What Do You Carry?

I want to try something a little different on my blog, which will hopefully make it more interactive and less just me rambling about (quite possibly) boring topics. 😏 So I'm you all to comment/text/facebook/dm/email me questions you have. Whether its about what I carry on my hike or larger picture questions like why I do it. These questions are not necessarily limited to hiking either (although most questions I get relate to it), it could be about travel or life experiences....or whatever. I'm leaving the creation of questions to you guys. Anyway, then I will answer those questions throughout my blog posts! If this is a flop....well, I guess I'll just keep posting my random thoughts anyway..😁

What do you carry while hiking?

First off, as a thru-hiker, I geek out on gear, go over every ounce of weight I'm carrying, and continually try to cut down to the minimum.  Also, there are several differences in what I carried on the AT versus what I will be carrying on the PCT. So I will be sharing the gear for PCT. However, if you all want, I can do a comparison in another post...because it is actually kind of crazy how much lighter my pack is this time!! I mean, like pounds lighter...!

PCT Gear Photo (Not Included: temporary gear/clothing worn)

I'll start with the Big Four (backpack, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and shelter). I changed out all my gear for the big four. Mostly to cut down on a lot of weight, but also because of some of the logistics. For instance I used a hammock for the AT, however using that for the PCT would cause a lot more problems and limit the places I could camp at night.

• Backpack: Superior Wilderness Designs 40L Frameless with hipbelts (22oz)
• Tarp: Borah Gear 7x9 (9.5oz)
• Quilt: Enlightened Equipment Enigma Down 10 degree (19.9oz)
• Sleeping Pad: Therm-a-rest Zlite (10oz)

Temporary Items:

I will have these sent to me just for the Sierras.

•  Bear Canister (35oz)
• Ice Axe (7.12oz)
• Microspikes (11.9oz)
• Bug Bivy (6.5oz) - I will likely have this sent to me again once I get farther north.

Kitchen:

• Sawyer Squeeze (3oz)
• Smart Water Bottle (I will have 2 of these)
• Talenti Jar: Used for cold soaking (1.75oz)
• Spork (.5oz)
• Camp Towel (1.4oz)
• Water bags (I will be able to carry up to 6 liters between my water bottles/bags)

Packed Clothing:

•  Montbell Thermawrap Parka (9.9oz)
• Frogg Togg Jacket (5.5oz)
• Wind Pants (3.5oz)
• Leggings (7.5oz)
• Smartwool Camp Socks (2.5oz)

Electronics:

•  Anker Battery Pack (13oz) - I may consider buying a smaller batterypack to save some weight.
• Charger
• Headlamp (3.03oz)
• And likely I will throw in a cheap set of earphones

Bathroom Kit:

• Contact Solution/Case (3oz)
• Toothbrush (.3oz)
• Toothpaste (.85oz)
• Hairbands
• Tweezers (.3oz)
• Fingernail Clippers (.5oz)
• Hairbrush (1.5oz)
• DivaCup (.5oz)
• Chapstick (.15oz)
• Sunscreen 

Worn Clothing:

• Columbia Long-sleeve button up
• Brooks Cascadia Trail Runners
• Buff
• Patagonia Hat
• Darn Tough Socks
• Bra
• Shorts
• MPG Tank top

Misc: Trowel, toliet paper, map, trekking poles, and journal

And that is pretty much it! That brings my base weight to 8.7lbs!! Base weight doesn't include clothing worn, food, or water.  I also didn't include the temporary items.  If I include the temporary items, my base weight for the Sierra's will be 12.48lbs.

I seriously can't believe how quickly it is approaching!! I am getting more and more excited (is that even possible?)!! I fly out the evening of April 27th and will be starting April 29th!! Just two more months!!

Also, please,please, please consider donating to Teen Challenge through my gofundme!! This is a great organization that helps those with addictions. I'm passionate about helping them and am thrilled to be hiking for their cause!!

Here's the Link:

Hike For Addiction Recovery