[pct-l] Pct-l Digest, Vol 13, Issue 22

mark v allemande6 at yahoo.com
Tue Jan 6 12:15:06 CST 2009


E A, for use in most situations, paying the big bucks for a truly waterproof pack might be great (if it actually works).  But if you're planning to thru-hike the PCT (or section hike during the in-season), you're going to see so little rain that i don't think the extra weight and cost would be worth it.  Over the course of 5 months, the pack will likely get wet about 10 times or so.  During those 10 times, you can line the inside of your pack with a trash-compactor bag to keep your gear dry, or use a rain poncho to wear over you and the pack.  It won't be the most cozy arrangement, but over the course of the hike, you'll feel more cozy by going as light as possible.

I used the ULA Catalyst and it worked very well.  Careful not to swing it around by one strap, or overload it with 50lbs or anything.  People who did those things had problem with tearing.  Mine never needed the slightest repair though.

-Cuddles



--- On Tue, 1/6/09, pct-l-request at backcountry.net <pct-l-request at backcountry.net> wrote:

> From: pct-l-request at backcountry.net <pct-l-request at backcountry.net>
> Subject: Pct-l Digest, Vol 13, Issue 22
> To: pct-l at backcountry.net
> Date: Tuesday, January 6, 2009, 12:20 AM
> Send Pct-l mailing list submissions to
> 	pct-l at backcountry.net
> 
> To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit
> 	http://mailman.backcountry.net/mailman/listinfo/pct-l
> or, via email, send a message with subject or body
> 'help' to
> 	pct-l-request at backcountry.net
> 
> You can reach the person managing the list at
> 	pct-l-owner at backcountry.net
> 
> When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more
> specific
> than "Re: Contents of Pct-l digest..."
> 
> 
> Today's Topics:
> 
>    1. Re: Prior Reading (Ellen Shopes)
>    2. Snow? (pam.bryant at cox.net)
>    3. Re: Grid, Graph, Spreadsheet in Preparation and
> During Hike
>       (t.n. turner)
>    4. Re: Grid, Graph, Spreadsheet in Preparation and
> During Hike
>       (Ralph Alcorn)
>    5. Lets Talk Packs (E A)
>    6. Re: Snow? (Donna Saufley)
>    7. Re: Solio Charger (Jonathan Blees)
>    8. Palm Springs trail to San Jacinto (Freiman, Paul)
>    9. 2 Q's: Contact lenses and search feature (Sarah
> B)
>   10. Get your journal yet? (Postholer)
> 
> 
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> Message: 1
> Date: Mon, 5 Jan 2009 18:26:52 -0600
> From: "Ellen Shopes" <igellen at comcast.net>
> Subject: Re: [pct-l] Prior Reading
> To: "Rob Rathmann"
> <carcinomad at gmail.com>,	"E A"
> 	<afishnamedcarl at gmail.com>
> Cc: pct-l at backcountry.net
> Message-ID: <567C521ECDBE48C89F4E72ED71393209 at ELLEN>
> Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed;
> charset="iso-8859-1";
> 	reply-type=original
> 
> Wow, and I thought I was obsessive compulsive.  Can't
> imagine how long it 
> took to put all that together.
> 
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Rob Rathmann" <carcinomad at gmail.com>
> To: "E A" <afishnamedcarl at gmail.com>
> Cc: <pct-l at backcountry.net>
> Sent: Monday, January 05, 2009 1:32 PM
> Subject: Re: [pct-l] Prior Reading
> 
> 
> >I had the same concerns before my 2005 hike: I tried to
> study the
> > guides like any other academic topic.  Totally
> ineffective -
> > information overkill.
> >
> > I would suggest just becoming familiar with the
> overall trail.
> >
> > This might help: http://bearcant.org/elevation.php
> >
> > bearcan't
> >
> > On Sun, Jan 4, 2009 at 1:10 PM, E A
> <afishnamedcarl at gmail.com> wrote:
> >> How many thru-hikers have read/ studied all three
> of the PCT Guide books
> >> before departing.  I mean do people actually
> remember the route?
> >> Do you read it as you go, or do you have it all
> planned out.
> >>
> >> Do you know that you will have to walk 110.6 in
> section A?  Beyond that I
> >> mean to you have it mapped out that you know
> exactly how many miles you 
> >> will
> >> walk on day 3 or beyond that further day 93!!??
> >>
> >> Or does are you able to modify your plan as you
> go?
> >>
> >> How well do you need to know the trail before you
> depart.
> >> _______________________________________________
> >> Pct-l mailing list
> >> Pct-l at backcountry.net
> >>
> http://mailman.backcountry.net/mailman/listinfo/pct-l
> >>
> > _______________________________________________
> > Pct-l mailing list
> > Pct-l at backcountry.net
> > http://mailman.backcountry.net/mailman/listinfo/pct-l 
> 
> 
> 
> ------------------------------
> 
> Message: 2
> Date: Mon, 5 Jan 2009 18:00:21 -0800
> From: <pam.bryant at cox.net>
> Subject: [pct-l] Snow?
> To: "dsaufley at sprynet.com"
> <dsaufley at sprynet.com>
> Cc: "pct-l at backcountry.net"
> <pct-l at backcountry.net>
> Message-ID:
> <20090105210021.93BTK.425153.imail at fed1rmwml37>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
> 
> Dear Donna and pct-l,
> 
>      Would you happen to know if there is any snow in
> Section E  from Agua Dulce to Bouquet Canyon Road. There is
> one area that is about 4500' feet. Do you know if there
> was snow or if it melted or passable? We are planning on
> hiking that section this Sat.
> 
>      Thank you for any info you may have!!!!
> 
>      I am planning on calling Angeles NF tomorrow, but any
> first hand info would be very much appreciative!
> 
> Pam
> 
> 
> ------------------------------
> 
> Message: 3
> Date: Mon, 5 Jan 2009 18:03:17 -0800
> From: "t.n. turner"
> <barnumbaileypdx at hotmail.com>
> Subject: Re: [pct-l] Grid, Graph, Spreadsheet in
> Preparation and
> 	During Hike
> To: <pct-l at backcountry.net>
> Message-ID:
> <COL101-W48D93AE3576DFDAA1288AABEDE0 at phx.gbl>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
> 
> 
> In 2004 when my Dad was going to hike with me for the first
> 500 or so miles, he came up with an Excel spreadsheet for
> us. He then had to back out due to arthritis, but I have
> used that spreadsheet for my 2004 aborted trip, my 2007,
> 1600-ish miles and then again for the 1100-ish in 2008. 
> BUT, my main reason for using it was so that my
> "logistics manager" at home knew how many days of
> food he needed to put in a box and where to mail it to!! It
> mostly worked out, we had a few USPS snafus, otherwise
> things went well. My family and friends used it to as a
> guide to when I might be somewhere to get their care
> packages!! 
> I have to agree with Radar though, Nature is a much better
> motivator to keeping you on schedule! 
> 
> Tammy T.
> 
> > Date: Mon, 5 Jan 2009 18:22:15 -0700
> > From: sbryce at scottbryce.com
> > To: pct-l at backcountry.net
> > Subject: Re: [pct-l] Grid, Graph, Spreadsheet in
> Preparation and During Hike
> > 
> > E A wrote:
> > > When preparing for the PCT did anyone write up a
> spreadsheet,
> > 
> > I created an HTML page with a table of resupply
> points, expected arrival
> > dates, distance to the next resupply and the number of
> days worth of
> > food I planned to carry from that resupply. The HTML
> page was created
> > using a CGI script that took various variables as
> input, in a manner
> > similar to Craig's PCT Planner. That way, at any
> point along the trail,
> > I could plug in updated information and create an
> updated general itinerary.
> > 
> > The primary purpose for the itinerary was to help my
> resupply person
> > know when to mail resupply packages. I also used it to
> determine how
> > much food to put in each resupply package. I carried a
> copy, along with
> > a list of resupply point addresses.
> > 
> > I aborted my hike early, so I can't tell you
> whether carrying either of
> > these was a good idea. I can tell you that when I
> ordered new shoes in
> > Warner Springs and had them sent to Idyllwild, I sent
> them to the
> > Idyllwild Inn rather than the PO, even though I had
> the address for the
> > PO on my list. IIRC, the shoe site would not ship to a
> general delivery
> > address.
> > 
> > > something of that sort which they mailed to
> themselves which told
> > > them how far they were expected to walk that day
> > 
> > The distance walked each day (except for day 1 when
> water and desire to
> > avoid contact with illegals dictated that I hike to
> Lake Morena) was
> > determined by my state of exhaustion and the
> diminishing daylight near
> > the end of the day. I had no day-to-day mileage plans,
> only a general
> > idea when I planned to be at the next resupply point.
> Even that was
> > subject to change at any time.
> > 
> > > or outlined the section as the major water points
> etc?
> > 
> > The Water Report and Yogi's guide were consulted.
> I made notations on
> > Yogi's guide about which water sources I planned
> to use. I did not plan
> > water sources beyond the next resupply point. The only
> reason I planned
> > that far in advance is so I didn't have to think
> about it while hiking.
> > 
> > I started the hike using just Yogi's guide to
> determine my water
> > strategy. I learned the value of the Water Report when
> I arrived at
> > Boulder Oaks campground and found that the water had
> been turned off.
> > Fortunately, I only had to backtrack 1/2 mile to get
> water.
> > 
> > > If so can someone forward me a copy of how they
> set this up so I can
> > > go about making something that I could use as a
> quick reference...
> > 
> > My itinerary is here:
> > http://scottbryce.com/pct/pct_resupply.html
> > 
> > The notations at the bottom are the data that were
> used, along with the
> > date I started at Campo, to generate the itinerary.
> > 
> > The form used to input the information is here:
> > http://scottbryce.com/pct/cgi-bin/pct_resupply.pl
> > 
> > The form is password protected so only myself and my
> resupply person can
> > update my itinerary.
> > 
> > > Or is this just a complete waste of time.
> > 
> > Having a general plan is important. Planning daily
> mileages is a waste
> > of time. Even your general plan will change during
> your hike.
> > 
> > A few years ago someone started a PCT through hike
> carrying a detailed
> > plan outlining miles hiked each day, water sources
> used along the entire
> > trail, and camping locations for each day. He won the
> most useless gear
> > contest at the Kickoff. He beat out a girl who was
> carrying an eyelash
> > curler.
> > _______________________________________________
> > Pct-l mailing list
> > Pct-l at backcountry.net
> > http://mailman.backcountry.net/mailman/listinfo/pct-l
> 
> _________________________________________________________________
> Send e-mail anywhere. No map, no compass.
> http://windowslive.com/oneline/hotmail?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_hotmail_acq_anywhere_122008
> 
> ------------------------------
> 
> Message: 4
> Date: Mon, 5 Jan 2009 18:13:36 -0800
> From: "Ralph Alcorn" <rbalcorn at gmail.com>
> Subject: Re: [pct-l] Grid, Graph, Spreadsheet in
> Preparation and
> 	During Hike
> To: pct-l at backcountry.net
> Message-ID:
> 	<aeff7eb40901051813y4e86ac35g89c72587b8b3b79a at mail.gmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
> 
> I find a spreadsheet essential for trip planning. Mine has
> an entry for each
> point in the data book, with utm coordinates added. I carry
> the data book
> pages, and Yogi's pages, as well as the guidebook pages
> for the sections I
> am hiking, and Asabat's water report, but the
> spreadsheet is something I can
> scribble on. We section hike 200 to 300 mile segments, but
> I think I would
> do the same even if thru hiking. The day you reach a point
> may shift, or the
> spot you camp may change, but the spreadsheet shows the
> alternatives
> quickly.
> An example for Agua Dulce to KM:
> http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=pPFto0EzOaDvodW76Q8jqWQ<http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=pPFto0EzOaDvodW76Q8jqWQ>
> 
> -- 
> Ralph Alcorn
> http://www.backpack45.com/pct.html
> 
> 
> ------------------------------
> 
> Message: 5
> Date: Mon, 5 Jan 2009 20:37:18 -0600
> From: "E A" <afishnamedcarl at gmail.com>
> Subject: [pct-l] Lets Talk Packs
> To: pct-l at backcountry.net
> Message-ID:
> 	<f5f387a90901051837p4de17fc2w2fd3e890bed7f5c4 at mail.gmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
> 
> So I am trying to decide between packs...
> 
> I am thinking of either going with ULA Conduit a very
> lightweight pack
> http://www.ula-equipment.com/conduit.htm
> 
> Or  ArcTeryx Naos Pack.  Its completely waterproof and
> weights 4lbs 10oz...
> 
> No need to worry about anything getting wet.  Sleeping Bag,
> clothes, etc...
> No need to bring a rain cover for the pack or water proof
> stuff sacks.
> 
> But it weights more.
> http://www.rei.com/product/733753
> http://www.arcteryx.com/packs.aspx?type=ac2
> 
> Or???
> 
> 
> I don't think i'll need more than 55 lt.
> 
> Opinions what have people used in the past.
> 
> 
> ------------------------------
> 
> Message: 6
> Date: Mon, 5 Jan 2009 19:04:20 -0800
> From: "Donna Saufley"
> <dsaufley at sprynet.com>
> Subject: Re: [pct-l] Snow?
> To: <pam.bryant at cox.net>
> Cc: pct-l at backcountry.net
> Message-ID: <001e01c96fab$7ea98760$7bfc9620$@com>
> Content-Type: text/plain;	charset="UTF-8"
> 
> There are small patches visible on the south side of the
> Sierra Pelona, I cannot see the north facing slope.  The
> trail should be passable, and is probably clear.  While
> it's been freezing at night (30 degrees when I left at
> 5:30 this am), the forecast does not call for rain and there
> is supposed to be a warming trend.  What's been more
> challenging for folks in this area this time of year has
> been wind rather than snow.  We've had a lot of that.
> 
> L-Rod
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: pam.bryant at cox.net [mailto:pam.bryant at cox.net] 
> Sent: Monday, January 05, 2009 6:00 PM
> To: dsaufley at sprynet.com
> Cc: pct-l at backcountry.net
> Subject: Snow?
> 
> Dear Donna and pct-l,
> 
>      Would you happen to know if there is any snow in
> Section E  from Agua Dulce to Bouquet Canyon Road. There is
> one area that is about 4500' feet. Do you know if there
> was snow or if it melted or passable? We are planning on
> hiking that section this Sat.
> 
>      Thank you for any info you may have!!!!
> 
>      I am planning on calling Angeles NF tomorrow, but any
> first hand info would be very much appreciative!
> 
> Pam
> 
> 
> 
> 
> ------------------------------
> 
> Message: 7
> Date: Mon, 05 Jan 2009 19:20:16 -0800
> From: "Jonathan Blees"
> <Jblees at energy.state.ca.us>
> Subject: Re: [pct-l] Solio Charger
> To: <pct-l at backcountry.net>,<r.sartini at rcn.com>
> Message-ID:
> <49625D700200004500021335 at mail.energy.state.ca.us>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII
> 
> Bamboo Bob wrote:  
> 
> "Date: Mon, 5 Jan 2009 12:56:14 -0500
> <Snip>
> "I don't understand. What gear is on all the time
> that it needs charging? I have a phone but it's off
> almost always so I charge it in towns."
> 
> Wildheart replies:
> 
> A BlackBerry used as a camera. Even though I kept it off
> except when in use, and took fewer than 10 pictures per day,
> I ran out of charge in less than a week. 
> <<<
> 
>  
> 
> 
> ------------------------------
> 
> Message: 8
> Date: Mon, 5 Jan 2009 19:37:46 -0800
> From: "Freiman, Paul" <pfreiman at ucsd.edu>
> Subject: [pct-l] Palm Springs trail to San Jacinto
> To: <pct-l at backcountry.net>
> Message-ID:
> 	<363859F077F31B44A015A78FCFAA8803200E0B at ANES-XCHGSVR.UCSD.EDU>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
> 
> Twenty years ago the "Outlaw Trail", as it is
> correctly known, was a very slight use trail.  Now it is
> very well defined.  On October 28, 1995 there were at least
> 78 hikers on the trail.  It is true that the last 1/4 mile
> is hard to navigate because of so many trail cuts. 
> 
> Bivy
> 
> 
> Date: Mon, 5 Jan 2009 17:27:59 -0800
> From: Diane at Santa Barbara Hikes dot com
>         <diane at santabarbarahikes.com>
> Subject: Re: [pct-l] Palm Springs trail to San Jacinto
> To: pct-l at backcountry.net
> Message-ID:
>        
> <985558DF-E2F9-4A48-ADC0-EBC067195615 at santabarbarahikes.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; delsp=yes;
> format=flowed
> 
> 
> On Jan 5, 2009, at 9:35 AM, pct-l-request at backcountry.net
> wrote:
> >
> > I don't think Cactus to Clouds is by any
> definition a "good" trail,
> > although it is more well defined than most realize. It
> involves 
> > 8,000 feet
> > of gain in 11 miles, with a lot of the gain at the
> beginning and 
> > the end.
> > In season, a very early start is needed to avoid 100+
> degree 
> > temperatures
> > with no shade on the lower part, but side trails can
> lead one off 
> > route.
> > In winter, there are icy chutes near the top that have
> resulted in 
> > many
> > falls and a few deaths, and currently buried in snow.
> The upper 
> > part of
> > the trail is less defined, with some hikers going off
> route and 
> > ending up
> > stuck on ledges where they can go neither up nor down.
> The last 
> > pitch is
> > deliberately left vague so tourists from the tram
> don't stumble 
> > across it
> > and start down somewhere they don't belong. It is
> strongly recommended
> > that the first time you do this you go with someone
> who has already 
> > done
> > it.
> 
> Pain, suffering, heat, cold, blood, getting lost and hidden
> from 
> tourists isn't the definition of a good trail? I must
> be hanging with 
> the wrong crowd. :)
> 
> Piper.
> 
> ------------------------------
> 
> Message: 9
> Date: Mon, 5 Jan 2009 23:54:35 -0500
> From: Sarah B <simrose33 at hotmail.com>
> Subject: [pct-l] 2 Q's: Contact lenses and search
> feature
> To: <pct-l at backcountry.net>
> Message-ID:
> <BAY118-W12504BB7DC5C32A6327DCFB3DE0 at phx.gbl>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
> 
> 
> I'm new to the list, so first off I want to say hi. 
> HI!So I've been scrolling through the list
> month-by-month but am wondering if there is a search feature
> somewhere that I'm not seeing.  That way I could just
> type in my question topic and see what comes up before
> re-hashing an old discussion.My actual question is this: 
> any advice on contact lenses out on the trail?  I would
> prefer not to wear my glasses - given sweat,
> breakability,and wanting to wear sunglasses.  My problem is
> that I can not wear the monthly contacts they you're
> supposed to be able to leave in for 30 days.I had those for
> the AT and almost did some bad damage to my eyes - I had
> been having some pain and tolerance problems with them from
> about Mass. onward and when I went home and to the eye
> doctor in October I was relegated to my glasses for a month
> and then put on the biweekly contacts that I take out every
> night.Does anyone have any experience with contacts that
> they take out every night whether they be d
>  aily disposables or biweekly/monthly ones?  Whatworked in
> terms of hygiene, carrying solution/not carrying solution
> (dailies), etc.?Thanks for your help.
> _________________________________________________________________
> Send e-mail anywhere. No map, no compass.
> http://windowslive.com/oneline/hotmail?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_hotmail_acq_anywhere_122008
> 
> ------------------------------
> 
> Message: 10
> Date: Mon, 5 Jan 2009 22:23:02 -0800
> From: "Postholer" <public at postholer.com>
> Subject: [pct-l] Get your journal yet?
> To: <pct-l at backcountry.net>
> Message-ID: <009801c96fc7$3b9d0110$69d48304 at Snoopy>
> Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed;
> charset="iso-8859-1";
> 	reply-type=original
> 
> If you're looking for the ultimate hiker journal site,
> look no further than 
> Postholer.Com. Check out the demo:
> http://postholer.com/demo
> 
> No one can match Postholer features and I mean no one.
> Postholer is designed 
> specifically for section and through hikers. It's fast
> and reliable. 
> Further, we never pander to your wallet. No google ads, no
> banners, we don't 
> ask for donations and we won't accept donations no
> matter how hard you try! 
> It's all about you and your hike, period. Built by
> hikers for hikers.
> 
> + Add journal entrys/photos by EMail, Pocketmail,
> Smartphone, Blackberry, 
> etc!!!
> + Mobile version of site for journal access, weather and
> maps
> + Fully interactive Google trail map with trail trace of
> your entrys
> + Immediate 'quick link' and main journal photo
> + Embed your journal in your website!
> + Guestbook for your visitors, with email notification.
> + Gear List
> + Trip Planner
> + Training Log
> + Photo Manager
> + Extended journal information
> + Spell Checker
> + Multiple styles
> + Integrated journal & forum accounts
> + Option to make your journal private, does not appear in
> searches
> + Multiple journal handling that will blow your mind!
> + Automatic bookmarks for readers - up to 200 journals
> + RSS support for timely notification of journal updates
> 
> ------------------------------------
> Trails : http://Postholer.Com
> Journals : http://Postholer.Com/journal
> Mobile : http://Postholer.Com/mobi 
> 
> 
> 
> ------------------------------
> 
> _______________________________________________
> Pct-l mailing list
> Pct-l at backcountry.net
> http://mailman.backcountry.net/mailman/listinfo/pct-l
> 
> 
> End of Pct-l Digest, Vol 13, Issue 22
> *************************************


      



More information about the Pct-L mailing list