Last year marked me. The late season snow and sudden problems finding a place to hike really was exhausting.
I did check Reddit and this is the current report:
I’m local and what we are currently seeing is a rapid melting on an average/below average snowpack. The bob currently is almost snow free the entire CDT route (I’ve hiked almost 60% already). Sorry the only first hand beta I have is on the bob, but it’s a good measure for the area.
If this holds then June in the Bob will be wonderful.
Local training conditions.
Local weather went from hot to windy and cold. Wintery mix expected tomorrow.
In two days I want to start our serious training (wanted to start sooner) so we will hit the Bob with some trail legs, though I had hoped to get started sooner.
The New Mexico stretch we did had us walking good distances but it was a little flat.
Here is hoping that after the wintery mix tomorrow things will improve.
As a baseline, I have the PRana pants I got on trail (the only ones that the outfitters in town had that fit me) and some other pants.
I really liked White Sierra but I haven’t been able to find them for sale for a couple years now. REI, Walmart, Amazon all show them as out of stock.
For comparison the REI Sahara pants have pockets that are hard to use (that will probably change next week. Sahara pants constantly change and evolve). If I were more technical I’d like the REI pockets more. Hard to use also = things don’t go in or fall out.
I also really like the way the Sahara zip offs work. But, away from the AT I’ve found myself not zipping off convertible pants.
I tend to just switch to shorts.
PRana are slightly heavier fabric and are cut a little tight through the calves. Instead of zip offs they use snaps. I’ve been unable to use that feature for river crossings and the like because the cut is too tight to roll up and snap to hold them in place.
In comparison, UBTech pants are loose enough that I can roll them up. They also have a better secured pocket.
The PRana secured pocket zips both horizontally — and vertically |and is just low enough that my wallet bangs my knee a little. I like the built in belt and the colors.
On the other hand the UBTech pocket zips horizontally and appears to not be deep enough to bang my knee.
Other pants out there include Wrangler (people criticize durability and pockets) and Kuhl;
I found the pants do not work well for any temps that are on the warmer side. The fact that the label prominently mentioned a “cell phone” pocket, and the type of photos on the Kuhl website, tell me what I need to know about the pants. They are “lifestyle” pants; marketed as outdoor gear but the consumer base tends to wear them in the trendier places in Boulder, Moab, or for your #liveauthentically photos perhaps
I might use some Nikwax water repellent or not. I still have not made up my mind how I felt about it with the Saharas (the feature comes and goes with REI’s pants).
I’m going to wear both and compare. I’ve got time.
The button is attached better on the PRana using the newer loop vs stitching method.
PRana button and built in belt Bob snow continues to melt.
We were lucky when we started because the ground was cold enough the mud did not set up. But then it warmed a little.
At about 614.6 there is a cross road followed by another. The second road parallels the trail but it was just as muddy so we took the first road to US 550 and began the roadwalk in.
Some rain but it eventually cleared. Happy6 had set up reservations at Del Prado Hotel — a good thing since by the time we arrived they were sold out.
The rooms have great showers, hot water and come with access to laundry.
We ate at the McDonald’s where we catch the bus to Albuquerque tomorrow.
We are a day ahead of schedule but I am so glad—the weather has really taken a turn for the worst.
Beyond that, the middle river in the Gila is now on fire so we are going to have to finish that some other time.
Learned something about my gear that shorter days would not have revealed.
I decided to try looser socks. I’ve found them really comfy but never hiked more than ten miles in them.
On this trip I discovered that over ten the looseness leads to friction and blisters. I can stop the blisters with duct tape on my feet but that is a daily thing.
I’m back to socks that work without the fiddle and the new socks will go to daily wear.
That was the big change from yesterday to today. Climbed back onto a mesa from the flat.
With even one nice stretch of trees instead of sage and brush.
That change and some heavy hail, trail magic and cell service. Behind the trail magic you can see the “normal” conditions.
Liminal and Double Zero
We would overlap with these two daily. They start around noon and hike late, ending up at water sources or trail magic. He is an RN and she is just graduating medical school.
And a rattlesnake.
There was even a bridge. It crossed this gap which was about 15-20 feet down with crumbling edges. I would not have been happy jumping it though five feet would have been enough.
The bridge was welcome.
This also shows the more normal trail conditions and desert we hiked through.
I should note that this part of the trail was well blazed with poles and cairns.
The local equine and trail clubs have really done great work with their trail maintenance.
The sunset last night was incredible. There were some notes about spectacular sunsets and we had one with a sky filled with fire.
We got up about 5:00 and on the trail by 5:40 to catch the sunrise as we hiked.
The trail covered the top of the mesa and then dropped about two thousand feet. It was steep, but not technical. My legs are still sore.
At the water there was also trail magic and I had a ginger ale and some potato chips. I also picked up three liters of water that I chemically treated.
Happy6 filtered water.
We also met Liminal and Double Zero. She is graduating medical school and he is an RN. They are just doing Grants to Cuba.
We hiked on and it became trail instead of dirt road and had some ups and downs.
We are doing well for not having trail legs yet. Happy6 even made dinner and it was good.
There was a little rain around 6:00 which made me glad to be in our tent. I did some stretches and slept. At 7:00 I woke up and typed up this entry then went back to sleep.
But we had some real desert today. A mysterious trail marker (a wooden post) promising water in 2.8 miles (there was none) and a promise of trail magic a few miles down the trail and more water in 4.6 miles.
Then water at 18.8 miles from here. That will be our goal tomorrow. (Spoiler. The next day we made it just past the water to 613.3).
We drove to Grants yesterday and stayed at the Lava Flow Hostel. Our cabin was decorated with naked cowboy art. Not really my preference.
We met our shuttle at 7:30 in the morning. His wife came with him and it was a pleasant drive. They seemed like really nice people.
Then we were back at the trail where we had gotten off when I had pneumonia.
The trail was pleasant though the weather gave us rain, snow, lightning and hail. The water cache was empty but the spring was flowing. We had water so we kept going.
We ended up camping at 576.3 to get out of the rain. That gave us about a twelve mile day.
We were ready to pack up and do some more miles but we had an hour and a half of rain and then thunder and lightning. We fell asleep with that in the background and I’m blogging at 7:20.
We will start early as the sunrises are supposed to be spectacular and we want to see one.
On the Appalachian and Pacific Crest Trail, the gear chosen by hikers in one year is often heavily influenced by whatever gear was popular the year before and reviewed or getting good word of mouth. On the Continental Divide Trail, the gear choisen is heavily influenced by the gear a backpacker finished the last trail with.
This essay reviews the surveys of what gear was used in 2024 with my thoughts.
The gear items are listed from most common to less common. So “name1”>”name2” only means that name 2 was less common. I don’t include all the choices, only the top choices. Always assume an etc. and that there are more alternatives.
Tents
On the AT, as of 2024, Durston is number one tent, followed by Big Agnes and then Zpacks.
Looking at history for the AT in 2017 it was Big Agnes>Big Agnes>Zpacks>REI>Nemo>. That said, “other” was 22.5% of all tents used and there were lots of tent choices listed.
PCT: Duplex >Durston (multiple types)>Big Agnes>Etc. (generally, assume an “etc. or “other” on every list as I’m only listing the most popular items).
CDT: Zpacks Duplex > Durston >others (Durston now covers six models of the XMid, but for 2024 there were only four XMid Models).
For comparison, the CDT 2017: Zpacks Hexamid was the most used and that is a tent not even on any surveys now.
Happy6 and I started our first thru-hike attempt with a Big Agnes Copper Spur, went to a Zpacks, then a Durston and now hike with a Zpacks.
When we got started we used an REI half dome I got for $25 and then a Mountain Hardware Ghost (discontinued now) then the Copper Spur. We also owned and then returned a Golite tent.
So we’ve been through a number of tents.
Discontinued Mountain Hardware Ghost Tent
Free standing or semi-freestanding tents were once 90% or so of the tents on trail. Now the leading tents are trekking pole tents that are not freestanding at all. The REI Quarterdome used to be very common. It has almost vanished from long trails.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with the Quarterdome.
Durston tents are spreading in popularity. Zpacks remains strong. Big Agnes and REI tents continue to fade with lighter tents taking their place. Those tents are still great for weekend and similar use and many are happy thru-hiking with them.
Finally, I’ve met people successfully hiking with Ozark Trails and Lanshan/River Trekker tents.
Sleeping Bags/Quilts
AT: Enlightened Equipment (massively first place) quilts, some other choices.
I started with Feathered Friends and am still using that bag. My wife and I use bags that can zip together and that we use as quilts or as bags depending on the weather.
Enlightened Equipment quilts have been popular for a long time. REI (Magma, Igneo) has had some years on and off (on sale it is a great deal). I’ve used quilts for a section hike but they don’t work well with a partner.
I would recommend them to people hiking solo.
Sleeping Pads
AT: Thermarest is the leader. Nemo is in second place.
PCT: Thermarest>Thermarest>Nemo>Nemo>etc.
CDT: Thermarest, first four spots, then Nemo.
CDT 2017: Thermarest
I started with a Thermarest and am still using one. I also own a Nemo, but so far prefer the Thermarest.
In pads, Thermarest has dominated, Nemo remains a strong second. While “pads” includes closed cell and inflatable pads, inflatable pads dominate what is used, and the more someone has hiked, the more likely they are to use an inflatable pad.
I used to estimate that 25% of hikers could be happy with closed cell pads but the surveys make it look like less than 10%. You can always try them out and see.
CDT: Gossamer Gear Mariposa > Durston Kawka > ULA > Osprey > Hyperlite (Hyperlite is also the highest rated).
CDT 2017: ULA>Hyperlite>Exos
I started with a Gregory, moved to Osprey when we decided to thru-hike (first an Exos, then Levity), then Hyperlite (which is a great pack) and currently am on my second Durston.
ULA and Osprey have been popular packs. Hyperlite has been popular, but is expensive and is seen as a premium pack. Durston packs are spreading in popularity.
Rain Gear
AT: Frogg Toggs, Outdoor Research, etc.
PCT: Frogg Toggs > Outdoor Research > Montbell Versalite >Torrentshell>Visp (13 brands had enough use to be rated as well as listed).
CDT: Frogg Toggs > Outdoor Research > Montbell Versalite (the highest rated)>Visp.
Frogg Toggs has been a perennial favorite on trail. The brand is cheap. It works. Lots of upgrade paths. Versalite has been the natural upgrade for many and is often highly rated. There are many rain jackets. Often there is a trade-off between weight, price and performance.
I’ve happily used thePacka.com, ARC’TERYX, Lightheart Gear, and a Visp. I’ve also had some Outdoor Research jackets that were ok. Happy6 also used a Versalite.
The problem is that the lighter jackets all wear out after significant use. I’ve written on wind shirts and how at 1.7 ounces they are worth it to not wear your rain jacket out early.
Stoves
AT: MSR (190), Jet Boil (59) BRS (37 users – but highest satisfaction this year).
PCT: MSR> BRS> Soto>MSR>Etc.
CDT: MSR>Soto>BRS
CDT 2017: MSR>Jetboil
MSR pocket rockets have been surprisingly enduring. BRS is very similar to the MRS stove, but less expensive. Soto stoves continue to have a presence. BRS has been successful, though it is relatively recent. MSR and Soto can be considered premium brands.
We use a BRSlike stove we got on the Pinhoti from GasOne when our stove failed. We own MSR, Jetboil and Soto stoves. Each has a good place.
Pots
I think they should be surveyed. There is a lot of variety in the things used for pots. Pots, cups, mugs and more are all used. A Stanco Greasepot is about as cheap and as light as a pot for two gets.
For one person various mugs that double as pots are a good choice.
Fleeces
AT: Not surveyed.
PCT: Senchi>Senchi>Melanzana> Patagonia R1>Etc.
CDT: Melanzana Microgrid Hoodie (12 ounches!?!)>then the next three positions are various alpha direct fleeces by Senchi Designs.
Alpha Direct fleeces have become very popular since coming out of nowhere as they are a relatively recent development. Senchi has a great build quality for a fleece. Mellies (Melanzana fleeces) are popular. I went by the store, but they are expensive, heavy and I’m not a fan of the esthetics.
I’ve used a lot of fleeces through the years and different trails have varieties in what works best for me.
The Senchi alpha direct has great build quality, fits well and is really light. It layers well and offers a lot of flexibility.
Sun Hoodies
Not Surveyed.
A sun hoodie is essential for two of the trails, not needed/used really on the AT. Mountain Hardware makes some solid sun hoodies that I like.
Jolly Gear has gotten very popular and I’m currently using one of their milder appearing sun hoodies.
Otherwise, everyone is selling a sun hoodie. Alpaca, Merino, Capaline, Polyester, Bamboo Fibers, Rayon and many other fabrics are being turned into sun hoodies.
Ideally you want light weight fabric that will wick sweat away and not hold it.
Camp Shoes (“crocs” or flip flops)
AT: Seems like everyone has a pair of crocs (but the topic has not been surveyed). Various off-brand or “clones” are lighter, cheaper, and better for backpackers.
PCT: 53% carry camp shoes.
CDT: 39% carry camp shoes.
I go back and forth on camp shoes and I’ve tried a number of them.
In addition to the ones you can buy in a store, there are do it yourself camp shoes that are lighter still than the ones you buy.
Water Treatment–an essential
AT: Sawyer Squeeze is #1, followed by Katadyn. Sawyer squeeze really dominates on the AT.
PCT: Sawyer>Katadyn>Platypus>etc.
CDT: Sawyer>Platypus>Katadyn.
CDT 2017: Sawyer>Aqua Mira>Sawyer>Katadyn (chemical treatments have gotten less popular over time).
I started with a Sawyer Mini (friends don’t let friends buy a mini), moved to the Micro (not bad) and currently use a Katadyn BeFree. I started with iodine chemical back-up (from a hiker box) and currently use Aqua Mira (first the liquid, but I now use the pills) as a back-up.
Sawyers last longer but filter slower. The Aqua Mira pills weigh less than the liquid and are just as fast.
Puffies
AT: Not surveyed. Ghost Whisperer used to be pretty standard. Many do without a puffy however.
PCT: Enlightened Equipment Torrid > Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer Hoody. There are a lot of brands used.
CDT: Enlightened Equipment Torrid > Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer Hoody. Lots of others brands used by just a few.
Some hike with just a fleece and no down jacket. Others hike with just a jacket and no fleece. Most hikers carry both, with the jacket used only in camp for warmth when not hiking.
The big variance is really cheap but heavy, “standard” (Ghost Whisperer or similar) and then super premium.
Trekking Poles
AT: Black Diamond>Leki>REI>Cascade Mountain Tech>Gossamer Gear
PCT: BDx3>Cascade Mountain Tech>BD>etc.
CDT: Three of the top four are Black Diamond , #3 is Cascade Mountain Tech
I started with Aluminum, Cork Handled Black Diamond, then Leki (available at the outfitter when I lost one of the BD) back to BD Aluminum Cork, moved to BD Carbon (because it was available when I sheared off one of the BD aluminum) and I’m now using Cascade Mountain Tech because my BD broke (I fell on it) and I had them available from an impulse buy.
Black Diamond is a clear leader, with their cork handled carbon poles the most common/well regarded poles. There are lots of alternatives, some of which are surprisingly good and dramatically less expensive. REI, Foxelli and Cascade Mountain Tech are all solid alternatives.
Shoes:
AT: Topo, followed by Altra and then Hoka. Merrill is a distant fourth place, other brands even further off.
Some times a brand or model (like Cascadia) becomes very popular for a time. If build quality fades or the brand gets “improved” it often drops out of the public eye and may or may not return (like Cascadia seems to be doing).
Merrell used to be a lot more popular than it is now. Generally people have shifted to more cushioned shoes.
Shoes/trail runners have pretty much completely replaced boots in case you are wondering why the surveys don’t cover hiking boots.
Other gear
There are lots of other gear items that could be surveyed. Pack liners. Hats/beanies/etc. Sun gloves. Sun glasses.
There is gear that is surveyed that I did not comment on such as socks. Every survey is flooded with socks. Darn Tough has slowly squeezed out the competition because they have a lifetime replacement warranty.
Traction devices (micro spikes and crampons) get surveyed. The results vary from year to year in what people use and how happy they are. Ice Axes. Bear Canisters get surveyed but the more expensive, the happier people are with them. Many people balk at the more expensive ones.
Power banks are evolving. Headlamps have evolved too. Black Diamond used to dominate, now it is Nitecore.
Hiking shorts and pants are pretty much fungible. Buy some that fit.
Long handled spoons are used by almost everyone but they are pretty much the same.
Tent pegs have two types. Titanium shepherds hooks for soft soil (the Appalachian Trail) and DAC aluminum pegs (like Groundhogs) for other soil.
Conclusions
There is a wide range of gear that will see you through a thru-hike. It can be fun to compare trails or to compare “best of” lists.
My best suggestion is to go with popular picks and choose one you are comfortable with.
But. But. Almost every choice currently popular was not that popular in the past. In addition, a number of garage manufacturers or niche players produce great gear.
Just so nobody misses it, here are instructions to bypass San Jacinto entirely on foot.
From the Fairway Market complex, take a right onto Village Center Drive to South Circle Drive, turn right on South Circle Drive, follow to where it joins the 243.
Briefly follow the 243 to Tollgate Rd. Turn right onto Tollgate Rd. Tollgate becomes Apel Rd. near The Idyllwild Arts school. There is a bridge where you should get water, just before entering the arts school grounds.
Apel road is public but the arts school is posted no trespassing. I checked with administrators there regarding the road and it is used by the public, just don’t venture onto the art school property.
This is a private school for underage children, not a college. Paved Apel road becomes a dirt road. At the top of a small rise, 5S06 (Idyllwild Control Road) will appear to your right.
On your left is a small shed. Turn right onto the 5S06. Take 5S06 to 5S10 (Red Hill Truck Trail) to 5S09 (San Jacinto Ridge Rd.) At this Junction, 5S10 bears sharply right to Pine Cove. You just want to keep going straight onto 5S09 (downhill).
There is a campground (Yellow Post 1) to the left, just prior to crossing the South Fork San Jacinto River. You will reach a junction of the 5S09, the 5S07 and the 4S10 (Indian Creek OHV).
The 5S07 is clearly marked as going to Hemet.
Do not take the 5S07. Instead take 4S10, to the right and uphill.
4S10 is deeply rutted in places and a substantial climb. There is a piped spring running water across the road very early on.
This is cave springs. Get water here. Follow 4S10 to 4S05 (Mueller Creek OHV). About 3 miles prior to reaching 243, you will reach an access road to your right that will bring you to Mueller Creek.
Detour here for water and then return to 4S05. 4S05 will come out at 243. Cross 243 and turn left, pass a massive boulder, then go over a small embankment to 4S57. Turn right and you will find the Black Mountain TRAIL (Not Black Mountain Road).
Black Mountain Trail 2E35 will bring you out at Boulder Basin Campground in 4.5 miles. This is a strenuous climb, with more than 3,000 feet of gain.
It may require spikes on the last mile, but it isn’t much of a fall risk (there are no cliffs, only slopes).
At Boulder Basin Campground, turn right and than immediately left onto 4S01. This is the day use parking area and the only road that begins by gradually going down.
It is on the edge of the campground and NOT inside the campground and is flanked by short round wooden posts.
Follow this to 4S01C (Black Mountain road). Turn left and in three miles you will rejoin the PCT.
Taking the Black Mountain Road alternate remains an excellent option for hikers less comfortable with the Fuller Ridge section for the next week or so.
A well established alternate from Idyllwild – avoiding Fuller Ridge – is to connect back to the PCT at about Mile 191 using Black Mountain Road.
Black Mountain Road is clear of snow for the lower five miles, and then has only patchy snow coverfor the upper three miles to the PCT but with an obvious track following the road through the snow patches.Mile 192 northward to Interstate 10 is clear of snow.
Mail Drops: accepted 2416 Wilder Ave. 59602 Helena, MT 59602
Contact Information Email: mtbcity406@gmail.com Website: http://www.mtbcity.net/
And
Benchmark Wilderness Ranch at 2763
Resupply: Box size: 12″ X 12″ X 12″ Send $30 check for handling fee separately from box Send box 2-3 weeks before you plan to arrive Address: Benchmark Wilderness Ranch Darwin and Shellie Heckman 422 County Line Road Fairfield, MT 59436
Butte is 2540.3
Hoping the snow stays around average and that “the Bob” is easy to do. Last year things were so good looking until we were on the trail and then the San Juans got swamped in May as we hiked.
