[pct-l] Help

[David Thibault]

You probably need to try out your pack for fit.

There is no typical weight it all depends on your comfort level with your
equipment  The base weight range is probably between 5 and 20 lbs.

Generally lighter is better - but you need to be able to handle all the
conditions you might experience out there.  This past year I saw a couple of
ultra lighter's that I did not think had the skill level for the minimal
amount of gear they were carrying (IMHO).

Ask yourself, if it is 20 degrees F and raining and very windy will I be
okay with what I have?  Also what about 100 degrees and not a cloud in
sight.  You will experience both of these conditions out there.

A Down bag is fine if you keep it dry.  This is harder to do in Washington,
but not too hard in California.
Most hikers carried a down bag but there were a few carrying synthetics
also.

The Bushbuddy will work fine.  LINT carried one this year and had no
problems using it.  I believe you need to carry a fire starter for very wet
conditions (cotton ball with Vaseline will work) - note: I have not used a
Bushbuddy myself.  For the PCT an alcohol stove, canister stove, or ESBIT
stove will all work fine.  There are trade offs with each and only
experience and use can really decide the best choice for you.  For what it
is worth, after years of hiking I still haven't decided on the best stove.
Alcohol stoves are cheap and easy - if you make your own, so you should be
able to evaluate this option for very little cost before your hike.

As a data point.  My guest is 70% of PCT thru hikers use alcohol stoves, 20%
use canister, and the rest use esbit, wood or go stoveless.

Enjoy the planning,  and of course the trip -  it is a truly remarkable
experience.

Day-Late  (AT '07, PCT '09)




>
> Randy Wrote:
>
> I am a first time PCT hiker and plan on doing a thru hike starting in the
> beginning of May 2010, and I am looking for some advice. I am really some
> what new to mountain hiking in long distance and I am reading so much
> material on the trail, so I would like to get some first hand feed back!!
> I am looking at the Golite Quest at 3lb 3oz, and the Pinnacle at 2lb even.
> Are these good packs and considering the weight difference is
> the quality better for a little heavier pack? Also what is the average
> suggested weight for a thru hiker to carry minus food?
>
> And for sleeping bags, i see many people concerned with the bags getting
> wet
> and   i am wondering where to lean on bags. Synthetic or down and can i use
> the same bag for the whole trip? or should i use a quilt?
>
> As far as cooking, me and a friend had talked about the 'Bushbuddy' and
> using natural fuel resources with some back up esbit tablets. For a thru
> hike is this a concern and should we consider a different fuel in favor of
> the element variances?
>
>
>
>