Shopping List

[Rockjay420]

shopping list for Southbound thru hike,
tell me what you think of my gear choices.

dead set on a tent, need the no see um security-allergic.
http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=39168734&memberId=12500226&storeId=226&catalogId=40000000226&langId=-1

A little trouble choosing sleeping bags, my concern with the inflatalbe one is if it gets punnctured?
http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=39175285&memberId=12500226
http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=39281179&memberId=12500226

Backpack
http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=39201186&memberId=12500226

[amigo]

Here's my $.02:

I love the Big Agnes inflatables. I have the 72" rectangular and the 72" mummy. Ironically, the mummy is heavier than the rectangular, despite what the factory specs say. My rectangular is 22.0 oz and the mummy is 23.7, not counting the stuff sacks, which you don't need (but keep the repair kit). I have a couple years' use on the rectangular and not had any concerns about punctures, but I do use a thin ground sheet under it. My rectangular pad started losing air and I couldn't isolate the source of the leak. When I contacted Big Agnes they said to replace the o-ring in the valve with the spare, which I did, and that stopped the leak.

The sleeping bag is fine for warm weather, BUT don't believe the 35 degree rating. I have a thermolite bag (Coleman) rated at 32, and it won't keep me warm below the upper 40s.

The pack is too heavy IMHO. You can find a 2 1/2 pound pack that will do just fine and be more comfortable. No one needs to carry more than a 20 pound total base pack weight IMHO. Even with the Big Agnes pad, I can keep mine below 12 pounds.

[amigo]

Almost forgot the tent. I don't have any direct experience with that model Eureka, but I wouldn't hesitate to use it. I think it's a fine choice.

Good luck!

[Rockjay420]

I know the pack is on the heavy side, but its built tough because i would like the pack to outlast the AT and then some, It also comes with poles and its in my price range. I know packs like the vapor trail weigh half as much, but there are hardly any or no pockets to organize gear. Further more, I am a young stallion, whats an extra 2 pounds anyway:p .

[Seeker]

I know the pack is on the heavy side, but its built tough because i would like the pack to outlast the AT and then some, It also comes with poles and its in my price range. I know packs like the vapor trail weigh half as much, but there are hardly any or no pockets to organize gear. Further more, I am a young stallion, whats an extra 2 pounds anyway:p .

so are you saying you think lighter gear is less durable? not always true. its useful life all depends on its initial quality and how badly one abuses it. as far as pockets go, how many things does one need to organize when camping? (hmm... maybe i should go count my stuff... :-?). the Gust i use (and other lightweight packs) have been described elsewhere as bags with straps. ok, so they're simple. (in fairness, mine came with one pocket on the outside, but i added 2 water holders.) but every piece of gear has it's place, either in the main compartment, a stuff sack within, or in the outer pocket. i don't need more compartments. i got rid of a 5+lb pack that had 8 different compartments for that reason. if you want to carry more, go ahead. and i promise i won't try to yogi anything from you.:D

[jrwiesz]

I know the pack is on the heavy side, but its built tough because i would like the pack to outlast the AT and then some, It also comes with poles and its in my price range. I know packs like the vapor trail weigh half as much, but there are hardly any or no pockets to organize gear. Further more, I am a young stallion, whats an extra 2 pounds anyway:p .

The pack description doesn't mention a waist strap.:-?

[aaroniguana]

You're 18. You can handle the weight. I'm not and I can't. Nice tent and bag though. Durable is the word I'd use to describe that pack. I agree with Amigo. You can get a Campmor down bag for a few $$ more unless you're allergic to down. If you have to have synthetic, go with a zero bag just to be safe.

[Rockjay420]

I thought the whole problem with down is that, if it gets wet, its useless. Aren't there a lot of wet parts to the trail with rain storms?

[Rockjay420]

Do you guys sleep naked in your sleeping bag? Do I really need a zero bag with socks and a knit cap, inside my tent?

[superman]

I thought the whole problem with down is that, if it gets wet, its useless. Aren't there a lot of wet parts to the trail with rain storms?

I always use down and I've camped in the rain many many times with out any problem with it getting wet. I keep it in a garbage bag. Garbage bags make me a happy camper. the hard part is not keeping your down sleeping bag dry, the problem is putting your cold wet clothes back on in the morning. I used a 20 degree down bag on the AT. It was too warm in the summer heat. I sent it home and used a fleece blanket. In the beginning of my hike I remember one night that was 15 degrees with high winds. The only thing I had to do different was wear a knit hat and my fleece jacket.

Just don't fall in love with any specific piece of gear. You must have the gear that deals with the situation you have "now." Be prepared to make changes as your situation changes. You're only selecting a starting point with the gear you begin your hike with.