[pct-l] Camera/gps/ etc

[MARY E DAVISON]

I can't imagine going on a long hike and not taking pictures. Lots of pictures. Each of the last 4 years i have put on programs at my church about hiking PCT and AT and now CDT. People love the pictures and the stories and so do I. In another 10-20 years I can look at them in the nursing home. Ha!

But people hike for different reasons. Beauty, accomplishment, being macho, whatever. Beauty is big for me. So I love recording it - and, of course, the people.

I currently carry lots of stuff on my chest - water bottles, altimeter/clock, gps, camera and I phone. Looks cluttered but I have what I want handy along with maps and bandanas in pockets.

On PCT I carried GPS in last 3 long section hikes after experiences on Fuller Ridge in snow and also just to learn how to use it in prep for CDT someday. Now I like using it even if just for recreation and enjoyment.

I phones use lots of battery. I really only went to I Phone for journaling as both Pocketmail and then PEEK went defunct. (I phone and camera live in same pouch on my chest.)

Last year in New Mexico I carried solar charger. I was told smallest solar charger adequate to charge I phone was Nomad 10. I used it in NM to charge I phone, GPS batteries (I ran it all the time just cause I like to.), headlamp batteries and Steripen. However the charger weighs 10 oz.  and you need good weather. If you are typical thru hiker going fast maybe extra lithium batteries are as good. It is a personal decision with pros and cons every which way.

Make your own decisions about what to carry but using the I phone all day for all it's uses and thinking you can fully charge it each and every day with a solar charger may be a bit over optimistic. That was simply not my choice.

Whatever you do, have fun and have a great trip.

Medicare Pastor

Sent from my iPhone