Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Getting prepared
Just bought a new ice axe and sleeping pad! Really happy. I got the lightest of each that REI sold.The ice axe is just under a pound, and I'll use it to safely navigate snow and ice at high elevation. The sleeping pad is not actually for comfort, it's to insulate my body heat from the ground. And it only weighs 10 oz. :)
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Those Z-rests are great pads, but the foam will compress very quickly. On the PCT in 2005, I noticed the compression after 10 days and I replaced each one after 30 days. I also only carried a piece that was cut to the size of my torso, and that saved on weight. You can also use it to reenforce the structure of your backpack.
ReplyDeleteLast year on the CDT, I got an inflatable NeoAir (small) and it was AMAZING!!! I cannot stress this enough. It is a very expensive item, but it is worth every penny and Cascade Designs (or REI) will replace it anytime you need it. Maybe after you get out of the SoCal desert, you could look into one. You will sleep like a king. The three items where comfort trumps lightweightedness are #1-sneakers, #2-backpack, #3-sleep system.
Good luck with your early start. I'm rooting for you, and I'm reading along.
-best, kevin.
Space Monkey (AT '02), Jewel Thief (PCT '05), Fandango (CDT '11)