Spitler Peak, Help!

[Bigwookie009]

Yeah I will be on the look out for ice for sure! I don't wanna break anything or worse...

Man that sale will be awesome! I plan on buying my pack from them maybe I will find a good one on sale! I just actually joined REI a week ago! Perfect timing

[Biletchick]

Good luck!

[Bigwookie009]

Good luck!

Thanks! Ill prolly need it!

[Biletchick]

If they don't have anything at the stores in SD, head up to the Santa Ana store. I was there last night and they have a full stock of backpacks...the most I've seen there in a while. You'll find something.

Stacy

[Bigwookie009]

I was there a week ago and there seemed to be some but not too many. I was looking at this one http://www.rei.com/product/760600
It looked pretty good for a good price which is my biggest thing. I want something thats going to be good for a full day or a two day hike at longest a 3.
How do you like being up in Orange County, I will be working for the Orange County Sheriffs in the next few months and was thinking Ill end up moving to San Bernanindo or Riverside county to be able to afford it Orange looks to expensive

[Biletchick]

sent you a pm also

That's a decent pack...definitely big enough for an overnight or two. You really need to try it on. I have a hell of a time with fitting a pack. Comfort should be your first priority, then worry about the features, weight, color (lol) whatever! You also want something that's durable so that you are not replacing it after one season.
Osprey and Gregory make great packs...but they will break your bank.
I use a Kelty Coyote 4700 for multiday Sierra trips, an REI Flash 50 for winter day trips (with snowshoes and/or crampons), Gregory Jade 35 summer day trips, and a Camelback Helena or REI Flash 18 for training hikes or light day trips. I had an REI Ridgeline 65, but it was too small for all my junk and a bear can.
REI's brand has a nice variety of mid-price range packs - they are good quality and have really nice features.
You can also get good deals on overstocks, closeouts, and last years model stuff on sites like: [url]http://www.sierratradingpost.com/d/311_Backpacks.html?page=3
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or [url]http://www.moosejaw.com/moosejaw/shop/search_hiking-backpack____
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just my opinion,
Stacy

[Bigwookie009]

I was going to go without trying one on, now that you say that I might want to just go to the outlet center or suck it up and pay more for a good pack that will fit right. Do you think something between 55 and 70 L would be the right size I am looking for?

Thanks,

~Josh

[halhiker]

There's no way of actually knowing without going up there but there could be considerable ice on Spitler soon. Areas that get a combination of sun and snow have potential of ice and Spitler is at the elevation where there could be a lot of melting and re-freezing going on.

A few years ago a lady feel to her death (presumably on ice) near the Apple Canyon Saddle which is just a few mile north of Spitler. The trail up to Spitler is not that tough but once you get on the desert side if there is ice you could go a long way before stopping.

Be prepared and be careful.

[Biletchick]

Hey Josh
Yes, that's about the right range for a 2-3 dayer, but it depends on what gear you are carrying. Sierras = bear canister(in most parts) and I would go with the 70L or bigger, and also if you are winter camping with a tent, a 0-15 degree bag, avi gear, snowshoes, and crampons. I tend to pack heavy (45 lbs) and don't mind the weight for certain comfort items.
My suggestion would be to go to REI and let them fit you first. Then load up the pack you choose with your approx. gear weight (they have those bean bags and pillows in the store) they will help you with that also. Now just walk around in the store for a while....not 5 min, I mean like 30 min. See how you feel.
If you like it, buy the pack (or find that model & size online cheaper) then load your own stuff in it. (Your gear will feel better than the beanbags!) Make sure it all fits, take your dog for a walk with it on, do a trial day hike somewhere locally. If it's all good, then you're set. If not, start over. It can be a process, but it's worth it. An uncomfortable pack can ruin a trip!
REI Santa Ana does have a great selection right now.
Stacy
ps re: the pm...traffic around here SUCKS all the time. and I just work in Carson!

[Bigwookie009]

Awesome I am going to just do that, I think I may as well go with a 70L sized one then so I have a more all around bag. Good thing you mentioned to actually walk around for a while I would put it on for 3 min or so and say its good haha. I have a few test mountains around here that will be perfect for making sure the gear is right!
Ahhh man I hate traffic, ah well I can put up with it for a few years until I move out of state somewhere with no traffic haha

Thanks,

~Josh