Date: 2015-02-13
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Miles today: 0.0

I just updated the "Gear" section on here, but I figured I would make a whole entry to add further commentary. I will definitely update this once our hike is over, whenever that is¢¦CLOTHESI¢m not quite sure what to say about clothes other than many of the women¢s designs had obnoxiously bright and loud hues (not that I¢m complaining). We have been testing them out during these particularly cold days where the icy wind is blowing full force and the thermometer dips below the -20°C/-4 F mark. I can convert almost automatically metric units of length or weight into imperial units but, for some reason, Fahrenheit is very difficult for me. I even had to rely on the auto-correct to write it out, I can¢t even spell it correctly. I do not anticipate it ever being as cold as this on the Trail but, even after a couple of hours, we were never too cold in these clothes so I think it was a successful ¢stress test¢. If all else fails, I¢m counting on my inherent Canadian-ness to protect by body by endowing it with natural cold resistance. All our clothes are made either from synthetic material or Merino wool and were (mostly) purchased at Mountain Equipment Coop. The whole list should be under the ¢Gear¢ section. I have not yet decided on what will be worn or in what combinations during the hike versus while in camp ¢ that is something that will have to be tested out. I will bring a set of cotton shorts and top for sleeping in during the summer to help air out the skin when it¢s inevitably plagued with multiple rashes and irritation caused by chafing. Yay for sensitive skin!PACKOsprey ¢Viva¢ 50L (for Axon); Osprey ¢Volt¢ 60L (for Shrugs). My initial impression is very favorable; the pack is light enough and adjusts perfectly to my body so the weight is well distributed. I know many hikers who have used Osprey packs. The packs lasted a whole thru-hike and the owners were satisfied by this pack¢s performance. On our last section hike, we had, let¢s be blunt, total shit packs. I don¢t remember the model, but I had a 70L and Shrugs had a 90L (!!!) In all seriousness, what purpose do these packs serve? When does one need to transport so much stuff? TENTBig Agnes Fly Creek UL2. We had a MSR tent, but this one has a particular allure: it only weighs 1.05 kg/2.3 pounds. It only has one vestibule and the material seems thin, I¢m afraid it might rip if we aren¢t cautious. Unfortunately, it¢s too cold outside for now to test it. SLEEPING BAG and PADTherm-a-rest Saros 20F Synthetic Bag and Therm-a-rest Z Lite Mat. This sleeping bag is very warm and comfy, although it is 1.2 kg/2.6 lbs and takes up lots of pack space. We only have a winter sleeping bag for now as I¢m unsure about sending winter gear to and from Canada (it¢s pretty expensive). I think we might just keep this bag throughout the seasons and as the warmer weather approaches, we might get a light blanket. The sleeping mat seems fine; it¢s very light, weighing in at 410g/14 oz. We also have a Therm-a-rest Z Seat¢¦.I know many people laugh and think we are weak but I remember being soooo jealous of people so I insisted we get some for ourselves!HIKING BOOTSLa Sportiva Omega GTX Backpacking Boots. I know many could debate hours on the benefits of trail runners versus hiking boots. Boots are heavy, inflexible and take forever to dry when they get wet, but I personally prefer the foot and ankle stability they offer. They have been really great at keeping my feet dry and warm while I wade through mountains of snow too. We had bought these boots for our section hike and, 400 miles later, they are still in suitable condition. They won¢t likely last the whole trip, but they certainly still have a few more miles in them. We also each have a pair of SUPER SEXY AND ELEGANT AND CLASSY CROCS SANDALS for when we are in camp. *Ugh*COOKING SETUPWe use propane/butane canisters. The canisters are light weight and would last, during the summer, slightly less than two weeks - fuel will likely be exhausted much quicker during the colder days. As for cookware, we bought a MSR Trail Lite Duo System which comes in at over 600g or slightly over a pound. During our last hike, we had borrowed most of our gear, including a massive metal cooking pot designed to cook meals for a large family. It was so cumbersome and added unnecessary weight. To my great despair, many hikers would remark on its bulkiness and general inefficacy to the point that I felt almost self-conscious about this goddamn cooking pot. I came to detest that pot, wanting to throw it out into the woods although that would not have been a very polite thing to do because it was borrowed from Mom-of-Shrugs.MISC.We have a few other "normal" things (hiking poles, trowel, pharmacy kit...). I also want to add that we will have a Nikon Coolpix camera - it's really great, especially since it's supposed to be water/shock/freeze/dust-proof! We will also have our cellphones. I know many reject the use of technology, but we need them in emergencies and to text my Mom or else she will be really worried!Also included: Ipods and Kindles. These are the luxury items that we are allowing ourselves to bring. Music is great when you have nothing else to say to the other person and when the scenery is getting a little dull and you're getting tired. It's a welcome distraction. I love my Kindle and I read daily - it's definitely something that I need to have!