I hope this is ok (?), but this is a post I have put on YahooPCT2007 that generated some thoughtful replies and I am hoping to put it on Forums to capture yet more informed opinions. Thanks.
At about 3 months from kickoff, I’m wondering if there is a consensus of any sort about the Big Three. In particular, what are the top three choices
for each of backpack, shelter and sleeping bag?
McIntyre –
mcintyre
You will never get consensus on anything relating to hikers and what they carry, that being said.
ULA - Catalyst
hshires TT - Double Rainbow
Feathered Friends - 20 degree w/PTFE shell
Tortuga
Like others have said, you won’t find much consensus here, but mine are ULA-Catalyst, Hshires TT Virga(discontinued), and a Feathered friends Ravin 10 degree w/Cocoon silk liner. Hmmm… maybe this is starting to look like a consensus after all. Three replies and three ULA packs.
Doc Holiday
Doc Holiday
My PCT big 4- Golite Jam 2, Golite Lair tarp, Mountain Hardwear Phantom 32, Gossamer Nightlite torso pad.
As mentioned, you’ll never get a specific concensus, but in general it seems PCT hikers tend to carry tarp/single wall tarp tent shelters, down bags rated to around 20 degrees, light internal frame or frameless packs, foam pads for the desert pricklys.
nuts
ULA Circuit - Mosquesto hammock w/MacCat tarp - Nunatak Back Country Blanket
Consensus? What’s that?
Bear Bag Hanger
Colder weather - Granite Gear Virga, Gossamer Gear Spinnshelter, Gossamer Gear Nitelight, Moonstone 10* down bag.
Warmer weather - Replace the bag with a Western Mountaineering Caribou 38*.
guru
Pack: Granite Gear Nimbus Latitude, great suspension & easy panel access
Tent: Tarptent Squall2, lots of room to spread out inside
Sleeping Bag: Western Mountaineering Alpinlite with 3 oz overstuff, extra shoulder room
30-30
Pack: ULA CONDUIT
Tent:Tarp by Trail Quest
Sleeping Bag: Western Mountaineering Ultralight
Old & in the way
What I have: GoLite Jam (4000+miles and yet to fail me); REI SubKilo 15 degree bag and JagBag silk liner; Henry Shires Squall Tarptent, original
What I want: Granite Gear Vapor Trail, Western Mountaineering Ultralight, and maybe a new Tarptent as mine is showing some wear but is still very usable.
Smack