5 day 60 mile hike [Donner Pass to Echo pass] first timmer - solo. Any suggestions on gear to take - or not to take !! do I need a bear canister?
NADAL
Gear needs for PCT section hike
system
#2
If by Echo Pass you mean vicinity of Echo lake near S Lake Tahoe, I’d take a headnet. Mosquitoes were nasty last year in late June. At least last year you didn’t need a bear can in that area.
Handlebar
system
#3
I’ve seen a bear or two in that area. You aren’t req’d to use a bear can and probably don’t need it.
bowlegs
system
#4
When are you going? If it will be this year (so, August or later) I wouldn’t bother with a head net. The mosquitoes are winding down.
Shelly
system
#5
Sorry Nadal to use your thread for the same purpose. But I am doing the Oregon section in 19 days and I need to know what I need in terms of gears (mosquitoes, bear canister) and how many days worth of food should I carry? What are the temperature like for nights and days? Should I expect lots of rain? I am leaving on Aug 23rd.
Noel Tavan
system
#6
Nadal- I’ve done Donner to Echo several times as well as many day hikes around there. No headnet needed. The mosquitoes are probably gone by now. This time of year I probably wouldn’t even bring repellent. Bear cans are not required either. I’ve never seen a bear in that area, but they are out there. Just make sure you get the proper permit. Rangers do patrol in Desolation Wilderness and the fine is pretty steep if you are caught without a permit. Also allow yourself enough time to go for a swim in some of the lakes in Desolation. They are beautiful!
Noel- As for Oregon, the mosquitoes should winding down by the time you go. I did Oregon in 20 days July in 2005. They were terrible at that time, but I heard that they died down by mid-August. Daytime temps were mostly high 60’s to 70’s, nighttime down to low 40’s or so. I’m not sure exactly but I remember temps being very nice, never too hot or cold. I don’t think a bear can is required anywhere in Oregon (I didn’t carry one), but it’s been a few years and I don’t know if there have been any rule changes in some of the wilderness areas. I didn’t have a single drop of rain in my 20 days, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t expect any. Oregon was great, make sure you stop in at the Timberline Lodge for the breakfast buffet!
Have fun out there!
ducky