Gear. For some people it's their favorite topic in the world, for others, it results in a shoulder shrug and an eye roll. But whether you love or hate gear talk, there's no way around it: what you carry on your back, plays a big role in how much you enjoy your hike. More precisely, getting it wrong the first time, can be emotionally and financially draining.

-Check out the full list of what our hikers changed in the show notes below-

Today our hikers share what they've sent home, what they've upgraded- really an overall glimpse into their gear systems thus far.

FIND US ON ITUNES | FIND US ON GOOGLE PLAY | FIND US ON STITCHER

Get a 10% discount off at northxnorth.co by using code "TREK10".

In today's show, we hear from: 

PCT HIKERS

• Karthikeya Nadendla
  • Sent home Big Agnes Air Pillow, but is considering retrying on trail, or trying Sea to Summit Pillow
  • Started with New Balance Summit Unknowns, swapped out for for Altra Timps after heel pain
• Laura Stewart
  • Sent home cook set cup accessory
  • Forwarded the larger snow basket option for trekking poles
  • Dropped Patagonia long-sleeve button-up in favor of long-sleeve sun shirt
  • Removed netting from Outdoor Research skort and paired with men's boxer briefs
  • Added sun gloves
  • Sent home Injinji toe socks liner and is using a single layer Darn Tough sock
  • Considering adding a sun umbrella
• Julie Klazynski
  • Switched Sawyer Micro for a Sawyer Squeeze
  • Planning to send home: mug, stove, mace, extraneous toiletries (lotion, shampoo, conditioner)
• Liam Purtle
  • Sent ahead microspikes
  • Bought larger size shoe (went from 10.5 to 12)
• Eric Dernbach & Alison Dernbach
  • Upgraded to Altras with wider fit
  • Sent home: mug, extra pair of long underwear, pack cover, first aid kit, book
• Angie Kane
  • Swapped out hiking shorts in favor of hiking pants for sun protection
  • Upgraded to Sawyer Mini from Sawyer Micro
  • Added Injinji liners
  • Sent home shorts, sleeping pants
  • Received from home: yoga shorts with pockets, cheap leggings (to replace sleeping pants)

Check out our suggested PCT Gear List.

CDT HIKERS

• Sara Dhooma
  • Added Six Moon Designs Sun Umbrella
  • Ordered cuben fiber food bag
• Dosu
  • Sent home: long underwear bottoms
  • Bounced forward: solar panel

[divider]

Have any praise, questions, praise, comments, praise or praise for Backpacker Radio?  Reach out to [email protected].

Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!   Download this episode here. Find us on Stitcher and Google Play.

INSTAGRAM: Follow Trail Correspondents, The Trek, and Badger.

YOUTUBE: Subscribe to The Trek.

FACEBOOK: Follow Trail Correspondents and The Trek.

< sign up for our newsletter >

Editing and music courtesy of Pauly Boy Shallcross.