[pct-l] Class of 2004 Gear

[ROYROBIN at aol.com (ROYROBIN@aol.com)]

Here's another option:   

(But first, I got no hit on the Campmor URL you mentioned when I tried it, so 
can't see what they're offering.)

Just sew a D-ring on the front of each shoulder strap on your pack of choice 
and lasso the tops of your 2 liter soda bottles (or 1.5 liter disposable water 
bottles or whatever), and carry all the water you need.  Advantages:  Pretty 
near zero cost.  The weight is carried if front instead of in your pack, 
counterbalancing the stuff you have to carry anyway.  The water is easily 
accessible, being in front.  The only problem is, the bottles will swing as you walk.  
So keep them from doing that with some heavy rubber bands or string or, as I 
did, a bit of nylon strapping and velcro.  

This will get you from Scissors Crossing to Barrel Springs safely even if the 
Trail Angels aren't looking out after you.  With all respect for our TA's, 
who always seem to appear when we most need them, do not leave a water source in 
the southern deserts without enough water to get you to the next known water. 
 You may get very uncomfortable, or worse.  Oh, and for the Class of '04, who 
may not have done all their homework?  The longest stretch of the PCT without 
water is not in southern California.  It's the Hat Creek Rim.  Look out for 
that.              
_____

In a message dated 1/17/04 8:23:08 PM Pacific Standard Time, Hiker97@aol.com 
writes:

> One option for carrying extra water is the Coghlan's universal bottle 
> carrier 
> (see www.campmor .com, #87672-H).  I use two for carrying two 1.5 liter 
> bottles (from the local health food store, SmartWater).  The Velcro 
> adjustable 
> straps around the bottle are very adjustable with a wide range of sizes. 
> 
> The carrier comes with straps so you can carry it across your chest and 
> weighs 2.75 ounces/$3.99 each.  Not bad for carrying 1.5 liters.