FB posts - Nov 30, 2011

Think I'm going post-ultralight lol. My new pack weighs a pound more than my former, but feels "lighter" with the same gear than the former due to distributing load better. I guess the acid test will be when I'm actually hiking with it.

- Nathan Frank

 

Our packs came today. Just sayin'.

- Nathan Frank

 

Feds are shutting down "Polar Pure". This is bullshit.

- Jason Phelps

FB posts - Nov 29, 2011

Something to consider instead of an ice axe: Black Dimond Whippet- I have one of these and I love it. When you are crossing a steep snow slope, you really want to have your poles in your hands, people tend to just keep ice axes on their pack where they are just dead weight. Using this you still have your pole and you have a self arrest tool. It didn't bother me at all to have the pick on there while hiking. They used to make a model that was just the top segment of a pole and you used the bottom of your normal pole. It was called the Whippet Trek, but I can't find it online anymore.

Black Diamond Whippet Self-Arrest Ski Pole

- Dayla Austin

 

So, I'm reading Yogi's planning guide and the book is talking about electronics and iPods. Several entries describe how they didn't use iPods on their trip and sang the same song for a week. LMAO. I do that too. On the CT this year I couldn't get one in particular zac brown band song out. Has anyone experienced this?

- Scott Sprenger

 

So who plans on carrying a "spot"?

- Scott Sprenger

FB posts - Nov 28, 2011

As i gradually step back into a "normal" life every step that i take makes me want to be back on that 28" wide path even more, I had this at home feeling while i was out there hiking this year, havent felt that at home in many many years. i long for it and cant wait to be reunited with my trail family come next april! if anyone needs any advice on anything ask me and i would love to help.
~ScareCrow~

- Richard Sharp

 

left to right, 2008 to 2011, the view looking northbound from the north side of Forrester Pass down the bubb's creek drainage. 2008 was an average snow year with a quick, steady melt. 2009 was slightly less than average with a cold, snowy spring (late accumulation and slow melt). 2010 was a high snow year with a slow, late melt and low temperatures. 2011 was the same, but with an even higher snow year and more late season snow than 2010.

- Patrick Beggan

FB posts - Nov 27, 2011

Today is my 66th birthday. I retire and start drawing social security next month. And, in 5 months we should all be enjoying ourselves at ADZPCTKO. Just out of curiosity, is anyone in the PCT Class of 2012 older than me?

- Mike Tarman

FB post - Nov 26, 2011

Can we go yet?

- Melissa TheBobcat Park

 

I'm sure most of you, the Class of 2012, know about this, but I thought I'd post it just in case you didn't: PCT alumn, Halfmile, has made some accurate maps you can carry on the trail. Best of all, they are free. You should check back to his site in the new year, when he'll post the most updated versions (that will include more campsites, more accurate trail routes, any re-routes, and opened sections previously closed). They saved my life a few times while on the PCT!
Pacific Crest Trail Map - Printable Map Downloads

- Kolby Kirk

 

Today I'm moving out of my adorable little cabin on the lake, and into a drafty room in my friends barn, literally over the horse and goats. This way I'll be able to put 4 months rent into the $$$ PCT fund. The house (i.e. bathroom / kitchen ) are across the yard. It's going to be a cold winter in the Inland NW for me, but I'm TOTALLY chalking this up as 'training'....

- Ron Ulrich

FB post - Nov 25, 2011

alright, I've been playing uncharted 3 and main character wears a kuffiya, I've got a buddy who swears by his, "tactical shemagh" same thing as the kuffiya. I'm probably gonna have to get one, it's total multiuse, towel, sun protection, water filtration. thoughts?

- Steve Gillan

FB post - Nov 24, 2011

Happy Thanksgiving PCT Class of 2012! Just think, one year from today it will be a memory and not an anticipation.

- Nathan Frank

FB post - Nov 23, 2011

It is now possible to take small pets with you on the hike.
http://i.imgur.com/7jeP3.png

- Glen Hubbell

 

updated with a little more content....not much of a blogger, until now... let me know what ya think....
http://www.kristoHIKES.blogspot.com/

- Kris Hammonds

FB post - Nov 22, 2011

Are dealing with illegal aliens going to be problem?

- Scott Sprenger

FB post - Nov 21, 2011

I came across this program called Cardinal Points: Interactive Navigation Training Cardinal Points is a free map and compass training program used to teach navigation skills. Give it a try if your a newbie like me and need help with a compass. Remember a GPS can die in one river crossing....or just dumb luck.
http://www.cardinalpoints.co.uk/

- T.J. Pain

FB post - Nov 19, 2011

What about a sit pad? I didn't carry one on my first thruhike, but I carried a torso length one on my PCT hike- you are often taking breaks or siestas on prickly ground - if you are a thermarest-er like me you sure don't want to break that out. One of favorite pieces of gear now is the Thinlight pad from Gossamer Gear. It's only 1/8 inch thick- I use it for addl thermal insulation under my Neoair, its 5ft by 20 inches. Folded in half a great torso pad, folded in fourths a very cushy sitpad. And it only weighs 2 oz! http://gossamergear.com/sleeping/1-8.html
Gossamer Gear Thinlight Insulation Pad 1/8"

- Dayla Austin

 

my gal and i have some gear (some new and some used) that we were going to use on the AT before we decided on the PCT. hit me up if you're interested!
ULA Packs, WM Highlite, Hennesy Hammock must go to fund my PCT 2012 hike!

- Nathan Frank

 

Let's talk Trekking poles.
I'm contemplating these. (formerly Titanium Goat poles)
-I saw them mentioned several times in Yogis Handbook.
-I have to use my Trek poles to erect my tent, so the decision is important.

- Ron Ulrich

FB post - Nov 18, 2011

Got one of these and am quite pleased. A step up from the razor blade duck taped to my guidebook on the AT.
Buck Knives Hartsook Ultralite S30V Black Oxide Neck Knife

- Nathan Frank

 

What kind of bear canister do you use?

- T.J. Pain

FB post - Nov 17, 2011

In an effort to be teachable, I'm going to listen to the suggestions that my although my pack is fine for the AT, it is too small for the PCT. Big step for this know-it-all considering I didn't finish the AT in part due to not taking a few well founded suggestions. I hate admitting I'm wrong!

- Nathan Frank

 

My greatest fear - My cold hands. Apparently at some point in my childhood my fingers were frostbitten just bad enough to stop circulation when they get even remotely cold. I'm talkin 55* can do it. This is my one great fear - Hot Hands are added weight and useless when cold. Even great gloves don't help much. I plan getting mittens to try out too. Anyone else have this problem? When out in the snow around home i always have hand warmers, but weeks in the Sierras has me concerned. Thoughts?

- Ron Ulrich

FB post - Nov 16, 2011

Any of ya'll from NYC? Heard through the grapevine there might be...where is everyone from or living these days?

- Nathan Frank

FB post - Nov 15, 2011

PCT training! LOL... Hey were gonna do 2700 mi. whats a meesly 26.2!

- Collin Weiner

FB post - Nov 14, 2011

Occupy PCT ;)

- Nathan Frank

 

Oh boy oh boy oh boy oh boy ... I just ordered my pack! Excitement level: max. Productivity level for the rest of the afternoon: free fall. Just thought I'd share. I'll probably be back here when I get it too, so you get a double-dose. Cheers!

- Melissa TheBobcat Park

FB post - Nov 13, 2011

I feel like a little kid looking for approval, but I gotta say... my gal and I just ordered our shelter and accouterments. Gossamer Gear SpinnTwinn tarp, bug netting, ground cloth, and stakes. PSYCHED.

- Nathan Frank

 

A nice video from the Class of 2010.
http://vimeo.com/27127993

- Mike Tarman

 

The most difficult part of the entire PCT planning process, which I began nearly a year ago, has been the incredible number of OPINIONS and OPTIONS. I've found Suggestions have been the most helpful... I think we should remember - What works for you may not work for them, and just because it didn't work for you, doesn't mean it's not worth someone else trying it out. =-)

- Ron Ulrich

FB post - Nov 12, 2011

Six more months seems like an eternity right now.

- Nathan Frank

 

I want to share with you how in awe I am of the ULA customer service. I sent Chris a question about the straps (J vs. S). I got an auto-answer saying he's in Nepal and that I should direct my questions to Rodney. So I sent Rodney an email. Within ten minutes (on a Saturday evening) I got an email from both Chris and Rodney. Chris said he's at some airport in Thailand and about to catch a flight. Amazing! But then both their answers is that both straps are great and that it's a matter of personal preference, so that doesn't help much :-)

- Melissa TheBobcat Park

FB post - Nov 11, 2011

Hey fellow outdoor enthusiasts. Thought i would share my weekend plans, Backpacking in the Anza-Borrego desert for 3days 2nights relishing the opportunity 2 test out some of my gear for the PCT!!!. there are lots of great hikes out there! today i plan on hiking to the highest peak in the southern anza Sombrero Peak at 4,229ft and then on saturday out 2 the coyotemtns/ carrizzo badlands where the slot canyons and mud caves are!! Should be a blast! What is everyone else doing this weekend? any outdoor adventures?!!!

- Collin Weiner

FB post - Nov 10, 2011

Here's my tarp setup

- Alan Fox

FB post - Nov 9, 2011

Any opinions from former thru-hikers on tarping the PCT or from those hiking in 2012 who plan on using one?

- Nathan Frank

FB post - Nov 8, 2011

Thanks! That was like 3 seconds lol.

- Nathan Frank

 

Good morning PCT Class of 2012. I'm the Bobcat. Full name is Bouncing Bobcat.
159 days until I can start walking, my dream turned plan is now a full-blown obsession. I think that's the way it should be. I am relishing the anticipation. I just quit a PhD program and am looking for a job to patch me over for 158 days. Barista would do me well. In the meantime, if any of you want to go on training hiking/snowshoe/ski adventures, hit me up. I am in Bellingham, WA, within playing distance of the Cascades.

- Melissa TheBobcat Park

FB post - Nov 7, 2011

Here's a couple of slide shows for the Class of 2012 to watch.
!st half....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gPC_1q3CBg
2nd half....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mf3SYbnlSzU

- Andrea Dinsmore

 

Are you all familiar with this website for discount gear: http://www.theclymb.com/invite-from/BrookeOsborne

That is my link, but if you sign up and send invites to friends who also purchase things, you can build up credit. I've been half-heartedly checking it each week and ended up with a few great items for %60 off... (mountain hardware, smartwool show up from time to time)
The Clymb | The Gear You Need. Up to 70% Below Retail. ™

- Brooke Osborne

 

Everyone must see and hear this at least 100 times. Turn it up. http://www.wizardsofthepct.com/#!page-20

- Alan Fox

 

what are you all listening too right now?? and do you listen to music on the trail?? i have been diggin 'the devil makes three' pretty thick lately...

- Kris Hammonds

FB post - Nov 5, 2011

REI opened their 1st store in South Carolina this weekend in Greenville. For 2 hours this afternoon I was like a kid in a candy store. Remarkably, I walked out empty handed. (It helps that I already have most of my equipment.)

- Mike Tarman

FB post - Nov 4, 2011

Whatcha all sleeping in? I'm thinking of getting a WM summerlite.

- Steve Gillan

FB post - Nov 3, 2011

Is anyone going to take along an Umbrella?

- Alan Fox

FB post - Nov 1, 2011

working the lab... daydreaming about the PCT. So excited to meet all of you!

- Brooke Osborne

 

Got an iPhone 4S yesterday - the voice recognition feature is truly amazing and is going to make journaling SO easy! You just have to go through and add punctuation etc after but otherwise it's incredible and get 95% of the words right. I'm going to practice doing email and text updates to my journal tonight.

- Jason Phelps