Day 14

Enjoying my zero day in Republic! What a treat!

I tend to wake up around the same time wherever (6am or so) but it was nice not having to crawl out of the tent or pack up all my stuff! Instead I could go downstairs and get a coffee (or what a motel calls coffee), and there was nothing that really had to get done!

I did some work, cleaned some more gear, and had lunch at 18 North. It was advertised as a great option for a vegan and they were right! I enjoyed my big salad and have also been eating fresh foods in my room.

I did a small resupply just to top off my food bag and it looks like this now:

I do not count calories when I resupply, just try to find foods that I like to eat on trail. Besides what you see here, good options are wraps and spinach, or more peanut butter (I usually carry a jar of Skippy on longer stretches).

So let’s look at some of my favourite gear items, in no particular order:

Technically this is a luxury item as it’s not strictly necessary. But I love it! This same piece already did the whole PCT; it can be washed, protects the tent from sharp items, is waterproof, washable at the end of the season and indestructible. It folds up very small to this:

It’s also makes for good protection from rain or hail (done that) when your rain gear isn’t handy or enough.

My Katabatic Flex 22 quilt is still going strong. It’s a US cottage gear company that makes high quality ultralight quilts (mine is 23oz I think). I’ve been trying to buy a summer quilt because 22F seems overkill for the summer. But I haven’t found anything suitable and affordable, so I’m still bringing the Flex (make-your-own is often recommended; maybe a winter project).

I use it with a S2S silk liner; not for the added warmth but to keep the quilt cleaner and for flexibility: on a warm night I start sleeping in the liner and drape the quilt over it when needed. The liner is easily washed in towns (the ones I like are stretchy, that’s slick more comfortable).

The quilt can go down to freezing and below because it comes with an attachment system that really cinches the quilt up, closes the foot box, and the collar, and then you’re basically wrapped up warm! The major advantage over sleeping bags, besides the flexibility, is also that when attached like that to your pad, the quilt doesn’t move and doesn’t tie you up like a bag does. You can toss and turn, and it always stays in one place without awkward wrapping actions. The part of the down fill you are lying on when in a sleeping bag also gets compressed and doesn’t provide warmth so that weight can be saved.

Lightload towels are amazing. This one is still from the PCT! They come in pucks and are cheap:

They expand and are perfect to have with your toiletries. They weigh nothing. Yet they are so durable! Magic!

Trail clothes: Arc’teryx hiking pants (previous pair lasted the PCT so I’m loyal); Columbia Silver Ridge Lite shirt; Patagonia sports bra; Darn Tough socks (never anything else) and Dirty Girl gaiters:

They also survived the PCT and are still good. It really helps with keeping sand or rocks out of your shoes.

While Altra shoes are popular and I’ve worn many pairs, I recently tried Topo Athletic shoes for running and decided to use them for hiking too. I tried one pair of Topos on the PCT and liked them well enough, except that they are heavier and do not dry as quickly. However, they are much more durable than Altra shoes.

The Pursuit model is a zero drop shoe, which I much prefer over anything with a heel drop. So far they have held up and the only damage is to the inside of the heel. Maybe they will make it! Note that I had to super-glue the velcro to the heel for the gaiters to attach; something the Altra shoes come with.

Lastly, WYSI wipes! They weigh nothing but with a few drops of water become a very handy wet wipe for the end of the day! No smells of soap etc. to attract bears, they wipe dusty feet, faces and hands! And weigh nothing!

Anyway, it’s been a relaxing day. Tomorrow I will hitch back to trail but not to Sherman Pass as the trail swings around town (and the southern part has a few bushwhacking sections). So Sweat Creek it is! Next is Oroville, about 60 miles away on trail, with Bonaparte Resort inbetween.