I have said many times that the only way I can lose weight is to go for a long hike. What a great excuse to go for a hike! The only problem is that I eventually gain it back. I will typically lose 20-25 lbs on longer hikes although my record is 40 lbs on the PCT. Still learning about nutrition and a tough bout with giardia were contributing factors on that one. I enjoyed my “high school” weight for…
I have slept with my food on all my hikes with a few exceptions. Bear vaults are required in the Sierras on the PCT. I also hung my food in grizzly country on the CDT from the Tetons to the Canadian border. I used an Opsack bag for food storage on the Colorado Trail because of problem bears around crossings and campgrounds. Have had close encounters with multiple black bears and a few grizzlies but, knock on wood, no problems…
I’ve hiked in cold and wet weather but not for an extended period of time. I’m kind of a desert guy that doesn’t even like the cold that much. I have been drenched in rain, hail and thunderstorms, and hypothermic or close to it on western hikes. I understand the importance of having a dry set of clothes and dry sleeping bag. My limited research confirms March to be potentially, maybe even typically cold and wet. So what am I…
