What Went Well; What Will Change

Our preparations for the R2R hike over Memorial Day were thorough. We were well prepared for everything we encountered, perhaps a little too prepared.

• We had way more food/snacks than we needed; way more!  (lighten for next time)
• We were a little over stocked with the first aid kit too.   (re-evaluate for next time)
• The duffel sent down with the mule was a fabulous thing - less weight.
• Hiking gear good.

We are hoping to go back July 3rd and hike overnight.  However, wildfires in the area and possible monsoon thunderstorms will weigh into the final decision.  If we go, here's the plan for the next R2R hike (review from previous R2R).

• YES - small flashlight (supplement headlamp, backup)
• YES - quick clot pak for bleeding (didn't use but still seems smart to have)
• YES - foaming cleaner/antibiotic (used)
• NO - diarrhea medication
• YES - pain reliever (definitely. Wouldn't be without)
• NO - New Skin
• YES - ace bandage
• YES - various size band-aids (used)
• NO - bug repellent (didn't really notice bugs)
• NO - sunscreen (hiking at night)
• NO - friction block for feet (blister prevention-didn't use)
• YES - water purification tablets (just a couple)
• YES - moleskin (totally used this!)
• YES - cuticle scissors (for moleskin)
• YES - inhaler (in case)
• YES - sugar and salt packets (helpful for food but also first aid if need salt or sugar quickly)
• YES - pocket knife (Swiss Army type)
• YES - fingernail file but no clippers, every ounce counts
• YES - safety pins (small, half dozen)
• YES - Tums (just a few)
• YES - A and D ointment (good for cuts, dry skin, lips, etc.)
• YES - tweezers
• NO - detailed USGS Grand Canyon trail map
• NO - Bite and Sting Kit
• NO - tissues (bandannas, multipurpose)
• YES - gallon zip bag for trash (pack in/pack out)+
• NO - mini tri-pod for camera
• YES - bandannas (2)+
• Yes - glow/emergency sticks (2)
• YES - headlamp (we're hiking at night)
• NO - small spray bottle of Benadryl (itching isn't fun)
• NO - small sewing kit
• YES - cheap, lightweight poncho (very compact)+
• YES - 2-16 oz. empty containers (use to mix electrolyte drinks when we stop for breaks)
• YES - FlipVideo
• YES - iPhone (of course!) and back-up battery+
• YES - ID, hiking card*
• YES - Lip balm, compass/mirror+
• NO - Hand sanitizer (couple wipes but that's it)
• YES - Extra socks, 2-3 pr
• NO - Room to add pants/lt jacket as day warms (North Rim start will be in the 40's but it'll be around 100+ degrees when we get to Phantom Ranch that afternoon)

This time we'll have (each) a 3L Camelpak on our back and a small fanny pak on the front with food/snacks, socks, and first aid.  We will also have our trekking poles.  Estimate is that we'll drop about 10 lbs from what we carried before, which will be very helpful.

We will drop the hat, sunglasses, necktie (for cooling), gel toes (for preventing hiker toe) and gloves.  This will make us more streamlined and less cluttered which should also aid in a more quick hike.

Our goal in the R2R overnight hike is to complete in 12-14 hrs. The record is 3 hrs. 6 minutes (link) and we won't come close to that! Next week we'll outline the plan and get up to date on wildfires and weather.