Staying at Jeff’s hiker hostel was an inspiration. His family took us into their home and treated us with the upmost hospitality and generosity. We took several “zero” days here to rest up and get the hell out of the desert sun. This is the attic that became home for a few days.
On the 3rd day of our stay, he took us out back to shoot a couple rounds off with his 22.
Continue reading “Pacific Crest Trail Thru Hike: Hostel to Hostel Hiking”
On day 17, it was decided that waking up at 4:30am and hitting the trail at 5:15 was the best option. The early breakfast was inspired by a 20 mile waterless stretch that lay ahead. Knocking out 10 miles before the heat of the day allowed me to carry only 2 liters during the waterless stretch.
When it was all said and done, I arrived at the next water source at 2pm. I wasn’t dehydrated, I still had half a liter of water left. But, I was mentally and physically drained from the morning and afternoon hiking.
Of course, that’s when the trail provided something to uplift my spirits. A trail supporter must know of the difficult waterless stretch, so he/she setup a nice spot to relax and enjoy yourself.
Next to the water cache, this trail angel provided a couch and a garbage dumpster filled with some PCT Magic. Inside the dumpster was 8 different kinds of soda, various cookies, water, fruits, first aid supplies, and a trail log for thru hikers to sign. Continue reading “Pacific Crest Trail Thru Hike: 370 Miles North – Trail Magic”
On April 17, I began my Pacific Crest Trail thru hike. Traveling north from the Mexican border, I will reach Canada sometime in early September. I’m currently in a small town called Idyllwild, about 175 miles north of Mexico.
Mornings on the PCT begin when the sun rises. After wiping the condensation off my sleeping bag, I chow down on some protein bars, force down a liter of water, and start my day. The cold desert wind is advantageous hiking weather, so 10 miles before noon has become habitual. Continue reading “Pacific Crest Trail Thru Hike: Mexican Border to Idyllwild”
Hammock Camping is still a relatively new trend in the outdoor world though it has really began to make a name for itself in the past few years. It certainly has its perks; Suspend above the rocky, uneven floor and pretty much camp anywhere (if there are trees of course). This versatility is, in my opinion, a hammocks best advantage. In terms of weight, hammocking MAY add a few ounces to your pack, but may also change the way you sleep outside. Or it might not, with the Warbonnet Traveler Hammock.
“The most comfortable pack I have ever worn. Ever.” Unfortunately, it weighs over six pounds! But, using some of the … Continue reading Gear Review: Gregory Baltoro 75 Backpack
OVERVIEW:
Function is Beauty. The phrase is as simply as the motto. It also encapsulates what we believe here at Trail Lives; Less is More. The Montbell EX Light down jacket is a bare bones insulation layer that uses some of the lightest materials in the market. It is the lightest down jacket we have tested and is competitive in price ($200), but a lack of durability and awkward fit are problematic with this jacket. Continue reading “GEAR REVIEW: Montbell EX Light Down Jacket”
OVERVIEW:
Here at Trail Lives, we absolutely love Cottage Gear Shops. Some of the best gear tested has come from these unlikely and relatively small companies, which are usually run by hikers like you and I. Founded in 2001 by a fellow thru hiker and located in Utah, Ultralight Adventure Equipment (ULA) offers some amazing ultralight gear, especially backpacks. Today, many consider ULA as cottage shop royalty, as their packs hold a standard of excellence by many long distance hikers. Within ULA packs, testers and ULA alike, report the Circuit as the most used on trail. I will be taking my ULA Circuit with my on my PCT Thru Hike this April.
Continue reading “GEAR REVIEW: Ultralight Adventure Equipment Circuit Backpack”
| SYSTEM | GEAR | CARRIED | WORN |
| BACKPACK SYSTEM | |||
| Pack | ULA Circuit Pack (XL) | 40 | |
| Pack Liner | Trash Compactor Bag | 2.3 | |
| SHELTER SYSTEM | |||
| Tarp | Cuben Tarp w/ guy lines | 8.14 | |
| Bivy | Ptarmigan Bivy | 5.9 | |
| Ground Cloth | Gossamer Gear Polycryo | 2.95 | |
| SLEEP SYSTEM | |||
| Isulation Top | Enigma Quilt | 22.75 | |
| Insulation Bottom | Thermarest NeoAir Xlite | 15.59 | |
| CLOTHING SYSTEM | |||
| Socks 2 | REI Lite Hiker Socks | 1.6 | |
| Underwear | Patagonia Underwear | 4.7 | |
| Hiking Shorts | NYU Basketball Shorts | 11 | |
| Hiking Shirt | Marmot LS Shirt | 7 | |
| Insulation Top | Montbell Down Jacket | 6 | |
| Wind Shell Bottom | Montbell Dynamo Wind Pants | 3.1 | |
| Wind Shell Top | Montbell Tachyon Anorak | 2.6 | |
| Rain Shell Top | DriDucks Poncho | 8 | |
| Insulating Hat | Outdoor Designs Hat | 0.74 | |
| Bandana | Bandana | 1.29 | |
| Sun Hat | Baseball Cap | 2.82 | |
| FOOTWEAR | |||
| Shoes | New Balance Trail Runners | 23.52 | |
| Socks 1 | REI Lite Hikers | 1.6 | |
| COOKING SYSTEM | |||
| Stove | Snow Peak Giga Power | 3.71 | |
| Cook Pot | Imusa Pot with DIY Lid | 4.05 | |
| Utensil | Spork | 0.54 | |
| Towel | Paclite Towel | 0.45 | |
| HYDRATION SYSTEM | |||
| Water Filter | Sawyer Mini | 1.62 | |
| Water Scoop | DIY Scoop/Adapter | 0.59 | |
| Water storage | x4 Platypus 2.4L Bladder | 5.16 | |
| Water Bottle | Smart Water Bottle | 1.29 | |
| Water Bottle | Smart Water Bottle | 1.29 | |
| SURVIVAL | |||
| Light | Petzl Tikka Head Lamp | 2.86 | |
| Fire Starter | Mini Bic Lighter | 0.4 | |
| First Aid | First aid kit | 2.86 | |
| Toothbrush | Portable Toothbrush w/ toothpaste | 0.85 | |
| Toilet Paper | Small Roll of TP | 2.23 | |
| Soap/Toothpaste | Dr. Bronners | 2.71 | |
| Line | 25 feet MSR Utility Line | 0.54 | |
| Repair Kit | sil tape/needle/thread | 1.28 | |
| Cash/Credit Card | cash/Cards/ID/Permit | 0.54 | |
| Stuff Sack | Cuben Fiber Stuff sack | 0.22 | |
| ELECTRONICS | |||
| Phone | Galaxy s4 | 6.27 | |
| Charger | iPhone/gopro Charger | 2.45 | |
| Camera | GoPro Hero 3 | 10.51 | |
| ITEMS CARRIED | |||
| Trek poles | Black Diamond Trek Poles | 20.22 | |
| Base Weight | 165.82 | 78.42 | |
The first 702 miles to Kennedy Meadows are mostly desert, with the odd foray into higher, and cooler elevations. Distance between water sources is a serious consideration, while rain/snow were pretty much a non factor (2014). Continue reading “Pacific Crest Trail Gear List: Mexico to Kennedy Meadows”
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