Praha4
01-18-2014, 11:27
There are a zillion articles, book and WB posts on hiking gear. I have a relative who wants to start section hiking the AT this year. He lives near Charlotte, NC. He is starting from scratch, had nothing, and asking me for suggestions. Thought I would pose the question here. We've all been there, starting from scratch. Our gear selections evolve over time with more experience. I have a gear room almost full of 2, 3, or 4 of almost everything.... backpacks, tents, tarps, bags, water filters, sleeping pads, etc. (not to mention hiking clothes, socks and shoes) And what works for you or me, might not work for Joe Sixpack or my relative, or that guy across the street. I want to avoid advising him to go out and buy the most expensive sleeping bag, backpack, or tent, because I have no idea if this is an activity he will stick with. So I wonder if anyone here can suggest a "beginners - Economy" hiking gear list, that might be out there somewhere. (something besides driving to Walmart and buying the Ozark Trails or whatever Walmart brand stuff is on the shelf). My first advice to him was drive over to the closest REI store or some other outfitter and browse the different brands and styles they have in stock before shelling out money. I was thinking more in the line of a Eureka Spitfire Tent, maybe an REI Flash backpack, and some kind of "economy" 30 degree sleeping bag (if there is such a thing). Aqua mira for water treatment, a cheapie canister stove, and go from there..... any suggestions welcome.