The PCT Continued…
All through the spring of 2019, I purchased proper right down to thru-hike the Pacific Crest Path (PCT) solo from Mexico to Canada. It was a extraordinarily huge snow 12 months for Northern California and the Sierra Nevada with a variety of snow to hike over and excessive and probably harmful river crossings. I occurred to satisfy one totally different thru-hiker named Mark (aka Potatoes) near Walker Cross and we grew fairly candy on one another. As shortly as we acquired to Lone Pine, we determined to flip as quite a bit as Washington and the Canadian border collectively.
By late September the events have been getting shorter and it was getting colder. We ended up ending our hike wanting the Sierra Nevada, with the aim of ending it at one totally different time so we would have the benefit of it additional. Pretty than rush by means of the half, we’d have favored to savor what can be quite a lot of the gorgeous areas of the PCT.
That ‘one totally different time’ occurs to be this summer time season season, beginning in late June 2021, selecting up from Donner Cross and strolling south to the place we acquired off. We’d hiked 2,250 miles of the PCT in 2019, so I assume you’d usually often called our journey a terribly huge half hike. And we’re okay with that.
Gear Report Abstract
With all my gear collectively, my base weight is 17.46 kilos, which incorporates 2.5 these kilos of a bear canister. There are undoubtedly methods I’d lower weight from my pack, by spending cash on additional ultralight gear or eliminating factors, nonetheless I’m content material materials supplies with the place I’m at.
The tables beneath present what I’m heading as soon as extra to the PCT with this June. My commentary consists of what I could have switched to from 2019 and why I like specific gear selections.
Baggage
I began utilizing a Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 Backpack as quickly as I’d hiked the PCT in 2019 and I plan to put it to use as quickly as additional in 2021 on account of it weighs in at barely beneath two kilos. I actually dig all of the aspect pockets and compartments for straightforward storage and entry. Plus I uncover it to be very comfy to positioned on. I exploit the medium physique and small hip belt; Gossamer Gear helps you to combine and match these parts in your physique dimension.
My solely criticism is that considered one in all my shoulder straps began ripping early on in my 2019 hike. Gossamer Gear says chances are high you will comfortably carry as quite a bit as 30 kilos with the Mariposa and it would address as quite a bit as 35. I used to be in no way anyplace close to 35 kilos and presumably on loads of events with extra water near 30, so I didn’t perceive why it was tearing. With the utilization of a heavy-duty stitching machine, Mark repaired it for me on the town and I in no way had one other elements the remaining 5 months on the PCT.
Pretty than purchase a mannequin new rain pack cowl, I’m merely holding the model new pink one I’ve from one totally different pack that I used as quickly as I thru-hiked AT, the Gregory Deva 70. It’s huge for the Mariposa 60 nonetheless works optimistic as quickly as I would like extra waterproof safety.
Residence
When Mark purchased proper right here into the image on the PCT (in 2019), we determined to buy and share the Tarptent Double Rainbow collectively. We modified the stakes out to 6 MSR Groundhog stakes which are sturdy, bringing our two-person tent setup to 43 ounces. We break up this up as we hike collectively, with me carrying the stakes and poles (11.8 ounces total). We love this tent for its roominess and sturdiness and have used it on many journeys since, so we’re stoked to take it as soon as extra out as quickly as additional.
An unlimited swap I’m making this 12 months is my sleeping bag alternative. I used to be dissatisfied contained in the Enlightened Gear Revelation Quilt 10 I utilized in 2019 and I froze my butt off each single night time I used it. Mark had a Western Mountaineering 20 diploma down sleeping bag and since he sleeps scorching and I run very chilly, he was normally glad to make the most of the quilt as a blanket whereas I snuggled warmly contained in the Western Mountaineering bag. As shortly as a result of it began getting colder although, I despatched the quilt dwelling and purchased my trusty REI Joule 21 down sleeping bag shipped to me. I had been making an attempt to chop weight by going with a quilt that’s significantly lighter, nonetheless on account of I chill simply by nature, it wasn’t the suitable alternative for me and I ended up promoting the quilt.
Today journey I’m utilizing the Sea-to-Summit Flame FM IV 15-degree women’s sleeping bag. It’s lighter than my REI Joule 21 and I’m betting it might presumably keep me hotter on these chilly Sierra nights at bigger altitudes. The truth that it’s down 850+ loft makes me heat and comfortable all-over merely serious about it.
I’m truly not planning on utilizing the Sea-to-Summit eVENT Compression Dry Sack…nonetheless I’m bringing it with me. To clarify, one totally different thru-hiker I met on the PCT who lives correct proper right here in Boise at present launched me to the ‘cloud methodology’ of packing your bag. Principally, it’s a method to have additional home in your backpack, notably when carrying a bear canister, which is required for the Sierra part of the PCT.
For the cloud methodology, you place a compactor bag on account of the liner in your backpack to deal with your gear dry. Subsequent, you fill your sleeping bag with all the garments you’re not utilizing and stuff it down inside the underside of the compactor bag. Third, you place the bear canister in and add extra gear objects spherical it. I like this technique on account of stuffing a sleeping bag in a dry-bag compression sack is often a substantial waste of residence with a difficult bear canister in your pack.
On the flip aspect, a dry sack has giant value in guaranteeing your sleeping bag stays dry. I notion that the cloud methodology will keep my bag dry if it rains, nonetheless query whether or not or not or not it’s atmosphere pleasant for prime water crossings. The dry sack is my insurance coverage protection safety.
The Thermarest Z Lite SOL Sleeping Pad isn’t mainly most likely probably the most comfy bedding alternative, nonetheless it’s good on account of chances are high you will merely toss it on the underside for a lunch break. It’s not as thick and insulated as a blow-up pad, nonetheless I like the liberty to put it to use wherever.
Kitchen & Hydration
I began off my 2019 hike with the potential to hold as quite a bit as six liters of water on account of that’s what
I assumed I’d want the southern desert part of the PCT and NorCal. Early on I noticed I didn’t like having a water bladder hydration system anymore – takes up an excessive amount of residence in your backpack and isn’t user-friendly for filtering water into.
I eradicated it after 450 miles and switched to carrying two, one-liter Smartwater bottles and saved the Platypus Platy 70L Mushy Water Bottle. It had been a moist season for the southern house so water sources weren’t as scarce as in quite a few years, which meant I in no way discovered I wanted to hold bigger than 4 liters. I’ll be utilizing this related setup in June.
One totally different huge swap is my cooking setup for this time spherical. In 2019 I had wished to check out cold-soaking on the PCT nonetheless didn’t need to cease my fluctuate, so I carried each a Talenti jar and the Snow Peak Trek 900 cookset. Chilly-soaking allowed me to ‘put together dinner dinner’ and go, fairly than wait spherical for making meals. Mountaineering larger mile days is additional of the rhythm on the PCT on account of there’s a brief native climate window, so time was normally of the essence for me.
Retaining with that theme, I’m downsizing a bit in weight and bulk by carrying the Vargo BOT 700. It’s a titanium pot that has a lid which seals completely so I can each use it to arrange dinner dinner AND cold-soak. Weighing in at solely 4.4 ounces, it’s lighter than the Snow Peak Trek 900 and I don’t have to hold the 1.9 ounces Talenti jar.
Workplace
| Merchandise Title | Description | Amount | Weight (oz) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cellphone (iPhone 6 Plus, wire) | Earlier-school model, not gentle | 1 | 6.77 |
| Lifeproof FRE | Waterproof, sturdy cellphone case | 1 | 1.65 |
| Guthook Guides App | Navigation – maps and completely totally different knowledge for the PCT | 0 | |
| Black Diamond Spot 350 | Headlamp – weight consists of batteries | 1 | 3 |
| Anker PowerCore II 10,000 | Charger/Vitality financial institution with wire | 1 | 7.2 |
| PowerPort Velocity 2 Ports | Can worth two gadgets shortly with two ports | 1 | 5 |
| Massive Ziploc bag | Acts as a storage bag for electronics | 1 | 0.3 |
| iPod Shuffle & wire | So I’ve by no means purchased to run my cellphone battery down if I need music | 1 | 0.7 |
| Earbuds | Primary, no frills | 1 | 0.4 |
| Further batteries | For headlamp | 3 | 1.2 |
| Hiker Pockets | Small ziploc bag with ID’s, having fun with taking part in playing cards, permits | 1 | 1 |
For the PCT, I had an iPhone that I put the Guthook Guides app on for my navigation. You should purchase the information only for the PCT and it offers an extreme quantity of particulars on water sources, tenting web pages, what to anticipate on the town, freeway crossings, path angels, and many others. Hikers can publish notes to a shared message board, which acts as a helpful technique to take care of up to date with present knowledge on compulsory info, like if that water present you’re relying on is dry or not. I discovered it to be a extraordinarily helpful useful helpful useful resource for planning my hike and will certainly use it as quickly as additional today journey.
Having a cellphone you profit from additional normally than a bodily e-book or map means you drain battery life additional, which is why I went with the Anker PowerCore II 10,000 Moveable Charger (the mannequin new fashions have 20,000 mAh). I’d get a few payments worth for my cellphone selection and this was ample for the time I used to be on the path between metropolis stops, whereas normally having it in airplane mode. I opted for the PowerPort Velocity 2 Port Quick Charger on account of I could price each my cellphone and the moveable charger shortly and on the same time whereas doing a layover on the town.
The usual thru-hiker pockets consists of merely a small Ziploc bag collectively alongside together with your private IDs and a monetary establishment card inside, nothing additional.
Clothes Carried
| Merchandise Title | Description | Amount | Weight (oz) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black Diamond Women’s Stormline Stretch Rain Coat | Excessive-quality, with pit-zips | 1 | 7.9 |
| Icebreaker Merino 200 Oasis Thermal Leggings | Heat and soft-to-skin | 1 | 6.5 |
| Mountain Laurel Designs eVENT Rain Mitts | Helps keep you dry and blocks wind | 1 | 1.1 |
| Buff | Multi-use for head, neck, face | 1 | 1.4 |
| Smartwool 250 Cuffed Beanie | Merino wool hat, covers ears utterly | 1 | 2.2 |
| Smartwool 200 Crew Base Layer Prime | Merino, insulating, not liable to being smelly | 1 | 5.8 |
| Smartwool 250 Crew Base Layer Prime | Hotter than the 200 mannequin for me to sleep in or layer | 1 | 6.6 |
| Darn Extremely efficient Hiker Quarter Cushion Women’s | Medium cushion socks, low-cut | 1 | 2 |
| Farm-to-Ft Damascus Crew Women’s | Delicate cushion socks, excessive crew-style | 1 | 2.3 |
| Sea-to-Summit Bug Head Web | Mesh, with insect defend | 1 | 0.8 |
| ExOfficio Give-N-Go Sport Mesh Bikini Briefs | Breathable, light-weight, nylon/spandex lingerie | 1 | 1.2 |
| Small Stuff Sack | For garments | 1 | 0.7 |
| Arc’teryx Atom LT Hoody Jacket Women’s | Lighweight nonetheless very heat | 1 | 11.1 |
| Stretch Pants | Polyester; assorted to climbing skort when chilly, purchased at a thrift retailer | 1 | 4.4 |
| Exterior Analysis Women’s Vigor Heavyweight Gloves | Polyester and fleece | 1 pair | 2.3 |
| Handmade Wool Gloves | To double layer with when chilly | 1 pair | 3 |
Top of the range climbing clothes is maybe expensive so I actually attempt to make use of what I have already got from completely totally different journeys. I’ve discovered that it may be worthwhile to make the funding and make it closing. For instance, I’ve had my Smartwool Merino Base Layers since 2006 and they also’re nonetheless optimistic to make the most of, minus some holes and positioned on.
One totally different compulsory change I’m making in my gear is from the Patagonia Torrentshell Rain Coat to the Black Diamond Women’s Stormline Stretch Rain Shell. I like my Patagonia Rain Coat, it’s merely seen bigger days almost about nonetheless being waterproof. I chosen the Black Diamond on account of I like having pit-zips and a jacket with a protracted as soon as extra. It’s furthermore lighter than what I had, at 7.9 ounces. I contemplated getting however one other light-weight, similar to the favored thru-hiker favourite Exterior Analysis Helium nonetheless it doesn’t have pit zips and I don’t like its elastic wrist cuffs.
The Arc’teryx Atom LT Hoody Jacket has been with me on condition that AT and one different extended hikes since and it’s in no way dissatisfied me for excellent insulation with out bulk. My snazzy, crimson Icebreaker Leggings are nonetheless going sturdy and didn’t fail me on the PCT.
Referring to my underwear alternative: I discovered that the ExOfficio Give-N-Go Mesh Sport Bikini runs huge, so purchase them as small as chances are high you will on account of they are going to stretch out. I met completely totally different hiker women who wore them they usually mentioned the same subject. They’re nonetheless in good scenario although for me to take as quickly as additional this journey.
I’m a fan of Farm-to-Ft socks from as quickly as I first purchased proper right here into contact with the model at Path Days in Damascus, Virginia whereas climbing the AT. I normally like climbing in low-cut socks, nonetheless at night time it may be good to have a hotter pair that goes additional up the calf, like leg heaters. The Damascus Crew does merely that, so I like carrying them as a part of my gear. I are susceptible to at all times carry three pairs of socks when on extended backpacking journeys since you merely in no way know if moist native climate or river crossings will set you as soon as extra and it’s so darn compulsory to deal with toes dry. It’s been a low snow 12 months for the Sierra in contrast with 2019 so I’m hoping for decrease river crossings, nonetheless I’m optimistic I’ll ought to deal with moist toes nonetheless.
I found the Mountain Laurel Designs eVENT Rain Mitts as quickly as I thru-hiked the AT and they also’re a lifesaver when it’s raining, windy or simply chilly for extra insulation on prime of gloves. They have been important to me all by means of rainstorms on the PCT and as quickly as I wanted to take down a snowy tent. Due to I’ve Raynaud’s Syndrome (See Mountaineering with Raynaud’s Illness), it’s important I keep my fingers heat on a regular basis. Which suggests I’m taking the rain mitts, a pair of Exterior Analysis Women’s Vigor Heavyweight Sensor Gloves, and a candy pair of wool mittens Mark’s mother made me which are huge ample to slip on prime. That may appear to be lots of, nonetheless I don’t fiddle inside the case of my fingers getting chilly.
A head-net is a game-changer and should change your temper from unhealthy to good exact fast. Mosquito season was at its peak for us after we flipped to Washington and there have been some days we even wished to rearrange the tent to eat lunch on account of the bugs have been horrific. Having the Sea-to-Summit Bug Head Web with insect defend was a life-saver for me at conditions, notably for parts of Washington and Oregon. The Sierra shall be buggy relying on everytime you hit it, so I’m undoubtedly taking the bug internet with me.
Clothes Worn
| Merchandise Title | Description | Amount | Weight (oz) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fila Skort | Skirt and shorts in a single, aka ‘the pink tutu’, polyester/spandex | 1 | 5 |
| Columbia Silver Ridge Extended Sleeve Shirt Women’s | Nylon, roll-up sleeves, wicking | 1 | 6.3 |
| ExOfficio Give-N-Go Sport Mesh Bikini Briefs | Breathable, light-weight, nylon/spandex lingerie | 1 | 1.2 |
| Darn Extremely efficient Hiker Quarter Cushion Women’s | Medium cushion socks, low-cut | 1 | 2 |
| Leopard-print sports activities actions actions bra | No model, polyester, acquired at thrift retailer for $2 | 1 | 1.7 |
| Hair tie | Gotta keep your hair as soon as extra! | 1 | 0.1 |
| Soiled Girl Gaiters | Useful for holding stones and sand out of sneakers | 1 | 1 |
| Rainbow Unicorn Mesh Trucker Hat | My signature piece of clothes! | 1 | 2 |
| Altra Timp Path-Working Sneakers Women’s | Inexpensive cushion, mesh, dries quick | 1 | 20 |
Just lately I favor trail-running sneakers to climbing boots. I went by means of loads of pairs on the PCT, and I’d alternate between the Altra Timp and the Altra Lone Peak, relying on what was on sale on account of they each felt good on my toes. I like trail-runners on account of my toes truly actually really feel lighter, the sneakers breathe and dry shortly if want be. Entire I used to be actually happy with these sneakers on the PCT and have stayed with buying for them since. I’m going to say that I am going up a dimension (my frequent dimension felt cramped) and that was in no way the case when utilizing climbing boots, even on earlier extended trails.
I’m a fan of Soiled Girl Gaiters to my footwear, which is fairly frequent to see hikers positioned on on the PCT. There’s a variety of free sand and scree on the PCT, and different folks little stones are downright annoying when climbing. Having gaiters helped to dam that junk out of my sneakers and saved my socks a tad bit cleaner. Soiled Girl is understood for all of the zany patterns and colours, which supplies some gratifying to your hiker-trash look.
The PCT is maybe terribly uncovered to the photograph voltaic in loads of areas; this led me to make the most of a long-sleeve, light-weight shirt to hike in. I purchased the favored and pretty priced Columbia Silver Ridge Women’s Shirt which I discovered to be breathable and delicate. It has OmniShade photograph voltaic safety, chances are you’ll want the choice to roll up the sleeves, and it dries out so quick. I acquired a medium that was too huge for me, so observe that you could be be need to dimension down. It’s nonetheless in good kind so coming with me as quickly as additional.
For the PCT, I occurred to hunt out the cutest scorching pink skort (skirt with shorts built-in) that had ruffles like a tutu in a thrift retailer for decrease than three {{{dollars}}}. Mixed with my treasured Rainbow Unicorn Mesh Trucker Hat that I wore on the AT and climbing by means of Europe, I felt like one rad gal rocking a pink tutu as I hiked the PCT.
I’m sharing this for 2 causes:
- In case it’s best to positioned on the same subject daily for months at a time, it’d as efficiently be gratifying and make you giggle.
- Second-hand gear or clothes is an environment friendly approach to economize; not the entire thing needs to be new to work. My tutu was in good scenario (nonetheless is!), was very comfy for climbing, and carrying a skort is approach additional sensible than a skirt for sitting options.
Toiletries, Hygiene & First Assist
| Merchandise Title | Description | Amount | Weight (oz) |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Tent Lab The Deuce #2 UL Trowel | Sturdy, aluminum hole-digger in your poop | 1 | 0.6 |
| Alba Botanica Towlette Wipes | No harsh chemical substances, helpful for freshening up | 1 | 3.5 |
| EO Hand Sanitizer | Pure, pure | 1 | 2 |
| Toothbrush | Did not reduce the address off! | 1 | 0.6 |
| Dental Floss | Can carry out thread furthermore | 1 | 0.6 |
| Lip Balm with SPF | Ought to have SPF for the PCT | 1 | 0.5 |
| Plastic Razor | Due to I do not need to purchase a razor each time I will metropolis. | 1 | 0.3 |
| Toothpaste | Tom’s of Maine | 1 | 2.3 |
| Alba Botanica Sunscreen | SPF 45 | 1 | 3.5 |
| Saalt Menstrual Cup | Reusable, silicone menstrual cup product | 1 | 1 |
| Mirror | Small dimension | 1 | 0.6 |
| Tweezers | Steel | 1 | 0.4 |
| Comb | Plastic | 1 | 0.7 |
| Further ziplocs | Assorted sizes, since you in no way know everytime you want one | 1 | 1 |
| Ditty Bag | To hold all this miscellaneous stuff | 1 | 0.6 |
| First-Assist Misc. in a small ziploc bag | Band-Aids, alcohol wipes, gauze, stitching gear, duct tape | 1 gear | 1.5 |
Like many thru-hikers, I’m elementary with this class. By way of First Assist, I don’t ever take over-the-counter meds at dwelling, so why would I carry them on path?
With toiletries, I’m specific with what I put in or on my physique, so loads of selections I made correct proper right here almost about hand sanitizer, cleaning wipes, toothpaste, and sunscreen are larger than your frequent journey sizes. I don’t concepts carrying that extra little little little bit of weight since I be comfy with the contents of the merchandise.
Some would skip carrying a comb, nonetheless let me inform you that normally it’s good to really actually really feel considerably human as quickly as additional everytime you rise up contained in the morning and brush your hair. You do you almost about luxurious objects, nonetheless a comb helps keep me sane.
I’m tickled pink that REI is now carrying the Saalt Menstrual Cup. I terribly advocate this product as one other choice to lugging spherical pads and tampons by means of the woods that you need to pack out when used. It’s bigger for the Earth and in your physique.
Miscellaneous (However Essential!) Stuff
The Gossamer Gear LiteFlex Mountaineering Umbrella was a mannequin new addition on my earlier PCT hike and it’s most actually my favourite piece of drugs now. I used it from day one contained in the desert and it was a welcome help of shade that saved me shielded from the photograph voltaic and far cooler beneath my cowl of happiness. I’m going to totally take it with me on this journey, notably as quickly as I’m above treeline.
I discussed earlier that for the Sierra part of the PCT, you need to carry a bear canister in your meals. Most hikers groan on account of two.5 kilos of extra weight it offers to your pack, nonetheless it’s obligatory and required. I’m going to hold the BearVault BV 500 fairly than the smaller 450 model on account of I don’t want to scrimp on vitality whereas climbing!
Closing Ideas
It might be gratifying to check out new gear for the sake of it, and normally it is advisable to boost or substitute an merchandise that’s worn out or too heavy. Nonetheless, there’s one issue to be mentioned about utilizing what works. I take into consideration I discovered a contented medium with the gear I carried on my 2019 PCT hike and might seemingly be staying with most of it when ending the path this summer time season season.
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