Man you are going to love that hike. I've hiked that loop like 6 times and it's one of my favorites in the Sierras. It's really a nice intro hike for newbies and the scenery is just spectacular. I'm not sure how long you are planning on taking but I imagine you could easily do it in 2 solid days or 3 chill days, I did it once as a marathon 1-day hike, but I only brought water and a bunch of peanut butter.

BTW very nice gear list! Sucks you have to bring a bear can. They DO have bear lockers at all the popular campsites. Personally, I bring a bear-bag (the ursack, don't remember weight, but it's probably about 12 oz) although it's not allowed.. are you bringing the bug-tent part of the GW cape? I have done this hike in August and I don't think the mosquitoes will be too bad, by Sep. they are all but gone.

If you have any other questions or need a ride or anything call me, my number is 559-903-8091.

-Satchel

Yeah i can't wait to go, I'm very excited. I'm planning on doing three days, just nice and easy. I don't have the bug-tent part of the GW cape. I'm using just a head net at night.

Wow, great list - a few thoughts.

Running shorts paired with a long sleeve wool hoodie seems a little odd - is this your regular hiking outfit? I'd be reaching for the sunscreen and mosquito repellant for my legs while sweating and itching in my wool hoodie, but that's me.

If you feel the need for warm gloves and a down jacket you definitely need a warm hat.

Your bear can is big and heavy for two nights out (where many camp locations have bear lockers.) You can rent a Bearicade Weekender from the ranger where you pick up your permit at Roads End, or for just a bit lighter but a lot smaller in your pack there is the small bearboxer.

There is plenty of water on this route so I don't think you need to carry a full 1.5 liters at all times. I tend to use an Aquafina bottle that fits less than a liter and fill it up as needed.

I found the area around Rae Lakes the best part of this loop. With a little extra time maybe linger in this area and / or visit 60 lakes basin just beyond it.

I just started to use hiking shorts instead of wearing convertible pants. I'm using the hoody because i thought it would help with mosquitos and the sun. I'm also bring a short sleeve shirt i didn't put in the gear list.

I recently acquired a warm hat. i'll update the list

I'm bringing a BV 450 with me. it is a little heavy but it's the only thing i have and i don't want to spend more money.

I'll probably just fill up the my 1.5 liter bottle to about a liter

There is plenty of water on this route so I don't think you need to carry a full 1.5 liters at all times. I tend to use an Aquafina bottle that fits less than a liter and fill it up as needed.

maybe someone suggestions on clothing??

Edited by porker110 on 05/02/2011 16:41:19 MDT.

For hiking wear I use long hiking pants and long sleeved shirt made from thin nylon. It protects from the sun and a little from the mosquitos too. Mine are by ExOfficio but REI and many companies make something similar.
This means you'll only need sunscreen for your hands and face (btw you need to add sunscreen to your list and if you are hiking in shorts you'll need a ton of it.) Thin nylon in addition to protecting you from the sun also has the advantages of drying quickly, being comfortable in different temperatures, is not itchy, sticky or stinky. If you replace your wool hoodie and running shorts with this you could probably also skip the windshirt and pants. I tend to also want to throw in a thin baselayer top and bottom of some kind to sleep in. Not really a must have, more of a comfort item.

I think i'll keep the shorts and if it gets cold i'll put on my pants and i can also sleep in them. Sunscreen has already been added to the kit.

Definitely could change the hoody. Something cooler maybe.

I'm going to be hiking the Paradise Valley section of the Rae Lakes Loop about the same time. I have two nights available. How do you suggest I split the time?

I looked at the packing list at the beginning of the thread. do you recommend the same stuff?

Frank enjoy the trip...it is a beautiful hike!

Since I have two nights to spend. Do you recommend spending both nights in the same place? Car camping the first night before hitting the trail? etc.

I'm thinking of cutting weight by getting rid of the tarp/tent/shelter altogether.

Is that a wise idea on this trail?