Backpacking the Big Uglies

It's that time again.

It’s that time again.


Though I prefer not to backpack, I had many reasons to do so recently:

  1. I wanted more red blood cells, and backpacking in the Sierra is a good way to stay above 10,000 feet for most of a week.
  2. I also wanted to trim a bit of body fat, and backpacking is a great way to starve.
  3. With only 1.5 hands, I am limited to 4th class and easier terrain, putting some of my summer objectives out of reach.
  4. There are certain “ugly” peaks on the SPS list that are hard to reach as dayhikes, but not intrinsically interesting.
  5. I only really enjoy backpacking off-trail, and the Sierra are the best place to do that.

So I loaded up with some food:

Type Cal Weight
Trail mix 9600 4 lbs
Summer Sausage 2000 20 oz
Tortillas 2000 1+ lbs
7 protein bars 2000 1+ lbs
Rice 1500 14 oz
Oats 1600? ~1 lb
Instant potatoes 1500 1 lb
Protein powder 900? (3.5 cups)
Flax seed 2000? 14 oz
Olive oil 3000 (1 pint)

and did this. Stats (and links to narratives):

Day Miles Gain Loss
Day 1 16.9 7500 6800
Day 2 10.4 7000 5900
Day 3 9.4 5900 6500
Day 4 14.4 7000 7000
Day 5 32.7 4700 6700
Total 83.8 32,100 32,900

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