PCT Gear That Thrived, Survived and Died

[@daven.7685]

I’m impressed you carried a BV500 the whole way! I’m sure you got plenty of looks in the Desert Section, but I get it. I have been going back and forth on what to do about rodent control, and now many wilderness areas are making bear cans mandatory (Desolation being the latest). I’ve carried the BV500 in Desolation and I really liked the convenience and piece of mind of being above to put everything in an everything-proof (except one Desolation bear and the Adirondack bears who have figured them out!) container. Thanks for another informative and excellent video!

[@akwild1]

I’m sorry, I should’ve said I carried it all the way North from Kennedy Meadows south to Hart’s Pass. I’m not sure e we get I was thinking when I wrote that into my script. Thank you for watching.

[@daven.7685]

@@akwild1 Not a problem! Still great content!

[@EricTheDane]

I've converted to the BV500 for all my backpacking. If you consider it doubles as a seat (with a small foam pad/GG thin-lite), you can feel a little better about the weight. I agree on the "everything proof" aspect as I've has issues with "vermin" at ground level where a tree isn't available, even in bear boxes.

[@stanbyme7874]

Thank you. Excellent review. Oregon was waaay too hot this year. I’m out Spring 2024. Between fires/Covid (twice!) damage my lungs can’t take it anymore. If it affects my hiking, it’s time to walk away. Heading to Minnesota. New horizons to explore.

[@akwild1]

Yes, Oregon was a scorcher. I don’t do well in the heat. Best of luck with your adventures in Minnesota.

[@CookingMike]

Minnesota has wild fires pretty often in summer

[@Karen-dq8nw]

Great backdrop! must be back in Alaska.

[@akwild1]

You got that right! That outhouse has some refreshing, sentimental value.

[@louiehaddix1280]

What was your total pack weight, minus camera gear?

[@akwild1]

I'm guessing around 16-18 pounds if you also minus the food and water. I weigh over 200 pounds so I try to maintain the ratio of 20 percent packweight to body weight. I don't obsess over packweight. At some point, I don't even notice it. I realize I am in the minority when I say that.

[@locomotivebreth1910]

How much did your pack weigh with the bear can minus food and water?

[@akwild1]

I know this might sound weird, but I never obsessed too much over pack weight. I weigh 200 pounds so I can support a heavier pack. I’m guessing my base weight was about 20 pounds, because of all the camera gear I bring, and fully loaded about 30-35 with water, food, fuel.

[@369Triniki]

Banger Video!

[@akwild1]

Thank you, I appreciate it.

[@glendavis9663]

👍👍

[@hoss4928]

Solid gear. Using MLD Ultra 2.7oz food-bag to stop rodents. Durston for fewer stakes. Hoka, check. Z-lite, check. Cnoc, check. WM Alpinlite 7', 15° sleeping-bag - only bag that fits (2lbs 8oz).

[@akwild1]

Thanks Hoss. I’ll check out your sleeping bag recommendation. I need options.

[@artallen2860]

Try this for your Xero sandals , used the little black band to secure the heel straps, then use the front mid strap to loosen and tighten the sandal on your feet. For a replacement puffy look into the Enlightenment Equipment Torid Pullover. Very warm to weight, synthetic insulation and less use of a zipper.

[@akwild1]

Thank you for your suggestions! I’ll look into both of your ideas.

[@HuangXingQing]

Helped me! Thanks!

[@akwild1]

Glad to hear it! I hope you have an excellent adventure in your future. Thank you for watching.

[@HuangXingQing]

I couldn't find our email exchange so will ask here: Did you take/use an ice axe or crampons? I'm in the '24 PCT class and your video is one of few I've found addressing the mental aspects so really appreciate your perspective!@@akwild1