[pct-l] Fwd: PCT Prep

Mon May 18 18:19:05 CDT 2015

Amen on choosing the right backpack.  Other than your sleeping bag, its the most important piece of equipment you'll have.  

Pay attention to the manufacturers recommendation for max load weight for their various models.  For the most part I've found them fairly accurate (unlike tent manufacturers who describe their tents as 1, 2, or 3 person - laughable).  Ultralight backpacks, those weighing less than 2 lbs anyway, have their advocates, but cannot handle loads in excess of 25 lb, and that's a stretch for long distances.  Carrying several days of food and 6-7 liters of water in the desert and/or other long dry stretches will easily put your pack weight into the mid to upper 30s.  You'll want a pack that is comfortable for your frame, and a hip belt that'll carry most of the load on or above your hips rather than your shoulders.  A good pack isn't cheap, but will pay dividends out in the trail.  walt

Sent from my iPad

> On May 18, 2015, at 13:51, marmot marmot <marmotwestvanc at hotmail.com> wrote:
> 
> 
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> 
> Begin forwarded message:
> 
>> From: marmot marmot <marmotwestvanc at hotmail.com>
>> Date: May 18, 2015 at 10:47:05 AM PDT
>> To: rbelshee <rbelshee at hotmail.com>
>> Cc: veronikaloebach <veronikaloebach at ymail.com>
>> Subject: Re: [pct-l] PCT Prep
>> 
>> So you know who's giving advice.  I am 5'2" weigh on trail maybe 110 pounds. When the finished the PCT the first time I weighed 94 #'s. That's when I changed from eating freeze dried food to dried food.  My pack base weight is 15-16 #. I'm vegetarian who has hiked both with and without a stove. Sometimes on the PCT I've had to carry 2 gallons of water. It stinks but does not last for long. Just make sure your pack can handle it. 
>> Marmot
>> 
>> Sent from my iPhone
>> 
>>> On May 18, 2015, at 10:34 AM, rbelshee <rbelshee at hotmail.com> wrote:
>>> 
>>> Excellent advice Marmot. The best prep is to actually go backpacking, and your specific advice is great. 
>>> 
>>> Your questions also included gender. In my experience, women physically take to thru hiking even easier than men, who tend to start with more upper body strength that slowly atrophies on the trail, while women quickly reach a great balance. Last year I hiked with a woman who was 120 pounds and 5 foot 10 inches tall. I couldn't keep up with her. 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> Rod Belshee
>>> hikepaddle.blogspot.com
>>> 
>>> 
>>> -------- Original message --------
>>> From: marmot marmot
>>> Date:05/18/2015 10:07 AM (GMT-08:00)
>>> To: veronikaloebach
>>> Cc: pct-l at backcountry.net
>>> Subject: Re: [pct-l] PCT Prep
>>> 
>>> I think there can be some confusion when people state their base weight. That weight is without food or water. Add about 11/2 #s per day for food plus the weight of water between water sources. 
>>> Just put weight on your back -walk up and down the streets. Gradually add weight and lengthen the distance. Even in LA you can find hills. If you are close to the Santa Monica mtns,they  are perfect. There's nothing on the PCT that is steeper. You can do a shake down backpack on the Backbone Trail. As you get ready you could start at Will Rogers with 6 days of food ( in the fall or winter) hike to Pt Mugu turn around and hike back. You will have done 130 miles. It's possible if you mis calculate your food needs to Resupply at Toganga. I've backpacked that trail in the winter and had plenty of water. I also was able to stealth camp. If you do not make a fire or use a stove except in the established campground, I think it is a great training hike. That daily mileage will get you Canada. There are also groups that go out every Sat and during the week that you can join if you want company for your training.  Check out the Sierra club hikes. There are three established campgrou
> nds
>>>  on the trail but unfortunately they are not spaced well for a thruhiker. 
>>> Have a great hike
>>> Marmot
>>> 
>>> Sent from my iPhone
>>> 
>>>> On May 18, 2015, at 9:20 AM, veronikaloebach <veronikaloebach at ymail.com> wrote:
>>>> 
>>>> Hello all. I have some beyond newbie questions. I am 22, born and raised in LA...always known city life. Im extremely lanky. Somewhat atheletic but definitely not as athletic as a 2650 mi hike....my question is...what can I possibly do to prepare and what will best help get me through it? It is my life dream to complete the pct even though ive never been on a hike more than 8miles. What do I need to know? Anything and everything will help. I have been reading everything online but every thing is regarding full grown men. Which I am not. Also...I notice the norm for weight being carried is no more than 20lbs at a time...is that number common for just men or women as well? Also...does that include water and food? Carrying 20 lbs (about 10 liters) of water alone is definitely going to put me at some major set backs when I do eventually start my journey. 
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> From my Android phone on T-Mobile. The first nationwide 4G network.
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