Backpacking in Grand Canyon

[Patches]

I have an opportunity to hike in the Canyon on April 18-20. This will be a first time for me, so I have a few questions. I am told that we can get a mule to carry 35 lbs, but I will still have to carry a backpack. I think I can borrow a one-man tent, but I need to get a lightweight sleeping bag and pad. Does anyone have any tips or pointers as to the best and lightest to get and also where to get the supplies? I guess I need all the advice I can get. Thanks! Patches (Annie)
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Annie

[MikeInFHAZ]

youre going to need a bag that will be warm even in the mid 30's (even if the weather is a low of 50- just in case)
a good bag, no, a great bag for the Canyon in April might be THIS ONE. This bag is a good introduction to down bags. Use coupon code SPUH57 at checkout for $109
if I can take your "best and lightest" request literally, then make no mistake- Western Mountaineering is the best and lightest in the world-period. I have some female hiking friends that use the (supposedly men's bag) WM Ultralite. Bar none- pay the $350 for one of these and you'll never have to buy a sleeping bag again.
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http://www.arizonahikers.com/board/albums/albwb18/BRIDGE.sized.jpg
bridge hammock, quilts and tarp (all DIY)

what i do

[Patches]

Thanks!! I ordered the one from Sierra Trading Post. I will still have to find a pad, but I have a start!! Thanks again! Annie
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Annie

[Hnak]

In addition to Western Mountaineering, Feathered Friends also makes some mighty nice sleeping bags. Similar quality, similar prices..

http://www.featheredfriends.com/ProductDetails.aspx?productId=2&CatId=1&ProductName=Hummingbird

I've been using a F. F. Peregrine for the past 10 - 12 years. Never have to zip it up, just lay it over me like a blanket. Always toasty warm....

As for a sleeping pad, I really like the Big Agnes Insulated Air Core pad. They also have longer and shorter versions...

http://www.rei.com/product/763953
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The world is older and bigger than we are. This is a hard truth for some folks to swallow. —EDWARD ABBEY

[MikeInFHAZ]

yep Hank them FF bags are good too. Also Valandre and Nunatak. I think the SD bag is fine for $109.
Now, before I recommend a pad might you tell me if you want a self-inflating or a blow it up yourself air mattress? (or closed cell foam, cheap, light, not horribly comfortable tho)
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http://www.arizonahikers.com/board/albums/albwb18/BRIDGE.sized.jpg
bridge hammock, quilts and tarp (all DIY)

what i do

[Patches]

I think the self-inflating, but I'm not familiar with either. I just know I might have to carry it on my back, so whatever is lighter and still a good pad might be the best one. Everyone is helpful!
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Annie

[Matt Hoffman]

Good score on the sleeping bag! I can't believe Mike recommended something that didn't cost a million dollars!
Hnak's recommendation of the Big Agnes sleeping pad is a good one, especially because it is thicker than a lot of other pads of the same weight. Thermarest makes a womens version of the Prolite 4, which is the pad my fiance has. She doesn't like it though. Even though it is cut to more closely match a woman's proportions, it does nothing to relieve the pressure on her hips when she is sleeping on her side. That's why I think a thicker pad is better, especially for women. Also, most self-inflating pads are so slow to inflate, that you'll end up blowing them up with your mouth anyway. If you do go the Big Agnes route, I believe their insulated pads have goose-down in them (I could be confusing with another brand). The stuff sack doubles as a pump to inflate the pad. You don't want to blow those up with your mouth, cause the condensation in your breath will mess up the down.

This is probably too much info.

If you need to buy a tent (if you don't borrow one), you should check out campmor.com. They always have great deals on stuff like that.

Do you need a backpack too?
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"Your day-glo ballet days are over." Ancient chinese proverb.
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[Patches]

I have a plain big back pack (no frame) and I also have the Camelback "Peak Bagger". Iam hoping the peak bagger will work to carry and I will try to get the mule to carry the other bag (we are allowed to send 35 lbs. down on a mule).

Is the Big Agnes a heavy pad or real large?
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Annie

[MikeInFHAZ]

matt is thinking of the Exped (outdoor research) downmat. BA pad uses primaloft one.

a one man tent might be found at REI outlet like this one which is the same thing as the Big Agnes seedhouse1- have it shipped to REI for free.
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http://www.arizonahikers.com/board/albums/albwb18/BRIDGE.sized.jpg
bridge hammock, quilts and tarp (all DIY)

what i do

[Davis2001R6]

REI has a 20% off any one item at the outlet until the 7th.

A pad like this This
would sleep real nice. Takes about 2 minutes to blow up.

That setup would work pretty nice for you.

[Hikngrl]

Annie, I wouldn't use anything but an air mattress! I have gone through about 4 Thermarests and just never found any one of them comfortable. Once I bought my first BA I would never go back to the self inflating thermarest or the like. There is also a brand out there called....Insulmat that is worth checking out. They seem to be less expensive than BA and just as comfortable. The weight difference between the TR and the BA is so miniscule and I would say well worth any fraction of an ounce there may be!

I would suggest you try out both styles before you buy. It is also worth mentioning that if you buy the BA or Insulmat do NOT inflate completely. Fill it up then lay on it and let a bit of air out until it is comfortable and you don't slide around on it!
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~~~Diane~~~

I want to shine!

[oliverr99]

Hikngrl, I learned that from TomTreks, deflate the mattress. I do like that BA pad. It is nice. I have never slept so well, as I did on the BA. I toss and turn anyways, but it did keep me on the pad when I deflated.
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Anne
"Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened" -- Dr. Seuss

[oliverr99]

[MikeInFHAZ]

[IGO]