feels like the first time

[wolfgang]

Hello,

This is going to be my first big backpacking trip. I am planning on hiking from the nj-ny border up to the mass-vt. border. Can anyone tell me a good town to resupply? I am thinking either Kent or Falls Village, CT. I would also like to know about trail conditions for late april early may. I imagine it will be muddy and cold at night. Will there still be snow? Do I need gaiters?

Here is my gear list, let me know what you think.

gregory shasta md. pack/rain cover

timberline eagle filter
nalgene/wrapped with duct tape
camel bak bladder

pack towel
msr whisperlite/repair kit
titan mini pot
11oz. fuel canister/pump
camp suds
lighter

med kit
whistle/compass
hand sanitizer
toothbrush/paste
small swiss army knife
sunblock
water proof matches
emer. iodine

marmot precip waterproofs
two synthetic shirts
silkweight bottoms
lightweight trousers
3 pair socks/one liner
fleece
wool flannel

wm versalite bag/silk liner
insul mat air pad
big agnes sl2 -tarp and footprint setup, minimal stakes

appropriate sheets from companion and data book.

bear line
trekking poles

food. lots of food.

The whole rig will weigh around 35 lbs. with water, and food for a week. That is a bit more than I was hoping for but it doesn't seem absurd.

I've dehydrated a mountain of food. I really hope it is worth the effort.

breakfast/snacks

beef jerky
fruit leather
bagel chips
parmesan cheese crackers
some dip for the two chips and crackers
amazing gorp, this gorp is the cadillac of the gorp world
some enery milkshake stuff
oatmeal with a variety of stuff in it
fuel fudge

dinners

corn chowder
lasagne
shrimp jambalaya
pesto pasta
black bean stroganoff

As far as gear goes I think I may have too much in my med kit/bathroom kit.
And for clothing I could probably ditch a pair of socks, but I don't want to.

Let me know if you see any glaringly obvious ways to shed ounces that I either can't see, or don't want to see.

Looking at my list I am starting to think maybe I should just go with the flow a little more rather than spend every minute thinking about how many calories my fuel fudge has per ounce. I'm turning into a real nerd....send help.

Thanks for any advice.
gang out

[Kerosene]

You shouldn't run into any significant snow at that time.

As a frequent section hiker, I'll bet that you bring too much food starting out. Even when I was your age, I found that my appetite declined for the first week of my hike and didn't really go into high gear until about Day 15 or so.

Take a look at your guidebook, but you should be able to re-supply at Ft. Montgomery (north in US-9W west of the Bear Mountain Bridge); Kent (just east of the NY/CT border); Great Barrington, and Pittsfield, MA.

I haven't spent a lot of time on your packing list, but I would consider swapping out a pair of heavy socks for 3 pairs of liners (they dry faster and let your feet think they're walking in dry socks, which never dry out anyway). I'd also swap out your water filter for Aqua Mira (http://www.backcountrygear.com/catalog/accessdetail.cfm?PRODUCTS__ProductID=MCN1001) chemical treatment.

[Jaybird]

WOLFGANG:


Good luck with yer hike!

an experience of a lifetime! :D

[Tin Man]

I live near the trail in CT and I can tell you the snow is already long gone. It has been in the 50's and 60's lately and may hit 70 on Sunday. Yes, this is potentially mud season, but the rain has held off this week. Kent is a good supply town and even have an decent outfitter if you need gear or whatever. Enjoy your trip.