I tried to live by James Wilkerson's book Medicine for Mountaineering Chocolate was a big help for me, M&Ms. 
How do you resupply? Post Office?I've walked 800 miles so far
Your trip sounds wonderful. I use to have some strange experiences with altitude. Once I thought I was going to fall off the trail, thing was so flat you could hardly roll let alone fall I tried to live by James Wilkerson's book Medicine for Mountaineering Chocolate was a big help for me, M&Ms. How do you resupply? Post Office?
I tried to live by James Wilkerson's book Medicine for Mountaineering Chocolate was a big help for me, M&Ms. How do you resupply? Post Office?
To resupply I send myself a 3.5 gallon bucket up the the trail as I go. It contains things like sunscreen, sections of the guide book, medicines, toiletries, toe nail clippers and sometimes extra food. Also very important is something to wear when I do laundry and a bathing suit because hotels often have a no street clothes in the pool policy.
If I think a town won't have a decent store I have my boyfriend, who is at home, send a package to the post office. Sometimes if a town has a good store I'll buy too much food and mail the extra to the next town.
Along the way I've stopped at an outlet mall for new shoes and an REI for a new backpack. I've also ordered maps and shoes on the Internet. The shoes were a little tricky so I ended up ordering on the phone so I could be sure that they got the right address (it didn't fit in the web form) and that I got shipping that would actually send to the remote location. The maps were easy because they guy who sells the maps understands the conditions of the hike.
Some unusual things that have happened:
- I slept one night in an Indian casino. I got a ride to the casino by calling a cab from the trail.
- I got a ride to town from a guy I met on the trail. The next weekend the same guy picked me up when I was hitchhiking 60 miles ahead.
- I pushed myself to hike 26 miles one day and when I got to the trailhead, somebody handed me a beer, told me to have a seat in a chair, and a party magically appeared with fellow PCT hikers from all over the trail. It degraded into drunken debauchery. Then I got a ride to a hotel at midnight.
- I found a trekking umbrella in the trash and have been using it ever since.
- I found a pair of brand new shoe inserts while sliding down snow on a steep mountain pass on my butt.
- I found two cold beers on the trail. I didn't take them, though.
- I've seen only one rattlesnake the entire time. I've seen one bear, but not in the Sierras.
If I think a town won't have a decent store I have my boyfriend, who is at home, send a package to the post office. Sometimes if a town has a good store I'll buy too much food and mail the extra to the next town.
Along the way I've stopped at an outlet mall for new shoes and an REI for a new backpack. I've also ordered maps and shoes on the Internet. The shoes were a little tricky so I ended up ordering on the phone so I could be sure that they got the right address (it didn't fit in the web form) and that I got shipping that would actually send to the remote location. The maps were easy because they guy who sells the maps understands the conditions of the hike.
Some unusual things that have happened:
- I slept one night in an Indian casino. I got a ride to the casino by calling a cab from the trail.
- I got a ride to town from a guy I met on the trail. The next weekend the same guy picked me up when I was hitchhiking 60 miles ahead.
- I pushed myself to hike 26 miles one day and when I got to the trailhead, somebody handed me a beer, told me to have a seat in a chair, and a party magically appeared with fellow PCT hikers from all over the trail. It degraded into drunken debauchery. Then I got a ride to a hotel at midnight.
- I found a trekking umbrella in the trash and have been using it ever since.
- I found a pair of brand new shoe inserts while sliding down snow on a steep mountain pass on my butt.
- I found two cold beers on the trail. I didn't take them, though.
- I've seen only one rattlesnake the entire time. I've seen one bear, but not in the Sierras.
~ Diane
Flutes: Tipple D and E flutes and a Casey Burns Boxwood Rudall D flute
Whistles: Jerry Freeman Tweaked D Blackbird
Flutes: Tipple D and E flutes and a Casey Burns Boxwood Rudall D flute
Whistles: Jerry Freeman Tweaked D Blackbird
-
The Weekenders
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Thank you so much for posting those pictures. I made it through the first album. For somebody who loves California, they are a treat. One thing I noticed was how unlittered the trail is. I think the hikers must be pretty serious about keeping it clean.
At some point, I would like some specific reviews of shoes and clothing, because you are putting everything to the test and I would be interested in knowing how your gear served you on this journey. Especially when the weathers changes, or you have to go through water and such.
I am very impressed in your daily mileage. Wow.
At some point, I would like some specific reviews of shoes and clothing, because you are putting everything to the test and I would be interested in knowing how your gear served you on this journey. Especially when the weathers changes, or you have to go through water and such.
I am very impressed in your daily mileage. Wow.
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devondancer
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jkwest
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- Location: the beautiful, untainted NorCal..yes there is one..
I just looked through your albums....wow!!! This is the California people need to see...I completely agree with Weeks...I truly love this state. Absolutely breathtaking...
I need to give up wine and beer for 6 months and do part of this trail....I'm way too out of shape to even consider doing something like this right now...
I need to give up wine and beer for 6 months and do part of this trail....I'm way too out of shape to even consider doing something like this right now...
Seems like everywhere I go
The more I see
the less I know-Michael Franti
Yes, I did take a picture of a Rosy Boa. I heard that they are rather rare. I saw 3 of them and only one rattlesnake. The Rosy Boas I saw were not very big. Certainly smaller than the rattlesnake.
Here are some gear "reviews":
Tent: Gossamer Gear The One. Sleeps one. Weighs just over a pound and uses my Leki ultralight trekking poles to set up. The titanium stakes barely ever hold the tent up. I have to use rocks most of the time. The spinnaker fabric is noisy in wind. Otherwise the tent is spacious and warm even though it's designed so that air blows freely through it.
I saw a 6 Moons Designs tent made of something called Cuben fiber which is amazingly light and strong. It weighed even less than my tent and while not as tall as my tent, could sleep two. My tent sleeps only one. I was really impressed by the 6 Moons.
The Tarptent Rainbow is impressive, too. Especially the Double Rainbow if you want to sleep 2 because each person has their own door to get out.
All 3 of these are small companies. You have to order online.
Shoes: I do not wear boots. I wear whatever doesn't hurt, usually shoes with a good, somewhat rugged sole and mesh uppers for breathability and quick drying. Low top because I believe strong ankles are better protection than atrophied ones.
I wear Injinji merino wool toe socks with another sock on the outside. The other sock has been thick wool cushioning socks, thin nylon "liner" socks and many other things in between. Having another sock keeps the Injinji socks from disintegrating too quickly and helps keep less dirt from accumulating in between the toes.
I had one pair of the Injinji socks go 600 miles. I had another pair go only 200 miles. The difference was the 200 milers were wet and my shoes full of sand almost every day.
Pack: I started with a frameless pack but it could not handle the enormous weight of all the water I had to carry (up to 5.5 liters). I bought an Osprey Aura 65 and it makes the weight of that water feel lighter even though the pack itself is heavier. Many people do not like the Osprey because there is almost no padding on the harness. It can cut into my shoulders but it doesn't bother me too much. Others who have this pack have cut pieces of foam padding and duct taped it on the harness. I have had trouble with the hip belt pockets. The zippers are pretty much shot after less than a month of use.
Sleeping: I use a GoLite down quilt rated to 20 degrees. Weighs less than 2 lbs. You kind of have to see it to understand, but it straps around your sleeping pad and you sleep directly on the pad. The quilt has a foot like a sleeping bag, but no zipper and it doesn't go all the way around your body. It does go all the way over your head if needed. I'm amazed how warm I have been. I use a Z-rest pad which is very warm. I usually sweat against it, which can be uncomfortable sometimes.
About staying warm at night with a quilt and a tent that lets air blow through freely: Part of the system is that you have to choose your site well. I find that if I sleep half-way down a long descent rather than at the bottom where there is a lake or stream I am much, much warmer and there's little or no condensation on my tent. Also, I hike into camp and go right to bed. I do not sit around a camp site. A camp site is for sleeping. If I want to linger at a lake or stream I do that during the day and move on for a few more hours of hiking. I'll even eat out on the trail, hike another hour and then make camp.
I have no idea how cold it has been, possibly the upper 30s, but the nights I have not done these things have been the coldest.
Clothes: I wear tan long pants (the zip off kind but I never zip off, made by Ex-Officio), a polyester tank top (thrift store find, by Champion) and a tan, nylon long-sleeved shirt (by Northface). I also have nylon underwear and bra and wear a Sunday Afternoons sun hat. I carry no extras pairs of anything.
I find this uniform is comfortable from the 40s up to the 100s without shedding any part of it. Every now and then I'll jump into a lake or creek to wash my clothes. My clothes dry quickly. In the 100 degree temperatures, I would wet my shirt and hat to stay cool. I only need sunscreen on my hands.
Umbrella: I found a GoLite Chrome Dome umbrella in the trash. I wish I'd had it when walking through some of the more scorching desert. It's a miracle to walk under in the mid-day sun and helps me put in mid-day miles feeling less tired. I expect that it will be useful when it rains, too.
Insulation: I have a Marmot DriClime windshirt. It's a great jacket but I've hardly ever really needed it. It works by providing a thin layer of insulation and a thin layer of wind protection. Together these two layers are very wind-proof and warm. I sometimes hike in it if it's cold enough.
I also have a Patagonia down sweater. It works similarly to the Marmot, with a layer of insulation sandwiched between wind-resistant layers. I LOVE this thing. With the windshirt it's enough warmth for the absolute coldest I've been. I wear it when I get to my camp and sometimes sleep in it for added warmth. I never hike in it.
I sleep with a fleece hat that has a chin strap and ear flaps. The chin strap keeps it on my head. I wear it when I get into camp until I leave in the morning, unless it's still cold.
I have a fleece cylindrical thing that I use for a scarf. I can put it around my head or neck and cover part of my face. This is for very cold times and sometimes for sleeping to keep the micro-breezes in bed from making me cold.
I have a pair of fleece fingerless gloves, sized XL. I can pull my fingers in because the size is so big, or push them out if I need my bare fingers.
I have a pair of very light silk long underwear that I sometimes wear to sleep in. I have never worn them during the day. I could probably do without them.
Rain: I have a disposable tyvek coverall. I haven't been in any rain yet, but it worked well in light, wet snow. I also have a regular breathable rain coat by Sierra Designs but I've never used it except to sleep in one really cold night at 11,000ft.
Camp shoes: I have some Crocs for camp shoes. I really only wear them when I have to get up in the middle of the night, or in resupply towns. My last pair of shoes were more comfortable than the Crocs and I considered sending the Crocs home. Crocs are as light as flip-flops and easier to walk around in.
Cooking: I use an alcohol stove. I didn't make it myself. The Pepsi can stoves that people make are much better than mine. I'd recommend making your own stove.
I use a small MSR Titan Titanium kettle for cooking and eat right out of it with a spoon. A spork is useless. A fork is even more useless. You need a spoon to get every last bite and clean off the pot when you're done.
Some people save fuel by making a cozy for their pot out of foam or foil-lined bubble wrap. Then they can boil the food and remove from heat and let it finish cooking inside the cozy. I think this is clever, but I have not done it.
I also have a small cup for cereal, lemonade or for measuring. I could probably do without it but I like it.
I eat food you can get at a grocery store, not the backpacking food you get at an outfitter. Knorr dinners, Top-ramen, packets of tuna, tortillas and peanut butter, energy bars, cereal, poptarts, cookies, even onions, broccoli and hard cheeses.
Knife: I use the small Swiss Army knife with the scissors, tweezers and toothpick. I use the scissors more than anything else. I have not felt a need for anything larger than this knife.
I hope that's useful. Many of these things won't be listed in Backpacker magazine or available at your everyday gear outfitter. But they work best because they are lighter than most gear while possibly not as durable.
Here are some gear "reviews":
Tent: Gossamer Gear The One. Sleeps one. Weighs just over a pound and uses my Leki ultralight trekking poles to set up. The titanium stakes barely ever hold the tent up. I have to use rocks most of the time. The spinnaker fabric is noisy in wind. Otherwise the tent is spacious and warm even though it's designed so that air blows freely through it.
I saw a 6 Moons Designs tent made of something called Cuben fiber which is amazingly light and strong. It weighed even less than my tent and while not as tall as my tent, could sleep two. My tent sleeps only one. I was really impressed by the 6 Moons.
The Tarptent Rainbow is impressive, too. Especially the Double Rainbow if you want to sleep 2 because each person has their own door to get out.
All 3 of these are small companies. You have to order online.
Shoes: I do not wear boots. I wear whatever doesn't hurt, usually shoes with a good, somewhat rugged sole and mesh uppers for breathability and quick drying. Low top because I believe strong ankles are better protection than atrophied ones.
I wear Injinji merino wool toe socks with another sock on the outside. The other sock has been thick wool cushioning socks, thin nylon "liner" socks and many other things in between. Having another sock keeps the Injinji socks from disintegrating too quickly and helps keep less dirt from accumulating in between the toes.
I had one pair of the Injinji socks go 600 miles. I had another pair go only 200 miles. The difference was the 200 milers were wet and my shoes full of sand almost every day.
Pack: I started with a frameless pack but it could not handle the enormous weight of all the water I had to carry (up to 5.5 liters). I bought an Osprey Aura 65 and it makes the weight of that water feel lighter even though the pack itself is heavier. Many people do not like the Osprey because there is almost no padding on the harness. It can cut into my shoulders but it doesn't bother me too much. Others who have this pack have cut pieces of foam padding and duct taped it on the harness. I have had trouble with the hip belt pockets. The zippers are pretty much shot after less than a month of use.
Sleeping: I use a GoLite down quilt rated to 20 degrees. Weighs less than 2 lbs. You kind of have to see it to understand, but it straps around your sleeping pad and you sleep directly on the pad. The quilt has a foot like a sleeping bag, but no zipper and it doesn't go all the way around your body. It does go all the way over your head if needed. I'm amazed how warm I have been. I use a Z-rest pad which is very warm. I usually sweat against it, which can be uncomfortable sometimes.
About staying warm at night with a quilt and a tent that lets air blow through freely: Part of the system is that you have to choose your site well. I find that if I sleep half-way down a long descent rather than at the bottom where there is a lake or stream I am much, much warmer and there's little or no condensation on my tent. Also, I hike into camp and go right to bed. I do not sit around a camp site. A camp site is for sleeping. If I want to linger at a lake or stream I do that during the day and move on for a few more hours of hiking. I'll even eat out on the trail, hike another hour and then make camp.
I have no idea how cold it has been, possibly the upper 30s, but the nights I have not done these things have been the coldest.
Clothes: I wear tan long pants (the zip off kind but I never zip off, made by Ex-Officio), a polyester tank top (thrift store find, by Champion) and a tan, nylon long-sleeved shirt (by Northface). I also have nylon underwear and bra and wear a Sunday Afternoons sun hat. I carry no extras pairs of anything.
I find this uniform is comfortable from the 40s up to the 100s without shedding any part of it. Every now and then I'll jump into a lake or creek to wash my clothes. My clothes dry quickly. In the 100 degree temperatures, I would wet my shirt and hat to stay cool. I only need sunscreen on my hands.
Umbrella: I found a GoLite Chrome Dome umbrella in the trash. I wish I'd had it when walking through some of the more scorching desert. It's a miracle to walk under in the mid-day sun and helps me put in mid-day miles feeling less tired. I expect that it will be useful when it rains, too.
Insulation: I have a Marmot DriClime windshirt. It's a great jacket but I've hardly ever really needed it. It works by providing a thin layer of insulation and a thin layer of wind protection. Together these two layers are very wind-proof and warm. I sometimes hike in it if it's cold enough.
I also have a Patagonia down sweater. It works similarly to the Marmot, with a layer of insulation sandwiched between wind-resistant layers. I LOVE this thing. With the windshirt it's enough warmth for the absolute coldest I've been. I wear it when I get to my camp and sometimes sleep in it for added warmth. I never hike in it.
I sleep with a fleece hat that has a chin strap and ear flaps. The chin strap keeps it on my head. I wear it when I get into camp until I leave in the morning, unless it's still cold.
I have a fleece cylindrical thing that I use for a scarf. I can put it around my head or neck and cover part of my face. This is for very cold times and sometimes for sleeping to keep the micro-breezes in bed from making me cold.
I have a pair of fleece fingerless gloves, sized XL. I can pull my fingers in because the size is so big, or push them out if I need my bare fingers.
I have a pair of very light silk long underwear that I sometimes wear to sleep in. I have never worn them during the day. I could probably do without them.
Rain: I have a disposable tyvek coverall. I haven't been in any rain yet, but it worked well in light, wet snow. I also have a regular breathable rain coat by Sierra Designs but I've never used it except to sleep in one really cold night at 11,000ft.
Camp shoes: I have some Crocs for camp shoes. I really only wear them when I have to get up in the middle of the night, or in resupply towns. My last pair of shoes were more comfortable than the Crocs and I considered sending the Crocs home. Crocs are as light as flip-flops and easier to walk around in.
Cooking: I use an alcohol stove. I didn't make it myself. The Pepsi can stoves that people make are much better than mine. I'd recommend making your own stove.
I use a small MSR Titan Titanium kettle for cooking and eat right out of it with a spoon. A spork is useless. A fork is even more useless. You need a spoon to get every last bite and clean off the pot when you're done.
Some people save fuel by making a cozy for their pot out of foam or foil-lined bubble wrap. Then they can boil the food and remove from heat and let it finish cooking inside the cozy. I think this is clever, but I have not done it.
I also have a small cup for cereal, lemonade or for measuring. I could probably do without it but I like it.
I eat food you can get at a grocery store, not the backpacking food you get at an outfitter. Knorr dinners, Top-ramen, packets of tuna, tortillas and peanut butter, energy bars, cereal, poptarts, cookies, even onions, broccoli and hard cheeses.
Knife: I use the small Swiss Army knife with the scissors, tweezers and toothpick. I use the scissors more than anything else. I have not felt a need for anything larger than this knife.
I hope that's useful. Many of these things won't be listed in Backpacker magazine or available at your everyday gear outfitter. But they work best because they are lighter than most gear while possibly not as durable.
~ Diane
Flutes: Tipple D and E flutes and a Casey Burns Boxwood Rudall D flute
Whistles: Jerry Freeman Tweaked D Blackbird
Flutes: Tipple D and E flutes and a Casey Burns Boxwood Rudall D flute
Whistles: Jerry Freeman Tweaked D Blackbird
-
The Weekenders
- Posts: 10300
- Joined: Tue Mar 12, 2002 6:00 pm
- Please enter the next number in sequence: 1
- Location: SF East Bay Area
Thanks. I'm sure there are reviews here and there. But you are just off the trail. It's fresh in your mind.
I thought it great that you could use those hiking stix for more than that. I have watched them become ubiquitous in hiking and always wondered about it. In general, I hate having my hands occupied by anything when I hike.
I had never heard of a hiking umbrella tho... but I'm not a serious back-packy type in extremes for the most part. In general, I hate umbrellas. Because of wind.
I thought it great that you could use those hiking stix for more than that. I have watched them become ubiquitous in hiking and always wondered about it. In general, I hate having my hands occupied by anything when I hike.
I had never heard of a hiking umbrella tho... but I'm not a serious back-packy type in extremes for the most part. In general, I hate umbrellas. Because of wind.
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tansy
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- Location: SV/Strayaway
Diane I was thinking of you last night and was wondering what stove you used, thanks for posting about your gear. I made one of the Heineken beer can stoves and it is about the best stove I've used, the instructions are on line. I also have gathered all the parts, a medium can and 3 aluminum tent stakes, to make a little wood burning stove from the same website. It uses pine cones, twigs and brush for fuel. Sierra also makes a wood burner with a tiny fan to give that forced air-forge effect.
shy the blond water
Diane, your gear list looks really good. I've started shifting toward lightweight gear in the past few years, and it makes hiking so much more enjoyable!
I have a Tarptent Rainbow, and I'm quite pleased with it. I haven't had a chance to try the Gossamer Gear or 6 Moons tents, though they do look nice. Also, I completely agree about hiking in low-top shoes; it's trail runners all the way for me. My current favorites are made by Inov8 (model: Roclite 295).
Have a great time back out on the trail!
I have a Tarptent Rainbow, and I'm quite pleased with it. I haven't had a chance to try the Gossamer Gear or 6 Moons tents, though they do look nice. Also, I completely agree about hiking in low-top shoes; it's trail runners all the way for me. My current favorites are made by Inov8 (model: Roclite 295).
Have a great time back out on the trail!
Giles: "We few, we happy few."
Spike: "We band of buggered."
Spike: "We band of buggered."
I bought my stove from a little store at Neel Gap near the Appalachian Trail. I did a day hike to Blood Mountain while on a trip visiting Atlanta. I have not hiked the AT.
The stove is a small can of some sort with holes on the sides. You can use just that or you can put the smaller round metal container inside. The smaller container has a lid with small holes punctured around the lid. It has two cotton pads inside that are supposed to help regulate the burning of the alcohol or something.
It works well enough and is small and light, but yes, the Heineken stove with the penny on top is the best one I've seen. People with the aluminum can stoves boil water much much faster than I do.
My latest hiking shoes are by La Sportiva. They seem ok but not as comfy as my last pair. My shoe-mod is to use Superfeet AND the original insoles.
My last shoes were some weird Columbia water shoes. Rocks would get in via the large opening on the heel so I sewed fabric over the hole. A little sand would get in through the other openings which really didn't bother me much since my feet are now really tough and thick. They were men's size 10 (I measure a women's size 7) and felt so comfy like slippers. I wore them 600 miles.
They had that foolish lacing system with the thin laces and draw string. The thin laces broke in 4 places and severed the openings where the laces go through rendering it impossible to replace the laces. Your shoe laces should not be capable of rendering your shoes ruined! Other than that, I liked them well enough to order a second pair, but I don't think I'll ever see that pair as I won't be going to where I sent them and I can get no answer on the phone when I call the place.
Sorry that was so long.
Lighter is better, but everyone has to balance light with a little comfort, in my opinion. I think my base weight is around 20lbs, which is pretty high. That means with food and water in Southern California my pack probably was close to 40lbs, close to 1/3 my body weight. Thank god you don't have to carry so much water in the Sierras.
The stove is a small can of some sort with holes on the sides. You can use just that or you can put the smaller round metal container inside. The smaller container has a lid with small holes punctured around the lid. It has two cotton pads inside that are supposed to help regulate the burning of the alcohol or something.
It works well enough and is small and light, but yes, the Heineken stove with the penny on top is the best one I've seen. People with the aluminum can stoves boil water much much faster than I do.
My latest hiking shoes are by La Sportiva. They seem ok but not as comfy as my last pair. My shoe-mod is to use Superfeet AND the original insoles.
My last shoes were some weird Columbia water shoes. Rocks would get in via the large opening on the heel so I sewed fabric over the hole. A little sand would get in through the other openings which really didn't bother me much since my feet are now really tough and thick. They were men's size 10 (I measure a women's size 7) and felt so comfy like slippers. I wore them 600 miles.
They had that foolish lacing system with the thin laces and draw string. The thin laces broke in 4 places and severed the openings where the laces go through rendering it impossible to replace the laces. Your shoe laces should not be capable of rendering your shoes ruined! Other than that, I liked them well enough to order a second pair, but I don't think I'll ever see that pair as I won't be going to where I sent them and I can get no answer on the phone when I call the place.
Sorry that was so long.
Lighter is better, but everyone has to balance light with a little comfort, in my opinion. I think my base weight is around 20lbs, which is pretty high. That means with food and water in Southern California my pack probably was close to 40lbs, close to 1/3 my body weight. Thank god you don't have to carry so much water in the Sierras.
~ Diane
Flutes: Tipple D and E flutes and a Casey Burns Boxwood Rudall D flute
Whistles: Jerry Freeman Tweaked D Blackbird
Flutes: Tipple D and E flutes and a Casey Burns Boxwood Rudall D flute
Whistles: Jerry Freeman Tweaked D Blackbird