It’s that time again.
Though I prefer not to backpack, I had many reasons to do so recently:
- 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.
- I also wanted to trim a bit of body fat, and backpacking is a great way to starve.
- With only 1.5 hands, I am limited to 4th class and easier terrain, putting some of my summer objectives out of reach.
- There are certain “ugly” peaks on the SPS list that are hard to reach as dayhikes, but not intrinsically interesting.
- 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 |
