JMT in Mid-July

This all looks pretty reasonable. Just one thought: you might want to consider what your backup stove option is if esbit/alchohol isn't allowed this year. Last year there was some confusion, but lots of rangers were saying that only stoves with an on/off switch were legal. I'd suggest getting a canister setup you're comfortable with as it is certainty possible that we will see even stricter rules this year.

Im torn with agreeing with the stove comment.
personally, ive planned on a cannister setup to avoid the issue.

But the word from the folks on the JMT forum, is that in most every instance last yr, rangers out in the field said that alcohol stoves were OK, only no campfires or wood burning stoves were allowed. While the rangers in the frontcountry offices, were the ones that said alcohol or esbit wasnt allowed.

things that make you go hmmmm.

Which one would have to write the ticket?

Maybe ditch the kindle for this specific trip and just get kindle for your iphone. Also your batteries for you iphone and camera especially are almost certainly going to need recharging during the trip. It is a slippery slope, but you may also need to bring some support stuff to charge those batteries at your resupply locations. Also, you do not NEED a spot on the JMT, however I concede you may want it.

M B, I realize that there is more to the JMT beyond SEKI. However, I reported on April 23 about the SEKI policy for stoves. It seems like you are reverting back to last year's confusion.

–B.G.–

Thanks for the feedback- I have been planning on bringing a USB wall charger for the gadgets, but keep forgetting to put it on the actual gear list, so thanks for pointing that out.

Re: the stove, it is my understanding from the restrictions that were posted (at least from the PCTA website) and the discussions here that Esbit is okay. It looks like there are some restrictions on alcohol in Inyo, but those specifically reference "liquid" stoves. I'm getting my fire info from here- http://www.pcta.org/2014/2014-pct-fire-restrictions-california-16670/

That said, there is a pretty good chance that I will throw a canister stove (stove only) in my bag with me- I will be mailing some of my extra stuff home from Yosemite Valley when I get there, so I can easily get rid of it. That will give me a bit of leeway if there's some issue or if I get different information from the ranger station. (I'm also bringing it as a backup, since I'll have to send myself the Esbit in CA, so having it will at least give me some options if there's a shipping issue with the fuel- I can at least snag a canister at the park.)

ETA: The SPOT is there for the peace of mind of those at home more than anything else and is basically being brought so that the family can get "OK" signals. If something actually does happen, I'll be way more inclined to just flag down other hikers than push the button.

"The SPOT is there for the peace of mind of those at home more than anything else and is basically being brought so that the family can get "OK" signals. If something actually does happen, I'll be way more inclined to just flag down other hikers than push the button."

Giving them a detailed schedule (should do that anyway) and calling and/or texting them every few days using from resupply points is not enough for them?

"Giving them a detailed schedule (should do that anyway) and calling and/or texting them every few days using from resupply points is not enough for them?"

If 16 days is the plan, they may not be hitting resupply points as often as every few days.

–B.G.–

Yeah, basically it keeps my family from getting too out of sorts. Would it have a meaningful impact on my hike if I threw it in the Merced on my way to LYV? Probably not (unless a ranger sees me do it). Does it give the people taking care of my cat for three weeks a bit more peace of mind and a way of following me? Yup. At the end of the day, it's 4 ounces that I'm not really going to sweat, even if it's not really all that necessary.

The one other benefit to the SPOT that's a bit more reasonable and I don't think gets all that much discussion is that it gives me a way of signaling to the folks at home if my plans/route change for some reason (i.e. bailing out of trail due to whatever issue, etc.) If I end up bailing out to Independence, etc., I would definitely want someone to know where I am. (Honestly, for me, this is like 90% of the reason I carry one, since I mostly go solo.)