This year, when I decided to thru-hike the PCT, I mostly borrowed gear or obtained hand-me-downs, and some of it didn’t fit me well, caused me pain, was too heavy, didn’t work as well as it should, etc. I knew I had to go out there this year instead of waiting for next year when maybe I could acquire better gear, so I thought I’d make do with what I had as best as I could.
A week before my start date, I entered a raffle that was part of a charity fundraiser hosted by GearRat Outdoors, a backpacking gear swap page on Facebook. I never win anything, and I’m surprised I even chose to enter this raffle, so I was obviously incredibly taken aback to find out that, a week into my hike, I was announced as the grand prize winner and would be equipped with all brand new gear–some of the best, most ultralight, gear there is–and it’s 100% free for me to keep.
I made a video of my reaction and my gratitude when I first found out. You can see it here: https://youtu.be/aQ0MwLAXylg
After it was mailed out to me, the organizer of the event asked me to make a video of me opening the box and revealing its contents. Here is that video: https://youtu.be/ZxTlt9OyLPM
And here is a photo of everything that I won!
I opted out of taking the sleeping bag as it was a men’s long, and besides, I already have one that (I hope) will serve me well.
Isn’t this the most amazing thing ever?! I’m the luckiest girl in the world.
Elina Travels 
What a great moral boost for your PCT through hike. Now you definitely have take it with you and test it out! Congrats!! Bummer it wasn’t a woman’s bag but hey, no complaints for free gear right? Looking forward to more updates on your progress. Imo, when you get to Walker’s Pass and northbound, its going to be a whole new world 😊
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I’m still adjusting to it, but testing it out is so much fun! Hope the straps and torso built for men won’t be a problem.
Thank you!
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I am so glad for you. You are really lucky to get all that stuff when you are on the PCT no less.
If you don’t mind a question, where are you from? I was just wondering. I hope your leg and feet problems are better.
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Born in Russia, lived in various parts of Southern and Central CA since I moved to the states.
Thanks!
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Congrats on your win. Good luck on your PCT journey.
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Thank you!
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Your video made me smile :). Congratulations and enjoy!
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Thank you!
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See how you have it all sorted on that blue tarp? Open up that TripTarp® for a much more organized way to do it. Have a great, life-changing hike and be safe out there. I’m in Truckee should you need some help along the trail as you reach the area.
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This blue tarp photo was one Christian Millet sent me as a glimpse of what’s coming in the mail for me. Oh, just you wait and see all of my photos with the trip tarp! Stay tuned 🙂
And thank you!
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