Final Gear Review - Pacific Crest Trail 2016

[@andreaslangager859]

Another great video!! Really appreciate you spending time and effort on making videos like this. It's very informative and helpful especially for people like myself from across the pond (Denmark in this case) to hear your honest opinion on field tested gear and just general ways to get around the everyday struggles on PCT. Thanks!

[@zachrotondo]

+Andreas Langager my pleasure!

[@Raventooth]

13:53 legendary. I have never used trekking poles but I fall pretty gracefully

[@michaelgallo8965]

I can relate to what you said about the bear can and not much padding. Coming down Donahue pass, I flip backwards and landed flat on my back with the bear can hitting my back. I was really concerned in a day or two I would have back problems. Luckily I did not. The pack otherwise is very good. I would have liked two pockets...one for the sleeping bag at the bottom. thanks

[@ssaaddssaadd4682]

Great information. I’m just wondering why so heavy though. I was going to try to do a 10lbs build out. Granted I don’t really know wtf I’m doing, just watching different videos on the subject

[@oddikins]

Great!!! I love Hoka! They got me back running again and will def us them on trail long distance. I think AT is next. What sort of rain poncho? I'm doing a 600 mile in Norway in Springtime. Happy hiking and new year!

[@zachrotondo]

oddikins snugpack makes it. Found it on amazon for 35 bucks. Have fun out there!

[@chrisfromfloridahansen7623]

I really got a lot out of this video especially your commends why you carried or ditched equipment. Although I didn't follow your trip as you were on trail, I've since gone back and I'm now watching them all and finding them helpful and enjoyable! I like the fact they don't ramble on for long periods of time. I'll be viewing your challenges next to see what you are planning for the future.

[@zachrotondo]

+ChrisFromFlorida Hansen ha thanks! I uploaded most of this after I finished so you weren't missing much last summer / fall. Cheers!

[@nicholasnicolosi3522]

So far all your videos have been helpful! I do understand everyone is different but i do like your style the best so far from all other videos i have been watching. Thank you!

[@zachrotondo]

Nicholas nicolosi thanks. I'm sure you'll find your own way of doing things. Everyone does ✌️

[@richholtzman9754]

Great review video. I love my ZPacks duplex tent for solo hiking. Tons of room inside for all your gear.

[@zachrotondo]

+Rich Holtzman Thanks! And jealous about your tent.

[@kookiemoose]

It takes a longtime to dry but washing your alpine lite (non agitator machine) will award you with a new fluffy puffy bag.

[@pitterotoole3038]

i just found you two days ago. watched all the vids. very informative. my fav though is you didnt film the exact shot everyone else did. might have been in the same area but different angle. thanks for the Q&As also.

[@zachrotondo]

pitter o'toole thanks!

[@michaelb1761]

I was really interested in how the TarpTent Protrail performed. I was trying to decide between the Contrail (the Protrail predecessor) and the Six Moon Designs Skyscape Trekker. I'm glad I went with the Trekker, now. You might want to consider looking at the Trekker. The side entry doors really make getting in and out easier, and I found that I have plenty of room at 6' tall and 210 lbs. I should add that I know there was a redesign in 2015, and I don't know what changed from the 2014 model I have other than two side entry doors now. If you are using trekking poles, the silnylon Skyscape Trekker is 24 oz plus stakes and the cuben fiber Skyscape X is only 17 oz. I totally agree with your clothing choices, poncho, socks, etc. Real good advice regarding using long sleeve shirts to protect you from the sun. I might go with some cheaper alternatives in some cases, but that's personal preference, balancing costs.

[@zachrotondo]

Thanks for the tip on tent. Will check it out.

[@rustyflippo634]

To this day your pct doc is the best 👍

[@astrogypsy]

just saw your Canadian Arrival clip.Congrats and thanx for uploading that awesome footage.

[@zachrotondo]

astrogypsy my pleasure!

[@luiszo11]

yes, thanks for gear gear feedback. very helpful.

[@onthetrailwithbart523]

awesome video. Thanks for taking the time to talk about what worked!

[@zachrotondo]

+Bart T no problem... glad you enjoyed it!

[@larrybevins2007]

My wife (Shiver) and I (Commander) both have ULA Ciruits. We have about 200 miles on them and love them. Have you figured out a way to attach your LIteFlex hiking umbrella for hands-free hiking? Would it be possible to get a photo from you? Maybe, at some point, you could post a video on this? Keep up the great work on your videos! Thank you!

[@zachrotondo]

Larry Bevins great pack... I've never used an umbrella, so not sure. I saw a few people with them on trail just holding it like a normal umbrella.

[@larrybevins2007]

Thank you, Sir. That may end up being the solution. Keep up the good work!

[@larrybevins2007]

Hike on, bro!

[@bradb2971]

Really like your vids. You know you can wash your Down stuff in a front loading washing machine with down cleaner then put in in a dryer on very low or no heat with a bunch of tennis balls. This should get you back your loft.

[@zachrotondo]

I've heard that works... thing is I have so many patched holes I'm not willing to risk them coming undone in a wash. Some are already starting to peel. We'll see... either way I'm definitely using this bag again.

[@sbgroen]

Thanks for the honest appraisal of your gear.

[@zachrotondo]

my pleasure Steven!

[@angiemettie319]

Steven Groen ze

[@AlexanderSeling]

How was it setting up your Tarptent IN the wind? Looks like it might be tough to set up if its already windy but I'd love to know from someone who experienced it first hand.

[@zachrotondo]

as long as the ground held the stakes in well it was never an issue setting up. a side or two collapsed on me in two storms though... if the stakes cant get in nice and snug / there aren't big rocks around to put on the line / stake you risk it collapsing

[@RogerMain]

Just came across your review and it's still relevant. Would you comment on my comments comparing the Zpack duplex versus the protrail tarptent? Hoping that I'll get along with my protrail tarptent. Just got one I did ;). What I like beside the price tag is that eventhough it has an extra 5 oz on the duplex the protrail seems to pack smaller (volume wise) and seems so easy to setup. I understand that for some morning the silnylon will carry extra weight from dew and condensation however, silnylon seems less fragile than DCF... Could you add pros & cons on those 2 tents as I'm trying to convince myself that I purchase the right tent lol Cheers and thanks BTW learn a lot from your videos

[@Raventooth]

Do you think you'll do the Appalachian next time?

[@luiszo11]

thank you greatly for providing gear list with links!!!

[@zachrotondo]

luiszo11 my pleasure. Happy to answer any other gear questions too

[@Justin_Hikes]

Where did you keep the camera (before it broke) for easy access? Did you have a waterproof case? (apologies if you covered it in the vid and i missed it)

[@zachrotondo]

Mostly the fanny pack. Before I got the fanny pack I kept it in my hip belt.

[@Olympia_Outdoors]

Any comments on the mcdoubles?

[@zachrotondo]

Olympic Outdoors Dad 👏👏

[@Justin_Hikes]

The Western Mountaineering sleeping bag looks a little too narrow in the shoulders. Did you have any issues with the width of the bag?

[@zachrotondo]

jhrobbin nope very comfortable

[@billywhitton1944]

did you have any problems with your shoes getting wet, they don't look very waterproof. also what former hiking experience did you have before the PCT? how would you recommend to train for a through hike, what did you do to prepare?

[@zachrotondo]

Yep not waterproof... your feet will get wet no matter what, might as well have good circulation so they dry out. And I hiked growing up but nothing like this... ideally you're in somewhat decent shape, then you find your trail legs 2-3 weeks into the hike. But I've seen people start overweight and kill it, too. All depends on your will + not getting injured.

[@tucker9281]

“This is a bear vault. I hate this bear vault.” Awesome video my dude

[@zachrotondo]

michaela greene 😎

[@kookiemoose]

A camera, leggings, pink shorts, and a fannypack. Dude you will totally fit in walking around any of the many CO snooty towns when you hike the CDT. McLegend LOL!

[@zachrotondo]

+kookiemoose that's the plan

[@TheRedDawn7]

What caused the a6300 to break? Was it gradual wear and tear from the trail or was there a specific event where it broke? Im thinking of bringing an a6000 on my 2017 PCT attempt

[@zachrotondo]

Probably water damage. It stormed the day before it broke. If I were to jump back in time I wouldn't take it... I'd go with something lighter, like the sony point and shoots.

[@TheRedDawn7]

Gotchya, thanks.

[@kookiemoose]

Oh, if you send it to WM they will repair it for free and add down for a small fee. I had them add down to my footbox for a little extra warmth.

[@zachrotondo]

+kookiemoose that's what I was thinking. It needs some work.

[@kookiemoose]

zach rotondo from memory, I had to actually call them on the phone. They are old school. They gave me an address to send my gear to. In one case it was a 12 year old puffy. The zipper was broke. I got a new zipper, and all the holes were patched. No charge.Great company.

[@samsmith8870]

Hi, I have a question about adding something like a fanny pack. In your opinion, do you feel it adds to the "max weight" of what the pack itself can handle or does it count separately due to it's location? The physics of that kind of eludes me. The reason I ask is because I might want to go beyond what my pack can handle comfortably on longer trips. Thanks

[@zachrotondo]

It's separate. Never had more than a few things in it though or considered carrying more since I had extra space. It was a convenient way to have more things at my finger tips. That's just me, you should go with what you want and need.

[@samsmith8870]

Thanks, I'm looking to improve my weight capacity (without getting another pack) and I thought of this video.

[@longhauladventures]

I sold my Protrail today and bought a Duplex because McLegend said so

[@zachrotondo]

+The Stache 🤘

[@klamathmountainultralight]

That MH Ghost whisperer a size large? Getting one for myself and we're about the same size...

[@zachrotondo]

yep, large

[@davidbeasley5840]

I really like the looks of the poncho you took on the PCT, what brand is the poncho?

[@zachrotondo]

David Beasley snugpack patrol poncho. Grabbed it on amazon for $30ish

[@davidbeasley5840]

Thank you! Very helpful

[@ChuckNoctis]

Does that mesh fabric on the back of the backpack keep heat from building up? I was gonna buy an ULA OHM but that pack gets your back super sweaty + I don't like that it lacks a roll top.

[@zachrotondo]

The mesh fabric acts as an outer pocket for all sorts of things. Loved it. Your back's going to get sweaty hiking all day no matter what pack you purchase... not a fault of any pack. Just a fact of life. If OHM fits your needs I'd grab it.

[@oregonsledder]

Nice work bench!

[@zachrotondo]

Larry Askew it's great, my father built it a few years ago

[@oregonsledder]

I like your gear review too. I'm a woodworker and value a good functional workbench. I loved your McDouble challenge!

[@zachrotondo]

Cheers to that!

[@benschmaltz5789]

Any tips for not getting your pad popped in the desert? Did you just use your tyvek to protect the pad in the desert?

[@zachrotondo]

Ben Schmaltz exactly. Always use a ground sheet.

[@oconns1]

I could have missed it but what kind of fanny pack is that? Great video!

[@zachrotondo]

Tommy O'Connor Patagonia. Not sure the model. Was on sale in South Lake Tahoe.

[@zachrotondo]

Tommy O'Connor Patagonia. Not sure the model. Was on sale in South Lake Tahoe.

[@oconns1]

Cool thanks

[@samsmith8870]

Good review, gave me some ideas.

[@chronicnoob8673]

What is your take on the "S" straps vs "J" straps on ULA Circuit?

[@zachrotondo]

Matt Metzgar would need to try both so can’t say. I called ULA up before I purchased and the owner gave me a recommendation after a quick chat. I’d give them a call if you’re into their packs.

[@audio602]

What shoes did you use?

[@itsonlywalking6346]

From no on I am using your fanny pack set up. Great idea! Thanks man!

[@zachrotondo]

love it!

[@itsonlywalking6346]

Yeah man... I can store my gels in there as well as the headlamp for night hiking. Reduces time since there is no need to take off the pack.

[@timmytommy69]

good video when is your next hike

[@zachrotondo]

No big hikes planned this year. Hope to get out on weekends though.

[@timmytommy69]

how many miles do you tend to cover on weekend hikes?

[@zachrotondo]

Haven't really thought about it. Depends on who I'm with, where I am, what I'm trying to do. I'm not opposed to a casual, low mileage weekend. Also game for cramming a big loop into 2-3 days.

[@astrogypsy]

See any Osprey, Aether 70 ltr back packs? Feeddback?

[@zachrotondo]

Ya, I think my buddy was hiking with one... in red. Maybe another friend too - greenish/gray one.

[@staceyvance6068]

Great video. Miss ya buddy!

[@zachrotondo]

:) me too

[@steveorino78]

do you use any water filtration systems on your trips.

[@zachrotondo]

steven Nelson bleach

[@szabolcsmolnar5279]

Greetings from Hungary!

[@zachrotondo]

Szabolcs Molnár hey!

[@diggitydeez]

MACDOUBLES!

[@low-keyrighteous9575]

So this dude was eaten by something in the woods ?

[@DamnTwisted]

Could you go into a little more detail about the bleach as water treatment? Was it common on the trail? I have absolutely no idea about safe water treatment, but using bleach seems really dangerous

[@zachrotondo]

+DamnTwisted not a huge sample size, but bleach was common among my friends. 1-2 eye droplet sized drops of bleach per liter. I don't have any sources on hand but it's safe in this quantity. Actually similar the first of two components to aquamria (a common chemical treatment solution)