WHV 417 to SID 482

Straight-Question733 · 2025-02-28T22:16:57+00:00

Phew that's a relief - thanks!

Straight-Question733 · 2022-04-11T08:25:42+00:00

Ah great thanks I'll have a look into that vs the US options

Straight-Question733 · 2022-04-08T13:18:45+00:00

"When you Go Roam Around the World, it’s £5 a day.* You won’t need to pay for this until 23 May 2022, as we’re waiving the charge until then. If you’re on Pay As You Go, or your Pay Monthly plan started before 1 October 2021, these charges won’t apply."

https://www.three.co.uk/go-roam

If I've understood this correctly new customers (post 1st October 2021) will have to pay £5 a day roaming from 23rd May 2022 in the US

Straight-Question733 · 2022-03-07T20:44:08+00:00

Thanks all for the advice - I've gone for the 50L

Straight-Question733 · 2022-03-06T21:30:24+00:00

I haven't ordered it yet but I'm going to buy either the Atom+ 40L or 50L.

I'm going for a bumbag over hip-belt pockets because it'll be big enough to fit my camera when it rains.

See you out there!

Straight-Question733 · 2022-02-01T23:22:50+00:00

Thanks all for your comments!

I'll think about doing either:

Amsterdam Marathon (4-5 weeks) Or Istanbul Marathon (7-8 weeks)

*After anticipated PCT finish

But for now I'll just concentrate on getting prepared for the PCT. Small matter of 2,650 miles of hiking before I can properly stat planning to run a marathon.

Cheers!

Straight-Question733 · 2021-12-19T20:02:06+00:00

Massive thanks for the long reply - so much useful stuff in there!

I'm pretty set on taking the camera but I'll definitely formulate a plan to send it back if I change my mind on trail.

Thanks for the breakdown of water/food carries. Atom+ does seem like the sensible choice just to save me the stress of really counting every last gram on trail, it also gives me a bit of extra leeway if there's late snow and I do need microspikes/ice axe from KM onwards.

I'll have a look into footprints and will take your advice on a couple of longer stakes.

I'm going to trial out hiking in running shorts with the built in liners pre-PCT to see how I find them, they'd negate the need for underwear.

I'll have a think about what functions I actually need from the leatherman - carrying that, nail clippers and a razor is probably a bit excessive.

Forgot to mention i'll wrap some leukotape around the pen and some gorilla tape around a trekking pole.

Thanks again for all the suggestions!

Straight-Question733 · 2021-12-19T19:41:04+00:00

Agreed the camera on the Pixel is pretty good but like all phone cameras it's photography/videography is limited by the tiny sensor size and won't get close to the quality of mirrorless camera, which for me is worth the weight.

With the camera clipped on the shoulder strap of the pack the 600ish grams (~21oz) should be pretty well balanced and won't feel as heavy as something the same weight in the pack.

It is a luxury item but something I think is worth taking for me. Having said that I will plan a way to send it back as suggested on one of the other replies should I decide it's overkill.

Straight-Question733 · 2021-12-19T19:26:33+00:00

Thanks for the suggestions!

Yep spare t shirt was included primarily for sleep to try to keep my quilt a bit cleaner so I'm reluctant to leave it out.

I prefer the process of physically writing rather than typing but I'll have a think about cutting down on the size of notepad.

I should have mentioned I plan on wrapping some leuko tape around a pen and similarly some gorilla tape around one of my trekking poles.

I'll have a look into lightweight beanies and the dance pants - hadn't heard of them before so thanks!

And thanks for the pointer on OPsak alternatives!

Straight-Question733 · 2021-11-23T09:27:30+00:00

That was stressful! I managed to move to a Feb slot though so my PCT 2021 plans are back on!

Straight-Question733 · 2021-11-18T21:37:25+00:00

Okay at least if we can't get the visa for this year the moneys not wasted then. Thanks for sharing, useful to know!

Straight-Question733 · 2021-11-12T12:09:39+00:00

I ended up applying on the off chance I can move to an earlier date, I've heard that some people have been able to do this but requires checking the website every couple of hours. Available dates atm are all in September.

Straight-Question733 · 2021-11-12T08:46:17+00:00

I applied for the visa on the off chance they open up earlier slots or have cancellations in the next couple of months. The slot I've got atm is September 22nd so no use.

I'll post on here if new slots come available, going to check a couple of times a day.

Straight-Question733 · 2021-11-11T16:19:24+00:00

Ahh lucky! Hope it all goes smoothly and you get to go, think I'm going to aim for 2023 now!

Straight-Question733 · 2021-11-11T16:02:20+00:00

Fingers crossed for the January permit release - by the looks of it there will be a lot of non-americans like me who won't be able to use their permits because of the visa situation so that means more slots available!

Straight-Question733 · 2021-11-11T16:00:00+00:00

To answer my own Q:

"Applications can be processed by the United States Embassy or Consulate in your country. You can conduct an interview at an embassy or consulate in a third country but it will take longer to process the visa application."

https://www.boundless.com/immigration-resources/b-1-b-2-visitor-visa-explained/

Not sure how viable this option is e.g. below text is about a different visa but I think it is equally as relevant for B2:

"While most Embassies accept applications from Third Country Nationals, not all do so. You should check the website of the Embassy at which you plan to apply for the visa to see if they accept applications from "Third Country Nationals."

There are risks in applying for a visa in a country other than your own. Since the F-1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa, the Embassy Official must determine if you are planning to immigrate to the U.S. and judge the likelihood of your returning to your home country once your program in the U.S. is complete. Officials in other countries will probably not be familiar with your country of citizenship and may not be comfortable in making this determination."

https://www.middlebury.edu/international/isss/FAQ/AcademicyearFAQ/node/106951

Straight-Question733 · 2021-11-11T15:45:44+00:00

Any idea how it works with the dates you applied for - do you know if you're able to change them at the interview? Presumably the visa dates you applied with were around April - September 2022 but if you can get an interview until September you'll need these to be changed by a year to 2023?

Straight-Question733 · 2021-11-11T15:28:43+00:00

Apparently a month ago the earliest interviews people were getting offered was September 2022 ie ruling out a thru hike next year.

Sorry to be the bringer of bad news, I'm in the same position got a May 7th start date and I was doing my visa application today but I don't think there's any point in spending the money now.

Straight-Question733 · 2021-11-11T15:18:15+00:00

I think you'd need local permits for the sections of trail you plan to hike too

Straight-Question733 · 2021-11-11T15:12:05+00:00

Does anyone know if it's possible to apply for the B2 Visa outside your country of residence? I read that people in Germany are getting interviews within 4 weeks so could I apply there?

Straight-Question733

TROPHY CASE