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Kyle Shepard's avatar

You’re the man. Legit putting the name of your account into action with this post and I love the format considering what you’re currently doing. Peak Refuel is my favorite meal ready companies. Chad Mendes, former UFC fighter and avid hunter/fisherman, designed some of those meals. Give me peak over Mountain House all day if I get to choose. Great work brother 👊🏻

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Erik Hogan's avatar

Hey, thanks Kyle! This was the first time I've tried Peak Refuel, but it was really good! I like them because they generally have higher protein than the others. I do consider any of these meals kind of a luxury, though. Its Knorr sides, tuna, and protein bars mostly, lol!

Glad to hear the format works for you. I'm still a little worried that readers will be tired of hearing about the same trip by the time I get to the actual story. But, there's A LOT of detail and content coming!

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Kyle Shepard's avatar

Peak is definitely a luxury. Cost and space typically lead to only a couple getting packed.

I would imagine your readers, like me, subscribe to your exactly because we like living vicariously through you on some of these adventures as we get to read about your experiences and see your pics. Keep it coming when you can!

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Rev. Dr. Luis Ortizz's avatar

Cool, hope you got to get some fishing. Coopers creek, and the surrounding area has some great trout fishing.

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Erik Hogan's avatar

It is a great area, but on a trip like this I’m hiking most of the day and can’t spare the time for fishing!

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Matthew Long's avatar

Nicely done. How did the Kakwa work out for you? I have a ULA pack, which I like, but I am always interested to hear how others like their choices. I have been following Durston for a few years and plan to get one of his tents when I eventually complete my AT hike.

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Erik Hogan's avatar

The Kakwa was incredible! I chose it specifically because it had a higher load (weight) capacity than other similar packs. As much as I’m trying to go ultra light, it is basically to balance out my camera gear which weighs a ton. The Kakwa handled it like a champ. Its a bit smaller in volume than I’m used to (had an Osprey Aether 70), but I figured it out. The cushioning was adequate for me and I was grateful for the load lifters at the top.

I use a Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo for a tent and have been very happy with it. But, when it comes time to replace it, I’m definitely going to be looking at Durston’s tents!

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Sam Alaimo's avatar

Measuring your load down to the ounce, great stuff Erik. I'm looking forward to the pictures as well!

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Erik Hogan's avatar

Measuring has been a game changer since I started doing it. Its incredible how much useless weight I used to carry!! I can’t wait to start publishing this series. Some REALLY interesting stories and photos coming!

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Baird Brightman's avatar

Really enjoy the "Footnotes from the Field" collected together with that orienting statement up top. Impressive effort shooting them out from the trail, Erik. "Overkill" is not a worry. Most readers enjoy the fine details, I think.

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Erik Hogan's avatar

Oh, man that's great! I've been working on the stories these past few days and I cannot wait to publish them!

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Lou Tamposi's avatar

So awesome. Like everyone else, can’t wait for the full recap photos!

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Erik Hogan's avatar

I'm excited. Looking forward to publishing it!

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Niki Elle's avatar

Hooray! Glad you were able to feed yourself! And YES absolutely, I enjoyed this "teaser" format. It's a great summary while keeping me asking, "where are Erik's signature musings + gorgeous photos!? " I'm definitely primed and looking forward to your essay about the hike.

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Erik Hogan's avatar

Great! I have the first one almost done. Really looking forward to publishing it. I think this is going to be a good 4 part series. Interesting at least. Thanks again Niki!

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Niki Elle's avatar

Oh yay! 4 posts to look forward to!!😍

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Kristi Keller 🇨🇦's avatar

OMG I missed every single one of these notes. I hate Substack lol!! I don't know why it doesn't feed me your notes when I literally read and engage with ALL of your posts.

Those pics were epic, camera or not! I love the foggy, sad feeling in many of them. You're my hero going out there alone all the time and bringing nature to us every single week.

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Erik Hogan's avatar

I've run into that, too! I followed a couple of people who posted a series in Notes, but I would miss a bunch or be shown them out of order. It's frustrating, but I like the way they can all be included in a post like this!

The weather was really cool to walk through at first, but gets kinda old when that's all you see for 3/4 days! 🤣

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Kristi Keller 🇨🇦's avatar

I could understand that, yeah. Pretty gloomy when you're trying to keep your energy up!

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