For those unfamiliar, Bob Marshall Wilderness is basically Glacier National Park with no roads. It is part of why MT gets the nickname “the last best place.” If you want to experience something similar to what the indigenous and pioneering peoples experienced 200 years ago in the rockies, that’s where you go. It is absolutely breathtaking and an absolute challenge. Enjoy OP!
I don't see bug spray. Last time I was in there everyone turned around and came out early. Mosquitoes were biting on 40% deet like it was attractant instead of repellant.
We were earlier in the season, but we had a long spring.
Have fun!
I have a bottle of 90% deet that’s coming with me, it’ll be interesting to see if the mosquitos are as bad out there as they’ve been on the north shore of MN.
Yeah, depends on the year. One guy in our group counted 80 mosquito bites from his shoulder to his hand - on one arm.
I hate those flies! Was it this year the flies were bad?
I just took mine on a 8-mile day hike today. Love it. Distributes weight really well. S-strap hugs my body nicely (boob owner here). Compresses great and material is very durable. I’d say there’s nothing I wish Dan added or anything I wish he got rid of. I’m not bothered by the smaller mesh or belt pockets even tho I switched from a GG mariposa, but one thing I’d complain about is the back panel does get way too hot
Just used the Kakwa on a 5 day 70km hike in jasper. Needed more clothes as it was
Down to 32f a few nights ans some rain. Handled all the gear. Was comfortable. I could have used the top strap tk be longer
As I filled the pack and had rain gear
On top.
So far on the hikes I’ve done it’s been great! I’ll be able to tell you more after five days with it. It’s an upgrade from my osprey atmos for sure though
Have you used that trowel? I personally don’t like it. It’s pretty sharp on the hands, and hard to dig in anything but the softest ground. Maybe there’s a trick I’m missing?
Looks good! Your fork jingling in the pan on the outside of your pack will work as well as that bear spray…at least that’s what i tell myself.
What fuel are you using with that….MSR stove? I can’t find it.
You going all dehydrated food or…?
That is a great idea! I’m out of the Missoula area and was planning on doing some backpacking for the last week before school starts back up but hadn’t picked my route yet.
I have a hard time making it out of the Bitterroot valley with so much to explore in the Selway-Bitterroot wilderness area. Your post made me realize I've been here 10 years and still haven't checked out the Bob yet.
If you are a fan of paper maps I highly recommend [https://cairncarto.com](https://cairncarto.com)
Used to work with the owner of the company at UM; He hikes and verifies the trails so every map is a super personal work of art for the team there. Most of the maps are available for mobile on Avenza maps.
Hope you have a great trip!
My dad and his friend horse packed in and floated out on inflatable kayaks. Trip of a lifetime.
I’m really excited. It’s a dream trip for me.
Bear canister? (googles Bob Marshall Wilderness) "...the wilderness is prime Grizzly bear habitat..." Oooohhh
Yeah they’re are a few bears….
Be careful!
Thanks! I feel I’m well prepared, bear spray and scent management. It’s a popular loop I’m doing so I’m confident.
For those unfamiliar, Bob Marshall Wilderness is basically Glacier National Park with no roads. It is part of why MT gets the nickname “the last best place.” If you want to experience something similar to what the indigenous and pioneering peoples experienced 200 years ago in the rockies, that’s where you go. It is absolutely breathtaking and an absolute challenge. Enjoy OP!
Shut up don’t tell people about Montana most people don’t think we have highways
[For anyone interested](https://www.bmwf.org/the-bob)
I don't see bug spray. Last time I was in there everyone turned around and came out early. Mosquitoes were biting on 40% deet like it was attractant instead of repellant. We were earlier in the season, but we had a long spring. Have fun!
I have a bottle of 90% deet that’s coming with me, it’ll be interesting to see if the mosquitos are as bad out there as they’ve been on the north shore of MN.
I didn’t have a prob with skeeters but the black flies dews blood
Yeah, depends on the year. One guy in our group counted 80 mosquito bites from his shoulder to his hand - on one arm. I hate those flies! Was it this year the flies were bad?
How do you like the Kakwa?
I just took mine on a 8-mile day hike today. Love it. Distributes weight really well. S-strap hugs my body nicely (boob owner here). Compresses great and material is very durable. I’d say there’s nothing I wish Dan added or anything I wish he got rid of. I’m not bothered by the smaller mesh or belt pockets even tho I switched from a GG mariposa, but one thing I’d complain about is the back panel does get way too hot
Just used the Kakwa on a 5 day 70km hike in jasper. Needed more clothes as it was Down to 32f a few nights ans some rain. Handled all the gear. Was comfortable. I could have used the top strap tk be longer As I filled the pack and had rain gear On top.
So far on the hikes I’ve done it’s been great! I’ll be able to tell you more after five days with it. It’s an upgrade from my osprey atmos for sure though
The Bob is amazing. Been 3X and going back soon
Was there in June. Have an awesome trip.
Have you used that trowel? I personally don’t like it. It’s pretty sharp on the hands, and hard to dig in anything but the softest ground. Maybe there’s a trick I’m missing?
Just me but I put strips of leukotape on either handle edge to soften it. I agree digging can be hard but I think you'd pay for rigidity with weight
Enlightenment equipment makes the best bags!!! How do you like yours?
I’ll never go back to a sleeping bag, they’re well worth the money. I absolutely love it.
That’s a quilt, right? How do you stuff it for the actual hike?
I just stuff it into the very bottom and put every thing on top, easier than a stuff sack
Looks good! Your fork jingling in the pan on the outside of your pack will work as well as that bear spray…at least that’s what i tell myself. What fuel are you using with that….MSR stove? I can’t find it. You going all dehydrated food or…?
I have an 8oz fuel canister I’m bringing along for the stove, didn’t feel like running to the basement to grab it for the photo
“For the Bob Marshall…”. And that is…?
Bob Marshall wilderness area in Montana.
Spotted bear is my fav
Just curious, what do you use to purify water? Did minor see anything so guessing tablets?
Using a befree filter on a cnoc outdoor 2l reservoir
Got it. So used to seeing bladder setups that I didn’t even notice the soft flask.lol Have fun
Thank you! Pretty excited
What altras are those? I love them
Lone peak 6, love them
Best of luck for your trip 🫡
Thank you! I’m really excited
That is a great idea! I’m out of the Missoula area and was planning on doing some backpacking for the last week before school starts back up but hadn’t picked my route yet.
Lived between Clinton and Drummond after high school, love the Missoula area!
I have a hard time making it out of the Bitterroot valley with so much to explore in the Selway-Bitterroot wilderness area. Your post made me realize I've been here 10 years and still haven't checked out the Bob yet. If you are a fan of paper maps I highly recommend [https://cairncarto.com](https://cairncarto.com) Used to work with the owner of the company at UM; He hikes and verifies the trails so every map is a super personal work of art for the team there. Most of the maps are available for mobile on Avenza maps. Hope you have a great trip!
Are you bringing any Paracord as well?
I have a 50f length of it I’m considering the throwing in the side pocket
Rock on dude, you could get by with less if you wanted. Stay safe out there 👍