[pct-l] My Gear List - Need Some Experienced Thoughts

[Austin Williams]

Hi John,
I second everything Paul said.

In addition I'd say: ditch the crampons.  I did SOBO in 08' after one of the
heaviest snow years on record.  Did it without crapons or ice axe.  If I had
it to do again, I might bring an ice axe... but crampons.... nah.  I got by
just fine with my running shoes.

I'd leave the cup... pot is good enough.  Pot and water bottle = just fine.
You won't even miss it.

I won't attempt to change your mind here, but I just wanted to point out
(perhaps to others planning on going UL) that my esbit stove, potstand, and
wind screen weighs in at about one-third of one ounce total.  I'm not saying
an alcohol stove isn't UL... I'm just saying.... you know.... you *could* go
lighter.

just sayin'.

That camera weight seems awfully high.  Bring the camera for sure... but
maybe have it attached to your hip/belt instead of in the pack.  First, this
will make you FAR more likely to take pictures when the Kodak moment
arrives.  Second, it keeps that near-one-pound off your shoulders.  I
promise it's a good idea.  :)

This might sound crass, and feel free to ignore it if it doesn't meet your
needs but...

"Reduce your pack weight: freeball it."  (Hey, that would be a cool UL
campaign slogan!)
If you ditch those briefs you weigh almost a half pound less.

I'm with you on the warm ears, but if your balaclava should keep them
warm.... do a test hike in the cold (this weekend maybe?) and leave the
EarGrips in your pack the whole time.... using the balaclava instead -
either as a beenie or full-faced.  You may find that the EarGrips go unused
the entire time.  If so, I'd drop those too.

K, I just Googled that Nunatak Balaclava.  It's freaking awesome!  Way cool,
especially for winter hiking.  But I think it's probably serious overkill
for a 3-season PCT thruhike (it's the down balaclava right?).  I would leave
that at home on this trip and instead bring a thinner fleece balaclava that
could double as a beenie.

I agree with your footnote: either go with the waterproof pants or the
windpants... not both.  But which one?  I actually can't decide.  Despite
the wieght, I'm tempted to say rain pants because I'm a total wuss when it
comes to rain..... (funny for a guy that lives in the north west lol), and
because the ability to stay mostly dry in the rain is a safety concern to
me.

The ground is almost always soft (yes yes, I know there are plenty of
exceptions).  I'd say ditch the extra pad.

The heet is fuel, so no need to add that into base pack weight.

My final suggestion (please don't hunt me down and kill me for this... I
know you iPhone people love your iPhones but) leave the iPhone at home.  I
know, I know.... I work within arm's reach of an apple guy, and he's giving
me threatening looks as I write this... but:

a) you don't want to break it do you?
b) k, so you might not break it but.... it weighs a lot and
c) you have to reacharge it all the time and
d) well, do you really need it?
e) you can have your service contract put on hold (costs like $15 or
something) and you can pick it up when you get back from your hike.
f) that's all.  I just wanted to add another line so it looks like there are
a LOT of reasons not to bring it.

BTW, excellent job putting so much time/energy/effort into your gear list.
It will pay off big time on the trail!

-- 
Austin Williams

www.PlanYourHike.com
Info on PCT gear, resupply points, maps, movies, etc.

"Courage is being scared to death - but saddling up anyway."
-John Wayne