Yeah, so that’s a photo of my “organization” of stuff I’ll need to get ready for the Forlorn Hope ExpeditionTruthfully, it’s only half, but I’m too embarrassed to showy the other pile!
Many have asked, “What kind of gear will the Expedition members be carrying and using? What do the logistics look like for a winter Sierra crossing of 100 miles?”
Excellent question! We are in the midst of finding out. Jennifer has been put in charge of organizing our team for gear and food since she’s the most experienced multi-day, team-adventure person of us four. But don’t blame Jennifer for that pile of crap – that’s all me. When she’s done with us it’ll all fit and look like this:
So what’s in the pack? We’ll have two packs actually: a lighter “day pack” and a larger trekking/overnight pack (like the one in the photo). Each day we’ll start out with the light pack with provisions to fuel us throughout the day plus extra layers of dry clothes, hydration, rain/snow gear and safety equipment (bivvy, whistle, compass, maps, GPS tracker, first-aid kit, reflective vests, etc…).
Upon reaching our planned campsite each evening we will be greeted by our intrepid support crew, lead by Scott Vosburg along with Craig Thornley, Bruce LaBelle, Marcy Crowley, Andrew, Teo, Kai Downey and several others. They’ll hand us our big pack filled with our camping gear (tent, sleeping pad and bag, ground cloth, chairs, stove, food, etc…). We’ll set up our tents, get some warm food going on the stove and take some time during dinner to discuss the day and reflect upon the Forlorn Hope around the campfire.
The following morning, bright and early, we’ll exchange the big packs for the smaller and head out for the day. This will be repeated again and again as we move along the 100 mile course over 5 days.
The organization of our gear, my pile aside, is serious business, especially when encountering potentially severe winter conditions in the wilderness. Although we will not be near places with avalanche danger, we will be traversing rugged terrain, steep climbs and descents and in places, booneycrashing with no establish trail. So having the right gear at all times along with proper and thoughtful navigation is key. Unlike the Forlorn Hope who had neither – we will be using state-of-the-art clothing, gear and navigation equipment. We don’t want to go teo-for-two on making the wrong turn on this course!