[pct-l] Prepared for weather

[abiegen at cox.net]

 There seem to be two schools of thought on gear:

1. Boy Scout Be Prepared/Ten Essentials - Whatever can go wrong will go wrong and all of it will happen on the same trip so you are going to need every possible piece of gear and possibly a backup for each as well.

2. Ultra-Lite - Everything will go right and be perfect and if it isn't you will be able to McIver something together with dental floss and your sawed off toothbrush.

I'm afraid that my own gear leaned a lot more to the second path. My 30 degree sleeping bag was ultra light but should be rated closer to 50 degrees. I had to wear everything I owned to be warm at 40 degrees. But when I wasn't using it, it was oh so light in my pack. My little poncho tarp was fine for the little rain that I was caught in but I don't think it would have been for some of the heavy stuff that other people have seen this year. I ran to Warner Springs before it came.

And I would never need an ice axe. My micro spikes worked fine and the snow was real good for kicking in. My trekking poles were a good substitute for an ice axe. I thought about that as I slid down 100 feet on Apache Peak and badly sprained my ankle. But we did McIver together an ice pack for my ankle, some really good drugs for the pain and a phone call for help. My partner brought his ice axe but hid it in his backpack because people were making fun of him. Next time, I take the ice axe no matter what anyone says. His ice axe is what helped me climb back up to the trail.

I will add that with the Paradise Store gone, there is no good way to get your snow gear sent to where you need it except to carry it for many miles. I did that with my micro spikes and an extra pair of snow worthy boots.

TrailHacker

P.S. Unless you have a time machine, don't bother trying to preach to those who have already learned their lesson. It annoys the person who has learned the hard way and bores everyone else on the list.