Marsh Valley Loop- Good camp spots?

[Stavman]

Thinking of doing this Loop Soon http://hikearizona.com/map.php?GPS=11493

where might 2 good camp spots be on this loop... Or More if they exist?
Heard of one by La Barge Box but not sure where?

Hoping to do 3 days 2 nights.. But may change it up to a 2 day 1 night.. depends on how my schedule pans out
May just make a Base Camp and do some Rock Hoping in the La Barge creek area, I think thats where people suggested, so any help with that would be great.

Leaning towards a Base Camp for 2 nights and some Nice Day Hiking and relaxing...

Looks like lots of water options so Thats Good

will be my 2nd Sups Hike... so really looking forward to the help Guys and Gals


Stav

[ALMAL]

Take Dutchman's out from First Water and take the Bull Pass trail up and over back to Dutchman's (saves a mile or so). Then make a left on Cavalry trail. There are several smaller sites in the next half mile. Down another half mile or so, with an awesome view of the mountains to your east, are a few larger and semi-connecting sites to the west side of the flowing creek.
http://hikearizona.com/photo.php?ZIP=477212

http://hikearizona.com/photo.php?ZIP=477218

A day trip over to Charlebois and beyond, and you can hit battleship on the back half of your Marsh Valley Loop.

[Stavman]

'Is the trail better Clockwise or Counter clockwise ALMAL

Read and saw all yer Pics.... why i think this would be a Great Next Trip

[ALMAL]

I usually do it CCW, seems like the second leg is maybe just a bit longer. That also keeps me off of the crowded Dutchmans trail on Sunday afternoon.

[surfer349]

There are several smaller sites in the next half mile. Down another half mile or so, with an awesome view of the mountains to your east, are a few larger and semi-connecting sites to the west side of the flowing creek.
http://hikearizona.com/photo.php?ZIP=477212

I think that's where I camped too! Just make sure you spend some time in the morning restocking the firewood pile.

[Stavman]

Ya I did that at La Barge also,,,, was more wood when I left than when I showed Up

Thanks all... Think this is my next Trip.... Warming up soon... Maybe before end of the Month

[Stavman]

Oh and it looks Like Ill be heading out Feb 16th-18th... so light Trail Traffic I hope

So I dumped my REI Travers New Star Pack... thing was just under 5lbs and 5-3/4lbs with the Top removable day pack..

Picked up a Ospray Exos 48. It weighs in at a nice 2lbs 8oz.. So dropped almost 2.5lbs and it seems to fit me better.. im a Thinner and Tall Guy, 6'2" and 185lbs, and No hips...LOL... so this should help me out.

I Currently use a REI Nightlite Tent. 3lbs10oz no Fly.. add 1lb with the Fly. Lots of Room.. Pack fits in vestible or Inside if Needed

Last trip I didnt bring the fly.. and am considering No Tent at all...

Is that stupid here in the land of Snakes, Scorpions and BUGS?

Am looking at Tarp/Tents... Landing about 2lbs if I dont use Trekkin Poles (which I dont use Now) but its another $260 or More ta drop about 2lbs

Also debated a Hammock. Seems Most the spots would have spots to Hang it on this Trip


So more things to decide....LOL


Stav

[Stavman]

All prepped and ready for My trip here on Tues,Wed and Thurs...

Getting food ready now... doing some Polenta & eggs ta toss in the dehydrator


Fun Fun Fun

[Stavman]

:tt: I just dont see how I can get below 30lb Pack.. better than last trip though... think I was 34-35lbs :wlift: time ta pump some weights I guess

with the heat lately... dont wanna drop anymore water... Just in case some spots are dry....

Ya bit exited ... so sorry for all the posts :sorrry:

[joebartels]

The excitement in your planning is refreshing, hope your trip goes well.

[Stavman]

The excitement in your planning is refreshing, hope your trip goes well.

Thanks... I am pretty Pumped



and I forgot... was looking at the Tarp Tents... 24oz with no Poles, ya use a hiking pole which I dont use... so would be about 28oz with 2 poles.. and about $300 Ouch

so was searching and found this http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B019WZ ... ge_o00_s00


So cheap at $70.... and weights 2lb 9oz complete... So I saw some videos, and like I hoped, the Rain Fly is a separate piece.. so without it its just at 2lbs

Seems pretty roomy considering its only 2.4" high. Cant sit up.. but can put on socks and stuff easy... Also i can place my Backpack at my feet so it all stays inside

So for $70 and 2lbs less... I had ta try it... so It should work well this trip

More toys ta try

[ALMAL]

@Stavman
Just did this loop and never carried more than a liter of water. There is plenty to filter.

[Stavman]

@Stavman
Just did this loop and never carried more than a liter of water. There is plenty to filter.

Perfect

Ill just use my camelback and get Cooking water along the Way

[Tough_Boots]

so was searching and found this

I personally do not like tents that have to be staked to stay erect. My first backpacking tent was that style and I woke up more than a couple times with it collapsed on me. Other than that, I'm not super picky-- I feel that the amount you have to pay to shed a couple pounds of tent weight is ridiculous.

[Stavman]

I personally do not like tents that have to be staked to stay erect. My first backpacking tent was that style and I woke up more than a couple times with it collapsed on me. Other than that, I'm not super picky-- I feel that the amount you have to pay to shed a couple pounds of tent weight is ridiculous.

Oh I hear ya.. My other tent, and this have the 2 pole system with stakes... both actually stay UP if no stakes when yer inside... (forgot ta stake mine down once... so I know...LOL) But the Light weight is important for me now... but not at $300 for those Tarp Tent systems



Ok... so all Packed and done...
Drum roll please

28.7lb Pack.. that Includes 2L of water, ya a bit much but kinda a pain ta fill/empty the insert.. so left it at full

Didnt skimp on Food, 4.1lbs of food for 3 days 2 nights... most of the dropped weight (35lbs ish last trip) is Gun, Tent, Pack, and extra clothes... and some stream lined Ditty Bag and Misc items..

So Time ta clean the Kitchen for the boss.... triple check my stuff.... and wait for bedtime ta get up and Drive 1-1/2hrs tp the Trail head tomorrow :yuck:


Rock and Roll


Stav

[Stavman]

Wooo Hooooo

my 1st Trip report, pics and ROUT!!!!!

http://hikearizona.com/trip=127796

http://hikearizona.com/photoset.php?ID=39080