Hello!! I camped with you right above tunnel falls in Oregon and you shared some hot chocolate with me :) Stumbled upon your page because Ive decided to attempt the PCT this coming year! Was so nice running into you and congrats on your journey!!
Jaime! I remember you of course! I’m so excited for you. Share a hot chocolate with someone, pass it on from Sparkle Lizard 🤩 Anything you need to know just message me. Otherwise have a mind bending hike x
Someone just put me onto your TH-cam site. Only watched the gear review so far but looking forward to following your blog. My sister and I are planning to do the PCT from March 24 over six months. We are both avid trampers over the years and this March hoping to do the Tour Aotearoa down here in NZ. I’ll be 70 in March 2024 and my sister 67 so as you would say “older hikers”!! Always been on our list for retirement. I’ve looked at a few blogs which are all awesome but nice to follow someone older than say 40 (??). I also use a GoPro and iPhone but your editing software looks brilliant. Thanks again for obviously putting so much effort into this. Cheers Paul and Judy ( New Zealand ex Somerset!)
The original hipbelt for my Mo 60L was too small, so I ordered two additional sizes, they are not expensive at all. Now I can pick a larger one when I go out in a coat vs t-shirt. This is the most important part as far as comfort goes.
@@LordQuiche Hi and Yes 2024 all being well. Wasn’t sure how to reach out as you kindly offered before, so I have hopefully messaged the right person on Instagram? Thank you Owen.(?)
Critters eat handles on trekking poles because of the salt from your hand perspiration or so I have been told. You knew that already I am sure, but wanted to thank you for this video. See you back in Oregon someday! 👍👋
Great video! Interesting about the backpack. I have an exos myself and have been considering an atom packd(mo - 60L), but not sure I would enjoy using it more than the exos in the end even if it is quite a bit lighter
Thanks a lot for the great gear review. Can you write again which waterproof 'socks' you used in the Sierra? Did you really burn your sleeping bag?? 🙊 Ah I manage to fix my sleeping pad (a UL thermarest something), you have to use soap, not much, but still (so yeah I guess it's an off trail thing to do). Also tried first with water only and no bueno. Then eventually I tried with a little bit of soap, and voilà. Found the holes immediately (there were 2 or 3 pin holes). Plus side: it gets clean in the process 🤓
Hi Anne. I did actually use the soap trick with no success! The waterproof socks are SealSkinz. I had the knee length version. Just look after them, don’t dry them by a fire or put them in washing machines etc. the lining is very delicate. Hand wash them 🖖
Great video. Gone full circle now, the first video of yours that I watched was your pre-hike gear one. I like the style, “This is really great” chucks it on the floor, haha! I’m a restless sleeper so I get through inflatable pads too. I don’t think they like a lot of tossing and turning.
A quick question. The Sierra Designs Cloud 20 sleeping bag. It has the features that I’ve been looking for. However, I sleep cold and am concerned with drafts. Some reviews I have read speak of drafts. What’s your take? Thanks in advance!
Well, tbh if you toss and turn there’ll be drafts but I didn’t find them bad enough to put me off. Also when it was really cold I was using a liner anyway which negated that. It’s not a winter bag though that’s for sure. 3 season. Saying that I slept comfortably in some horrendously cold nights with my liner and baselayers on…
I followed you from your initial gear review and throughout the hike, very informative and entertaining earthling -THANK YOU. Did you use gaiters, microspikes/crampons and ice axe during the hike ? What do you think about sun/rain umbrella is it worth the weight or hassle ? Regarding water during the hike how much were you carrying at the start for 10 mile carries ? Regarding the nitecore headlamp was it much use for early morning or night hiking or was the petzl bindi brighter. if you were to go again, are there any towns/places you would avoid. Favorite places to visit/stay. Would you make any recommendations regarding resupply.
Thanks Steve! Oh dang I forgot to mention spikes and ice axe. Yes I took both and used them, both were vital. I wouldn’t bother with an umbrella. A good sun hat and there’s very little rain on the PCT. A litre for every 2-3 miles is a good place to start until you get a feel for your personal needs… I can’t remember the NU25 much now tbh. More to come…
I've been waiting for this video Owen, thanks so much. Silly things like seeing that you wrote your name on items (never thought of that!). I'm a bit worried about sleeping pads now as I have an Xtherm which is not cheap. Did you keep your pads in their bags inside your pack or were they loose? You did a lot of cowboy camping, I wonder if that had an impact on the pads? I've also got an Atom Pack (50L), but am thinking about upgrading to a Mo 60L (need to save a few more pennies though). Anyway, it's great to see you back into the swing of things and thanks again for all the advice. PS - Permit day next week! Yikes!
You’ll be fine Julia! I did keep my pads in a bag, I felt it was another layer of protection. But tbh nothing made much of a difference. I’m wondering if maybe I was over inflating 🤔 I think you’ll be fine with your 50l 🖖
@@LordQuiche ok, i'll try not to overinflate and I'll stick with my Atom Pack 50+ (that has just saved me a few pennies). I'm not doing the Sierras so I don't have a bear can so perhaps it will be fine.
Thanks for the gear update, always helpful to get a perspective that is truly vetted by mileage! Did you rent a bear canister when entering bear country or buy?
Love your videos! My wife and I followed you on the PCT hike. Thanks for the gear video. What was your Base Weight and what day did you start the trail and what day did you start the Sierra section?
The only thing I wished I had was a tent inner only. After the Sierra tents were just glorified bug nets really and I wish I had a full 360 view of the stars 🤩
Thanks for that answer as well - I never used my big Agnes tent w/o the outer shell but would imagine that to be a good reason for keeping a two layer tent. Even if it weighs more than a single wall tent
Hmmm I think my base weight was 8kg when I started. But sometimes it was 5 litres of water and 5 days of food so could’ve been up to 15kg! Probs 10-12 mostly?
Hey brotha great job. You cracked me up at the end when you said you were happy with everything you brought when in reality you either changed or replaced almost everything except your sleeping bag and tent haha. Most people don’t realize how many things either to work well enough or fail while taking the abuse it takes day after day on trail. What would be interesting to see is you doing a video of what you would still bring if you did the trail and what you would bring differently if you did it again.. great job my friend. Going out on the pct for 2 1/2 days in about a week. Doing scissors crossing to Warner springs. Probably my 10th+ time but it’s close to home so…
@@MarmaladeOutdoors yeh I guess I contradicted myself a bit there really 😂 I remember Scissors Crossing RV park fondly. The pool, a sing song round the fire and the genesis of my trail name ❤️
@@LordQuiche oh very cool… I don’t know that story so maybe in one video you can tell we followers the story on how you received it and maybe other stories of your journey. You could pretend to sit by a campfire and tell stories about your adventure? If you go backpacking in your area soon like you suggested maybe you film it out there? Maybe your trail name, crazy hitches, great or weird people and experiences you had. Some of your favorite and least favorite sections and why? I don’t know but you’re good at talking so…. Lol
Hello!! I camped with you right above tunnel falls in Oregon and you shared some hot chocolate with me :) Stumbled upon your page because Ive decided to attempt the PCT this coming year! Was so nice running into you and congrats on your journey!!
Jaime! I remember you of course! I’m so excited for you. Share a hot chocolate with someone, pass it on from Sparkle Lizard 🤩
Anything you need to know just message me. Otherwise have a mind bending hike x
Someone just put me onto your TH-cam site. Only watched the gear review so far but looking forward to following your blog. My sister and I are planning to do the PCT from March 24 over six months. We are both avid trampers over the years and this March hoping to do the Tour Aotearoa down here in NZ. I’ll be 70 in March 2024 and my sister 67 so as you would say “older hikers”!! Always been on our list for retirement. I’ve looked at a few blogs which are all awesome but nice to follow someone older than say 40 (??). I also use a GoPro and iPhone but your editing software looks brilliant. Thanks again for obviously putting so much effort into this.
Cheers Paul and Judy ( New Zealand ex Somerset!)
Yes! Go get it Paul and Judy. You’ll have an amazing time 🤩
@@LordQuiche thanks enjoying the motivation already and your TH-cam blog
The original hipbelt for my Mo 60L was too small, so I ordered two additional sizes, they are not expensive at all. Now I can pick a larger one when I go out in a coat vs t-shirt. This is the most important part as far as comfort goes.
I’m using the a Mo 60l now too 🤩
Great to see someone do a video of gear after a thru hike as you get to hear the “what worked/what didn’t”. Nice one, Owen.
Thanks, hope it was helpful. I think you’ve said previously that you’re going to try get on the PCT?
@@LordQuiche Hi and Yes 2024 all being well. Wasn’t sure how to reach out as you kindly offered before, so I have hopefully messaged the right person on Instagram? Thank you Owen.(?)
Critters eat handles on trekking poles because of the salt from your hand perspiration or so I have been told. You knew that already I am sure, but wanted to thank you for this video. See you back in Oregon someday! 👍👋
Hopefully! I enjoyed Oregon a lot that’s for sure…
Great video! Interesting about the backpack. I have an exos myself and have been considering an atom packd(mo - 60L), but not sure I would enjoy using it more than the exos in the end even if it is quite a bit lighter
Thanks pal! I wouldn’t worry, if you’re happy with your Exos stick with it. It’s a great pack 🖖
Thanks a lot for the great gear review. Can you write again which waterproof 'socks' you used in the Sierra?
Did you really burn your sleeping bag?? 🙊
Ah I manage to fix my sleeping pad (a UL thermarest something), you have to use soap, not much, but still (so yeah I guess it's an off trail thing to do). Also tried first with water only and no bueno. Then eventually I tried with a little bit of soap, and voilà. Found the holes immediately (there were 2 or 3 pin holes). Plus side: it gets clean in the process 🤓
Hi Anne. I did actually use the soap trick with no success!
The waterproof socks are SealSkinz. I had the knee length version. Just look after them, don’t dry them by a fire or put them in washing machines etc. the lining is very delicate. Hand wash them 🖖
Great video. Gone full circle now, the first video of yours that I watched was your pre-hike gear one. I like the style, “This is really great” chucks it on the floor, haha! I’m a restless sleeper so I get through inflatable pads too. I don’t think they like a lot of tossing and turning.
Yeh tossing and turning and maybe over inflating …. 🤔
A buff is never a bad thing. Can be a multi-gear when needed
Yeh I could never bring myself to ditch it….
A quick question. The Sierra Designs Cloud 20 sleeping bag. It has the features that I’ve been looking for. However, I sleep cold and am concerned with drafts. Some reviews I have read speak of drafts. What’s your take? Thanks in advance!
Well, tbh if you toss and turn there’ll be drafts but I didn’t find them bad enough to put me off. Also when it was really cold I was using a liner anyway which negated that. It’s not a winter bag though that’s for sure. 3 season. Saying that I slept comfortably in some horrendously cold nights with my liner and baselayers on…
Great idea to show the gear after the trail to see how it worked. New follower here. Well done. Crow✌️
Thanks Crow 🖖
I followed you from your initial gear review and throughout the hike, very informative and entertaining earthling -THANK YOU. Did you use gaiters, microspikes/crampons and ice axe during the hike ? What do you think about sun/rain umbrella is it worth the weight or hassle ? Regarding water during the hike how much were you carrying at the start for 10 mile carries ? Regarding the nitecore headlamp was it much use for early morning or night hiking or was the petzl bindi brighter. if you were to go again, are there any towns/places you would avoid. Favorite places to visit/stay. Would you make any recommendations regarding resupply.
Thanks Steve!
Oh dang I forgot to mention spikes and ice axe. Yes I took both and used them, both were vital.
I wouldn’t bother with an umbrella. A good sun hat and there’s very little rain on the PCT.
A litre for every 2-3 miles is a good place to start until you get a feel for your personal needs…
I can’t remember the NU25 much now tbh.
More to come…
I've been waiting for this video Owen, thanks so much. Silly things like seeing that you wrote your name on items (never thought of that!). I'm a bit worried about sleeping pads now as I have an Xtherm which is not cheap. Did you keep your pads in their bags inside your pack or were they loose? You did a lot of cowboy camping, I wonder if that had an impact on the pads? I've also got an Atom Pack (50L), but am thinking about upgrading to a Mo 60L (need to save a few more pennies though). Anyway, it's great to see you back into the swing of things and thanks again for all the advice.
PS - Permit day next week! Yikes!
You’ll be fine Julia! I did keep my pads in a bag, I felt it was another layer of protection. But tbh nothing made much of a difference. I’m wondering if maybe I was over inflating 🤔
I think you’ll be fine with your 50l 🖖
@@LordQuiche ok, i'll try not to overinflate and I'll stick with my Atom Pack 50+ (that has just saved me a few pennies). I'm not doing the Sierras so I don't have a bear can so perhaps it will be fine.
Thanks for the gear update, always helpful to get a perspective that is truly vetted by mileage! Did you rent a bear canister when entering bear country or buy?
Yes rented one from Triple Crown Outfitters at Kennedy Meadows South. It fit sideways in my Exos which was marvellous!
Love your videos! My wife and I followed you on the PCT hike. Thanks for the gear video. What was your Base Weight and what day did you start the trail and what day did you start the Sierra section?
Thanks Doug!
I started March 18th and got to the Sierra approx May 14th 🤔
I think my base weight might’ve been 8kg…
@@LordQuiche thanks again!
I see the RAB Pulse Hoodie is no longer available! 😢 what ultralight hoodie did the replace it with? Is there one you recommend?
@@dgpotts55 oh dang really? I replaced it with another Rab Pulse 😂. The Outdoor Research sun hoodies are supposed to be really good though…
Great vid. Was there anything you saw other people using that you thought (money no object, etc) looked good/you wanted a try?
The only thing I wished I had was a tent inner only. After the Sierra tents were just glorified bug nets really and I wish I had a full 360 view of the stars 🤩
Thanks for that answer as well - I never used my big Agnes tent w/o the outer shell but would imagine that to be a good reason for keeping a two layer tent. Even if it weighs more than a single wall tent
nice one Owen what weight do you think you were hiking with most days
Hmmm I think my base weight was 8kg when I started. But sometimes it was 5 litres of water and 5 days of food so could’ve been up to 15kg! Probs 10-12 mostly?
Hey brotha great job. You cracked me up at the end when you said you were happy with everything you brought when in reality you either changed or replaced almost everything except your sleeping bag and tent haha. Most people don’t realize how many things either to work well enough or fail while taking the abuse it takes day after day on trail. What would be interesting to see is you doing a video of what you would still bring if you did the trail and what you would bring differently if you did it again.. great job my friend. Going out on the pct for 2 1/2 days in about a week. Doing scissors crossing to Warner springs. Probably my 10th+ time but it’s close to home so…
@@MarmaladeOutdoors yeh I guess I contradicted myself a bit there really 😂
I remember Scissors Crossing RV park fondly. The pool, a sing song round the fire and the genesis of my trail name ❤️
@@LordQuiche oh very cool… I don’t know that story so maybe in one video you can tell we followers the story on how you received it and maybe other stories of your journey. You could pretend to sit by a campfire and tell stories about your adventure? If you go backpacking in your area soon like you suggested maybe you film it out there? Maybe your trail name, crazy hitches, great or weird people and experiences you had. Some of your favorite and least favorite sections and why? I don’t know but you’re good at talking so…. Lol