We caught up with Notch user Nicola aka Sunflower about her PCT thru-hike and how she is getting on with her Notch.
How’s it going so far for you on the PCT?
From the day I stepped foot on the PCT I knew it was exactly where I should be. The trail is my home and I’m loving every moment; the ever changing landscape, the cowboy camps under the stars, and the joy of catching up with friends on zeros in town.
I’ve just completed the ‘desert’ (the first 704 miles through South California) and it was far from the barren landscape I thought it would be - the biodiversity was rich and I was spoilt for charming trail towns to rest and calorie-load. I’m going with the flow and taking it steady and it’s led to some incredible, unexpected experiences - accidental partying in Palm Springs, a beautiful cabin in Big Bear, and bonding with people I would never normally meet in ‘real life’. The trail keeps providing.
Why did you choose your model of pack, the Notch?
I wanted a minimal, ultralight pack that could still handle a bulky bear canister. My base weight is low (about 5.5kg) which works well with a more minimal 40L pack, yet there’s still plenty of space in the side pockets for multiple water bottles (needed lots of these in the desert!) and has enough comfortable features, such as the padded hip belt - which I added the hip belt pocket to for the easy to lose items (though I still keep losing my fork…)
What luxury items are you carrying?
I have a pair of lightweight sandals which have been worth their weight in gold. It’s been good to air my feet at rest stops, plus they’re handy at camp and in some of the questionable showers… I’ve also got a simple cotton t-shirt for town days and for wearing at night. I feel feral if I walk around town in my gross sun hoody!
How are you carrying your bear canister and is it working for you?
I’m going to attach it to the top of my pack with the Y-strap. I’ve just picked it up and the weight with 7 days of food was a bit of a surprise… so it might take some getting used to!
What do you use your bottom pocket for?
Stashing my Tyvek groundsheet, so it doesn’t get anything else dirty in my pack!
What do you use your shoulder pockets for?
One is packed with the snack bars I want for the day, the other holds my phone. I’ve also clipped my Garmin InReach to the daisy chain webbing.
Are you happy with the size (litres) of your pack?
40L is perfect for me, the roll top is usually fully extended for long food carries but still holds everything well. It’s like a Mary Poppins bag, it’s amazing how much can fit inside! The outer stretchy pocket helps for easy access to items I need quickly (eg poop kit…)
What’s your favourite feature on the pack?
The padded hip belt with the pocket add-on. I have bony hips so find the hip belt really comfy, especially for those heavy water/food load outs. I like that there are different sizing options for torso and hip belt; my Notch feels like the perfect fit and I haven’t had any back or hip issues.
Do you miss having load lifters? (the main difference with the Prospector is that it has load lifters)
I haven’t missed them, my pack is rarely loaded to the point where they’d be needed, but perhaps after a few days with the bear canister I’ll change my mind!
