Alright, friends and fans of our furry trail buddy Brixie! 😊 I originally planned to tackle the entire 4th stage of Stezka Českem all the way to Žacléř, but you know how it goes – man plans, and the weather (and a capercaillie!) intervenes. After four days packed with mixed feelings, unexpected encounters, and battling the elements, Brixie and I called it quits in Horní Malá Úpa and headed home. But what a ride it was! Let’s take a look back together at what these days brought us.
The Best of Our Stezka Českem Stage IV (At Least Part of It!)
Each day on the Stezka Českem wrote its own story. There were moments of joy, exhaustion, but most importantly, unforgettable experiences.
- Day 1: Nervous Start and Unexpected Companions. Remember that morning stress and train chaos? It all turned out for the best when we met Petra and Petr. Those first few kilometers together, the feeling of not being alone (besides Brixie, of course!), was priceless. The start of Stezka Českem Stage IV got a much warmer vibe right away.
- Day 2: Jizerky Sunshine and a Beer Drama. The Jizerky Mountains greeted us in all their glory on the second day. The waterfalls at Černý Štolpich were stunning, and reuniting with Petra and Petr at the Protržená přehrada, including their “beer adventure,” was top-notch! Brixie enjoyed her freedom, and I soaked in the beautiful views.
- Day 3: Rainy Krkonoše and a New Face on the Scene. Things started getting tough here. The rain didn’t hold back, but Brixie’s rain gear held up perfectly! Soaked to the bone, I met Katka at Labská bouda, another hiker with a dog, who was facing the same dilemma with weather and accommodation. Our joint decision to grab the last room at Odrodzenie was a lifesaver.
- Day 4: Sněžka in the Fog and an Unexpected End. Climbing Sněžka? Well, more like wading through fog, wind, and remnants of snow. Emotionally powerful, visually zero. 😂 The decision to end the stage due to the weather, a closed path because of capercaillie, and dwindling kibble for Brixie was made in Horní Malá Úpa. Sometimes, it’s just better to know when to turn back.
The Weather: Our Faithful (and Often Annoying) Companion
Ah, the weather! It started with a light drizzle, then came the sunshine in the Jizerky, which gave way to persistent rain in the Krkonoše. Fog, strong winds, and even hail on Sněžka. It was a true mountain rollercoaster and an important reminder that you need to be prepared for anything in the mountains. And most importantly, have good rain gear for yourself and your dog! 😉
Brixie – The Star of Stezka Českem
My four-legged partner Brixie was amazing again! ❤️ This was her first multi-day trek experience, complete with a new sleeping bag. She handled the long stretches, ran like crazy to keep the pack together, and patiently endured the bad weather in her rain gear. You could tell she was worn out by the end, but she fought bravely. She’s truly a dog for all conditions!
How Did the Gear Hold Up on Stezka Českem?
This is always a big topic. Some things shone, others served as valuable lessons.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 55 Backpack: Volume and Comfort
I have to say, the new backpack was a great choice. With a total weight of around 18.5 kg (including water and food for both of us), I felt slight pressure points on my traps the first day, but I attribute that more to not carrying such a load for a long time. It was better on the second day, and by the third, I barely noticed it.
On this trek, I especially appreciated the Dyneema material. Even though I know it’s not 100% waterproof due to the seams, it kept the rain out. I only found a bit of moisture at the bottom once, but that was more because the pack sat on a wet floor at Labská bouda for almost two hours. Better safe than sorry, so I kept my sleeping bag and electronics in dry sacks. The huge hip belt pockets are fantastic. For perspective, I comfortably fit three energy bars, keys, and my wallet into one. Everything within easy reach!
Pack Organization: Less is Sometimes More
Compared to my PCT thru-hike, where I had tons of small stuff sacks, I opted for a different system this time. I used half-moon storage bags from Decathlon, which turned out to be brilliant. I only had a few large, thematically divided bags (food, clothing, sleeping gear, toiletries…). This made packing in the morning much faster and more organized. You just pull out a few large units instead of rummaging for small items all over the pack.
Trail Partner Brixie and Her Gear
Brixie was the star, but her gear deserves a mention too.
- Line 5.0 Harness: It fit perfectly, didn’t chafe anywhere, and didn’t restrict her movement. I felt confident she was safe, and you could tell she was comfortable in it.
- Touring Bungee Adjustable Leash: Its length and elasticity were ideal. I also appreciated the extra handle for better control when needed. The only thing I struggled with a bit was the carabiner – I’m not used to that type, and it takes some practice.
- Fjord Raincoat: An absolute lifesaver in the Krkonoše downpours! It fit perfectly, didn’t hinder movement, and kept Brixie dry and warm, even with all sorts of weather around us.
- Ly Dog Sleeping Bag: This was a total “game-changer.” Brixie had her own comfort, warmth, and security. Plus, I didn’t have to worry about dirty beds at accommodations. For anyone traveling with a dog, it’s an investment that’s worth its weight in gold.
Altra Lone Peak 8 Shoes: A Well-Deserved Rest
This isn’t a complaint, but rather a tribute! My Altras had over 1800 km on them before the start, so I expected this to be their final trek. And it showed. They didn’t grip perfectly anymore and got soaked right away. But they did their job, and after this hike, they’re heading to the great hiking trails in the sky. I loved them!
Lessons Learned on the Trail, or Pants That Stayed Home
The biggest lesson was underestimating the weather. I thought I could handle occasional showers, but I didn’t expect such strong and persistent rain combined with wind. If I were packing again, I’d leave the hiking pants at home and take shorts and lightweight waterproof pants instead. It wasn’t about weight in this case, but a misjudgment of the situation.
Overall Summary of Stage IV (Abbreviated):
- Total Kilometers Hiked: 117.37 km
- Days on Trail: 4 days
- Average km/day: approx. 29.34 km
- Total Elevation Gain: ⬆️ 3659 m
- Total Elevation Loss: ⬇️ 3180 m
- Longest Day: Day 2 (40.22 km)
- Biggest Elevation Gain in One Day: Day 2 (1162 m)
- “Beer Dramas”: 1 (but totally worth it! 😁)
- New Friends for Brixie: At least one canine lady met along the way.
- Supply Status at the End: Kibble for Brixie almost gone, my food supplies would have lasted a few more days.
Even though we didn’t reach the end of Stage IV, every kilometer was worth it. Stezka Českem once again showed me the beauty of our country, but also how important it is to be flexible and listen to your body and your partner. What about you? Have you ever had to cut a trek short unexpectedly? And what gear has worked best for you on your journeys? Share in the comments!
Where will our next steps lead? You’ll have to wait and see! 😉 But one thing’s for sure, the adventures with Brixie are far from over!
