This is where I am listing the gear that I have bought and/or have in my possession that I will use on the PCT. It will grow and change as I add more things or make some final decisions.
Base Pack:
-Osprey Aura 65. I finally decided from trying on a different backs several times in stores that this pack fits me best. I have backpacked enough to know my problem areas and I think this pack will do a good job. Maybe next time I'll join the Mariposa trend but for right now I'm happy with my decision. I did a gear test short backpacking trip and this pack preformed very well.
-Six Moon Designs Skyscape. I made my decision final today! (1/15/14) I'm pumped. It's done, I'm happy.
-REI Sub Kilo
-oh yeah I almost forgot...a silk liner. I don't want my body oils all up in my bag.
-ThermaRest Z-lite SOL. Someone said to me that I have the gift of sleeping uncomfortably. I guess I do. I had the non SOL version of this on the very rocky Tuscarora Trail and slept fine. I don't enjoy the feeling of sleeping on an inflatable. I figure I might have to replace my pad at the half way point because my other pad looks pretty beat up after a year of use.
Clothing:
-Marmot Precip Jacket. Because I already own it and like it fine.
-Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer women's jacket with no hood. I love it, it was my Christmas present to myself, and I got it on a good sale. My pillow, my warmth, and in my favorite color.
-North Face Fleece jacket that I can't even find online anymore. It's bright colored and striped, thin, but warm. I love it. I have used it brutally for a year and it looks like it will last many more.
-Mountain Hardware long sleeved hooded polyester shirt. I got it as a gift from my parents and it's perfect. Thin enough to wear when I just need to block the sun from my skin.
-REI wicking razor back dress. It's my base layer.
-Marmot precip pants. Used mostly for added protection from wind.
- Merrell Leelani Cinch Leggings
-socks
-dirty girl gaiters
Shoes:
-Merrell Mix Master Glide. These are going to be my first shoe. I loved them through all the training and trail running. Only problem is the ones I found on a super sale in my size we black...I'll just hope I don't hate this money saving feature in the desert.
Accessories:
-Smith Optics Pivlock Integration Sunglasses. They are light, comfy, and a really nice Christmas present.
-Sea to Summit Head Net. For those buggy sections. I don't like eating gnats or having mosquitos fly into my ears. It's alright for an hour, but gets old real fast.
Electronics:
-iPhone. It's not the lightest, it's not even the best, but it's my phone handed down to me by an aunt who always needs to buy the latest version of everything so it was even free. It will be my connection to my point person and my mapping toy.
-rechargable pods. I have two of them; one was a gift and one I have had for previous trips. I wish I could say a solar charger is in my budget but it isn't currently. If I get desperate I will buy one but for now, I'm going to see if these will be alright. It's my cheapest option.
Tools:
-knife; it's a benchmade pocket knife. I don't like multi tools, I love this knife. I kind of have a very small knife collection so I may switch it out for another one.
-first aid kit of my own design. I'm a WFR so it may have a few more items then the average bear.
-MSR MicroRocket Stove; because I want to respect the fire ban. I'm not one for following all the rules but my only fear on the trail is running into a wild fire so I thought I could do my part and not use my alcohol stove.
-A pot and a lid that is also a non stick pan for those more complex meals (like pancakes)
-black diamond cosmo head lamp. I like it, it works. I have had it for awhile
-Aqua Mira
-Sawyer Squeeze Bottle
-Playtipus 1L water bottles
-2 Nalgenes
-Diva Cup; because I'm a chick and stuff.
-Compass. I like them. I wanted one, I bought one.
Misc:
-Halfmile Maps. I love maps. I refer to them all the time when on the trail.
-Kahtoola Microspikes. To add some traction on those icy/snowy passes. It might be too dry to really get any good use out of them this trip.
