Thru-Hike of the Continental Divide Trail

[whuppinstick]

Hey Whuppinstick,

I've been following your trip too.  I've adjusted my idea's of what's possible and what's needed. 

I'd love to hear your approach to hunting Westside Elk.  You Da Man.

Good!  It helps a lot to do a couple practice backpacking trips, both to understand what 30, 40, or 50 pounds on your back means 10+ miles into a trip over rough terrain and to learn what you can get by without.  For instance I would never carry a medical kit beyond some athletic tape and a needle, but I also never get hurt or take pills.  For me that works, for others maybe the peace of mind is worth the weight?

For westside elk, all I can suggest is darn good rain gear.    Also probably a heavier duty tent.  But with the availability of water on the west side I definitely would not be carrying a water filter; I'd be drinking straight or using Aqua Mira (If you live close to Canada go to MEC in Vancouver and get Canada's version: Pristine).

[Smossy]

Your amazing man, No big deal that you'r cutting it short for this year, You hiked over 1400 miles. Thats an accomplishment on its own that not many could do or even attempt to want to commit to. Goodluck on whatever life brings you and know that you bring inspiration to hikers like myself. My biggest feat being summiting St Helens which you basically just did 600+ times Glad to be able to call u part of the HW family. Great job.


What was some of the gear you had along with you through your entire trip? I understand you swapped and unloaded this and that through different area's but what items could u absolutely not go without?

[packmule]

Congratulations on your accomplishment, this has been fun to follow.

I'd like to hear more about your food/cooking on the hike.  It sounds like you used an alcohol stove. . . how much fuel did you carry, what did you eat daily, what did you cook in?

Thanks!

[actionshooter]

Hate to see you not finish this year, but looks like pretty good reasons to come back another time. Congrats on what you did accomplish.