PCT 2008

So we checked out the REI Scratch & Dent Sale in Eugene this last weekend.  We got their at 5AM and were about 10th in line.  We were hoping for a ton of great deals—and we got quite a few—but not as much as we had hoped.

We did score a good deal on a REI Kilo Plus 0 Sleeping Bag.  Regularly $289 we picked it up for $60. 

We also picked up an Under Armor shirt for $10 which I’ve never seen on sale so that was quite the find.  In addition some rain pants, snow gloves, & a platypus.  Still haven’t got my hands on my sleeping bag…but soon I’m sure.

A new Personal Locator Device (PLD) that is subscription based (save the huge upfront costs).   This system allows you to send family and friends coordinates throughout your long trek.  And for us, keeping in touch with family is going to be very important.

In addition, by being able to track our activity and rate of hiking--it will make it easier for our shipping team to make sure to send out our care packages in time.  So if we’re ahead of schedule we can send them our coordinates to let them know they should get on down to the post office.  

There are also services you can buy like search and rescue insurance.  We’ve found them for about $8/year for 100,000 in coverage.  Just something to think about when you’re planning your trek.  

Find more out about SPOT at their website: http://www.findmespot.com/  . 

The Feds website for the PCT is better than it ever has been.  The PCTA.ORG is still the best resource for thru-hikers.  But, if you're looking for general info, when to hike sections, etc. the Fed website isn't bad.  Check it out: CLICK HERE.

This is the REI Half-Dome Tent.  We were going to get the Quarter-Dome...but after waiting in the REI Scratch & Dent Sale line we picked up this one for about an eigth of its original price.  So we sacrifice some weight but saved $150.