[pct-l] questions for couples

[Marcia]

Hi Amanda,

Ken and I hiked the PCT in 2000 and we are now gearing up for a PCT 2007. 
Lots has changed in the gear area!

I carried a Garcia canister with 10 day's food for 2 from Kennedy Meadows to 
VVR. What didn't fit in the canister Ken carried and we slept with thinking 
we would eat the extra before we got to the problem areas (and a canister 
was not required anywhere). We'll probably use the same method now: one 
canister and eat first what won't fit. We really CRAM food in, choosing the 
most compact dinners and using as little packaging as possible. We also go 
without toothpaste, wipes and other extras that must go in a canister. (We 
now like PopTarts instead of the oatmeal that we carried so that is a 
problem now) Every crumb was gone when we got to VVR 10 days later. We'll 
probably try the same idea of some food out. This method is really pushing 
the limits because we were the skinniest hikers at VVR.

We used a Whisperlite on our JMT hikes, then bought a Snow Peak Giga Power 
that uses canisters for the PCT. It's a fantastic stove and we ship fuel 
when we ship guides and food. We calculated that alcohol stoves are lighter 
but fuel for two for an alcohol stove is a push compared to the Giga Power. 
Both alcohol and Giga Power are lighter than the Whisperlight system. The 
Giga Power has served us well for 13,000 miles at all temperatures and 
elevations (but we warm the canister under a jacket or in a sleeping bag 
when temps are low.

In 2000 we used synthetic bags and will now carry Wester Mountaineering 
down. We have opposite zips (a left and a right) to accomodate zipping 
together. I sleep cold and we have not tried a quilt system.

Our tents in 2000 were single wall mesh with rain flies (we started with a 
Walrus, broke a pole and ended with a Kelty). Since then we beta tested 
Black Diamond tents that were to be sold as Lighthouse and Firstlight. 
Firstlight with two people had too much condensation. We liked the side door 
and window but the Lighthouse is bigger (thus too heavy) so we are now going 
to carry to a Black Diamond HiLight with a side door and small floor area.. 
We got Fibraplex poles to save 6.1 ounces (see 
http://trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?id=167681) so our single wall, free 
standing tent will weigh in at around 2# 4 oz for two people.

I am an ounce weenie (obviously) and like my pack to weigh in at a pound. I 
have carried Gossamer Gear Mariposas and G-4s. Scout and Sandy Mann 
http://trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?id=168282 got their pack weight pared 
down to 8 oz! but I don't know what modifications they made.

Have a great hike!

YMMV,
Marcia
...GottaWalk NOW!


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Amanda Tyson" <amandartyson at gmail.com>
To: <pct-l at backcountry.net>
Sent: Monday, March 12, 2007 10:22 AM
Subject: [pct-l] questions for couples


Looking for advice from any couples out there who have hiked the PCT.
Here are our questions:
1. What size bear can should we carry? How did you deal with longer
stretches like the High Sierra?
2. We're planning to use a Whisperlite. Any thoughts on that? For
anyone who has used one, were you able to buy fuel at most stops? If
not, what did you do where you couldn't buy it? (Or what's the longest
you had to go between stops where they had fuel?)
3. Any ideas for ways that a couple could cut down on weight with
sleeping bag(s)? We've heard of folks sharing a bag or
quilt-contraption but are curious to hear more about what's worked for
you & how much weight/space we could really save.
4. Any recommendations (or bad reviews) for a 2-person tent? We're
thinking about Six Moon Designs or equivalent, open to suggestions.

And for anyone: reviews on Gregory packs?

Thanks!

Oats & Amanda (no trail name yet)
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