Tried the AT approach on the PCT last month, total mistake

I did the whole ultralight thing on the Pacific Crest Trail near Kennedy Meadows. Carried a 8 pound base weight. Ended up shivering through three nights because my sleeping bag was too thin for the elevation. Learned that what works for the Appalachian Trail doesn't always translate to the Sierra. Anyone else found that gear choices don't always carry over between different long trails?

2 comments

2 Comments

carr.daniel15d ago

Oh man, "total mistake" is exactly how I felt. I did the same thing with my sleeping bag, thought my 30 degree quilt was plenty since it worked great on the AT in Virginia. Hit the Sierra near Muir Pass and I was shaking so bad I couldn't even zip my pack closed in the morning. Had to hike out early and buy a way warmer bag in Bishop. The wind and the dry cold out there is a whole different animal compared to the wet humidity you get back east. Your mileage may vary and all that, but I’ll never make that swap again without checking the weather report first.

rileyl6715d ago

Hang on, you had to hike out to Bishop just to get a warmer bag? That's wild but I totally get it. I mean, I knew the Sierra was no joke but I figured a 20 degree bag would be fine if I just wore all my layers. Nope, I was still waking up with ice in my water bottle inside the tent. Three nights of that and I was ready to hitch a ride back to civilization myself. Your Muir Pass story makes me feel a little better about bailing on my own trip, honestly.