Hoosierdaddy and I are doing a mid week fast pack on a section of the PCT here in Washington State. Our weather outlook is a 60% chance of snow or rain. Most likely we will be hiking in an early fall snow storm.
Our goal is 28 miles in 2 days and one night. We will be in subalpine most of the way, in meadows and on the open crest. We plan on camping in the lowest section for more warmth.
I took a hard look at my gear this week. It has to do the job right, and it has to be light. I need more gear than in summer, but I don't want to carry extra weight. We know we will be in our rain gear the majority of the trip. Trail runners are being left behind for waterproof boots.
Weights are in ounces or in lbs (ie… .2 means 2 ounces)
Gear list:
Type: 3 1/2 season trip.
Elevation: 4K-6K Open, exposed to wind, rain and snow.
River fords: 1 minor one.
Carried in pack:
MtSmith Seraph Pack: 2.2
On pack ('Biner, E Light, Thermometer & whistle): .2
Silnylon Pack Cover: .4
Thermarest Z Lite pad: .15
REI SubKilo 15* Ladies Sleeping Bag: 1.15
Chrysalis Tent: 3 lbs
Emergency Blanket(ground cloth): .2
Cook Kit (MSR Titan pan, MSR Ti mug, lighter, waterproof matches, paper towels, stuff sack, Micro Pur tablets, spork): .8
Primus stove and large fuel canister: .11
FBC Cozy: .2
Knife: .3
Empty 2L Bladder: .1
Hat: .2
Bandana: .1
Clothes(1 pair socks,shirt,underwear, thermal bottoms): 1.1
Headlamp, Tikka: .3
TP: .3
First Aid Kit: .12
Keys/pepper spray/wallet: .6
Sunglasses & Case: .3
Water bottles: 2.7
Food: 1.11
Snack food: .5
Ursack .7
Umbrella: .11
Fleece jacket: .15
Cell Phone: .4
water bottle filter: .5
umbrella: .11
On person:
OR Jacket: .11
Gloves: .3
maps: .1
Trekking poles
Pants
Shirt
Camera & Case: .8
With water and food, once I add in my phone, wallet and keys and last minute food items, I will be at around 20 lbs. The water filter is allowing me to carry only 1 quart of water till we are about 5 miles in, when I will grab water for the next 5 miles. The second day there are lakes every freaking mile to filter from.
Overall, I am pretty happy with what I am carrying. The load is light and my back should be happy. I may be hiding in my tent all night, and I won't have a book to read, but hey, I can live with a loaded weight of 20 lbs.
