[pct-l] Mt. Whitney permit

[Eric Lee]

Sean wrote:
>
There are so many
things like this that have piled up for me over the last few months. All of
them are vital pieces of equipment that I must supposedly must have or don't
want to risk going without.
>

If you don't plan to summit Whitney, then you don't need the Whitney permit.
Don't stress over it.  Picking and choosing what you spend your money on is
always smart; only you know your own needs and how you want to hike your
hike.  This would be a good place to insert Scott's thru-wallet story, I
suppose.  Keep telling yourself, "This is MY hike!  I get to decide!"  Just
be willing to live with your choices, whatever they are.  :-)

And for the record, no, you don't need a GPS on the PCT.  Except for
mid-winter or backcountry trips, a GPS is an amusing toy but not at all
essential.  Far better to pack maps, a compass, and knowledge of how to use
them.  A personal locator beacon is not essential equipment on the PCT
either.  Far better to have the experience and gear to keep yourself safe.
If some freak accident occurs, well, either you'll be dead or someone will
probably be along shortly.

Eric