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| Burney Falls(Day31) Picture borrowed from this site |
I must admit up-front that I enjoy paying less for things. I got this tendency from my father, who taught my brothers and I to make due with existing supplies in most situations. I still remember the amazing tent that he customized to attach to out volkswagen van as children. I remember dad attaching a trailer hitch to our station wagon and putting spacers in the rear struts so that it wouldn't bottom out all the time... and replacing them multiple times during our family road trip. I also remember rafting class 3 rapids in cheap inflatable sevylor canoes with home-made wooden frames to make them rigid. I loved those experiences with all of their faults and my first idea in most situations is to rig something that will work rather than buying the solution. I feel this way about my gear but I also don't want to ruin my chances of success by using gear that simply will not make it 2650 miles across the US. So I have taken the time to buy a few good quality things... not necessarily the best... but who cares if I can make it work, right?
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| Castle Crags (Day32) Picture borrowed from this site |
Note: I have NEVER met someone on the trail with this pack so I am including the picture for reference.
I got my backpack two years ago on craigslist. In general, I would not suggest this method of shopping to others but I am a cheapskate and the guy said he was tall and that it was like new! I have now used this pack to hike both Washington and Oregon so it has become a friend over the years. I will likely have to retire it after this thru-hike... but who knows, it is a pretty tough pack.
Pros: It is not very absorbent and has a built in rain cover. I like the lack of fluffy absorbent fabrics and foams because my sweaty body gets to breath more and the pack probably weighs less in the rain than others. I also like the simplicity of it. It has two decent outside pockets, two bottle holders, and one big main section to hold everything else. Lots of pockets can be a selling point for some but I get confused pretty quickly and can't find stuff when there are lots of compartments that I can use. Finally, I like the cords for tightening the pack around its contents. I intend to use those to tighten my pack as it gets more empty so that weight doesn't shift when I jog.
Cons: Sometimes it feels short... I think it is because the shoulder straps are made of pretty rigid foam so they don't form conform to my body like other shoulder straps. This really only bothered me on long, difficult, uncomfortable days so I am not sure about my objective perspective.
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| Trinity Alps (Day33) Picture borrowed from this site |
My Tent: TBD
Laura and I used a Big Agnes Fly Creek Tent for the last couple years. It was a big investment but very well worth it. While I often enjoy getting by with cheap gear, I think that a real backpacking tent is a must for anyone doing a hike of any distance. They weigh far less than "camping" tents and are easier to set up. Laura will be using our Big Agnes tent this summer so I must move on to a different tent.
I have a bivy sack that I got for $12 and a mesh pop-up tent that I got for $8 at a used goods store... I have considered using them but I think that maybe having a nice tent to sleep in will be a must when hiking long miles everyday in the exposed world. So I am currently looking for my new tent... I hope to get a good deal!
Pros/Cons: I love the Big Agnes but I am not very picky with tents... all I can say is it works great!
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| Marble Mountians (Day34) Picture borrowed from this site |
Sleeping bags are another thing that is hard to skimp on. I like my sleeping bag. I bought it on sale at REI a couple years ago. It is plenty warm... in fact, I have often had to leave it open most of the night to stay cool after a long day of hiking. I also use a sleeping bag liner to keep it clean and kind to have layers while sleeping.
Pro/Cons: Sometimes too hot... but that's my fault for buying a 20 degree bag. Again, it is a great bag and I have no real complaints!
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| Seiad Valley (Day35) Picture borrowed from this site |
I love these filters. I tend to avoid the mini filter because it works more slowly than the full-size filter. Using the filter requires a bit of patience because you have to physically squeeze water through the filter... that can be tough in an area with mosquitoes. The bags have been prone to break in the past but they are more reinforced now and if you are careful about what part of the bag gets lots of stress you can make them last.
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| Oregon Border (Day36) Picture borrowed from this site |
- I will have a base layer (fancy long-johns) that I bought at Costco.
- I will have a pair of nylon pants that zips off to make shorts.
- I will have a t-shirt that will probably be replaced while hiking.
- I will have 3-4 pairs of socks... Balega running songs and Darn-Tuff socks. I like to have lots of extra dry socks and rotate them on soggy days.
- I will have a tux-shirt for the first 700 miles in the desert.
- I will have stocking cap for cool mornings.
- I will have a nice down jacket (no hood).
- I will have a rain shell that I bought at Costco.
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| Ashland Valley (Day37) Picture borrowed from this site |
- I bought 4 pairs of Brooks Cascadia's on sale at REI from last season. I like how sturdy they are. I may add some green super-feet insoles. I should be able to get through the hike with just the four pairs of shoes.
- I am not sure about water-shoes. Perhaps I will take crocks. Perhaps I will carry my old shoes for fords as soon as I get a new pair. Perhaps I will just walk through water in my shoes and let them dry out while walking... not sure.
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| Mount McLoughlin (Day38) Picture borrowed from this site |
Laura and I use jet-boil stoves. I love them and they are fairly light. There are certainly lighter stoves out there but I prefer jet-boil because their stove is so simple and fool-proof. I am vacillating between using a stove or leaving it behind to save weight. Based on my previous experience, I think that I can make the miles with a stove... and warm food is an amazing thing to have in the morning... undecided about that.
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| Crater Lake (Day39) Picture borrowed from this site |
My Other Stuff:
- Bathroom kit including spade, TP, and hand sanitizer.
- Toothbrush, toothpaste.
- Very light first-aid kit.
- Headlamp
- Pocket knife
- Small butane lighter
- Paper maps and compass
- Debating contacts vs. glasses still.
- Hat and Bandana
- Sunscreen, bug spray
- Battery to charge phone and mp3 player
- GPS beacon
- Plenty of nylon parachute cord
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| Rosary Lakes (Day 40) Picture borrowed from this site |
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| Three Sisters (Day 41) Picture borrowed from this site |
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