[pct-l] New Super Secret Tips by Switchback

[Hiker97 at aol.com (Hiker97@aol.com)]

Well, here are some new/old tips.
1.  To keep zipper pockets from sliding open and losing goods along the trail: Just put a small bead of Elmers Glue along the zipper where you do not want the zipper to open any further.  Be sure to leave enough opening to get things easily, but not enough to open too much.
2.  Simple umbrella holder: For example, on the P-1 pack, just attached my foam tube/wood dowel holder (2.5 oz.)on a shoulder strap with the elastic water bottle cords.  Then add some Velcro straps to secure more firmly.  Just put your solar/snow/rain umbrella in the holder anytime you want.  Works great.  I figure umbrellas are effective 90% for solar, 85% for snow, and 75% for rain.  No bad.
3.  Get a pedicure: Nothing is so great for your feet before, during, or after a hike than a visit to the beauty/nail salon (do not let your hiking buddies see you do this).  Caution, be careful about letting the attendant use a razor to take off too much skin. Tell them to only use a scrub pad.  There is a reason why your body has put some rough skin on your feet while you hike.
4.  Corn nuts: An excellent addition to your GORP recipe.
5.  Too much water: Be careful about over doing the water.  We are usually worried about too little water, but you can dilute your system with too much.  You much keep a balance between salt/electrolytes and water.
6.  Rain cover:  Be sure to cut your trash bag pack rain cover before you leave for your hike.  Cut the shoulder strap slits and any other requirements, so it is very easy and fast to use it on the trail.
7.  A .75 ounce liquid container: 1-liter Platypus water containers are great ways to carry water.  Put several in your lower outside pack pockets, so heavy water is directly over your leg muscles and not on your spin/shoulders.
8.  Use AAA county maps for your trail overview map while hiking.  Really excellent.
9.  Maps: Cut the PCT trail section out of the book and take it down to Kinko's and have them spiral bind the pages with a vinyl covers.  Less than $6.00 and excellent way to carry detailed maps (thanks to Carol, expedition leader of the upcoming Section E hike).
10. More rain protection: Spray your tent and other gear with some water repellent before your trip to give it a little more protection. 
11. See at night: Use Kelty or other reflective cord for zipper pulls and tent stakeout cords.
12. Put your sleeping pad between your tent floor(if you have one) and ground cloth.  This keeps it from sliding around at night.  Plus, in a rain it keeps you up off the ground a little bit.
13. Sole protection: Be sure to put a little Shoe Goo on the bottom of your shoes/sandal before starting on your tip.  Put it on the areas that wear the most.
14. Take some really neat foods on your trip.  A lot will spoil out of refrigeration, so just eat them in the first few days.  Triple bag them to help keep them fresh. 
15. Start you trip by carrying Smart Water flavors (the electrolyte clear type).  Excellent product and very satisfying. 

Of course, you know most of these things, but I like to harass you.  Happy trails, Switchback