That light heart gear hoody looks perfect for my northern winters. I’ve been looking for something with that hood I could cinch down around my face while sleeping and will likely never get a melanzana. The fact that this one is warmer really makes me want it more!
Hey Frozen! Been following for a while. Just wanted to chime in on the sun hoodie issue. If you do run into issues on trail, the fishing shirt companies could be an option to look at. I'm a central PA native, but I've been living around the outer banks for the last 10 years and we're on the water all the time and I love my AFTCO hoodies! In my experience, they've got all tye features you're looking for. Good luck, and can't wait to follow the hike!
I’m so excited for you, great choice of clothing and nice to see there is now a good alternative to the melazana. I was in Yosemite and mammoth lakes area last year. It’s beyond wow factor and sort of blows away anything on the east coast. You’ll have a blast!!!
Excited to see your videos. I "Tinman" did a lash in '21 to trail pass. I should have done the JMT portion at least but oh well. I'm glad to hear about the Light heart fleece if that's the brand name. I have 5 Mellies, only because one of our sons' lives in Avon CO, an hour from Leadville. We'll look into buying a LH for Oliveoyl and one for me. More fleeces, yay! Maybe will see you on trail in SoCal. We live an hour from scissors crossing and about that from PVC. We've done trail magic a few years, on occasion. Take care and happy trails.
Thanks for sharing! I much prefer a sun hoodie with a 1/4 chest zip for better ventilation in hot temperatures. The Montbell sun hoodie is my latest favorite hoodie. I also prefer a trekking umbrella in very hot temperatures when in the sun. They are amazing.
I’ve been using topo shoes for the last year. The pursuit and run venture models both have zero drop. I have two pairs of pursuits and a pair of terra ventures so far. I’d like some run ventures but haven’t seen any in my size show up on eBay for cheap yet. They are my favorite shoes. The uppers last substantially longer than any of the altras I ever used and like you said the arch support is noticeably better.
So excited to see you with the Lightheart gear hoodie! I've been living in mine since I get one. Got one for my wife for Christmas too. Those things are awesome!
I do like the sizing/fit on the mellys for my body type a little better around the house than LightHeart but I do like the added warmth and better fit for hiking/camping.
Add another thumbs up for the Lightheart hoodie - I picked one up last year and it was my number one choice all winter and into the spring. They do run roomy, I might get another one a size smaller.
Hey Frozen. I'd like to be able to possibly help you with rides and such while you are here in Southern California, at least until Cajon Pass. My wife and I live 41 miles from the Southern Terminus, an hour away from Julian, about the same to Warner Springs, and Cajon Pass is 3 hours with moderate traffic. Liking the videos and will stay tuned.
I feel your pain with the Sun Hoodies. I found that the ones made from 100% Polyester dry faster and don't sag as much at the end of the day. Solid choices for the rest! The Body Wrappers kept me warm in Feb on the AT, lol.
SUPER EXCITED FOR YOU. Losing wt. a must. I'm in the same place. Getting ready to climb another 14er and in serious need of dropping pounds a must. Going to be great watching you share the PCT with us. But enjoy the trip, don't worry about uploading and being a YTer on a schedule. We are glad to see whatever you share. Got to pontificate others that made great statements that I always love getting ready but very specific to you....when going through the sierra's a Yosemite - JM said -"it is by far the grandest of all the special temples of nature I was ever was permitted to enter....the sanctum sanctorum of the Sierra." And my favorite of Muir, "We are now in the mountain's, and they are in us. Kindling enthusiasm, making every nerve quiver, filling every pore and cell of us. Our flesh and bone Tabernacle's seem transparent as glass to the beauty about us. Neither old, nor young, sick nor well, but immortal." I quote these when I'm sucking wind and need inspiration to keep climbing! Go get em!!!!
should be interesting to see how your gear all works out, probably pretty well knowing you/ but you may end up making adjustments, the varying day to night temps and depending on how spring shapes up i guess we'll see... I'll pass over the PCT this weekend down at Tehachapi (my monthly desert trip) so far winds are looking light and snow/rain is just about over. There's snow but it's nothing to crazy, most of it should melt by the time you are there if this weather holds. Still, you'll be early so i imagine you will be hiking in some snow. those spikes will come in handy. BUG NET: may be needed in the sierra if it is warm then. it can get REally Bad. not likely in the desert... best thing about the desert, very few mosquitoes... once things dry out you wont see them in the forest much either... Sounds like you are well prepared for wind, that's what will matter for the first month or so./..... ps im planning to send you some $$ soon, anyone else reading send a few bucks let's get this guy fully funded!
I live in central California I've backpack in the Sierra mountains, many of times I have been on parts of the Pacific Crest Trail on some of those trips really want to get back up there it's been awhile.
Hey frozen, thx for the new balance shorts hint, i never realized them👌🏽 You know you can fix the seam on your head net with a simple polyester thread and a needle?😄 Happy trail!🤘🏽
Your clothing choices are pretty close to what I used on the PCT, certainly a lot closer than most clothing videos I've seen. I didn't bring a puffy and never needed it. The few times I could have used slightly more insulation than a light fleece and my rain jacket I just went to bed early. Used similar shorts but went for running shorts with no pockets at all to minimize the risk of chafing. Pockets are convenient though and not sure if it makes a difference. Really hate sleeping bag liners so to keep the bag cleaner I almost always use sleep clothes, similar to yours again but long pants which also was my emergency long pants for extreme weather. One comments on micro spikes. It is a north facing traverse last day before Idyllwild where you might want the micro spikes depending on conditions. Also Fuller Ridge the day after Idyllwild. Those were the only dangerous sections I encountered before KM.
Frozen, might want to look at some hunting gear. Kuiu makes some of the best clothing in the business. A bit pricey but well worth it. Can't wait to see you on the trail. All the best.
I'm appreciating your detailed gear share!! I've been hiking many years,sections of pct,etc.,tenting for several months at a time. I haven't found a merino wool thin layer shirt for wicking sweat!!! What do you recommend? Happy TRAILS to you,brother😀🙏🥰🚶♂️🌄🏕💛🔮🌟🌈☮️
I came here to say the same thing! I had mine for a whole year before I found it, lol. But I do love the Sara sun hoodie. It’s soft and more comfortable than most I’ve worn, which is saying something because in my experience, REI’s clothing is often cut awkwardly and never seems to fit properly on me. Anyways, good luck on your hike!!!
@@aidendavis8054 the only thing I dislike about it is how tight it is on my neck. After a few days it irritates my neck and I find myself constantly pulling it away from my throat.
I’d be curious to hear your thoughts on alpha direct hoodies like senchi or farpointe if you’re taking questions. I just binged your AT series and you strike me as someone who runs hot (like me), so I thought for sure you’d be on the alpha direct wave!
I think the alpha direct hoodies are starting to be tested for durability and will gain popularity over microgrid very quickly once a few long distance hikers submit their verdicts. I plan on getting one, when I return and do tests myself but for this one I wanted to have a base of this vendors microgrid material melanzana material first.
What I learned after I bought the REI Sahara sun hoodie is that there is a string in the hood that you can tighten in windy conditions. Not sure how well it works, but will find out on the PCT.
Been watching for a couple years. Love ur videos. I’m interested if you ever tried out any far pointe hoodies. And what’s your take on them if you did. JC
Regarding the Sahar sun hoodie, you mentioned concerns about high wind. The Sahara hoodie has an internal drawstring to cinch down the hood if needed. The drawstring isn't obvious... but it's there.
Thanks for the vid. Sun hoody is a mistake bro. Coverage on fingers isn't good enough, hood traps heat, you'll burn your throat, no good coverage in wind (desert is so windy!), easy for mosquitoes to sting through the fabric, non modular so any part of it fails (ie thumb hole) and you'll have to replace the whole thing. The only redeeming factor is that they look cool. Get a sun mullet/cape your can close in front which attaches to your hat with an elastic. Synthetic button down shirts are still king. OR SilverRidge Lite ftw.
I have my hat and buff for the mullet cap and it's more modular cuz I use my buff for sleep. I'll adjust as needed no biggie. Adjusting is the only way a thru hike works.
@@FrozensAdventures I doubt the buff will protect you enough. But I am super aware of overexposure to sun and avoid sun screen as it always ends up in my eyes. Heck, couple of years back synthetic short sleeve Hawaii shirts were all the rage on the PCT. But some of these hikers now have cancer or aged like milk. I think the buff is worth it for sleep alone and the sun mullet for sun. Love my merino buff and turning it into a balaclava is nice when it's chilly outside the quilt. 100% correct, adjustability is the most important quality for thru hiking. Next to clearly defined goals (skipping ok if fires?). You'll find hikers much more flippant about yellow blazing on the PCT vs AT even if the trail is open. My tipp: Sleep on the ridge before Hauser the first night, get up early and hike the uphill in the morning and shade, then get a burger at the campground for lunch. Anyhow, happy trails and looking forward to follow along!
Curious, how are you dealing with sun exposure on your legs, neck, and ears? The sun can be brutal out here at those altitudes. I’ve gone with shorts in the past and regretted it due to sunburn.
Sunscreen on my lower extremities, I'll obviously adjust as needed. I do have long pants with me if needed to full cover. Neck and ears is just a combination of my hat, hoodie, and buff.
I got a rain jacket from LightHeart some years ago. On paper, it checked all my boxes. Unfortunately, it ended up being the worst gear decision I've made so far. That hoodie looks pretty nice though!
@@FinnMcBrisket The LHG jacket is made of silnylon, which created more issues than I expected. I knew it wasn’t a breathable material, so my hope was that the huge pit-zips would counter the steam-box effect. Sadly, it did not for me. I don't think they disclosed it on the site, but it wasn't seam-sealed so the first time I used it in the rain I got soaked. A more minor issue is that the hood is super floppy, so when you have it up in the wind the brim moves all over the place. Funny, I actually replaced it with an OR Helium that I got on sale at the time. The one thing about the LHG that was better was the length. The Helium doesn’t cover my butt at all, but when its really raining I use a rain skirt that fits underneath it negating that problem. These are just my experiences though.
@@FrozensAdventures i’m so excited to follow you on your journey. The AT was so transformative for you and I know that this one is going to be just as awesome.
I tried to get blue but like all the microgrid vendors their supplier is having problems keeping certain colors in stock. Definitely took an adjustment period haha
That light heart gear hoody looks perfect for my northern winters. I’ve been looking for something with that hood I could cinch down around my face while sleeping and will likely never get a melanzana. The fact that this one is warmer really makes me want it more!
Excited for you. Happy trails and safe hiking!
Hey Frozen! Been following for a while. Just wanted to chime in on the sun hoodie issue. If you do run into issues on trail, the fishing shirt companies could be an option to look at. I'm a central PA native, but I've been living around the outer banks for the last 10 years and we're on the water all the time and I love my AFTCO hoodies! In my experience, they've got all tye features you're looking for. Good luck, and can't wait to follow the hike!
I’m so excited for you, great choice of clothing and nice to see there is now a good alternative to the melazana. I was in Yosemite and mammoth lakes area last year. It’s beyond wow factor and sort of blows away anything on the east coast. You’ll have a blast!!!
Love that you’re bringing some of your AT gear on this trip too.
Excited to see your videos. I "Tinman" did a lash in '21 to trail pass. I should have done the JMT portion at least but oh well. I'm glad to hear about the Light heart fleece if that's the brand name. I have 5 Mellies, only because one of our sons' lives in Avon CO, an hour from Leadville. We'll look into buying a LH for Oliveoyl and one for me. More fleeces, yay! Maybe will see you on trail in SoCal. We live an hour from scissors crossing and about that from PVC. We've done trail magic a few years, on occasion. Take care and happy trails.
Hi Jason I am loving your gear choices so far I am sure you have decided on smart things to take on the adventure. Take care
Thanks for sharing!
I much prefer a sun hoodie with a 1/4 chest zip for better ventilation in hot temperatures. The Montbell sun hoodie is my latest favorite hoodie.
I also prefer a trekking umbrella in very hot temperatures when in the sun. They are amazing.
Cant wait to watch your journey!
I'd bring the buff but you do you bro! Excited to watch along through your journey! Best of luck
Great look a the gear. I keep forgetting about lightheart gear I'll have to go check them out.
As a sun hoody fan myself, I have to agree with you on the REI Sahara. I keep trying to find a replacement and keep coming back to it.
I’ve been using topo shoes for the last year. The pursuit and run venture models both have zero drop. I have two pairs of pursuits and a pair of terra ventures so far. I’d like some run ventures but haven’t seen any in my size show up on eBay for cheap yet. They are my favorite shoes. The uppers last substantially longer than any of the altras I ever used and like you said the arch support is noticeably better.
So excited to see you with the Lightheart gear hoodie! I've been living in mine since I get one. Got one for my wife for Christmas too. Those things are awesome!
I do like the sizing/fit on the mellys for my body type a little better around the house than LightHeart but I do like the added warmth and better fit for hiking/camping.
Add another thumbs up for the Lightheart hoodie - I picked one up last year and it was my number one choice all winter and into the spring. They do run roomy, I might get another one a size smaller.
Getting close!! I feel like I should be packing 😊
Hey Frozen. I'd like to be able to possibly help you with rides and such while you are here in Southern California, at least until Cajon Pass. My wife and I live 41 miles from the Southern Terminus, an hour away from Julian, about the same to Warner Springs, and Cajon Pass is 3 hours with moderate traffic. Liking the videos and will stay tuned.
I feel your pain with the Sun Hoodies. I found that the ones made from 100% Polyester dry faster and don't sag as much at the end of the day. Solid choices for the rest! The Body Wrappers kept me warm in Feb on the AT, lol.
SUPER EXCITED FOR YOU. Losing wt. a must. I'm in the same place. Getting ready to climb another 14er and in serious need of dropping pounds a must. Going to be great watching you share the PCT with us. But enjoy the trip, don't worry about uploading and being a YTer on a schedule. We are glad to see whatever you share. Got to pontificate others that made great statements that I always love getting ready but very specific to you....when going through the sierra's a Yosemite - JM said -"it is by far the grandest of all the special temples of nature I was ever was permitted to enter....the sanctum sanctorum of the Sierra." And my favorite of Muir, "We are now in the mountain's, and they are in us. Kindling enthusiasm, making every nerve quiver, filling every pore and cell of us. Our flesh and bone Tabernacle's seem transparent as glass to the beauty about us. Neither old, nor young, sick nor well, but immortal." I quote these when I'm sucking wind and need inspiration to keep climbing! Go get em!!!!
should be interesting to see how your gear all works out, probably pretty well knowing you/ but you may end up making adjustments, the varying day to night temps and depending on how spring shapes up i guess we'll see... I'll pass over the PCT this weekend down at Tehachapi (my monthly desert trip) so far winds are looking light and snow/rain is just about over. There's snow but it's nothing to crazy, most of it should melt by the time you are there if this weather holds. Still, you'll be early so i imagine you will be hiking in some snow. those spikes will come in handy. BUG NET: may be needed in the sierra if it is warm then. it can get REally Bad. not likely in the desert... best thing about the desert, very few mosquitoes... once things dry out you wont see them in the forest much either... Sounds like you are well prepared for wind, that's what will matter for the first month or so./..... ps im planning to send you some $$ soon, anyone else reading send a few bucks let's get this guy fully funded!
I live in central California I've backpack in the Sierra mountains, many of times I have been on parts of the Pacific Crest Trail on some of those trips really want to get back up there it's been awhile.
Hey frozen, thx for the new balance shorts hint, i never realized them👌🏽
You know you can fix the seam on your head net with a simple polyester thread and a needle?😄
Happy trail!🤘🏽
Yup that's what I did :)
Your clothing choices are pretty close to what I used on the PCT, certainly a lot closer than most clothing videos I've seen. I didn't bring a puffy and never needed it. The few times I could have used slightly more insulation than a light fleece and my rain jacket I just went to bed early. Used similar shorts but went for running shorts with no pockets at all to minimize the risk of chafing. Pockets are convenient though and not sure if it makes a difference. Really hate sleeping bag liners so to keep the bag cleaner I almost always use sleep clothes, similar to yours again but long pants which also was my emergency long pants for extreme weather.
One comments on micro spikes. It is a north facing traverse last day before Idyllwild where you might want the micro spikes depending on conditions. Also Fuller Ridge the day after Idyllwild. Those were the only dangerous sections I encountered before KM.
Frozen, might want to look at some hunting gear. Kuiu makes some of the best clothing in the business. A bit pricey but well worth it.
Can't wait to see you on the trail.
All the best.
I've been enjoying the Sahara sun hoodie so far as well. I haven't used it in high temps yet but its great in the 35-55 range.
im so excited for you
I'm appreciating your detailed gear share!! I've been hiking many years,sections of pct,etc.,tenting for several months at a time. I haven't found a merino wool thin layer shirt for wicking sweat!!! What do you recommend? Happy TRAILS to you,brother😀🙏🥰🚶♂️🌄🏕💛🔮🌟🌈☮️
The Sahara sun hoodie has a hidden drawstring for the hood to tighten it if it windy. It’s tucked in just under where your chin would be!
Yea I found that out after my mom put a button on it lol
I came here to say the same thing! I had mine for a whole year before I found it, lol. But I do love the Sara sun hoodie. It’s soft and more comfortable than most I’ve worn, which is saying something because in my experience, REI’s clothing is often cut awkwardly and never seems to fit properly on me. Anyways, good luck on your hike!!!
@@aidendavis8054 the only thing I dislike about it is how tight it is on my neck. After a few days it irritates my neck and I find myself constantly pulling it away from my throat.
Frozen how did you get your trail name great choices wish you the best (walkingman)
Because he has poor circulation in his hands or feet
Put a Kam snap on the hood so it can be tightened a bit as not to blow off in wind. I’ve done this with other son hoodies and it works great.
I’d be curious to hear your thoughts on alpha direct hoodies like senchi or farpointe if you’re taking questions. I just binged your AT series and you strike me as someone who runs hot (like me), so I thought for sure you’d be on the alpha direct wave!
I think the alpha direct hoodies are starting to be tested for durability and will gain popularity over microgrid very quickly once a few long distance hikers submit their verdicts. I plan on getting one, when I return and do tests myself but for this one I wanted to have a base of this vendors microgrid material melanzana material first.
What I learned after I bought the REI Sahara sun hoodie is that there is a string in the hood that you can tighten in windy conditions. Not sure how well it works, but will find out on the PCT.
Yea someone else just said that and I found it. But I ended up sewing a snap onto it below my neck.
Been watching for a couple years. Love ur videos. I’m interested if you ever tried out any far pointe hoodies. And what’s your take on them if you did.
JC
I have not tried far pointe
Regarding the Sahar sun hoodie, you mentioned concerns about high wind. The Sahara hoodie has an internal drawstring to cinch down the hood if needed. The drawstring isn't obvious... but it's there.
Omg really? I just sewed on a snap! lol
UPDATE: omg it is there on the inside....
so close!!!!! im sure you have a crazy schedule over they next month but i hope you get to just relax a bit!
Based on numerous videos I've watched you might want the micro spikes on San Jacinto.
Thanks for the vid.
Sun hoody is a mistake bro. Coverage on fingers isn't good enough, hood traps heat, you'll burn your throat, no good coverage in wind (desert is so windy!), easy for mosquitoes to sting through the fabric, non modular so any part of it fails (ie thumb hole) and you'll have to replace the whole thing.
The only redeeming factor is that they look cool.
Get a sun mullet/cape your can close in front which attaches to your hat with an elastic. Synthetic button down shirts are still king. OR SilverRidge Lite ftw.
I have my hat and buff for the mullet cap and it's more modular cuz I use my buff for sleep. I'll adjust as needed no biggie. Adjusting is the only way a thru hike works.
@@FrozensAdventures I doubt the buff will protect you enough. But I am super aware of overexposure to sun and avoid sun screen as it always ends up in my eyes. Heck, couple of years back synthetic short sleeve Hawaii shirts were all the rage on the PCT. But some of these hikers now have cancer or aged like milk.
I think the buff is worth it for sleep alone and the sun mullet for sun. Love my merino buff and turning it into a balaclava is nice when it's chilly outside the quilt.
100% correct, adjustability is the most important quality for thru hiking. Next to clearly defined goals (skipping ok if fires?). You'll find hikers much more flippant about yellow blazing on the PCT vs AT even if the trail is open. My tipp: Sleep on the ridge before Hauser the first night, get up early and hike the uphill in the morning and shade, then get a burger at the campground for lunch. Anyhow, happy trails and looking forward to follow along!
Can’t wait old man on the AT will be hiking about the same time as you be well
I have a Lightheart Gear hoodie and I love it.
Curious, how are you dealing with sun exposure on your legs, neck, and ears? The sun can be brutal out here at those altitudes. I’ve gone with shorts in the past and regretted it due to sunburn.
Sunscreen on my lower extremities, I'll obviously adjust as needed. I do have long pants with me if needed to full cover. Neck and ears is just a combination of my hat, hoodie, and buff.
I got a rain jacket from LightHeart some years ago. On paper, it checked all my boxes. Unfortunately, it ended up being the worst gear decision I've made so far. That hoodie looks pretty nice though!
Why didn’t it work out for you? Been looking at LHG for something better than my Helium.
@@FinnMcBrisket The LHG jacket is made of silnylon, which created more issues than I expected. I knew it wasn’t a breathable material, so my hope was that the huge pit-zips would counter the steam-box effect. Sadly, it did not for me. I don't think they disclosed it on the site, but it wasn't seam-sealed so the first time I used it in the rain I got soaked. A more minor issue is that the hood is super floppy, so when you have it up in the wind the brim moves all over the place. Funny, I actually replaced it with an OR Helium that I got on sale at the time. The one thing about the LHG that was better was the length. The Helium doesn’t cover my butt at all, but when its really raining I use a rain skirt that fits underneath it negating that problem. These are just my experiences though.
Willl you be uploading regularly during your hike?
Yes I will and I'll answer some lingering questions during the electronics video in about 2 weeks
@@FrozensAdventures i’m so excited to follow you on your journey. The AT was so transformative for you and I know that this one is going to be just as awesome.
Anybody seen Spotter ? He used to shuttle out of Stanimals in Glasgow.
What do you wear in town while you’re at the laundromat
My wind pants and rain jacket same as I did for the AT, but that's only if I feel I need to wash my sleep clothes.
Outdoor research quarter zip Sun shirt(no hood) with wide brim Sun hat worked better for me than Sun hoodie on the pct
I'll adjust as needed while I'm out there.
@@FrozensAdventures that’s all you can do! Good luck man!
Exciting!
I’ve been following you since your AT… next year my turn! 🥾
~Muddy (2025 NOBO)
Nice enjoy!
Let's gooo 31 days!
Hey Jas… Just subscribed to your channel so I track your progress during your journey. Best of luck to you and stay safe..
A VOW Team Mate.. Mike P.
Welcome aboard Mikey!
I've got several Lightheartgear grid fleece hoodies as well as a few from Bourgeon Outdoors. The whole melanzana business model is dumb.
Frozen is going rogue! He purchased a “Grey” Microgrid Hoodie and not the normal Blue… I just don’t know what to say… 😒😁
I tried to get blue but like all the microgrid vendors their supplier is having problems keeping certain colors in stock.
Definitely took an adjustment period haha
You watching eclipse