Date: 2008-01-02
To: Comments On What I'm Carrying
Miles today: 0.0

In my prior entry I listed the gear I plan on carrying for my winter thru-hike. Here are some thoughts about some of the items:Hubba tent - due to its heavy-duty pole system, I think this is a fantastic tent. During the winter you can get some ice condensation on the netting ceiling - try to leave the vestibule door cracked open and stake out the fly walls.Hubba footprint - this is purely optional but I like it because it adds some durability to the tent floor on abrasive ground.Mountain Hardware Phantom - high-quality 800-down bag. I'm short and can use the short version. Weight is around 2.5 pounds. Sometimes I get paranoid about the bag getting wet, but haven't switched to a synthetic bag.Z-rest and Thermarest - I've learned in the past that it is a good idea to use both a closed and open cell pad during the winter. To save weight I use the short version of the Thermarest.Black Diamond poles - these are new for me. I like their snap-locks for locking the poles together.Bear bag hangar - my invention. Consists of about 40 feet of triptease line tied to a small mesh sack. You tie the free end of the line to your food bag. Find a rock that can fit into the mesh sack. Throw/swing the mesh bag/rock up over an appropriate branch. Pull up and tie-off the food bag.Socks - the three pair of wool socks I alternate wearing with my boots. The one pair of liner socks I wear on my feet in the sleeping bag. The one pair of rag wool go on my feet along with my down booties while in camp. The rag wool socks can also substitute as mittens with the outer shell.Down booties - don't laugh. They are wonderful in camp. Sierra Designs has a version now with a rubber sole. You can walk with them in snow when a nature call occurs.Bleach - there will always be an argument for bleach vs iodine vs filter vs nothing at all. FDA website says bleach does a better job than iodine of killing Giardia. Neither kills Crypto. Pen/pencil/journal/envelopes - Always carry a pencil - you never know when your pen will run out of ink or freeze. Keep a journal, if only for yourself. I write daily journal entries and put them in stamped envelopes. When I get the chance I mail them home. My wife will then post them on Trail Journals.SD cards - carry several of these. You can send your photos home and still have another card until the first is returned.Midland weather radio - This is small, 4 ounces, and can almost always receive weather service forecasts. Knowing that a winter storm is heading your way can make a big difference.Dental floss - use for dental hygiene, but also works as a pretty good, durable thread for sewing up tears and rips.Trash compactor bags - used for holding everything in the pack that needs to stay dry. Work better than a pack rain cover. Get the thick bags (2 ply or heavier). The bags are large enough that one can line your entire pack.2 or 4-liter Platypus camp water bag - These come with a web handle that makes for lot easier carrying. My pack has a hydration pouch inside. I don't use hydration bladders in freezing weather, but you can still place one of these bags in the same location. The "up & down" motion of your pack helps keep the water from freezing.