"The Cottonwoods" - Backpacking with Eagle Creek

introducing, "THE COTTONWOODS".

"Toward the end of June, my good friend JP asked me if I wanted to go backpacking with him and our buddy, Colin on a 16.2-mile loop on the Cottonwood Lakes Trail in Inyo National Forest. He followed it up, telling me it’d be a week from then. I’ve done my share of last-minute car camping and back-country trips, but I’d never been backpacking and knew it would be a special trip because I had an experienced guide and knew where to get the right gear for the journey.

My approach to the outdoors is as minimal as possible, so over the last couple of years, I’ve picked up some essentials from the likes of Snow Peak and LifeStraw at SEED People’s Market. I was recently introduced to a new brand, Eagle Creek, at their marketplace. They specialize in packing bags and travel products which would be useful for an expedition like this."

"On the first day, we embarked on a 5.5-mile hike through acres of trees interrupted by lush meadows and balanced our heavy packs over crystal clear glacial streams. All to arrive at what felt like our private grove to set up camp for the next two nights. The biggest thing I learned about backpacking is the amount of foresight you need to have when on the go. The Pack-It Isolate Packing Cubes from Eagle Creek were incredible for keeping every part of my backpack organized and hygienic, especially when hiking so many miles each day. On top of that, the cubes kept my backpack light without sacrificing the qualities mentioned."

"We filled up our free time with some extra fun. Colin has been fishing pretty much his whole life and I hadn’t done it since I was a teenager. He taught me and JP how to tie a lure to get started, and after tangling and untangling my fishing pole a few times, I caught my first golden trout. Between fishing, cooking, and jumping into glacial lakes, our spirits were high and we were eager to tackle the rest of the trip."

"Considering myself an avid hiker, I was comfortable committing to a 5.5-mile section at 11,500 ft. elevation called Old Army Pass. Scrambling over sections of ice and loose rock was scary, to say the least, but I felt confident and safe amongst my friends and other groups of backpackers. Reaching the top and seeing the false peak of Langley was incredible, but left me a bit anxious for my next trip to 12,000 ft. Luckily, JP and Collin were the best backpackers I could count on and we encouraged one another to the very top."

closing thoughts.

"In conclusion, my first backpacking experience on the Cottonwood Lakes Trail was a transformative adventure filled with new challenges and unforgettable moments. From preparing with the right gear like Eagle Creek's Pack-It Isolate Packing Cubes to learning essential outdoor skills from experienced friends, every aspect of the journey contributed to an enriching experience. Camping in serene groves, catching my first golden trout, and conquering the immense terrain of Old Army Pass at the highest altitudes were all highlights that underscored the beauty and demands of backpacking. This trip not only deepened my appreciation for the outdoors but also ignited a passion for exploring new landscapes and seeking more thrills in the future."

- Alan Martinez