If today doesn’t prove anything, it proves that it all goes.
~Wired
Oh, it goes.
~Why Not
July 28
Tarn below Europe Peak to Lake Below Douglas Pass – 10.7 miles
Route: Europe Peak * up on the Continental Divide * Golden Lakes *lake below Douglas Pass
Photo journal:
Today’s Gear Review:
Zpacks Solplex Cuben Fiber Tent
This quick review is overdue. Many of you know I am a huge fan of the two person Duplex that I use when hiking with a partner, like my daughter or husband. I have received many emails with questions about the Solplex. This summer was the first season with the tent. I have camped in this tent for about 45 nights at different elevations, seasons, and climates.
If you are looking for a detailed review you can search for good ones online.
My Solplex Thoughts and Tips:
-Very lightweight (17 ounces with 6 Titanium V Stakes and 2 hook stakes)
-Buy the V Stakes, at least for the main corners. If your stakes do not stay in the ground, it doesn’t matter how great, how, or where you pitch the tent.
-Packs really small (about the size of a Nalgene). I carry mine in the side outside pocket of my Gossamer Gear Gorilla pack. The tent even comes with a cuben fiber stuff sack.
-Plenty of room on the inside and the vestibule closes completely
-Easy to set-up. Zpacks now includes adjusters on each guy line for easy adjustment!
-Nice high bathtub for rain and wind protection.
-Waterproof and performs well in inclement weather.
-Also, I love the cheery blue color that is easy to locate.
-A bit pricey, but if you look at it as just a few nights in Motel 6, it is very affordable.
-I am a huge fan of Cuben Fiber for tents because the material does not absorb water. If the tent is wet on the outside in the morning, just shake it out and the water rolls right off. No more carrying the extra water weight on your back from a soggy silnylon tent.
-I camp with one door open unless the weather is really bad. I think this is why I rarely get inside condensation. As a bonus, with one door open I can look out at brilliant sunsets and during the night at the starry sky.
Did you pass along the eastern or western shore of lake 10787 (where you camped below Douglas Pass)? I am leaving to do the Wilson-Dixon WRHR in a week and am looking and taking Douglas Pass rather than go around Douglas Peak to the east like the traditional Wilson-Dixon route. Any other tips or ticks for Alpine Lakes? That seems to be the crux of the trip.
Thank you!
Brad, I really had to think back. We hiked on the recommended west side. It did like look like the east side would go also. It is just a slow go because of going up and over small cliffs and up and over boulders, but no technical climbing. Be sure and allow for a low mileage day when going through. Hope this helps. Have an awesome trip!
Hiking through alpine tundra. Just wow!
My favorite.
Makes me want to hike the Continental Divide Trail in Montana!
“-I am a huge fan of Cuben Fiber for tents because the material does not absorb water. If the tent is wet on the outside in the morning, just shake it out and the water rolls right off. ****No more carrying the extra water weight on your back from a soggy silnylon tent.”****
That is a very important trait I hadn’t thought of or just plain forgotten. I’m having a hard time making a decision, mostly because of $$. Now it is definitely a little clearer for me.
If you get a chance to provide a photo of the Solplex in its stuff sack, that’d be great. I was under the impression it was quite a bit larger.
You must look like a bunny just hopping over all those rough lands as you try to quickly get back in the picture before the shutter goes off! Cool fact you let us in on.
Yep a bunny for sure. I will look for a pic. I do know Wired’s blogs have all sorts of pics of me with the blue bag in the side pocket of my pack.
Those scenes! My god! Such beautiful views from Europe peak! You ladies look like you’re having a blast!
Europe Peak is a winner if you are ever in the area. It is not technical and is pretty amazing when you get to the top.
Great to see you having a blast on the trail.
Hello Stormin’,
Thanks for commenting. Getting outside with friends is a great privilege and challenge.
Hi there and thank you for including a brief gear review. Do you have condensation in the Soloplex and if so how to you address it? I’m really considering getting one.
Thank you Ray for your question. I added that information to the above entry. I keep one door open unless the weather is bad or in high winds. I try not to camp near meadows and camp a bit above lakes or wet areas. The Solplex has mesh all the way around the bottom, so there is a lot of venting. I rarely get condensation during the night because of these precautions. On hard cold nights before I got my current sleeping system, I did close both doors and sometimes did get some condensation. For me, the key seems to be leaving one door open. Hey and it is a win because I get a view.
Let me get this straight.. you RAN into that picture?? LOL Wow.. maybe you need to get a remote for your camera! Another great blog.. love the pic from the top of Europe Peak!!
LeAnn,
I just love your comments! YES!!!! I ran into that picture and all the others you see with all three of us in the photo. ON snow, dirt, rocks, and ice.
Remote? Do they make those in a very lightweight version?
I am buying a new camera, perhaps my new one with have that capability. Thanks for my new gear challenge. You rock.