One Way Ticket to Somewhere

What am I going to need for five months in the wilderness to keep me alive and comfy? Which indulgences can I afford to bring and still be able to carry my backpack comfortably for an average of around 20 miles per day? I learned from my shorter trips that it's key to have comfortable footwear and a backpack that is easy to carry. It's just as important to have a sleep system that allows for a good night's rest to restore your energy and enthusiasm for the trail ahead. Of course there are many items you need for a trek like the PCT. In this post I want to concentrate on my choices for backpack, tent and footwear. Winter Hike In The Teanaway So, where to start? My main source of information are the experiences I made during PCT section hikes and other backpacking trips. I was able to test and fine tune most of my equipment over the years and learned what I need and what I can live without for some time. Even with this background I knew that I needed to make a few changes. Mo...

In my last post I explained my overall strategy for food supply on the PCT. Working on the dinner plan has been a very tasty experience, as it includes cooking a wide variety of foods and then trying them before and after dehydration.  Chris thinking about dinner near Alaska Lake. This doesn't always go according to plan. Last week, for example, my friend Cheryl gave me a batch of masala that her mom prepared, along with a recipe for chicken. It was absolutely amazing! I devoured most of it immediately and ate all that remained the following day. There was nothing left to dehydrate and I decided that it was simply too good to take on the trail. The subtlety and depth of the dish would likely be lost.  Cheryl's mom makes the best masala. This week I finally cooked and dehydrated the last batch of dinners for my trip. This is the culmination of several months worth of work, as I had already started this process in October. First I was cooking small amounts for tasting and fine t...