From September 6-8, 2013 the 7th annual Pacific Crest Trail Days will take place in Cascade Locks, Oregon!
PCT DAYS 2013 is a great time for people to check out the latest outdoor products and gear, participate in classes and activities, play in the disc golf tournament, visit with old and new friends, listen to music & watch movies, and celebrate the past, present and future of the Pacific Crest Trail.
The event site is bordered by the Columbia River and surrounded by the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area; an area where the Pacific Crest Trail and other trails offer access to some of the most beautiful scenery in Pacific Northwest. …
read more on PCTA.org
Clever Hiker – video tutorials
Our 10 episode video series – Lightweight & Ultralight Backpacking Foundations – and our Gear Recommendations eBook are the complete learning package for any backpacker interested in lightweight backpacking, thru-hiking, or simply carrying a more comfortable pack.
$24.95
details
Click PLAY or watch an introduction YouTube.
camera for LONG remote hikes?
So far I’m liking the inexpensive Canon PowerShot SX160 IS
16x zoom
AA batteries
About $100-140 on Amazon right now.
Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.
Leave a comment if you have any AA battery powered alternatives.
HALO fuel cell – electronics on the trail
It fits on a standard gas canister. It gives power via heat and a fuel-cell mechanism. The HALO is a to-be-released camping product made to recharge small gadgets in the woods. …
That’s a Kickstarter project.
Thanks Warren.
related – Can You Really Generate Electricity with a Hiking Boot?
SolePower began a Kickstarter campaign this week
erecting tents in the rain
Figured that I might as well see how it was to set up our (expected) West Coast Trail tents in the rain. This was a good thing to do. The good tent got pretty wet inside, before I got the fly on. Next time I will be much faster getting the fly on correctly the first time….
The old tent is old, and the fly is no longer water tight. I ended up with puddles inside it after it had been in the rain for a few hours. I have now purchased and sprayed on some new waterproofing. Time for another test.
Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.
rainwater collecting tarp
Gear Junkie:
Tarp Blocks Rain, Collects Water for you to Drink
That’s a kickstarter project.
Thanks Warren.
why I sleep in a tent, if I can …
… there may be a big disadvantage to sleeping in a shelter versus choosing a tent. Hantavirus! This nasty affliction is spread by rodents, especially mice. Mice habituate shelters, and hikers tolerate them. …
Privacy – You aren’t a stuffed sardine when it gets crowded.
Warmth – A tent with a rainfly is warmer than an open shelter.
Better Sleep – You are not poked, or kicked, or outsnored.
No Mice – Those critters can drive you nuts!
SPOT Global Phone
Stephen Regenold:
It weighs just 7 ounces and is 5 inches tall. The phone body is made rugged for the outdoors. Announced today, Spot LLC will start selling a satellite phone for $499 this week. …
The phone has an optional data kit to connect it to a computer, letting you get online to check and respond to emails, upload photos, or post to Facebook from deep in the wilderness. …
The battery will last for 4 hours of talk time (36 hours on standby) before it needs a recharge.
Calling plans start at 25 cents a minute (and $149.99 for monthly unlimited voice) when the phone goes on sale this month online and at retailers now including REI, Cabela’s, West Marine, Eastern Mountain Sports, Gander Mtn, Bass Pro Shop, and Sportman’s Warehouse.
Call from Anywhere. SPOT launches Satellite Phone for Outdoors
PCT day 2 – Mount Laguna back to Lake Morena
trip report by editor Rick McCharles
I knew next to nothing about PCT hiking strategy.
But it seemed a no brainer to catch one of the many available Angel rides up to Mt Laguna at mile 43. And hike downhill to Lake Morena at mile 20 … rather than uphill.
Yet very few hikers did so.
Beautiful country.
I passed hundreds of sweaty, hot thru hikers climbing. It was interesting to check their gear. And their hiking systems.
No mountain bikes are allowed. But trail riders and beasts of burden are welcome.
Several hikers had seen Rattlesnakes. I saw 3 of these guys. A gopher snake, I believe.
It seemed to take FOREVER to get back to the Kick Off campground. Yeesh.
I grabbed a shower. Then enjoyed free chile provided by Trail Angels.
Feet sore. Some blisters. Confidence shaken. … I wasn’t at all sure I’d be able to hike day 3. 😦
ADZPCTKO 2013 vendors
You could arrive at the Annual Day Zero Pacific Crest Trail Kick Off at Lake Morena County Park in southern California empty handed. And walk away perfectly outfitted for the long walk to Canada.
Packs, Shelters, Clothing, and Accessories
Gossamer Gear
Hyperlite Mountain Gear
Keen Footwear
LightHeart Gear
Moonbow GearSix Moon Designs
TarpTent
ULA Equipment
Zpacks
Accessories
AquaGuard
BearVault
Dirty Girl Gaiters
LiteTrail
StickPic
Trail Designs
Books, Maps, and Videos
One Pan Wonders
Squatch Films
Tuolumne Press
Wizards of the PCT
Yogi’s Pacific Crest Trail Handbook
Services
Adventure 16
Organizations
ALDHA-West
BackCountry Horsemen
Bureau of Land Management
Laguna Mountain Volunteer Association
Pacific Crest Trail Association
United States Forest Service
United States Postal Service
All that ultralight gear you’ve seen on the internet?
You can wander the campground and ask owners in person how they like it.
Gear talk is by far the most popular topic of conversation.
I looked closely at the latest in solar powered electronics. Still too heavy. More trouble than it’s worth.
If I hiked the PCT in 2013, I’d use AAA battery operated gear.
If you realize you’re missing something, at Mile 43 is the incredible Laguna Mountain Sports & Supply (PHOTO). Crammed with all brands of hiking essentials.
see more of my photos from ADZPCTKO 2013
besthike.com 