My previous posts have mentioned how I’ve been preparing for the PCT. I thought I’d also mention what I’ve been doing to physically prepare to hike 2,650 miles. In everyday life, I’m fairly active and I run regularly. Even though I have a lot of endurance and my body is accustomed to running long distances, it isn’t the same as backpacking. In order to strengthen my muscles, I’ve broken down and gotten a gym membership (only for 3 months!). I mostly use the gym to strengthen my back, core, and leg muscles. The more weight my body can get used to holding, the better. I expect my pack to weigh 25-30lbs with food and water (possibly more in the Sierra). In order to prepare my body for carrying all that weight, I’ve also been doing regular training hikes whenever possible. There really isn’t anything that can prepare me more than just getting out and hiking. When I go on hikes, I’ve been using my backpack and adding extra weight (~20lbs) to my pack. If I’m really motivated, I’ll wear the weighted pack around at home when I’m making dinner or going to the grocery store. The more time I can spend with the weight on my back, the better. If I can’t get to a trail, walking around town works just as well. In Portland, I fit right in with the backpack and no one even thinks twice about it. Here’s a video from one of my training hikes.
In the video above, I used the StickPic. It is a small ring-shaped object that attaches my camera safely to the end of my hiking pole. I LOVE this product! I want to give a quick shout out to Adelaide for getting this for me and Rockin’ for giving me the idea to use the videos in my journal. I can use it to take pictures and video without having to bug anyone else to hold the camera. My hope is to be able to post videos regularly from different sections of the trail as I hike. I like to take pictures, but it will also be great to bring the trail to everyone so you can get a real feel for what it might be like to hike on the PCT. Hope you all enjoy it. Get psyched!
Aw, shout out right back at you. I'm posting this on Dressed in Dirt so that people know how to read about your trip.
Can't wait to see videos along the trail. Your rain jacket looks like it weighs nothing.
Love the Stick Pic feature. I'm looking forward to following you on your excellent PCT adventure! Janet
Wow, stick pick is great. If you find any bear caves you should test it out and see if you can get a closer look at the cubs. I would also love a zoom in perspective on wasp nests.
The StickPic is so cool!!! Great video!
Hey Jamie, I'm beginning to see a pattern here…I can't wait to get a real bear pic for ya! Also, you need to call Siobhan. She said to tell you that she's been trying to call you and the phone isn't working.
Thanks for the shout out. As you know I lost my Stick Pic within the first week of my trip last summer. Bummer. So I AM going to order a new one, BUT need a way to hang on to this little cool tool. Ideas anyone?
Rockin'
Rockin', I do remeber that you lost yours. I've been paranoid about losing it b/c of you! It now has it's own ziploc baggy so it will be more noticeable if I drop it.
Hi Erin,
Great first StickPic video! I should know. I'm the kooky StickPic inventor. Really I am.
We look forward to hearing and seeing all about your adventure. If you loose your StickPic along the way, contact me and I will send you a free replacement. Really I will.
Rod
Aka SierraShade
Rod! What a great invention…and so glad you resisted naming it the "RodPic." I constantly worry about losing it and I'm determined to find a nifty way to clip it to my bag or something. Rockin' lost hers early on her trip last year and I'm hoping not to. Thanks for your support!
Starting in April,we are including a very small carabiner/keychain with each order.
If plan to be at the Adzpctko, stop by the StickPic booth to pick one up.
Rod
Love my StickPic. The ultimate in "keep things simple and basic" for innovation!