Thru-hiker Envy

[rlown]

pretty simple. HYOH. Where have I heard that before .. Make choices for yourself. A silly topic.

[sheperd80]

A silly topic that got 40 replies and all sorts of interesting perspectives. I think its relevant, the rising popularity of thru-hiking has affected the backpacking gear world significantly. Influences like andrew skurka, section hiker, red beard, etc on youtube and online blogs have changed the way alot of backpackers are doing things and what theyre carrying, and even8 what manufacturers are making. I like knowing that there are people out there using these sleeping pads and tents for months on the trail in all conditions and reporting back. Buying expensive gear sight-unseen is risky so when someone says a pack or pair of socks lasted the entire PCT that helps me choose.


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[Hobbes]

thru-hiking has affected the backpacking gear world significantly

Yes, they are true test pilots, but their gear choices are different in ways many might not have expected. Perhaps the most surprising is the turn away from (extreme) UL. Whether reading blogs, doing a section hike yourself, or getting out during thru-hiker season and seeing/talking to hikers (May/June in the Sierra for PCT trekkers), it's pretty obvious what the general consensus seems to be:

1. First and foremost, it seems that you cannot get a permit unless you're wearing Altra Lone Peak 2.5s. I jest, but only slightly - this is the go to shoe for so many.
2. Osprey Exos 58. Read some blogs - AT, PCT, CDT - or check out IG hiking tags; they are in every photo. It's the lightest (framed) pack Osprey makes, but is still heavier than UL specialty gear. The reason it's so popular is because you can try them on @ REI to get the right size/fit, they're reasonably priced, they are well made, and they can be exchanged/repaired at any major town stop along the way (that has an REI near by).
3. Darn Tough socks. Gone are the days of low-cut socks and gaiters (eg Dirty Girl). Nowadays, it's low mid-calf Darn Toughs without gaiters. The reason: they can withstand thru-hiker destruction and have a replacement guarantee.
4. Smart Water bottles. Forget camel/playpus hydration bladders - smart bottles come in convenient 1 liter sizes, are cheap, practically indestructible, light weight, available anywhere, have a nice profile that fits in side pockets (perfectly in the Exos 58), and accept the Sawyer squeeze filter cap.
5. ISO cannisters. Say good-bye to the hassle & fidget factor of alcohol & esbit, even if it means carrying an empty canister. No one has time to dick around to make a quick meal, or cook dinner before collapsing.
6. Thermarest Z lite. Forget air mattresses; again, fiddle factor, risk of leaks vs bullet proof solution. Can be dragged out and used to take a nap on rocks. You see practically everyone with these strapped to the outside of their pack (usually an Exos 58). They get mutilated, but are cheap and easy to acquire.
7. Tyvek ground cover. Again, the days of playing around with lighter solutions is over. Everyone is back to using a 4x8 sheet of Tyvek.
8. Bags - I think the movement is back towards true bags rather than quilts. Maybe it's the increase in women hiking, but hikers seem tired of chancing being cold in a quilt (regardless of rating) for the security of a system that is pretty bullet proof, especially if it has a hood that can be cinched down tight.
9. Tents - there has been a real movement towards free-standing tents and away from tarp/tent set-ups that use hiking poles & require (many) guy lines. Again, the trade-off for carrying an extra 1-2 lbs is an extremely fast set-up that has practically -0- fiddle factor. (I say this as a tarp guy - no matter how practiced you are, it still takes a few minutes to properly set-up.)
10. Rain jacket - once again, the extra weight of a real rain jacket vs a poncho is a result of real world hiking all day, many days perhaps, in rain. Thru-hikers don't just quit or get off trail - or make other plans - just because it's raining. Rather, they hike. Real rain jackets allow them to at least stay warm while hiking, if not completely dry, which is really their bottom line: staying warm.

That's about it. I've adapted some of this equipment philosophy into my own kits, to the point where I still have a UL set-up (even a SUL list that comes in at a 5 lbs baseweight), but also a more traditional arrangement for different conditions:

I use a neo-air, but I dragged out an old z light to double them up to get an r-rating over 5 since we camped on snow every night.

[ERIC]

Haha! Good points (and funny, especially #1), Hobbes!

[sekihiker]

Some of the posts on this thread remind me of another one from a few years ago. We debated about a ball buster trip one of our members was contemplating. The debate is at: viewtopic.php?t=8998

I really can't understand the emotions that have been displayed on this thread and that one from the past.

Is there really just one way to experience and enjoy the wilderness? I think not.

For my take, visit: http://www.sierrahiker.com/WildernessExperience.html

[Clown Shoes]

For me Im for everyone who is out in the back country, whether its a Thru-hiker, FKT athlete, backpacker-fisherman, etc etc. There is just no reason to
think one style is better than another or has some added value over another. People transition from one style to another for all types of reasons and who cares. I personally look at thru hikers gear choices to see if I can incorporate some ideas to get lighter, but even with that I have my own comfort level.
We can all learn from each other with our differing styles and experiences. That's why the forums are here .
Oh, and I wear Hoka One Ones-

[Snowtrout]

After just returning from another part of the JMT, Hobbes top ten list is dead on but he forgot the solar chargers attached to the top or hanging off the back of their packs.

But it also brings up a new perspective. From what I have seen and experienced over the past three weeks, what I will call the "new generation hikers" (typically 20 somethings) are simply clones....they are all doing the same exact things. Doing the JMT or PCT is the cool thing to do right now, so they want to be out there doing it. They google search what gear they need to buy and buy it (Hobbes top 10 list). Most I have talked to, never tested their gear on a pre-trip and have no other experience with other types of gear. They know nothing besides what someone else told them. The biggest issue I saw though, was the lack of knowledge about general backpacking, lack of respect for others privacy when choosing campsites (had one 18 yo camp 20 feet from our tent when there were 15 other sites available), and dependence on technology (why can't I get a signal on top of the pass??).

Maybe all the negativity is from the fact that most on here learned about backpacking from their parents, friends or learned from experience and have a hard time understanding the "I read it on the internet" mentality. The knowledge was not earned but freely given.

Regardless, I will say I am soured by my JMT experience and will try to stay away from that trail. Makes me appreciate the wilderness areas between Yosemite and SEKI and west of the JMT even more.

[longri]

That's just how a lot of people are nowadays, especially beginners. With the internet and the ubiquity of gear it's so much easier to jump into the middle than it used to be. So it's not really the act of hiking something like the JMT that results in that sort of behavior, it's just where you'll find more of it. It's not limited to the most popular trails. I've encountered it, albeit with less frequency, just about everywhere.

And I tried the Hoka One Ones. They were crazy bouncy funky things that I couldn't wait to get off of my feet. :-)

[Troutdog 59]

No real envy for me as I've never had the ambition to do a major hike like the PCT, but I do like/envy the camaraderie of the many PCT hikers I've crossed paths with. What I've seen is a real sense of community. Social hierarchy's seem to melt away and most seem to get along quite well. Theres always exceptions, but most seem quite pleased about their surroundings. I like the nicknames they assign to one another and the little quirks they add to their hikes. Now this is likely not all that typical, but in 2012, my brother and I ran into a group of 4 heading over Silver Pass that were hiking in only their trail runners. We were somewhat dumbstruck by their appearance, but they cheerfully announced it was National Hike Naked day and urged us to do the same. We applauded their style, but still chose to hike in our shorts and long sleeve shirts!! To each their own is my motto!!!

[SSSdave]

Thanks Hobbes for shining some insight on current thru hiker gea, amusing.

I have a half dozen pairs of Darn Tough DT1905 that so far are the only socks I have never eventually destroyed with my toe nails. My outer socks are Wigwam Merino Comfort Hiker Crew Socks that seem to be protected in the toes using the DT1905 inside.

Smart water bottles are great to toss in a daypack but have no securing mechanism for use with a strap and being thin skinned cannot take abuse. For serious offtrail travel will not want to chance losing or not being able to use one's water container. On many trips if water is abundant my Nalgene quart bottle is rarely more than half full. Its a bullet proof design of prime importance. And a light otherwise deflated Platypus shines once one gets to any camp not atop a water source.

The sleeping bag and rain jacket changes are predictable. Many thru hikers are young without much experience. They may have done a few trips just fine but the after they eventually experience uncommon Sierra weather like we had plenty of last summer, spending a chilly uncomfortable night or with inner layers of clothing wet from leaking outer wear, they may have learned their lesson haha.

David