"We really were supposed to have everything?" And we did, until we got our heads wrapped around the Pacific Crest Trail. The decision to attempt it put a whole new emphasis and a set of requirements on our gear. We are not fanatic about shaving every gram, but certain scrutiny is necessary, especially when we carry everything with us.
Camping gear is no exception. In fact, this is where we shaved the most grams.
For more general thoughts on gear, read our previous post.
Tent
Our old Marmot Aura 2p is a fine tent - easy to pitch up, freestanding double layer structure and two good sized vestibules. But, at 2.4kg/5.3lbs, a "bit" heavy compared to many of the tents favored by PCT hikers (many go as light as only having a tarp).
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| Marmot Aura & Finnish Archipelago, 2014 |
It saved us 1.5kg/ 3.3 lbs and gave plenty more room. Apart from the netting, the tent is made of cuben fiber. The material is extremely light, durable and waterproof, and retains its form, even when wet.
In addition to ground stakes, there are no separate poles. Instead, you use hiking poles to pitch it. Again a weight save since they are part of the pack anyway.
It might not come as a surprise then, that the most decisive factor in purchasing a new tent was weight. Also, the two vestibules were a requirement to allow for easier nightly excursions.
The Triplex has received good reviews, but personal experiences are nil. We'll get back to you on this from trail.
The tent set us back 600€. When shopping online, take note of the rules of the EU taxation and customs union, and especially possible duties and VAT. Our tent was delivered to a relative in the US and so we avoided the tax burden. Naturally, if we ever bring the tent into the EU, we'd have to see about the necessity for a customs declaration.
The tent set us back 600€. When shopping online, take note of the rules of the EU taxation and customs union, and especially possible duties and VAT. Our tent was delivered to a relative in the US and so we avoided the tax burden. Naturally, if we ever bring the tent into the EU, we'd have to see about the necessity for a customs declaration.
Sleeping "bags" and pads
Not an easy one either. In principle, Anna's old down sleeping bag would be fine. Tuomas' summer bag, on the other hand, would not suffice. And then there is the question of weight. Both of our old bags are on the heavy side and therefore in need of replacement.
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| Campers, summer 2015 |
Eventually we opted for a small US company, Enlightened Equipment, and their Convert quilts. Why? Because of weight (Anna's 840g/ 29.6 oz, Tuomas' 890g/ 31.5 oz), price and interest in trying out a new type product - a hoodless sleeping bag.
The Convert is also more roomy compared to traditional mummy style sleeping bags, especially at hips and knees. The hoodless design allows for more freedom of movement as well. Both of us are restless sleepers and more than once we have found ourselves with our faces turned into the hood of our old bags. In a hoodless quilt, you're free doc twist at your will. Lack of a hood does necessitate a proper head coverage (e.g. a comfy beanie).
Extra credit for Zpacks for using European duck down (goose down is better quality, but also more expensive). The duck down is collected as a byproduct of the meat industry. True, there could be more ethical options, but at least there is no force-feeding or live-plucking.
The quilts are rated 10F/-12C. A lighter bag would suffice for the PCT hike, but since the supplier uses a rating "similar" to the EN lower limit rating, we wanted to be on the safe side. Our silk liners further increase warmth, if needed, and also preserve the insides of the quilts.
An interesting detail in the Enlightened Equipment quilts is the possibility to customize your quilt, down to color options. Pictures to follow - we did not stick to traditional color combinations.
At least as important to the quilts are sleeping pads. A quality quilt does no good if you lose heat through a poor pad. We will most likely opt for Exped Synmat Hyperlite pads and combine them with an extra insulation and protective layers underneath (e.g. mylar blankets).
...
We'll retain our old gear as reserves, just in case. It may well be that the PCT (about 4000km/ 2600miles and anywhere from four to six months) proves too much for our new gear. Also, shaving off every single gram is not as important after the hike.
p.s. Of the two of us, Anna is the colder sleeper - having been in charge of equipment, Tuomas is naturally a tad nervous. I'm sure we'll get back to this as well.
Here are the links to all the manufacturers:
http://www.zpacks.com/
http://www.enlightenedequipment.com/
http://www.cocoon.at/
http://www.exped.com/international/en
Extra credit for Zpacks for using European duck down (goose down is better quality, but also more expensive). The duck down is collected as a byproduct of the meat industry. True, there could be more ethical options, but at least there is no force-feeding or live-plucking.
The quilts are rated 10F/-12C. A lighter bag would suffice for the PCT hike, but since the supplier uses a rating "similar" to the EN lower limit rating, we wanted to be on the safe side. Our silk liners further increase warmth, if needed, and also preserve the insides of the quilts.
An interesting detail in the Enlightened Equipment quilts is the possibility to customize your quilt, down to color options. Pictures to follow - we did not stick to traditional color combinations.
At least as important to the quilts are sleeping pads. A quality quilt does no good if you lose heat through a poor pad. We will most likely opt for Exped Synmat Hyperlite pads and combine them with an extra insulation and protective layers underneath (e.g. mylar blankets).
...
We'll retain our old gear as reserves, just in case. It may well be that the PCT (about 4000km/ 2600miles and anywhere from four to six months) proves too much for our new gear. Also, shaving off every single gram is not as important after the hike.
p.s. Of the two of us, Anna is the colder sleeper - having been in charge of equipment, Tuomas is naturally a tad nervous. I'm sure we'll get back to this as well.
Here are the links to all the manufacturers:
http://www.zpacks.com/
http://www.enlightenedequipment.com/
http://www.cocoon.at/
http://www.exped.com/international/en
