Kraig Becker posted some tips:
Winter Camping: How to Survive and Even Thrive in the Cold
Keep your device batteries warm, of course. The cold can kill them. 🥶
He linked to this video:
Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.
Best Independent Hikes Peru
by BestHike editor Rick McCharles
Friends are planning to travel Peru in May / June 2022. Hiking will be part of that adventure.
They’ll bring tents, gear and sleeping bags, looking to hike independently as much as possible.
Both are experienced in the Rocky Mountains. Peru trails can be higher — but I’d consider them no more difficult. Weather is always a factor. I’d recommend they book nothing in advance.
Our #1 independent hike in Peru is Ausangate Circuit and Rainbow Mountains out of Cusco. They’d fly into and acclimatize in Cusco 3326m (10,912ft). Next head for Machu Picchu.
Our favourite hike to Machu Picchu is Salkantay. (Even better would be Choquequirao to Machu Picchu — but that might be difficult to do independently. One guided 7-day adventure for 2 people would cost USD $2275 each.)
I’m recommending they instead take the bus Cusco to the Ollantaytambo ruins. Stay there one night. Then take the train to Aguas Calientes. Walk up to Machu Picchu – 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) in about 90 minutes. Best is to walk in the early morning to arrive at the gates before the tourist buses.
So … Cusco and Machu Picchu to acclimatize. Their first hike would be Ausangate , about 100km south of Cusco.
Next they’d head south towards Lake Titicaca on the well trod Gringo Trail. There are many tourists stops en route.
From the lake they are hoping to detour into Bolivia. La Paz and the local attractions.
For hiking, I’m recommending they bus up to the mountain town of Sorata, Bolivia. Speak to locals on recommended hiking options.
Returning to Peru they’d continue up the coast towards Lima.
From Ariquipa they could hike Colca Canyon and/or climb Misti. Both excellent short adventures.
From Lima it’s a long bus ride north up to Huaraz — one of our top 10 hiking towns in the world.
But when you get there it’s a pleasure to hang out at Cafe Andino planning your next hike or cycling trip.
Many acclimatize on a quick walk to Laguna 69.
Then set off for the very popular Santa Cruz trek.
If time and energy allow, they could resupply and continue immediately on the Alpamayo trek.
Ultimately my personal favourite hike in Peru is the long and challenging Huayhuash Circuit near Huaraz. But it’s not easy to do independently. We hired a mule driver / guide and were happy we did so.
Questions? Suggestions?
Leave a comment.
Related – Best Hikes in South America
Airlines and Camping Stoves 😕
BE WARNED
I’ve made hundreds of flight over the years with camping stoves in both carry-on and luggage — and only really had problems in New Zealand. They are VERY strict on all camping equipment, not wanting to introduce foreign pests.
But in 2021 I’ve had stoves questioned twice. The were not confiscated.
Friends had stoves taken and not returned!
Air Canada last week — for example — took my very clean JetBoil and had to have it approved by SOMEBODY before I could take it on the plane.
Here’s the Air Canada policy on that.
Here’s some advice from Backpacker magazine.
And some advice from CyclingAbout.
And advice from MSR.
I’m flying to Europe Nov 1, 2021 with a NEW camping stove in the box. In my carry-on.
Crossing Iceland on Foot
Łukasz Supergan posted a terrific summary of options for hiking across Iceland.
I’m looking to do some bike touring and hiking summer 2022. #research
Łukasz did the #4 route (green) in winter, for example.
He recommends we do it in summer.
Variant no. 2 may be the easiest, but it leads through the roads used by cars, which may be tiresome.
Variant no. 1 is more demanding.
Variant no. 3 is the fastest traverse from all of the options. Going east-west requires more time and planning, and it is combined with bigger difficulties (less roads, more paths and sometimes the wilderness, crossing the rivers, long distances with no water). Choose it, if you are sure of your skills and you can survive far away from people. …
Crossing Iceland. Part 1: the route and preparations
I’m also researching options for bikepacking Iceland.
Sun-hoodie for Hiking?
The biggest surprise for me on the sunny 😎 John Muir Trail 2021 was the number of hikers wearing sun-hoodies rather than the more traditional button down shirt, buff and/or bandana (that I was wearing).
Sun-hoodies are particularly popular with the ladies.
Should I switch?
Click PLAY or watch a review on YouTube.
Julie has been wearing the Columbia Hiking Sun Shirt. Her daughter thinks she should switch.
Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.
I love “Hiking Thrones”
BestHike editor Rick McCharles.
In the Himalaya, porters build benches at regular intervals so they can easily rest while carrying heavy loads.
I do the same — when I can — on logs and rocks.
Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.
HOW to survive the West Coast Trail
BestHike editor Rick McCharles
After hiking the West Coast Trail twice in 2021, I put together a video playlist with two goals:
1. WHY the West Coast Trail is our #1 hike in the world.
2. HOW to survive. It’s dangerous and challenging.
Below are all 7 videos. If they help, bookmark them and/or subscribe on YouTube.
Click PLAY or watch the Introduction on YouTube.
Click PLAY or watch Bamfield to Michigan Creek on YouTube.
Click PLAY or watch Michigan Creek to Tsusiat Falls on YouTube.
Click PLAY or watch Tsusiat Fall to Cribs Creek on YouTube.
Click PLAY or watch Cribs Creek to Cullite Creek on YouTube.
Click PLAY or watch Cullite to Port Renfrew on YouTube.
Click PLAY or watch Nitinat Option on YouTube.
Giant BANANA SLUG in my Tent
On finishing my first West Coast Trail hike 1999 I threw my backpack into the trunk. Drove directly to my parents home hours away.
Two days later I unpacked. Found 2 banana slugs inside.
I’m more careful now to keep pot, mug and cutlery clean and packed away at night.
My tent zipped.
Yet I still had a banana slug in my tent this year. 😐
Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.
Dientes de Navarino, Chilean Patagonia
One of the #BestHikes in the world.
Suzie Dundas posted a terrific trip report for Outside magazine:
Dientes de Navarino is a trek of superlatives.
It starts from the southernmost town in the world—Puerto Williams, on the 55th parallel. …
Our upcoming trek would cover anywhere from 35 to 45 miles, depending on what route we chose and how accurately our trackers would monitor our steps through mud and snow.
First trekked in the late 1990s but only officially (and partially) marked in 2016, around 200 people attempted the trail annually before its blazing. Since then, the number has gone up to between 1,000 and 1,500 per year. …
A Trek to the Edge of the World
How to tackle Chilean Patagonia’s Dientes de Navarino, considered the most unpredictable trek in the world
related – our failed attempt at Dientes de Navarino
West Coast Trail semi-YOYO
BestHike editor Rick McCharles
I’ll be offline the coming week. I’m hiking the West Coast Trail.
This time I’m starting at Nitinat.
Hiking towards Port Renfrew for as far as I like.
Then backtracking to Bamfield.
I’ll try not to get injured this time. 😀
besthike.com 