2 week noob hike on the superior trail MN.

[xouts]

I want to make at least a 2 week hiking journey in the "piney woods" with my Lady and DOGod.
I want to do this in JULY. Temps will range from 50-85 degrees. looks like rain is infrequent.
here is a weather prediction http://www.accuweather.com/en/us/dul...weather/329420

We are going to use 2 hammocks and one tarp. (with dutch spreaderbar thingies or 3 trees or bunk style)

I am 5ft9in
She is 6ft

Currently i have the following gear...

backpack x2 ,
pantry filled with trail friendly food,
imusa grease dispenser ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZdeygwjY_w )

Things to get

Stove (small simple alcohol)
utensiles
stuff sacks?
bear protection?
Tarp (superfly?)
Hammock x2 with whoopies and dutch spreaderbar thingymajigs (halfwit? skeeter beater? warbonnet?)
Bottom/top insulation x2.

Im tempted to spend a lot of money and im interested in what you might consider the minumum level of spending ( particularly on insulation ) to make such a trip in hammock comfort.

Please recommend if you can a section of trail to go on !
hammock type/brand
type of insulation
and clothing/hammock recommendation for the insects that i hear can be so terrible up there.

I am very excited to get into hammock tripping, mostly i have done beach camping cowboy style and sleeping directly on the ground places...

This will be the first time I combine long walks with camping usually i walk to a place to hang out for a while then leave.

Moving every day sounds fun!

Anyone ever use the superior shuttle?
Tonight i am going to package 3000cal/day x2people x14days to see what it looks like... maybe 2 weeks out is too ambitious.

[goetzc]

Wow! Quite the first post... Welcome.

I can't comment on a lot of your questions but I have a suggestion.
Before buying a hammock or quilts I'd strongly recommend trying a few different hammocks.
There are a lot of options.
I prefer a bridge hammock but those likely won't accomplish your goal of two hammocks under one tarp.
Given your time frame and the typical cottage manufacturers lead time you may be best trying out a couple of Dutch's hammocks.

Oh and +1000 on bug protection anywhere in MN in July.

[alifeoutdoors]

Phew, two weeks you can cover a lot of ground. If I had two weeks I'd probably concentrate between Crosby Manitou State Park and Judge Magney close to the northern end. Anything between there is wonderful. If you haven't already go onto shta.org and pick up their 50 cent maps. They are outstanding. It's all you need. The guide doesn't hurt either. I highly recommend the Superior Shuttle or Harriet Quarles Phone: 218-370-9164 or eMail:[email protected]. Both are great to work with. I won't really speak to gear, plenty of wise folks who like to talk gear but yes, at the very least you will need head nets and I personally treat my clothes with the "Perm". I also use those little off clip on fan things for hanging out in the evening, they seem to work well.

[Christo456]

Only someone from the Great Lakes area can say temp will be between 50 and 85 with a straight face and get no argument from anyone because it's the truth. Welcome to the forum.

[TrailSlug]

Only someone from the Great Lakes area can say temp will be between 50 and 85 with a straight face and get no argument from anyone because it's the truth. Welcome to the forum.

You guys are lucky to have that range of temps to hike in during the hot summer months. It's supposed to be in the upper 90's here the next few days and I'm afraid it's here to stay this time.

[alifeoutdoors]

I'm half Texan half Wisconsinite. I never ever take it for granted.

[xouts]

Thanks for the responses,

When it comes to trying things out.....
The options amaze me and fry my mind.

I am going to try a bridge hammock but you are right it wont be very good side by side.

Thanks for the tips on the trail. I will definitely get the nets and some nice sprays.
I will definitely treat my clothing with the "perm".

many thanks !!

I really like the idea that hammocks can replace peoples beds!

[Flatliner]

Love the grease pot. I believe Shug calls it a hobo pot. I have made setups with it for my family. One suggestion, wrap some paracord around the handle as it gets really hot. Also, I replaced the plastic top handle with a small wooden bead. With a little creativity you can build a reflectex koozie that nests inside just perfectly for heating freezer bag meals. We haven't done much with the site but the link in my sig line explains our cooking system.


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[Shug]

Two weeks you could do most of the trail!
Check their website.....http://www.shta.org/Trail/TrailMaps/index.php
Order the Guide book.
Study up.

Grand Marais and south are my favorite parts.
I have used the shuttle. It is dependable and on time.

Here is my SHT playlist....https://www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...zwwDh-P9J4-HoV
It should give you an idea of many sections.

As to gear and all that, sounds like you got work to do.
Save some money and use pads in hammocks. Could be easier to dail in since you are looking at so much other gear to get and get familiar with.
Good luck on choosing a hammock.
Make sure you have good footwear.
Carry forth.
Shug

[Canahang]

This really depends what gear you have already. You could get by with ccf pads in the hammocks until underquilts are an option.

Dutch 11footers, fronkey bug nets, whoopie slings with spreader bar hooks and a superfly is a good place to start.

You'll want to keep things fairly lightweight if you're walking everywhere for 2 weeks and putting in some miles. I would suggest maybe posting over on /r/ultralight in Reddit as well for that view added to your load out.

Good luck and watch the bugs don't carry you off!


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