CT Thru-hike Packing List - Rough Draft

[McPick]

Hello Daniel and Teresa, I've watched this thread develop with interest. Much good advice above from thousands of miles of hiking experience. Lucky man. I'll add my 3K re: hitchin' along the CT.

I've been hitchhiking since I was 16. I'll be 61 this April. Like HB above, I've had wonderful experiences. And to be truthful, a few weird ones. (There was that state cop on I-80 in 1970 near Chicago. a-hem...)

When I was planning my 2009 CT hike I had several questions about road conditions, traffic, etc. I called some offices in CO where people work who might be familiar with the roads and trail. Like the DNR, Chambers of Commerce, Sports/Bike/Hike shops, etc. I introduced myself and told the person who answered why I called. More often than not, that person said, "Oh, you need to speak with..." and passed me along. I got great info that helped me make decisions.

There was a woman on here in the last year or so who was planning a hike on the CT. She was concerned about hitchin' to and from the trail to resupply. It occurred to me that she might make contact with some persons in those towns in order to secure rides. I suggested she call the sheriff or local police, the Chambers, the librarians, Rotary (Lions, Moose, Elk) Clubs, etc... anyone she could think of where she might make contact with someone who knows someone who might be willing to provide a shuttle for her. Obviously a cell phone, and service, are key. She, like you, had plenty of time to make contacts and make plans.

I'd suggest the same idea to you. You are a veteran. Google the vet's organizations around the state where brother or sister veterans, relatively close to the trail, might be willing, or know someone who is willing to provide a shuttle for you, et al. In your case, taking the dog may prove a bit more difficult to get a ride (unless perhaps in the back of a pickup). Additionally, as noted by them-there above, you're talking about A LOT of road walking... Some state highways where the cars and truck are really moving and sometimes the shoulders are fairly narrow. Your dog's feet may suffer. In my view, the money you'd spend for the shuttles will be well worth it.

The very best ride of my hitchhiking life was along the CT with a feisty old rancher who also happened to be a veteran from Korea.

RE: All the gear questions... Believe me, during those first few days on the trail, you'll quickly figure it out. (I mailed 4 packages home at the start of my AT hike in 2006... Stuff I just absolutely thought I HAD to take along. HA!)

You're a personable guy, Daniel. Make a few calls and get acquainted with some locals along the CT. I'm betting you'll make the connections and be off and back hiking the trail fast, instead of walking the roads to resupply.

Print this... http://www.pmags.com/colorado-trail-end-to-end-guide-2

And oh yes... Of course... HYOH! Good luck!

[Daniel Fisher]

Thank you McPick, that is great advice. I'll certainly follow up on that. I've already made numerous modifications to our packing list and itinerary. This advice has been wonderful.

My biggest struggle yet is working with Teresa to not bring more weight. She's seeing her (now) 7lb bpw as an opportunity to bring things like shampoo, conditioner, lotion and nail polish. Apparently she's forgetting why I'm carrying a lot of her gear and all of her food. So now I'm trying to figure out a way to say, "No, you're not bringing that" without sounding overbearing. Luckily, years of friendship will prevail. I've had her watch YouTube clips and read articles which explain our need to stay light.

[Daniel Fisher]

3/19/13 - Updated list and itinerary:

Daniel’s Pack

Gear	Person’s Gear:	Location on Pack	Weight (Ounces)	Name and Link
Backpack	Daniel	N/A	58	Osprey Atmos 65
Tent	Both	Main Comp.	25	Big Agnes Scout UL2
Sleeping Bag	Daniel	Main Comp.	31	REI Igneo (+19 degree Men’s Rating)
Sleeping Bag	Teresa	Main Comp.	34	REI Joule (+22 degree Womens Rating)
Water Container	Daniel	Main Comp.	5.2	CamelBak UnBottle Insulated Reservoir
Water Filter	Daniel	Main Comp.	2	Sawyer 3-Way Inline
Headlamp 2x	Both	Top Comp.	7	Black Diamond Revolt
USB Cable	Both	Top Comp.	0.3	6 inch micro USB Cable
Compass	Both	Top Comp.	1	Suunto A-10
Cell Phone	Both	Top Comp.	14	Galaxy Note 2 + Otterbox Defender
Sunscreen	Daniel	Top Comp.
Special Sunscreen	Teresa	Top Comp.
Kindle Paperwhite	Teresa	Top Comp.	7.5	Kindle Paperwhite
Deodorant	Daniel	Top Comp.
GPS	Both	Belt Pocket	2	Garmin Foretrex 401
Pocket Guide	Both	Belt Pocket
Solar Panel	Both	Top, Outside	24	JOOS Orange
Ventilated Shoes	Daniel	Side, Outside	24	Asics Scout
Sleeping Pads	Both	Bottom, Outside	14	Thermarest Foam Pad (Halved)

Pack Totals:
BPW: 15.56 lbs
Water: 6.50 lbs (3 liters)
Food: 32.00 lbs (2lbs/day/person, 2 people, 8 days max)
Total:

Worn by Daniel

Gear	Weight (Ounces)	Name and Link
Hat
Sunglasses
Headphones
Long Sleeve Shirt
Gloves
Shorts
Socks
Ventilated Shoes	24	Asics Scout
Trekking Poles	16

Teresa’s Pack

Gear	Person’s Gear:	Location on Pack:	Weight (Ounces)	Name and Link
Backpack w/ 3L Reservoir	Teresa	N/A	37	Osprey Mira 34
Long Sleeve Shirt	Teresa	TC’s Clothes Bag	6
Ventilated Pants	Teresa	TC’s Clothes Bag	6
Top Base layer	Teresa	TC’s Clothes Bag	4
Bottom base layer	Teresa	TC’s Clothes Bag	4
Gaiters	Teresa	TC’s Clothes Bag	2	Dirty Girl Gaiters
Socks 2x	Teresa	TC’s Clothes Bag
Underwear 2x	Teresa	TC’s Clothes Bag
Insulated Jacket	Teresa	TC’s Clothes Bag	7	Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer Down Jacket
Rain Jacket	Teresa	TC’s Clothes Bag	10
Rain Pants	Teresa	TC’s Clothes Bag	7
Buff	Teresa	TC’s Clothes Bag
Towel	Teresa	TC’s Clothes Bag	1.8	PackTowel Ultralite (Large) 2x
Socks 2x	Daniel	DF’s Clothes Bag
Underwear 2x	Daniel	DF’s Clothes Bag
Insulated Jacket	Daniel	DF’s Clothes Bag	8	Mountain Hardwear Down Ghost Whisperer (Hooded)
Long Sleeve Shirt	Daniel	DF’s Clothes Bag	6
Shorts	Daniel	DF’s Clothes Bag	3.5	Mountain Hardwear Refueler Shorts
Gaiters	Daniel	DF’s Clothes Bag	3	Outdoor Research Ultra Trail Gaitors
Rain Jacket	Daniel	DF’s Clothes Bag	10	Mountain Hardwear Capacitor (Hooded)
Rain Pants	Daniel	DF’s Clothes Bag	7	Mountain Hardwear Plasmic
Towel	Daniel	DF’s Clothes Bag	1.8	PackTowel Ultralite (Large) 2x
Water Filter	Teresa	With Reservoir	2	Sawyer 3-Way Inline
Ibuprofen	Both	Small Pocket
Rx Meds	Both	Small Pocket
Toilet Paper	Both	Small Pocket
Wet Ones	Both	Small Pocket
Vitamins	Teresa	Small Pocket
Zyrtec D	Teresa	Small Pocket
Vet Wrap	Both	Small Pocket
Neosporin	Both	Small Pocket
Band-Aids	Both	Small Pocket
Tooth Brush/Paste	Teresa	Small Pocket
Deodorant	Teresa	Small Pocket
Comb	Teresa	Small Pocket
MP3 Player	Teresa	Small Pocket
Tampons/Pads	Teresa	Small Pocket
Baby Wipes	Teresa	Small Pocket
Ventilated Shoes	Teresa	Side Straps	24

Totals:
Gear:
Water 6.5 lbs
Total:


Itinerary

Day - Miles - Daily Weight, mid-day (Weight reduces as we eat and drink)
Day 1 - 13.1m - 49 lbs
Day 2 - 13.1m - 45 lbs
Day 3 - 13.1m - 41 lbs
Day 4 - 13.1m - 37 lbs
Day 5 - 13.1m - 33 lbs
Day 6 - 13.1m - 29 lbs
Day 7 - 13.1m - 25 lbs
Day 8 - 13.1m - 21 lbs - Arrive in Breckenridge, CO (Shuttle to and from TH)
Day 9 - Rest
Day 10 - 14.7m - 49 lbs
Day 11 - 14.7m - 45 lbs
Day 12 - 14.7m - 41 lbs
Day 13 - 14.7m - 37 lbs
Day 14 - 6.5m - Mount Elbert Summit (WEIGHT - Drop the 33 lb pack in a hidden location, use Teresa's pack for food and water)
Day 15 - 15.0m - 29 lbs
Day 16 - 15.0m - 25 lbs
Day 17 - 15.0m - 21 lbs - Arrive in Buena Vista, CO
Day 18 - Rest
Day 19 - 15.7m - 33 lbs
Day 20 - 15.7m - 29 lbs
Day 21 - 15.7m - 25 lbs
Day 22 - 15.7m - 21 lbs - Arrive in Salida, CO (Shuttle back to trail)
Day 23 - Rest
Day 24 - 16.7m - 41 lbs
Day 25 - 16.7m - 37 lbs
Day 26 - 16.7m - 33 lbs
Day 27 - 16.7m - 29 lbs
Day 28 - 16.7m - 25 lbs
Day 29 - 16.7m - 21 lbs - Arrive in Creede, CO (Shuttle back to trail)
Day 30 - Rest
Day 31 - 14.7m - 37 lbs
Day 32 - 14.7m - 33 lbs
Day 33 - 14.7m - 29 lbs
Day 34 - 14.7m - 25 lbs
Day 35 - 14.7m - 21 lbs - Arrive in Silverton, CO (Shuttle back to trail)
Day 36 - Rest
Day 37 - 15.5m - 37 lbs
Day 38 - 15.5m - 33 lbs
Day 39 - 15.5m - 29 lbs
Day 40 - 15.5m - 25 lbs
Day 41 - 15.5m - 21 lbs - Arrive in Durango, CO

Assuming we eat all of our food and still have 1.5L of water each, I’ll be arriving in resupply towns with a 19lb pack!

[Chaco Taco]

I think there is a legitimate shot that we may be a day or so behind you as we get on at Goldhill Trailhead on the 4th of July, later in the afternoon.

[Cookerhiker]

Daniel, a few points

1. I know your preference is not to have a warm hat for evenings and early mornings but what about Teresa? I didn't see any head gear for her. You may not need these every evening or most evenings, but you're sure to have some cold mornings and evenings where a hat makes a difference in your comfort level.

2. Your rain gear should be easily accessible in the packs - perhaps put your and her's rain jackets and rain pants in one bag near the top.

3. I reiterate my previous recommendation to consider slackpacking Segments 7 and 21.

4. I know that you know that the mileage will vary somewhat as you're actually on the trail. The scarce water in the Dry Heartland between Salida and Creede will necessitate some longer days.

5. A small point - I wouldn't bother with deodorant on a hike; I suspect most hikers don't. You may want to use the space for bug repellant instead because you will have mosquitoes.

[Daniel Fisher]

Great points again CH.

1) I'll make sure to tell Teresa about a warm hat. I'll add a buff to my list, mainly for sun protection, but also, as a light head warmer. I strongly doubt I'd need more due to being an incredibly warm person. (I slept in my REI Igneo with shorts and a t-shirt down to 6 degrees two nights in a row, without feeling the least bit chilly)

2) Good idea about the rain gear. Additionally, we do plan on taking a break during the afternoon showers if plausible to do so.

3) I'm still debating slackpacking or not. I'll get back to you.

4) Yes, the daily mileage is just a general suggestion, as to how far we must walk, each day, to get to the next town before we run out of food.

5) Thanks! You're validating my opinion. I told Teresa we didn't need deodorant. She insisted for us both.

So question: Should I take cookware? Like stated previously, I never cared for it much, and Teresa seems to like nuts, seeds, berries, chocolate and snickers bars enough to do without as well. However, everyone else seems to insist on taking it. Is it crazy to not take it? Like stated, I know I can do without it, but should I take it anyways?

[Daniel Fisher]

Next question: Our newest transportation plan is to drive one of our POV's to Colorado, leave it "somewhere" at the start (Denver side) and then use a rental car to get back to it. Research says people with dogs must start at the Indian Creek TH. So, where do we park the car? Is there long term parking at Indian Creek? If we park it away from the TH, what's the easiest way to get from the car to the Indian Creek TH?

My initial idea was to drop Teresa, Seven and our packs off at Indian Creek, driving the car and myself to WCT, leave the car there and meet up with Teresa in the middle, but that's 12 miles of separation. Is there a better way?

[maybe clem]

FWIW, I try to clean up a little and apply some deodorant before trying to get a hitch. I cut up a solid deodorant stick and slip a small section, maybe a sixth of it, into a baggie and carry it in my toiletries bag. It weighs next to nothing. I just apply it with my fingers. I don't know if it helps me get a ride but I like to think so.

[Cookerhiker]

Next question: Our newest transportation plan is to drive one of our POV's to Colorado, leave it "somewhere" at the start (Denver side) and then use a rental car to get back to it. Research says people with dogs must start at the Indian Creek TH. So, where do we park the car? Is there long term parking at Indian Creek? If we park it away from the TH, what's the easiest way to get from the car to the Indian Creek TH?

My initial idea was to drop Teresa, Seven and our packs off at Indian Creek, driving the car and myself to WCT, leave the car there and meet up with Teresa in the middle, but that's 12 miles of separation. Is there a better way?

My hunch is that it's OK to park at Indian Creek Trailhead. I've been there when we started our thruhike on the Indian Creek Trail because the Waterton Canyon was closed to hikers in 2011. There was ample parking and the area saw plenty of use from horse riders, mountain bikers, and hikers i.e. it's not isolated in the middle of nowhere. But the access road from Sedalia winds and twists which probably deters vandals.

The answer is to call Pike National Forest and get their recommendations. It's possible you'll have to pay a fee; some National Forests are charging for overnight parking but not all.

[Mags]

Next question: Our newest transportation plan is to drive one of our POV's to Colorado, leave it "somewhere" at the start (Denver side) and then use a rental car to get back to it. Research says people with dogs must start at the Indian Creek TH. So, where do we park the car? Is there long term parking at Indian Creek? If we park it away from the TH, what's the easiest way to get from the car to the Indian Creek TH?

No official long term parking at Indian Creek TH that I am aware of. You may want to call the call USFS office. Also, you may want to call local businesses and see if there is a place where you can keep your car and maybe score a shuttle.
http://www.sedaliacolorado.com/ The storage area mentioned in my doc may be an option, too

[Daniel Fisher]

I just spoke to the South Platte Ranger District. (Pike NFS forwarded me there) The person on the phone was very sure that Indian Creek Loop and the CT do not meet. He said he will speak with a Rec Officer to make sure and get back to me. I asked him to ask about parking too.

[msupple]

Not to change the subject but you gave me a twinge when you mentioned the Viet Nam era radio in one of your posts. USMC 65 to 68
Have a great hike.

Cat in the Hat

[Cookerhiker]

I just spoke to the South Platte Ranger District. (Pike NFS forwarded me there) The person on the phone was very sure that Indian Creek Loop and the CT do not meet. He said he will speak with a Rec Officer to make sure and get back to me. I asked him to ask about parking too.

Not true unless the Indian Creek Trail has been re-routed in the last year. As I stated, I hiked down it on my thruhike. Here's the first day's entry. And here's the obligatory start-of-the-hike photo. The trail is 4 miles and it joins the Colorado Trail at the latter's Mile 7.9 at an area called Lenny's Rest. In fact if you have the CT Guidebook, you'll see that the Foundation recommends the Indian Creek trail in the Segment 1 discussion as an alternative for hikers with dogs.

[Cookerhiker]

First of all, there's more than one "Indian Creek Trail" - there's one in the San Carlos Ranger District which may be the loop you referred to. But we're talking the trail described here in the South Platte District which starts at the equestrian campground.

Secondly, it appears that you will have to pay to leave the car so you should consider Mags' suggestion - he's usually right on all things Colorado. But it's worth checking with the Forest Service to make sure.

[Mags]

The Indian Creek Trail most definitely hooks up with the CT:
http://www.coloradotrail.org/Seg1Map...osureHiRes.pdf

Here's the storage facility info:

If you wish to have long term parking for this alternate, here’s some info posted online:

If you’re starting at Indian Creek TH, parking in Sedalia might be convenient for you. Maybe phone Sedalia RV Storage (303) 688-3842, owner Jim Sikora, and get a price quote etc. There are many other RV storage places where you might also inquire but some won’t take cars.

[Daniel Fisher]

Great info mags, thank you. It's looking like $38/month (Not too bad) Just need to find a ride from Sedalia to the TH. That shouldn't be too hard. Thanks

[Mags]

Great info mags, thank you. It's looking like $38/month (Not too bad) Just need to find a ride from Sedalia to the TH. That shouldn't be too hard. Thanks

For secure storage and a peace of mind? Sounds pretty good actually. Maybe you can get a shuttle from the genteman, too? If not, esp on a weekend, there is a fair around of traffic going that way. Popular recreation area.

[Daniel Fisher]

Not to change the subject but you gave me a twinge when you mentioned the Viet Nam era radio in one of your posts. USMC 65 to 68
Have a great hike.

Cat in the Hat

What we used in Basic/AIT and FTX's with the 3rd ACR:

l.jpg

What we used in Iraq:

ELEC_AN-PRC-148_MBITR_Hello_lg.jpg

[Daniel Fisher]

For secure storage and a piece of mind? Sounds pretty good actually. Maybe you can get a shuttle from the genteman, too? If not, esp on a weekend, there is a fair around of traffic going that way. Popular recreation area.

Teresa and I agree. This is the way to go. Thanks Mags. BTW, is ditching the camp stove/cookware a bad idea? Or reasonable depending on preference? When I hiked on part of the AT, I disliked carrying it, but then again, it was always 40f degrees+.

[Mags]

Or reasonable depending on preference? When I hiked on part of the AT, I disliked carrying it, but then again, it was always 40f degrees+.

I go cold often here in Colorado (Thanks Garlic! ) in terms of meals. But, as you said, it all boils down to personal preference. Mrs Mags insists on a hot meal, so I bring the stove when I am with her. In other words, ask Teresa!