07 Thru Hike - Gear Check - Help is appreciated!

[Socrates]

Hi everyone! This is gear for my March '07 thru hike. I'm sure there are pros and cons to every piece so I thought this would be a great way to share information and espcecially to receive opinions concerning adjustments from those who have been the distance! Also any other advice is welcome! (Smaller items - Knife, BandAids, Tape etc. have not been inluded.)
~ Socrates

Pack - Dana Design Glacier - 6lbs - (Quality, Comfortable pack, Top bottom and side compartments, On the large side, however I don't intend to carry 40+ pounds!)

Tent - Nemo Morpho - 6lbs - (Quality, Waterproof, Stands well in wind, Well ventilated, Inflates in less than 1 minute and can be done from the inside.)

Sleeping Bag - Western Mountaineering Kodiak 0 temp Rating - 3lb2oz - (I'm 6'4" and thin, I don't like confinement, I get cold easy.)

Sleeping Pad - Big Agnes Insulated Air Core - 1lb10oz - (2" 1/2 thick, 6ft version, So I'm a sissy and appreciate sleep... Sue me in the morning!)

Stove - JetBoil Personal - 14oz

Poles - Leki Enzian AntiShock - 1lb4oz

Lighting - Petzl MYO XP - 7oz

Water Purification - Will be done with Aqua Mira drops. ...

***Gear Total, Including Pack - 19lbs6oz***

Clothing consists of: (Hat and Shoes aside.)

Upper: (Keep in mind that I get cold easy.)

North Face Apex Bionic Softshell - 19oz
Marmot Evolution Half Zip Windshirt - 10oz
Patagonia Capilene - 1 short 4.5oz
2 long - 5.5oz
3 long - 8oz

Lower:

Marmot Evolution Precip Half Zip - 7oz
North Face Paramount Pursuit Cargo - 11oz
Patagonia Capilene - 3 long - 7oz
1 Sport Boxer Briefs - 3.5oz

Other:

Camp Shoes - Crocs - 1lb
Gloves - SeakSkinz ChillBlocker
Socks - SmartWool (3 pair)
SealSkinz - Calf Height - (For the occasions that I haven't thought of yet!)

***Clothing Total - Approx 6lbs

***Grand Total Approx 26lbs (Including Pack)***
(Not including 6 pack of Corona!)

The best amount of food to carry at a time during a 6 month excursion is still something that I haven't figured out yet due to weight factors. Advice, once again, is appreciated!
Happy trails fellow poop hole diggers! ~ Socrates

[Ron "So Big" B]

(Smaller items - Knife, BandAids, Tape etc. have not been inluded.)

I am working on my gear as well and according to my list those smaller items can add up quickly.

Seems to me you are a bit heavy on the tent, pack and bag.

Have you already purchased thes items or in the process?

[Socrates]

I'm in the process of ordering some of it. Yes, the tent is on the heavy side, but I enjoy the features so I'm just going to have to suck it up. The sleeping bag is a tad heavier than I'd like, however for the quality, size and rating, it's not so bad. I wish there was a way around it, but unfortunately, they're both important to me. Once everything is side by side, I'll make a judegment call on the practicality of the size of my pack. I could probably go with one that's about 3 pounds lighter. We'll see... What's your packed weight?

[terrapin_too]

Hello Socrates. If you're leaving March 7, it's much too late to do an "ultralight" or even "lightweight" makeover. You'll figure it out as you go. Look for "easy" weight reductions -- your camp shoes, water bottles, sleeping pad, stove, etc. When it gets warmer, trade your bag for a summerweight model. 12 lbs between pack and tent is huge by current standards.

[TREE-HUGGER]

There are still lots of items to go in your pack that are not on your list. You will definitely be over 40 lbs. It's not to say you cant haul that type of a load to Maine, years ago that's what we all carried, 45-50 lbs. So you can do it, but it will weigh heavily on your mind that you dont have to as you make your way along the trail. Plan an extra day at Neels Gap.

[terrapin_too]

Plan an extra day at Neels Gap.


Or the blue blaze to the post office at Suches. ;)

[Johnny Swank]

Here's a few things off the top of my head.

Pack - Dana Design Glacier - 6lbs -
There are tons of packs in the 3 lb range that will do the job. (Gregory Z pack, REI UL 45, etc) Anything over 4000 cubic inches is way overkill.
Savings - 3 lbs

Tent - Nemo Morpho - 6lbs
Ditch this for a Henry Shires Cloudburst, Rainbow, or any of his other tents for that matter. None weigh over 34 ounces.
Savings 4 lbs

Sleeping Bag - Western Mountaineering Kodiak 0 temp Rating - 3lb2oz - (I'm 6'4" and thin, I don't like confinement, I get cold easy.)
Fine for the beginning - Ditch after Damascus

Sleeping Pad - Big Agnes Insulated Air Core - 1lb10oz - (2" 1/2 thick, 6ft version, So I'm a sissy and appreciate sleep... Sue me in the morning!)
Fine for luxury sleep

Stove - JetBoil Personal - 14oz
Homebuilt alcohol stove - 3 oz at the most
Savings - 10 oz

Poles - Leki Enzian AntiShock - 1lb4oz

Lighting - Petzl MYO XP - 7oz
Petzl tikka 3 oz
Savings - 4 oz

Water Purification - Will be done with Aqua Mira drops. ...
Fine

***Gear Total, Including Pack - 19lbs6oz***

Clothing consists of: (Hat and Shoes aside.)

Upper: (Keep in mind that I get cold easy.)

North Face Apex Bionic Softshell - 19oz
Marmot Evolution Half Zip Windshirt - 10oz
Patagonia Capilene - 1 short 4.5oz
2 long - 5.5oz
3 long - 8oz

Ditch the NF Bionic for any insulated garment (Rei Gossomer, Patagona Micropuff, Mountain Hardware Phantom)
Savings - 8 oz or so
Add a couple of simple fleece hats
Add raingear - Marmot Precip or equivalent


Lower:

Marmot Evolution Precip Half Zip - 7oz
North Face Paramount Pursuit Cargo - 11oz
Patagonia Capilene - 3 long - 7oz
1 Sport Boxer Briefs - 3.5oz
Ditch the NF pants and briefs. Just wear shorts with Capilene under them when it's cold. You'll be in shorts 90% of the time anyway.

Savings - 14 oz

Other:

Camp Shoes - Crocs - 1lb
Gloves - SeakSkinz ChillBlocker
Socks - SmartWool (3 pair)
SealSkinz - Calf Height - (For the occasions that I haven't thought of yet!)
Ditch the SealSkinz
Savings - 4 oz


That's about 9 lbs off the top of my head, but there's plenty of stuff you haven't listed. Stuffsacks, first aid, and all that other stuff quickly adds up. I'd definetly replace the pack and tent at a bare minimum. You can figure out some of the stuff on the way with an eye toward changing up either in Neels Gap or even better, Damascus. I Damascus because you'll get a chance to steal a bunch of other's ideas before doing the bulk of new gear purchases.

[terrapin_too]

I'd definetly replace the pack and tent at a bare minimum.

Just one cautionary note here... you can't use an ultralight pack without first lightening the load. But it should be fairly easy for Socrates to cut pack weight in half and still carry a considerable load. (Eg., Granite Gear Numbus Ozone weighs 3 lbs and carries a 40 lb load.) If money's no object, there are a lot of quick fixes for Socrates' little weight problem...

[Socrates]

Terrapin - To the post office?... Insinuating that some "crap" is gonna get sent home eh? Haha I'll keep my fingers crossed for that!
Tree-Hugger - I've worked pretty hard on my list and aside from items such as knife, spork, tape, compass, bandaids, 2 bottles, a pair of shorts, pack cover, beer keg, etc. What is it that I'm still missing? More specifically, what's left that's going to push my bag into the 40 pound range? I'm at 26 pounds right now. I can't imagine anything else that weighs 14 pounds or more. That is, unless you're including food in that equation? Looks like my Glacier pack will come in handy after all. Jesus, are other thru hikers going to look at me like I'm a freak? That would make the tent come in handy! Haha
Although some of my gear may seem "a touch too much", I'm actually more concerned with the mental aspect of the hike than I am the physical. If I can spoil myself a bit at the end of a hard day, then I think that will give me the comfort to go another day and then another. This may sound 100% insane and keep in mind that it's coming from someone who has never thru hiked, but if I didn't have to carry a load, I'm not too sure how accomplished I would feel at the end of a day. I'd like to think that nothing good in life comes easy. I guess everyone hikes for different reasons and if you're going to make it, it better be for the right ones right? For me, it's not just the scenery or the mileage, but the endeavor itself. Somehow, it's a metaphor for the life I try to live.
But yeah, I'll still keep the post offices in mind! Haha

[terrapin_too]

Terrapin - To the post office?... Insinuating that some "crap" is gonna get sent home eh? Haha I'll keep my fingers crossed for that!

I'm speaking from personal experience, Socrates. ;) One thing I know is that thru hikers are stubborn, and many of us need to learn things for ourselves. I'm kind of a slow learner, myself.

[Socrates]

Johnny - Thanks, I'll look into those options.
Terrapin - No, money is not an object. If I'm going to do this, I want it done right and I want to help ensure that I stay on the trail.
I'd like to find that balance between comfort and ignorance.

[KG4FAM]

"Pack - Dana Design Glacier - 6lbs - (Quality, Comfortable pack, Top bottom and side compartments, On the large side, however I don't intend to carry 40+ pounds!)"

like others said it is heavy, but dana packs are heavy and they are really comfortable too. i would say that it is a bit on the large side so you might have trouble with too much room and a load that floats around on your back.

"Tent - Nemo Morpho - 6lbs - (Quality, Waterproof, Stands well in wind, Well ventilated, Inflates in less than 1 minute and can be done from the inside.)"

way too much for one person. too heavy and too complicated if it breaks. if you have a hole you have to use a patch kit and a spare bladder that is dedicated for this purpose. if i have a pole on my tent break i can use my duct tape to attach some green branches to it and dont have to carry a single purpose item. on the trail duct tape and ibuprofin fix everything.

"Sleeping Bag - Western Mountaineering Kodiak 0 temp Rating - 3lb2oz - (I'm 6'4" and thin, I don't like confinement, I get cold easy.)"

no problems there, but be prepared to buy a warmer bag later on or have one ready

"Sleeping Pad - Big Agnes Insulated Air Core - 1lb10oz - (2" 1/2 thick, 6ft version, So I'm a sissy and appreciate sleep... Sue me in the morning!)"

if you need it, i love sleeping on the hard surface so i use a foam pad. if you don't think that you can adapt carry it, but if you can use foam. i actually sleep better now out in the yard on my ccf pad than i do in my real bed. once again it could get punctured and you are back in the tent situation.

"Stove - JetBoil Personal - 14oz"

they are nice, but alcohol is the way to go as far as simplicity and availability (aside from the weight issue). alcohol stoves cant break unless you step on them and there are many different sources for fuel

"Poles - Leki Enzian AntiShock - 1lb4oz"

if you are going to have poles you might as well use them as tent poles on one of those tarptents or something like that.

"Lighting - Petzl MYO XP - 7oz"

uses standard batteries that you can find in any hillbilly town, good. but you could find something lighter.

"Water Purification - Will be done with Aqua Mira drops. ..."

be prepared to use bleach if you have to, not every town has an outfitter.


"what's left that's going to push my bag into the 40 pound range? I'm at 26 pounds right now. I can't imagine anything else that weighs 14 pounds or more. That is, unless you're including food in that equation? Looks like my Glacier pack will come in handy after all."

Yes, food is included. I keep my pack below 30 in the summer and 35 in the winter WITH food and water. I am no ultralighter and don't own a single thing with silnylon. 26 is probably my average pack weight on the trail.

"Jesus, are other thru hikers going to look at me like I'm a freak? That would make the tent come in handy! Haha"

Just dont show up having never set up your tent before and have to have others show you how. People actually do go with out even putting their pack on their back once before they leave and have one hell of a time.

"This may sound 100% insane and keep in mind that it's coming from someone who has never thru hiked, but if I didn't have to carry a load, I'm not too sure how accomplished I would feel at the end of a day."

the lighter your pack the more food you can carry. some of your luxuries can be done away with for better food. you can still carry a big load and just have better meals. you will appreicate food more than some of the other things. you seem to have an idea in your head of what you want your thru hike to be like, but be prepared to change. if you go with the flow and dont have every detail planned out you will have a lot more fun. so many people plan this thing to death and then quit with an attic full of backpacking food. no matter how much is on your back, i can garuntee you are going to feel like you acomplished something at the end of the day.

[terrapin_too]

Terrapin - No, money is not an object. If I'm going to do this, I want it done right and I want to help ensure that I stay on the trail. I'd like to find that balance between comfort and ignorance.

In that case...

Pack: Check out the Granite Gear or ULA sites. The Vapor Trail is 2 lbs, might work if you can get your total load under 25-30 lbs. Else go for something with a higher load rating -- but in any case, your pack needn't weigh more than 3 lbs tops. My ancient Camp Trails (external frame) is 4 lbs.

Tent: Big Agnes makes beautiful, lightweight double-wall tents that set up in a flash. Or save even more weight and go for a TarpTent.

Sleeping bag: Check out Marmot (Hydrogen, Helium, Atom, etc.) or Mountain Hardwear. It has to be down, if you want lightweight. If you've got $$$ to burn, check out Nunatak or Feathered Friends or Western Mountaineering.

Pad: Thermerest ProLite. For the ultimate weight savings, use a foam pad (but not as comfy.) There are lots of inflatable pads on the market now, but none as light as the Thermarest ProLite series. The Prolite 3 shortie is 13 oz and 48" long. Put your empty pack under your ankles.

Stove: You can do far worse than the Jetboil, but consider just a simple canister stove (eg. Pocket Rocket) plus a titanium pot. Or go all the way and use an alcohol stove (assuming frequent resupply.)

Headlamp: Several models to choose from that are far lighter than 7 oz.

Camp Shoes: Waldies AT are only 8 oz. for the pair. Or go with those pool/boat shoes that weigh about 1 oz. Or go without.

Clothing: there's no single item in my clothing bag that weighs more than 10-11 oz. Think layers.

[Footslogger]

[quote=Socrates;296307]
Sleeping Bag - Western Mountaineering Kodiak 0 temp Rating - 3lb2oz - (I'm 6'4" and thin, I don't like confinement, I get cold easy.)

==================================

Understand the height and confinement issues but a zero rating bag on a northbound hike departing some time in March might end up being a bit much. Those WM bags ain't cheap though so this might be something you have already decided on and is cast in stone. Just thinking that you're paying a premium in terms of weight for some warmth you may not need (unless of course you are a very cold sleeper - and we have a very cold spring this year)

'Slogger

[mountain squid]

If money is no issue do some more research before heading out. Definetly rethink the tent and backpack (I'd also rethink your sleeping pad)...If you don't, there is a good chance that once you make it to Neels Gap you might. Why might you? Because the previous 3-4 nights prior to getting to Neels Gap, you will be discussing and observing other hikers gear. And, if money is no issue, you'll be thinking about it. If you can lighten up beforehand, you'll at least save postage...

If you haven't already checked my thread, click below:
http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?t=20121

Additionally, a gallon of water weighs 8 pounds, add at least 10 pounds for food and you will be over 40 pounds. 3-5 days of food is usually enough between resupplies.

Of course, as stated, you can make it with 40+, but if you don't have to - why? You're going on a long distance HIKE, not a long distance CAMP. Don't carry things just to enhance camp...

See you on the trail,
mt squid

[Tipi Walter]

If money is no issue do some more research before heading out. Definetly rethink the tent and backpack (I'd also rethink your sleeping pad)...If you don't, there is a good chance that once you make it to Neels Gap you might. Why might you? Because the previous 3-4 nights prior to getting to Neels Gap, you will be discussing and observing other hikers gear. And, if money is no issue, you'll be thinking about it. If you can lighten up beforehand, you'll at least save postage...

If you haven't already checked my thread, click below:
http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?t=20121

Additionally, a gallon of water weighs 8 pounds, add at least 10 pounds for food and you will be over 40 pounds. 3-5 days of food is usually enough between resupplies.

Of course, as stated, you can make it with 40+, but if you don't have to - why? You're going on a long distance HIKE, not a long distance CAMP. Don't carry things just to enhance camp...

See you on the trail,
mt squid

"You're going on a Long distance HIKE, not a long distance CAMP". If that were really true he could slackpack with a support vehicle and not even worry about gear.

Socrates is 29 and could carry 70 pounds with ease. Maybe at age 60 there's some concern for gram counting but at 29? And camping is a huge part of the AT experience, not just a 6 hour sleep break after an 18 hour day of hiking. If hiking and making miles is the ONLY concern, just wear a buttpack and sleep when exhausted. This might suitably impress the ultralight speedsters.

[soulrebel]

Didn't you know the name "U-haul" is already taken?

[bigcranky]

Socrates,

Your 'big stuff' gear weight is 26 pounds, and all the little stuff will easily put that up to 30 or above. Then add 4 days of food for the first section and a liter and a half of water, and you're over 40 pretty quickly.

No, the other hikers won't laugh at you. There will be plenty of hikers with much larger packs, and most others will be in the 40-50 range. The comments you are getting come from experienced hikers who have learned what they need to carry on a long hike. Even then, in March in Georgia, a lightweight hiker will be pushing 30 pounds with food and water. It would take a very experienced ultralighter to get the total load under 20 pounds with food and water during that season.

You say that you want luxuries after a hard day. With the load you are carrying, you'll sure have some hard days. Again, so will the vast majority of other hikers out there with you. I think the folks here are concerned that if your days are too hard, you won't have the experience that you want.

If you haven't bought the tent yet, you might want to seriously consider one of the Henry Shires Tarp Tents at www.tarptent.com. Look at the Rainbow in particular. Easy and quick setup, and weighs about 2 pounds. You could also look at the Six Moons Designs Europa. That'll knock 4 pounds of weight out of your pack without any serious downside. That's four more pounds of chocolate you could carry for the same total pack weight. (Mmmmm, chocolate.)

The sleeping bag is fine. I carry my WM 5-F bag in March, and I'm glad that I do. You'll have plenty of nights in the teens. The pad is fine, too, for some of that luxury after a long day.

I hesitate to suggest that you dump the pack. Yes, it's very large and heavy compared to a lot of long-distance hiking packs, but if you already own it, you might as well stick with it for the first section of the hike. After you've been out for a while, you can make some adjustments. You say that money is no object, and that should remain true during the hike as well. So when you get to a good outfitter, you can make whatever changes necessary at that point. The first one is at milepost 30-ish at Neel Gap. There's also a good outfitter in Gatlinburg and in Hot Springs. I suspect you'll have made your changes by the time you get to Damascus, but there are two good outfitters there, too. I'd hate for you to buy another pack now, and have to change again 100 miles down the trail.

The stove is fine, too, for solo hiking. Just be aware that getting new canisters can be a challenge in some trail towns, so you'll need to carry an extra one on longer sections.

You don't appear to have any insulating clothing, like a down jacket or vest, or even a fleece top. Did I miss that? In my experience, softshell clothing doesn't work on longer hikes, because it's too heavy to hike in and not warm enough when I stop. I want something with some loft -- a nice down jacket, or one of the synthetic puffy jackets like the Patagonia. You'll put this on whenever you stop hiking, and wear it around camp. Sure, you could get in your bag when it's cold, but early in the hike there will be days when it's always cold, and it's not practical to just get in your bag every time you stop for a break. My older Sierra Designs down jacket is very warm, though a tad heavy these days. I saw a great Mountain Hardwear primaloft (synthetic) jacket at my local outfitter recently -- it seemed like a good choice for spring hiking.

Hope this helps. Have fun, be prepared, get out there and do some winter hiking now, to fine tune some of this stuff.

[mountain squid]

Tipi - not wanting to get off topic on this thread, but some excellent observations and relevant points were made here (read the second and third paragraphs):
http://www.trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?id=163115

See you on the trail,
mt squid

[rswanson]

I'm going to pile on and say that almost everything you're carrying is much heavier than many quality, servicable options. If you are comfortable with this rack then go for it but I would hump it over a weekend before you make up your mind. I certainly wouldn't carry that sort of weight.

If money isn't an object you could easily drop 10 lbs. off of your gear list without losing any comfort or saftey. Only durability might be somewhat compromised but I put durability towards the bottom when making a gear decision.

I would also thoroughly reconsider your clothing choices. You probably won't use all 3 shirts or 3 pairs of socks. You definitely need a better rain jacket (those Marmot pieces are water repellant, not waterproof and will wet-out). You can go cheap and light with Froggs Toggs or Dropstoppers. Carry a high-loft piece for torso insulation instead of fleece. Ditch the Sealskinz socks.

Carry what you will but the lighter your rack, the more comfortable you'll be.

[bigcranky]

Socrates,

I looked back over this thread, and you asked about packweights. My total base weight of all my gear and clothing for an 85 mile March '07 section in North Carolina is just under 16 pounds. (Base weight doesn't include food or water, but does include their containers.) That includes several luxuries such as a Thermarest pad (prolite 4), camp shoes (Waldies clogs), and a larger 8x10 tarp for better coverage in bad weather. That also includes my winter sleeping bag -- I could save 1.5 pounds with my 30-F bag, but that decision will have to wait until I see what the weather looks like that week.

My list includes all the usual backpacking gear -- I'm not leaving anything home just to be 'ultralight,' and I'm not sacrificing any comfort on the trail or in camp. I also make no claims to being some sort of fringe ultralighter (those folks would have an 8-pound base load), but I do have a fair amount of experience using this kit in cold and ugly weather. I do not recommend it to people who haven't done a lot of hiking. In particular, having a good tent with a bathtub floor that you can just throw up in a couple of minutes and dive inside can be, literally, a lifesaver. (The Rainbow should qualify, especially with your big sleeping bag.)

Can you get out in real mountains for day hikes or a weekend hike with your kit? The Georgia AT is tough, with continuous steep up-and-down; walking on easier terrain with a heavy load will give you a false picture of how much you are happy carrying. (Note I said 'happy' not 'capable of.')

Again, I hope this helps. The saving grace for many thru-hikers is making it to Walasi-yi at Neel Gap, where you will find one of the best outfitters on the Trail. The owners and staff are experienced in helping hikers retool their loads. (On our first big section, even after years of lightening our loads, we still sent home about 10 pounds of gear from Neel Gap. That was for three people, but still....)

[Socrates]

This is great "food for thought" from everyone so thankyou and keep up the good work! I'll make another general reply later, but for now, as I'm sure you care to know, my eyelids are beginning to close without my approval... Off to bed! If this is any indication of the friendliness and helpfulness of fellow hikers that I will meet, I look foward to it all the more!

[Jack Tarlin]

Other than finding a lighter shelter (tent or tarp system) and maybe investigating a lighter pack, I think your list is fine.

To answer your question about how much food you'll be carrying over particular stretches, you might want to check out the "Re-Supply" article in the Articles section of Whiteblaze; it'll tell you how much food you'll be needing on each stretch. (This article will be updated and improved for the 2007 hiking season, within a week or so).

[rswanson]

Other than finding a lighter shelter (tent or tarp system) and maybe investigating a lighter pack, I think your list is fine.

To answer your question about how much food you'll be carrying over particular stretches, you might want to check out the "Re-Supply" article in the Articles section of Whiteblaze; it'll tell you how much food you'll be needing on each stretch. (This article will be updated and improved for the 2007 hiking season, within a week or so).
I know you know your gear but don't you think he'll need some type of waterproof protection? Those two Marmot jackets look like the soft-shell material type that would soak through. If he's wearing them in a cold rain and they get soaked, that doesn't leave too many options to warm up other than crawling into a sleeping bag...just a thought.

[The Weasel]

Hi everyone! This is gear for my March '07 thru hike. I'm sure there are pros and cons to every piece so I thought this would be a great way to share information and espcecially to receive opinions concerning adjustments from those who have been the distance! Also any other advice is welcome! (Smaller items - Knife, BandAids, Tape etc. have not been inluded.)
~ Socrates

Pack - Dana Design Glacier - 6lbs - (Quality, Comfortable pack, Top bottom and side compartments, On the large side, however I don't intend to carry 40+ pounds!)

Tent - Nemo Morpho - 6lbs - (Quality, Waterproof, Stands well in wind, Well ventilated, Inflates in less than 1 minute and can be done from the inside.)

Sleeping Bag - Western Mountaineering Kodiak 0 temp Rating - 3lb2oz - (I'm 6'4" and thin, I don't like confinement, I get cold easy.)

Sleeping Pad - Big Agnes Insulated Air Core - 1lb10oz - (2" 1/2 thick, 6ft version, So I'm a sissy and appreciate sleep... Sue me in the morning!)

Stove - JetBoil Personal - 14oz

Poles - Leki Enzian AntiShock - 1lb4oz

Lighting - Petzl MYO XP - 7oz

Water Purification - Will be done with Aqua Mira drops. ...

***Gear Total, Including Pack - 19lbs6oz***

Clothing consists of: (Hat and Shoes aside.)

Upper: (Keep in mind that I get cold easy.)

North Face Apex Bionic Softshell - 19oz
Marmot Evolution Half Zip Windshirt - 10oz
Patagonia Capilene - 1 short 4.5oz
2 long - 5.5oz
3 long - 8oz

Lower:

Marmot Evolution Precip Half Zip - 7oz
North Face Paramount Pursuit Cargo - 11oz
Patagonia Capilene - 3 long - 7oz
1 Sport Boxer Briefs - 3.5oz

Other:

Camp Shoes - Crocs - 1lb
Gloves - SeakSkinz ChillBlocker
Socks - SmartWool (3 pair)
SealSkinz - Calf Height - (For the occasions that I haven't thought of yet!)

***Clothing Total - Approx 6lbs

***Grand Total Approx 26lbs (Including Pack)***
(Not including 6 pack of Corona!)

The best amount of food to carry at a time during a 6 month excursion is still something that I haven't figured out yet due to weight factors. Advice, once again, is appreciated!
Happy trails fellow poop hole diggers! ~ Socrates


Most of these points probably mentioned by others, haven't read all posts yet:

(1) Lose the camp shoes. You'll set up camp, eat, take shoes off for the night. Unnecessary.

(2) Lose 2 pr of the socks, take one pair only (including 1 pr of liners). Let one pair dry out daily while you wear the next. If they are wool or smartwool, won't be a problem. If really bad, rinse and dry out each day and if still damp that night put in your sleeping bag to dry overnight.

(3) Tent is way too heavy for 1 person. WAY too heavy.

(4) Gloves unnecessary probably for March departure. Use socks as mittens on cold occasions but after 15-20 min of walking most days, you won't need them.

(5) Too much capilene...carry one set of spares at most.

(6) Sealskinz unnecessary.

good gear list overall

[Jack Tarlin]

Rswanson:

I'm pretty sure the Marmot precip is a 100% seam sealed waterproof storm shell, so I think he'll be OK. Marmot is a fine company.

Rain pants are optional; many hikers go without.

[bigcranky]

Jack,

I don't see a Precip jacket, only Precip pants on the original list. It appeared from that list that Socrates intended the softshell jacket (TNF Apex) to be his rain shell and insulation. The Marmot jacket on the original list looks like another softshell, this time the N2S fabric, but still not totally waterproof (Marmot calls it "water repellent"). I'm still far from sold on soft shells for long distance hiking.

If it were me, I'd get a Precip jacket (or the equivalent) and a 200-wt fleece instead of the Apex, and a lighter, more breathable windshirt like the DriClime or the Ion jacket instead of the Evolution. I think that would be warmer and more versatile than the two lightweight soft shells. (That's the cheapest option if you're buying stuff. I'd actually bring my down jacket, my Precip jacket, and one of the wind shirts since that's what I already have.)

That said, there are many different combinations of clothing that will work, and everyone is different. But I would still urge some sort of insulated top.

[Jack Tarlin]

These guys are correct; raingear (i.e. a jacket of some sort) does indeed seem to be missing, and it's something Socrates should think about. In 2003 it rained for around 23 days in a row!!

[Sly]

Rswanson:

I'm pretty sure the Marmot precip is a 100% seam sealed waterproof storm shell, so I think he'll be OK. Marmot is a fine company.



I've heard mixed reviews on the Precip from they're great to not very good. A guy hiking the trail I met at the Black Mountain Shelter before Springer last weekend suggested to keep up with some chemical coating for them to work properly.

[Johnny Swank]

He's probably referring to the DWR coating on the outside of the fabric. All waterproof/breathable jackets that I know of are treated to help water bead off instead of soaking in ("wetting out") the outside of the fabric. When a jacket wets out, the waterproof membrane on the inside surface doesn't breath as well/at all. Technically you're still dry, but it's pretty clammy and feels wet inside.

I'm not sold on softshells either for March conditions on the AT. Sometimes you just need to zip everything up and stew in your own juices just to stay warm when it's 35 degrees, raining, and windy.

[Socrates]

The tent is 6 pounds, heavier yes, but I do have my reasons.
1 - Features as first described are too much for me to resist. I've heard of so many weather related issues and bad experiences all because of their tent that I'd rather TRY to avoid those experiences.
2 - As ridiculous as it may sound, going solo and carrying a 2 person tent, I'm also keeping in consideration the "What if...?" factor. What if a fellow hiker and I would like to share a tent during bad weather? What if some one elses gear fails in some way and they need a place to crash? I'm a social and giving person so the 3 extra pounds is a small price to pay.

My pack is on the large side, however I figure I could always stuff a bit extra lightweight food in there to stuff my face should the need arise. Also, once again, if someone is having a bad day and I can help to lighten their load for a while, having the extra room will pay off.

For those of you speaking about my upper rain gear, I forgot to mention that I have a North Face Venture Rain Jacket w/ Hood - 12.5oz The strings tighten in all the right places, small bill for rain runoff and armpit vents for vetilation.

As far as having "too much" upper layering, I'd rather be safe than sorry. I do get cold easy, the layers can easily be taken off and the capilene is lightweight so at this point, saving 10oz isn't worth the risk. I know that when I get cold, it's all I think about and nothing else. I'd hate to hike miles every day focused on only that.

I recognize that I could be a glutton for punishment. It sounds like Neel's Gap may end up being the next best thing to Disney Land. Only time will tell. I'm considering leaving in early March instead of later so that if there are difficulties, I will have a bit of time to play with for shorter distances if needed. Plus that's when the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders will be at Springer Mountain signing autographs. From March 3rd till... Ok sorry guys, only kidding! Any thoughts on that? And I don't mean the cheerleaders!

[hammock engineer]

Don't worry so much about your gear.

I'm also thinking a lot about my hike and if I have everything I need. My only worry now is that I may be forgeting something that I need. I personally would rather ship back or give away something on the trail, vs needing and not having. Who knows maybe both of us will be one of those people who finish their hike with completely different gear than we started with. I think it would be cool to finish with most of the same gear. But as long as we finish, everything else doesn't really matter.

Having said that as long as I have food, warm clothes, shelter, and bag almost everything else can be figured out as you go.

[Socrates]

Warm clothing, shelter and sleeping bag are definately important items. At least to us they are. I don't mean this towards anyone who has posted and been helpful so far, but there are some out there that just take it one step or even a couple steps further that I'm willing to go. Shaving the weight of a toothbrush? I'm surprised they don't go bald and shave off their body hair. They probably look foward to pooping just to knock off some weight as well. I'm definately not trying to hone my survival skills for 6 month either. I'll be hiking in the day and camping at night. I'm out for the total experience, not just one aspect. And since we all have our different reasons for being out there, it definately comes down to personal preference so yeah, we'll figure it out as we go. But only an idiot wouldn't make at least some plans. Just think, we're finally going to thru hike from Virginia to Maine! Wow! <- That's me making another joke. Of course it starts in Tennessee!

[bfitz]

Warm clothing, shelter and sleeping bag are definately important items. At least to us they are. I don't mean this towards anyone who has posted and been helpful so far, but there are some out there that just take it one step or even a couple steps further that I'm willing to go. Shaving the weight of a toothbrush? I'm surprised they don't go bald and shave off their body hair. They probably look foward to pooping just to knock off some weight as well. I'm definately not trying to hone my survival skills for 6 month either. I'll be hiking in the day and camping at night. I'm out for the total experience, not just one aspect. And since we all have our different reasons for being out there, it definately comes down to personal preference so yeah, we'll figure it out as we go. But only an idiot wouldn't make at least some plans. Just think, we're finally going to thru hike from Virginia to Maine! Wow! <- That's me making another joke. Of course it starts in Tennessee!
Guitar? Frisbee? Mini-chess? Sword?

And who doesn't look forward to pooping?

[Pokey2006]

You don't have to go nuts and become a crazy ultra-lighter. Actually, I say, if you can physically carry it, and you want to carry it, why not?

But, bear in mind that if your load is too heavy, you put yourself at greater risk of injury, especially early on. So make sure you are physically able to carry a load on the heavier side before you set out from Springer. Plenty of people blow out knees or get stress fractures in those first few days, I'd say often from carrying too much weight.

Just something to think about.

[brancher]

Socrates,

My first backpacking trip was with a 6600 cu in Mountainsmith Frostfire - an 8-plus lb pack and my load was 54 lbs for a 3-day winter weekend. Years later, I am now under 30 lbs, including food and water, for 6 days on the trail in early spring.

Look at the Granite Gear and Osprey packs - Kelty also makes some great lightweight packs these days. Also look at the Western Mountaineering Aspen (now called the Alder). 25F bag that is just over 2 lbs and goes from a hooded semi rectangular to a quiltlike covering - perfect for the entire trip - comes in long size, too. Tent? 6 lbs is too much. There's a Big Agnes SL2 ON THIS FORUM for sale - it weighs about 3.5 lbs or so, an outstanding piece of equipment, and it's a bona fide tent, not a tarp. If a tarptent's okay, then the Shires line is perfect. With your hiking poles, the Shires products work. I use an old homemade TT for 2 for sectioning the trail, and it works.

The only advice I have is to pack your stuff and go hiking for a couple of weekends - before your thru - and try to walk some miles up and down, at least 10 miles a day. And don't do it around a parking lot. Get out and away from your car, so that there's no 'bailout' except to keep walking.

After your first real hiking trip, you'll look for lots of ways to lighten up. Lastly, everyone has something different to say, but most here are giving advice based upon lots of experience. Listen and make your own decisions (but please take more than one pair of socks - that post couldn't have been real).

One last thing: as you buy gear, retool, and lighten up, you'll lose money. Part of God's plan. Get over it.
;)

[Jaybird]

i'd get rid of that 6lb pack & get something in the sub 4 range.

also add a small First Aid Kit (band aids, mole skin, etc) only a few oz.


Good luck with your hike....:D

[Tipi Walter]

Tipi - not wanting to get off topic on this thread, but some excellent observations and relevant points were made here (read the second and third paragraphs):
http://www.trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?id=163115

See you on the trail,
mt squid

Hey mountain squid, thanks for the heads up on my own techniques. How you found it in all the pages available is mind boggling. I guess there are two main types of backpackers, those who like to camp and those who like to hike. I like to camp so for me I think the perfect AT thruhike would be in 7 to 8 mile daily increments but if you do the math the trail would then take close to 15 months to finish. :eek:

But there's something good about just being out and moving every day even if I only do 4 miles or 7 miles or even 18 miles, my longest day.

[Appalachian Tater]

Everybody's being very nice. I think a 6 lb tent and a 6 lb pack are absolutely insane when you can get very good ones for 2 lbs or 2 lbs and a few ounces. Since money's no problem, get a light pack and tarptent now and then you can replace everything else at Neal's Gap. That would drop 7 pounds.

Carrying 3 lbs 2,000 miles to be social in case someone's tent fails and they don't want to sleep in a shelter is idealistic but I doubt you'll feel that way by the time you get to the top of Springer if you do the approach trail.

Waldies are heavy, too. Get some 99 cent beach flip flops or water socks if you need camp shoes.

I did a lot of research online, especially on this site, before buying my equipment because I wanted to make it to Maine. The presumption was that those with experience knew more than I did. Remember, you're carrying all of that stuff up and down mountains for 2,174.6 miles. People talk about climbing up and down mountains and jumping from rock to rock very little around here but that's what you'll be doing all day every day for five months. The lighter your pack is, the happier you'll be. Even adding water or resupplying food in town makes your pack miserably heavy.

[hopefulhiker]

WAY TOO HEAVY for my style, but I did carry the BA airmattress! I had a base weight of the big 4 , stove, pack, tent, sleeping bag, of under eight pounds and some people get their weight under five pounds!

[bigcranky]

I don't mean this towards anyone who has posted and been helpful so far, but there are some out there that just take it one step or even a couple steps further that I'm willing to go. Shaving the weight of a toothbrush? I'm surprised they don't go bald and shave off their body hair. They probably look foward to pooping just to knock off some weight as well.


How nice. Thank you for your carefully considered response. I know it makes me want to go out of my way to write long, explanatory posts on lightweight gear selection in the future. :-?

[Socrates]

Cranky - Aww I'm sorry! I wasn't refering to you or anyone else that has posted so far. I thought your posts were of great consideration. I just can't thank everyone individually, but for you, thankyou! It's just that I really did read somewhere that someone shaved the size of their toothbrush. No one has advised me on that so far.

[hopefulhiker]

It is your hike, Socrates, but like the famous American Philosopher, Charles Sanders Pierce said in his three principles of metaphisics: Possibility, Actuality, and Principle.. An example of actuality is when the sherrif puts his hand on your back.. The actual experience of the weight on your back might influence your choices...

I knew a guy who hiked with a seventy pound pack and had to get off because of heel injuries.. You might begin to appreciate lighter weight after youve been out there a while..

Many people take advantage of the shake down at Neel's Gap and end up buying a bunch of equipment there...

Good Luck on your hike... Take what you want, your'e the one carrying it!

[Socrates]

If you guys aren't careful, I'm going to end up looking foward more to Neel's Gap than I am Katahdin! Haha

[Lone Wolf]

If you guys aren't careful, I'm going to end up looking foward more to Neel's Gap than I am Katahdin! Haha

That place sucks you in. A LOT of money is spent there needlessly.

[EarlyBird2007]

Hi everyone! This is gear for my March '07 thru hike.

Hi, Socrates. I'm getting ready for my March '07 GA-ME thru also. Leaving from Springer @ March 25. When are you leaving? From Springer?

As for the gear, I will "pile on" and say the pack and tent are mighty heavy. If you still can make changes, consider a Granite Gear Vapor Trail (or another light GG pack) and one of the Tarptent series. But, you're a bunch younger than me. Maybe you can handle the weight. :) You can see my gear list here. http://www.trailjournals.com/cumberlandvalley/

Hope to see you on the trail.

[rswanson]

Cranky - Aww I'm sorry! I wasn't refering to you or anyone else that has posted so far. I thought your posts were of great consideration. I just can't thank everyone individually, but for you, thankyou! It's just that I really did read somewhere that someone shaved the size of their toothbrush. No one has advised me on that so far.
Socrates,

I doubt you're offending anyone. I think what Cranky is trying to say is when you make a post soliciting others' advice about gear, then proceed to defend your choices against almost every suggestion, one could conclude that you've already made up your mind about what going to take. From there its easy for us to feel that we're waisting our time by replying to your request.

Carry what you want but personally I really don't see a reason other than money why anyone would hit the trail with a 3 season base weight over 20 lbs. unless you're carrying a ton of luxury items. And since you stated money is no object, why would you want to? You can replace your tent with a shelter that's 3 or 4 lbs. lighter and will be just as spacious, weatherworthy, and functional. So why not?

What others have said is true...carrying a heavy pack is just plain harder on you, especially over 2000 miles. Do what you can now to correct that and you'll enjoy yourself more.

[Socrates]

Socrates,

I think what Cranky is trying to say is when you make a post soliciting others' advice about gear, then proceed to defend your choices against almost every suggestion, one could conclude that you've already made up your mind about what going to take.


Not sure how to include someone elses quote in my reply so maybe this didn't turn out right. Sorry. Anyway,

rswanson - I was giving more of a gear CHECKLIST than direct weight questions which it ended up boiling down to. I only gave the weight information to be informative. But since I did say that "any other advice would be appreciated", I do see where you're coming from.
I'm not being argumentative with anyone or defending my gear like it's set in stone. I'm only giving different points of view so that when others consider gear, they remember to look at it from all sides. Like Fox News... "Fair and balanced." Socrates would be proud.
And I can't constantly update everyone on my thoughts, but this seems like a good time to throw it out there...
I've decided to not hike the AT. Screw you guys! I'd rather swim Lake Michigan in February.
Ok, no seriously, 1- I am considering a lighter weight tent. With so many to choose from and me being so picky about quality and features, I'll be on Google for the next 2 days trying to decide. 2- Once I have everything side by side, I'm going to size up for a different backpack. 3- I'm also looking at the Western Mountaineering Sycamore 25degree sleeping bag with a liner instead of the Western Moutaineering Kodiak 0degree. 4- I've dropped the SealSkinz socks.
So everyone's suggestions haven't been in vain.

[hopefulhiker]

Look at the tarp tent designs. They are very popular.. Two brands are Six Moons and Tarp Tent made by Henry Shires.. Really Really good stuff. Very light weight and roomy too.... One of my favorite pieces and many others as well. I am a true believer! It's not to late. You too can convert! Also look at Sgt Rock's site hikinghq.net . Not only is he one of the admins of this site but he is one of the gurus of light weight camping.. You can save some money if you convert now instead of Neals gap.....

[Blissful]

It's tough getting ready for a hike, honestly. You hear and read so much. So many say go light. I have been pulled like crazy by all the talk to drop pack weight (my pack is a 6 lb 7 oz clunker but it works well on my back). But my back won't allow a switch. Tried all kinds of packs. No go with my sciatic problem. Was very frustrating but I have to realize that I will carry some more suspension and a huge pack b/c of back issues, at least at the start. Maybe that will change at Neels or somewhere else and I will make them richer as I have adapted and can tolerate something else, ha ha. But I also went lighter on some other stuff to compensate. Like you, we'll see what happens. Sometimes it's all you can do.

[Socrates]

jim - hi, im leaving early march. haven't set a date yet.