2021 backpacking thoughts

backpacking has been good this year. it wasnt as crazy, but i still did a couple of 2 night trips and did a lot of distance trips. went to pukaskwa this year which was a great experience. i dont know if i will go again next summer though. i would like to check out other areas to explore.

my new backpack worked out great and i am currently having a hard time re-adjusting back to my osprey kestrel 48. the talon 33 is the perfect size for me, and can handle all of my gear with some room to spare. it is now autumn, and the temperatures are getting cooler. i have put away all of my summer hiking stuff away and brought out the cold weather gear.

went on an overnighter last weekend and brought my marmot -20 sleeping bag with the klymit insulated luxe sleeping pad. i was warm all night, except that my pillow deflated. turns out there is a tiny tiny leak in one of the welds. i tried to fix the leak, but further inspection shows that there are several tiny pinhole leaks throughout the body of the pillow. i sent klymit a message and they are sending me a free replacement pillow! 

my favourite thing about autumn camping is the food. i like to cook out in the woods. i made a nice potato and sausage skillet with red peppers and green onions with chicken and it was great. next time, i think i want to bring a thick stew, we will see. or some bacon wrapped beef medalions or something. i was supposed to go for a trip this saturday, but because of having an injured back, i put it on hold. i feel better now after receiving a few massages on my lower back. so maybe the trip will happen next weekend or next. not sure.

i cant wait for the snow to fall down to the ground. i was driving on the highway the other day and it was snowing on and off. the visibility was low at some points. it was so nice to see snow again, it made me think of all of the cool trips i can take before it gets too cold out. the idea of getting into some snowshoes with some poles, and strapping a bag on your back and venturing out into the woods is what drives the adventure in me. its my thing!