Arizona hiking, what to expect.

A new AZ resident from the Northwest was concerned about bears, snakes, bugs and water while hiking/backpacking in Arizona. Below is my reply to him. Originally posted on Meetup.com

You ask some interesting questions. I"ll answer in the order of the questions. First the bears. While it's very unlikely to see bears in the desert, it's not completely out of the realm of possibility. Especially in the winter. There are bears in the mountains around Tucson and in lean years have been known to wander down into the high desert. My point, while highly unlikely it would be unwise to completely write off the possibility of sighting bear in the high deserts around any large AZ mountains like Mt Lemon.

Preparation for insects is the same for snakes, look where you're putting your hands and feet before you put them there. I've lived/hiked in the desert for more than four decades and I'm always scanning ahead for the possibility of snakes and other issues. In reality scorpions are really only an issue putting your hands into thick brush and rock crevices without checking first. Extremely rare but possible, both have been known to wind up in sleeping bags when the weather is cool and sleeping bags are warm. If you're in a screened tent or screened bivy bag both are negated. Also, many people hike with trekking poles. Poles are handy to block/push thorny brush out of the way and it's better to put a pole over a rock or log before a foot or leg if you can't see what's there.

I personally don't recommend open toed sandals for hiking in the desert and its not because of insects. Very sharp rocks, cactus thorns, cat claw and just about a thousand other irritants for me make sandals a pain. I recommend lightweight breathable trail running shoes or hiking shoes (NO GORETEX). Closed toed sandals from Keen and some Teva models are the exception. It boils down to a personal preference and your tolerance for stopping and emptying your sandal of sand and pebbles.

In summer, carrying enough water for three days would weigh forty pounds or more (1.5 gallons per day min). Winter, less. Everybody in the desert (whole SW region for that matter) plans trips around water availability, with perhaps one night being a dry camp (carrying water for that night) and refilling the next day. Most of the water in AZ can be filtered with the exception of water downstream of mines (old or new). This water should always be considered contaminated with heavy metals mercury and/or cyanide and avoided at all costs except last resort emergencies. When planning trips keep in mind where the mines are. 

New Balance 573 Trail Runners (used for backpacking shoes)

Tender skin a slightly narrow and odd shaped heel have created problems with virtually every pair of shoes I've owned for hiking/backpacking for more than 20 years. Until now. I was prepping for the second of two backpacking trips in as many weeks. My feet were still sore and the blisters weren't fully healed from the week before. I just couldn't bring myself to put on my regular hikers for yet another painfull outing. So out of desperation I decided to wear my New Balance trail running shoes. It turns out that wearing trail running shoes is what's best for my my feet.

Running shoes come in a variety of lasts (lasts run the length of the shore and determine how a show fits) and features which can often give a superior fit. I'm my case, a last with a narrow heel and a slightly wide toe box. The wider toe box allows room for my feet to swell on long hikes. The heel cup combined with an integrated heel restraint is just snug enough to keep the heel from moving.
Bottom line. If you aren't carrying heavy loads, consider switching to trail running shoes. My feet have never felt better while hiking/backpacking.

Oboz Sawtooth Hiking Shoes Update

Well, after several backcountry trips I've sadly had to return the Sawtooths back to the retailer. The only drawback to these shoes is they stretched to the point I couldn't get them tight enough not to slip while walking. Perhaps it was only this pair of shoes, I don't know.

Overall, in the begining the shoe fit well, traction was very good. If it hadn't been for the stretch I would still be wearing these. I'm now wearing New Balance 573 trail running shoes to backpack in. A review of those in the near future.

Exped Dreamwalker 450

I've now used the Exped Dreamwalker 450 on several occasions from Zion NP to the Superstition Wilderness in AZ down to 27°. Additionally I've used it not only as the sleeping bag but also as cocoon around my hammock and as a coat (See ealier postings below). In all cases the bag has exceeded expectations. Combined with the Exped Multi-Mat these are two of the most versitile pieces of equipment I own.

Exped Dreamwalker 450 Sleeping Bag & ENO DoubleNest Hammock (initial usage)

Well, I finally got out and did some camping with the DreamWalker and the ENO DoubleNest Hammock.

First off the DreamWalker sleeping bag is everything it's said to be. Versatile, comfortable, well constructed. In conjuction with the hammock it's going to be a killer system. I will also be able to drop maybe two pounds from my backpack

ENO SingleNest/DoubleNest Hammocks

Last night was my first night sleeping the whole night through in a hammock. I found it to be odd at first. Not bad just odd. I woke up refreshed and without any of the stiffness I usually get sleeping on the ground. Tonight I'm sleeping in the hammock again only this time in a ENO DoubleNest to see if it's any more comfortable than the ENO SingleNest.

Okay, last night, my second night in a hammock was in the ENO DoubleNest. It was a bit more comfortable the the SingleNest due to the extra room one can "sprawl out" a bit more. Also, I can tuck my legs into the "pockets" created when I lay longitudinally and still be almost flat. My legs certainly are. This is important because my new sleeping bag (see Exped Dreamwalker) is also designed to be used over a hammock as a cocoon. Negating the need for under/over quilts. However it may require me to sleep less on a diagonal

Exped Dreamwalker 450 (first impressions)

Today I received my latest and greatest backpacking/outdoor multi-use gear. More on the multi-use part later. The Exped Dreamwalker 450, rated to 35 degrees. Out of box this bag is impressive. The quality of construction is as good as anything I've seen. High quality downproof (it's filled with 750 down) ripstop nylon outer shell and an equally high quality polyester inner shell. Everywhere there is a potential stress point it's been reinforced with bar tacks Click here if you want to see the manufacterers specs. No loose threads and all the seams are even and sewn in a way that avoids snagging on whatever.

Now back to the reason I bought the Dreawalker in the first place. The multi-uses of the impressive. Obviously it's a sleeping bag, and it can be used as a down parka as you can see from the photos. Additionally, it can be used as a cocoon around a hammock. Reducing or eliminating the need for the additional cost and/or weight of an under quilt.

I haven't yet had an opportunity to use the bag yet. Will update the review as soon as I can.

H