Comments on: Gear considerations for Utah hiking

By: Paul Mags

Paul Mags — Mon, 25 Feb 2019 14:31:54 +0000

In reply to Draggin' Tail. 1) The CDT in New Mexico is not at all like the Utah desert. Different topography, a fairly defined and maintained trail, and the bulk of the water sources are cattle sources. Much different than silty, high mineral content, shallow, and red dirt filled water. No comparison. Some threads on BPL report that, too. You might be doing a lot of flushing. 2) As mentioned, I based this on my experience and preferred hikiing. Even a hands-free umbrella is awkward for off-trail pursuits. Never used one. For mainly on-trail or smooth tundra use (non-windy), could be an option.

By: Draggin' Tail

Draggin' Tail — Fri, 22 Feb 2019 15:51:12 +0000

Another great diatribe…… but I need to offer two things:
1) Having LASH’d the New Mexico section of the CDT in March, I found my full sized Sawyer Squeeze fully serviceable for the 700 miles of cow poo tanks and Red Flag month wind blown desert water sources. It can and should be backflushed often, but I’m just a wee bit of a contrarian to not seeing it as a credible water treatment option for “Utah” hiking. True, mechanical methods eventually die, but chemical treatment are expendables too, also, as well.
2) I was amazed that a trekking umbrella wasn’t even mentioned in the sun protection section, even if to dismiss it. Euroshirm’s Hand Free trekking umbrella is only shared with my full brim Tilley hat as my primary sun protection gear in the G.A.D. (Great American Desert). Just offerings, not critiques of any consequence. Keep writing and…… hike on!

By: Paul Mags

Paul Mags — Tue, 19 Feb 2019 02:13:12 +0000

In reply to Travis Briles. Thanks! It is of Hidden Valley not too far from where I am sitting. I love my new backyard!

By: Paul Mags

Paul Mags — Tue, 19 Feb 2019 01:57:31 +0000

In reply to Dæv S.

HEy Dave! Answers below…

1. I’ve never used a UV filter and prefer chemicals. The UV filters works best in clear(ish) water; you’ll probably need to use a strainer first.
2. Yep, the shoes are beat up; hence the photo. The desert chews up shoes!
4. I just use regular socks and air out my feet. Never used neoprene socks for multiple days.

By: Dæv S

Dæv S — Mon, 18 Feb 2019 16:58:39 +0000

Paul, Nice read while its -2F here in Rapid City planning our Escalante trip.
Comments-:
1) Water Treatment- I’ve had 3 water filters clog up on Utah Canyon trips & yes we had bandanna/coffee pre-filters. Hikes: Upper Mulley & Halls Crk Narrows. Thought about using a steripen electronic filter, but we heard the uV can’t get thru the participants. Thoughts?
2) Hiking Shoes- I noticed your bottom shoe loops are not being used. I do this our of necessity because of wide feet & bunion issues. Same for you or broken loop?
3) These days I always wear a long sleeve shirt summer/winter to help reduce the need for sunblock. I’m afraid of the sunblock chemicals getting washed into the backcountry water sources.
4) Any thoughts on Neoprene socks worn while wading thru river water for multiple days to help prevent abrasion?
– thx!

By: Travis Briles

Travis Briles — Mon, 18 Feb 2019 15:53:01 +0000

Nice post (as per usual). 🙂

I also read your article linked above on the Bahco knife. I have a leatherman that I keep in the car for road trips. The knife blades are 420HC (high carbon) stainless steel. These are the best knives I have. They stays sharp and won’t rust. If you can find a Bahco type knife made with 420HC you’ll love it.

That opening photo is gorgeous.

Cheers 🙂