[pct-l] Minimum pack size/volume

[Gary Wright]

On Oct 28, 2009, at 12:39 PM, Thomas Ricks wrote:
> Please address minimum pack size/volume for a pct hike thru.  My  
> base weight is approximately 10 lbs.  I am looking at the GG Gorilla  
> with 2800 ci (46L).  A little small but the other features are very  
> attractive.  I know the Gorilla has been used for sections of the  
> pct but am unsure if used for the entire length.

IMHO, the most difficult points on the PCT for pack capacity are  
leaving Mojave and leaving Kennedy Meadows.

When you leave Mojave you'll need 6-7 days of food to get to KM (if  
you don't resupply at Walker Pass) and you'll need lots of water to  
get you to Golden Oak Spring (18-26 miles depending on which road  
crossing you start from).  In a dry year, Golden Oak might be  
unreliable in which case you need to get to Robin Bird.  I don't have  
the data book in front of me but I think Robin Bird is 32+ miles from  
Mojave.

Out of Kennedy Meadows you don't have to worry about water as much but  
you'll have a bear canister, possibly an ice axe, and 6-7 days of food  
(Independence) or 10-11 days of food (VVR).

If your gear selection works for those two situations, you're all set.

Gary Wright (Radar)