Thanks Mikie, so do I need to use something besides a marmot precip? That's what I currently have. I HATE to be sweaty... (At least more than necessary). Also, I was planing to bring a light weight North Face fleece, with layers under of course...mikie wrote:"Wind Gear" is anything that the wind will not blow thru. It can be a waterproof or water-resistant shell jacket or PVC coated rain gear. Wind can blow thru breathable rain gear. The wind blows right thru Gortex fleece. If it starts to rain or snow along with high winds, it is very hard to stay dry and warm. Even in the summer. It might be 70 degrees and sunny in the valley and 35 degrees and snowing on top of Mt Washington.
Most of the mtn on the east coast are 3-4k high. With Mt Washington and the Pres Range at 6k, the jet stream can dip down and you can get very high winds. Winds have been recorded over 200mph on Mt Washington. Mt Washington is considered one of the windiest places on earth. Every time I have been there, the winds have been at least 30-40mph. It does get calm, so don't expect windy conditions all the time. But, if the jet stream dips down, expect 75+ mph winds. Some people underestimate the weather risk. New Hampshire is very intolerant to SAR missions for unprepared hikers.
That is a lovely hike! Personally, I do find Galehead-Zealand and out to be easier than the Prezzies. There's less exposure, and the footing is generally more forgiving. Most of the Presidentials are above treeline, hiking on what amounts to piles of shattered rock. It's stunning in good weather, but that can be rough on your legs.perzeetorres wrote:mikie wrote:
I'm not doing the Presidentals, but will be in the same area. I believe the huts mentioned were Galehead and Zeeland Falls, and Crawfords Notch. This is our "luxury hike" since we don't need to bring all the food, or tents...
Am I deluding myself that this path will be "easier" than the presidentials?
Thank you! That's what I was hoping to hear! Still getting into shape!griffin wrote:
That is a lovely hike! Personally, I do find Galehead-Zealand and out to be easier than the Prezzies. There's less exposure, and the footing is generally more forgiving. Most of the Presidentials are above treeline, hiking on what amounts to piles of shattered rock. It's stunning in good weather, but that can be rough on your legs.
I extend them going downhill and shorten them going uphill. I don't adjust them too much however. Usually the time to adjust is when starting up or down a pass. I find that the length adjustment is very important for how much effort I use. If the poles are too high, I'll be working my arms more than I need to.Hockey Ref wrote:I believe the "arm-parallel-to-the-ground" thing is an overall guideline for flat land. I don't adjust mine going up or down hill as I'd be stopping and starting too much. Seems to work just fine that way for me.perzeetorres wrote:I just thought of a "newbie Plow question".
"Do you extend them when going down hill?" I was told to adjust them so that my arm was parallel to the ground. That put me close to the 120 mark. My poles only go to 125.... Or do you just bend your arms? I'm going to practice on a sled hill at our local park later... There aren't many hills in my area!
Also, someone above mentioned "sausage fingers," and poles definitely help prevent those.