What's in My Pack for the PCT

As I anxiously watch the air quality index, I figure it's time to get my pack ready in case I decide to go right away on my two-day run southbound on Section J of the PCT. We have had smoke in the Seattle area from forest fires in BC, Canada, and in eastern Washington, and the air quality index was 179 yesterday, classified as "unhealthy for everyone." Yikes. I may decide last minute to go the next day, and I want my pack ready.

Here's what's in my pack:

Note: I changed out #20 for a taller, narrower bottle (same brand). It fits in my front vest pocket better, is still 17 oz., and has a wider mouth so it will be easier to put Perpetuem in it.

1. Montbell down jacket (for sleeping)

2. Ibex Woolies 3 pants (for sleeping)

3. Bug netting sewed to a headband

4. Sleeve Stars ankle compression sleeve (in case I twist an ankle)

5. North Face Better Than Naked tank top (for changing into to wear under my jacket)

6. Ultimate Direction Fastpack 20

7. Z-Packs down hood (for sleeping)

8. Reflectix (sleeping mat with an R-value of 9)

9. My "tivy" (tent-bivy that I sewed myself with Dyneema waterproof, breathable fabric)

10. Titanium tent stakes (3)

11. DHEA, probiotic, 3 mg time-released melatonin, 15 SPF lip balm, duct tape

12. Trail notes (junctions, water stops, maps of junctions)

13. First aid kit, hydration salts

14. Paper towels and baggie (for pottying)

15. Black Diamond Z-Pole

16. Bear spray

17. Petzl e+LITE headlamp

18. GoPro Session 5

19. Spot Gen3 satellite messenger

20. HydraPak Stow Water Bottle 17 oz (for mixing Perpetuem and Tailwind Recovery in)

21. Katadyn BeFree 20 oz water filter/bottle

22. Ultimate Direction 50-oz bladder

23. Hammer Perpetuem, 6 scoops per bag (2 bags plus one also inside #24)

24. Toaks Titanium 450 ml Cup, Evernew Titanium Alcohol Stove w/ 1 oz alcohol, 6 waterproof matches, nylon cord to hang my food in my pack at night, and Perpetuem inside

25. Tailwind Endurance Fuel (2 bags for 40 oz. and one for 32 oz.)

26. Vega Sport Energizer (for morning of day 2)

27. Tailwind Recovery drink (single serving for end of first day)

28. Vegan trail food: Backpacker's Pantry Spaghetti and Sauce, Louisville Vegan Jerky, Good-To-Go Herbed Mushroom Risotto; GSI Outdoors Essential Spoon

29. Z-Packs 30 down bag and waterproof stuff sack

And here's my pack, fully-loaded:

My pack weighs 8 pounds, 13 ounces without water. My goal was to have it under 8 pounds, and originally, it was 7. But adding things like a first aid kit, lip balm, an extra bag of fuel, and a slightly longer sleeping mat all ads up!

Here's what I'll be wearing for the fastpack:

1. Garmin Fenix 5X and Garmin Forerunner 25 (using Fenix for map both days and distance the second day, and the Forerunner for distance part of the first day)
2. Merrill Agility Peak trail shoes
3. Blue Steel Anti-Chafe Cream
4. Feetures cushioned socks
5. Prescription sun glasses
6. Moving Comfort Crossback Sports Bra
7. Moving Comfort underwear
8. Buff hat
9. Halo headband (has a channel to move sweat to the sides, keeping it out of your eyes)
10. Athleta Sunlover UPF Tulip Back Long Sleeve Top
11. R-Gear Recharge Compression Printed 8" Shorts

In the car for when I finish the fastpack, I will also have supplies. It will include

• Tailwind Recovery drink
• Water w/ Vega Hydration Electrolytes
• Sandwich
• Wipes (to clean up)
• Change of clothes
• Teva sandals
• Best of all, John (my husband)

The countdown is on and I am getting excited!

Energy Gel Comparison

In my quest to find the best gel options for long trail runs, I did a comparison of the things I have liked and have been using. My preferred gel used to be Accel Gel and 2nd Surge, but since becoming vegan, I have been looking for something to replace them. Both gels, made by Pacific Health Labs, contain milk, and consequently, protein.

I have always liked to use one or two caffeinated gels on long training runs, and three during 50Ks. However, most gels don't contain protein, and without it, I found that I didn't tolerate the caffeine as well. I would remain dizzy and light-headed for the rest of the day. Using some protein after the caffeinated gel seemed to be the trick for me. I have finally taken the time to compare the calorie, carb, and protein content of the various options I have been using.

Today, I tried a combination of Clif Shot Double Expresso and Perpetuem, alternating between the two. It was a 3:40 run, so I used two Clif Shots and two servings of Expresso every 40 minutes, respectively, with the last 20 minutes going without. I am a little light-headed but not too bad. I probably should have only used one Clif Shot with caffeine. For some reason, I thought 2nd Surge had 200 mg of caffeine, which is why I used two Clif Shots with caffeine. Oops. Next time, I will only have one with caffeine and see if I get better results.

~LTR