Winterpeg checking in!

[VoiceOfTreason]

Hi... long time listener, first time caller...

I've been a lurker here ever since I purchased my BE Hennessy Expedition Asym Classic at MEC a couple of years ago. At the time, I really just wanted a good quality, light solo shelter for backpacking and canoe trips. Little did I realize that that decision would change the way I camp forever! I was a little dismayed at first, as the first couple of times I tried setting it up didn't come anywhere NEAR the 5 minute or less setup time as advertised. also discovered the hard way about cold back syndrome. However, once I got the hang of it (heh) it was a revelation. I quickly invested in a set of snakeskins, made some custom tree huggers and got some descending rings and carabeeners for a rapid no knot system. Never in my entire camping experience had I ever had such revitalizing rests... the sleep quality that came from sleeping on a pad in a tent was the thing I used to look forward to the least about camping. Now I wake up energized ready for whatever that day has in store from me. I also kind of relish always being the guy who is the first to be set up or torn down in camp. I like to rub it in as I'm helping everyone else take down their kit!

Looking forward to participating here... I've already got some gear purchases in progress!

[mbiraman]

Welcome VOT

[stephz0r]

Hello and Welcome!

[SCOTTIEMAC]

Welcome VOT.
Im a Winnipeg Hanger as well. I first borrowed a HH from a co worker 2 years ago for a lightweight option on my first backpacking trip to the Mantario Trail. Changed my Camping life.

I was sold from the first night and had to get my own.

Now the all my camping revolves around a Hammock. Even when we do the provincal parks and tow the Camper, me and my 7 year old sleep out in the hammocks rather then in the trailer with my wife and younger boy.

Gonna do the Mantario on Sept 20th for an overnight. Gotta test out my new HG 20* phoenix and DIY TQ. I'm loving it.

Cheers

[Chard]

Welcome aboard from Toronto.

I can totally relate to seeing the light when it comes to "sleeping" on a pad in a tent or getting a awesome night's sleep in a hammock. Changed my outdoors exerience forever!

[Bubba]

Welcome from SW Ontario!

[VoiceOfTreason]

Scottie, I did the North half of the Mantario solo this past July, despite all the warnings I've always heard to not go in the summer. It wasn't the 5km of pure mud slogging right at the start that got me, it wasn't the humidity or the heat. It wasn't even the Manitoba bloodhawks (aka mosquitoes). it was the TICKS! I couldn't believe how many their were. Even though I had a good bug jacket, boots and elastic cuffed pants, somehow I still managed to have to pull out about 3 DOZEN over the course of the weekend. That doesn't included the literally countless ones I was able to just brush, shake or flick off myself and my gear. I had to come back a day early because I was so miserable on account of the ticks. Only made it as far as Ritchey Lake before heading back.

[SCOTTIEMAC]

VOT,
The Ticks were bad this year but that sounds terrible. I sprayed a set of clothes with permethrin and picked up some 100% deet from the States and I didn't have one tick all summer. last year we got bombarded by ticks at birdshill.
For the most part my summers are too busy to get out backpacking since I have young kids. The fall is when I try to fit in most of my backcountry adventures. The plus side is NO TICKS and very few mosquito's.
Looking forward to next weekend. Gonna just hit the south trailhead and overnight it at caribou lake.
Cheers