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Trail Fail: How NOT To Yurt Trip

28 Mar 17
Heidi Kumm
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Trail Fail: How NOT To Yurt, Cabin or Hut Trip

There are a bajillion + a half blog posts, articles + flashy insta-stories out there telling you how to properly, safely + comfortably go on a yurt trip. So, for the sake of trying something new, let’s talk about all the things you can do wrong while venturing out to a remote mountain yurt or cabin. The fact we just recently did all of the following things [over the course of four trips, the only reason we’re still alive] has nothing to do with my motivation to overshare this list. Probably. Not.

Definitely do not considering packing anything remotely similar to toilet paper. Toilet paper is for weenies + packy snow makes for a great bidet-eske substitute. [That snow bit isn’t untrue…it just needs to be packy as powdery snow is useless + icy snow hurts.]

Don’t bother double checking your own gear when packing. As a seasoned winter explorer, especially in the Rockies, what could you possibly forget? There’s not a chance in a frozen hell you’d forget the skins to your splitboard set up…they’re only absolutely necessary for uphill travel. Granted, borrowing too skinny skins will keep the entire posse laughing as you struggle to ascend anything above 8 degrees.

Avoid writing yourself reminders as you think of things you’ll need to pack. Only a complete fool would forget to pack the exterior of a crockpot on a cabin glamping trips where all meals were planned around said device. If the interior container, full of raw meat + veggies, is tucked in the cooler what more do you need? [Spoiler: you actually do need that exterior!]

Start reading the map en route to the assumed trailhead. You glanced over the details four weeks ago when you picked out this cabin, you’ll remember where to go. Getting lost is very unlikely + won’t result in any cranky hangry spats on the trails. Logically.

Assume the new-comers you drag along for the experience know exactly how to use all the gear you’ve lent them. Forgot all about that one time when you were a newbie + too confused to even know what questions to ask. Instead, casually watch them struggle before realizing those fancy contraptions used to walk on snow are actually quite complicated.

It is unnecessary to read the website + emails in detail, especially when booking a weekend at a new location. These resources, full of links + bolded text, will not be of any use to you. They’ll fail to mention the need to pack the aforementioned toilet paper or cleaning supplies or directions or…anything important like that.

Forget about packing any card games or books to use while you’re recovering from your adventures. You’ll definitely have enough energy to explore all day long without any breathers or down time. You’ll get up early, inhale breakfast, skin + ride all day then return for a dinner-ly feast before crashing into bed. Obviously.

Of course, this is all written with my tongue tucked into my cheek + is clearly horrible advice. If you want to survive in the wilderness on a yurt trip please to exactly the opposite of what I’ve suggested above. Poor planning, mediocre navigation + forgotten items do not need to ruin a trip. Instead, use these mishaps as opportunities to get creative + saucy while find a solution. Plus, they make good stories later!

Here’s some truly solid advice, all sarcasm aside.

Pack at least the 10 winter essentials.
Wear a helmet every time, even if it feels silly.
Let someone know where you’re going + when you’ll be back.
Have a whole tube-load of fun while you’re out there playing in the snowy wilderness!

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