April 23, 2024, I embarked on a 4-day, 3-night backpacking trip across the Trans Catalina Trail (TCT).
Join me on Day 2 of my backpacking journey across Catalina Island on the Trans-Catalina Trail (TCT)! In this video, we kick off the day at the scenic Blackjack Campground and embark on an adventurous hike to the iconic Catalina Island Airport, where we fuel up with a delicious breakfast.
After recharging at the airport, we continue our trek to the serene Little Harbor, enjoying breathtaking coastal views and the island's unique landscapes along the way. Our final stretch takes us to Twin Harbors, where we set up camp and unwind after a fulfilling day of exploration.
This video captures the beauty of Catalina Island's rugged terrain, the camaraderie of the trail, and the joy of discovering hidden gems. Don't miss out on the highlights of this unforgettable day on the TCT!
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Gear Essentials:
1. Backpack: Comfortable, durable (45-60 liters). Examples: Osprey Atmos AG 65 or Deuter Aircontact Lite 50+10.
2. Tent/Shelter: Lightweight, weather-resistant. Examples: Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 or MSR Hubba Hubba NX.
3. Sleeping Bag: Lightweight, compressible for the season. Examples: REI Co-op Magma 15 or Marmot Trestles Elite Eco 20.
4. Sleeping Pad: Insulated and compact. Examples: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite or Sea to Summit Ultralight Insulated Mat.
Clothing:
5. Base Layers: Moisture-wicking shirts and underwear. Examples: Merino wool or synthetic fabrics.
6. Insulating Layer: Fleece or down jacket. Examples: Patagonia Down Sweater or The North Face ThermoBall Jacket.
7. Outer Layer: Waterproof and windproof jacket and pants. Examples: Arc'teryx Beta LT Jacket or Marmot PreCip Eco Pants.
8. Hiking Pants/Shorts: Lightweight, quick-drying. Examples: Prana Stretch Zion Pants or Columbia Silver Ridge Shorts.
9. Hat and Gloves: For sun protection and warmth. Examples: Outdoor Research Sun Runner Cap and REI Co-op Fleece Gloves.
10. Socks: Moisture-wicking, cushioned. Examples: Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew or Smartwool PhD Outdoor Socks.
11. Footwear: Sturdy, broken-in. Examples: Salomon X Ultra 3 GTX or Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator.
Cooking and Hydration:
12. Stove: Lightweight with fuel. Examples: MSR PocketRocket 2 or Jetboil Flash.
13. Cookware: Compact pot, mug, utensils. Examples: GSI Outdoors Halulite Minimalist II.
14. Water Filtration: Water filter or purifier. Examples: Sawyer Squeeze or Katadyn BeFree.
15. Hydration System: Water bottles or hydration bladder (2 liters). Examples: Platypus Big Zip EVO or Nalgene bottles.
16. Food: Lightweight, high-calorie meals and snacks.
Navigation and Safety:
17. Maps and Compass/GPS: Detailed map and reliable compass or GPS. Examples: Garmin eTrex 32x or Gaia GPS app.
18. Headlamp: With extra batteries. Examples: Black Diamond Spot 350 or Petzl Actik Core.
19. First Aid Kit: Comprehensive, tailored to needs. Examples: Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight/Watertight .7.
20. Multi-tool: For repairs and emergencies. Examples: Leatherman Wave+ or Victorinox Swiss Army Classic.
21. Fire Starter: Waterproof matches, lighter, or fire steel. Examples: UCO Stormproof Matches or Light My Fire FireSteel.
22. Personal Locator Beacon (PLB): For emergencies. Examples: Garmin inReach Mini or SPOT Gen3.
Miscellaneous:
23. Trekking Poles: For stability. Examples: Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork or Leki Micro Vario Carbon.
24. Sun Protection: Sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses. Examples: SPF 30+ sunscreen, lip balm with SPF, polarized sunglasses.
25. Toiletries: Biodegradable soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, trowel. Examples: Dr. Bronner's soap, Sea to Summit Pocket Trowel.
26. Towel: Quick-drying, packable. Examples: PackTowl Personal Towel.
27. Trash Bags: For packing out waste.
28. Camera/Journal: For documenting your journey.
Optional but Recommended:
29. Portable Charger: To keep electronics charged. Examples: Anker PowerCore 10000.
30. Camp Chair: Lightweight, foldable. Examples: Helinox Chair Zero.
Planning Tips:
Obtain necessary camping permits. Check the weather forecast and adjust gear accordingly. Plan water refills as water can be scarce on the TCT.
This streamlined list covers the essential gear for a successful and enjoyable trek on the Trans-Catalina Trail. Happy hiking!
Music:
Jeff Kaale - good girls eat