@Eliot Quick reply - I would purchase the InReach Mini over the Spot.   I have not owned the mini - I own the larger InReach device so I can't speak to the interface but even with my larger InReach, it is much easier to utilize the device through the bluetooth integration to my phone.  Keep this in mind because using the device for an extended trip requires a back up battery and a cell phone (on airplane mode though).   I'll share my experiences - I hiked the JMT (240 miles) in 2017 with my Garmin InReach and it performed very well and provided 2 way communications along the entire route.  I had a few other hikers that were on the trail with me utilizing a Spot device.  They could not communicate with their device to/from their families and only had preset messages to use on the rare occasions it worked.  Instead, they asked to use my Garmin to check in with their families in England.  The experience they had with that device keeps me from advising anyone to consider that device especially when compared with the very positive experience I had with my Garmin.   I continue to use my Garmin InReach for dayhikes and even in my car if I am on a trip where I will be traveling in an area with little cell service.  As a trained wilderness first aid provider, I consider carrying the InReach to be essential.  Good on you for considering this purchase - I think it is a fundamental backcountry tool.       ... View more

I am with @Wanderer .  Flour tortillas with peanut butter and jelly for me.  It provides the satisfaction of a sandwich with a nice carb load to get you through to dinner.  Lunch is always a time for a 'treat' as well (mine is red vines).    *Tip* I load up on free jelly/jams from hotel breakfast bars.  My peanut butter source is usually Justin's although you can often find some of these in hotels as well.    ... View more

Hello @Roaming  You might want to check out these two PCT FB groups: Class of 2020: https://www.facebook.com/groups/PCT2020/ Women of the PCT:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIUPDURNSrgUg96rxhlr5rA   Good luck and enjoy the trail.  Yodler  ... View more

I highly recommend utilizing the Facebook group for PCT through hikers.  I'm not a huge fan of FB myself but the this has become the default place to go - https://www.facebook.com/groups/PCT2020/ . is your group if you are going next year.     Best of luck and always hike your own hike.   Yodler  ... View more

filtration - mini sawyer  first aid kit (including lukotape for blisters) lighter  coat/rain coat water bottle filled food/nutrition of some sort for the day  garmin inreach - carry this even on dayhikes  headlamp toilet supplies including spade  phone for pics and tracking sunscreen sunglasses microfiber towel extra socks  Items not in pack but on my list to bring on every hike  hiking poles good shoes/boots hat appropriate for conditions - OR (outdoor researh) rain or sun hat  That's my list from our checklist in our gear room  ... View more

I am a big fan of Nuun.  You can choose to have the added sugar in a seperate pill if you choose but the electrolytes and vitamins are great to help keep me going.  I also utilize shot blox chews when I need a boost and they usually provide a bit of a lift to my mood/energy levels within 30 min or so.  These were my goto energy supplements for a JMT in 2017 and worked great.     Patrick  ... View more

Michelle -  our family camped at Zion a few years back and it was 102 at the campsite.  We spent a lot of time in the shade and in the nearby Virgin river.  good shade+nearby water to cool down help a ton.  Zion has the canyon as well that goes brings the temps down several degrees so we spent most of our day hiking down low in the canyon.  Patrick  ... View more

The First Forty Miles is no longer doing new podcasts but you can search through the history of all of their shows and find great content.  I miss their show.   ... View more

Merino wool is a godsend.  Carrying baselayer wool - even if it's just to sleep in - is a must for me.   ... View more

have to agree - crocs are a winner for cost/weight/convenience/performance.  I prefer the closed top versions with no holes and a band to go around your heal (see Crocs Mesh Wave) as that band near the heal is the perfect spot to clip your crocs to your pack on a caribeaner.    ... View more

Hey John,  I like to keep it simple.  Annie's mac and cheese with freeze dried veggies and some sliced up summer sausage.  I throw in a bit of dehydrated milk and freeze dried butter to make this even better.  This was my go-to meal for most nights while through hiking the JMT.   These home made combo meals are much more satisfying.  REI sells the Harmony House Backpacking kit - it's a great starter set of freeze dried veggies and beans to help you create your own meals.   ... View more