Trail & Snow Conditions
We only had enough time for a short hike, but still wanted to get out for a bit. We set a turnaround time and headed up Register Ridge. We made it to an elevation of about 8,000′ before starting our descent.
- The snow was soft and we did not need any winter traction devices for most of the hike.
- Around 7200′, the snow was deep enough to justify using snowshoes and they became especially useful at about 7600, where we were breaking trail. We found some areas where the windblown snow was 3′ deep.
- By the time we started our descent (~10 AM), the temperature had risen significantly and the snow was becoming wet and sticky. I would guess that microspikes would be useful tomorrow and beyond, especially in those areas that had high foot traffic.
- On our descent, we passed 8-10 people that were headed up. I would expect the trail to be broken all the way to Devil’s Backbone Trail and possibly up to Mt. Harwood.
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Gear
The cold, windy weather was an excellent opportunity to get out with some of my new gear. Here are some quick notes:
- Katabatic Gear Helios 55
- Well designed/thought out pack. I will post a ‘first look’ style blog entry soon.
- Minus33′s
- Kodiak Expedition Full Zip Merino Wool Hoody
- During strenuous hiking, the upper limit for this hoody is about 35 degrees for me.
- Merino Wool Day Hiker Sock
- In terms of feel and comfort, they are very similar to the heavyweight Thorlo socks I used for years, but with the added bonus of merino wool’s properties.
- Wore them for 2 days around the house and running errands before the hike. No stink or crust; no hotspots or blisters on my hike.
- Kodiak Expedition Full Zip Merino Wool Hoody
- Baffin Zone Softshell Boots
- My 2nd hike with these boots; I like them. My feet were warm and comfortable.
- Hoka One One Tor Summit Mid WP Hiking Boot – Men’s
- Someone visiting from NH needed to boots for this hike, who just happened to wear the same size boot as me. I let him use the boots; no blisters or hotspots.
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