Hiking A Long Trail Comparing Lightweight

PCT vs. AT Gear, Resupply, and Logistis:

Adventure Is What Happens When All Of Your
Carefully Laid Plans Utterly Fail.
Introduction:
I really hate backpacking. That is the truth, strange as it may sound, when coming from someone who has
done a few turns around the block. The truth, is that its the unfettered adventure and the humble experience
of being out of my comfort zone and immersed in nature that brings me back outdoors each time. ith only
strength of mind and the fellowship of other hikers to keep me integrated with the normal social
interactions, I feel a deep primal freedom. The change that I effect on nature is negligible compared to the
change that nature has on me each time I !ourney into it.
hat motivates me to slowly face the inevitable fears that being alone in nature incurs in most people, is
the knowledge that "that which doesnt kill me, makes me stronger#. $or some backpackers, traveling
outdoors means packing their fears. I mean this in the sense that whatever we are most afraid of we carry a
lot of compensation for. If afraid of hunger, its more food carried than needed. If rain and cold, its
multiple changes of clothing, more clothing than needed, and multiple items to protect from rain and cold.
If wild animals, its generally carrying mace, knives, or guns, and generally not carrying more knowledge
about the animals habits and behaviors and how to prevent incidents from happening.
hile disliking more traditional "pack mule# backpacking of big heavy loads, Im a big fan of
lightweight backpacking, or "backcountry strolling# as I like to call it. hile it is true that some long and
unsupported backcountry or mountaineering adventures re%uire &'( lbs of supplies, most trips do not.
Traveling light allows me to feel like a trail runner. ith minimal gear needed for safe en!oyment of the
experience, I feel like one with my surroundings and am acutely aware of the visceral experience of nature.
)eavier, more traditional backpacking makes me feel like I am being led on a death march. )ence, I like to
carry lots of knowledge, even more awareness of my surroundings, a healthy respect for the unpredictable
aspects of nature, some caution, and as few items of gear as I need to be safe and en!oy my !ourney.
hen it comes to backpacking, more gear and weight can cause more complaining and in!ury risk* while
less gear and weight can transform the experience into a scenic stroll of photos, healthy activity, and
peaceful self+contemplation. ,f course a fun trip also re%uires a few calculated risks to be taken. $or me a
good trip is supposed to challenge me to go deeper into the woods while bringing fewer things that simply
clutter up the experience. I desire simplicity and peace when Im in nature.
I will not define what "lightweight backpacking# is. Instead I will simply state that every time I go into
the wilderness, I learn another use for something Im carrying, and learn what fear Im compensating for by
carrying something I didnt really need. -ll hikers can get lighter, but it re%uires practice, introspection, and
thinking outside the box. .y mind is the most used piece of safety gear that I bring into the outdoors, and
though rarely successful, I try to bring more of it with me each time I venture out.
The biggest detriment to those looking to en!oy a long stroll through the backcountry, is inflexibility and
a lack of knowledge. In this technological age Im always amazed by some peoples willingness to spend
copious amount of money, in the assumption that it will negate their need for knowledge, on+trail logic, and
actual experience. /uessing is ok, knowing is even better, and doing is best of all. The more I get out, the
more I learn how to best en!oy each adventure, and to handle each of the unexpected situations that
inevitably arise while on a hike.
My Hiking Background
Ive en!oyed being outdoors since I was I child. 0re+1'2' my experiences of being in nature were
primarily trail running, mountain biking, and day+hiking. In 1'2' I decided to take 1 weeks and travel 3
hike in Ireland. I picked the fairly easy "icklow ay#* a fairly short hike at 21'km or so through the
4ublin and icklow mountains. I planned on taking a week to hike this path, and then travel around to
5imerick, 6illarney, and /alway to peak+bag and site+see. I learned two very important lessons on that trip*
one being that I cant comfortably carry && lbs on my back while walking around the mountains, and the
second being that I love walking around the mountains. Ive subse%uently gone on to thru+hike the
-ppalachian Trail in 1'22, the 7ew 8ngland Trail and 9ermont 5ong Trail in 1'21, and have !ust recently
completed the 0acific :rest Trail from .ay 2;
th
to ,ctober 1;
th
1'2<.
$or me, walking or running is the most information+rich type of site seeing. hen I travel on foot I can
not only remember sights, but also the tactile feel of the footpath, the smells and sounds of my
surroundings, and the great sense of presence of the outdoors and its wildlife. I "tread lightly and leave no
trace# because it protects me from long term physical in!ury =I literally walk softly> and so that those who
travel behind me can have the same or even more untouched experience in nature. I often play "Im
walking on a bed of needles# game, as it reminds me not to stomp so hard when I walk, and makes a very
noticeable difference in my muscular and foot soreness at the end of a day.
Be confident but remember not be overconfident:
-t one time or another, I have made many mistakes while backpacking*
o :arried way more gear than I needed or even really thought about needing
o :arried so much food that I had to give it away to other hikers or carry it out uneaten
o /otten in way over my comfort and experience level and been seriously worried about my safety
o )ad blisters, cramping muscles, sprained ankles, mild concussions, and waterborne illnesses
o )ad the beginnings of both hypothermia and heat exhaustion at various times
o 5ost the trail and hiked in the wrong direction without bothering to stop and check my compass and
/0?
o as overconfident in my ability to predict nature, and got caught on exposed ridgelines that
re%uired me to run from a lightning storm, hail storm, white+out snowstorm, and other fun storms
o ?et up camp in an area that flooded, had bad condensation, and one that was so windy it blew down
my tent, re%uiring me to reset my stakes and put rock piles on them
o ?lipped off the trail on a steep switchback and had to self+arrest anyway I could
o Tried to !ump a creek and instead slipped and fell in it
o Tried to seem really knowledgeable by giving directions without looking at my map, and ended up
having to go running after people Id sent the wrong way
o )iked headfirst into a low hanging tree over the trail and knocked myself to the ground
o ?urprised a black bear by hiking noiselessly at dusk without a headlamp, and had to experience a
close+up mock charge of a big bear at night while all alone =a change of underwear was avoided, but
it was close>
o $orgot to pack rain pants and a rain !acket and had to hike in the rain for a day =thankfully a warm
light rain>
o $orgot to check my morning campsite for unpacked gear before I left, and ended up leaving gear
behind without knowing it until that evening
)owever, before you think that I am both stupid and lucky to get out of these situations with !ust %uick
thinking and a small amount of self+deprecating humor, know that many of these situations happened
-$T8@ Id already had many hundreds of miles of backpacking under my belt. Anfortunately, stupidity
can happen to even the very experienced. ?o here are a few lessons about getting outside:
o -dventure is what happens when all your plans fail B learn to love it
o 7ever assume youve learned all there is to know about backpacking B you havent B remember that
variety is the spice of life, so seek out other opinions to see if the way you do things is really the
best
o There are many different types of backpackers, try to find out what type you are so that you can
en!oy yourself more and be annoyed less by others trying to hike differently than you
o 4ont go out on a trip with gear that youve never actually tried out. It may not work or fit as it did
in the store and then you will look like an idiot on the trail
o 5eave your huge ego at home and bring lots of humility and flexibility and problem solving when
you hit the trail
o 7ature is a fickle mistress, be trusting but dont stop looking behind you
o Cour compass is usually right, even when youre sure its impossible for you to get lost
o $ear will succumb to effort B you have not failed until you stop trying
o $ear is your bodies way of helping you to not be a stupid+head, it is worth listening to with an open
mind B it can help to balance out an inflated ego
o $or a long adventure, bring half the gear and twice the money and youll probably be fine
o Cour memory is not as good as you think it is, a camera or a !ournal will help
o Instead of beating yourself up over mistakes, try not to make them again
o $ailure to plan is planning to fail B many things are hard to do when youre in the middle of the
woods without cell phone coverage. )ave a plan and a backup plan at home so people know where
to look for you if you dont come home
o hen you are about to swear at something not working out as planned B close your eyes and take a
deep breath and think how badass you are for being outside + youre a rebel, youre an adventurer,
and youre kind of awesome, so figure it out
o Take the side trails and dont be afraid to !ust sit and en!oy the sightsD
Summary of Trail Terrain and Weather Differences:
Pacific rest Trail !"#$ %orthbound &%'B' Me(ico anada) &*+#,-#"+!,)
vs.
/00alachian Trail !"## %orthbound &%'B' 1eorgia Maine) &$+!,-2+$")
In some ways I had reverse weather conditions during my -T and 0:T hikes. The start of my -T hike was
cold =1'E> and snowy, !ust like the end of my 0:T hike. .eanwhile, the end of my -T hike was cool3warm
=&'E> early summer type of weather, !ust like the beginning of my 0:T hike. :onfused yetF 5et me see if I
can break it down a little:
#. Trail Start
/T: :old days in late .arch with mild snowstorms 3 ice storms and evening temperatures into
the low 1's. $ull cold weather gear, 7, T@-:TI,7 ,@ .,A7T-I788@I7/ /8-@
788484.
PT: .oderate temperatures at night around G'+&'s. ?ome windy days with highs getting into
the 2''s. $ull summer gear to start, with only a windshirt, wind pants, trekking umbrella, and
hooded down !acket for warmth and weather protection.
!. Mid-Trail
/T: ),T days =high H'+;'s and humid>, but also cold and rainy days. .ostly concerned with
@-I7 and IA/?.
PT: ),T weather gear. .ore concerned with ?A7 and some IA/?.
$. Trail 3nd
/T: .oderate temperatures to cool temperatures at night =G'+J's> with nice sunny days and
cold @-I7 and I74C ?A..IT?.
PT: :,54 @-I7 3 ?58-T 3 ?7, with overnights in the 1's. ?ome Indian summer days in
the J's but mostly G's. ?nowshoes or microspikes used almost the whole time when above the
valley floor.
4. 'n Trail Shelter '00ortunities for Bad Weather Bail-'uts
/T: :,7?T-7T ?helter bailouts in storms, and $@8KA87T town stops. 6eeping gear dry and
having to camp in a tent all the time was usually not a problem.
PT: @-@8 ?helter bailouts in storms, and I7$@8KA87T town stops. 6eeping /8-@ 4@C
and tent camping every night, even in storms, is a big consideration in selecting appropriate
gear. .-7C 2''( mile areas without a bailout town in the middle. Cou are re%uired to be more
self sufficient in bad weather for longer periods of time.
Summary of 1ear Differences:
PT !"#$ %'B' &*+#,-#"+!,) &about 5!.*6 in $ season gear)
vs.
/T !"## %'B' &$+!,-2+$") &about 5!6 in $ season gear)
PT Shelter Cama .ountain /ear
:uben :irriform ?
Tent w3 H titanium hook
stakes, // 0olycro
groundsheet =gs>
/T Shelter .ountain 5aurel
4esigns =.54> :uben
?olo.id Tarp w3 .54
A5 Iivy w3 H titanium
hook stakes and
/ossamer /ear =//>
0olycro groundsheet
PT
Slee0ing
Lpacks <'E 5ong3ide
Kuilt with . Iag
liner and Lpacks stuff
sack pillow
/T Slee0ing . :aribou <&E
4own 5ong then
5a$uma &&E ?ynthetic
after G weeks
PT Mat T-@ L+lite torso plus
7eo-ir 5ong for last
1&' miles =snow>
/T Mat Thermarest =T-@>
7eo-ir 5ong
PT
ooking
?toveless, then hite
box stove and .?@
Titan pot for ?ierras
only, Metboil for last 1&'
miles =snow>
/T ooking ?nowpeak Ti+.ini ?olo
0ot w3 0ackafeather N5
stove for first &'' miles
then stoveless
PT Pack Lpacks -rc Ilast w3 hip
O shoulder pockets
=1G''mi> and trash
compactor bag, then
A5- :ircuit3/olite
0innacle for last 1&'mi
interchanged =snow>
/T Pack .54 8xodus =2
st

&''mi> then .54 Iurn
w3 shoulder3hip pockets
and trash compactor
bag
PT %av ?ilva
compass3thermometer
-nd Ipod touch w3
/uthook -pp,
0:T)C,), and
)alfmile digital maps
/T %av ?ilva
compass3thermometer
-nd 23& sections of -T
/uide =I like -,5
better, and /ut)ook>
PT H!" T( ?awyer ?%ueeze =;''
mi> then -%ua .ira
=-.> =1'' mi> then
?teri0en ,pti =2<''mi>
then -.37one =last 1&'
mi in snow>
/T H!" T( ?teri0en ,pti w3 buff
prefilter and
?treamlight :@21<
5ithium Iatteries
=I8?T :@21< batteries
Ive found>
PT 7eet 4irty /irl gaiters, -ltra
5one 0eaks =< pairs> w3
Irooks :ascadias for
?ierras and 4arn Tough
P socks =In!in!i for
desert only> =/NT over
socks for last 1&'mi> w3
?uperfeet Ilue insoles
/T 7eet 4irty /irl gaiters,
?alomon N- 0ro <4
Altra .esh =G pairs>
with In!in!i toe socks
w3 4arn Tough
oversocks, ?uperfeet
/reen and ?,58
6arnazes Insoles
PT ?ingle 6omperdell :$ /T Trekking 4ual // 5TG? =G'' mi
Trekking
Poles
then I4 Trail 8rgo :ork
=last 1&'mi snow>
Poles and kept breaking> then
I4 Trail 8rgo :ork
PT
Traction
5ast 1&'mi had .?@
-xis -scent 1&# w3
tails, 6ahtoola ?pikes,
:amp :orsa -xe
/T Traction 7one
PT Sun
Protection +
Bugs
Tilley 5T.H .esh )at,
@x ?unglasses and
@ailriders long pants till
?ierras, had Iirdiepal
Ambrella whole trip,
Linc ,xide, 488T,
headnet
/T Sun
Protection+
Bugs
,@ :ap w3 snap on
neck wrap, headnet,
bandana, some bug
spray but mostly !ust
used the headnet and
long clothes as needed.
PT 8ain
1ear
.54 e9ent mitts whole
trip, )oudini indshirt
=till ,@> then .)
Macket =and .armot rain
pants for last 1&'mi.>
/T 8ain 1ear .54 e9ent mitts
whole trip, 8.?
Thunderhead Macket,
.armot 0ants for first
&''mi then 4ri4ucks
Macket
PT 7irst
/id + Safety
5eatherman :?, @x for
pain3/I3 )1'3 -llergy,
needle thread3leukotape,
-leve, ?aline 7asal /el
=2
st
2'''mi>
/T 7irst /id +
Safety
5eatherman :?, @x for
pain3/I3)1'3 -llergy,
needle thread3
leukotape, -leve
PT Hiking
lothing
.) 5? :hiller ?hirt,
@@ Ione+$lats 0ants
=pants for Q''mi then
unlined @unning shorts>
and 8xofficio II,
0atagonia windshirt and
.ontbell windpants as
needed, used 8.? T1
baselayers top3bottom
for last 1&'mi hike3sleep
/T Hiking
lothing
.ountain )ardwear
=.)> ?? P Tee+shirt w3
unlined running shorts
and 8xofficio boxer
briefs, @ailriderers
=@@> 8comesh top O
pants for
bugs3town3camp
PT am0
lothing
.ountain )ardwear
/host hisperer
)ooded Macket =whole
trip stored in pillow>,
.ontbell wind pants,
last 1&'mi added
.ontbell Thermawrap
!acket 3 pants,
expedition socks, fleece
hat3gloves3balaclava
/T am0
lothing
.ontbell Thermawrap
Macket and 0ants =pants
for &''mi from the
start>, fleece hat and
gloves =first &'' mi>
PT
9ighting
0etzl Tikka N0 w3 :ore
recharge batt.
/T 9ighting I4 /izmo
PT
3lectronics
?ony TN+2' :amera,
0hone, Ipod nano
=1'''mi>, Ipod Touch
w3 /0?, GJ''m-h
/T 3lectronics ?ony TN+2' :amera,
0hone, Ipod nano
.ono0rice R<' Iattery
Ho: I handled the PT ; / Summary By Sections
&Soal< Sierra< %oral< '8< W/)
#. Southern alifornia &Soal)
The first Q'' miles of the 0:T are mostly a mix of ")igh 4esert# and ".oonscape 4esert#. Cou
climb a few mountains that can have snow on them, depending on when you start. 4o not be fooled
?o:al is 7,T flatD Training before I started really helped me to immediately start hiking about 1J
miles per day =mpd> right from day one. I arrived at the 6ennedy .eadows /eneral ?tore, Q''
miles from the .exican border, exactly <' days from when I started. The trail grade is fairly
consistent, and relative to the rest of the trail its likely to be some of the easiest walking you will
get, but this is not to say that it is easy. I used my mylar coated trekking umbrella on a daily basis
=and used it as a foot end support for my tent>.
7-9I/-TI,7 seems like it would be a well planned item for all hikers, but I did see many folks
get lost due to simply not being prepared with the most basic ability to find out where they were.
hat I used was B
Ipod Touch w3 Iad 8lf /0?. I had all the /AT),,6 0:T apps as well as the )alf.ile
app, and the 0:T)C,) app =which I cached all the digital )alfmile .-0? for the whole
trail>. I carried only 4igital maps, though the printed ones are nice if you want to spend the
money. .y advice: /8T - ?.-@T0),78 $,@ T)8 0:T w3 /0? apps listed.
.onoprice GJ''m-h Iattery Iackup =could charge all my electronics>.
?ilva $orecaster J2' :ompass 3 Thermometer. eighs '.& ounces and cost R2' and I bring it
on all my hikes. )elpful to know what temperature your gear is comfortable at, and always
good to know which way 7,@T) isD
hen the wind picks up it can cool down and be comfortable hiking, but the evenings can be
cold, and the daytime highs can be downright brutal. I found that I needed to use a ?aline 7asal /el
for the first 2''' miles to keep my nose from bleeding in the dry dusty air of the desert, and when I
was up over ;k feet on a daily basis through the ?ierras. I also found that I sweated off my
sunscreen within an hour, so I used long pants and a long sleeve shirt along with a wide brim hat to
protect me from the scorching rays of the sun. I switched to running shorts from the ?ierras until
:ascade 5ocks =,@> because they breathed better and kept chafing to a minimum. $or chafing in
the desert, I found two solutions that worked for me in addition to using boxer briefs and running
shorts B
Iring zinc oxide =sunscreen 3 skin protectant> and use that on chafing
@ub hand sanitizer on the chafing and "chemically searing# the chafeS.-@7I7/ B
extremely painful but works well if you dont have anything else to use B best done at night
after hiking.
I brought electrolyte capsules and :hia seeds with me throughout all of :alifornia. I used )ammer
8ndurolyte capsules and found that they worked very well for me. In high heat I would take two
capsules every 1+G hrs while hiking, and never suffered from leg cramping or electrolyte deficiency =I
am a very high electrolyte loser when I sweat B everyone is different though>. I also brought a few
ounces of :hia seeds B a few times I ran very low on water and threw an ounce of seeds into <+J ounces
of water and hiked upwards of 2' miles without suffering from serious dehydration =it was not fun
though B bringing enough water is always the best solution>. :hia seeds hold water in your digestive
tract longer, preventing you from immediately sweating it out. 5et the chia seeds sit in water for 2'
minutes till they form a gel+like substance and then en!oyD
:-@I,)C4@-T8 -74 0@,T8I7 ?)-68? did wonders for my constant energy levels throughout
the day when doing high miles. I bought :-@I,+/-I78@ online by the 21 lb. bag for cheap and
mixed in protein powder and flavor and electrolyte mixes to taste B made my own /atorade 3 0rotein
shakes and individually bagged them in Liplock ?nack bags for all of my :alifornia resupply boxes.
:heap and worked really wellD /ot the idea and info from ")iking .alto# =backpackinglight.com
member and 0:T 1'22 thru+hiker>.
I5I?T8@? are going to happen in ?o:al. I found the best ways to minimize them are the following B
ear lightweight breathable trail running shoes. Ioots T more blisters, waterproof shoes T more
blisters
ear lightweight socks =two pairs can also work B toe socks under regular socks>.
:hange socks $@8KA87T5C B I carried < pairs and changed about 1+G times a day. I hung the
pairs Id !ust taken off on my pack with straps 3 safety pins.
Ase Iodyglide or similair product on your feet to help minimize friction.
87?A@8 your shoes will fit ?,5587 $88T and that they are I48 enough for your toes to
wiggle around a bit B you will need the room.
Try using 5eukotape to tape over any hot+spots I8$,@8 you get a blister.
I@I7/ - 788458 -74 T)@8-4 B lance your blister and leave a piece of thread in the
blister to help it drain for a little while =remove before walking>. 4,7T cut off blistersD
?oak your feet in water any chance you getD -lso T-68 C,A@ ?),8? and ?,:6? ,$$
)87 C,A I@8-6 $,@ 5A7:) B this will allow them to air out, cool off, and will allow
the skin to dry.
8-@ 5I/)T8I/)T /-IT8@? B I used 4irty /irl /aiters to help keep out all the rocks,
dust, and debris that I kicked up while hiking. It made a noticeable difference in how few
blisters I got compared to others.
0-:6 5I/)T B heavier packs e%uals more weight on the feet and an increased amount of
friction, possibly leading to more blisters.
?A7 8N0,?A@8 is going to be fairly consistant in ?o:al. Iring ?A7/5-??8? and sunscreen. Cou
will want at least a ball cap with a bandana =worn ?afari style to protect your neck and ears>. I used wide
coverage @x sunglasses with .irror lens =to help provide max sun protection> and a wide brim Tilley
5T.H hat with full mesh to help keep me cool. I also tied a bandana around my neck to help protect me
when I opened my shirt, and to wipe the sweat away while I hiked. $avorite sun protection was my trekking
umbrella. I carried Lince ,xide and I-IC I08? for all of ?o:al. Id use the Iaby ipes at night to
clean sensitive areas and my feet. ,ften there is only water caches for days on end, and thus without baby
wipes there is nothing to clean off in.
5,7/ -T8@ :-@@I8? are going to happen fairly often. /et to know your body, and dont be afraid
to hike at night to help combat the heat. I hiked at night and early in the morning many times in ?o:al. I
also found that using my trekking A.I@855- helped me to be cool enough that I could hike right
through the heat of the day many times. The longest water carry that I had was about 1&+<' miles and I
carried & liters, which was more than I ended up needing, but !ust barely. I found that adding $5-9,@I7/
to the water helped me to 4@I76 .,@8 fre%uently. /etting bored of drinking water is a problem B so
dont let it happen to youD 67, C,A@ I,4CD
!. entral alifornia &Sierra)
The biggest change youll notice from ?o:al is the 8589-TI,7. Cou will climb a lot, and you
will descend a lot. Cou will also climb 98@C high B leading to some possible -5TITA48 related
issues. I managed the altitude with the following few steps B
I took an -leve twice a day when I was in the ?ierras =6ennedy .eadows to ?onora 0ass,
about <1' miles>
I drank 5,T? of water and electrolyte sports mixes
?lept low and hiked high B helping my body better acclimate to the higher elevations
6ept close watch on any headaches and coughing
-T8 like a horse B developed a )A/8 appetite while in the ?ierras and added more snacks
and calories to my resupplies for this portion of the trail. Ased a Iearikade eekender Iear
:an for the ?ierras. orked fine for me, but always had to carry the current days food
outside of the canister =which is allowed>. .,?T -55 people used a Iear 9ault &'' that
they had sent to them at 6ennedy .eadows =I9 gives you a RR break>.
-nother few change that I noticed from ?o:al, was the appearance of IA/? and @-I7. I used a
full coverage )eadnet and 2''U 488T and that seemed to do the trick for me. - few times I ended
up wearing my windshirt and windpants instead of the 488T and that worked out fine. I used my
windshirt and umbrella the few times I got rained on in the ?ierras, and it worked !ust fine. If a real
bad storm had come through, I would have had to wait it out in my tent though, due to my lack of
full rain gear. I used I@,,6? :-?:-4I- Q trail running shoes =.,?T 0,0A5-@ ,98@-55>
for the ?ierras since they have more heel cushioning for the constantly rocky trail, but then went
back to .C $-9,@IT8 ?),8?, the -5T@- 5,78 08-6 for all the rest of the trail.
$,@4I7/ @I98@? happens throughout the 0:T, but there are a few in the ?ierras that are
normally risky. 6now how to cross, when not to attempt a crossing, and how to float to shore if you
do get swept off your feet. The water is :,54 so !ust accept it. I simply crossed in my ?),8? or
my I-@8 $88T, though many people carried an extra pair of :rocs or camp shoes. I simply
walked around camp barefoot, or in my hiking shoes with the laces loosened up. - hiking pole or
stick is helpful to balance with when crossing, and most everyone used something to balance with
when fording.
?7, T@-985 in the high ?ierras in :,..,7. I didnt have any snow to travel on when I
went through, but I also hiked in a draught year. 6now the basics of .ountaineering and take a
class if you dont have any experience. The "Iible# for a 0:T hiker would be ".ountaineering:
The $reedom of the )ills# to learn the basics about snow travel, navigation, assessing risks and self+
arresting.
$. %orthern alifornia &%oral)
There is nothing really new in 7or:al that hasnt been seen already in ?o:al and the ?ierras.
?AI-C :-98? and T8@.I7-5 /8C?8@ are two side trails that should be taken. I actually
found many of the side trails to have the most interesting things in a given section of trail. D'%=T
S6IP /99 TH3 SID3 T8/I9S>> I can=t stress this enough. I found I was on my second pair of
shoes at this point, and simply kept the same style and size that Id begun with, and switched out the
?uperfeet Ilue insoles that I had in all my hiking shoes. /etting new socks in my resupply boxes
was a great treat.
I found that -T8@ T@8-T.87T is a very personal thing for any hiker. 8veryone has their own
comfort level with water, and I saw many people who didnt treat their water at all, or who used
bleach drops. The .,?T :,7?I?T-7T5C 0@,I58. $@88 type of treatment I saw on the trail
was the 05-TC0A? /@-9ITC,@6? $I5T8@. I tried the ?awyer s%ueeze filter but found it was
seemingly clogged without repair by ;'' miles. I then tried -%ua .ira chlorine dioxide drops, but
dont like to use chemicals, as it upsets the balance of my intestinal bacteria. I finally went back to
my ?teri0en -dventurer ,pti which worked great with my Iuff as a particulate filter. )owever,
some of the water in :alifornia is @8-55C 7-?TC and I was glad to have a filter with me to really
clean out the particulate and nasties. I carried a @x of $lagyl with me in case I got /iardia, and a
broad spectrum @x for any other intestinal infections. I had no illnesses from water while on the
trail, but everyone needs to figure out treatment options for themselves.
/8T C,A@ T88T) :58-784 I7 :)8?T8@, :-5I$,@7I- B )iker friendly dentist that goes
above and beyond and is 98@C reasonable. Must do it.
$ires became a real issue around the :-3,@ border, so pay attention to fire reports and things like
clouds, the smell of burning, hazy or hot air and helicopters fre%uently heard in your area.
4. 'regon &'8)
@elatively flat is a good description. There are some notable climbs, but nothing that a 7,I,
thru+hiker wont have done before. I found ,regon to be nice enough, but more like sporadic
interesting spots with somewhat generic trail inbetween =much like :alifornia in that sense>. I
-?)84 my 4,7 sleeping bag and !acket in -shland. 4,7T I8 -$@-I4 T, -?)
4,7 /8-@. I used 7ikax 4own ash and followed the simple directions. )aving used a
sleeping bag liner for many nights, or worn my running shorts to bed, my bag wasnt as dirty as it
could have been. Iut I did notice the 5,$T seemed to be less as the dirt and body oil compressed
the down and didnt keep it as fluffy =$luffier T armer>.
:rater 5ake on a weekend was insane, and I wish I hadnt hit it on a ?aturday. Ie sure to T-68
T)8 ?:87I: @,AT8 along the 5ake, it was fun and is the "hiker# 0:T route. 5ittle :rater 5ake
was really cool also B4,7T I8 -$@-I4 T, T-68 T)8 ?I48 T@-I5?, !ust drop your pack and
go check out some cool things with your cameraD TI.8@5I78 5,4/8 breakfast buffet was 80I:D
:amped at a small campspot on the 0:T right above the lodge and got to see the sunset and sunrise
on .t )ood.
The Three ?isters ilderness is amazing, and deserves at least one night of camping to fully
appreciate itD The whole trail is a meshwork of amazing sights and people B I7 ?'@ W/%T 93SS
P3'P93 try to get to 0o0ular 0laces during the :eekdays and not the :eekend.
*. Washington &W/)
Im tempted to say that ashington is my favorite state of the whole 0:T. In truth, my favorite
part of the 0:T, is the 0:TD ashington was also 98@C uni%ue for my hike, in that it gave me rain,
sleet, snow, typhoon weather, and crisp cold sunny days in mountains of pristine snowy wilderness.
ashington was the hardest state for me, both in terms of risk and physical effort* but it also gave
me the most en!oyment and the greatest sense of adventure while on this hike. $inishing the trail
with full winter gear, in snow and 1'E nighttime temps was very different that Id expected* but
even with the weather delays and harsh hiking conditions, it delivered the adventure that I had
hoped for.
The heavy rains of Typoon Iabuk caused massive damage to the whole trail system in northern
ashington. ?oil erosion from oversaturation was almost a constant problem after I got on trail on
,ct 2G
th
at ?now%ualmie 0ass. G other hikers and I held up in Tacoma and waited for my gear to
arrive and the Typoon to pass. 8ven with the snowshoes and microspikes, there were a number of
times where the whole area of soil I was hiking on simply crumbled off under me, and would make
me scramble for stable ground. 7umerous soil and rockslides forced my trio of hikers to constantly
navigate huge slide areas, often only able to hike 2 mph at times. hile time consuming and
somewhat dangerous while I was hiking, these trail conditions are unlikely to be present when the
class of 1'2G make their appearance in northern ashington B assuming that the trail maintainers
have been able to put in a boatload of work.
Here are some thoughts on :hat Washington &or the Sierra for some) :ill thro: your :ay if
you don=t beat the sno:: =hat I experienced in the 7orthern :ascades>
8xpect to be carrying 2'+2& lbs more than you normally would =gear and extra food 3 fuel in
case of being trapped in a storm + + read about @ocket 5lamas account of being caught in a
storm in the /oat @ocks for a 886 if you doubt me =she had to self rescue and bushwack
down 6illen :reek>
8xpect to hike ?5,8@ and ?),@T8@ days due to trail conditions =snow, ice, etc.> and
due to 58?? 4-C5I/)T B have a good headlampD
- 1' mile day would take us from sunrise to an hour or two after sunset with 7, extended
breaks all day =a few &+2' min breaks>D
8xpect to travel in groups of at least < during winter travel =one to stay with in!ured person,
one to go for help>, for safety reasons.
8xpect -.-LI7/ views of snowcapped mountains and ?TA77I7/ snowshoeing of the
highest orderD
8xpect to use your ?nowshoes B your .icrospikes B and your Ice -xeD
:arry emergency fire starting material =8sbit Tabs>
)-98 - /0? -74 0@I7T84 .-0? =different people carrying them>
4,7T $,@/8T -@.8@ :5,T)I7/ as it got to 1'E a few nights even when camping
relatively low =G,&''6>
)ave warm sleep socks and waterproof hiking socks =@ocky .ountain /ore+Tex are what I
used with my -ltra 5one 0eak trail runners>.
4,7T ?6I.0 ,7 :-5,@I8? B you will be working hardD
)ot chocolate with butter melted in it and a nip of ?cotch make a good nightcapD
?.I58 I7 898@C 0),T, B then when you look back at them youll forget that you
werent always having fun when you took the photoD
/et some I7T8@ )iking 3 .ountaineering experience in I8$,@8 you thru+hike
ashington in winter if you canS Its not the easiest or the most forgiving place to learnD
@8.8.I8@ T, )-98 $A7 -74 87M,C T)8 -4987TA@8D
My PT !"#$ /ctual 1ear 9ist
&Some :eights are estimates< a00ro(. 83T/I9 1ear ost< %'T including Winter 1ear)
&The last !*" miles I changed many things due to :inter hiking conditions)
Item 4escription :ost ,unces
Shelter+Slee0
Tent Cama .ountain
/ear :irriform ?
:uben Tent
E/ear ?ponsor B
@etail T RG1'
2;
=with stuff sack>
?takes 5awson Titanium
?hepard ?takes w3
Tyvek :ase
R2J J.& grams =each>
2.H ounces
=&1 grams>
/roundsheet /ossamer /ear
0olycro
/roundsheet
R& 2.J
.at L+5ite Torso 0ad RG' H
?leeping Iag Lpacks <'E RG'' 2Q.&
ide3N5ong Kuilt =with stuff sack>
?leeping Iag estern
.ountaineering
=.>hisper 5iner
RG& G
0illow Lpacks :uben
?tuffsack 0illow
R<1 1
Pack
Iackpack Lpacks :ustom -rc
Ilast =&15>
R1H' 2J.&
Iag 5iner Trash :ompactor
Iag
R1 2.&
0ack 0ockets =1> Lpacks Ielt
0ockets
=1> Limmerbuilt
?houlder 0ockets
R<;
R1&
2.& =pair>
2.<=pair>
7ood+Water
$ood Iag ?ea To ?ummit
=?T?> 1'5 ?ilnylon
4ry Iag
R1' 1
0ot 3 ?poon .ountain ?afety
@esearch =.?@>
Titan 0ot O ?T?
5ong )andled
?poon
RJ'
RH
G
'.G
?tove 3 $uel Iottle hite Iox ?tove
and 1'oz. $uel It.
R1' 1
)1' Treatment ?awyer ?%ueeze
$ilter w3 1 5
Iladder
?teri0en ,pti
R&'
R;'
G.&
=with bladder>
<.J
=with battery>
lothing arried
:ore Insulation .ountain )ardwear
)ooded /host
hisperer Macket
R<1' Q.H
,uter 5ayer Top 0atagonia )oudini RQ& &
,uter 5ayer Iottom .ontbell 4ynamo RG& 2.&
)ead Iuff R21 2.&
/loves .54 e9ent .itts RG' 2.&
?ocks 4arn Tough P
)iking ?ocks
R2J 1
lothing Worn
5? Top .ountain )ardwear
:hiller
R2'' ;
0ants @ail@iders Ione
$lats
R;' ;
?horts Irooks Anlined
@unning
R2' 2
Anderwear 8xofficio Ioxer R1G 1
Iriefs
?ocks 4arn Tough P R2J 1
?hoes -ltra 5one 0eak R21' 2H
Insoles ?uperfeet Ilue RG' G
)at Tilley 5T.H R;' G.&
%avigation +
3lectronics
/0? 3 .aps i0od Touch w3 /0?
and 4igital .aps
J
:ompass ?ilva $orecaster J2' R2' '.&
Iackup Iattery .ono0rice
GJ''m-h
R<' G
0hone -TOT $lip phone ++ 1.&
.usic i0od 7ano ++ 2
)eadlamp 0etzl Tikka N0 w3
:,@8 Iattery
RH' <.&
'ther
)eadnet 0eters )eadnets R1' 2
Trekking 0ole 6omperdell :arbon
A5 -d!ustable
R<' G
Trekking Ambrella Iirdiepal Trekking RG' H
$irst -id .ed 6it 3@epair 6it
5eatherman :?
RJ&
R1'
<.G
2.1
Ilister :are 7eedle3Thread
5eukotape
R2' '.G
/aiters 4irty /irl /aiters R2H 2.&
Ho: I handled the /T ; / Summary By Sections
&Southern< entral< %e: 3ngland)
A. Southern /T &1/< %< T%< B/)
The first few hundred miles of the -T are a rude awakening for those not accustomed to "0A4?#,
also known as 0ointless Ap and 4owns. )ills become your breakfast, forested mountaintops your
lunch, and rocky scrambles are dinner enough to give you your fill for the day. The soft caking red
clay of /eorgia soon gives way to the well+trod footpath of thousands before you, and your
footsteps become lost in the maze of rocks, tree+roots, and packed earth often only wide enough to
fit your shoes.
Ignoring your burning %uadriceps muscles soon becomes a game, and by the end of the ?moky
.ountains, you have ac%uired a new and genuine humility regarding your planned con%uest of this
historic trail. Cour body is focused on one thing, and one thing only in the hills of the southern -T.
4ont die before you get out of it. I liken it to learning how to walk for the first time* your body has
to undergo a new process of figuring out how to navigate the footpath, and deal with the extremes
of heat, cold, humidity, hail, wind, rain, fog, and blistering sun.
hile navigation seems like it would be a well+planned item for all hikers, I did see many folks
get lost due to simply not being prepared with the most basic ability to find out where they were.
hat I used was B
I used the ,fficial -T /uidebook, though after seeing -,5? /uidebook I wished Id
brought that one instead. .y pal /uthook has created a phone -pp for the trail. I used his
/uthook )ikes 0:T -pp and loved it. /et /uthooks /uides on Iphone or 4roid )8@8.
?ilva $orecaster J2' :,.0-?? 3 Thermometer. eighs '.& ounces and cost R2'. Iring it
on all my hikes. )elpful to know what temperature your gear is comfortable at, and always
good to know which way 7,@T) isD ?ince the trail sticks you in the trees of the aptly
named "5ong /reen Tunnel# for much of the trail, it is possible to get turned around or miss
a turn.
hen the wind picks up it can cool down and be comfortable hiking, but the evenings can be
cold, and the daytime highs can be downright brutal. I also found that I sweated off my sunscreen
within an hour, so I used long pants and a long sleeve shirt along with a hat or bandana to protect
me from the scorching rays of the sun. I switched to running shorts once the weather warmed up
because they breathed better and kept chafing to a minimum. ith the high humidity of the 8ast
:oast, nothing really solved my chafing issues expect for simply developing a good callus. ?ome of
the things that worked out well enough were:
Iring zinc oxide =sunscreen 3 skin protectant> and use that on chafing
@ub hand sanitizer on the chafing and "chemically searing# the chafeS.-@7I7/ B
extremely painful but works well if you dont have anything else to use B best done at night
after hiking.
)ike in !ust nylon running shorts with the liner cut out and no underwear.
)iking in spandex race shorts was a popular option among many of the hikers
.y energy re%uirements were vast, and not fully understood during my crucible+by+fire of at the start
of the -T. 8ating candy bars, trail mix, raw @amen 7oodles with peanut butter, and drink mixes did
wonders for my constant energy levels throughout the day when doing high miles. I never did eat
enough food during the entirety of my -T hike, and by 6atahdin Id lost almost 2& lbs from a svelte
runners physi%ue that didnt appreciate the weight loss. I looked more than a little anorexic, and frankly
I got tired much faster than I should have. 4ecreasing finances played a role in my caloric decrease, as
did my distain for having to carry the added weight of more food. ,verall though, it should be noted
that I often hiked over 1& miles a day for a week or more, without a significant break, as this also
contributed to the excessive weight loss. .y if+Id+known+then+what+I+know+now statement would be:
3at More 7ood< 3at Better Cuality 7ood< 3at Healthier 7ood. I noticed that my body did not
appreciate the massive amounts of !unk food consumed on this trip, and I make a concerted effort on
the 0:T to eat healthier B and it paid off. ?ome of my favorites:
-vacados
Iagels =bad to eat at home B great for the trail>
?harp :heeses =the sharper it is, the longer it lasts>
,ranges3-pples3Iananas =Iasically any fresh fruit>
0eanut Iutter3-lmond Iutter3:ashew Iutter
)igh 0rotein3)igh Ansaturated $at $oods =try to avoid an all sugar diet>
@eesess 0ieces3 /ummy Iears3 )ard :andy =to celebrate the top of a long climb>
/um =sometimes you !ust really want a stick of gum>
0owdered 4rink .ixes =thousands of liters of water does get really boring after a while>
,verall however, it is important for me to point out here that 5,/I?TI:? are .A:) 8-?I8@ on the -T
than on the 0:T for the inexperienced hiker. I planned out & resupply stops for the -T, and those usually
included things like new shoes, batteries for my ?teri0en, new socks, and various items. $or most of the -T
my logistical plan constisted of "inging+It# to the extreme. I rarely planned beyond the next logical stop
for food, and I simply took the trail as it came and learned along the way. That same relaxed attitude I used
on the -T will 7,T ,@6 on the 0:T most beginning hikers. I planned out over 2& resupply boxes ahead
of time, and used large town along the way to send out even more resupply boxes for upcoming sections.
T)8 0:T I? - -?T85-74 of resupply options compared the -T. - little forethought will go a long
way. Cou have been warned.
I5I?T8@? are going to happen. I found the best ways to minimize them are the following B
ear lightweight breathable trail running shoes. Ioots T more blisters, waterproof shoes T more
blisters
ear lightweight socks =two pairs can also work B toe socks under regular socks>.
:hange socks $@8KA87T5C B I carried < pairs and changed about 1+G times a day. I hung the
pairs Id !ust taken off on my pack with straps 3 safety pins.
Ase Iodyglide or similair product on your feet to help minimize friction.
87?A@8 your shoes will fit ?,5587 $88T and that they are I48 enough for your toes to
wiggle around a bit B you will need the room.
Try using 5eukotape to tape over any hot+spots I8$,@8 you get a blister.
I@I7/ - 788458 -74 T)@8-4 B lance your blister and leave a piece of thread in the
blister to help it drain for a little while. 4,7T cut off blistersD
I:8 C,A@ $88T in water any chance you getD -lso T-68 C,A@ ?),8? and ?,:6? ,$$
)87 C,A I@8-6 $,@ 5A7:) B this will allow them to air out, cool off, and will allow
the skin to dry.
8-@ 5I/)T8I/)T /-IT8@? B I used 4irty /irl /aiters to help keep out all the rocks,
dust, and debris that I kicked up while hiking. It made a noticeable difference in how $8
blisters I got compared to others.
0-:6 5I/)T B heavier packs e%uals more weight on the feet and an increased amount of
friction, possibly leading to more blisters.
?A7 8N0,?A@8 is going to be fairly minimal when all said and done. Iecause I wear prescription
glasses, I opted not to bring sunglasses, and instead !ust use an over+the+glasses pair during the most
exposed times. Cou will want at least a ball cap with a bandana =worn ?afari style to protect your neck and
ears>. I also used a bandana to wipe the sweat away while I hiked.
. I found that adding $5-9,@I7/ to the water helped me to 4@I76 .,@8 fre%uently. /etting bored of
drinking water is a problem B so dont let it happen to youD 67, C,A@ I,4CD
D. entral /T &WB<MD< P/< %E)
The biggest change youll notice from the southern -T is that you will get some flat sections. -nd
while flat, they wont necessarily be fun. hile I loved the historic nature of )arpers $erry, I found
0ennsylvania to be a mere transition between some of the more interesting and scenic states of the trail.
hile the move north across the .ason 4ixon line is monumental for a 7ew 8nglander like myself, I
will say that I en!oyed my time in the ?outhern states, but was happy to be back home once again.
I found that for me at least, this was a section that at various times either seemed to fly by, or
endlessly drag on. /enerally the easiest part of the whole trail, this is a good section to pace yourself,
heal from any in!uries sustained from the southern trail, and prepare your body to be in the best shape
of your life to hike the northern trail.
H. %e: 3ngland /T &%?<T< M/< BT< %H< M3)
ith more than half the trail having been long since hiked for a northbound hiker, 7ew 8ngland
will hit even the season hiker like a pro linebacker going against a high+school punter. The saying
goes " when you hit 7ew 8ngland, youve done V of the mileage and only W the work#, and I think
it hits pretty close to home. If the hills of /eorgia dont scare you away, then the rocks of 7ew
)ampshire will surely try their hardest.
7ew Cork is the apple in the orchard of scenery that the northern states offer the trail. Magged rock
begins to appear in scenic places that are not directly underfoot, and your legs start to remember
what it feels like to climb some alternating steep and rolling terrain. -s your legs awaken out of the
central states sleep, :onnecticut is there to help you build your legs back up to fighting shape, as the
early hints of changing foliage re+invigorate a possibly lagging mental motivation. $or hikers
reeling from the financial drain of ":onnecti:ash#, .assachusetts becomes a welcome balance.
?mall towns and worthwhile spots such as ?ages @avine, .t. /reylock, and Apper /oose 0ond
provide a good respite as the last three states ahead loom large.
9ermont, also fondly known as "9er.ud# is like the appetizer ahead of the main course. ith its
rustic charm, challenging terrain, and amazing views this state simply asks that you ignore the mud,
the flies, mos%uitoes, slick roots, treacherous bog bridges, and occasional monsoon or hailstorm.
@esupply stops are all interestingly uni%ue, and spaced close enough that putting on a little more
weight before the big finish is a possibility. "7ew )ampshire at last# was the thought on my mind
when my feet last touched this monumental state line. 5ike rock candy at a carnival, its a treat that
should be eaten slowly and with great care, lest it bite backD
.aine is the wilderness of the 8ast :oast, and with a hikers entrance into it, a sudden rush of
earthy immersion and primal adventure bubble to overflowing. -ll of the anticipation, all of the
pain, the struggle, the rain, cold, hunger, blisters, logistics, animal encounters, new best friends, and
etched mental vistas collide into an almost numbing !oy. ?o close, and yet still so far, these last few
hundred miles solidify, once and for all, into the very fibers of your being, the !ourney that you have
!ust taken. - !ourney that will forever remain with you, and a !ourney that has the power to forever
change you. -s my shaking fingers grasped the wooden sign marking the summit of .t. 6atahdin
and the 7orthern Terminus of the -ppalachian Trail, I know that my face at least, had more than one
tear of amazement at the vast timeline of stories that I had !ust experienced in a mere 1,2H2 miles.
Here are some thoughts on :hat the 3ast oast :ill thro: your :ay if you are not careful:
?tart out by T-6I7/ ?.-558@ ?T80?, and I mean this literallyD ?hin splints, stress
fractures, and strained muscles cause )A74@84? -74 )A74@84? of hikers to either
%uit or take costly and length time off from their hike to recover. The best treatment is good
prevention, so be sure to /, -T C,A@ ,7 0-:8, and not try to overstride to keep up
with friends, or hike sudden long days on a whim. =around Q&U of hikers fail in their attempt
to thru+hike each year>
Cou are going to be hiking all day B T-68 - I@8-6D 0ut your feet up and take off your
socks and shoes to help reduce swelling, and let your feet air out to reduce the chance of
blisters forming. ?7-:6 $@8KA87T5C to help keep your energy levels up all day long.
5ook at the scenery, ,@ hike B if you try to do them both at the same time, you may wind up
flat on your face. Trekking poles can help prevent this, and can really help your knees on the
brutal down hills.
:)8:6 $,@ TI:6? 898@C ?I7/58 4-C B know how to properly remove an attached
tick, know !ust how small ticks can be, where they like to crawl and attach, and how
annoying 5yme 4isease can be if you dont check for ticks. 4ont be afraid, be prepared and
diligent in looking for them each and ever night before you go to bed.
IA@C C,A@ T,I58T 0-08@ B nothing ruins a good walk like seeing used toilet paperD
8xpect )A.I4ITC. - lightweight synthetic bag has its benefits over a down sleeping bag,
after days of humid and damp sticky weather. -n inexpensive 2.& lb synthetic bag lasted me
the entire hot weather portion of the trip, and I was happy I had it. 8lectrolyte capsules may
be a good idea for those that tend to get muscle cramps and are heavy sweaters.
hen you stop at a shelter to get water, or have lunch, be sure to make a note of which
direction you want to go when you leave B the woods have a way of looking all alike.
@-I7 is going to happen B be sure you have at least a !acket or poncho to prevent
hypothermia.
Ase boots or trail running shoes with /,,4 8T 8-T)8@ T@-:TI,7 B as this will
mean the difference between slipping and falling a lot, or !ust an average amount.
4,7T ?6I.0 ,7 :-5,@I8? B you will be working hardD
)ot chocolate with poured into a packet of oatmeal is a really easy and tasty breakfastD
Iring something to take photos and ?.I58 I7 898@C 0),T, B then when you look back
at them youll forget that you werent always having fun when you took the photoD
4ont be so focused on a schedule B that you forget to :arpe 4iem and take each new
adventure that the trail offers you. ?ometimes the least expected diversion from your plan
will turn out to be the most fun.
@8.8.I8@ T, )-98 $A7 -74 87M,C T)8 -4987TA@8D
My /T !"## /ctual 1ear 9ist
&Some :eights are estimates< a00ro(. 83T/I9 1ear ost< not all items :ere carried at the
same time)
Item 4escription :ost ,unces
Shelter+Slee0
Tent .ountain 5aurel
4esigns =.54>
?olo.id :uben
Tent
RG1' 2'
=with stuff sack>
?takes 5awson Titanium
?hepard ?takes w3
Tyvek :ase
R2J J.& grams =each>
2.1 ounces
=<; grams>
/roundsheet /ossamer /ear
0olycro
/roundsheet
R& 2.J
.at 7eo-ir 5ong R21' 2;
?leeping Iag 5a$uma 8xtreme
Q'' N5 &'E
?ynthetic
RJ' 1G
?leeping Iag estern
.ountaineering <&E
:aribou 4own
R<'' 1&
0illow .y rolled up rain
coat
-lready carrying it -lready carrying it
Pack
Iackpack .54 8xodus 3 Iurn R2H' 2G
Iag 5iner Trash :ompactor
Iag
R1 2.&
0ack 0ockets =1> .54 Ielt
0ockets
=1> .54 ?houlder
0ockets
R<;
R1&
2.& =pair>
2.<=pair>
7ood+Water
$ood Iag ?ea To ?ummit
=?T?> 1'5 ?ilnylon
4ry Iag
R1' 1
0ot 3 ?poon .ountain ?afety
@esearch =.?@>
?now 0eak Ti .ini
?olo O Ti ?poon
RJ'
RH
G
'.G
?tove 3 $uel Iottle hite Iox ?tove
and 1'oz. $uel It.
R1' 1
)1' Treatment ?awyer ?%ueeze
$ilter w3 1 5
Iladder
?teri0en ,pti
R&'
R;'
G.&
=with bladder>
<.J
=with battery>
lothing arried
:ore Insulation .ontbell
Thermawrap Macket
R21' 21
,uter 5ayer Top 4ri4ucks Macket R2H &
/loves .54 e9ent .itts RG' 2.&
?ocks 4arn Tough P
)iking ?ocks
R2J 1
lothing Worn
5? Top @ailriders 8co.esh RJ' Q
0ants @ail@iders Ione
$lats
RH' ;
?horts Irooks Anlined
@unning
R2' 2
Anderwear 8xofficio Ioxer
Iriefs
R1G 1
?ocks 4arn Tough P R2J 1
?hoes ?alomon N- 0ro
Altra .esh
R21' 2H
Insoles ?uperfeet /reen RG' G
)at ,@ ?unrunner :ap R1' G.&
%avigation +
3lectronics
/0? 3 .aps -T /uidebook 23& &
:ompass ?ilva $orecaster J2' R2' '.&
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In onclusion: what works for one hiker in a given year on a given trail, may work !ust fine for others,
and may not. 8ach hiker will need to think hard about their own trail, experience, weather predictions, and
hiker style, before they find that suitable balance between minimalism and preparedness in the backcountry.
-s they say, ")ike Cour ,wn )ike#. ?o use this comparison as !ust that B one persons ideas regarding his
personal experiences. hether or not you decide to extrapolate my gear and uses into your own travels,
will be left entirely up to you. -s always, get out there and hike, and dont sue me if you get hurtD Ielow
Ive outlined some websites to help get you started on researching various trails, lightweight gear
companies, and general resources.
8esources for 9ight:eight Hiking + 9ong Distance Hiking + Hiking Information
-. /eneral @esources:
a. Back0ackinglight.com &research + gear com0arison + used gear 0urchasing)
b. 0eaksandvalleys.weebly.com =.y hiking blog site B likely where you are reading this>
c. 0ostholer.com =!ournal accounts of peoples hikes B more 0:T 3 :4T hikers>
d. Trail!ournals.com =!ounal accounts of peoples hikes B more -T hikers>
e. ?ection)iker.com
f. /ut)ook)ikes.com =great blog and details on his )I6I7/ -00?>
g. CouTube.com =you can find video diaries and many hiker videos>
I. 0acific :rest Trail @esources:
a. PT/.org
b. Plan?ourHike.com
c. Pct0lanner.com
:. -ppalachian Trail @esources:
a. /00alachianTrail.org
b. hiteIlaze.net
4. 9ermont 5ong Trail
8. 7ew 8ngland Trail
$. A5 :ottage 3 Top .anufacturers: =not a comprehensive list>
a. Camamountaingear.com =I am a Trail -mbassador for this company>
b. Lpacks.com
c. .ountainlaureldesigns.com
d. /ossamergear.com
e. Ala+e%uipment.com
f. ?ixmoondesigns.com
g. )yperlightmountaingear.com
h. 8nlightenede%uipment.com
i. Tarptent.com
F. Limmerbuilt.com
k. esternmountaineering.com
l. $eatherfriends.com
m. Thru+hiker.com
n. Iearpawwd.com
o. -ntigravitygear.com