[pct-l] Beginning in March

[David Ellzey]

Nikki,

1. Mid-March is an early start, even in the desert SoCal might very well be cold, wet and windy. Don't be under prepared for that possibility. Of course, it could also be day after day of mild weather too! The San Jacintos will still be covered in snow and an ice chute is likely to reside at Antsell Rock. Finally Fuller Ridge might offer some icy situations as well. All of this can be handled with the appropriate experience and gear mind you, I just want you to be aware. You'll also run into snow as you pass through the traverse range, a lot if it's a big snow year. So in short, I'm not sure I would recommend a 30+ bag for SoCal if you are starting mid-March.

2. How much water to carry really depends on the weather and the distance between water sources. Although no one should rely on water caches, you certainly should figure that they aren't stocked yet and plan accordingly. You also might find that AsABat's Water Report may not be very helpful yet as you'd be among the first to leave reports. On the other hand, more of the seasonal sources might be running. So I guess what I am saying is that you should probably have the capability to carry a lot using something like Platypus bags in addition to a couple of 1L bottles. If it were me, I'd probably carry a couple of 2.5L Platys rolled up in the pack for the hot and/or long stretches. 

3. Carry a very small bottle of hand sanitizer along with your soap, use it often as you are more likely to get sick from your hands than the water. Leave toilet paper at home and learn the backwoods bidet. I cannot personally vouch for menstrual cups but a lot of long distance hiker women favor them. 

BigToe

-----Original Message-----
From: pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net [mailto:pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net] On Behalf Of Nikki Eddy
Sent: Sunday, January 13, 2013 10:51 PM
To: pct-l at backcountry.net
Subject: [pct-l] Beginning in March

Hi there,

This is my first post so I hope this works! :)  We are going to begin the PCT starting at Campo in mid-March. We're obviously in the planning/preparation stages and have a couple of questions for you folks who have experience with this trail:

1) For the desert areas, I know that it can get pretty cold at night. I have a 30+ bag...should I buy a liner?
2) Do you have any advice or tips about water in terms of how much you typically carry at one time, and what you recommend for storage?
3) I love cleanliness and efficiency...any tips you have to offer that work well in regards to gear, personal hygene, or other tips you have for the long-distance hiker are encouraged and welcomed!

Happy trails!

NE


 
"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."
                                                                                                                                               ---Martin Luther King Jr.
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