Gear

This is a little review of the gear that I am getting for the PCT 2014. I don't have much experience outdoors so you can leave any advise, tip or comment. It would be much appreciated and I still have time to change things around.

This is the Gear List that I start with. Please any comments are well-come.

Tarptent - contrail - shelter

This was a really difficult decision, this choice is key, it would be your home during 5 moths. You need to evaluate  weight, comfort , price and other factors . Here in the U.K never have seen one of those.  It is about 750 gr and offers rain and bugs protection, just what I need. My older lightweight 1 person tent it was a Ferrino with a weight of 1.5 kg, for me it was lightweight until I discover all this american stuff. My only worry with the tarptent is if there is a rocky floor where you can not pitch it but already hear about some solutions. I think it has enough space inside and also high enough to be comfortable.

Backpack Osprey Exos 46

The Osprey exos 46 and the ULA catalyst are the two bags that I have been looking at.  Most popular on the PCT is the ULA looking to the comments and reviews of the people. I finally bought a second hand Osprey. The reason is that there are not much ULA second hand as there are not very popular out of the trail. I couldn't find any. Also if the price is similar I still have to pay the shipping to the UK plus the taxes with the ULA.

The good things from the Osprey are first that is lighter, has a breathable frame mesh. I still have to test this system but it could be very pleasant in the heat of the dessert. It has the typical gadgets like pole stuff, hydratation, pockets in the sides and belt plus some extra pockets more than the ULA. What I liked more from the ULA are the pockets from the belt, really huge, and the mesh in the back to stock all your stuff.

What It worry me from the Exos is how would fit the bear canister inside and if would be enough space in general. I cannot see much people using this bag in the PCT.

Osprey Exos 46

ULA Catalyst

 Sleeping bag - Zpacks 20 F 

Yep, it is quite expensive but it is going to be your bed for the next 5 months. I think it is worthy. It is a quilt without hood from a small american company. I will pick it up in Lake Morena to avoid the payment of the taxes and shipment. I also bought from Zpacks the dry bags

Outdoor research Helium II - waterproof Jacket

This is the lightest waterproof jacket that I could find. This is not a wind-jacket, it's suppose to be a proper waterproof. I don't expect to keep me dry for hours but should do a better job than a regular wind- breaker. It is just 180 gr and pack in a internal pocket. It has another pocket by the chest. I miss the two regular pockets but with this weight something needs to be sacrificed. I did not have the opportunity of test it in heavy rain yet but  really breathable. I expect to use it as a wind breaker in the high passes and as a emergency waterproof. I will not bring any rain- pants by now, maybe in Washington get one of those. By the way , I also got it discounted in this green colour, called lemon-grass....

Mountain hard wear -Ghost Whisperer Down Jacket

I bought this jacket in discount, £130.00, regular price is £230.00.

Pure pleasure, just 200 g of Down. But it was so cheap because only come in this colour. Call Green acid. We are not going to get fashion in the mountain, isn't it?. Super light and super warm jacket . Just what I need for the PCT. With this prices it help me to keep in budget.

The North face sequoia - hiking shirt

Following the instructions of Yogi's guide I got a nylon shirt, clear colour, long sleeve, and pockets. I find this shirt like it could have a some more pockets and some breathable net in some areas. One jacket that really liked was the Craghoppers Mens Nosilife, it has huge pockets, some net and a insect repellent fabric, the composition is Main: 100% Polyamide, Trim: 100% Polyester. It looks like it takes longer to dry than Nylon but I dont really know what are those products so I decided to go with the nylon north face to be safe. Another nice hiking shirt is the kathmandu hauler.

Thermarest Z Lite Sol

It is classic, there is not a picture of a PCT thru hiker without one of those. It is as simple as that. They cannot be all of them wrong.

ThermarestZ Lite Sol is a very light closed-cell mattress. One of the sides is reflecting so it should keep you warmer than regular foam pads. I used before the inflatables pads and one of the things that I used to hate was have pack it in the morning (take time). But I see in many blogs that people is also happy with those like the Neo Air.

Some pros and cons of Thermarest Z Lite:

Pros:

•  You can cut it – Yes, you don’t need the full length, just cut what you need.
• Easy easy to pack- you can stop anywhere and open it without think in the effort of         pack it again. 
•  Light weight
•  Durable – no air leaks, that is a peace mind
•  Price- reasonable cheap
• A big one – You can write signs in it.

Cons:

• After a lot of use it get a little flat – Just get a new one…
• Space – It could be annoying have this hanging around the all the day. 

Thermarest Website

Petzl - e lite - headlamp

I am quite worry about this piece of gear. I rode some reviews and say that it is an emergency lamp. I think it can make the job. I can not hike at night just with this, but to be around camp and go to the toilet at night it should be ok. 27 gr and I don't have to carry spare AAA batteries. It also has the red light to don't blind everybody in camp. 

Victorinox Classic SD Pocket Knife

Just a small utility knife with the basics,we don't need a hunting knife. Cut a few thing here and there and no more. Usefully and light.





Bushnell Bear Grylls Solar Charger

This solar charge has been quite difficult to find. It is pretty new with just some months in the market. I couldn't see it in any PCT blog as I think it was realised during this period. In around 8 hours it get charge, with enough to battery to charge a smart phone. The advantages with others solar chargers are the weight around the 100gr and the construction. It is not rigid, it is like a piece of cloth with solar panels. If any solar panel breaks the rest suppose to keep working independently. The idea is to set it in top of the bag , maybe over the Thermarest.