PCT: Gear Review

ByPurple Haze Posted on

I have gained ten pounds so far and had my physical last week. For whatever it’s worth, lowest cholesterol level in several years. But I haven’t used my Dairy Queen gift certificate yet.

What’s next? In the short-term, some camping and hiking in Southern AZ, particularly the Chiricahua and Dragoon Mountains. A long distance hike is probably not in the cards this coming year – will be busy hiking and fishing in Idaho and Montana. A trip to Italy is also being planned – Mrs. Haze says payback is sweet! However, stay tuned for 2015.

A few comments on my gear:

  • ULA Catalyst Backpack (47oz) – saw more of these packs than any other on the PCT and for good reason. Relatively light, roomy and durable. After two thru-hikes, just starting to show a little wear.
  • Big Agnes Fly Creek tent (38oz) – same comments as above. Most popular tent I saw on the trail and stood up well in rain and light snow.
  • Marmot Helium sleeping bag (41oz) – worked as advertised in cold weather. A lighter bag or quilt would have been fine for warmer weather.
  • NeoAir Mattress (13oz w/repair kit) – can’t say enough about this one – what a difference for about the same weight as a pad! I almost abused my mattress towards the end and still never had to use the repair kit.
  • MSR Pocket Rocket (3oz) – along with a gas canister, Snow Peak 600 titanium cup, cozy and spork, the Ziplock bag cooking system allowed for easy cleanup. I wouldn’t change a thing here.
  • LaSportiva Raptor shoes – liked the fit and worked well for me once I discovered the SuperFeet inserts were causing pinching problems on toes. However, 500 miles per pair are about the limit.
  • Leki Super Makalu hiking poles (15oz) – well used to begin with but replaced tips and still going strong.
  • Steripen (4.5oz) – used batteries but so convenient if water is relatively clear as it was for most of the PCT. Wouldn’t recommend for the AZT unless pre-filtering. I did get giardia on trail so foolproof?
  • SPOT (5oz) – yes, I carried one for Mrs. Haze’s piece of mind but a great way to send daily OK messages and exact location to family.
  • iPhone – quite a tool with GPS, topo maps and PCT waypoints. I carried an Enercell battery pack (2400 mAh) for iPhone and iPod, usually OK between trail towns. Shut the phone down when not in use and used airplane mode.
  • Patagonia Nano Puff pullover (10.5oz) – plenty warm with layer underneath. Also good bug protection when in camp.
  • Outdoor Research Helium Rain Jacket (6oz) – kept dry in rain and hail, but, like most lightweight jackets, doesn’t breathe well so gets warm fast if hiking.
  • Zpacks Rain Pants (3oz) – so light and same comment as above. Wore these most often while doing laundry.