Category Archives: Gear

I set out on this trip with a pair of LightTrek 4 (LT4) poles from Gossamer Gear. On the PCT I used a different kind, made by Leki. What happened on this trip was that I broke my LT4 poles … Continue reading →

Best: MEC Wool Hoodie.  I wore this to bed every night, and sometimes in cold weather I didn’t take it off for days.  It’s cheap for a Merino shirt too, and so versatile. Kindle.  Apart from breaking one early in … Continue reading →

6 days until I leave for the trail, so a last few things to point out before I go.  If you want to see where I am on the trail, the place to look will be on the SPOT Map. … Continue reading →

In the past I would have considered myself quite a snob when it comes to tech toys in the wilderness.  I prefer to hike with as little as possible.  On the PCT I carried a small camera and a headlamp … Continue reading →

Getting close to departure time, 10 days and counting.  Right now it’s looking like I’ll be spending some nights sleeping on snow, so it’s time to consider what I’ll wear to bed and how I’ll be keeping the cold out. … Continue reading →

It might seem like a tent is home after a hundred nights, but I am much more attached to my sleeping bag. I have a Western Mountaineering Megalite, which is a down mummy bag rated to 0C. Unlike a lot … Continue reading →

As a coastal person (I grew up in Victoria, BC), I am pretty used to being rained on.  Truly, I would be crazy to live here if rain bothered me.  On the trail, my main concern in the rain is … Continue reading →

I went through a ridiculous number of socks on the Pacific Crest Trail.  Sometimes two pairs a week, completely shredded by my dirty feet and too many miles.  In the deserts of Southern California, the sand and my sweat combined … Continue reading →

It’s time to address my dorky hiking clothes!  My manly pirate shirt and short-shorts combo is hard to resist.  Throw in hiking poles and a big floppy hat and I’m a walking fashion disaster.  But it’s all for good cause, … Continue reading →