Forum Index » General Lightweight Backpacking Discussion » Buying gear on PCT


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Casey Balza
(equals) - F
Buying gear on PCT on 06/24/2011 13:11:36 MDT Print View

I was wondering if I will be able to buy a bear canister on the PCT or if I will have to buy one before I go and ship it to the spot where I will need it. Also will I be able to pick up an ice axe?
Buck Nelson
(Colter) - MLife

Locale: Alaska
Ice axe and bear canister on the PCT on 06/25/2011 15:31:28 MDT Print View

If you are talking about thru-hiking the PCT you would probably be able to buy both along the trail, including at the kick-off (ADCPCTKO.) But most thru-hikers have their bear canister mailed to Kennedy Meadows and many have their ice axe mailed there as well, so they don't have to carry those items through long stretches where they aren't needed.
Casey Balza
(equals) - F
Gear on PCT on 06/25/2011 18:54:33 MDT Print View

Thanks Buck, I will be purchasing those items then before my thru-hike and will have them shipped to me.
Piper S.
(sbhikes) - F

Locale: Santa Barbara (Name: Diane)
Re: Buying gear on PCT on 06/28/2011 20:37:47 MDT Print View

Bear Vault has a special deal for PCT hikers http://www.bearvault.com/bearvault_pct.php

Also, every year an announcement is made on the PCT-L list about the PCT bear canister loan program. You have to be needy and you have to pick up the bear canister in Agua Dulce, but you can mail it forward from there.
Casey Balza
(equals) - F
bearvault on 06/28/2011 21:00:27 MDT Print View

Thanks for the info on the special PCT thru hiker deal for the canisters :)