Quote Originally Posted by STICK View Post
THanks for the heads up. For the time being I will just stick with the Aqua Mira. I have not had an urge to use a steripen. Maybe it's because I don't want to drop the cash on it, but I just don't know about relying on it yet. And besides, I would still want to carry a back up (other than boiling my water).

Speaking of boiling water, are alcohol stoves allowed on the trail?

Also, how about bear canisters? I haven't read anything about them being required, but just figure I will ask to be sure.

As far as the crowds, that is what I imagined. And I know what you mean about no shows at sites. Last month on the hike my wife and I did we were told that we got the last 2 spots in each shelter. Wrong. One night we were the only two and the remaining nights the shelter was still less than half full.

Oh well. Thanks for all the good tips and advice. I appreciate it.
Alcohol stoves are allowed.

Bear canisters are not required and are not needed. Every camp site has one or more bear poles to hang food. There is an excellent chance you will see one or more black bears on your hike, but I have never known of a hiker losing food to them.

Wildlife you will likely see on your hike are:

black bears
marmots
pica (sometimes called rock rabbits)
chip monks
black tail deer
elk
mountain goats
foxes
pine martins
racoons