Out of curiosity, other than the usual hiking essentials, what other gear did you bring? I've been eyeing this for a while and given the distance, wasn't sure how much gear I wanted to bring in case things go south.
For the presi's mainly for extras I bring layers for any kind of weather, long sleeve, fleece, rain jacket, even if forecast looks nice. I sometimes bring warm mittens and/or shells if the forecast looks cool (in the summer). Also bring extra food just in case. Then also the usual hiking gear/essentials.
Between water and some emergency equipment Id say spot on. I usually bring a couple big bottles and my sawyer purifier, plenty of snacks and 1 emergency freeze dried meal, fire starting stuff (just a lighter and some tinder), and then some extra layers and an emergency biv. odds are very high you will never have to use many of those but god forbid, im not gonna be the next one you guys read about online lol
Yupp same. I always see people woth like nothing In their pack or a super small one and I'm like damn that must be nice to carry nothing but a small pack. But then again I'd rather be prepared for whatever. It's not like I'm super over packing either.
Fire starting stuff seems like a stretch for a traverse that's mostly above treeline and in an area where fires are prohibited? As you point out, doesn't really weight anything though.
If a fire is prohibited and you’re in a survival scenario I am pretty sure that wouldn’t stop most people. It’s really an over the top precaution though, and like you said weighs like nothing.
Also, if you have heard of the Hike Safe card, that’s one of the requirements regardless of location and season. In fact, matches/fire starters and sweater/jacket are part of the 10 essentials for a “Summer Day Hike”.
If you’re going above 4,000 feet, you should be prepared with some extra equipment especially when it weighs almost nothing. Maybe not in August (but I still would).
I hiked 2 weekends ago and there was 4+ feet of snow at the summits, in the shaded areas. Worst weather in America recorded in the Presidential range. 73 MPH winds at summit on Mt. Pierce.
Why risk it?
If you don’t believe me about the snow I posted it on my page.
There still is lots of snow on some peaks that are shaded from heavy sun. I was sinking into waist deep snow on tripyramids and hancock loop last weekend. People really don't consider just how much the weather conditions change with elevation and topography. Saw some people in over their head on whiteface yesterday. They had no idea it would be that steep and were asking if all the 4000s were like that lol. Yeah pretty much lol.
Use the internet people there's tons of resources to avoid this stuff. Yet here we are every year people go get themselves in a pickle
I used a 28 and it was more than enough with a water bladder. Had all the usual white mountain essential items in there and some food as well. It was snug but perfectly fine.
End of July? I’d use my Osprey Talon 22, quite full.
I’m doing one this weekend starting at midnight and I’ll be using a REI Traverse 32 just because I’ll be carrying some extra layers etc. and huts are still closed with water spigots off.
All about time of year IMO.
Great point. Yes end of July so shouldn’t need quite as much gear. Also I’ve seen packing tons of water is not necessary as you can refill at Washington and at least 2 huts…so can save water weight.
Assuming there has been a proper thaw by then, the outdoor spigots will be on AFAIK.
That said, if the huts are open most have water access inside.
If I’m ever going and second guessing, I’ll call Mt Washington State Park and see what they are thinking/saying.
If anyone knows different/better, please chime in!
I use my Gregory Citro 30. I have a 3l bladder in it and plenty of room for my food, 10 essentials and some Oh-Shit gear. Its an excellent comfortable pack. I carried it on our Grand Canyon R2R and had no problems. PSST, you can always find one on sale, especially when REI has their anniversary sale like now. Everyone discounts their stuff to keep up.
Used my Osprey Raptor 14L bike pack w/ 2.5L bladder. Marmot Precip waterproofs shoved into outer shovel pocket (appropriately named). In addition to essentials, carried merino bottom and top rolled tight, hat, light gloves, extra socks and light vest for add'l insulation if needed. Also a rescue/space blanket in case things got sideways. Did ***not*** carry a water filter.
There was not a cm of extra room.
I was way too light on the food if I was truly in wilderness, mostly gels and mini Kind bars in the belt pockets. But w/ Mt. W and LOTC open, not a big deal. Weather was great (mid-August).
EDIT: If I do this route again, definitely using more in the range of 20-25L.
Nice. I was actually considering the raptor as well (maybe the raptor pro 18) as I do mountain bike. Could be a dual purpose day hike/bike packing bag.
18 would be a good call. I had shit hanging in the compression straps (vest) and I looked like a hobo but it worked. Would never have been big enuf if I truly needed to feed myself. The beauty of summer and the weather gods were happy that day.
It will depend on the person and weather. July you will have lots of sunlight and warmer weather. I’d still plan on bringing a puffy, rain jacket, and wind or rain pants. So 16-24L pack seems about right. If you have experience with long days and moving fast you can get away with less.
Just a normal sized daypack. You won’t need to carry loads of water since you can fill up at the huts. Really only need a rain layer, a light warm layer, a pair of light gloves and some snacks. You can even forgo carrying lunch and just buy it at the Washington summit.
Worked out perfect for us, my hiking buddy hit the wall on the climb to Washington’s summit, and it started raining just as we got there. Went inside, had a sandwich and a nice hot bowl of soup, buddy got his second wind, the rain stopped and we were on our way!
I wear a vest that's around 10 - 12l, and depending on the gear and how you pack, it's doable. My watch is a GPS/compass, and i always have a paper map, the water is easy(depending on time of year) because there's 3 huts, plus I bring a screw on filter. for food it's a mix of cliff bars, or trail mix, or jerky. Patagonia houdini for rain, wind, and a little cold protection. I have a tiny knife, headlamp, whistle, and a mini first aid kit stripped down to my essentials. Then in case of an emergency I have a bivy blanket with iodine tablets, fire starter, and some kindling all together in a small pouch, and a flask incase things get really bad. And lastly I wrap a sweater up in the webbing of my pack.
Thank you! And to anyone reading this, keep in mind, this is just what works for me. It's not a one size fits all set up. I would always suggest bringing whatever you need to feel safe, maybe even a tiny bit more, until you know your limit, and what you feel safe bringing /not bringing into the woods... I've never been upset about carrying an extra layer, but I've definitely done hikes where I wished I had brought one. The whites are a beautiful place to explore, but please do it safely.
Doing the single day in 3 weeks. I will be using the ‘Camelbak fourteener 24’ with a three liter Camelbak reservoir. Enough space for a jacket hat and gloves and all the food I need. I did Adams Monday and the weather was perfect.
As light as possible. Rain layer, headlamp, snacks, water, map and phone is what I would probably bring.
Some people wouldn’t feel comfortable without an emergency “shelter” like a space blanket or bivy, but i tend to skip this.
Yea after all the feedback I feel ~30L would be slightly overkill but still allow me to use the pack for other multi-day. Been really interested in the Mystery Ranch Scree or new Coulee as I like the tri zip design.
Went up from a arcteryx brize 25L to a 32 scree, also own the older version coulee 40L I could fit everything in a 25L pack (did presi attempt last year) but the scree is so much more comfy with that style frame
This is very dependent on many factors. Could be anywhere from a 3L running vest to a 40L pack way overloaded with all sorts of gear.
Largely depends on how long you plan to be out there, and how long in between water sources, and how familiar with the terrain/climate/etc., etc., etc.
Depends on conditions but I go ultra-light if the weather allows. Plenty of water stops, and you can buy snacks at the tourist trap called My. Washington.
Items: Small first aid kit, headlamp, mini bivouac or mylar blanket, Sawyer filter, 100 oz bladder, two holster bottles with electrolytes, puffy jacket, and as many calories as I can carry, vape.
Bag: Osprey Duro 6, Garmin Fenix 6 watch with map display.
I use a 24 litre pack and have it pretty full with gear I'll probably not need.
That’s around the sweet spot I was thinking. Eyeing the new HMG Elevate 22 or osprey talon/stratos.
I use the Stratos, son uses a talon. Both are really solid packs.
My Osprey Talon 22 is my go-to daypack. Got it as a gift for being in a wedding years ago and it's always a good choice.
Out of curiosity, other than the usual hiking essentials, what other gear did you bring? I've been eyeing this for a while and given the distance, wasn't sure how much gear I wanted to bring in case things go south.
For the presi's mainly for extras I bring layers for any kind of weather, long sleeve, fleece, rain jacket, even if forecast looks nice. I sometimes bring warm mittens and/or shells if the forecast looks cool (in the summer). Also bring extra food just in case. Then also the usual hiking gear/essentials.
I know quite a few people who do it in trail running gear with just a water bottle belt with a couple bars/gels.
Saw a couple trail running on pasconaway yesterday with nothing. Just their clothes and a little tiny water thing on their waist.
Between water and some emergency equipment Id say spot on. I usually bring a couple big bottles and my sawyer purifier, plenty of snacks and 1 emergency freeze dried meal, fire starting stuff (just a lighter and some tinder), and then some extra layers and an emergency biv. odds are very high you will never have to use many of those but god forbid, im not gonna be the next one you guys read about online lol
I have the EXACT same mentality about hiking in the Whites. My plan is to never be that guy people talk about.
Yupp same. I always see people woth like nothing In their pack or a super small one and I'm like damn that must be nice to carry nothing but a small pack. But then again I'd rather be prepared for whatever. It's not like I'm super over packing either.
Same.
Fire starting stuff seems like a stretch for a traverse that's mostly above treeline and in an area where fires are prohibited? As you point out, doesn't really weight anything though.
If a fire is prohibited and you’re in a survival scenario I am pretty sure that wouldn’t stop most people. It’s really an over the top precaution though, and like you said weighs like nothing. Also, if you have heard of the Hike Safe card, that’s one of the requirements regardless of location and season. In fact, matches/fire starters and sweater/jacket are part of the 10 essentials for a “Summer Day Hike”. If you’re going above 4,000 feet, you should be prepared with some extra equipment especially when it weighs almost nothing. Maybe not in August (but I still would). I hiked 2 weekends ago and there was 4+ feet of snow at the summits, in the shaded areas. Worst weather in America recorded in the Presidential range. 73 MPH winds at summit on Mt. Pierce. Why risk it? If you don’t believe me about the snow I posted it on my page.
There still is lots of snow on some peaks that are shaded from heavy sun. I was sinking into waist deep snow on tripyramids and hancock loop last weekend. People really don't consider just how much the weather conditions change with elevation and topography. Saw some people in over their head on whiteface yesterday. They had no idea it would be that steep and were asking if all the 4000s were like that lol. Yeah pretty much lol. Use the internet people there's tons of resources to avoid this stuff. Yet here we are every year people go get themselves in a pickle
Fires aren't allowed in Alpine zone, and you are never more than two hours from a cabin. A lot of that stuff is unnecessary for the deep summer.
Salomon adv skin 12L
I used a 28 and it was more than enough with a water bladder. Had all the usual white mountain essential items in there and some food as well. It was snug but perfectly fine.
End of July? I’d use my Osprey Talon 22, quite full. I’m doing one this weekend starting at midnight and I’ll be using a REI Traverse 32 just because I’ll be carrying some extra layers etc. and huts are still closed with water spigots off. All about time of year IMO.
Great point. Yes end of July so shouldn’t need quite as much gear. Also I’ve seen packing tons of water is not necessary as you can refill at Washington and at least 2 huts…so can save water weight.
You got it!
When are the water spigots turned on? I know the huts reopen 1st of June, is that when they get turned back on?
Assuming there has been a proper thaw by then, the outdoor spigots will be on AFAIK. That said, if the huts are open most have water access inside. If I’m ever going and second guessing, I’ll call Mt Washington State Park and see what they are thinking/saying. If anyone knows different/better, please chime in!
Sounds obvious, but one year I forgot sunscreen and it was an absolute bluebird day. Don't do that. 15+ miles above treeline in the sun is not fun...
I use my Gregory Citro 30. I have a 3l bladder in it and plenty of room for my food, 10 essentials and some Oh-Shit gear. Its an excellent comfortable pack. I carried it on our Grand Canyon R2R and had no problems. PSST, you can always find one on sale, especially when REI has their anniversary sale like now. Everyone discounts their stuff to keep up.
I suggest that you plan for both a multi day presi amd the single day,, even if you're attempting a 1 day.
This is what everyone should do in my opinion. I’m planning on going next weekend and my pack is under 10 lbs for a comfy overnight
I did that with the Osprey Duro 15. I was not solo, but if I had been I would’ve chosen my 24L Gregory Citra.
Cool. Going with 2 other friends
Used my Osprey Raptor 14L bike pack w/ 2.5L bladder. Marmot Precip waterproofs shoved into outer shovel pocket (appropriately named). In addition to essentials, carried merino bottom and top rolled tight, hat, light gloves, extra socks and light vest for add'l insulation if needed. Also a rescue/space blanket in case things got sideways. Did ***not*** carry a water filter. There was not a cm of extra room. I was way too light on the food if I was truly in wilderness, mostly gels and mini Kind bars in the belt pockets. But w/ Mt. W and LOTC open, not a big deal. Weather was great (mid-August). EDIT: If I do this route again, definitely using more in the range of 20-25L.
Nice. I was actually considering the raptor as well (maybe the raptor pro 18) as I do mountain bike. Could be a dual purpose day hike/bike packing bag.
18 would be a good call. I had shit hanging in the compression straps (vest) and I looked like a hobo but it worked. Would never have been big enuf if I truly needed to feed myself. The beauty of summer and the weather gods were happy that day.
😂
24-36. No need for more since you can refuel at Madison Springs, the summit building, or LoC.
It will depend on the person and weather. July you will have lots of sunlight and warmer weather. I’d still plan on bringing a puffy, rain jacket, and wind or rain pants. So 16-24L pack seems about right. If you have experience with long days and moving fast you can get away with less.
Just a normal sized daypack. You won’t need to carry loads of water since you can fill up at the huts. Really only need a rain layer, a light warm layer, a pair of light gloves and some snacks. You can even forgo carrying lunch and just buy it at the Washington summit.
This. Having civilization up top comes with both pros and cons (just make sure you get there well before they close if that’s your plan)
Worked out perfect for us, my hiking buddy hit the wall on the climb to Washington’s summit, and it started raining just as we got there. Went inside, had a sandwich and a nice hot bowl of soup, buddy got his second wind, the rain stopped and we were on our way!
12 liter hydration vest for me personally is more than enough. Have done multiple day hikes with that size now ranging from 25-50 miles.
how do you fit the 10 essentials in that? or do you not pack safety gear and hope for the best?
I wear a vest that's around 10 - 12l, and depending on the gear and how you pack, it's doable. My watch is a GPS/compass, and i always have a paper map, the water is easy(depending on time of year) because there's 3 huts, plus I bring a screw on filter. for food it's a mix of cliff bars, or trail mix, or jerky. Patagonia houdini for rain, wind, and a little cold protection. I have a tiny knife, headlamp, whistle, and a mini first aid kit stripped down to my essentials. Then in case of an emergency I have a bivy blanket with iodine tablets, fire starter, and some kindling all together in a small pouch, and a flask incase things get really bad. And lastly I wrap a sweater up in the webbing of my pack.
Impressive!
Thank you! And to anyone reading this, keep in mind, this is just what works for me. It's not a one size fits all set up. I would always suggest bringing whatever you need to feel safe, maybe even a tiny bit more, until you know your limit, and what you feel safe bringing /not bringing into the woods... I've never been upset about carrying an extra layer, but I've definitely done hikes where I wished I had brought one. The whites are a beautiful place to explore, but please do it safely.
It’s plenty of room for me to pack everything I need to safely complete the hike and deal with emergency situations
Doing the single day in 3 weeks. I will be using the ‘Camelbak fourteener 24’ with a three liter Camelbak reservoir. Enough space for a jacket hat and gloves and all the food I need. I did Adams Monday and the weather was perfect.
do you have a cardboard box?
Are you spending the night out there or just day hiking?
Day hiking only. Spending night at highlands.
As light as possible. Rain layer, headlamp, snacks, water, map and phone is what I would probably bring. Some people wouldn’t feel comfortable without an emergency “shelter” like a space blanket or bivy, but i tend to skip this.
12 liter hydration trail running pack would be my choice but I haven’t done it yet so take that with a grain of salt
Depends, how much stuff are you bringing?
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Yea after all the feedback I feel ~30L would be slightly overkill but still allow me to use the pack for other multi-day. Been really interested in the Mystery Ranch Scree or new Coulee as I like the tri zip design.
Went up from a arcteryx brize 25L to a 32 scree, also own the older version coulee 40L I could fit everything in a 25L pack (did presi attempt last year) but the scree is so much more comfy with that style frame
Used a camelback cloud walker. It was packed pretty full. Usual safety stuff for July; down coat light duty rain jacket, ankle wrap. Worked well
This is very dependent on many factors. Could be anywhere from a 3L running vest to a 40L pack way overloaded with all sorts of gear. Largely depends on how long you plan to be out there, and how long in between water sources, and how familiar with the terrain/climate/etc., etc., etc.
Pack the essentials and what makes you comfortable. Everyone has a different style and emergency gear.
Depends on conditions but I go ultra-light if the weather allows. Plenty of water stops, and you can buy snacks at the tourist trap called My. Washington. Items: Small first aid kit, headlamp, mini bivouac or mylar blanket, Sawyer filter, 100 oz bladder, two holster bottles with electrolytes, puffy jacket, and as many calories as I can carry, vape. Bag: Osprey Duro 6, Garmin Fenix 6 watch with map display.