The current Prolite model, regular length, R value is 2.2 and is 1 pound: http://cascadedesigns.com/therm-a-rest/mattresses/fast-and-light/prolite/product Why do you use short pads rather than regular length pads?by Dowwie - General Discussion
What kind of sleeping pads are the backpackers of this forum using? Foam-only, air-only, or foam+air? Has anyone used the therm-a-rest line of sleeping pads? They have a lighter, ridge-rest line of foam pads and heavier, more deluxe air+foam versions such as the trailpro series. I'm more inclined to purchasing the lighter foam pads only because of the weight difference. Thanks..by Dowwie - General Discussion
Get a sewn runner, which is a strong loop of nylon that is cut various lengths. For half dome, it probably wouldn't hurt to get at least a 24" runner so that you have some room to work. Get one of the cheap, but unused climbing harnesses from a web site such as sierra trading post. 3 Locking carabiners per person will do the trick. Jumbo biners are easier to open with one gloved haby Dowwie - General Discussion
More than 3/4 of the book doesn't describe the hike. You could skip most of the chapters to the one that may actually be useful to people who haven't hiked the trail before. Also, many of the authors recommendations are unrealistic. Following are a few examples: Water The author emphasizes the importance of carrying sufficient water and supply. When I went to half dome, I took his recomby Dowwie - General Discussion
resting in the sentinel bridge meadows area last week as the sun fell below the mountains, deer came out to feed in the meadows, and half dome turned goldby Dowwie - General Discussion
My anti-shock komperdells saved my knees during a week of yosemite hiking. They also saved me from a few falls while slipping down the sand-covered granite steps on the upper yosemite falls trail. One of the poles wouldn't stay out of anti-shock mode, though, which slowed my ascents a little. Hiking poles are a great investment.by Dowwie - General Discussion
What was your source for that information? They could also be up by Thursday. Come hell or high water I'm going up that Friday. I will batman the last 400 feet if the cables aren't up, yet. Bought a harness, biners, and runner just for this..by Dowwie - General Discussion
The anti-shock feature can be de-activated with a simple twist and click of the pole. Also, it should only be used for descents. Most packs have the velcro straps for carrying the telescopic (collapsible) trekking poles. As for proper usage, I'm at a loss with finding FREE instructions on the internet. Adventure buddies has a dvd for sale, but IMO this information should be free and widby Dowwie - General Discussion
What are your credentials? Have you managed a team before under very stressful conditions?by Dowwie - General Discussion
I found the Texas State University moonbow predictions. Following are links to the 2009 predictions. Upper Yosemite Fall: http://uweb.txstate.edu/~do01/moonbows2009upperyosemitefall.html Lower Yosemite Fall: http://uweb.txstate.edu/~do01/moonbows2009loweryosemitefall.html They take place pretty late in the evening, making them difficult to see when you start your day at 4:30 in the moby Dowwie - General Discussion
looks like the first full moon will be on the date we arrive - what luck! can't wait for this..by Dowwie - General Discussion
What are some of the great spots for watching sunsets or gazing at the stars in Yosemite? Is Sentinel dome good at night? The trail isn't too far from parking and seems like a good spot.by Dowwie - General Discussion
Thanks a lot, everyone, for your feedback. You've convinced me not do it this vacation without camping closer by to split the hike into two days. I'll try my best to get a permit from a ranger station. Check out this journal written a few years ago by a guy who did cloud's rest as well as half dome IN A DAY from happy isles. http://www.pbase.com/cloudsrester/cloudsrest_half_dome_in_one_by Dowwie - General Discussion
I'm struggling in finding a summary of the hike from the Valley to cloud's rest. Tioga won't be open until June, so I am interested in alternatives for reaching Cloud's rest, such as from the Valley, in May. Has anyone done this? How many miles is it round trip? Thanksby Dowwie - General Discussion
When do the 4-mile and panorama trails usually open? Do the opening dates coincide with the opening of glacier point road? Looking to hike them on 5/11 and 5/13..by Dowwie - General Discussion
Little Yosemite Valley's campground reservations are booked from Wednesday May 13th and on, so it seems that people are betting that the cables will be up right before May 16th. Is there anyone on the forum who has climbed HD on its first day of the season? Is it usually a couple of days before the weekend?by Dowwie - General Discussion