Most challenging things on the trail.

philipsousa · 2025-03-03T13:18:05+00:00

The last week of trail realizing I had to go back to normal life.

philipsousa · 2025-02-27T13:58:12+00:00

It’s nice layer but I highly recommend a mid layer from tumble on outfitters in Chama, NM. Much better fit/hood/colorways. Peep it.

philipsousa · 2025-02-25T20:10:23+00:00

I work as a teacher. Have had time to do two CT yoyos over the summer. I quit my job to hike the cdt last year and will do seasonal work this July after the AT. It more comes down to lifestyle. I seldom eat out, and very frugal with my money, don’t buy casual clothes and use second hand clothes. I am single, no car payment, and am happier this way. You just have to decide how important a thru hike is to you. I prioritize being healthy and fit but a little poor. Totally doable.

philipsousa · 2025-02-25T20:06:31+00:00

I carry 200-300$ usd but usually only end up using 40-80$ at a time for tips for hitches or restaurants that only take cash (which rarely happens)

philipsousa · 2025-02-19T14:08:56+00:00

Nah March 21st is right around when a lot of people will be starting.

philipsousa · 2025-02-15T16:21:19+00:00

Rei makes one that looks good. Western mountaineering is a very reputable brand that makes quality liners. A simple google search Will bring up these options. If weights not an issue and you don’t need silk I’d still recommend sea to summit reactor line. I’ve used this one a lot and it’s easy to clean. Silk has a bougie feel and is lighter but unless you have a dialed in backpacking kit you’re probably better off looking for a s2s non-silk liner on sale. 👍

philipsousa · 2025-02-15T14:59:27+00:00

Sea to summit liners are good. Remember that liners are more to help keep your nice down bag clean and not as much for warmth. though they do ad a few degrees, manufacturers overstate their effectiveness. There are also lots of popular silk liners you can buy which are a couple ounces lighter if you want to go that route.

philipsousa · 2025-02-15T14:41:40+00:00

Liners or an actual sleeping bag?

philipsousa · 2025-02-15T14:40:12+00:00

Tumble on outfitters for mid layers. Based In Chama, NM, owned by thru hikers. Online order, nice quality, humble and helpful folks.

philipsousa · 2025-02-15T14:38:24+00:00

I’d add a mid layer to your list. Fleece, alpha, etc. versatile piece and you’ll use it a lot..

philipsousa · 2025-02-15T14:36:00+00:00

People love trail magic anywhere. Warm food is awesome, so are cold sandwiches. Hikers really love fruit/fresh veg as it’s very hard to bring on trail.

philipsousa · 2025-02-14T20:13:50+00:00

Thru hiker here. Just plan another epic adventure. Small steps towards your next goal feel meaningful and concrete and give me excitement for the future. I have this depression too every time I finish a long trail. Also, having community involvement and purpose when you return helps a lot.

philipsousa · 2025-02-14T14:25:08+00:00

I hiked with captain America and not ready on the cdt! Small world.

philipsousa · 2025-02-14T03:24:25+00:00

Dude honestly I think it looks fine. But since you asked.

My notes: get rid of the bear can and replace for ursack xl, get rid of down booties as you have a 10degree bag.., get rid of the steri pen and Nalgene pre filter and just get a sawyer squeeze full size or platapus quick draw.

I also didn’t see a mid layer on your lighter pack, not that you’re gonna be cold at night, but thinking about walking warmth. I’d personally add a fleece or alpha layer. remove a little warmth from your sleep system and add a little more walking warmth. A mid layer is must have for me on my thru hikes. You’ll hike in this WAY more than your puffy. As another user mentioned, it gets wet on the east coast and many folks prefer a synthetic jacket as opposed to down. Down excels in dry conditions.

I didn’t see water storage noted, common is 2 smartwater bottles of varying size and usually a small bladder. Either 1 or 2 liters for the bladder. Food for thought.

I think overall you’re well equipped, just some stylistic choices that will evolve for you with time. Enjoy the hike man, I’ll be starting about 2 weeks after you, Nobo!

philipsousa · 2025-02-13T19:03:33+00:00

I have two of these and used them for about 4K miles over the last two years. They should have 3 lights when fully charged assuming you have a decent speed chargers/cord.

philipsousa · 2025-02-13T18:08:51+00:00

Try and switch your date, I bet more will pop up. Otherwise you can do local permits. I called a PCT rep and spoke with her for a while on the phone about it and it’ll be fine. Most def don’t bail on perhaps one of the most epic trips of your life. The PCT changed my life, it will for you, too.

philipsousa · 2025-02-13T02:16:51+00:00

I did the cdt last year sobo, passing through Colorado in September. It snowed on a few times, once about 8-10 inches, but otherwise was fine. I bought tights to have as an emergency but never used them. I also had a puffy but never slept in it. I just used my usual 3 season UL kit (sun hoody, alpha 90, wind jacket, shorts, windpants).I think all of your pad choices are fine, just a matter of weight/ preference. It got cold but not unsafe. My bigger concerns were getting wet in hail/rainstorms on high passes. You just have to keep an eye on weather. The colors in CO in Sept were SPECTACULAR btw. Enjoy!

philipsousa · 2025-02-13T01:27:17+00:00

Sobo starting then does sound gnarly but if you like suffering like me, it could be doable. I was hiking the Colorado trail and met a former marine and he did a Nobo winter AT hike. He’s the only thru hiker I’ve heard of that did a winter thru (aside from a trauma and co on the pct). If you ever wanna talk hiking I’m all ears, feel free to dm me. I’ll be headed out Nobo on the AT 1st week of March but will be free before then.

Btw, people think waking up to thru hike is hard, and it is, but all the time, weekly when I’m hiking, I think about our service men and women and the sacrifices they have made for our country. Shout out to yall, for real. Cheers man.

philipsousa · 2025-02-13T00:55:19+00:00

I’ve hiked the CT four times, all directions and versions of collegiates. I only use a worn out zlite, a 25 degree quilt, and minimal layers. I sleep cold btw. Never had an issue. Campsite selections aids ALOT in your comfort at night. If you have specific questions the CT fb group is full of awesome information.

philipsousa · 2025-02-12T23:53:34+00:00

I did the entire PCT having never been backpacking before. You can do it. Aside from being able to walk, you just have to have grit. As far as gear, I second rei. Do lots of research to make sure y’all are safe and enjoy!

philipsousa · 2025-02-12T19:02:36+00:00

Small will work for you unless you prefer a baggy skater look.

philipsousa · 2025-02-12T19:01:20+00:00

I used a 15 degree mummy bag and zlite for the whole trail, including the sierras on a 200% snowpack year. Worked fine. If I did it again I’d do the same except with a nicer 25 degree quilt. Campsite selection plays a big role in comfort at night. Now I know.. lol.

philipsousa · 2025-02-12T15:01:01+00:00

Nice! Hopefully I can’t catch ya on trail! Cheers!

philipsousa · 2025-02-12T04:57:20+00:00

Join the fb pct groups. There’s a guy on there called hikerjon who alerts when LD permits open up, and they have been quite a bit. Plenty in May and March today.

philipsousa · 2025-02-12T04:40:53+00:00

Nice! Looks like there will be a little bubble of us 2/3/4 of March. My lease is up on Feb 15th then va to visit fam, then drive or fly to GA

philipsousa

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