Xero shoes are my normal go-to as well. I’ve done several backpacking trips in the Mesa Trails including multi-day Yosemite trips and they’ve held up great. I tried the Altras, but after being so accustomed to true minimalist shoes the Altras actually gave me blisters. Great review of your gear, looking forward to your hike.
I recommend only 1 multi tool between you both but the purchase of a second in-reach mini2 if you are not going to hike every step of the way together.
I hope you enjoy your journey immensely! I did not know that the enlightened equipment could zip together like that: so cool!!! We have the Accomplice from Enlightened Equipment (two person quilt) and love it. We only use it for three season though, and have another option for cold weather. Have you tested using zipped together in cold weather? I would recommend trying it, even if laying outside for a short time in cold, just to know if it is better. You will share body heat which can be a great benefit! But zipping bags together (we have done several, as well as double bags) most end up with a draft in between your head and shoulders. We solved this by balling my puffy up and stuffing it in between our heads, and that works well, provided you don't need the puffy on you for extra warmth. Good luck with your trip, I look forward to seeing your journey. Especially excited about drone shots!
Great input! We got our quilts with the top and bottom draft collars. So we can tighten them to reduce draft! There is also an added puffy layer to close up the foot and head holes. -sadie
I recommend filming a gear video as it will help you in many ways. May 5th gets hot in the desert, but it will still get cold at elevation. We had a terrible storm at Mount Laguna that time last year.
If you have full zips on your EE quilts, they must be Converts, not Enigmas, as Enigma has a closed footbox and no zip. I have Convert (full zip) and Revelation zipped footbox. Anyways, good luck. Sadie: Be mindful, that if you're used to wearing Xeros (I love mine), your feet are already strong. Altras might feel more comfortable because of the cushioning, but once the cushioning starts to wear out, it might lead to overstretching of the arch and cause plantar fasciitis when the toes are heels are still elevated. The cushioning starts to go after 300mi so if you decide to wear Altras be mindful of that.
You're right!! We do have Converts. We'll fix the quilt name in the video. Thank you for the input on the shoes. That's been my biggest question for sure. If you have any recommendations for zero drop shoes I'd love to hear them. I don't think my xero shoes will hold up on the trail like other shoes, and I would like some extra cushion anyway. We have been doing weekly 10 mile practice hikes, it took my feet a few hikes to get used to the altras. This most recent hike my feet felt great. Trying to listen to my body without listening too much and creating problems 😂 -Sadie
@@sadieandzag I've retired my Altras to yardwork only, and I still tend to get the aforementioned issue just from pottering about in the garden. I use Xeros for everyday use, training and hiking and can't go back to cushioned shoes. Altras are generally good for many, just make sure to get the ones with zero drop (higher drop will shorten the achilles tendon and makes descends harder as knees take more of a beating) and wide toe box. Many people use Topos as well, which are similar. One option is to add an insole in your Xeros for extra comfort, just make sure it's a flat one and not moulded one. I'd go for Xero Rambler Lows if I was to buy a pair now (I have Terraflex II, Mesa Trail 1 & 2, Aqua-X and Excursion Fusion). The insole might help, because I find that with barefoot shoes you feel the ground more, thus your nervous system relays much more information to the brain than with cushioned shoes, that on a long day at the end of the day I might get neural fatigue, basically your brain gets a bit tired from processing all that information about the ground. The upside is that your feet get stronger and moving on a slippery surface is much easier. (I'm a physical therapist btw). Whatever shoe you choose, you need to stick to it now and put some serious training miles in with the loaded pack. Also if you're going for Altras, prepare to buy up to 4-5 pairs for the whole of the PCT or with Xeros, you'd probably get away with 2 pairs.
@OddManAndTheSeaUK ooo interesting! For our training hikes, I hike with a 25lb pack. (In 25mm stack height zero drop altras) I also lift weights/strength train 3 or 4x a week followed by max incline treadmill walking. In xero shoes haha. We are planning on keeping the miles low for the first few weeks. I'll be sure to listen to my body/feet. And roll out twice a day. Since I have the altras, I'll use them for now. But maybe ill change things up when it's time to throw this pair out. Also, I feel like my xero shoes always wear out really fast! It seems as though they start degrading relatively quickly compared to other shoes. Maybe I'm just hard on shoes though. Thank you for all of the great input! -Sadie
Hi guys, when you get to Idyllwild say hi. .. I am a trail angel and offer rides, often from Paradise Valley Cafe into town. .. And don’t forget to meet our Mayor Max 😊
Drones are not allowed in wilderness areas in CA. Hugh fines as they interfere with firefighters. Even in trail towns you need the licenses after passing multiple tests and register your flight plans. Not worth it. BTW, keep making your own gear - pot cozy and camp chair were very creative and functional.
Zag has an app that shows non restricted airspace to fly drones! It updates everyday. We won't be using the drone alot, but it'll be neat every now and then! Worst case, it doesn't play out right and we mail it back home. -Sadie
Definitely try out every essential piece of gear in advance. Don't start with socks you have not been wearing before! Especially toe-socks because they can cause some serious issues and definitely do not work for everyone.
Every 10 mile practice hike we do, I try different sock variations. Right now my favorite is injinji liners and darn tough over. I think I'm going to stick with that combo. The lasso compression socks are sweaty fo sho. -Sadie
@@sadieandzag awesome, also if i can make a suggestion regarding the GG pad, its no good. m no thru hiker, but m a pretty experienced sierra backpacker and if you can help it , id go with a thermarest or nemo switchback foam pad, snip it torso length and u have a sleep pad protector with significantly higher R-value and comfort and also a comfortable sit pad. its a relief to take a break under a shade and lie down or sit on them when you're taking a break from the sun scorched trails of the sierras.
Haha that makes sense! I am not convinced with the gossamer gear pad. It's so flimsy! I'll probably use mine until it's really wrecked(which will be a few days im sure😂), and then get something more substantial. -Sadie
I have the Jade 53 - I love it! ps your mom's awesome!
Good walking to y'all! Found your UA-cam from your Facebook posting today. Thank you for letting us follow vicariously.
Thank you for your support!
-Sadie
Love the poop chair. Coming acrossed an unexpected toilet on trail is everything. Can’t wait to watch you guys on your journey. Good luck out there.
Good Luck ! .. I'll be watching your videos !
Enjoy your videos. So sorry you had to leave the trail. Laughed when you talked about a poop chair. Was this really an item?
@nancyandrobertchristiansen1716 zag is currently designing an ultra light poop chair to sell!
Just subscribed. Great video. Comprehensive. Good luck.
Thanks for sharing guys! Best of luck for your start date in just a few days and maybe see you out there ☺️ sadly we don’t start till April 18th!
Cool video, I like seeing what other hikers are carrying. I’m starting 4 days after you hopefully I’ll run into you on trail.
Heck yeah, we'll see you out there, I'm sure!
-Sadie
Great video!! Excited to follow you guys as you start & hope to see you out there if I can catch up. Best of luck!!
Xero shoes are my normal go-to as well. I’ve done several backpacking trips in the Mesa Trails including multi-day Yosemite trips and they’ve held up great. I tried the Altras, but after being so accustomed to true minimalist shoes the Altras actually gave me blisters.
Great review of your gear, looking forward to your hike.
Poop chair!?!?! That's a brilliant idea! Would you consider making more to sell after the trail? I know people that would love it too!!
Happy trails!
Thanks! Honestly I haven't thought about it and I think I would rather make a video on how to make one for hikers on a budget.
-Zag
I recommend only 1 multi tool between you both but the purchase of a second in-reach mini2 if you are not going to hike every step of the way together.
I hope you enjoy your journey immensely!
I did not know that the enlightened equipment could zip together like that: so cool!!!
We have the Accomplice from Enlightened Equipment (two person quilt) and love it.
We only use it for three season though, and have another option for cold weather.
Have you tested using zipped together in cold weather? I would recommend trying it, even if laying outside for a short time in cold, just to know if it is better. You will share body heat which can be a great benefit! But zipping bags together (we have done several, as well as double bags) most end up with a draft in between your head and shoulders. We solved this by balling my puffy up and stuffing it in between our heads, and that works well, provided you don't need the puffy on you for extra warmth.
Good luck with your trip, I look forward to seeing your journey. Especially excited about drone shots!
Great input! We got our quilts with the top and bottom draft collars. So we can tighten them to reduce draft! There is also an added puffy layer to close up the foot and head holes. -sadie
Hey guys! I'm starting may 5th! pretty far behind you guys but hope to see you out there :) maybe ill film a gear video myself
Heck yeah!!
-Sadie
I recommend filming a gear video as it will help you in many ways. May 5th gets hot in the desert, but it will still get cold at elevation. We had a terrible storm at Mount Laguna that time last year.
I think you guys should make a video on the app you use and which airspace is unrestricted as it would help a lot of people.
That's a great idea. Anything we can do to help provide as much information for future hikers as we can.
-Zag-
😅 I love my Solomons XA pro3D A little heavy as a trail runner but an excellent trail hiker due to durability
If you have full zips on your EE quilts, they must be Converts, not Enigmas, as Enigma has a closed footbox and no zip. I have Convert (full zip) and Revelation zipped footbox. Anyways, good luck.
Sadie: Be mindful, that if you're used to wearing Xeros (I love mine), your feet are already strong. Altras might feel more comfortable because of the cushioning, but once the cushioning starts to wear out, it might lead to overstretching of the arch and cause plantar fasciitis when the toes are heels are still elevated. The cushioning starts to go after 300mi so if you decide to wear Altras be mindful of that.
You're right!! We do have Converts. We'll fix the quilt name in the video.
Thank you for the input on the shoes. That's been my biggest question for sure. If you have any recommendations for zero drop shoes I'd love to hear them. I don't think my xero shoes will hold up on the trail like other shoes, and I would like some extra cushion anyway.
We have been doing weekly 10 mile practice hikes, it took my feet a few hikes to get used to the altras. This most recent hike my feet felt great. Trying to listen to my body without listening too much and creating problems 😂
-Sadie
@@sadieandzag I've retired my Altras to yardwork only, and I still tend to get the aforementioned issue just from pottering about in the garden. I use Xeros for everyday use, training and hiking and can't go back to cushioned shoes. Altras are generally good for many, just make sure to get the ones with zero drop (higher drop will shorten the achilles tendon and makes descends harder as knees take more of a beating) and wide toe box. Many people use Topos as well, which are similar.
One option is to add an insole in your Xeros for extra comfort, just make sure it's a flat one and not moulded one. I'd go for Xero Rambler Lows if I was to buy a pair now (I have Terraflex II, Mesa Trail 1 & 2, Aqua-X and Excursion Fusion). The insole might help, because I find that with barefoot shoes you feel the ground more, thus your nervous system relays much more information to the brain than with cushioned shoes, that on a long day at the end of the day I might get neural fatigue, basically your brain gets a bit tired from processing all that information about the ground. The upside is that your feet get stronger and moving on a slippery surface is much easier. (I'm a physical therapist btw).
Whatever shoe you choose, you need to stick to it now and put some serious training miles in with the loaded pack. Also if you're going for Altras, prepare to buy up to 4-5 pairs for the whole of the PCT or with Xeros, you'd probably get away with 2 pairs.
@OddManAndTheSeaUK ooo interesting! For our training hikes, I hike with a 25lb pack. (In 25mm stack height zero drop altras) I also lift weights/strength train 3 or 4x a week followed by max incline treadmill walking. In xero shoes haha.
We are planning on keeping the miles low for the first few weeks. I'll be sure to listen to my body/feet. And roll out twice a day. Since I have the altras, I'll use them for now. But maybe ill change things up when it's time to throw this pair out.
Also, I feel like my xero shoes always wear out really fast! It seems as though they start degrading relatively quickly compared to other shoes. Maybe I'm just hard on shoes though.
Thank you for all of the great input!
-Sadie
Hi guys, when you get to Idyllwild say hi. .. I am a trail angel and offer rides, often from Paradise Valley Cafe into town. .. And don’t forget to meet our Mayor Max 😊
Sandy, we will be sure to say hello!! Thank you!
-Sadie
Drones are not allowed in wilderness areas in CA. Hugh fines as they interfere with firefighters. Even in trail towns you need the licenses after passing multiple tests and register your flight plans. Not worth it. BTW, keep making your own gear - pot cozy and camp chair were very creative and functional.
Zag has an app that shows non restricted airspace to fly drones! It updates everyday. We won't be using the drone alot, but it'll be neat every now and then! Worst case, it doesn't play out right and we mail it back home.
-Sadie
Definitely try out every essential piece of gear in advance. Don't start with socks you have not been wearing before!
Especially toe-socks because they can cause some serious issues and definitely do not work for everyone.
Every 10 mile practice hike we do, I try different sock variations. Right now my favorite is injinji liners and darn tough over. I think I'm going to stick with that combo. The lasso compression socks are sweaty fo sho.
-Sadie
What tent are you using??
We are using the Durston X-mid 2.
-Zag
Brand of sun hat?
Shelta hat! Stiff and doesn't get blown away by the wind!
hi sadie? can i ask whats your insta handle? and will you be posting your pct journey on insta like a lot of the pcters do?
I will be posting about it mainly on my insta! It is @sadie.zagor
@@sadieandzag awesome, also if i can make a suggestion regarding the GG pad, its no good. m no thru hiker, but m a pretty experienced sierra backpacker and if you can help it , id go with a thermarest or nemo switchback foam pad, snip it torso length and u have a sleep pad protector with significantly higher R-value and comfort and also a comfortable sit pad. its a relief to take a break under a shade and lie down or sit on them when you're taking a break from the sun scorched trails of the sierras.
Haha that makes sense! I am not convinced with the gossamer gear pad. It's so flimsy! I'll probably use mine until it's really wrecked(which will be a few days im sure😂), and then get something more substantial.
-Sadie
Have a blast out there! We’ll be following a couple months behind (May 15th). Followed your insta! Cheers! - Chica
Oh my gosh I love the poop chair idea (and also serves as a regular chair)!!!!!!!