This is all of my gear as I make my spreadsheet and inventory list for the PCT hike next year.  I am ready,  I have done all of my research.  This is the best equipment I have found out there for my needs.  Remember to "Hike your own Hike"  having said that.  This is what works for me.  I am so glad you are with me on this journey and learning as I learn.  This is all from about 4 months of solid research, everyday immersing myself in books and lectures and classes and studying.  I am here to share it with you.  This is a slow process of trying all different kinds of products, lightweight products.  My base weight keeps on getting lower.  I am a Happy Camper Girl!

Becoming an ultralite backpacker

I have my final four  which is my tent, my backpack, my sleeping pad and my sleeping bag.  I have compared weight and I have cut ounces as much as possible.  It really is an "Art"  this whole ultra-lite thing.  I have been hiking about 60-70 miles a week getting prepared to go on my PCT hike.  I have been trying to eat well.  Emphasis on "Trying".  I try on my pack everyday and also look at all of my personal items along with the ten essentials and ask myself "How can I cut some more weight"?  It really is addicting.  Today I poured my powdered toothpaste inside of a zip lock container so I would not have to take the whole bottle.  I also trimmed a few zippers and left some stuff sacks at home.  I have pulled tags off of my sleeping bag and changed hats about a million times.  I have worn clothing out in the rain and snow to "Prove"  that it really is waterproof.  The list goes on and on.  It is becoming an obsession.  I keep on reading the same books over and over.  I also just got the new Backpacking Magazine about new gear.  Maybe I will change my final four again.  My favorite companies are still  Patagonia, REI, and Western Mountaineering.  I also like backcountrygear.com.

I am going to be learning how to go "Stove-less" and make a lot of meals with a dehydrator.  I already learned how to make a alcohol stove with a pepsi can and/or cat food can.  This is great,  don't you just love learning?  I sure do.  For me it is like school for your hobby.  I love to read and research.

Some disappointment is normal.

Poop!  ordered my tent but one pole came  broken,  No worries,  Big Agnes to the rescue to fix it!  Sometimes life holds disappointments,  deal with it and move on.  It is a quick fix.  I love my new tent, the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL1.  It is really roomy and I can also put my backpack inside of it.  Yesterday I went walking with my pack and 27 pounds of weight.  the next morning (today)  My shoulder was soar and also my right foot was soar, so guess what,  the shoes go back and so does the pack.  No room to have any soreness with just the little trek I did. I want to get everything perfect before I go on the trip.  Yes,  I am a perfectionist but I am also a person who does not want any real pain  on the trip, especially when I could have avoided it.  Make sense?  Low weight = less pain and no pain= a happier me.                                                                                                                           

THE DOUBTS AND FEARS THAT PLAGUE MY MIND!

Can I do this?  What happens if a bear comes to visit me?  What if I get bit by a snake?  What if a rat eats one of my backpack straps?  What happens if I fail at my first Ice Arrest?  What If? What If?

Guess I will find out Huh?  I am getting more prepared everyday.  I plan, I read, I look at my checkbook,  I sell stuff in order to buy stuff,  I ask questions, I attend classes and believe me a whole lot more.  I will be ready.

You cannot even think about the "What If's" because 80 % or more of that worry or anxiety will never ever happen.  I will have to take it as it comes.  Oh! and what about the beauty, the wild flowers, the talks and walks with my travel buddy, what of that?

I am the excited type,  you know the type A personality that always sits in the front row,  the one you want to hang out with but they have too many friends.  Well let me tell you,  we really only have a few close friends and we really really like to be alone,  we need that time to replenish ourselves.  I like to be alone, sometimes for days and days.  I need it.  Sometimes my personality is too much for even me.

I think the road and nature calms me,  I like to be like that.  I like to wander around and look at pretty things when I backpack.  I like the "think" time.  I also like to take pictures of beautiful things.  I hope you go on this journey with me and follow the trail and the pictures.  What is life for if not to share.  Thanks in advance.  It's going to be all good.

Getting ready to hike the PCT (Pacific Coast Trail) in July of 2017.  I will be leaving from Canada going southbound (SOBO) and then ending at the bottom of Oregon or the top of California, not sure just yet.  I have almost all of my equipment except the ice axe and some other mountaineering gear I may need.  It will be tough,  It will be cold,  I will try hard and do the best I can do.  There is a ton to research like "Ice axe arrest"  and "Bears" and "scorpions and rattlesnakes in the desert".  I cannot be afraid of nature,  I can only have respect for her and the outside elements as well.  It will be a trip of a lifetime.  A good time to contemplate about life and what the second half of my life will look like.  It will be a time of wonder and a chance to thank the creator for all of the beauty I will see.  I do not know what to expect as the trail will decide for me when I am on that path.  I do want to face my fears and know who I am.  I like to push my limits and see what I can do and what I cannot do.  Thanks you for following me.  It is nice to know that people share the same love of the outdoors.

TRYING OUT EQUIPMENT!

It is time to try out the equipment, and what better way than to trek in your own backyard.  I love to walk around and see just how the pack moves with me.  I want to check my boots to see how they feel in the snow.  I do not have my food or water packed but I do have everything else packed.  It feels pretty good so far.  I know I have a year to plan but I want to get myself in shape and gain the experience.                                                                                                                                           

What tent to hike with on the PCT?

This is the tent I finally decided on for hiking the PCT in July 2017.  I thought about it and googled every tent imaginable and came up with this one.  Why?  Well,  it is super lite about 2lbs 3 oz.   It has a lot of head room,  I like that it has a left side zip as opposed to others where the zip is at your head.  I also am going to be getting a new sleeping bag with a left zip.  Big Agnes makes  really cool stuff and very strong and sturdy.  I even like the color "Orange" which is the color of Courage.  I'll need me some of that being out in the wilderness outside my comfort zone.  What a fun trip this will be.