Tag: pct

PCT 2017 Starting Gear List

Josh2 Comments

I’ve got some past experience with long distance hiking, so I’d like to think this list won’t change much.  It will though, I’m sure – already considering going stove less at some point in the hike, following Sara’s lead.  For now, this is what I plan to take with me on my 2017 northbound attempt.

Gear List (LighterPack)

Base weight: ~15lbs

A little weight will be added in the Sierras for the BV500, Kahtoola MICROspikes, CAMP Corsa Ice Axe, and possibly snowshoes, depending on snowpack this year.  Since this year is a little unusual weather wise, we will determine what gear to bring when we hit the Sierras sometime mid June.

I also have some flexibility in my gear.  Through working in the outdoor industry and general nerding out over gear, I’ve accumulated a plethora of backpacking gear over the past several years.  This gear sits in boxes at my parents house, ready to ship out if I want to change something up.  This flexibility gives me peace of mind as the start date draws ever closer…

Sawyer Squeeze Mods

Josh1 Comment

These aren’t my mods, but a couple I’ve read about in a few places that I think are worthwhile.  On the Long Trail, I treated my water with AquaMira and a bandana as a pre filter when there were a ton of floaters.  Based on what I’ve read about water sources in the Desert section of the PCT I’m going to want a pre-filter of some sort.  With some testing at home, the screen in adapter seems to work well.  I’ll update this on the trail if it fails or if I MacGyver anything else.  In the meantime here are some tips in no particular order:

  1. Buy a Sawyer SP150 Coupling:415WLmIxN8L
  2. The syringe the Squeeze comes with is good at back flushing, but not necessary when I can just use the adapter and a clean water bag.   One less thing to worry about.  There’s a thread about it on WhiteBlaze.net
  3. Use the plastic cap to keep it clean.img_1021.jpg
  4. If temps are going to drop below freezing at night, put the filter in your bag/quilt with you to prevent it from freezing.  If you can blow air through it after you suspect it’s been frozen, it’s definitely broken.