Date: 2013-01-31
To: Gear and things
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I am not posting a gear list as such.I am a believer in everyone needing to work out all the little things that suit themselves but the following are most of our major gear info for the benefit of those that are interested in such things. Those that just want to follow the progress of the hike etc can just skip this page.Please note - we are NOT taking any advantage of being a pair in that we each have shelter, stove etc. This is deliberate for a number of reasons, primarily that we can seperate for periods to "hang" with different people for a while or recover from short term illness etc. Also two shelters that each fit both of us gives us better options on really wet sections, or crowded ones.Packs - Daniel will be using my ULA Circuit I used on the Bib, large hipbelt and large shoulder straps.I have a new ULA Catalyst with large shoulder straps and medium hipbelt. I probably could go medium straps as well but can manage with large and this way both packs fit both of us. I did have some issues with the hipbelt being too large on the Bib as I lost weight. I have "dead dog" bags (4) from a vet for pack liners. No pack cover. We have a "no liquids in the pack" rule so all fuel, water etc will be carried in the (capacious) pockets on the outside of the ULA's. Tents stand upright in one of the side water pockets. Shelter - We both will be carrying a Henry Shires Tarptent. Daniel will have the Rainshadow 2 (large enough for both of us plus packs). I will have the Rainbow 2 (large enough for both without packs but has "freestanding" option with trekking poles).Mats - we both have neoairs, Daniel the large, me the regular. We also have a RidgeRest mat (regular) which we are cutting in half and carrying half each as sitting mat, base for pillow and whatever. Should a neoair fail, we will duct tape the 2 halves together until we get a replacement/repair.Bags - I have a Kathmandu down mummy bag not sure of rating but it takes me to freezing well enough. Full length zip so can be a defacto quilt in warmer weather. Daniel has Big Agnes Summit Park bag. A true monster of a down bag that takes a large neoair in a down free sleeve on the bottom. We both have silkliners for cleanliness, extra warmth and as bag on hot nights.Cookware - Alcohol stoves. Mine Evernew Titanium cookset PLUS the TiTri Caldera cone (without the included stove) for Evernew 1.3l pot. I also have a single wall stainless steel mug (about 400ml) with a lid. I will use the cookset when there is no wind issues but the cone gives me a better option in wind and can provide a woodburning option. Daniel will have pepsi can stove and a home made cone setup still being constructed (he has the titanium sheet). He has SnowPeak pots and mug (doublewall).Water filtration - to be purchased in USA - Aquamira drops and possibly 1 filter such as Sawyer Squeeze between us.Footwear - I have Merrell trail shoes and will probably wear out a couple of pairs but I love the way Merrells fit me. Daniel is starting with Keen Siski you(?) mids as he does not like trail shoes without any ankle support. Everyone should find shoes that suit them and we do not recommend anyone assume we endorse these shoes for others.Clothing - Basically capilene(?) trousers, thermal long johns (to start), Icebreaker t shirts and various layers. Everyone is different, clothes always subject to change. Daniel uses zipoff trousers, I do NOT wear shorts. Bucket hats for sun protection and buffs to increase versatilty and warmth etc where necessary.Camera - Daniel the one in his phone, me an Olympus Tough TG1. New to me but love it already. Will be trying to work out best way to post GPS tagged photos online over next month.Technology - both have e readers, leaving phones in Australia and getting a pair of cellphones in USA (Verizon) - details when purchased. Headlamps AND torches. Daniel likes bright torches.. :-) Battery pack backup for camera, phones etc and I have a little am/fm radio that runs on one AAA battery. "Bounced" about weekly will be a small old notebook PC (10" screen) for use uploading etc to avoid congested hostel PC's etc - just need wifi access. Thanks Loner(class of 2012) for the idea in one of your many YouTube videos.The rest is minor, Daniel will have smallish Leatherman and I will have smaller Victrinox. Lots of duct tape.