Gear List Review Request

[catfishrivers]

I'm nearly out the door for my hike (start the approach trail on 4/19) and have (most) everything assembled...I think...can you all please give me your thoughts on my list? Much appreciated!

ULA Catalyst (large)
therm-a-rest prolite 4 (will eventually switch out for something that works with the BA bag but I already own the therm-a-rest)
Big Agnes Mystic SL Sleeping Bag: 15 Degree Down
steripen adventurer without the charging case. (uses cr123 batteries)
featherfire stove

1 set Polypropylene Thermal Underwear (top and bottom)
2 pair ex-officio boxer briefs
1 pair polysester/elastine shorts
1 pair convertable nylon pants
3 pair smartwool socks
1 lightweight fleece top
1 midweight fleece top
2 polyester wicking t-shirts
1 pair crocs
1 pair lightweight wool gloves
1 set dri-ducks (top and bottom)
1 fishing cap
2 bandannas
1 shamwow + 1 headband sized strip of additional shamwow material to use inside of bandanna for super absorbent headband--trust me I need it)
high tec altitude iv hiking boots



Black Diamond Trail Shock Trekking Poles (with rubber tip protectors)
steripen prefilter
2.0L HOSER PLATYPUS
1 qt nalgene bottle
Brunton My-TI Flatware (knife, fork, spoon)
Snowpeak Trek 900 titanium cookset
Snow Peak CS-111 Titanium French Coffee Press
1 swiss army knife
50 ' nylon cord
1 outdoor research 15L stuff sack to use as food bag
1 carabiner
Therm-a-Rest Stuff Sack Pillow - Large (just to stuff and use as pillow, will hold randsom items in the pack)
2 Outdoor Research 15L Air Purge Dry Compression Sacks (1 for clothes, 1 for sleeping bag b/c I can't seem to fit it all into the pack otherwise)
1 whistle/compass/thermometer/signal multi thingy
1 hiker wallet
first aid kit
maps + guide book

1 lighter
1 set of waterproof matches
1 journal
1 pen
1 deck of cards


iPhone
mintyboost recharge unit for iPhone (aa batts)
Eton M300PE AM/FM Shortwave Radio (aa batts)
princeton tec headlamp (uses aaa batts)
Tech4O Tech4O TraiLeader 2 Watch
Canon PowerShot A1000 IS and 2 4GB sd cards (aa batts)


Please share whatever thoughts/advice/criticism you have. THANKS!

[catfishrivers]

OH...and forgot to add small alcohol hand sanitizer bottle, wet wipes (in lieu of tp), sunscreen and bug spray.

[catfishrivers]

one more thing...and aquamira for backup if steripen fails.

[catfishrivers]

jeez, somehow I backspaced and erased the entry for my Tarptent Rainbow + tyvek groundcloth! I'm not gonna be the guy who shows up at the full shelter in the rain :)

[catfishrivers]

HERE's the list again with everything in it (sorry for not getting it right the first time)

ULA Catalyst (large)
Tarptent Rainbow + tyvek ground sheet
therm-a-rest prolite 4 (will eventually switch out for something that works with the BA bag but I already own the therm-a-rest)
Big Agnes Mystic SL Sleeping Bag: 15 Degree Down
steripen adventurer without the charging case. (uses cr123 batteries)
featherfire stove


1 set Polypropylene Thermal Underwear (top and bottom)
2 pair ex-officio boxer briefs
1 pair polysester/elastine shorts
1 pair convertable nylon pants
3 pair smartwool socks
1 lightweight fleece top
1 midweight fleece top
2 polyester wicking t-shirts
1 pair crocs
1 pair lightweight wool gloves
1 set dri-ducks (top and bottom)
1 fishing cap
2 bandanas
1 shamwow
high tec altitude iv hiking boots

Black Diamond Trail Shock Trekking Poles (with rubber tip protectors)
steripen prefilter
2.0L HOSER PLATYPUS
1 qt nalgene bottle
Brunton My-TI Flatware (knife, fork, spoon)
Snowpeak Trek 900 titanium cookset
Snow Peak CS-111 Titanium French Coffee Press
1 swiss army knife
50 ' nylon cord
1 outdoor research 15L stuff sack to use as food bag
1 carabiner
Therm-a-Rest Stuff Sack Pillow - Large (just to stuff and use as pillow, will hold randsom items in the pack)
2 Outdoor Research 15L Air Purge Dry Compression Sacks (1 for clothes, 1 for sleeping bag)
1 whistle/compass/thermometer/signal multi thingy
1 hiker wallet
first aid kit
maps + guide book
aquamira
hand sanitizer
wet wipes (in lieu of tp)
sunscreen
bug spray


iPhone
mintyboost recharge unit for iPhone (aa)
Eton M300PE AM/FM Shortwave Radio (aa)
princeton tec headlamp (uses aaa)
Tech4O Tech4O TraiLeader 2 Watch
Canon PowerShot A1000 IS and 2 4GB sd cards

[Engine]

HERE's the list again with everything in it (sorry for not getting it right the first time)

ULA Catalyst (large)
Tarptent Rainbow + tyvek ground sheet
therm-a-rest prolite 4 (will eventually switch out for something that works with the BA bag but I already own the therm-a-rest)
Big Agnes Mystic SL Sleeping Bag: 15 Degree Down
steripen adventurer without the charging case. (uses cr123 batteries)
featherfire stove (I'm not familiar with this stove, what fuel does it use cause it's not on the list that I can see)


1 set Polypropylene Thermal Underwear (top and bottom)
2 pair ex-officio boxer briefs (1 pair for in town maybe, and just hike in running shorts with a liner sewn in)
1 pair polysester/elastine shorts
1 pair convertable nylon pants
3 pair smartwool socks
1 lightweight fleece top (I would choose just 1 fleece top, are you easily chilled? If not go with the light fleece top, if so go midweight)
1 midweight fleece top
2 polyester wicking t-shirts
1 pair crocs
1 pair lightweight wool gloves
1 set dri-ducks (top and bottom)
1 fishing cap
2 bandanas
1 shamwow
high tec altitude iv hiking boots

Black Diamond Trail Shock Trekking Poles (with rubber tip protectors)
steripen prefilter
2.0L HOSER PLATYPUS
1 qt nalgene bottle
Brunton My-TI Flatware (knife, fork, spoon)(ditch the knife and fork)
Snowpeak Trek 900 titanium cookset
Snow Peak CS-111 Titanium French Coffee Press (There are lighter alternatives to making coffee)
1 swiss army knife (Keep it small)
50 ' nylon cord
1 outdoor research 15L stuff sack to use as food bag
1 carabiner (Again, keep it small)
Therm-a-Rest Stuff Sack Pillow - Large (just to stuff and use as pillow, will hold randsom items in the pack)(Just use you clothing stuff sack)
2 Outdoor Research 15L Air Purge Dry Compression Sacks (1 for clothes, 1 for sleeping bag)
1 whistle/compass/thermometer/signal multi thingy
1 hiker wallet
first aid kit (this can get out of hand for some people, make sure you don't have too much in it)
maps + guide book
aquamira
hand sanitizer
wet wipes (in lieu of tp)(might want to be certain your tender regions tolerate these before leaving)
sunscreen (Most of the time, for the next 6 weeks anyway, you won't use this, but chapstick or carmex might come in handy)
bug spray(skip the bug spray until Virginia or so...)


iPhone (Bring a phone card and call when you can, this won't get a signal 2/3 of the time anyway)
mintyboost recharge unit for iPhone (aa)(See above)
Eton M300PE AM/FM Shortwave Radio (aa)(Why in the world?)
princeton tec headlamp (uses aaa)
Tech4O Tech4O TraiLeader 2 Watch
Canon PowerShot A1000 IS and 2 4GB sd cards

Hopefully the added suggestions above are helpful, but HYOH. :)

[Slo-go'en]

I disagree with Engine, you need the sun screen - a small tube of roll on will do. With no leaves on the trees until well into May, one sunny day and your arms and face can get burnt. Once the trees leaf out and/or you get your hiker tan, you can ditch the sun screen.

Wet wipes instead of TP? Be advised you should pack out wet wipes. They do not decompose well or fast. Wet wipes are good to have, but just for occasional use.

You probably have too much clothing, but that you can adjust along the way, once you find out what you really need.

Make sure your bug spray is also good for repelling ticks.

Nalgene bottle can be replaced by plastic soda or gateraid bottle and saves a lot of weight.

[JaxHiker]

Personally I'd replace the Steripen with a conventional filter like the Hiker Pro but ymmv. As much as I like coffee I'd also dump the SP set. I find that for trail coffee a snack-sized Ziploc with Folger's instant works well, weighs little, and packs small. I don't think you'll need 50' of rope either. I carry two 10' lengths of 550. If I need it longer I can tie them together. I've managed ok.

[Engine]

I disagree with Engine, you need the sun screen - a small tube of roll on will do. With no leaves on the trees until well into May, one sunny day and your arms and face can get burnt. Once the trees leaf out and/or you get your hiker tan, you can ditch the sun screen.


I didn't think about that, as I've only hiked the southern sections during periods after the foliage was present. Good thought.

[SGT Rock]

HERE's the list again with everything in it (sorry for not getting it right the first time)

ULA Catalyst (large)
Tarptent Rainbow + tyvek ground sheet
therm-a-rest prolite 4 (will eventually switch out for something that works with the BA bag but I already own the therm-a-rest)
Big Agnes Mystic SL Sleeping Bag: 15 Degree Down
steripen adventurer without the charging case. (uses cr123 batteries)
featherfire stove
Pack cover?


1 set Polypropylene Thermal Underwear (top and bottom)
2 pair ex-officio boxer briefs
1 pair polysester/elastine shorts
1 pair convertable nylon pants
3 pair smartwool socks
1 lightweight fleece top
1 midweight fleece top
2 polyester wicking t-shirts
1 pair crocs
1 pair lightweight wool gloves
1 set dri-ducks (top and bottom)
1 fishing cap
2 bandanas
1 shamwow
high tec altitude iv hiking boots
That is a lot of clothing. I'd trim it down to:

1 set Polypropylene Thermal Underwear (top and bottom)
2 pair ex-officio boxer briefs
1 pair polysester/elastine shorts
3 pair smartwool socks
1 midweight fleece top
1 polyester wicking t-shirt
1 pair crocs (I don't do camp shoes but assume you do since you list them)
1 pair lightweight wool gloves
1 set dri-ducks (top and bottom)
1 fishing cap
1 bandanas
1 knit hat
1/2 shamwow.



Black Diamond Trail Shock Trekking Poles (with rubber tip protectors)
steripen prefilter
2.0L HOSER PLATYPUS
1 qt nalgene bottle
Brunton My-TI Flatware (knife, fork, spoon)
Snowpeak Trek 900 titanium cookset
Snow Peak CS-111 Titanium French Coffee Press
I would only bring the spoon and leave the fork and knife at home - you don't need them. I love good coffee, but I wouldn't mess with the press.


1 swiss army knife
50 ' nylon cord
1 outdoor research 15L stuff sack to use as food bag
1 carabiner
Therm-a-Rest Stuff Sack Pillow - Large (just to stuff and use as pillow, will hold randsom items in the pack)
2 Outdoor Research 15L Air Purge Dry Compression Sacks (1 for clothes, 1 for sleeping bag)
1 whistle/compass/thermometer/signal multi thingy
1 hiker wallet
first aid kit
maps + guide book
aquamira
hand sanitizer
wet wipes (in lieu of tp)
sunscreen
bug spray
Never got the wet wipes to replace TP. I like the dry feeling left when finishing with paper - that wet feeling after a wet wipe seems like an invitation for trouble while walking lots. Sunscreen - I found it wasn't needed with all the cover. Don't start with bug spray, get it when the bugs come out later.


iPhone
mintyboost recharge unit for iPhone (aa)
Eton M300PE AM/FM Shortwave Radio (aa)
princeton tec headlamp (uses aaa)
Tech4O Tech4O TraiLeader 2 Watch
Canon PowerShot A1000 IS and 2 4GB sd cards
Lighter?
Duct tape?
Fuel bottle?
Toothbrush/paste?
Pencil and paper?
Book?

[summitnh]

Steripen or aqua mira pick one

Drop the pillow. Just stuff your sleeping bag stuff sack with extra clothes

[hopefulhiker]

You might be carrying too much stuff.. I would go with Aqua Mira.. Also you dont need that many clothes. You won't need bug spray until later.. Don't forget earplugs. I used a tarptent and seldom used a groundsheet.. The floor is strong enough wilthout it and usually you can find a good campsite..

[catfishrivers]

Thanks so far everyone!

Engine: the Eton M300PE AM/FM Shortwave Radio is a 4.5 oz pocket radio :) I just thought I might want to hear the radio at night. It sounds bigger and heavier than it really is!

My sunscreen is only a bit larger than a lip balm tube. It's pretty small. I burn quick, so I am probably gonna hang on to it. Duly noted on picking up the bug spray when needed tho.

I've removed the french press for now. I can definitely get by with instant coffee. Especially after wearing my pack around for the past couple of days! 25 lbs (before adding food weight, but with 2L water) really surprised me at how heavy it actually feels.

SGT Rock: I thought to bring wet wipes in lieu of tp because I thought it would be cleaner overall, and because I recently have experienced my very first bout with hemorrhoids. (eep tmi!) But I was not aware that they did not biodegrade. I will have to read up and see what if green wet wipes exist. (and I don't mean to use leaves covered with morning dew either!)

I'm definitely bringing the steripen but will leave the AquaMira and see how I do. I've had no problems using it so far. It's quick, easy, and light for my purposes. Floaties are filtered with the prefilter doodad, but I might try the panty hose method of filtering for them and see how that goes instead.

I forgot to add that the featherfire will be fueld withg HEET (yellow bottle). I am storing it in a soda bottle with a special re-sucker-upper top provided with the stove to gather up any unused fuel after cooking.

I did forget all about a toothbrush, duct tape, and soap. Thanks for reminding me about that too!

The clothes I will probably experiment with as I go as Slo-go'en suggested.



Thanks so far everyone. At least there were no glaring holes in my list so far. Appreciate the help!

[Engine]

I hope you have a GREAT trip. Must say I'm jealous, but duty calls at work and retirement is still 6 years off, so the Thru Hike will have to wait till then. Class of 2016 I guess.;)

[BitBucket]

Food?

[catfishrivers]

Food?

I'm a practicing Breatharian. :P No need for food!

I am definitely bringing food! I haven't packed it yet tho. But thanks for making sure :)

[SGT Rock]

My sunscreen is only a bit larger than a lip balm tube. It's pretty small. I burn quick, so I am probably gonna hang on to it. Duly noted on picking up the bug spray when needed tho.I carried a small thing of it because I started in winter. I did net a little a couple of times - so sounds like you have a sound plan. I alos don't burn easy, someone with lighter skin may need it. I think you are on the right track


I've removed the french press for now. I can definitely get by with instant coffee. Especially after wearing my pack around for the past couple of days! 25 lbs (before adding food weight, but with 2L water) really surprised me at how heavy it actually feels.
FWIW I do not do instant. I cannot stand the flavor. What I do use is these Senso pods or Coffee Pods where I can find them. If not, then the tea bag style coffee at about 150% strength. I always use my spoon to mash the last of the good stuff out of the bags after making the coffee - dirtbag coffee press.



SGT Rock: I thought to bring wet wipes in lieu of tp because I thought it would be cleaner overall, and because I recently have experienced my very first bout with hemorrhoids. (eep tmi!) But I was not aware that they did not biodegrade. I will have to read up and see what if green wet wipes exist. (and I don't mean to use leaves covered with morning dew either!)
Maybe carry some wet wipes and mostly TP. Do the clean up with TP as normal. Then use a wet wipe for decon at the end to make sure nothing is left. When I was in the desert I would do something similar, but would also do the very last wipe with TP to get rid of the wet feeling.


I did forget all about a toothbrush, duct tape, and soap. Thanks for reminding me about that too!

The clothes I will probably experiment with as I go as Slo-go'en suggested.



Thanks so far everyone. At least there were no glaring holes in my list so far. Appreciate the help!
Have fun.

[DAJA]

FWIW I do not do instant. I cannot stand the flavor. What I do use is these Senso pods or Coffee Pods where I can find them. If not, then the tea bag style coffee at about 150% strength. I always use my spoon to mash the last of the good stuff out of the bags after making the coffee - dirtbag coffee press.

Maybe carry some wet wipes and mostly TP. Do the clean up with TP as normal. Then use a wet wipe for decon at the end to make sure nothing is left. When I was in the desert I would do something similar, but would also do the very last wipe with TP to get rid of the wet feeling.

Have fun.

Agreed... I also use the the tea bag style coffee... Squeeze the hell out of it and it will make a decent cup of coffee.. Keep a zip lock bag in your garbage bag to store them until you can dump your trash.

I use TP to do the bulk of the clean up, then do final clean with one wet wipe, then a pat dry with TP. You can get bio wipes at most outdoor stores, and I've even seen small packages of them in the camping section at Walmart.

Have a great trip!

[Jake.ta.sasquatch]

you dont need sunscreen until like penn. or virginia.