AT Thru-hike Gear List 2018

[kcholder]

Hello all,

I am new to this forum so forgive me for any mistakes in posting this. I am currently planning my NOBO thru-hike for 2018 and would love to have some opinions on my gear list. I'd love to know which items may not be necessary and which items I may have left out.
This will be my first LDH, but I have worked in the outdoor industry for about 3 years so I feel fairly confident in my list, but am open to any criticisms. Thanks in advance for any advice!
37963

[kcholder]

Also, I am aware that some of the weights are not exactly correct, as I just used the info I could find on the internet.

[QiWiz]

Your list looks pretty good and well thought out to me. Some hikers like to carry a digging implement (trowel, snow stake, etc) and some don't, though those that don't often have trouble digging an effective LNT cathole. Disclaimer: I am pro-trowel. :)

[rhjanes]

You have two pairs of sleeping socks. I would bring 2 pairs to hike in, one has been washed and safety pinned to your pack and is drying. Alternate socks. Sock liners? Some like them, some don't.
Lighter needed.

[Ender]

Looks really pretty good. I'd say some of the "worn" layers will most likely not always be worn. Also, add in another pair of socks or two. Happy feet make happy hiking.

[swisscross]

No criticisms from me as I am just a section hiker.

2 pairs of leggings? Don't think you will need to hike in them if wearing long pants. Camp only or if super cold a few days on the trail.
Compression sack? If for your sleeping bag it is not needed, as your WM Ultalite compresses small by itself.
Nano Air is sort of heavy and might be too warm to hike in.
Beta LT is super nice....lighter offering that are also much, much cheaper.
Crocs...unless you already own them.

Love my Cerium LT. I never understood why it does not get more love on WB. Sure there are some lighter options but it is such a solid, warm jacket and only a few ounces over others.

MoleSkin- get some Lukatape. Works much better.

QiWiz makes and sells the best trowels on the market. Love mine.
Sporks don't make good spoons or forks.

I am not a bladder person but many are.

If the items in your list have already been purchased then keep what you have.
Really is a solid list.

[kcholder]

My socks are listed in camping clothes but I will only be sleeping in the Mountaineering socks. The other pair of Darn Tough socks are my other pair for hiking. Forgot about the lighter. Thanks for the input!

[kcholder]

Swisscross,

Good advice on the leggings, I may just take one pair and save the weight since I will be wearing pants. I am using the compression sack to put both my sleeping bag and camp clothes in instead of having two different compression sacks. I fortunately already own the Beta LT so I won't be shelling out any money for it and I already own the crocs. Thanks for the tip on the Lukatape and all the advice!

[kevperro]

Looks good... I'm not a camp shoe carrying person but that is a personal choice.

[2EZ]

If you haven't already bought the tent, I would absolutely consider a light 2-person tent.
The hikers that had 1-man tents were consistently jealous of the extra space and ability to store Bag inside the tent.
I have the Fly Creek UL2, and like it, but there are great choices that are at least as light as your 1-man.

[2EZ]

I would also reconsider a Goal Zero charger if it requires sunlight.
A decent battery pack would be my choice.

[kcholder]

2EZ,

Yea I have considered a two person and am fortunate to work at an outdoor store where I can test them out on a daily basis, just haven't decided 100% yet. I still may swap the Hubba NX for possibly the Hubba Hubba. Thanks!

[kcholder]

I would also reconsider a Goal Zero charger if it requires sunlight.
A decent battery pack would be my choice.

I've got the Goal Zero Flip 10 so no worries about charging it via sunlight.

[rhjanes]

Oh, the bladder. Yes, personal choice. Have you done much hiking with one? I did for a while, and now have switched to two smaller Smart Water bottles, hung off the front of my pack straps using AquaClips and some DIY shock cord on the bottom. Here were my issues with a bladder. When inside the pack, I can't tell what is left in it. I got the Sawyer things that let me filter right back into the bladder when it is still in the pack. But still, I found I was carrying too much water all the time, and it is on my back. With the smart bottles, it shifts the weight to my front and I can see what I have left and decide when I need to filter.
I see you list both a Smart water bottle and a bladder, so not sure your plan there.

[kcholder]

I typically use my camelbak on shorter day hikes but I am beginning to think I'd do better with two SmartWater bottles instead. Didn't think about not being able to see how much water I would have left and I definitely don't want to carry any unnecessary water weight. I was going to run my sawyer mini inline but now I think it would just be easier to use it with the water bottles.

[rhjanes]

I found I have to almost unpack the pack, to be able to put a full bladder back into the sleeve in my pack. Some do just run the filter inline. On one hike I was on, one person did that. But what they did was just strap the bladder under the "lid" of their pack. That way, they just uncliped the top of the pack to fill it, and just suck thru the tube, dirty water in the bladder. Only issue I would think about that, was that it puts that water weight up on the top of your pack. But it was working for them! And when they stopped, it was a ready made to refill or set up for gravity filter!

And I use a bladder on my weekly 8 mile hike and also at Orienteering events. But I'm not refilling or attempting to put a bladder into a pack at either of those.

Just some stuff to think about , try out and such.

[rhjanes]

another quick thought, there is a handy web site called Gear Grams. I put all my gear into that. Weigh them, links to where I purchased and such. Then, from the gear list, you can drag and drop to a hike. So I have all my gear in the main section. Then I have different hikes and I drag and drop the gear, into the hike. Makes a nice "what I'm thinking to take" and you can print it off even to use as a packing list. Is fun to mess with and you can build alternative list. "At2018 Winter". "At2018 Summer" At2018 Summer list 2" (maybe thinking different gear so set up two and see how the wight and such looks)

[AfterParty]

Lighterpack is another easy to use site. I just stuff my bladder and tarp in my front pocket on my pack

[CarlZ993]

A few preference items will come up on gear lists. I prefer to use lightweight bottles instead of Camelbak hydration systems. Fewer moving parts to explode in your back & they weigh less. I'd prefer the Sawyer Squeeze over the Mini (faster flow but 1 oz more in weighty). I'd opt for a lighter headlamp (make up for the heavier filter). Moleskin, IMHO, is borderline worthless. There are other options mentioned in other posts. I'd opt to include a trash compactor bag lining my pack. I've never experienced that much rain in my life than I did on my AT hike. I was glad I had a bag liner.

That being said, the gear doesn't make the hike. The hiker makes the hike. The gear can make it a little easier or harder. You get to hump your gear. Anyway, good luck in planning your hike. I hope all goes well when you finally hit the trail.

[Dogwood]

Your call depending on how much you like to unpack and sprawl out but the Hubba NX has a large enough vestibule to store a pack with some stuff still in it and possibly cook under. Personally, if I have more than maybe one or two unworn apparel pieces or unused pieces that make for a large pack still I think I'm carrying too much once camp is set up.

How about a start date?

[Dogwood]

What Crocs do you have that weight 13 oz. Seems like a heavier pr?

Rocking the WM Ultralite 20* the whole thru will be overkill. Yeah you could sleep on top of it or drape it over you or leave it unzipped but that's extra warmth, hence extra wt, you could lose by going to something lighter for the warmer months.

[Dogwood]

Arc'teryx Beta LT will likely see little comfortable use for the AT during the warm humid months despite the Gore Tex Paclite. Might consider Gore Active tech if you're gung ho on Gore Tex tech. If you already have the Beta LT and don't desire to drop more rain jacket $ make it work. If still needing to buy a rain jacket you can do better than the Beta LT as far as durability, lower cost, lower wt, and greater breathability for a NOBO AT thru-hike. I'm a Arc'teryx apparel fan but for different apps than an AT thru the entire 2170. Jus my opinion as a thru-hiker. You'll get a zillion other differing opinions of what others advise.

[StubbleJumper]

What Crocs do you have that weight 13 oz. Seems like a heavier pr?

Rocking the WM Ultralite 20* the whole thru will be overkill. Yeah you could sleep on top of it or drape it over you or leave it unzipped but that's extra warmth, hence extra wt, you could lose by going to something lighter for the warmer months.


Real Crocs are heavy like that. I like fake Crocs better because they are probably 5 or 6 oz lighter....but certainly lower quality and less durable. But if I can find the imitation MiC Crocs for $5, that's what I like to buy.

[Dogwood]

13 oz for a pr of camp shoes is a high camp shoe wt. It exceeds the wt by double digit % of ONE of most of my low cut trail runners.

[ggreaves]

If you haven't purchased your gear yet (I see it's for 2018), might I suggest giving a hammock a try. I've attached a Big-3 comparison to your gear list for illustration purposes. Both setups can be made more or less bulky / pricey / heavy. This comparison is just to show you that it's easily doable from a weight / bulk / money point of view.

Advantages of a hammock setup over a tent setup...

- You sleep in the same position every night. No more sleeping on inclines because the shelter's full and there are no flat areas adjacent to the shelter.
- You sleep high and dry every night. You won't get wet in your hammock even if a torrent is rushing down the hill and pooling up under your friends' tents.
- In spite of what Franco thinks, condensation is almost never an issue in a hammock even on nights when all the tents around you are soaked inside. I've spent hundreds of nights in a hammock in all 4 seasons here in Canada in all sorts of weather (rain/sleet/snow/no hail yet) from -30C to 35C (-22F to 95F) and never had a problem.
- You can sleep as warm as ground dwellers when it's cold
- You can sleep much cooler on a hot night in a hammock than on the ground in a tent. Just leave the pad in your pack.
- Level ground is not required. Just a couple of trees. You'll find a few of those on the trail.
- Going to ground is always an option (above tree line) but many have hiked the entire AT never having to do that - other than staying in the odd shelter. Your hammock becomes a bug bivy in this scenario. Or just leave it in your pack and throw your pad on the ground under the tarp.
- Bigger coverage footprint than a comparable tent vestibule for lounging, cooking, hanging out out of the elements with multiple tarp setups to maximize space, block wind or provide a nice wide open view to the outside world.
- If you're comfortable, your sleep is restorative more consistently than when you sleep on the ground. This is important when trying to string together multiple big mile days.
- Easier to leave no trace when you're not even on the ground. The tree straps you use in a hammock protect the bark of the trees you're hanging from.
- Cottage vendor stuff has excellent resale value and you could most of your money back on the setup I quoted if it turns out not to be your thing.
- If you keep your tarp in an outside pocket ready to deploy, you can set up an instant shelter anyplace in < 1 minute and keep the rest of your stuff dry while you're setting up camp.
- Shelters or huts are still an option for you if you absolutely feel compelled to be with mice - you have an insulated pad and warm topquilt that will work fine in a shelter.
- No critters. Bugnet keeps the bugs out and I haven't seen any rodents compelled enough to walk down my ridgeline and run across my face. I've had the odd racoon sniff my arse as he walks under the tarp, but I think it's just as unpleasant for him as it is for the general public so they keep walking. Many a tent dweller has had their tent chewed on but stuff living near shelters looking for an easy meal.

Disadvantages ....

- There's a bit of a learning curve to getting the hang right, getting the lay right and getting the insulation right. This normally requires a few attempts in your backyard or someplace with a bailout option (car camping or with a tent setup adjacent to the hammock) to get through the night. It took me 2 nights and since the 3rd night I haven't looked back. There's also help in the form of hammockforums.net - an online community of people who have steeped the learning curve and are quite happy to help out. Besides, you've got a year to figure this stuff out. It only takes a couple nights.
- There can be more bulk or weight than a tent setup that is comparably priced. Careful equipment selection should minimize this. Even if there were a slight bulk / weight penalty the order of magnitude increase in comfort and sleep quality makes a hammock worth it i.m.h.o.
- Because you sleep so well, your friends in tents will be up and packed up before you roll out of bed in the morning. You may need more self discipline to be an early riser. This may seem funny but its definitely a thing.

Comments...

- Site selection is less important in a hammock than for a tent but it's still as important to keep clear of widow-makers and definitely don't hang from them.

[Venchka]

2EZ,

Yea I have considered a two person and am fortunate to work at an outdoor store where I can test them out on a daily basis, just haven't decided 100% yet. I still may swap the Hubba NX for possibly the Hubba Hubba. Thanks!

Last year I had the Hubba, Hubba Hubba, and both of the comparable Big Agnes tents lined up. Weighed them. Measured them. I bought the Hubba Hubba NX. I am glad that I did. Sure it's heavier, but it's way more comfortable. The doors on the Big Agnes turned me off. I'm really happy with the Hubba Hubba. Next would have been the Hubba. Oh, and the MSR tents allow use of the fly alone without needing the footprint.
Cut weight some other way.
Or man up. [emoji106][emoji41]
Wayne


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[ggreaves]

I've attached a Big-3 comparison to your gear list for illustration purposes

I have the price of the Arc Haul at 200 in the spreadsheet - it's actually 299.

[memphistiger02]

Good looking list, nice seeing a Memphis post on here.

[kcholder]

A few preference items will come up on gear lists. I prefer to use lightweight bottles instead of Camelbak hydration systems. Fewer moving parts to explode in your back & they weigh less. I'd prefer the Sawyer Squeeze over the Mini (faster flow but 1 oz more in weighty). I'd opt for a lighter headlamp (make up for the heavier filter). Moleskin, IMHO, is borderline worthless. There are other options mentioned in other posts. I'd opt to include a trash compactor bag lining my pack. I've never experienced that much rain in my life than I did on my AT hike. I was glad I had a bag liner.

That being said, the gear doesn't make the hike. The hiker makes the hike. The gear can make it a little easier or harder. You get to hump your gear. Anyway, good luck in planning your hike. I hope all goes well when you finally hit the trail.

Appreciate the info! I'm gonna look into the Sawyer Squeeze and potentially a lighter headlamp. Also been considering the trash compactor liner to save the weight of the pack cover. Thanks!

[kcholder]

Your call depending on how much you like to unpack and sprawl out but the Hubba NX has a large enough vestibule to store a pack with some stuff still in it and possibly cook under. Personally, if I have more than maybe one or two unworn apparel pieces or unused pieces that make for a large pack still I think I'm carrying too much once camp is set up.

How about a start date?

March 5th, 2018!

[kcholder]

Arc'teryx Beta LT will likely see little comfortable use for the AT during the warm humid months despite the Gore Tex Paclite. Might consider Gore Active tech if you're gung ho on Gore Tex tech. If you already have the Beta LT and don't desire to drop more rain jacket $ make it work. If still needing to buy a rain jacket you can do better than the Beta LT as far as durability, lower cost, lower wt, and greater breathability for a NOBO AT thru-hike. I'm a Arc'teryx apparel fan but for different apps than an AT thru the entire 2170. Jus my opinion as a thru-hiker. You'll get a zillion other differing opinions of what others advise.

All the clothing I have listed is stuff I currently own. Working at an Outdoors retailer has given me the opportunity to stock up on all that stuff over the past 3 years. The Beta LT definitely is a little too heavy and overkill I think, but trying to save a few bucks as well by using stuff I already have. Still might look into the OR Helium II though!

[kcholder]

Good looking list, nice seeing a Memphis post on here.

Thanks! Awesome to see someone else from Memphis as well. Definitely not the most outdoor friendly place other than paddling, but nonetheless it's awesome to see someone else from the Memphis area.