Sb - Pacific Crest Trail Journal - 2011

GEAR review

Been meaning to go over the gear I used this year. Here goes....

Used the Osprey Exos for the first time on a long hike. I have had several of them, but always backed out and used my ULA circuit. The Osprey did great! I had a much cooler back because of the suspended back panel. The pack seems delicate, and should be treated gently, but I had no issues with this pack, this time. I have had issues with other exos packs in the past. Just the luck of the draw.

Sleeping bag was the Western Mountaineering Ultra lite. I had bought a WM summerlite, but decided against it.Was happy in every way with the bag. Used like a quilt for most nights.

And for the tent, Tarptent Moment, which I love!!!! Which it was lighter, but in every otehr way it is great. Set up is so quick and I found that important after a 20-30 mile day!

I still hike in tights and prefer to. No chaffing... I carry long pants, but rarely wear them.

White box stove....worked great, you can find them on ebay...made by a man in Montana I think. Wouldnt change anything about it, unless I go tatally stoveless.

Montrail Namche mid height shoes. These are great, but unfortunatley this is my last pair and they arent made anymore. Cant find them anywhere on the internet. At one time I had 5 pair in my closet. Dont know what shoes Ill go with next.For socks, I used cheap, thin nylon mens dress socks. Worked well for me.

Water treatment, had Aqua Mirra, but only used it once. If it looked clear and came from a creek or river, I drank it.Lake water I treated. I had no ill effects.

Took my Ipod touch for the first time too. I had bought it for journaling, but always left it behind due to its weight. But I took it this time and enjoyed it. It worked good for journaling from the trail, then posts would upload when I got to town and a wifi spot. I do think I lost one entry somewhere, but no great loss. I also used the music on mentally tough days. It helped!


Camera is a cheap kodak easyshare (12 megapixels?) bought at last years black friday sale. Worked well. No complaints.

Rain gear was driducks...worked well because I never wore it!!! No rain... Jacket was a Montbell down jacket
...worked great in camp...dont think I ever hiked in it...wanted to bring my Marmot driclime, but didnt, left it at home and never needed it.

Thats about it.... will add more if I think of it.

Entry 26 of 26
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