I decided to make a little 2017 gear list, pre-hike, for this year! Most things I've kept the same, with just a few adjustments and now my base weight is 13.27lbs! Yay, progress.
View the full list with weight here.
2017 PCT GEAR LIST:
PACKING:
- Zpacks Arc Haul lined w/trash compactor bag (2) **
SHELTER:
- Zpacks Duplex
- MSR Aluminum Mini Ground Hog stakes (6)
- Zpacks tiny stakes (2) w/stuff sack
- Zpacks groundsheet poncho
SLEEPING:
- Enlightened Equipment Enigma quilt - 900, 10 deg, short, wide
- Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite, small w/stuff sack
- GossamerGear Thinlight foam pad - 1/8"
- Sea to Summit Aeros Premium pillow w/stuff sack
- GooseFeet Gear down socks w/stuff sack
COOKING:
- Talenti gelato jar
- Optimus Titanium long spoon
- Zpacks cuben fiber 12.3L Blast food bag
- Opsak 12x20
HYDRATION:
- Sawyer Squeeze
- Smartwater 1L x 2
- Evernew 2L x 2
- Scoop made out of a broken Evernew
CLOTHING PACKED:
- Filson midweight merino wool long sleeve
- Icebreaker Oasis 200 lightweight merino wool leggings
- Town shirt from Prana found in Mammoth
- Town shorts found in Big Bear
- Injinji toe socks
- Mountain Hardwear Plasmic Outdry gloves
- Melazana Micro Grid hoodie
- Patagonia underwear
- Patagonia Alpine Houdini jacket
- Zpacks cuben fiber stuff sack
SURVIVAL & TOOLS:
- Swiss Army Classic pocket knife
- First Aid - dental floss, bandaids, ibuprofen, benadryl, imodium, triple antibiotic ointment, leukotape, bic lighter, hydrocortisone
- Repair Kit - cuben fiber tape, thermarest repair, tenacious tape, needle
- mini nail clippers
- Deet (only used when bugs were REALLY bad)
- Sharpie
- Map & compass
HYGIENE:
- Normal sized toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Tooth pick floss
- Eucerin eczema creme
- Sunscreen
- Hand sanitizer
- Vaseline/Body Glide
- Deuce of Spades trowel
- Wet wipes
- Diva Cup
- 1 bandana, 1 pee rag
- Mini Wet hair brush
- Hygiene stuff sack
TECHNOLOGY:
- iPhone 6 w/case
- Petzl Tikka XP 2 headlamp
- Anker 10000mAh portable external battery w/cord
- Dual USB charger for iPhone w/cord
- Canon EOS M
- Canon charger
- 1 extra battery
- SD cards
- Earbuds
- Technology bag stuff sack
OTHER:
- Zpacks passport wallet - ID, 1 credit, 1 debit, health insurance card
- Sunglasses
- Sea to Summit head net
- Bedrock Cairn sandals **
WORN:
- Columbia national park ranger shirt
- Brooks Epiphany III running shorts
- Icebreaker Sprite merino wool bra
- Patagonia underwear
- Altra Lone Peak 3 trail runners w/Superfeet insoles
- Tilley sun hat
- Injinji toe socks
- LEKI Cressida faux cork trekking poles **
- Wool buff
- Dirty Girl Gaiters
TOTAL BASE WEIGHT (minus food, water, fuel) = 13.27lb
COLD WEATHER:
- REI beanie
- Girlfriend leggings
- Patagonia Super Alpine Gore-Tex Jacket
- MSR MicroRocket w/igniter
- MSR Titanium Kettle pot
**Notes that these items were given to me, have tested them out and decided to make the switch over for this year.
Enlightened Equipemnt Enigma quilt!
Zpacks Arc Haul
Sleeping bag:
I have very minor changes but wanted to focus on the main differences. First, the EE quilt, I've been wanting to try a quilt forever. My previous Zpacks sleeping bag was just too narrow and short for me. I thought I was buying regular back in the day, but since then, they've switched that sizing to slim. It was just too claustrophobic for me and I couldn't move in it. I'm sure if I bought a bigger size, it'd be more comfortable but nothing beats a brand new, fluffy sleeping bag.
Backpack:
As much as I loved how durable my ULA was, the no air flow on the back was really intense. I do love how comfy the hip belt/pockets were. I used the Zpacks Arc Haul in Patagonia with the guys and ended up really loving it. The only thing that was annoying was that the stays kept "de-arcing" so I would have to keep re-arcing it. They said something about the webbing being too slippery which is why that is happening but I've kinda tied a knot to keep it from slipping. We'll see how it does this year though. I'm confident in the fabric though. I opted for the gridstop instead of the cuben.
Patagonia Alpine Houdini jacket in CO. Photo by: Nate/Meg
Rain/Wind shell:
My Zpacks jacket basically deteriorated last summer and was just using it as a nice outer layer for the mornings. I really loved that jacket, the color, fit and style but I don't think it'll shield water anymore. Granted, it only rained on me like 3 times so I don't really know, but it just looks like it needs to be retired. I got the Patagonia Alpine Houdini for Patagonia, and I absolutely loved it. It's not exactly super good at repelling water, but it does the job (not for a long period of time). But I've been climbing with it and it's my favorite outer layer right now. Unfortunately, it's super bright yellow, but it was the only color that was on sale.
LEKI Cressida faux cork trekking poles
Trekking poles:
So I've always used my cheapo REI poles, which I really loved honestly. I upgraded for a lighter weight version last year in Lake Isabella, but they ended up snapping on me this winter on a snow hike. Then I finally decided to invest in better quality ones aka the Black Diamond Alpine cork poles (RIP). They were really amazing while they lasted. Unfortunately, I've lost (and found) them 3 times, except not the third time. I left one pole at a trailhead in CO and now they're forever gone bc I think someone stole them. I only have one BD pole now, which won't work for my tent setup. I'm pretty sad bc those poles were SO expensive and so good. Thankfully, LEKI is sponsoring is #P3HIKERS this year and generously sent me a set of new poles of my choice! Obviously, I went for the cork and white poles. They seem incredibly light and I am stoked to use them on my alpine trips before I leave.
Bedrock Cairn sandals
Camp shoes:
RIP yellow crocs. I will forever love my crocs, but they are really bulky. They are lighter than the Bedrocks, but I took these to Patagonia and have been wearing them around the city. I tried hiking in CO with them but unfortunately, it gave me a big toe blister. I don't think I'll ever be a sandal hiker, but they will be great for town and camp. I hate wearing the shoe I'm hiking in for purposes other than hiking, so having another pair of shoes is a must for me.
I'm a little nervous about the cold weather items though. I feel like I'm going to need them sooner than expected. Once the rain comes in WA, I will most likely be sending myself Gore-Tex and a stove. Maybe rain pants? I hate pants.
Here is to 2017!
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