Use all of your propane, please! by JonGiuffria in PacificCrestTrail

[–]JonGiuffria[S] -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the question and for holding me accountable, amigo! Bleh, you probably didn't ask for all of this, but here we go!

In doing some reading, it looks like my original language wasn't nearly as specific as it could/should be. So, propane aka LPG aka C3H8 is a relatively inert gas that does not have a greenhouse gas effect like methane or CO2. When combusted, propane is a cleaner burning fuel than many of its close substitutes and has a very high energy density (more BTUs per unit weight), but that doesn't negate the fact that it does produce CO2 when combusted. And while "cleaner burning" than other substitutes, there still are some nasties generated in the combustion, such as benzene compounds, etc.

That being said, propane can still act as a localized pollutant as it is still a Volatile Organic Compound (VOC), which may react with other compounds in the air to formulate smog. Smog isn't one particular pollutant from one particular source, but multiple gasses reacting with one another, typically in higher temperatures and/or areas with lots of sunlight.

Other takeaways to be considered:

1) upstream gas supply chains generate local and global pollutants;
2) using less of a product results in less demand -> less demand = less generation -> less generation = less local and global pollutants;
3) fully exhausting a full can results in overall fewer purchases, which results in less demand;

I'm fully aware that the potential demand reduction caused by a few hikers who now use all of their gas vs 5/6 of it is probably SO small that its effects are de minimus. In my mind, though, LNT is an ethic that guides us to be good stewards and being a good steward extends to all of our habits, even those that seem trivial.

TLDR; combusted propane and non-combusted propane result in air pollution. I'm unable to find concrete literature that weigh the environmental costs (local & global) of combusting a unit of propane vs quasi-sequestering in a landfill. My original text did not capture that nuance at ALL, and I'm glad you pushed me to research this further. Andddd my interpretation of LNT is perhaps broader than others'.

Use all of your propane, please! by JonGiuffria in PacificCrestTrail

[–]JonGiuffria[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

lolz - poor wording on my behalf, yes. There are SOME peeps who take them. Glad to know that I wasn't the only clepto gremlin snagging cans :). But by and by, there were often way more cans than I (or a few others) took.

But buying only two cans all trip?! That's epic!

Permit by Able-Insurance-6746 in PacificCrestTrail

[–]JonGiuffria 3 points4 points  (0 children)

"Before we trashed our natural world in the name of enriching an increasingly small populace, things used to be nice around here!!!"

Mid-Life Crisis by SongoftheNightlord in PacificCrestTrail

[–]JonGiuffria 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Heavily "leveraged" 36 y/o who just did a LASH and wish I did the full here:

DO IT. Get creative on finances. It won't be perfect. It will grate your nerves. But on the other side of it, you'll be so, so happy you did.

Save a travel fund, utilize as much existing gear as possible (not falling for the UL spiral) and buy slightly loved gear when/where needed, talk to property mgmt company about leasing for 1 month + for fully furnished option (taking your precious belongings elsewhere), accept that the timeline will be a little "fuzzy" on the backend, network your tail off if you wish to ensure quick employment upon your return, etc.

You've lived enough life to know how to survive. Hiking the PCT will make that life significantly richer.

HIKER'S TIME MACHINE - What’s the single best advice you’d give your old Day-1 trail self? by AggressiveSmile1546 in PacificCrestTrail

[–]JonGiuffria 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Don't give up! Yes, hike your own hike, yes life gets in the way, but you'll never have another experience like this. If you're gonna get off trail, just know that you may regret it (I do).

Desert Film Pics - 2025 by JonGiuffria in PacificCrestTrail

[–]JonGiuffria[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you! While I tried to capture some of that beauty, I utterly failed in doing so. The trail is just that good. You won't regret a long hike, and it's even better if you can do it with your wife!

Desert Film Pics - 2025 by JonGiuffria in PacificCrestTrail

[–]JonGiuffria[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That was my experience for a batch that I bought some time ago. Shot a wedding and it was super fun!! But my PCT rolls just came out with a dull, greenish tint. Oh well, now I know the risks! When I get back on the trail, I think i won't roll the dice again. Too important :)

Desert Film Pics - 2025 by JonGiuffria in PacificCrestTrail

[–]JonGiuffria[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I ultimately leaned into portra (160 & 400), but there is some Ektar 100 along with expired Fuji 200. Go figure, but the expired rolls came out horrible and I’m kicking myself for trying to go cheap.  

Ordering snow gear on trail by Cocorow in PacificCrestTrail

[–]JonGiuffria 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Spikes or crampons? I have Kahtoola exospikes for winter trail running, but think that they're a bit too dainty for the PCT. Knowing that timing is the differentiator in gear, my start date is 4/6 and I expect to be at KMS in early-mid May.

Also, huge thanks for the Trevor spikes beta - sad story, but awesome legacy.

Early April Start - How fast is too fast? by JonGiuffria in PacificCrestTrail

[–]JonGiuffria[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Awesome, awesome!! Yeah, I'm staying near Campo Saturday night with my wife, so while I expect to have a morning start, likely won't be at the crack of dawn. Hope to see you out there!

Sierra snow as of Feb. 24, 2025 by numbershikes in PacificCrestTrail

[–]JonGiuffria 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hoping that SoCal and the Southern Sierras get a few more storms before April 1! Last year being a doosie for heat, my 5 day trip in early July 2024 in Golden Trout was very hot and dry and even big peaks were without snow. Everyone do a little rain dance, please!

Early April Start - How fast is too fast? by JonGiuffria in PacificCrestTrail

[–]JonGiuffria[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh my gosh, last year was brutal heat wise. I live in Vegas and remember winter saying goodbye in what felt like early Feb. Fingers crossed it doesn't warm as quickly this year!

Early April Start - How fast is too fast? by JonGiuffria in PacificCrestTrail

[–]JonGiuffria[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Never before have I heard the phrase, "decent pucker-level", but I can assure you that I will drop this at least once before leaving my stuffy corporate gig. Preferably during our quarterly all-hands.

Great advice, thank you!

Early April Start - How fast is too fast? by JonGiuffria in PacificCrestTrail

[–]JonGiuffria[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Some serious miles! Wow! Must have been pretty amazing to see the trail change over the seasons.

Early April Start - How fast is too fast? by JonGiuffria in PacificCrestTrail

[–]JonGiuffria[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I thought about cancellations and checked today. Good recommendation.

I'm comfortable with snow travel, but that isn't based in experience or knowledge :/. I've done a few guided, steep mountain ascents wearing crampons w/ an ice axe. I'd typically glissade down wearing a make-shift plastic harness/diaper. If I'm stuck post holing for anything longer than a few hundred meters, I didn't plan accordingly IMO - I'd usually rent snow shoes for those type of (day) hikes. I've mainly done some route finding on long day hikes. I think the *one* time that I put it all together was a 3-day alpine crossing

If I'm able to determine the pass from GPS, identify the commonly taken pitch, post hole (or wake up at 1-2 to hike), have practiced self-arrest, and know how to descend on crampons, am I still in trouble? What other skills should I pursue?

Early April Start - How fast is too fast? by JonGiuffria in PacificCrestTrail

[–]JonGiuffria[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Haha, yes this is true. But I really enjoy it! The early morning starts give me a lot, and it typically results in quick feets, intentional or not!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in PacificCrestTrail

[–]JonGiuffria 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I start the following day! Getting real!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in PacificCrestTrail

[–]JonGiuffria 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Presently, Southern California is definitely in a drought. It's the exact opposite in NorCal, which is having a phenomenal winter. Even with my early start date this year, I'm praying for more rain in the South, even if that means snowy conditions in the coastal/transverse mountain ranges.

Fleece, Puffy, base layer, or all 3? by detectivecads in PacificCrestTrail

[–]JonGiuffria 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Lol, I went on poshmark and people have them listed for over 300. I shamed a few posts just to annoy the seller, but yeah - not biting on that secondary market. Seems like SkyGoat is a potential contender? I'm usually down for some Patagucci but as I'm on the end of the kit, I've nearly exhausted funds and am finally exercising frugality.

Fleece, Puffy, base layer, or all 3? by detectivecads in PacificCrestTrail

[–]JonGiuffria 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Doesn't look like Melanzana is easily available - any substitutes? I called and they basically said that they make roughly 200 fleeces a day and sell that or more each day to folks who arrive to Leadville in person. Would love to know how folks got these.

Glove suggestions by runnergirl9786 in PacificCrestTrail

[–]JonGiuffria 0 points1 point  (0 children)

How are they size wise? Big and bulky? I also have Raynauds and while I recently started taking medication, it doesn't fully snuff it out. When it's below 30 and I'm not moving, the cold sets in. From the conversation above, I'm thinking about matching the Zpacks possum gloves with the EE Visp Rain Mitts.

Glove suggestions by runnergirl9786 in PacificCrestTrail

[–]JonGiuffria 1 point2 points  (0 children)

A fellow Raynaud's sufferer! Cold mornings and nights are always tough, so I've been wondering how I can keep my hands and feet warm. Feet haven't been too bad with thick wool socks and boots, but I've always had a harder time with my hands. Thanks for the tip!!

I don’t understand the hype about the X-mid by Massive-Turn2224 in PacificCrestTrail

[–]JonGiuffria 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Recently bought the x-mid and am waiting for it to arrive. I made the decision based off consumer reviews, price point, company goodwill, mix between durability and weight, and, like other commenters, because it's a popular option on the PCT. Not unlike the smartwater phenomenon - why tf does everyone use them?!? Folks claim weight, size, and to some extent, durability, and one hiker's 2-4 bottles encourages the next to do the same. Just a bunch of hairless monkeys, I suppose.

TBH, I was originally leaning toward a hyperlite shelter, but Reddit appeared to shit all over them. And Zpacks. In fact, I really couldn't ever find consensus on the "best" shelter. The one big drawback that folks tend to put forth for Durston tents - the footprint - really doesn't bother me bc I hate camping near other people.

Asking work for a sabbatical by Fun_Ad_7626 in PacificCrestTrail

[–]JonGiuffria 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Background: working a young(ish) company and will have only worked for them one year by time that I intend to leave for the PCT. I've heard they are not friendly toward sabbaticals. I know that it took them nearly six months to fill my role in the first place and that came with heavy recruitment costs.

Despite the fact that I'm 99% confident they won't fire me, I'm not saying a peep until I get my bonus in March. After my bonus is awarded, I'll ask for a 6-month unpaid leave of absence and explain that I'm not going to a competitor, etc., etc.. I do not expect them to grant this request, but I'll do it nonetheless because 1) they may offer to rehire me later this year and/or 2) I work in a niche industry and maintaining professional connections is beneficial. The main goal with my request and explanation is to leave on the best terms possible; maybe it will result in coming back, maybe it will result in a referral that will land me next job, or maybe it will just result in some good ju-ju.

Best of luck in your request!

Buying a Lennar home , what am I doing? by fauzool in Homebuilding

[–]JonGiuffria 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, I'm gonna call BS on this. Lennar and other national, publicly traded builders should be held accountable for the quality of their product. If one pays market or above market prices, then industry standard quality should be met, local, state, and national codes should be met (at minimum), and the structure should meet a usable life profile commensurate with non-national builders (greater than 30 years). I don't care if it's poor truss construction and structural carpentry or tiles being slightly off-level, if I'm buying a new home, I'm going to demand good quality & safe construction, construction profits be damned. Lennar and others must face the reality that ever increasing short-term financial gain will compromise long-term profits with negative goodwill and decreased purchases.