Gear Review, Part 2: Footwear & Clothing

 * * Upcoming Talks:  March 7, Oregon City Library, 7 PM  //  March 26, Straub Environmental Learning Center, 7 PM  //  April 16, Tryon Creek State Natural Area, 6:30 PM * *


SHOES:  Brooks Cascadia

Bacon Bit, High Life, Maddog:  All in Cascadias!

I went with trail runners.  I didn’t know which to use, so I started with the Montrail Mt. Masochist.  It turns out that these were NOT the shoe for my foot, and they started to mess up my ankles and calves.  An emergency pre-trip to my local running store put me in the Brooks Cascadia.  These were the perfect shoe.  I wore five pairs of Brooks Cascadias on the trail.  It eventually became the single most popular shoe on trail.  We would figure out which way to go at unmarked intersections by tracking the Cascadia print.

PROS:  Light, sturdy, and an overall “neutral” shoe.  Fun colors.

CONS:  Good shoes are expensive.  These ran $110 a pair.

BOTTOM LINE:  These are great shoes.  Yes, you can wear them for 1000 miles.  NO, THIS IS NOT RECOMMENDED.  The structure of the shoe is gone after 500.  Buy new shoes.  And consider a sturdy insole.  Many people were happy with Superfeet.  I did NOT add a sturdy insole, I let my shoes go a little too long initially, and I was not religious about stretching.  I developed a nasty case of plantar fasciitis.  I have not hiked more than five miles since I finished on September 28, 2012.  I cannot run.  I tape my feet every time I go to Jazzercise.  Take care of your feet—they carry you to Canada!

JACKETS:  Patagonia & Patagonia Nano Puff Hoodie

A very COLD Mojave walk! 

I went with a rain jacket I already owned (a lightweight Patagonia) and carried it the entire length of the trail.  I also purchased the Patagonia Nano Puff Hoodie.  I was happy with both.  I won’t say much about the rain jacket, any lightweight will do.  We only were rained on about three times – I used my rain jacket more for warmth and wind than I did for precipitation.  Be forewarned, though, if you wear it often, it’ll become less waterproof at the rub points.  On to the Nano Puff!

The Nano Puff went on and off constantly.
I kept it behind my pad on my pack.

PROS:  This jacket is light, has a hood, has pockets, and is synthetic.  I wanted a hood, I wanted pockets, and I wanted to be able to wash my jacket freely and not lose insulation if it got wet.  This jacket did everything I needed.

CONS:  I’ll admit that I was jealous of everyone else’s down puffy jackets.  They are a smidge lighter and looked like they were warmer.  After I dried my jacket in a way-too-hot drier in northern California, it lost a bit of loft, but, fortunately, wasn’t destroyed.

BOTTOM LINE:  If you want to be able to wash your jacket and not worry about it getting wet, go Nano Puff Hoodie.  It did everything I needed it to do.

PANTS/SHORTS:  Sierra Designs Hurricane Rain Pants, REI Saharas

I went with the Sierra Designs Hurricane Rain Pants and my old REI Sahara zip-off pants. 

Swimming in my Saharas by Warner Springs.

PROS:  The Hurricane pants are light and come in petite sizes!  And they are very reasonably priced.  The Sahara zip-offs have pockets and easily convert to shorts—they also clean up well.

CONS:  The Hurricane pants do NOT breathe.  I did not have to wear them often, mostly in town while I was doing laundry—HOT.  The Sahara’s . . . I shipped them home in Northern California.  I had to sew seams twice.  The REI petites are no longer “petite,” and after losing 10 pounds, I was swimming in them.    These are NOT my favorite pants.

BOTTOM LINE:  If you want reasonably priced rain pants that are very light and will serve you, go Hurricanes.  If you are going with pants, do not go with the REI Saharas.  I DID like having pants on cold Sierra mornings.  Northern California was hot, and I could have ditched the pants at Echo Lake.  I was fine in Washington with leggings, shorts, thigh-high leg warmers, and my rain pants.  People wear pants in the dessert for sun block, but running shorts are so much more breathable!  If I did it again, I would have left the pants at home.

Shorts and a sleeveless top.  Perfect in Oregon!

SHORTS:  I had a pair of thin, lightweight Nike running shorts sent to me.  I cut out the liner.  I LOVED these shorts.  I wish I had had them sooner.  The navy color hid dirt and grime well.

BASE LAYERS:  Patagonia Capilene 3, *local* M.L. Williams

Love the Capilene

I went with Patagonia Cap-3 top and bottom.  I tend to get a little cold, so I wanted the warmer base layer.  I carried both the entire trail – mostly.  I traded out the bottoms at the Oregon/Washington border for fleece pants I typically wear running – read on for how to get these pants!

PROS:  These layers are warm, hold up well with constant wearing and washing, and are pretty good about not holding odors.  They also have a nice cut, so look half-decent in town.

CONS:  None at all with the top.  I had a mock-turtleneck with a zipper.  I loved it.  The bottoms didn’t flex/stretch as much as I needed, so I didn’t get full movement of my legs, and when I bent over, they’d tug down a bit at the backside.  The bottoms are very cute, not very functional.  I might be different with different bottoms—I had boot tops since I really needed a petite that they didn’t offer.  Oh, Patagonia gear is, of course, pricey.  I bought both of these on sale.  Get the weird colors for the sale price.

Local spandex fleece to Canada!

BOTTOM LINE:  The Cap-3 top is amazing.  I still wear it.  The bottoms are cute in town, but not reasonable for trail.  I traded my bottoms out for these spandex fleece bottoms I got at Saturday Market in Portland, Oregon.  They are TOASTY warm, very light, and extremely easy to move in—they don’t have the odor resistance of the Capilene, but they’re worth it.  If you live in the Portland area, go to Saturday Market to pick them up OR contact the maker!

HOW TO GET SPANDEX FLEECE BOTTOMS:  Marie Williams makes these in Oregon.  If you want to go local and affordable, go this way!  You can go to Saturday Market, March through Christmas, or contact her directly:  thefleecelady@aol.com  I am 5'3/4" and went with the x-smalls.

SOCKS:  New Balance Expression, Legwarmers

We both (Gumby and I) went through tons of socks.  And we both settled on a favorite, the New Balance Expression.

PROS:  These running socks come in a six-pack, were available at general outdoor stores in Oregon and Minnesota (a friend brought us some from the Midwest), and were very affordable.  They are thin, but well made.  Three pairs could get us through 2 to 3 weeks.  Different colors help you rotate.  Wool socks are thick and hot—causing blisters and more!  They also dry quickly after stream washings.

Gumby sporting our leggings, legwarmers,
and shorts system in Washington.

CONS:  None.  Everyone has a sock that they swear by; this was ours!

BOTTOM LINE:  We decided that thin was best.  We both had thicker, warmer socks for night/camp.  There was also a Columbia short sock that we were happy with.  They were a gift . . . I don’t know the model!  Whatever you do, I recommend going thin.  AND, I recommend asking for socks in care packages!  We got lots, and we were eternally grateful.  The Trail eats socks.

LEGWARMERS:  Both Gumby and I added legwarmers at the CA/OR border when we sent our pants home.  I had thigh-high fleece socks from Fred Meyer.  She bought socks at Crater Lake.  We ripped the toe seams open for legwarmers.  On chilly mornings, we’d start out in running shorts and pull our legwarmers over our knees.  We’d push them down when we got hot.  We’d pull them pack up at breaks when we got chilly.  I HIGHLY recommend legwarmers as part of a pants alternative!

HATS:  Various, the Buff

Love the Buff.

I switched sun hats three times.  Not big enough brim, to floppy of a brim . . . I finally found the hat that I stuck with at K-Mart in Tehachapi.  Light, wide brim, breathable enough, and a sturdy fabric.  I do not have the perfect answer on a sun hat. 

My K-Mart hat.

For a warm hat, I had a Turtle Fur fleece beanie that I’ve had for years.  I love fleece hats.  No windstopper and roomy enough to pull down over my eyes when cowboy camping under the full moon.  I recommend fleece!

I also had a Buff.  I used this as a scarf, as a hat, and as a headband.  Gumby eventually bought one, too.  A buff is multi-functional and can cover your dirty, nasty, greasy hair when you’re trying to catch a hitch into town.  I recommend getting one.  And, yes, plenty of guys wear them, too.

UNDERGARMENTS:  Patagonia & Under Armour

SPORTS BRA:  I switched sports bras three times.  We both started with two and both sent the extra home.  I finally settled on the Patagonia sports bra.  The thin straps didn’t bother my shoulders with a pack on (my Reebok sports bra chaffed like crazy); and it breathed reasonably well.  I’d recommend it.  Gumby was happy with a Nike running sports bra. 

Hot springs!

UNDERWEAR:  I went with the Under Armour Boy Shorts.  I rotated three pairs.  They aren’t the most breathable, but are great for swimming and changing anywhere.  Gumby went with lacy underwear (which breathes GREAT!) and eventually added a pair of Under Armours for swimming.

TOPS:  Various

Mellow Yellow usually sported a silk long-sleeve.
Hawaiian at the Andersons!

I never found the perfect top.  I started with long-sleeve button-down.  This was hot and stained quickly.  I went through two and then ditched them altogether at the beginning of the Sierras.  In the Sierras, I went with a black poly Helly Hansen long-sleeve and a thrift-store poly sleeveless shirt I had had for years.  This was a great combination.  I *did* use more sunscreen.  I melted the Helly Hanson into a plastic ball in northern California.  In Washington, I ditched the sleeveless for a Columbia t-shirt and added a Patagonia “R” fleece jacket that I had found at a thrift store.  Washington got cold.  I was happy to have added the thick fleece.  I kept the Patagonia Cap-3 top throughout.

OTHER CLOTHING GEAR:  Gaiters, Gloves, & Headnet

GAITERS:  I bought the Dirty Girl Gaiters.  Light and fun, the made my socks last longer.  I’d recommend them.

GLOVES:  I ended up going with a Brooks running glove that I found at REI.  These were spandex/fleece with a windproof and spandex flap that doubles over the fingers.  The real bonus was that the thumb had a little flap to pull back so that you could use your Smartphone.  I was happy with these gloves, but did not love them.  If it had gotten really cold, I would not have been warm.

HEADNET:  You need one for the Sierras.  This saved our sanity.  I carried it through the desert, too, but never used it until the Sierras.

I am still wearing my May 25 birthday bracelet.

Gear Review: Part 1

* * Upcoming Talks:  March 7, Oregon City Library, 7 PM  //  March 26, Straub Environmental Learning Center, 7 PM  //  April 16, Tryon Creek State Natural Area, 6:30 PM * *


Well, I am keeping up on the PCT-L (the Pacific Crest Trail email forum), and it looks like the Class of 2013 is thigh-deep in planning.  And I am infinitely jealous.

In case any of the 2013'ers are reading old blogs for tips on gear, I thought I'd review my gear from 2012.  Here are a few of the big ticket items:  (I'll review more in a couple of days!)


PACK:  Granite Gear Vapor Ki

This pack is no longer made by Granite Gear (it was on sale last year just before Kickoff); I believe it was replaced by a heavier, but much "cooler" colored pack.  Many people went with the ULA or Osprey packs, but as a 5'3/4" female, I have to say, I think that this was the best possible pack for me.

Fully resupplied!

PROS:  The Vapor Ki is as light and as comfortable of a pack as I could find.  The hip belt and shoulder straps are thick and stayed thick for the entire five months.  The stitching and fabric also held up remarkably well.  The lower side pockets are big and deep.  This "no-frills" pack did not fail in any way.

CONS:  The upper side pockets are almost useless because the zipper lays so tight to the pack that once your pack is full, you can barely get your hands in.  There are no hip belt pockets on this no-frills pack.  I ended up adopting a front fanny pack for my camera, sunscreen, phone, lip balm, bug juice, compass, and snacks.  This fanny pack saved time and sanity.  I wouldn't use this pack without one.

BOTTOM LINE:  Great for petite women.  Just sport that fanny pack for practicality.


SLEEPING BAG:  Feathered Friends Egret, Small

This 20-degree down bag, "Ruby", was one of my best (and biggest) last-minute purchases.  I researched bags forever and kept going back to the Marmot bags, but could never find the right fit.  Finally, I went to Feathered Friends and found bags for small women!  And under 2 lbs!  I knew as soon as I got off the phone with the sales representative that I had made the right choice.

The right bag means good sleep.  This is an investment!

PROS:  1 lb, 20 oz of fluffy warmth.  I did not wash this bag the entire trip, and even today, it fluffs up like it did on day 1.  I was sure that I was going to have to trash whichever bag I took on this trip, but Ruby is as good as new.  AND we camped out under the stars almost every night.

CONS:  When Ruby is damp, she kind of smells like wet duck butt.  Of course, I smelled no better.  So together we smelled like wet duck butt and old sausage.

BOTTOM LINE:  If you're looking at a Feathered Friends, go for it!


SLEEPING BAG LINER:  Cocoon Silk Mummy Liner

I bought a liner for extra warmth and cleanliness.  I *LOVED* my liner.

PROS:  This added both warmth and comfort.  Additionally, I used it as a laundry bag and wore it as both a skirt and a scarf.  When I was blogging at night under the stars in the mosquito hell that was the Sierras, I'd pull the bag over my head and use it as a bug net of sorts to keep bugs from flying at my screen.  I machine washed and dried my liner regularly.  It stayed remarkably clean consider that it only came in WHITE.

CONS:  Who makes a white *anything* for backpacking?!  Oh, and I got tangled in it exactly three times and each time burst out of my bag in a fit of claustrophobia.

BOTTOM LINE:  If you want to keep your bag clean, get one.  You'll also sleep warmer.  Or cooler if you use it as a sheet!  This was one of my favorite pieces of gear.


STOVE:  Homemade Chimney Jet Alcohol Stove

My mate made me a stove for Valentines.  The "CJ" that made the five-month journey with me was one of the first models.  We learned to get along by the end of the Sierras.  Yes, it took that long.  And, yes, it was a relationship.

Oh, CJ.  This was one of my most trying trail relationships.
But I never gave up on him!

PROS:  CJ is light, and his fuel (HEET or denatured alcohol) is plentiful on the PCT.  This particular design performs much faster than most alcohol stoves because it is pressurized.  The stand also rotates in and out for packability.  Even if tipped over (which happened a few times) the stove stays going and doesn't seem to spill alcohol.

CONS:  The first half of the PCT is WINDY.  And alcohol stoves do not like wind.  I brought my MSR stove's windscreen, and this helped, but did not solve, the problem.  I would also use my pack and stuff sacks as a windscreen.  Which is great.  Until your pressurized stove builds up too much pressure (too much pre-heat is the cause!) and decides to turn into an alcohol fireball TORCH.  And threaten to melt your pack and your stuff sacks.  It'a a good show for fellow hikers, but not so fun when you really just want to cook your dinner and go to bed.

BOTTOM LINE:  If you are willing to sacrifice ease for weight, go with the alcohol stove and consider CJ.  He's the best homemade stove I saw on the trail this year.  If you are going to lose it when it takes 3 tries to get the pre-heat right to get your stove going and everyone is cleaning their pots by the time you take your first bite, go with the MSR Pocket Rocket.


SHELTER:  Henry Shires Tarptent Contrail

Both my cousin and I went with the Tarptent for the sake of weight.  We set it up as little as possible and often cursed it when we did.

Shelters became more necessary in the cold, damp Sierras.

PROS:  This is the lightest bug-proof shelter system I found for myself.  We all have different requirements for shelters.  Having hiked plenty in the Oregon Cascades, I wanted something that would do well in rain and  thick mosquitos.  This kept out the bugs.  And was light.  And kept out the bugs.  And was light.  That's it for me!

CONS:  I found this a little frustrating to set up in higher winds and on hard ground.  I always found a way when needed, but was definitely jealous of those with the Big Agnes Fly Creek UL1 -- the *other* tent I was considering.  When the Tarptent is wet, it sags, and then gets your bag wet (not much foot room), making it smell more like wet duck butt.  It's single-wall and got wet often.  They say you can wipe the walls down, but that just makes drip lines and the problem worse.  On wet mornings, we'd pack 'em up and dry 'em at lunch.

BOTTOM LINE:  You don't need to camp under a shelter all that often on the PCT, making my issues with this bearable.  Additionally, Gumby and I were able to send one home in Washington and share one tent for those rainy / damp days.  These shelters have room for two if you're good friends!  The Fly Creek is more comfortable and easier to set up.  The Tarptent is slightly lighter -- definitely worth it if you are going to share.  But, if not, I wanted the Fly Creek UL1!

And the "Real World" Comes Crashing In . . .

I've changed clothes!

I cannot believe it has been three months since I have posted. I have had the best of intentions, but my life since the PCT has been eventful to say the least. Actually, it has been about as chaotic of the end of the year as I've perhaps ever had. I was going to post my Christmas letter for all of you, but the truth is, I still cannot figure out how to post PDF's as photos and I have neither ink nor money for it. However, I can type up an update all the same! So, here goes.

Work:

I returned to my position at Silver Falls on October 16. All went relatively well while I was gone and with my return. However, during the two weeks between finishing the PCT and starting back at Silver Falls, I applied for a position at Tryon Creek State Natural Area in Portland, Oregon. And, what do you know, right around Thanksgiving, I found out that I got job! Just before the New Year, I left Silverton and Silver Falls and moved to a Portland-meets-hillbilly heaven, Oregon City. I started at Tryon Creek on January 2. It is a little too early to say too much, but Oregon City seems to be a perfect fit, as does the new position. I am happy in work. And happily getting rid of the accummulation of living on one house for three years.

Health:

Well, my Christmas letter would have said a little something different about my health. I would have told you that my feet have gotten better but have plateaued. This holds true. I have started seeing my chiropractor for therapy and am being vigilant about stretching, icing, massaging, and wearing my braces. My letter would also have told you that my vision improved with my trip! Yes, it is true. I am nearsighted and my distance vision improved by two "clicks." Proving that a backpacking journey does, indeed, lead one to take the long view. What's more, happily, my height remains a whopping 5' 3/4" despite five months of a pack on my back. AND my long walk may just have been the remedy to kicking on ongoing health issue. Hooray!



Merry Christmas to all!

This is what you would have heard from me pre-Christmas. Post-Christmas, however, you'd have heard how my little pinky saved my life. For Christmas, my mate, another couple, and I rented a fire lookout in southern Oregon. Pickett Butte; I highly recommend it. Christmas Eve, I slipped while I was headed down the ladder/stairs to use the outhouse. I stopped when I got to the landing and found that my hand was caught. When I doubled back to free it, I found my pinky dislocated and stretched 1 centimeter longer, the tissue between the bones squashed down to a few millimeters and wedged an inch deep between the railing and a support post. When I could not free my finger myself, I called for help. After about ten minutes, my mate freed me, and my friend drove us the hour and a half down the snowy fire road, through the blink-of-an-eye canyon towns, to the ER in Roseburg. We made it home by 3 AM on Christmas morning. I spent the day napping and on painkillers. It actually was a nice quiet Christmas despite everything!

Pickett Butte.  Gorgeous.  And memorable.

And, fortunately, my mom flew out two days after Christmas to help me function and move with one hand. She has been here since and leaves on Saturday. It has been extremely helpful and pleasant to have her around. With the help of my mom, my mate, and my steadfast Silverton friends, I was packed in one day and moved to Oregon City the very next. It turns out that the Trail was not the end of my needing help. My finger is, hopefully, on the mend. The specialist has me splinting it for 6 to 8 weeks in hopes that the torn tendon will repair and reconnect. I am following all doctors' orders these days.

Mate:

My mate and I took a 2 1/2 week whirlwind trip to the Midwest over the Thanksgiving holiday. In addition to the feast, it was my youngest sister's wedding and his mother's birthday. We spent over half a month traveling, meeting family and friends, and being generally gluttonous. It was wonderful and exhausting, as those trips often are. With my move, we are now half an hour apart rather than an hour and have the opportunity to work together on the occasional project. (He's the manager of a nearby park.) I am as in love as ever with this tall, handsome, intelligent, and gentle Minnesotan.

My emotional rock.

Dakota:

My kitten is quickly becoming a cat. He is the perfect mix of loving and playful, smart and not-so-bright. He loves drinking water straight from the faucet and waking me up with one huge, startling chest compression. Dakota is the most social of cats that I've had the pleasure of welcoming into my home, adorably but not annoyingly so. What can I say, I adore him. And I may someday be a crazy cat lady.

PCT Talks:

I gave my first presentation about my PCT journey in mid-December to an audience of 80 friends, co-workers, and Silvertonians. I think I only cried three times. It was the most difficult and meaningful presentation I have ever given.

For those in the Portland or Salem area, I have two upcoming presentations scheduled:

· March 7: Oregon City Library, 7 PM

· March 26: Straub Environmental Learning Center, Salem, 7 PM

Other News:

Let's see . . . in other news . . .

· I bought 48 steaks on a whim and a quick sales pitch. I now own a George Foreman. So much for vegetarianism.

· This winter, both car and my truck decided to collapse. The truck is back; the car is getting repairs equivalent to its value. I am debating which of these beloved 90's era vehicles to sell.

· Thanks to the trip, I now depend solely on my smartphone for both my telephone and my internet. Yes, I am hooked.

· I have found a Jazzercise class in Oregon City a mere 4 blocks from my new place. It isn't the same as Andi's classes, but I am happy to be dancing my way back into health and happiness.

· Although I still don't have television, I have gotten into "The Office" television series. I finally get it. And I could be addicted if I had better access.

· Gumby has moved to Florida for a gymnastics coaching job.

· Kindergarten Cop will return to the PCT in 2013 to finish Oregon and Washington. I'll be trail angeling him.

· I have been reading the occasional PCT posts and questions from 2013 thru-hikers. I long for the Trail.

Stay Tuned:

I have a few other posts planned for the next few weeks reviewing gear, food, logistics, etc. If you're planning a 2013 trip and have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me!

Thanks for checking in!

Bacon Bit



On the shores of Gitchi Gumi.  Midwesterners in their element!