind of thrill in carrying your life on your back through challenging terrains. The logistics for a long trek are petty crazy!! How much food and water to carry? How far am I from being able to resupply? Gear failures, injuries, showers, comforts of home you take for granted….among the things you think about as you know you are going to be far from civilization at times.

Moving and camping through all types of weather knowing there is no escape.. You truly learn what you really need to survive.

The simplicity of starting everyday by enjoying a new landscape each morning. Breakfast, tear down, off to see where the trail leads you today, and repeat for days and days on end.

The thrill of covering long distances in a shorter period of time in the mountains through running will not be part of my past but I look forward to the new challenges of where my feet and heart can take me with what I have learned is essential to carry with me, meanwhile letting go of things in my head and heart that are not. 6 weeks and counting to my biggest challenge yet!!

Algonquin Bound: How to Canoe/Portage OR How not to?! - June 2, 2022

My best friend, Justin had mapped out this epic, yet ambitious journey in the massive Algonquin Park. We were excited!! Geared up and armed with enough bug spray to kill an army of mosquitoes (so we thought!!) We set off…..across the windy lake…but we are strong we got this!! Wrong direction from the start! We had the maps downloaded on our phones….but unfortunately no little blue dot telling us where we were. After a fun paddle around the perimeter of Grand Lake to warm up our paddling arms we get ourselves on track….briefly!!

First portage coming up…20 m….ok…leave gear in canoe and we haul it across the little rocky trail to get to the other side of a small waterfall. Short paddle to next portage….90 m. We haul the gear over to the other side and onto his head he puts the canoe….this is not how I envisioned portaging to go!! Did you know there are shoulder rests on the canoe for portaging?? I did not!! Over the rocky trail he went and I suddenly knew my limitations and he was on his own carrying it for all the portages or it would end in disaster!! I was not born a graceful girl….I have issues running on technical trails staying upright at times let alone let’s now put a canoe on my head….or shoulders…whatever!! Was not happening!!

Off we paddle to next portage, 220 m….oh boy!! We had some big ones to come…I was starting to feel bad…but not bad enough to try doing it!! I would haul the heavy gear instead!! We are not even half way through our journey….Justin checks the map. Directs us to the left…..we weave through the tall weeds down a zig zagging weed channel….to arrive at another portage and lake….but hmmmm….not the right one. Justin’s limitation….reading the map. I take over…back we go a few kms at least…I asked if we could have a snack and beer….that was a negative til we get back on track!! So I stuck my cheezies between my feet as I paddled and snuck my snack in and pouted that I was not allowed a beer when he was the one that got us lost! We got back on track…saw where we went wrong!! Off to cross 2 very beautiful lakes. Another 255 m portage….between the Lower and Upper Spectacle lakes. The big one was still to come!! At the end of Upper Spectacle was our big portage…or I should say Justin’s big portage. The sign says 1790 m ….in total ended up being over 2300 m. So we haul our packs over the very technical and hilly trail to the water on the other side….back we go and he grabs the canoe and I grab the bear bin, life jackets and oars. The journey back to the water where our packs were proved to be interesting with the canoe on his shoulders….climbing over dead fall…break….getting caught in a tree ( I was very quiet at this point….not offering any advice as it was not going to be welcomed warmly) … break….back of the canoe smacking on rocks as he went down hills….me just being very quiet behind him!! My job was to lift the canoe up at the break spots to help him get it back on his shoulders!! We finally make it to the water relieved….portages done let’s paddle and find our campsite…about 300 m later…. We see another portage…..I looked at the map…yup it was on there….oops!! It was only 300 m but it was the most technical and hilliest of them all. Again, Keri be VERY quiet!! Take the packs over…then back for the canoe and rest of the gear. When we got back there with the canoe the most amazing sunset greeted us. 15 minute paddle to find our beautiful campsite for the next 2 nights where we would watch the beavers, listen to the loons, a male grouse that pretty much thumped his chest the whole time, more exploring the next day further down Little Carcajou Lake to Wenda Lake, rain storms, bonfires, and of course providing a wonderful feast for mosquitos that have not had the pleasure of human flesh for awhile! The goal was to take a journey to a remote rugged area to experience a part of Algonquin that not many go. The journey that took us over 8.5 hours to get to this wilderness haven took us only 4.5 to get out!! But remember….it is not just about the destination…but the journey along the way!!

My first trip to Algonquin filled with all the bloopers, blunders, and wonderful memories!

My Why - May 19, 2022

I get asked all the time “why” I spend so much time wandering amongst the trees. Hours to days to weeks disconnected. No matter the season. When I am out there I can smell the trees and the flowers, I can feel the sun or the snow falling on my face, hear the crunch of the rocks or snow under my shoes, see the breathtaking beauty of the undisturbed landscape, and taste the crisp cool water from mountain streams. I live life with all 5 senses. Appreciating what it truly means to be alive.