Extra
Read my journal for my JMT thru-hike here.
If I had any issues on this trip in was with my Cook Set Up. I made a new windscreen for my alcohol stove but neglected to test it (My first a biggest mistake right there and totally against what I perch to others). Always do a shakedown hike! It turned out that it was not the same material as the original, and it wasn’t strong enough. The wind screen collapsed with the weight of the full pot and it was too tight, so air flow was limited, thus resulting in a weak flame. I was forced to improvise and cooking took longer than it should. The overall result was I began to rethink my Cook Set Up.
Hydration was straight forward and easy. My system and carrying capacity was perfect for the conditions of the JMT.
As I mentioned in the opening paragraphs I had issues with my homemade windscreen. Usually when I hike I’m alone, so the slower boiling time of my alcohol stove goes unnoticed. This time with my buddy Scott cooking next to me with his canister stove I found myself jealous.
Both set ups have their advantages and disadvantages but I will be giving some serious thought into switching back to a canister set up for my cooking needs.
As far as the Sawyer squeeze goes, I didn’t mind the process of squeezing my water to filter it. Aqua Mira, which I’ve used for my last two thru-hikes works great but just like with the stove debate, both have pros and cons.
Overall I was super happy with the gear on my JMT Gear List and the options I decided to bring. The few items that didn’t work as expected or that I left out didn’t ruin the hike. Items like my stove and pad left me with decisions to make on which type I will use next time.
My advice to others when putting together their own JMT Gear List is to, know yourself and what you can can can’t deal with, know where you’re going and what you’ll encounter, and plan accordingly. Do your homework and test your gear, and you’ll be fine. When in doubt, rely on past experience to help decided. Remember, use what works for you in your own JMT Gear List!
Lastly, be sure to test your gear and do a proper Shake Down Hike.
Read these next or checkout the main resource page.
Gear lists from the AT, PCT and CDT; Pros & Cons; Things I’d do different; and Tips.
In depth look at what I would bring for gear and why, if I hiked the AT, CDT, CT, LT and PCT.
Cool threads and more!
Throwing out of bounds sucks!
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