Every year includes it’s share of fear mongering. I’ve thru hiked the JMT twice - including in 2011 after an epic winter snowpack - and have another JMT hike planned for this summer. Spent six months on a thru hike of the PCT from border to border in one continuous footpath with zero miles missed. I was told “Poodle Bush” would disable a person in Southern California. I figured this was BS and sure enough never saw a poodle bush. “You will fry in the desert heat!” Son, I never saw a desert - the PCT climbs into mountainous terrain near the Mexico border and pretty much follows the highest route possible through Southern California all the way to the Sierras. There are 8 and 9 thousand foot peaks near Los Angeles that most highway travelers don’t even notice - you will get to know their brushy gnarly selves very well. There is one tiny stretch of Mohave Desert just south of Tehachapi that has fear mongers wringing their hands every year. It’s about twenty miles on dirt roads and paved aqueduct. And get this, there’s a drinking fountain placed by the Los Angeles water district halfway across this twenty miles. You cross the interstate highways via culverts, or foot tunnels. No one even notices the PCT hikers passing thru incognito beneath the highway. It’s pretty fascinating actually. Do Not Listen to the fear mongers. Frequent statements are made about rivers and streams to cross. Baloney. There are no rivers to cross. The rivers that are unfordable have foot bridges, or the trail drops down in elevation to a highway bridge to make the crossing. You will be on the Pacific Crest very near the headwater source of most streams in the Sierras. There are creeks that may be high, depending on the year. But these are creeks, and typically drop in stream flow by early morning when the snow hardens up overnight. Most of the time you can scramble around upstream and find a log jam to cross on. Or just take off your pants and wade across. Majority of them you can jump across from rock to rock. If you come across an obstacle, then deal with it first hand with your own eyeballs. Maybe there’s an obstacle out there that can’t be overcome in 2023. But the past 50 years have shown, give it a couple weeks later (or earlier) and it won’t be an issue. Wait it out if need be in a rare case. That creek will come down. Micro spikes and hiking poles, yes. Crampons no - unless climbing the Matterhorn in ridged mountaineering boots. Snow melts and gets soft; snow freezes and gets hard as a rock; springs and water sources are reduced when it’s hot; then, sure enough, after a rain springs and dry washes flow with refreshing water for the next guy. The wind may blow so fiercely along a ridgetop it will knock you over. The next day a hiker will stroll across that same ridge in peaceful calm and wonder what all the fuss was about. As the season progresses, someone else’s experience on trail will be vastly different even a week apart. The Southern Sierras are an alpine paradise. Northern Washington is rugged, vast, and stunning under the vivid fall colors of late September. In between there’s a whole lot of walking and good people to meet. I love night hiking via headlamp. It’s intimate quiet, serene, and cold at night - you can really make the miles through Northern California and Oregon with a headlamp. The tiny rechargeable Nitecore is perfect for this. Free your mind and enjoy the time on trail. Tommy
Really solid kit . I would absolutely take the umbrella. The selection for your groundsheet is nicely done but theres something most people don't get about the emergency blankets. If put into contact with the heat source (your tent floor heated by you) it will actually conduct that heat away from you rather than reflect it back. metallic finishes are terrific conductors. In an emergency you would have to crinkle it up before putting it on to create thousands of tiny air pockets where the heat can be reflected - it requires air between it and the heat source. I know this, yet a few years back I bought a base layer from Columbia with their "Omni heat" metallic dots on the inside. I picked it up from a basket in a cold laundry room and could easily tell that the metallic side was WAY colder than the other side. I would recommend your same hack on a Tyvek sheet - way stronger and can double (w a tiny bungy belt) as a great bullet proof rain skirt. It's a thought...it just drives me nuts the marketing behind really bad physics. Best of luck on your trip. I would also recommend just planning to skip the Sierra and do it later in the summer. I've been hiking up there for 10 years now - this is WAY different and really dangerous. July could be a bust this year - come on global warming! I'm in San Diego - this has been by far the worst winter in the 45 years I've been here. Let me know if you need a hand with logistics - I'd be happy to help.
Thank you for the info, I hadn't really thought about it as a insulator/conductor when it was doing duty as a ground sheet. Its a heavy duty version very similar (and slightly heavier) to Tyvek and the one I made for my AT hike held up very well through the whole trail. I will definitely be considering skipping Sierra and coming back. My concern is that I will be skipping ahead into more snow. Time will tell and a lot can happen before I have to make a choice.
Just wanted to add another word of caution for the Sierra. As you probably know, it’s been an exceptional year for snow in California. It “ continues to snow” and the amount is unbelievable. I would recommend some light weight snow shoes over the micro spikes. The passes have over 30’ + feet and once the runoff starts, the creeks and rivers will be raging ( crossings will be sketchy). I hoped you’re prepared and it would be advisable to hike with a buddy or group going through this section…. Good luck
Thanks for the solid advice. I plan to poke along and not be at Kennedy Meadows till early June. At that point I can decide if snowshoes, crampon or micro spikes are the best bet.
Here are my thoughts in random order. 20k battery pack is great. There are lots of dead spots and your phone will eat up the battery searching. I used the same GSI mug and its great, just ditch the insulation. You wont need your coffee to stay warm for hours and with the insulation gone your hands will enjoy the warm mug. It doesn't get too hot. I don't think I saw water bottles. Try two 1.5's and a 1 liter in the desert and see how that works for you. I think you have the mini groundhog stakes instead of the full sized ones? Those are great as you will need to pound in the stakes in certain sections. You might want to bring some hand warmers just incase for the Sierra section. I took my hat off and used my umbrella anytime the wind wasn't strong. This kept my head much cooler. I broke the original designed one and switched to the six moon design carbon one and it was built much better and never broke. Other than that you have a great setup. I hope you make it to the end and have a great hike and meet lots of awesome people.
I started the AT with a 20k and later added another 10k but I'm kinda a internet junky. This time I swore I would stay off my phone and get by with a 20k. Course that was before I decided to try and put out a daily video. Now I'm wondering if I should add the 10k back in to my gear. Good point on the GSI cup. I plan to take 4 1 liter smart water bottles for the side pockets and a .7 liter for the pack strap. I tried the 1.5 liters but the 1 liters fit my pockets better. Yes I have the mini ground hogs except I have 2 that are bigger for the pole guy lines on my duplex, my thought was those two spots could use some extra hold. Hand warmers are a great idea! I took the umbrella on a short section hike of the CDT in the badlands last year and it was definitely nice if not necessary. Thanks for the input.
I’m also from NM, now live in Colorado so hike tons in the sun. I loooooove my umbrella. Awesome in the sun, awesome in most rain… obviously. Also awesome for some privacy in an otherwise exposed cat hole situation. Great over your foot box when condensation is crazy. If you spray the underside with permethrin it’s awesome to have over your head when eating around skeeters. It’s light enough you aren’t likely to notice it. But they have so many uses, if you choose to use it. Can you do without one? Absolutely. Can they make many things much more pleasant and civilized? Yup.
Consider the weather before you attempt the PCT this year. Major major snowpack in the mountains. Possibility of major floods when it melts. Keep an eye on it!!!
Howdy! Looks like you're on your way already. I just want to give you fair warning to send your Sierra gear ahead once you've left the Sierra, or maybe just keep it on you. Here in Oregon and Washington we have lots of snow, just made it over 500" at Timberline on Mt Hood, and the melt will probably be after the first part of July. This means we will probably have warm weather while you're walking on deep snow, your spikes and ice axe might need needed in spots. Of course, you'll want warm clothes of you enter Washington near early-mid September, snow can start up anytime. Enjoy the hike, hope to see you at PCT Days.
I use an umbrella in day hikes but I have heard in the PCT people tend to ditch them because of lots of high winds. I plan on doing the PCT in couple of years and I am not sure if I would bring it. Probably not because I am older and generally go as light as I can. Have a great trip, it should be a great adventure.
I live in a trail town here in SoCal. Even Wrightwood is very deep with snow, usually its a month into the hike. Please don't underestimate how sketchy some places will be this year but the water sources will be plentiful for the first time in years. When you get to Wrightwood feel free to reach out if you need anything.
Looks like snowshoes and lots of dry clothing will be needed. Actually, it will be interesting to see how the weather plays out over next two months. Mountains will probably be impassible for a while, probably well into summer.
Best wishes and stay safe out there! Nice to see a kit by someone with long-trail experience. I carry a separate cup for my hot drinks too. No shame brother 😉
Great video. Nice gear choices. Congrats on finishing the AT and now attempting the PCT. So, will you do the CDT next? Best of luck. New follower here. Crow✌️
also this year would bring the waterproof socks to paradise cafe/idlewild because san jacinto all the way to big bear is going to be very likely snow/slush/muck
Every year includes it’s share of fear mongering. I’ve thru hiked the JMT twice - including in 2011 after an epic winter snowpack - and have another JMT hike planned for this summer. Spent six months on a thru hike of the PCT from border to border in one continuous footpath with zero miles missed.
I was told “Poodle Bush” would disable a person in Southern California. I figured this was BS and sure enough never saw a poodle bush. “You will fry in the desert heat!” Son, I never saw a desert - the PCT climbs into mountainous terrain near the Mexico border and pretty much follows the highest route possible through Southern California all the way to the Sierras. There are 8 and 9 thousand foot peaks near Los Angeles that most highway travelers don’t even notice - you will get to know their brushy gnarly selves very well.
There is one tiny stretch of Mohave Desert just south of Tehachapi that has fear mongers wringing their hands every year. It’s about twenty miles on dirt roads and paved aqueduct. And get this, there’s a drinking fountain placed by the Los Angeles water district halfway across this twenty miles.
You cross the interstate highways via culverts, or foot tunnels. No one even notices the PCT hikers passing thru incognito beneath the highway. It’s pretty fascinating actually.
Do Not Listen to the fear mongers.
Frequent statements are made about rivers and streams to cross. Baloney. There are no rivers to cross. The rivers that are unfordable have foot bridges, or the trail drops down in elevation to a highway bridge to make the crossing. You will be on the Pacific Crest very near the headwater source of most streams in the Sierras. There are creeks that may be high, depending on the year. But these are creeks, and typically drop in stream flow by early morning when the snow hardens up overnight. Most of the time you can scramble around upstream and find a log jam to cross on. Or just take off your pants and wade across. Majority of them you can jump across from rock to rock. If you come across an obstacle, then deal with it first hand with your own eyeballs. Maybe there’s an obstacle out there that can’t be overcome in 2023. But the past 50 years have shown, give it a couple weeks later (or earlier) and it won’t be an issue. Wait it out if need be in a rare case. That creek will come down.
Micro spikes and hiking poles, yes. Crampons no - unless climbing the Matterhorn in ridged mountaineering boots.
Snow melts and gets soft; snow freezes and gets hard as a rock; springs and water sources are reduced when it’s hot; then, sure enough, after a rain springs and dry washes flow with refreshing water for the next guy. The wind may blow so fiercely along a ridgetop it will knock you over. The next day a hiker will stroll across that same ridge in peaceful calm and wonder what all the fuss was about. As the season progresses, someone else’s experience on trail will be vastly different even a week apart.
The Southern Sierras are an alpine paradise. Northern Washington is rugged, vast, and stunning under the vivid fall colors of late September. In between there’s a whole lot of walking and good people to meet. I love night hiking via headlamp. It’s intimate quiet, serene, and cold at night - you can really make the miles through Northern California and Oregon with a headlamp. The tiny rechargeable Nitecore is perfect for this.
Free your mind and enjoy the time on trail.
Tommy
great setup! thanks for showing off your Hilltop Packs Gear!
Thank you for making great gear.
I just modded my Thinlight to work as a sign too, thanks for the idea. I start April 3, see you on the trail!
Nice, does that officially make me an influencer? 🤣
Really solid kit . I would absolutely take the umbrella.
The selection for your groundsheet is nicely done but theres something most people don't get about the emergency blankets. If put into contact with the heat source (your tent floor heated by you) it will actually conduct that heat away from you rather than reflect it back. metallic finishes are terrific conductors. In an emergency you would have to crinkle it up before putting it on to create thousands of tiny air pockets where the heat can be reflected - it requires air between it and the heat source. I know this, yet a few years back I bought a base layer from Columbia with their "Omni heat" metallic dots on the inside. I picked it up from a basket in a cold laundry room and could easily tell that the metallic side was WAY colder than the other side. I would recommend your same hack on a Tyvek sheet - way stronger and can double (w a tiny bungy belt) as a great bullet proof rain skirt. It's a thought...it just drives me nuts the marketing behind really bad physics.
Best of luck on your trip. I would also recommend just planning to skip the Sierra and do it later in the summer. I've been hiking up there for 10 years now - this is WAY different and really dangerous. July could be a bust this year - come on global warming! I'm in San Diego - this has been by far the worst winter in the 45 years I've been here. Let me know if you need a hand with logistics - I'd be happy to help.
Thank you for the info, I hadn't really thought about it as a insulator/conductor when it was doing duty as a ground sheet. Its a heavy duty version very similar (and slightly heavier) to Tyvek and the one I made for my AT hike held up very well through the whole trail.
I will definitely be considering skipping Sierra and coming back. My concern is that I will be skipping ahead into more snow. Time will tell and a lot can happen before I have to make a choice.
Just wanted to add another word of caution for the Sierra. As you probably know, it’s been an exceptional year for snow in California. It “ continues to snow” and the amount is unbelievable. I would recommend some light weight snow shoes over the micro spikes. The passes have over 30’ + feet and once the runoff starts, the creeks and rivers will be raging ( crossings will be sketchy). I hoped you’re prepared and it would be advisable to hike with a buddy or group going through this section…. Good luck
Thanks for the solid advice. I plan to poke along and not be at Kennedy Meadows till early June. At that point I can decide if snowshoes, crampon or micro spikes are the best bet.
@@NMLobo1969 The amount of snow we have this year it may be all three...good luck!
Thanks! I am going to be backpacking the sierras. Good to know!
I like your gear! And your pool table!
Thanks 😊
Awesome! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for watching.
Great kit man, love them socks, getting ready to order some. Thanks for the great video. Enjoy your hike, you got this man. Peace
Here are my thoughts in random order. 20k battery pack is great. There are lots of dead spots and your phone will eat up the battery searching. I used the same GSI mug and its great, just ditch the insulation. You wont need your coffee to stay warm for hours and with the insulation gone your hands will enjoy the warm mug. It doesn't get too hot. I don't think I saw water bottles. Try two 1.5's and a 1 liter in the desert and see how that works for you. I think you have the mini groundhog stakes instead of the full sized ones? Those are great as you will need to pound in the stakes in certain sections. You might want to bring some hand warmers just incase for the Sierra section. I took my hat off and used my umbrella anytime the wind wasn't strong. This kept my head much cooler. I broke the original designed one and switched to the six moon design carbon one and it was built much better and never broke. Other than that you have a great setup. I hope you make it to the end and have a great hike and meet lots of awesome people.
I started the AT with a 20k and later added another 10k but I'm kinda a internet junky. This time I swore I would stay off my phone and get by with a 20k. Course that was before I decided to try and put out a daily video. Now I'm wondering if I should add the 10k back in to my gear. Good point on the GSI cup. I plan to take 4 1 liter smart water bottles for the side pockets and a .7 liter for the pack strap. I tried the 1.5 liters but the 1 liters fit my pockets better.
Yes I have the mini ground hogs except I have 2 that are bigger for the pole guy lines on my duplex, my thought was those two spots could use some extra hold.
Hand warmers are a great idea!
I took the umbrella on a short section hike of the CDT in the badlands last year and it was definitely nice if not necessary.
Thanks for the input.
Great gear video. I’m a geocacher as well and I’m keen to find a few on the PCT. Good luck.
I had planned to just find a few here and there but with the snow and the need to go slow I think I will be finding quite a few.
I live in AZ and I've been using Wrightsock for over 10 years. By far my favorite socks for hot weather hiking.
Yes, darn toughs are over rated.
The umbrella 🌂 is good to have :)
I’m also from NM, now live in Colorado so hike tons in the sun. I loooooove my umbrella. Awesome in the sun, awesome in most rain… obviously. Also awesome for some privacy in an otherwise exposed cat hole situation. Great over your foot box when condensation is crazy. If you spray the underside with permethrin it’s awesome to have over your head when eating around skeeters. It’s light enough you aren’t likely to notice it. But they have so many uses, if you choose to use it. Can you do without one? Absolutely. Can they make many things much more pleasant and civilized? Yup.
You make good points and that seems to be the consensus.
1. What’s better about the squeeze vs mini? 2. Will you make a video showing how you modified your Sawyer?
Good luck!
Solid kit! Take the umbrella, best friend early on, Zpacks umbrella attachment kit frees the hands, simple, backup filter/backup lighting source.
You all have convinced me to take it along
Consider the weather before you attempt the PCT this year. Major major snowpack in the mountains. Possibility of major floods when it melts. Keep an eye on it!!!
Yes, I'm keeping a close eye on it. It's gonna be an interesting year.
great setup! enjoy the PCT!
Good luck as you get started on your journey!
Thanks ,Fingers crossed!
There’s so much snow and it’s fairly cool that I’d skip the umbrella. I use the fozzils cup
I hadn't seen those cups, they look like they would work well.
Howdy! Looks like you're on your way already. I just want to give you fair warning to send your Sierra gear ahead once you've left the Sierra, or maybe just keep it on you. Here in Oregon and Washington we have lots of snow, just made it over 500" at Timberline on Mt Hood, and the melt will probably be after the first part of July. This means we will probably have warm weather while you're walking on deep snow, your spikes and ice axe might need needed in spots. Of course, you'll want warm clothes of you enter Washington near early-mid September, snow can start up anytime. Enjoy the hike, hope to see you at PCT Days.
yup, after not starting with warm sleeping gear im not going to want to part with my snow gear. definitely a play it by ear year
I use an umbrella in day hikes but I have heard in the PCT people tend to ditch them because of lots of high winds. I plan on doing the PCT in couple of years and I am not sure if I would bring it. Probably not because I am older and generally go as light as I can. Have a great trip, it should be a great adventure.
Thanks, I might just take it but be prepared to send it home.
Yes on the umbrella. Recommend nylofume bag for pack liner, and more durable bags instead of zip lock (for the small stuff)
I definitely decided to take the umbrella. I like the ziplocks because they are cheap and easy to replace when they get funky.
Best wishes and happy trails! Excited to see your journey. Keep safe!
Thanks, I am gonna need all the luck and best wishes I can get
I live in a trail town here in SoCal. Even Wrightwood is very deep with snow, usually its a month into the hike. Please don't underestimate how sketchy some places will be this year but the water sources will be plentiful for the first time in years. When you get to Wrightwood feel free to reach out if you need anything.
I'm looking forward to visiting Wrightwood and thank you for the offer.
Looks like snowshoes and lots of dry clothing will be needed. Actually, it will be interesting to see how the weather plays out over next two months. Mountains will probably be impassible for a while, probably well into summer.
No telling what will be the best gear 2 months from now but I'm open to anything.
@@NMLobo1969 I see much post holing for this years PCT hikers. Have fun and take care.
love to see the new mexico representation 💪🏻
I will try to do us proud.
Best of luck! Great video!
Thanks, I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Where are the left socks?😝🤪🫣 ok, seriously, looks like good gear! Your quilt dry sack is awesome!
I left them at home......
take the umbrella
amazing in sun and for rain/hail in the sierra (which is very common in july) pct 2015 multiple and multiple jmt
I did and I'm glad I took it.
Best wishes and stay safe out there! Nice to see a kit by someone with long-trail experience. I carry a separate cup for my hot drinks too. No shame brother 😉
Coffee is life.😁
Great video. Nice gear choices. Congrats on finishing the AT and now attempting the PCT. So, will you do the CDT next? Best of luck. New follower here. Crow✌️
Thanks, I Would like to try the CDT and the TA trail in New Zealand. thanks for the follow, i subbed to your channel and will check it out soon.
good luck. great gear list 🤙 i am going to follow your channel.
yabadaba doo
Thanks for the follow, I app it.
I would start with the umbrella, at least until you clear the desert portion.
definitely leaning that way
also this year would bring the waterproof socks to paradise cafe/idlewild because san jacinto all the way to big bear is going to be very likely snow/slush/muck
That's good advice and thats what Iended up doing
Good luck to you 👍
Thank you,, I'm gonna need all the luck I can get.
I have the same Gsi outdoors mug but I got it so it won’t spill In my tent but now it became loose and need another 😢
The lid is really nice. On the AT I would sometimes drink my coffee as I hiked if the terrain was nice enough.
New Mexico!
red or green baby...