Weekend trip to Pinckney State Park-4/17/15

[ThePantologist]

Took a weekend trip out to Pinckney State Recreation Area. This was a perfect time/place to practice with new gear. This was my first solo trip as well as my first "backpacking" hammock trip.

I tested:

-Gregory Baltoro 75
-Vasque St. Elias GTX Hiking Boots
-HG Incubator 0 degree
-Walmart trekking poles
-REI Igneo 19° Sleeping bag
-JRB Down Sleeves

Everything worked really well with the exception of the REI Igneo sleeping bag. While i have tested that bag in the bag yard at 20° in the winter, the wind during that test was being blocked by my tarp. This trip however, the wind was coming from foot to head right through the tarp. Unfortunately because of the campsite and other factors i did not have a choice with this. The wind hitting my foot box robbed me of heat from the top side (only at my feet). I was completely warm underneath however from the 0° Incubator as well as a bit of refectix in my foot box. In the middle of the night i zipped my rain/wind proof jacket around the foot box and this solved the issue completely.

I used the JRB sleeves in camp for gloves as i forgot my actual gloves. It also worked great as a pillow! The Wally World trekking poles also worked surprisingly well. This was a total of a 10 mile round trip hike and my Vasque's were really up to the challenge. What made it even better is the fact that i got those boots for $0.46....YES thats right 46 cents... Combination of 20% off + $150.00 REI dividend + remaining few bucks on an rei gift card....SWEET DEAL!!!

Since i am new to backpacking, it was a bit odd at first with the Gregory pack. I am sure glad i watched a few youtube videos on proper adjustment the day before my trip! I will say that my hips were a bit sore from the overall weight (32lbs) but overall i feel pretty good. Can't wait to get back out there!

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Morning from the hammock.JPG
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[2ply]

Glad it worked out for you. Looks like you're on your way to some good times in the woods.

[OneClick]

This was my first solo trip as well as my first "backpacking" hammock trip.

Good times! Always remember it and don't lose the photos. I have a horrible memory, but remember my first backpacking trip and my first hammock backpacking trip (to the same place). It means a lot to me, something noone else seems to understand (except everyone here!)

Pretty amazing weather for mid-April!

edit: FYI, when I said "to the same place" I did not mean to Pinckney. It seems to read that way now that I look back.

[mountainhanger]

Good times! Always remember it and don't lose the photos. I have a horrible memory, but remember my first backpacking trip and my first hammock backpacking trip (to the same place). It means a lot to me, something noone else seems to understand (except everyone here!)

Pretty amazing weather for mid-April!

And a big +1 on that

[michigandave]

Nice trip report. Wish I could have gotten out over the weekend since the weather was so nice. Blind Lake was my 1st solo trip as a ground dweller and I camped at the site down the hill from you in the grass. Great memories. Looks like you did ok up at the site on the ridge...I've tented up there before and those winds can be brutal.

Doing solo trips are a great confidence builder and since Pinckney is so close, it's a perfect place for dialing in your gear.