[pct-l] PCT sleeping system

[Jim & Jane Moody]

Patrick, 

You'll hear variations of this advice many times on the list.  First, buy your pack last, after you've decided on all your gear.  Then, take that gear to the outfitter and try loading it in different packs.  Choose the most comfortable, lightest pack you can afford.  I've used an Osprey  Aether and a ULA Circuit on the PCT; for this year's summer section the ULA did fine, and it's about 2# lighter than the Osprey.  However, in colder weather I'd be carrying more clothes, a bigger sleeping bag, and possibly a stove w/ fuel bottle, (as well as ice axe and microspikes), so the ULA might not have enough capacity. 



Re: sleeping system.  My advice is to try out that combination beforehand in different conditions, esp. rain and cold weather and mosquito conven tion s.  The backyard is a great place to test gear combinations; you don't have to trek 50 miles into the wilderness to find out that a bivy is okay for you or not.  Also, try setting up your system in strong winds, which you certainly will encounter on the PCT, probably from Day 1. 



Good luck! 

Mango 



----- Original Message -----


From: "patrick griffith" <patrickjgriffith at hotmail.com> 
To: patrickjgriffith at hotmail.com 
Cc: pct-l at backcountry.net 
Sent: Monday, August 27, 2012 3:13:53 AM 
Subject: [pct-l] PCT sleeping system 


Hi All, 
My planning for 2013 is coming along nicely, next up : equipment. 
My main decision to make is what sort of sleeping system should i go for? If possible i'd like to avoid a tent, on weight and cost grounds. I think a bivy bag and poncho combination will be sufficient for me, but i'd like   to know what you all think. 
The other question i have is : what rucksack to go for?, my own rucksack has served me well over the years but it is very old and worn out, and probably isn't big enough and so a new purchase is on the cards, so your thoughts on options would be most appreciated. I've heard a lot about Osprey, ULA and Golite, but want as much information as possible before buying one! 
Thanks in advance for all the help! 
Patrick                                                
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