2009 Gear List (First Thru Hike) Suggestions PLEASE!

[ryanwheeler007]

(2) Long Sleeve Underarmor Tops
(1) Underarmor Bottom
(3) Hiking Socks / Liners
(1) Camp Socks (Really wanna keep the sleeping bag clean)
(1) Super-thin Jogging Shorts
(1) Hiking Pants
(1) Convertable Hiking Pants
(1) Cotton Tee
(1) Crocs Camp shoes
(1) Salamon Trail Running Shoes
(1) Knit Hat
(1) Fleece Gloves
(1) Outer Shell from my snowboard jacket, light and 100 % percent waterproof

Toilet Paper
Wet Ones
Chapstick
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Deodorant (I know, I know, I know...)

Tent - Seedhouse 2 (w/ footprint)
Nagelene Bottle
3L Camelpack Bladder
Headlamp
Jet Boil (w/ 1 cup, pan)
Squishy Jelly Bowl
SPORK!!! (I just like sporks, sorry)
Lighter / Waterproof matches
Homemade First Aid Kit

AT Companion
Biodegradable Soap
Stuff sacks ( Color-coded to use)
Repair kits (Tent / Sleeping Bag)
Pocket Knife
Ziplock
Camera (S700 soo sick)
Pen & Paper
Ipod
Cell Phone
Battery Charger
Bandana
Scouring Sponge

OK so noticeable missing;

-Pack (Osprey Atmos 65) I haven't made my purchase yet... I'm getting differing opinions, most of the negative relates to the relatively thin shoulder straps

-Sleeping Pad - Am I going to be cold w/ a 3/4 pad?

-Water Filter - All I've ever used is the old style pur filters

-Sleeping Bag - Marmont Pounder plus Fleece liner, Pounder is rated to 40* and the fleece liner at just under a pound says it will increase that rating by 12*

-SPOT Locater - My mom is insisting on this as I'm going solo, not sure about this one...

I'll be leaving March 1st depending on hiker hostels availability to pick me up

Ok just like everyone else I'm broke!!! I have enough to make the nec purchases and finish the trip but try to be cost effective with your suggestions... Also anyone looking to sell some items to a good home let me know... I'm thinking about adding a windshirt, saw one for sale on this forum, gonna look into it...

Thanks for reading my thread!

[hopefulhiker]

Weigh or get the weights for everything and add them up..

[Mercy]

When are you starting?

[Deadeye]

Ditch the hiking pants (you already have shorts and convertibles)
Replace Cotton Tee with synthetic
ditch Crocs Camp shoes (trail runners are fine)

ADD: at least one insulating layer, like a fleece. My choice is a fleece pullover and a down vest.

Add some raingear: my choice is a light windshirt, plus a cape/ponco, and an umbrella - those three items can be used in a variety of combinations to suit conditions

You'll hear lots more! Weigh everything, and choose the lightest stuff that will do the job for you. For instance, I have three fleece tops, the wieght varies from 10 to 16 ounces. If you can make a bunch of choices like that, you can shave a few pounds without compromising.

[mountain squid]

Some observations:

polyester instead of cotton t-shirt
unless you will wear both long sleeve shirts at the same time, probably only need one
same for long pants
pan for Jetboil?
Aqua Mira instead of filter
hand sanitizer
sunscreen
ear plugs
duct tape
whistle
maps
use the Wet Ones instead of deoderant

See you on the trail,
mt squid

[karoberts]

Sounds heavy. Why a 2 person tent? Jetboil is very heavy. Fleece liners are heavy. It would make more sense to get a light 20 degree down bag. Nalgene bottles are heavy. It all adds up and will make your days less enjoyable.

[SGT Rock]

(2) Long Sleeve Underarmor Tops
(1) Underarmor Bottom
(3) Hiking Socks / Liners
(1) Camp Socks (Really wanna keep the sleeping bag clean)
(1) Super-thin Jogging Shorts
(1) Hiking Pants
(1) Convertable Hiking Pants
Drop both of these and get some light rain pants

(1) Cotton Tee
Drop that and get a synthetic T

(1) Crocs Camp shoes
(1) Salamon Trail Running Shoes
(1) Knit Hat
(1) Fleece Gloves
(1) Outer Shell from my snowboard jacket, light and 100 % percent waterproof
When are you starting, you may need some extra insulation


Toilet Paper
Wet Ones
Chapstick
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Deodorant (I know, I know, I know...)
Forget the wet ones and deoderant. Add a small pack towel


Tent - Seedhouse 2 (w/ footprint)
Nagelene Bottle
3L Camelpack Bladder
Headlamp
Jet Boil (w/ 1 cup, pan)
Just bring the cup

Squishy Jelly Bowl
SPORK!!! (I just like sporks, sorry)
Lighter / Waterproof matches
Homemade First Aid Kit

AT Companion
Biodegradable Soap
Stuff sacks ( Color-coded to use)
Repair kits (Tent / Sleeping Bag)
Pocket Knife
Ziplock
Camera (S700 soo sick)
Pen & Paper
Ipod
Cell Phone
Battery Charger
Bandana
Scouring Sponge

OK so noticeable missing;

-Pack (Osprey Atmos 65) I haven't made my purchase yet... I'm getting differing opinions, most of the negative relates to the relatively thin shoulder straps

-Sleeping Pad - Am I going to be cold w/ a 3/4 pad?I don't know how warm or cold you are. Bring a full length and cut 1/4 of it off later if it works for you. or bring the 2/4 and be prepared that you might have to make an adjustment later. In any case, it is small stuff you will figure out.


-Water Filter - All I've ever used is the old style pur filters
Whatever works for you. I like iodine


-Sleeping Bag - Marmont Pounder plus Fleece liner, Pounder is rated to 40* and the fleece liner at just under a pound says it will increase that rating by 12*
My experience with fleece liners isn't good. I don't know the bag, but I cringe at reading this.


-SPOT Locater - My mom is insisting on this as I'm going solo, not sure about this one...Oops, lost it at Neels Gap.


I'll be leaving March 1st depending on hiker hostels availability to pick me up

Ok just like everyone else I'm broke!!! I have enough to make the nec purchases and finish the trip but try to be cost effective with your suggestions... Also anyone looking to sell some items to a good home let me know... I'm thinking about adding a windshirt, saw one for sale on this forum, gonna look into it...

Thanks for reading my thread!
Don't sweat price on stuff. The used cheap stuff is just as good as the $300 north face stuff.

[randyg45]

Since you're starting before the trees are leafed out I would definately bring a wide-brimmed hat of some sort to keep my ears and the back of my neck from getting too much sun. They're pretty much automatic for me above treeline, and can be useful used with some ponchos, can help to keep you warm, etc.
Course, i just like cowboy hats, too.

[gollwoods]

found quite a few windshirts at goodwill. even really nice ones with zip off arms found a pair of goretex pants once for $4

[Rusty_S]

A good replacement for deodorant is hand sanitizer or alcohol fuel. it will kill off the bugs that cause the underarm stink and you can wash your hands with it as well. the deodorant leaves a little coating that will build up over time without showers and the sanitizer will not.

[YoungMoose]

for your repair kits. i would bring a backpack repair kit.

[Blissful]

for your repair kits. i would bring a backpack repair kit.


Don't need it. :)

Duct tape and dental floss with a needle will do until you get to an outfitter which are fairly plentiful.

[Blissful]

You CANNOT take that sleeping bag if you're starting in March. it can get down to single digtis! You'll regret it and be buying a bag at Neel Gap. Great bag though for summer and maybe fall. You need a 20 degree bag to start. And take a silk liner, not a fleece liner. Much lighterweight.

Don't need two hiking pants or shorts. One pair of convertibles take care of both. NO COTTON! Need some kind of other jacket or fleece besides rain jacket. Not enough layers.

And someone said lose the crocs. I totally disagree. Need your feet in something else so your insoles and wet shoes (and they will get wet) can dry out. Keep them.

[Lilred]

Get yourself a warmer bag and ditch that fleece liner. I'm hurting just thinking about carrying that.
The deoderant will get ditched by Neel Gap. Nothing is gonna stop the stink. Hand sanitizer is a must for hygiene. Keep them hands clean and avoid getting the 'crud'. I like baby wipes for cleaning other regions, and can be reused for t.p. in a pinch. Convertable pants are plenty enough. I'd keep the crocs. It's a comfy comfy alternative to boots and you can hike in them if blisters become a real problem.

Good luck and have a great time,
happy hiking

[garlic08]

Ditto on the bag. Starting on March 1 you should have a 20 degree bag if you plan on sleeping.

[ryanwheeler007]

Just wanted to thank everyone for their input!!! I've got some serious work to do... Everyone seemed pretty unanimous on the poor choice of sleeping bag so that's def out, thanks for the hand sanitizer "shower" idea if you will... "Nothing is gonna stop the stink" I actually laughed, if you don't mind I'm stealing it for my tag line... Thanks again...

[Lilred]

I don't mind at all.

Maybe I'll see ya out there, look for LiLRed in the registers starting around mid-VA.

[drastic_quench]

I've got an Atmos 65, and yes the straps are thin - but you won't notice if you keep your weight down. It also takes some practice to pack because of the curved panel in it.

I too carry a Nalgene and a 3L camelbak, but I never carry both of them full. I think the Nalgenes are well worth the few ounces, especially if you use them as a hot water bottle foot warmer.

[kytrailman]

It looks llike everyone covered just about all of it for you. The straps on the pack are fine- I carried one for years- but there are much lighter options out there. I would keep an open mind when it comes to a pack, and wait until your gear is finalized. After going over all of my gear and lightening the load significantly- I moved form an Osprey pack to an SMD essence( 17 oz.) What a difference. I would also definitely think twice about that bag. Good luck.

[boarstone]

Flashlight or headlamp of some sort might come in handy...in the small size.