2003 Tacoma OffRoad with high Leer topper, 150k miles.  Sometimes I set it up with a platform for sleeping on top and gear under, but often when solo and just crashing before a hike I sleep in the truck bed or tent. 1) It's a Tacoma. 2) see #1 😀 ... View more

That is a good question!   The other coop that I am familiar with and belong to, MEC (Mountain Equipment Cooperative) sold to a private group in 2020.  It feels like a loss, even though I haven't purchased from them in years.  The quality of their gear has been top notch.  I hope that hasn't changed since the buyout. ... View more

I agree with @spotter that Guthook is the way to go. I think you will have a difficult time hitching from Copper Mountain to Kenosha Pass.  That is not a combination of roads that people typically put together.  You’ll probably end up needing a minimum of two, maybe three rides. The only logical resupply is Breckenridge, CT mile 103.7.  It’s about a 5 mile hitch from the trail.  There are no other significant roads crossed. Good luck!  It’s a beautiful section and should be a great hike.  Let us know how it goes. ... View more

Great questions and advice already, but something I firmly believe and live by - I can’t afford to buy cheap things.  If you can’t justify the cost of quality gear because you’re not sure if you will continue hiking, rent it.  Buying used is also a good option.  But cheaply made gear that fails on trail is, at best, an annoyance.  At worst, a catastrophe. ... View more

I agree completely with @Former community member to go where permits aren’t required. Just a few ideas: From the East Portal of Moffat Tunnel you can hike in to Forest Lakes, Arapaho Lakes, Crater Lakes or Heart Lake.  Beautiful area, lots of mosquitoes. If you have 4x4, it’s a short road up to Chinns/Sherwin Lakes and backpack only 1/2 mile to Slater Lake.  From there you can dayhike to the Continental Divide and summit a few mountains on the ridge.  And there’s a great rock in the middle of the lake that’s great to lay out on whilst skinny-dipping.  Not that I’d know 😉 ! Brookside-McCurdy Trail in Lost Creek Wilderness.  Climb Bison Peak from base camp. Any part of the Colorado Trail. Further afield, Rich Creek or Tumble Creek in Buffalo Peaks Wilderness are really nice trails. Surprise Lake on the Gore Range Trail. Utah is beautiful, but hot in the summer.  I’d recommend the high country. Have fun! ... View more

It really depends on where you'll be and what dates in September.  Late September will have gorgeous aspen viewing in certain areas but not others. But here are some general must see areas: Great Sand Dunes National Park Rocky Mountain National Park Mesa Verde National Park Colorado National Monument Maroon Bells +1 for Flatirons Red Rocks   ... View more

+1 on Altra.   ... View more

Acadia is a beautiful Park - one of my favorites.  I would echo @hikermor and say that sunrises are great no matter where you are.  I wouldn’t want to fight for elbow room just to say I saw the first sunrise.  I’d hike to the top of Beech Mountain or go to one of the east facing beaches. Sunset from Hadley Point is beautiful, too. Do not, unless vegan or allergic, miss lobster rolls! If you’re adventurous and experienced hikers, the North Ridge Trail is a great way to get to the top of Cadillac Mountain.  You can even go down the South Ridge and catch the bus back to your car.  My favorite trail is Precipice, though it is not for those fearful of heights.  You would have to know your son and his skills.  There are iron rungs and chains attached to the rock face in the steepest sections. ... View more