Trail Correspondents #11 | Thru-Hiking Gear: Regrets, Upgrades, and Best Advice (Group 2)

Gear. For some people it’s their favorite topic in the world; for others, it results in a shoulder shrug and an eye roll. But whether you love or hate talking about it, there’s no way around it: What you carry on your back plays a big role in how much you enjoy your hike. More precisely, getting it wrong the first time can be emotionally and financially draining.

Today our hikers share what they’ve sent home, what they’ve upgraded; really, an overall glimpse into their gear systems thus far.

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In today’s show, we hear from: 

PCT HIKERS

• Karthikeya Nadendla
  • Sent home Big Agnes Air Pillow, but is considering retrying on trail, or trying Sea to Summit Pillow
  • Started with New Balance Summit Unknowns, swapped out for for Altra Timps after heel pain
• Laura Stewart
  • Sent home cook set cup accessory
  • Forwarded the larger snow basket option for trekking poles
  • Dropped Patagonia long-sleeve button-up in favor of long-sleeve sun shirt
  • Removed netting from Outdoor Research skort and paired with men’s boxer briefs
  • Added sun gloves
  • Sent home Injinji toe socks liner and is using a single layer Darn Tough sock
  • Considering adding a sun umbrella
• Julie Klazynski
  • Switched Sawyer Micro for a Sawyer Squeeze
  • Planning to send home: mug, stove, mace, extraneous toiletries (lotion, shampoo, conditioner)
• Liam Purtle
  • Sent ahead microspikes
  • Bought larger size shoe (went from 10.5 to 12)
• Eric Dernbach & Alison Dernbach
  • Upgraded to Altras with wider fit
  • Sent home: mug, extra pair of long underwear, pack cover, first aid kit, book
• Angie Kane
  • Swapped out hiking shorts in favor of hiking pants for sun protection
  • Upgraded to Sawyer Mini from Sawyer Micro
  • Added Injinji liners
  • Sent home shorts, sleeping pants
  • Received from home: yoga shorts with pockets, cheap leggings (to replace sleeping pants)

Check out our suggested PCT Gear List.

CDT HIKERS

• Sara Dhooma
  • Added Six Moon Designs Sun Umbrella
  • Ordered cuben fiber food bag
• Dosu
  • Sent home: long underwear bottoms
  • Bounced forward: solar panel

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Editing and music courtesy of Pauly Boy Shallcross.