[pct-l] questions for couples

[frankgilliland at comcast.net]

Some of my best hiking memories are the times I became the third wheel with
a PCT couple.  I always wish that my Wife could hike with me.  But, she has
bad knees and thinks that I am just nuts.  I have hiked with about 8 couples
over the years, some for a just a few days, a few for as long as a month.

Meeting up with Jackalope and Eagle Eye at there wedding last year with Mama
and Chia was just part of some great times together.  Also hiked off and on
with Guac and Black Hole.  All three couples had great attitudes and made
for some incredible memories.

I learned a lot about the "couples" in my hiking life.  Hiking couples are
by and large the happiest folks I meet on the trail.  Some of them could be
a husband and wife comedy team.  What strikes me the most is how they were
also such a great hiking team.  It was like watching a NASA mission dealing
with setting up camp, making dinners and the like.

Sharing gear and duties seemed to be second nature to them.  More important
than any gear tip or weight saving that couples seemed to enjoy was the
simple fact that they were having a great time "together".  

As for the original questions:

1) assuming using bear cans, I would have to assume based on size and food
needs, that each of you would have to carry a can "each" in the required
areas.

2)Any stove will work.  Most of the couples used Pepsi can stoves.  I like
the canister types.  I am seeing less and less of the White gas types on the
trail.  Seemed like fuel was a hit or miss.  I liked the canisters because
they can be mailed "ground" only.

3) did not get close enough to observe the sleeping patterns of couples.   A
lot of bags can be zipped together now.  So go with what works best for you.
When I do go camping with my wife, I like the zip together option.

4)two person tents that I saw that worked the best for couples were the
styles that did not require to be staked.  Having a little extra room was
worth the extra weight.  I have to assume that with two people breathing in
and out, that having a tent that does not have any kind of condensation
issues is a plus!  Try it out first before hitting the trail.

5)Packs are like children.  No two are a like.  The female sized and framed
packs seemed to really make a big difference for the females.  Go with what
fits right and can carry all your gear, food and water for the dry
stretches.  I spent three hours trying on 20 packs for my last one.  

Other gear:  Tarp or tent, shoes or boots, bag or quilt?  I switched gear
items and replaced others several times.  I went tarp for a while and then
tent for a while.  I even switched meal options completely.  Heck, I even
tried a hiking Kilt for a while.  

StarMan

************************
By the light of the moon
By the light of the star
They walked all night
>From near to far
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Dr. Seuss