Percy Peaks Backpack in northern New Hampshire

[@robertmadison2752]

There are few things more beautiful than a dry granite summit. Thank you for sharing your walk with this lowlander.

[@RachelWhelton]

Yes, and I must add camping on slab rock as one of the delights.

[@zl1David]

I saw you at the summit. I was the unorthodox hiker ( guy) who likes zigzagging up the rock face....that being the North summit. Your video was great. I appreciate the audio quality and the omission of any background music to supplement your narration. What a great day you picked for conquering these 2. I hoped that you really enjoyed tackling them.

[@RachelWhelton]

Ahhh, the local guy! Hello! Sorry I wasn't very social but I was wanting back down that slab in a hurry! Beautiful place you live up there. And don't forget to visit the Polish Princess Bakery in Lancaster - it's superb!

[@McQ109]

Thank you for taking us along.

[@RachelWhelton]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@esousa486]

NICE overnighter 👌👍👍 ...... Beautiful scenery up there .... "Thank You" for taking us along Rachel 😎🤙

[@RachelWhelton]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@MiroslawMorchat]

Merci merci 👍

[@filmic1]

Really nice, Rachel. Thank-you! Those boots sound nice and solid. Love the clip at @15:12

[@RachelWhelton]

Thank you! 😃

[@joankline343]

What a challenging and beautiful area to hike. I bet those rocks are a bit treacherous in ice and snow. Extra nice video. Thanks for sharing! Happy Thanksgiving 🦃

[@RachelWhelton]

Yes, a winter hike would be an extra challenge for sure. Plus, that road is closed in winter. I suppose a few strong people venture out there anyway.

[@bobcou1]

Great video! I needed a break from the news today! Thank you! I have never heard of that mountain, I will have to look on All trails and add to me to do list !

[@RachelWhelton]

Ahh, yes. I voted and then spent the rest of the day avoiding seeing anything or speaking to anyone! Wake me up when it's all over.

[@bobcou1]

@@RachelWhelton 😁amen to that !

[@Kawatawa-um5cg]

Wonderful 🙏👍. And thanks again for posting. And about the books too. So good to see you entirely fit and strong. 👍👍👍.

[@RachelWhelton]

Thank you kindly!

[@davidmurray5330]

Thanks for sharing another excellent and useful video. It's helpful to get this detailed a look at the Percy Loop Tentsite, and to actually see the open slabs of North Percy that are so ominously described in the 52WAV book. Also, congratulations on your recovery! I'm so glad that you can be back on the trail.

[@RachelWhelton]

Thanks. Yeah, I wish I had gotten more pictures of that summit because it is so interesting to look at. I like getting/giving info on a place but still having something to discover.

[@barb108]

I first saw the Percy Peaks when I was driving to Sugarloaf Stratford last year, (another 52WAV peak) and I was stunned by their shape and hoped that they were hikable, which of course they were. I finally did the loop on 10/3 this year counterclockwise and there is a scary view of North Percy from South Percy. I couldn't imagine climbing that cone but I did it and the views were stunning with the foliage near peak. As always coming down was scarier but, like you, I took my time and it was fine. It helped that the slabs were dry as a bone. I agree with you about the Vibram soles being clutch for grip on steep, smooth slabs. Anyway, I am glad that you got to do this hike before the road closed and it looks like your knee held up well for the trip, particularly since you were carrying a heavy pack.

[@RachelWhelton]

Thanks for the interesting comment. I would have loved that view from South Percy! That picture of the round top summits is sadly missing from this video and would have motivated me to go over there if I had thought it out. The road view is also good and it seems I missed taking that picture too.

[@196813JSC]

Rachel, you ‘rocked’ this hike…and the overnight too!! Congratulations on your advancements post-injury!! Looking forward to seeing your next adventure!! 🏕️🥾🧸

[@RachelWhelton]

Thanks so much, Jill! It was a nice looking area and I'd even say it's worth visiting again someday.

[@sabrinablair3474]

Glad to see you hiking again. You are my idol!

[@RachelWhelton]

Wow, thanks!

[@dc0145a]

Nice to see you backpacking again - beautiful day. Agree on bear box eek. My hiking boots are Merrells with vibram sole - love the grip.

[@RachelWhelton]

I truly felt a difference with the Vibram!

[@shirleyg6189]

Another wonderful video! Wow can’t believe the bear box is that close to tent sight! What were they thinking ?! Glad it was an uneventful night!! Thanks for sharing

[@RachelWhelton]

Yeah. Maybe they were thinking the bear would be less interested if he knew people might be around. Or maybe they just wanted it nearby so it could be managed with the other facilities. Not sure!

[@marcohanig176]

As an alternative to the bear canister, you might want to check out the Ursack Major or Ursack Allmitey. It's lighter (8 oz) and more packable than a canister. I'm glad you mentioned the Vibram soles on your new boots. I wouldn't dream of going on slabby terrain without a Vibram sole shoe. They have a no-slip grip even when down-hiking on slab in pouring rain. Just plant your entire sole and trust it.

[@RachelWhelton]

We agree exactly on the Vibram. The Ursack I researched for a while but decided not to get. I like that the Ursack website has a map showing where that product is allowed or not allowed. Having had bears walk off with bird feeders at home, I decided the bear can is more likely to still be there in the morning and I love how easy it is to place. A sack is possibly going to be pulled at, etc. You'd certainly have to tie it well. I know some people love it but I guess for now, I'm happy with my little bear can. I used to have the larger bear can but I gave that over to Husband for his multi-day trips.

[@alicialuongo5360]

I’ve watched all of your videos and have commented before … I’m a four season hiker ( redlining ) . I love using your videos for reference and I thank you for all of your hard work ! You always have new gear and are trying new things out : last year your winter stove , book, boots ,and your pants this time etc etc do you ever link those items for purchase in your show notes or whatever ? Because I am going to be buying that stove soon , want to know about your pants/ boots ! If you link the items you’ll get credit for it ( I think that’s how it works ) I’d rather do that and help you out if I can rather than just buy them . Happy your out hiking 🥾 again full throttle woohoo

[@RachelWhelton]

Years ago I tried a little harder to make money off the channel with the gear list and stuff. But some of those things are not worth the effort. I do care about my subscriber count because it shows I am making quality videos. But I don't put in the extra ads or have sponsors because the simplicity of not selling is calming to me. I am happy to answer about the pants or even a list of gear if you want to throw it at me. I think about pants a LOT! ha ha.... I just cut the sleeves off several fleeces that I wasn't using before (I prefer them as vests) and I am even thinking about cutting some pants into shorts to layer. An hour ago I ordered a new pot because I think I'll take a break from my kettle. So yeah, I guess it is normal to always adjusting the gear list.

[@billcahill8825]

The 52 WAV is great. The author of the book has done an incredible job detailing everything you need to know about each of the hikes.

[@RachelWhelton]

Yes, it is a worthwhile book to have for sure.

[@KhurshidsChannel]

Very nice video. Thanks for sharing. 👍

[@RachelWhelton]

Thank you too for the nice comment.

[@martingenerous1678]

"make sure all your smellables are in the bear box". sounds like advice a scoutmaster would give someone

[@RachelWhelton]

Yes, he likes it when I follow the Scout guidelines. And when I do something "my own way," he always has a look on his face as if he thinks it is only a matter of time before I come around to the tried and true Scout ways.

[@dennismorton4688]

i live not too far from there and have hiked it once with my son great view

[@peterfagley772]

Your mobility has greatly improved, that must be gratifying. Nice overnight and glad the bears kept their distance. Thanks for taking us along. See you next time.

[@RachelWhelton]

Thanks 👍 Yes, the knee feels good while hiking and is just a little worn out feeling the next day. Now I'd like to drop a few pounds that I got from eating extra food.

[@MikeRyder-ml2mb]

Thanks for sharing your hike to North Percy. I need to get up there before the road closes for my 52WAV list. I believe you also knocked off a Terrifying 25 by going up that scary rock slab to North Percy. Think if you do the whole loop after doing North and/or south Percy, you avoid going down the rock slab. At least I hope so. 😀

[@RachelWhelton]

Hmm, I have never looked up the T25 list; so I just did. It says North Percy is on the list from which you get to choose five, while also doing a set of required trails. Interesting. I had no idea and assumed it would be sort of easy since it is on the 52WAV list. I guess the 52 is no guarantee of hard nor easy, short nor long. Also I pulled up the map again and there does not appear to be any way to avoid going down the rocks. Each of the two summits have an out and back portion that stems off the overall loop. It's all good. Wasn't that bad - sort of like when you stand on a diving board, it looks so scary because our heads are taller than our feet!

[@annaaron3510]

Nice jazz Rach. Goes well with the hike.

[@RachelWhelton]

Ahh, thanks!

[@martinledoux594]

Hi Rachel - so glad to see you out on serious trails. To think, you were limping around campgrounds in the summer. After one of your last 2 videos, you mentioned how weak one or both of your legs felt - so impressed that you're pushing yourself to rebuild that strength! Oh, and my wife had to explain the bear-box joke you made....totally spaced out about the VT camping trip A few questions! 1) What SlingFin tent is that you used? Is it a 4-season tent? And (2) is that the same one you used on SugarLoaf 7 months ago? Sometimes I see poles on the outside, sometimes I don't - maybe it depends on whether you use the fly, and without the fly, it isn't just mesh? Maybe that makes it a winter tent.... 3) In another video you commented on Big Agnes like as if you had one too....no? Maybe? Comment? 4). I noticed you have a thermometer or two - one hanging from your pack, and I think an indoor/outdoor that you use with the tent. Do you have preferences/recommendations? Finally, 5) How much did the pack weigh? You didn't start off by weighing it like you usually do! That look like a lot of stuff! Okay, I'm overdoing it. Thanks for such great videos! And great hikes!

[@RachelWhelton]

The Slingfin tent is their Crossbow model. It was kind of expensive so a splurge item. It can be put up different ways. Then I also bought the summer tent body. I sort of think I could have used the winter body year round but not sure since I never got to try it this summer. I also think in most of my situations any tent would do alright. But since I got the Slingfin, of course I love it. I do not have a Big Agnes tent but just knew that other guy had one because I had studied many tents. Thermometers are from Thermoworks and I prefer the one with the humidity reading. I forgot to weigh the pack this time. It felt heavy but it wasn't too bad I guess. It will be worse when I have to carry snowshoes. I can hardly lift it but somehow it's not too hard to carry on my back - which means the pack design is solid and well fitted. I will try to get the scale out and weigh the bag next time.

[@martinledoux594]

@@RachelWhelton it seems like you usually come in around 32 lbs. Usually when I'm up that high, a lot of water is involved.

[@RachelWhelton]

@@martinledoux594 Camera stuff ....

[@hmr171]

The bear box does seem pretty close to the tent sites. The only time I got a bit spooked was about 10 years ago while car camping at the Hastings campground in Evans Notch. I woke up in the middle of the night to the sound of an animal close by. It got so close that I could hear it breathing through its nostrils. Of course I assumed it was a vicious bear and I was kind of frozen with fear. I finally overcame my fear and shouted at the beast and beat the sides of my tent. That scared the shit out of him and it tore through the woods to the stream behind the campsite. I thought I heard the sound of hooves on rocks as it crossed the stream so I think it might have been a moose. Whatever it was, it was huge as it sounded like a locomotive crashing through the woods. I never went back to sleep that night.

[@RachelWhelton]

Love this story! I totally know what you mean with the fear and hearing the nostril breathing sounds because once a mama bear and cubs were very close to my house window and I was right there inside, just feet away. I will never forget that sound of snorting/breathing and the kind of fear that feels like a solid lump in your chest. Probably was even stronger for you because a tent is no protection at all. Good job scaring it away!

[@smh988]

I haven't noticed, do you carry bear spray? I have it with me at all times now since a scary encounter, years ago, biking a trail in the Mt Washington area. I think I set a new speed record for mtn biking :-]

[@RachelWhelton]

Personal experience like that can have a huge impact on your psyche. Even if you never see another bear, you'll feel more at ease for having some protection. My bear encounter was at my own house and after that I didn't want to go outside for some days, nor walk around the local trails. Then those feelings wore off. I don't want bear spray at the moment. I guess if I become a bad bear story, you will have a deep sigh and say you tried to help.

[@smh988]

@@RachelWhelton actually, it wasn't a bear, though 3 years ago, I did come across a mother and three cubs. My "scary" encounter was a mountain lion. It was in a thicket, I must have startled it as I came roaring down an old hiking trail. As I skidded around a hairpin corner the bushes flew open and this animal charged out, hissing and screaming. Never been so scared. If I hadn't already had some speed it would have clawed me.

[@RachelWhelton]

@@smh988 Oh!!! You escaped death!

[@ChrisMeegan-cz3yu]

Totally agree on the bear box.

[@RachelWhelton]

Long ago I camped at Yellowstone and in the middle of the night I could hear the dumpster being shaken and slammed. I lay there thinking "Yup, that must be a bear." Thankfully, the dumpster was down the camp road a safe ways from my tent.

[@rateyesmertz3785]

I pity the bear that messes with you. So ??? when do you tackle Everest ?"?

[@RachelWhelton]

Ha ha, yeah.... Everest and I shall not meet, I'm afraid. However husband and I do plan to hike in Switzerland in not too many years from now.