[cdt-l] Stoves, shoes and layers

[Doug Graybeal]

Paul,

Thank you for your input.  My wife and I thru hiked the Colorado Trail in 
2000 and had a great time. We are avid outdoors hikers and backpackers and 
are just learning about lighter weight gear and the new technologies, hence 
the questions.  This is a great form ask question and to learn the truth 
about products from users. We are doing a two week shake down hike this 
September in the San Juan's to test out new lightweight gear for next year.

Thank you again, your input is appreciated.

Doug
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Paul Magnanti" <pmags at yahoo.com>
To: "CDT MailingList" <cdt-l at backcountry.net>
Sent: Tuesday, May 15, 2007 11:52 AM
Subject: [cdt-l] Stoves, shoes and layers


>
> Hi Doug!
>
> Attempting the CDT is quite the undertaking. Depending upon how much 
> experience you have, you and Peggy may want to do a "shakedown hike" to 
> get used to gear, clothing
> and other items. Learning the ropes of long distance hiking before you go 
> on a multi-month journey (and the basics about gear) would be very 
> useful...esp for the CDT.  The thrust of your questions lead me to believe 
> that you and Peggy may not have much experience with thru-hiking. If that 
> is not the case, I apologize and you can just skip to the last paragraphs. 
> :-)
>
> I took the liberty of going to your company's business site and it looks 
> like you are based in Colorado. A thru-hike on the ~500 mile Colorado 
> Trail would be an AWESOME way to get used to thru-hiking, esp. for the 
> CDT. While the navigation challenges are quite a bit easier, you will get 
> some hands-on experience that you and Peggy may or may not need.  If you 
> can't do the whole trail this year, (about 5 weeks for the average 
> person), you may want to consider a 2 week jaunt.
>
> The CDT is *not* a beginners trail. You can do it as a first 
> thru-hike...it just may not be all you expected. :)
>
> Onward to the questions:
>
> STOVES: There is no one good stove. Esbit? Alcohol? Canister? White gas? 
> THey all have advantages and disadvantages depending upon your needs.
> Check out Zenstoves.net   I also wrote a blurb on my website about stoves:
> http://www.pmags.com/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=58&Itemid=33
>
> There is much input for other people and should give an overview of that 
> is pretty balanced.
>
> SHOES: I've heard mix reviews of the GoLite shoes (made by Timberland IIRC 
> with the GoLite branding on them).  Many thru-hikers find a trail runner 
> to be quite adequate. Montrail Hardrocks are favored by many. If your pack 
> is a bit heavier, you may want to use lightweight hiking boots.  I think 
> many thru-hikers feel that Goretex is a waste of money for boots and rain 
> gear.
>
> RAINGEAR: Many people love the Marmot Precip for a multi-purpose rain 
> gear. Fairly light and reasonably inexpensive.
>
> CLOTHING: A popular replacement for fleece are Primaloft type jackets. 
> Warmer, less bulky, wind resistant, lighter. Several companies make them 
> now. Primaloft is the brand name, but there are other names, too (e.g. 
> Thermawrap by Montbell). Basically they synthetic down coats that aren't 
> as puffy.
> Some popular options by several different companies: 
> http://www.nextag.com/primaloft-jacket/search-html
>
>
> Good luck with whatever choices you make! Most of all? Have fun!
>
>
>
>
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