Without declaring a position on the topic of firearms, there are two issues that immediately come to my mind, particularly when talking about a long distance hike that crosses state lines: Different states have different laws and you could be well within your legal rights in one state and then find yourself in legal jeopardy when you cross into the next state. So you need to be hyper-vigilant about laws. In fact, this goes for carrying knives as well - even those nice little 3" folders. The size and the caliber required to adequately protect yourself from a bear - particularly a grizzly - usually falls well outside the size that can be properly concealed and/or the weight that most people are willing to carry. For me? Bear spray. I don't worry about scaring other hikers, accidental discharge, fewer legal worries about carrying it, can be carried openly where it's easily accessible within 2-3 seconds... I'd also recommend bear bells Not because they're effective but if the grizzly isn't chased away with the spray, at least it will have some nice dinner music while it eats me  LOLOLOL ... View more

We were on vacation a few years ago and stopped in at a thrift store. Found a brand new Coleman full size inflatable mattress for $10. We've used that for car camping and Scouting overnights (where we have to hike a really long 100' from the parking lot to the campsite LOL - we may be Scouts but we are suburban scouts!!) Recently I picked up a brand new Gregory Baltoro 65 for $68. Then, of course, there are all the items that I've repurposed for camping and hiking. For example, I bought  my wife a Fireball Advent calendar this past season and it had a plastic mini bottle of Fireball for each day. Washed a few of them out and they now will carry a variety of items when I backpack - hot sauce, seasoning mix (salt, pepper, and garlic powder), and - of course - a couple will be refilled with proper whiskey   ... View more

The best I can offer is from my own experience with two kids for whom hiking means using the climbing game on their VR headset (seriously though, I got vertigo from the **bleep** thing). LOL But the most important thing my wife and I discovered was we needed to end things when the kids were done, not us. And it sounds like you already know that since you say your daughter gets fussy after a couple of miles. Keep them engaged and active - both mentally and physically. My 10 year old daughter gets really bored in the car, so I build activity books for her. And for short hikes, I'll print out pictures and write-ups of any points of interest (monuments, natural structures, historical sites, etc.) and bring them with me so she can try to spot them first, etc. But when they were younger we learned that "when they're done, they're done" and we could always come back ... View more

Hey @TAZ I can totally relate. Not that long ago, I was trying to find a size 46 hiking pant (and a 46 was snug!). Most outdoor companies make clothing for the people already in shape and that was both frustrating and angering. @REI-JohnJ has already mentioned a couple options that REI has. FWIW, I found it wasn't worth buying the quality stuff at first. Okay, I didn't buy the quality stuff because, like you, I couldn't find it. I ended up buying my stuff at Costco for a while. They certainly don't have a huge selection (whatever they have that day is what they have) but, this year, they always seemed to have some type of trekking pant or a variant that was suitable for hiking. And they always had larger sizes. A couple pair I bought in the Spring are already wearing out (seams are letting go) but they were cheap. So if you can't find something from REI, I would suggest checking out one of the box warehouse stores if there's one nearby and if you have a membership (or have a friend who does). Good luck! ... View more

Thank you, everyone. As always, your wisdom and guidance is likely more appreciated than you know. After reading through everything, I've decided to drop either of these two tent options - or, at least, put them on the back burner - and wait to find a lighter tent.  Besides the great reviews, the reason these two tents were my main choice was because they allowed the fly to be set up before the main body - a definite advantage when you're caught in the rain. Plus a great price (around the $150 mark). At that price, though, I definitely knew there'd be a trade-off and that trade-off seemed to be weight. In a moment of clarity (which happens less often these days), it occurred to me that my shelter - the one item I need to rely on to keep me safe from the elements while I sleep - should not be decided upon strictly by budget. So I'll continue to look. But now a follow-up question - freestanding tents all seem to be around the  4-5lb (and above) mark unless I want to spend $400 or more (and I don't). My reasoning for the freestanding is that, regardless of where I am, I could pitch the tent.  So here's the follow-up - for those of you who have trekking pole tents or semi-freestanding tents, how often have you found yourself in a situation where you couldn't use stakes? I should add that the only trip I am planning where this could be an issue would be the GC rim-to-rim trail. Again, thanks! ... View more

And beware of foxes! Lol As @Rob6 said, great people here and some amazing skills and experience. Welcome ... View more

Proper shoe fit is so important. I deal with planter fasciitis so my shoe selection is also critical to my enjoyment of hiking. I would recommend signing up for the virtual outfitting service here and have someone trained and familiar with the products help you select the right pair. Just know that you may end up having to try a few different brands/styles before finding the ones that fit you. Good luck!   ... View more

@hikermor nailed it - only you can decide. But, if I were in the same position, I'd be thinking that I don't know what will happen five years from now after I am done my PhD.  Maybe I'd be in a position to do the PCT and maybe I wouldn't be. So, adhering to the principle of "I'd rather have memories than dreams", I'd go for it. I would decide quickly, though. There's a lot of preparation needed if you're going to hit the trail in a couple months. Good luck! ... View more

That's gorgeous, @Gary2  ... View more

Not sure how I missed your reply, @REI-JohnJ  I really am at a loss at this point what it will - or could - be. I moved from Vancouver, BC to Chicago about 23 years ago and not a day has gone by where I haven't thought about my beautiful city and the area. So I know the piece will pay some form of homage to the PNW.  But, beyond that, still working it out. All of my pieces so far required a lot of time and thought before getting them so this is just the process.  🙂 ... View more