by guest » Mon May 15, 2017 12:22 pm
Hi XI,
I think this is a very good list, (I carry similar on my Skylines).
I'm assuming you listen to music, if so, on your phone? I really enjoy music on the trail, but it is rattlesnake season,
(I've encounter a half dozen in the last few weeks in areas other than Skyline), so I wear earbuds that allow me to hear, (& keep music at a mellow level).
You mentioned a hat, but for me, a full-brimmed, (stiff enough to withstand some wind), with good ventilation is a really important tool.
If possible, use bio-degradable, or re-cycled TP, and dig a proper cat-hole, (I'm sure you know this, just putting it out there for some who may be reading this that don't know, as many of us have seen the evidence).
Glad you mentioned electrolytes, as the heat is quickly returning, and water, gatorade, yuck, and similar is not enough.
As you may do, I fill a 3L bladder w/ H20, the other about 50+oz. with a properly diluted electrolyte, (I like Vitalyte, but many good ones out there w/ low sugar content).
Cash for the cab ride, (if you'll need to return to Museum. BTW, as far as I know, (afaik, is that the new speak?), you can still park across the street in the parking structure.
A map & compass! Yes, this is so simple, but it's important, (there's many times I really wish I had these & didn't).
If you have, or want to acquire some summer trail gaiters, (I like INOV8, OR, many like Dirty Girl Gaiters like thru-hlers do), this helps in early summer because of burs, fox-tails etc, (& sand & pebbles).
I also carry a shell (or two), beanie & gloves, especially this time of year, if continuing to summit.
You mentioned sunglass wipes, so I'm assuming you'll bring the shades too.
And food, I like quickly digesting foods with low sugar, to keep from spiking blood sugar levels, to maintain an even burn. If I do eat something substantial like a 1/2 turkey sandwich, I eat at the former Florian's Bucket area, the spot around 5k, (I don't carry an altimeter), where, if you wait, you can actually see the tram way down in Chino Canyon. This way, by the time you reach Flat Rock, 1k ft. later, you're somewhat digested you the final, tough push to LV. The gels, or goji berries, chia, or healthy bar are good to get the fire burning.
Have a great time, and a fantastic climb,
ss