This past Saturday, CoreVibe had the honor of attending the ALDHA West Cascades Winter Hike in Cascade Locks, Oregon. It was an event of seasoned hikers and aspiring long-distance backpackers who came together to exchange experiences, share wisdom, and build a vibrant community. It was a weekend full of learning and networking, and CoreVibe was excited to be a part of it, as well as share some of our own backpacking tips and tricks.
The event was packed with exciting activities including long-distance backpacking presentations, gear evaluations, an ultralight jumbo raffle, delicious food and affordable craft beer. Needless to say, the event was a great success.
Glen Van Peski is the founder of Gossamer Gear and a legend in ultralight gear. He kicked off the day with an inspiring speech on lightweight and ultralight backpacking technology. His insights set the tone for a day full of knowledge sharing and practical advice.
One notable session focused on navigation tools and digital trail resources for long-distance hikers. It was truly eye-opening to see how radically the landscape has changed in just a few short years. Smartphone apps and interactive maps have become indispensable tools that have changed the way hikers do trail navigation.
Throughout the event, participants had the opportunity to hear expert gear advice from Gossamer Gear Trail ambassadors and other ultralight enthusiasts. The willingness of novice hikers to undergo a thorough evaluation of their packs, while occasionally frustrating, proved to be an invaluable exercise. This hands-on feedback was a game-changer for many aspiring hikers.
Later in the day, the discussion turned to key backcountry skills such as snowshoeing and river wading, led by Carolyn “Raven’s Song” Burkhardt and ALDHA Western Section President “All-Around” Whitney LaRuffa. On the culinary front, Chris “Freefall” Sanderson and Scot “So Far” Forbes gave interesting and informative presentations on wilderness food and resupply strategies. They emphasized the personal nature of food choices from a variety of perspectives, while showcasing a wide range of creative options.
The event was capped off with an excellent presentation by Kate “Drop and Roll” Hoch, who spoke about her 2013 trek across the Continental Divide. Through stunning photos, videos and true stories, she gave an honest and insightful look at the joys and challenges of conquering one of the world’s most breathtaking scenic routes.
If there’s one overriding lesson we’ve learned, it’s that backpacking is an ever-evolving journey. Even Triple Crown hikers emphasize that they are always looking to improve their gear, their skills and keep learning. Hiking is a lifelong classroom where new discoveries are made at every step.
CoreVibe believes that the trail is the ultimate mentor and that every hike is an opportunity for growth.
Core takeaway from the weekend:
- Backpacking is awesome and we’re counting down the days until winter passes and hiking season arrives.
- Smartphone apps are revolutionizing PCT navigation and most hikers rely on them completely.
- Halfmile’s free maps and apps have become crowd favorites along with the popular Guthooks app.
- Experts say that smartphone GPS is just as reliable as traditional GPS devices.
- Never rely on water bags when hiking in the desert. This is a basic rule, but an important one to keep in mind.
- For most backpackers, taking a winter hiking course to learn ice axe self-locking techniques is essential. Snow slopes are inevitable, especially in the spring or fall, and knowing how to use an ice axe can save your life.
- Mastering a food dehydrator can put a new spin on meals on the trail. Dehydrating vegetables, fruits and meals can add nutrition and flavor while reducing the weight of your pack. For more information, check out our gourmet camping recipe guide.
- Trampoline boxes are becoming less common among PCT hikers these days.
- The Continental Divide Trail is calling – it’s time to plan more sectional hikes!
The scenery along the Watershed Trail is spectacular, with Wyoming’s Wind River Range and Glacier National Park being some of the CDT’s most breathtaking highlights. It’s not about gear, it’s about embracing adventure and exploring the outdoor world. If you’re gearing up for such an adventure, consider checking out this list of essential camping trips to make sure you’re well-equipped.
Sincere greetings to all who contributed to the ALDHA West Cascades Winter Trek last weekend. Good luck to all of you who are embarking on long distance treks this year. Your journeys are inspiring and desirable.
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