[pct-l] a few questions

[m.karon at comcast.net (Marshall Karon)]

Normally the stretch you are going to do will be sunny, warm to hot, with
little to no rain. And you normally would only have 1-2 days of inclement
weather. But, rain and snow can come at any time. There can be clouds and
cool/cold weather. You don't want to be out there without proper gear for
cold, rain, snow, sun, and heat. It won't get too cold, but if you get wet
and it gets cool you could be in trouble. If you venture into
Oregon/Washington, rain and cold is almost guaranteed. And, you could get
several days in a row of that weather.

I second the use of Frogg Toggs. They are light weight, serve as
windbreaker, rain protection, and warmth (but not too much as they breathe
very well).

Bug protection will be necessary in early spring and summer. During the day
especially. Bring the netting. Lots of people use tarps in the Sierras (and
elsewhere). Go for it.

No Gore-tex shoes: they hold water. And they dry slower than others. Do have
dry socks. If you don't venture out on ice, good trail runners should be OK.
If it is cold, get a larger shoe and put in heavier socks.

Stream crossing: some people hike right through; others take sandals or
water socks. Your choice.

Enjoy!

Marshall Karon
Portland, OR
m.karon@comcast.net
----- Original Message -----
From: "Rebecca Emily Selling" <res46@cornell.edu>
To: <pct-l@mailman.backcountry.net>
Sent: Tuesday, October 07, 2003 8:58 AM
Subject: [pct-l] a few questions


Hi all,
   I have a few questions to throw out.  I'm going to be hiking from about
Agua Dulce to the Oregon border next summer (darn college got in the
middle of a thru-hike) and I am wondering about appropriate apparel for
that section.  My two main questions are: 1) Do you think a raincoat is
necessary or could I get by with just a windbreaker? 2)I plan on hiking
in running shoes for most of the time, but would you recommend hiking
boots for the extra-snowy/mountainy sections?  i.e. the high sierra?
If not boots, how about gore-tex trail runners to avoid wet feet?  I'd
prefer to just hike in running shoes for cost and wieght reasons, but
if people have found that uncomfortable, I will think about bringing
drier sturdier shoes.

Another question regards shelter.  I am planning on bringing just a
tarp-tent.  Do you think I should bring bug netting for it for the
sections I am doing?  Also, I would like to try my hand at making my own
tarp-tent.  Does anyone have suggestions as to where to find a good design
and where to get materials?  Thanks a million!
Happy Trails :)
Becky Selling



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