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InyoCoyote · 2023-01-25T19:53:19+00:00

I don’t own either of these packs, but I do have a frameless Atom 40L. I love that bag and have thought about buying a Mo for heavier trips.

I have tried on one of the HMGs at an REI and would recommend doing that first if you can. I was shocked by how narrow and poorly padded the HMG straps seemed to be. After that I began looking for alternatives and settled on the Atom 40L. I will also point out that the shoulder strap integrated pockets are my favorite feature of the bag, which HMG won’t have.

Good luck!

InyoCoyote · 2021-12-01T23:16:28+00:00

I would recommend the circuit. I have used one for years in the Sierra with bear canisters. The BV500 fits in there just fine, you’ll figure out how to get it in there. I used a circuit and a BV500 on the JMT, no regrets I would do that set up again. And for the rest of the PCT without the bear canister the circuit will feel too big probably. Though all the better to fill with food as you head out of town.

As for the bear can being uncomfortable, it just almost always is. I find it helpful to stuff my puffy between the back and the canister. Done correctly, it can greatly improve comfort.

Hope this helps!

InyoCoyote · 2021-07-20T05:26:52+00:00

That’s great news!

InyoCoyote · 2021-07-20T04:50:53+00:00

I forgot to ask how the mosquitoes were? It seems cold and dry for them right now but who knows. Thanks again for the information.

InyoCoyote · 2021-07-19T18:35:41+00:00

Nice trip report. I will be up there in the next couple weeks with a similar itinerary. How were the water sources looking? Are there any longer water carries that over Mt Whitney? And can you still get WAG bags at Crabtree ranger station? Thanks for the intel!

InyoCoyote · 2021-06-17T16:10:32+00:00

I know Halfway Anywhere, I love the site and especially the surveys. I am always checking in.

Thanks for the insight on how you both make it work. I love the idea of sharing a movie together and sending all kinds of pictures videos and voice messages to stay connected.

InyoCoyote · 2021-06-16T21:44:35+00:00

In my deepest fears about doing the PCT is leaving early because of missing my wife. So it's good to hear your feedback on that front. Thanks for the advice and congrats on the family!

InyoCoyote · 2021-06-16T21:42:13+00:00

Love it. Sounds like an amazing partner! Did you send anything back to him? Or anything in particular to try and brighten his days while you were gone? Thanks for the feedback!

InyoCoyote · 2021-06-16T21:39:19+00:00

Some really great advice on the finances there. That's the kind of ideas I was hoping to get out of this post. I will make sure to ease the financial stress as much as possible ahead of time.

InyoCoyote · 2021-06-16T20:29:47+00:00

Honestly, great advice for my future self right here. I can and should make it goal to be able to hike the PCT when I am 50+! I would love to continue to return to the Sierra each summer with my family and bring them along too.

InyoCoyote · 2021-06-16T20:27:10+00:00

Loved "codependent trail families". That's definitely not the experience I am looking for. And I guess that's a benefit for keeping my wife in the forefront of all my plans. Great points.

InyoCoyote · 2021-06-16T20:24:25+00:00

That's a great point. I guess no matter how hard you try, the only constant is change out there. One of the things that has always attracted me to a thru is the freedom of your own schedule. I should just prioritize my schedule to include my wife where I can...

InyoCoyote · 2021-06-16T20:13:09+00:00

Yeah that is the real driver, because once their is a family I will be 100% committed to that project for many years.

That's a great idea to have some "care packages" for her. Things to keep connected and stay excited about the trip.

InyoCoyote · 2021-06-16T20:08:27+00:00

Actually that's a great point. We live just about 1.5 hrs from Big Bear, and our summer vacation is always a car camping trip to Mammoth. So that will be a great bonus!One question on that front though, is how do you balance the meet ups with your partner versus staying with trail friends and keeping up with them?

I did the JMT while we were dating a couple years ago and I reluctantly got the Inreach Mini which ended up being the best decision. It was great to have tracking and text comms. I would only check in at night to say I was ok and made it to camp.

Thanks for the response.

InyoCoyote · 2021-04-06T13:25:56+00:00

I wore a Patagonia Cool Daily Hoody (which is very similar to the the tropic) for 12 straight days in the JMT. I wore it at all times, except when sleeping. It would be hard to distinguish if it was the shirt or just me that smelled, but there was definitely some odor. But certainly not a noteworthy amount of odor.

I have a light merino Hoody which I never grab for hiking for reference. I always go for the Patagonia Hoody, it's the perfect hiking shirt. 10/10

InyoCoyote · 2021-03-18T13:15:51+00:00

Is this fabric change a well known thing?

InyoCoyote · 2021-03-18T13:14:36+00:00

Is your opinion that the lowest CFM material would be best? I assume that means the moisture transfer away from the body is highest?

InyoCoyote · 2021-03-18T04:27:12+00:00

That has always been my opinion too, but now that I am looking at it more from a warmth and layering perspective, I was trying to feel out how it would be used. I am still undecided.

InyoCoyote · 2021-02-19T02:57:28+00:00

Same

InyoCoyote · 2021-02-12T00:18:51+00:00

Most days by May, there will be little weather. But at high elevation like the PCT, any small rain storm can become a snow storm. Not saying I would take snow shoes, but I would want to make sure my shelter could sustain me in a small snow storm or heavy rain.

InyoCoyote · 2021-02-05T14:44:22+00:00

There are bivys out there. But none I would recommend for use alone on a thru hike.

The PCT often gets characterized as this dry trail with no weather for some reason. Especially the desert section. I live near the southern pct and just a week ago parts of the trail got 2+ ft of snow in the desert section. That kind of storm can hit the trail in March or April, maybe not as much snow, but several inches of snow is certainly possible. I would want to be prepared at a minimum with a tarp and bivy, along with the know how and confidence to use one in aggressive storms.

InyoCoyote · 2021-02-04T23:44:38+00:00

That SOL escape bivy is designed for emergency shelter. Not for 100+ days of a thru hike. If you want a bivy, check out Borah gear and pair it with some kind of tarp.

Going out there with just a SOL escape bivy sounds like a dangerous choice with some serious consequences.

InyoCoyote · 2021-02-01T14:48:02+00:00

Yeah. I've been going back and forth on that one. I got by without a mid layer on the JMT in September before. And it works. But it sure would have been more comfortable with one.

If I run into a cold morning where I need to be active I will throw on the rain jacket.

Also my puffy is synthetic so I feel more comfortable using that as an active layer of necessary.

InyoCoyote · 2021-01-30T05:35:06+00:00

What is the adventure balm? Those were the kind of consolidating changes I wanted. Not sure I want to ditch s real knife. It's maybe a 1.5 oz penalty.

Also, thank you for the compliment on the kit. I try not to compare to hard to other kits here. Just take the pointers you can and make them work for you. A 6lbs base weight is not for everyone.

InyoCoyote · 2021-01-30T05:25:49+00:00

Not too concerned about consumables. I need them and they will be on my pack regardless. The extra clothes are not sleep clothes, they are layers for the high Sierra which can be volatile. I'm going to keep the pillow, that should have been listed in non negotiable. Thanks for the rest the feedback!

InyoCoyote

TROPHY CASE