[pct-l] Lightweight gear

[rogercar@pacifier.com (Roger Carpenter)]

Jennifer Doebler had three questions:
1)  Reference-wise, besides Jardine's, what are the best, most
comprehensive books on ultra light weight thruhiking strategies, trip
planning,  etc?    
2)  Anyone have any personal favorite internet sites on these topics?
3)  How probable is it to venture the Mexico to Canada route on the PCT in
4 months?  Most people have claimed the average time to be between 5-6
months, but if you go hard-core, is it feasible to finish in 4?

My responses:
1) and 2):  I have not read any books that do a better job than Jardine, but
this internet site has some info on ultra light weight issues:

http://www.backpacking.net/ultralit.html

The site mentions a book, Powerpacking, Principles of Lightweight Long
Distance Backpacking.  I have not seen the book, so I cannot comment on its
quality.  But give the site a try!

3) The PCT in 4 months?  It's very possible during an low, average or even a
slightly above average snowpack year.  In 1996 I started with packweight of
about 18 pounds (w/o food, water) and completed the PCT in 4 months, 1 week.
Had I not lingered in some of the re-supply stops I could have made it in 4
months.  I'm not a hard-core ultra-light gear nut, but I adopted my own,
unique style.  And my pre-hike training was minimal, although I had hiked
almost 1,000 miles the previous year.

I have found the best way to learn more about long distance hiking is to
talk with others who have experience doing it.  Personal advice puts the
techniques in Jardine's book in complete perspecitive.  I suggest you
consider joining ALDHA-West.  Most of our members are willing to share the
knowledged they gained from their hikes.  We hold an annual gathering, and
next year the event will be held at the Mazama Lodge at Government Camp,
Oregon on October 1-3, 1999.  Please contact me if you are interested!

Roger Carpenter
P.O. Box 651 
Vancouver, WA  98666

Secretary/Treasurer, 
American Long Distance Hiking Association-West
http://gorp.com/nonprof/aldhaw/

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