Another preliminary pack list

[vaporjourney]

man I bet you guys get sick of these. I've been researching this great forum so much lately that I'm getting a headache. Here is what I plan to take in April 2007 for my thru. The stuff with stars in front are products I plan to purhcase in the future. Feel free to critique these and offer alternatives. The items without asterisks are pretty much set in stone b/c I'm happy with them. I'm no ultralight guy, but I'd say I'm 'lightweight'. Hopefully I won't forget anything.

Essentials:

*ULA Catalyst (cant wait to get my hands on this)
*Tarptent Rainbow or Lunar Solo (I'll never decide)
*20 degree down bag (possibly WM Ultralite, but concerned about fit, not sure of other quality possibilites)
JRB Shenandoah quilt for summer
*Montrail Hardrocks (need to pick a trail runner)
POE Insulmat Inflatable Sleeping Pad (i'm a poor sleeper)
Supercat stove (may switch to Pepsi can?)
3 Cup Antigravity Gear Pot/Cozy/Windscreen

Clothing Worn (winter):

*Lightweight polypro underwear:tops and bottoms
*Silky shorts over top
Red Ledge full-zip rain pants
*(2 pr) Smartwool socks
*T Shirt (windproof or cheapo synthetic like summer?)
Beanie and neck gaiter
Gloves/mittens/liner (need help with this to replace my current thick gloves that get soaked)

Clothing in Pack/Camp/Town (winter):

*1 pr Lightweight polypro tops and bottoms for camp
*200? wt fleece for cold camp nights
*Thick and comfy smartwool socks
*Patagonia Micro-puff Vest
Red Ledge Rain Jacket

Clothing (summer)

(2) Synthetic shirt
(2) Silky Shorts (so quiet, a tad heavier than nylon, oh well)
(2)Wigwam Coolmax short socks
Red ledge rain jacket, full zip pants

Accessories

3 L Platy (may switch to 2 L)
Leki Malaki Trekking Poles
Camera
Short Gaiters (for scree)
Crocs (maybe, maybe not)
Katadyn Hiker Pro Filter (may ditch this later and not filter)
Trowel
Silnylon 'wallet'
Calling Card
Sections from Data Book
8 oz fuel bottle of heet
100% deet
Nylon pot scrubber
OR Pucket Bucket Hat
Smith Sunglasses (brown and yellow lenses)
2 Bandanas
Rope
Silnylon stuff sacks for food, clothing
Safety Kit, Sewing Kit
*Leatherman Micra
Lemonade bowl/cup
1/2 Thermarest for a seat
Journal/pencil
*Petzl Tikka Plus headlamp (may replace TEC Scout)
Compass/Thermometer/Whistle combo
Pee bottle

[Monster]

Don't skip filtering. I met a NOBO at Wiley Shelter in NY the first weekend in August who was struggling with potential giardia. If you want to save weight, you could look into chemically treating your water. Also, if you don't plan on carrying any additional water containors besides your bladder, I'd go with the larger one. Southern NY/Northern NJ are a little short on water sources during periods of scant rain. And, um, why a pee bottle? Is this a guy thing?!

[John B]

If you're much over 6' in height, I'd exercise a bit of caution in re the Lunar Solo. This has been discussed in other reviews in WB.

A recent issue of Consumer Reports ranked mosquito repellant. 100% Deet faired no better than Off! Deep Woods. Also, some complained that the 100% stuff was too oily and stained synthetics. Most libraries carry Consumer Reports, so you can read the entire review for free if you want additional info.

I always wear sunglasses while driving, doing yard work, etc, but found no need for them whatsoever while hiking.

That's my .02

[Jack Tarlin]

I think your preliminary list is just fine. A few quick thoughts:

*Most hikers ditch the trowel after awhile.
*You don't necessarily need a filter, there are plenty of alternative water
treatment methods that seem to work fine for most folks.
*You don't need a "pee" bottle.
*Don't forget duct tape. Most folks wrap it on their trekking poles or around
one of their water bottles.
*I'm not sure what you mean by "beanie." But make sure you start and finish
with some kind of warm hat.
*Unless you wanna go crazy when you're trapped in your tent some rainy
day or can't get to sleep at night, I'd bring along something to read in
addition to your Handbook or Journal.
*You mentioned "Selections from Data Book." Most folks also use either
"The The Thru-Hiker's Handbook" or "The Thru-Hiker's Companion".
*You may well want to bring along a watch.
*A compass isn't going to do you much good without maps. I very strongly
suggest you invest in a set of curent ones.

[Happy]

You have done some fine research! Everyone has preferences, but I make the following suggestions with my grain of thought for what it's worth:

The Ultralite is a perfect bag...however if you are a little on the overweight size go with the broader cut WM AlpineLite 20 degree bag.

The rainbow would be my purchase for a tent right now.

Gloves...as Winton (Mountain crossings at Neels's gap) told me years ago and was right...use Mountain Hardware power stretch gloves with OR rain mitts as covers and you are set.

Go with the 2L bladder and supplement with a couple of regular water bottles or a Aquamira filter bottle (cheap) to dip and drink as you go, and makes a great cocktail bottle in camp.

Ditch the following or don't buy...get use to alternatives as you will later anyway, more than likely:

Potscrubber...just gets filthly and retains germs...use sand or bandanna.
Sunglasses...don't need.
Trowel...don't need.
Leathererman micro...don't need...buy the swiss small classic or razorblade.
Water filter...just try Aquamira before you buy filter...easier and no PROBLEMS...use bandanna for low flow sources to filter and bottle to collect.