Death Valley National Park Travel Forum

I am going camping/ hiking in Death Valley in late August and want to travel as light/ lean/efficient as possible. I've googled this but have not found too much on the subject. I'd like to hear of anyones particular successes with lightweight products and clothing gear designed specifically for this type of enviroment. I've been there twice before some years ago and am quite aware of the need for caution and preparedness. Thanks for any input you may have.

Have you tried the zippered pant leg pants from Columbia? Those work well for pants/shorts cause they're light weight & easy to dry. I would get a camelback water pouch too. Have you tried an army surplus store for simple poncho liners to make a tent, MRE's etc?

Good suggestions which I'll look into , but what's an "MRE" ? Thank you.

Don't forget your flares, water filtration system, mirror, cell phone, Gps, Emergency beacon, and snake bite kit...just kidding. Should be plenty warm though.

'...but what's an "MRE" ?...'
Military jargon, Meal, Ready to Eat

I don't know how long you'll be out there, but when I did a 34 mile hike over the Santa Cruz Mountains, water was my biggest weight. I wish Fred, (RetiredRanger) was active on this site again - he worked for the Forest Service and had great info on backcountry hiking, survival skills etc. Pay very close attention to what your body will be telling you. I went hiking at Pinnacles National Monument when it was in the low 90's and I was getting sooooo exhausted and dehydrated - even carrying water & resting in the shade. It was horrible. It could have had fatal consequences.

MRE's aren't too bad. Try other dehydrated food too. I don't know what kind of outdoorcamping stores you got, but REI is good. (www.rei.com)

Leah

Leah - I'm going for about ten days and will be in no rush except to do nothing at all. I plan on mostly camping at 2000ft elevation of Panamint Range that rings the valley and staying away from the Valley floor between 10-3pm which is the most dangerous time.
Water weight is my biggest concern so am focusing on all else very minimal. I have decided on the tarp as you suggest - as opposed to a bivy setup. I am checking out Camelback (now I know that's a brand name - I thought at first you were describing the skin the sack was made of, and I thought "that sounds a bit heavy..."
I plan on moving every day to a new camp and found good sources for MRE's on several armynavy surplus sites. There's plaenty of gear stores in the city but I hate shopping in stores except for shoes. What I am puzzled about is that I can't find a hydration system that is carried against the chest - to balance the backpack load. I'm sure I'm missing something though. Any thoughts on that?
Thanks.
-Wayne

when we hiked, we rigged up the camelbacks and platypus (another water bag vs. bottles) within the backpack, then had the hose coming right to our shoulder. I could see the camelback being worn on your chest vs. back, but I guess it depends on how much other stuff you're bringing. A saying I am told to help minimize the unnecessary weight:

Pack light, freeze at night

Have you checked out www.nps.gov for any current conditions, base camp locations, permits, water refueling areas, etc for DV?

MRE stands for "Meal,Ready to Eat" soldiers say that is three lies in one.

I would highly recommend going to those gear stores and asking a knowledgeable worker about backpacks, weight, etc. You'll need all of the information you can get to keep you safe & alive.

I went for ten days and am back. Had the time of my lfe solo hiking and backcountry camping. The park was still recovering from the flash floods so that kept many people away. Fine with me...loved the solitude. Thanks all, learned much. One note - don't rely on Camelback Unbottle - mine leaked! - W