Getting Ready

Well, it’s just over a month to go and it’s time to get ready to start my thru-hike of the Pacific Crest Trail, I couldn’t be more excited. After finishing my thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail in August last year, I really didn’t know what to do with myself, it felt completely unsettling until I had a next thru-hike start date for mid-April this year on the PCT. So here I go again, I honestly can’t believe it’s going to start all over again with mile 0, then 100, then 1000, I’m going to love every minute of every day of it just like I did on the AT (OK, I’ll be honest there were bad days and great days on the AT).

So gear selection is on my mind. For the AT I literally ordered everything off Amazon the month before I started from Georgia. I had one issue where I ordered a one-person tent and tried it out once I got it and found out it felt like a coffin, so I sent it back and got the two-person version, I was much happier having the extra space. Also, I was much happier having my pack inside with me at night. I did send some winter things home from Virginia, and I did buy a foam sleeping pad (needed more R value) in Georgia. But other than those adjustments I walked with the equipment I started with all the way to the end. So I’m planning to do the same on the PCT.

I have looked at some of the ultra light new gear and wondered if I should switch, but then again each item is only a few ounces lighter than the gear I have already got that is tried and trail tested and good to go. I know, I know a few ounces here and there add up to a few pounds overall and that could make a significant difference but my current gear still all works and doesn’t weigh me down. My biggest concern for the PCT is the added things I need to carry, a bear cannister, an ice axe, and micro spikes. The added amount of water and food will also be an issue. I’m determined to not worry about these things, let this stuff flow like water off a duck’s back, worry about this stuff when I need to worry about it and not a moment sooner.

I’m not an ounce counter, I carry the stuff I need and don’t try to carry anything extra, but I am also the age that I am, I need to be comfortable at night and have a comfortable way to carry the weight of everything (Food, water and equipment) I need. I’ll keep you posted as I change the gear that I’m carrying.