What am I bringing? As little as possible!

Well, since I have done an extensive hike before, my mind is programmed to reduce weight as much as possible when carried by "me". So I have decided to construct my own pack and shelter (tarp) to reduce weight and do it economically. All of my other gear (except my stove) was store bought. Eventually I may attempt making rain gear and other clothes, but for now I don't have the time. Here we go:

Backpack

Tarp

Sleeping bag

Sleeping pad

Ground cloth

1 large trashbag

2 trekking poles

Stove (with wind screen)

1 pot

Fuel (denatured alcohol)

Spoon

Small green scrubber

Long johns

T-shirt

1 pair shorts

Fleece top

Rain jacket

3 pairs of socks

warm hat

Baseball cap

2 bandanas

Tennis shoes (with an upgrade for inserts)

Ankle high gaiters

Sunglasses

Analog/digital watch

Small flint

1 lighter

2nd skin and adhesive bandages (blister care)

Ibuprofin and excedrin

Pocket knife

Toothpaste

Toothbrush

Floss

Nail clippers

Head lamp

Sunscreen

Duct tape

Chap stick

Small wallet

100 ounce Camelbak bladder

Camera (w/charger, cable, spare battery, thumb drive)

Guidebook

Something to read

Journal

1 Pen

1 Pencil

5-7 days of food

1-3 liters of water

In central California I will pick up additional gear that will be mailed by my folks. This is due to the high Sierras. This mountain chain requires hiking at higher elevations along with leftover snow from the winter still on the ground in June . There is also a greater chance of a bear encounter. So here are the additions:

Ice axe

Rain pants

Sleeping bag liner

Bear canister

I am sure there is something that I have forgot, but this is it for the most part. I should have a base pack weight soon, which will not include food and water. More to come soon!!

Intro

Hello all! I am writing this blog to post my thoughts and experiences during my 5 month long hike of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). For those of you who do not know, the PCT is a 2650 mile trail running from Mexico to Canada through the states of California, Oregon and Washington. This will potentially be my second thru-hike, as I completed the Appalachian Trail in 2003. I will be starting my hike somewhere around April 23-25, and ending sometime late September or early October. Water will be available at seeps, streams, creeks, rivers, and lakes, although in southern California, hikers will rely on water drop points at road crossings. This is due to the desert-like conditions in southern Cal. For food I will buy from grocery stores as I go, by hitching into a town, shopping, and then hitching back to the trail.

Well, that is all for now! 36 days and counting til I start walking.