My packing list...suggestions???

[walkinfool]

Here's my list so far for my 2008 thru. Any suggestions/feedback you guys could give me would be great. Thanks!
--------------------------------------
Cooking
-Jetboil stove
-Jetboil fuel (buy in GA)
-Freezer bags for cooking in, eating out of, storing maps, etc.
-Long spork
-Water bag (1.5 gal?)

Equipment
-Tent & rain fly (Seedhouse SL1)
-Tyvek Ground cover
-Tent stakes
-Sleeping bag (REI +15)
-Fleece sleeping bag liner (send home in warm weather)
-Sleeping pad (Therm-a-Rest ProLite 3)
-Straps for keeping sleeping bag on pad
-Something to use as a pillow
-Headlamp (Petzl Tikka Plus)
-Backpack (Osprey Crescent 85)
-Packa (backpack cover & rain jacket in one)
-Trekking poles
-Pack towel for drying tent, etc.
-Small knife with can opener, scissors, blade, tweezers, toothpick
-40-50 ft. 3/16" parachute cord for bearbag
-Waterproof bearbag and small carabiner for hanging with PCT method
-Water purifier (probably First Need)
-Water bladder (3 liter Platypus - won't keep full)
-Yak trax for early in season
-Compass

Clothing
-Short sleeve hiking shirts (1 for cold weather, 2 for warm?)
-Long sleeve hiking shirt (send home in warm weather)
-Hiking pants w/zip-off legs
-Wool mountaineering socks (2 pair)
-Sock liners (2 pair)
-Hiking boots (Montrail Torre GTX Classic)
-Light sandals for river crossings and camp
-Comfortable shirt (long or short sleeve?) for camp/town
-Comfortable shorts (or pants?) for camp/town
-Socks for in camp (1 pair)
-Fleece
-Waterproof jacket (packa)
-Lightweight fleece hat (send home in warm weather)
-Fleece or other thin gloves (send home in warm weather)
-Waterproof shells for gloves (send home in warm weather)

Miscellaneous
-ATC Trail maps
-Wingfoot's guidebook
-Calling card
-Earplugs
-Glasses & case
-Hand sanitizer
-Addresses
-Bandanas (1 for head, 1 for clean(ish) rag, 1 for misc.?)
-Bodyglide
-Needle & heavy duty thread for repairs
-Dental floss (also good for sewing)
-Camera
-Small notepad for journal
-Pencil
-Bug dope (not until later)
-Duct tape (small roll)
-Toilet paper in ziploc
-Clothes pins (2)
-Plastic shovel

Grooming/first aid/emergency kit
-Ibuprofen
-Antibiotic ointment
-Powder (for feet and chafing)
-Antacid tablets
-Lip balm w/spf
-A few Band-aids
-Small roll of 1-inch-wide gauze
-Medical tape for blisters & covering band-aids
-Rubbing alcohol for sore muscles, cleaning cuts, bites, etc.
-Weatherproof matches
-Toothbrush
-Baking soda for brushing teeth
-Sunscreen (small amount)
-Shampoo? (small amount)
-Moleskin?
-Diarrhea medicine?

Not sure yet
-Something to bang stakes in with?
-Short gaiters to keep debris/rain out of boots?
-Mosquito hat? (sent to me in summer…maybe end of June?)
-Watch?
-Emergency reflective blanket?
-Waterproof pants (should I send these home in warm weather?)
-Sunglasses?
-Thermometer?
-Camera batteries & charger (really light, but maybe just buy replacements as needed?)

[hopefulhiker]

Have you weighed all this stuff?

[SGT Rock]

Here's my list so far for my 2008 thru. Any suggestions/feedback you guys could give me would be great. Thanks!
--------------------------------------
Before I get to commenting - it looks like a good kit. Very thorough


Cooking
-Jetboil stove
-Jetboil fuel (buy in GA)
-Freezer bags for cooking in, eating out of, storing maps, etc.
-Long spork
-Water bag (1.5 gal?)
Just a couple of comments - the waterbag is something you probably won't need. You have a bladder below. In my experience I can do a dry campsite on 4 liters of water.

The other one is if you are just making hot water for boil in bag cooking you may want to change your stove. Ignore that if you want to.


Equipment
-Tent & rain fly (Seedhouse SL1)
-Tyvek Ground cover
-Tent stakes
-Sleeping bag (REI +15)
-Fleece sleeping bag liner (send home in warm weather)
-Sleeping pad (Therm-a-Rest ProLite 3)
-Straps for keeping sleeping bag on pad
-Something to use as a pillow
-Headlamp (Petzl Tikka Plus)
-Backpack (Osprey Crescent 85)
-Packa (backpack cover & rain jacket in one)
-Trekking poles
-Pack towel for drying tent, etc.
-Small knife with can opener, scissors, blade, tweezers, toothpick
-40-50 ft. 3/16" parachute cord for bearbag
-Waterproof bearbag and small carabiner for hanging with PCT method
-Water purifier (probably First Need)
-Water bladder (3 liter Platypus - won't keep full)
-Yak trax for early in season
-Compass
Use your clothing bag as a pillow.


Clothing
-Short sleeve hiking shirts (1 for cold weather, 2 for warm?)
-Long sleeve hiking shirt (send home in warm weather)
-Hiking pants w/zip-off legs
-Wool mountaineering socks (2 pair)
-Sock liners (2 pair)
-Hiking boots (Montrail Torre GTX Classic)
-Light sandals for river crossings and camp
-Comfortable shirt (long or short sleeve?) for camp/town
-Comfortable shorts (or pants?) for camp/town
-Socks for in camp (1 pair)
-Fleece
-Waterproof jacket (packa)
-Lightweight fleece hat (send home in warm weather)
-Fleece or other thin gloves (send home in warm weather)
-Waterproof shells for gloves (send home in warm weather)
Just another opinion, but forget taking clothing just for camp and town. At the end of the day you can just wear the stuff you were hiking in and add a layer over it.


Miscellaneous
-ATC Trail maps
-Wingfoot's guidebook
-Calling card
-Earplugs
-Glasses & case
-Hand sanitizer
-Addresses
-Bandanas (1 for head, 1 for clean(ish) rag, 1 for misc.?)
-Bodyglide
-Needle & heavy duty thread for repairs
-Dental floss (also good for sewing)
-Camera
-Small notepad for journal
-Pencil
-Bug dope (not until later)
-Duct tape (small roll)
-Toilet paper in ziploc
-Clothes pins (2)
-Plastic shovel
Again, just opinions. 1 bandanna is enough. Needle is good, but just carry the floss and no extra thread. You really don't need clothes pins. You can dig a hole with a stick, tent stake, or hiking pole tip.

Grooming/first aid/emergency kit
-Ibuprofen
-Antibiotic ointment
-Powder (for feet and chafing)
-Antacid tablets
-Lip balm w/spf
-A few Band-aids
-Small roll of 1-inch-wide gauze
-Medical tape for blisters & covering band-aids
-Rubbing alcohol for sore muscles, cleaning cuts, bites, etc.
-Weatherproof matches
-Toothbrush
-Baking soda for brushing teeth
-Sunscreen (small amount)
-Shampoo? (small amount)
-Moleskin?
-Diarrhea medicine?

Not sure yet
-Something to bang stakes in with?
-Short gaiters to keep debris/rain out of boots?
-Mosquito hat? (sent to me in summer…maybe end of June?)
-Watch?
-Emergency reflective blanket?
-Waterproof pants (should I send these home in warm weather?)
-Sunglasses?
-Thermometer?
-Camera batteries & charger (really light, but maybe just buy replacements as needed?)
You don't need to bang in stakes most of the time, and when you do you can find a rock. I'd carry a watch, but that is me. If you are starting in cold weather you may want those rain pants, you don't need the reflective blanket, thermometers are optional.

[Survivor Dave]

Walkinfool,

I was going through your extensive list of gear. What I have learned over the past couple of years is that less is more. I to had many things on the list that have been deleted. It took me a few long shake-down hikes to find out.

So, whatever works for you is best. If I didn't use items on your list pretty much on a daily basis, I left them out.

Have you packed up and weighed your pack yet?

After seeing a good bit of packs that other hikers have, it averages around 30 lbs. with water and 4 days of food--TOTAL.

If your interested, check out my Trail Journal at www.trailjournals.com/SurvivorDave (http://www.trailjournals.com/SurvivorDave). Go to gear and see what I use as an example. Hope it helps. There are also pics in the photo area of most of the gear laid out.

Best of luck on your Thru and maybe see you on the Trail next year!

SD

[Appalachian Tater]

That's a pretty good list. You could certainly start out with exactly that and have no problems and just fine-tune a little as many do.

Consider keeping a wool or fleece hat throughout your hike. It can get chilly at times even during the summer. It is an easy and effective way of regulating body temp.

Consider a lexan spoon instead of a spork, especially since you are planning on freezer bag cooking. They are also cheaper and probably lighter.

You don't need a stake hammering anything and probably never will want one; you need something to dig catholes but you can use your shoe or a stick or a stake.

The waterproof pants may be unneccesary.

A watch is really handy, you may find yourself using time to estimate distance. You also may need to know the time in town. You don't need anything fancy, just the time, but the date would be handy, too, it's hard to keep track of the date and days of the week.

You can use Dr. Bronners as an all-purpose soap for your body, cooking equt and clothing and it works as shampoo. At least 80% of the time when there is a shower there is soap and shampoo. Probably 90% of the time. I also never had trouble refilling my soap from hiker boxes. Also found razors, chapstick, etc. You need some way to cut your nails.

I don't know how heavy your battery charger is, or how long your batteries last, but you may consider carrying replacements instead. It would be easy to forget in a hotel or hostel. Are you using button batteries?

Thermometer: do you really want to know in degrees how cold or hot it is? You'll be "one" with the weather, you won't have to check the temp to know what to put on when you wake up.

A mosquito hat might come in handy because those deer flies are something else and they eat DEET.

Instead of alcohol, consider taking baby butt wipes and adding alcohol to them. Much handier.

You may not need medical tape, duct tape works better. I used duct tape and toilet paper for "bandaids".

A one or two ounce bottle of hand sanitizer that you can refill fits right in your toilet paper bag.

If you sweat a lot, a cellulose sponge may be handier than a bandana.

Don't carry your calling card. You just need the number, the PIN, and the customer service number. Write these with your addresses and phone numbers on a piece of Tyvek with a Sharpie and it wil be waterproof. An old Priority Mail envelope will work. Or put them in a "Rite in the Rain" notebook if you're going to carry a notebook.

I would never carry more than two short shirts and long underwear and I would consider keeping the long underwear throughout. If you start early you may not need a short-sleeve shirt at first.

Oh, you also need one of those mini Bic lighters. And apparently some waterproof matches are useless, get the right kind. It's more of an emergency thing, probably you'll have plenty of other people with lighters around if yours dies.

[Flush2wice]

Let's make some rules about posting gear lists-
-weights should be listed if at all possible.
-projected starting date and direction. One guy had a down parka and pants listed and it wasn't until 10 posts later did he reveal that he was leaving Springer at the end of June. Departure date can change a lot of gear.

I'm assuming you are NOBO leaving in mid March to mid April. The previous comments are all good. Some of that stuff will likely be mailed home. You'll have it figured out after 3 or 4 days.
What I'd add:
Long johns- convertable pants are all you have for the bottom half or by fleece mean full set top and bottom?
Personally I'd leave the poles at home. Just one more thing to carry.
Have fun!

[walkinfool]

Let's make some rules about posting gear lists-
-weights should be listed if at all possible.
-projected starting date and direction. One guy had a down parka and pants listed and it wasn't until 10 posts later did he reveal that he was leaving Springer at the end of June. Departure date can change a lot of gear.

I'm assuming you are NOBO leaving in mid March to mid April. The previous comments are all good. Some of that stuff will likely be mailed home. You'll have it figured out after 3 or 4 days.
What I'd add:
Long johns- convertable pants are all you have for the bottom half or by fleece mean full set top and bottom?
Personally I'd leave the poles at home. Just one more thing to carry.
Have fun!

Good point!...NOBO, leaving March 15. I haven't weighed all the gear yet...a lot of it is still at the store.

[SGT Rock]

Good point!...NOBO, leaving March 15. I haven't weighed all the gear yet...a lot of it is still at the store.
Some sites on the internet have good weights. Campmor was great for this, I don't know if they still are.

[Flush2wice]

I haven't weighed all the gear yet...a lot of it is still at the store.
Good! For the best advice, list what you have and then list what you plan to take but haven't bought yet. Maybe color code it. That way people can argue over stoves or whatever.

[warraghiyagey]

Some sites on the internet have good weights. Campmor was great for this, I don't know if they still are.

Or you could just weigh on your home scales with and without your pack.

[SGT Rock]

He said he hasn't got all this stuff yet.

[warraghiyagey]

He said he hasn't got all this stuff yet.

Yeah, I was already duely chagrined as I hit submit and notice that. Ooops.

[Flush2wice]

Individual weights help if someone already owns it. If they don't own it, they should look it up. Then put the total weight at the end of the list.
His REI bag could be 2 lbs or it could be 4 lbs. Hard to offer suggestions without all this info.

[walkinfool]

I'll gather some weight info and repost.

[soulrebel]

Too much, Too heavy, and too expensive. Hope that helps. :) j/k

Btw, you guys asking for weights on all this stuff. Clearly, you aren't gearheads. When I built my kit in 2005 (all new-hadn't bought gear since 1983), I learned the average weights of general market items and eventually weighed each item in my pack weighs to the 0.0 ozs. Did plenty of cross-comparisons on weights with legitimate weights and sizes at sites like www.prolitegear.com and backpackinglight.com.

K.I.S.S. principle

Thinking-tarp, blue pad/ridgerest, 20/30d bag or quilt (if inclined), emergency blanket, garbage bag

aluminum pot, long-spoon, pop can stove, couple gatorade bottles,
1/3rd of the clothes, umbreller/jacket-booniehat,

superglue, mapdanna, small swiss army, couple lighters. Shoved in a one hole backpack.

The rest is food/whiskey/tobaccey/and lotsa walking. party on

[Appalachian Tater]

I'll gather some weight info and repost.

You can't believe manufacturer-stated weights anyway.

[SGT Rock]

Btw, you guys asking for weights on all this stuff. Clearly, you aren't gearheads.
You nailed it. Despite getting labeled as one regularly, I'm really not - I just know a lot about what I use.


K.I.S.S. principle

Thinking-tarp, blue pad/ridgerest, 20/30d bag or quilt (if inclined), emergency blanket, garbage bag, aluminum pot, long-spoon, pop can stove, couple gatorade bottles, 1/3rd of the clothes, umbreller/jacket-booniehat, superglue, mapdanna, small swiss army, couple lighters. Shoved in a one hole backpack.

The rest is food/whiskey/tobaccey/and lotsa walking. party on
That sounds more like my style gear

You can't believe manufacturer-stated weights anyway.
True. As I said, Campmor use to be very good at having their own weights listed on almost every item in their catalog.

[Blissful]

I probably wouldn't bother with the waterproof shells for gloves, but that's me. I found maybe 2 times I might have needed them. Not worth the weight, IMO.

I sent my gaiters home. I think they attribute to blisters, IMO. Long convertible pants cover your boot tops.

Maybe Crocs instead of sandals, at least in the beginning. You can get cheap knock offs. And they will keep your feet warmer with a pair of socks.

Bring a BIC lighter (get a good one too, not a cheapie one) instead of waterproof matches. They just don't work well.

You'll need a Credit card, Debit card and your license. Be sure you have someone who can replace them on the home front (we had to replace our debit card)

I thought I would need my Yak Trax, but I learned to walk in snow without them. They are a pain to take off and take on and mess with your gait which can mess up your feet and knees. Never used them and sent them home. Cuts out a lot of weight.

Skip the shampoo. You can find it everywhere in town, hostels, etc. I didn't bring sunglasses, but I did have a Marmot precip baseball cap that I loved (got it at Campmor). Watch, yes. Emergency blanket no. use a rock for stakes.

Clothes look good. I like dry, warm clothes to change into in camp, esp in the beginning of the hike. Wearing sweaty clothes from hiking in camp is uncomfortable, esp when the sun goes down and the wind picks up. I might take one extra pair of socks to make three pairs. You'll need to rotate socks in places like the Smokies, unless you plan to do laundry at Gatlinburg. And cleaner socks means less blister problems. I might consider trail runners (they really are great, trust me. I used to be a boot lover and I was sold!). Then you don't need liners and can go with lighter weight socks.

[mountain squid]

Very good, very thorough list. Some thoughts:

agree with SGT Rock - if you are going to do freezer bag cooking, consider an alcohol stove and smaller pot than the JetBoil (fuel is easier to obtain and it is lighter)
consider a silk sleeping liner instead of a fleece one (http://www.jagbags.co.nz/)
you might bounce your camera batteries and charger
radio/mp3 player
for camp socks consider those ankle high ones
agree with SGT Rock - no need for comfy town specific clothes
wrap duct tape around hiking poles
agree with Appalachian Tater - Dr B's goes a long way

And, of course, dont forget ID/atm/credit cards.

See you on the trail,
mt squid
and now advice is given on how to post a gear list:confused:

[Appalachian Tater]

wrap duct tape around hiking poles

I strongly disagree with this. It makes your poles heavier and the tape gets really grungy and hard to peel apart. You can buy little backpacking rolls or flat packs or just take it of a big roll and make a flat pack by folding and wrapping. Why in the world would you want it on your poles or on your water bottle?

[SGT Rock]

I've been keeping tape on my poles for years without issue. It may be the type of duct tape you are using.

[High Altitude]

If you haven't bought much gear then start off with some shake down trips with cheap/simple gear and go from there. Look at soul rebel's post again. If you aren't comfortable or want more luxuries then you can add them. Don't spend a ton of money and then get rid of half the stuff.

Make yourself an alcohol stove. Use a walmart grease pot or if all you are doing is boiling water one of there IMUSA mugs. Tin foil or thin flashing for a windscreen. Go get some plastic sheeting and try out tarping. You can use some line for the ridge and sheet bend knots at the corners. Good enough for trying it out on the cheap. Forget about camp/town clothes. Gatorade bottles for water. The smallest swiss army knife (classic). If you want a can opener take a P-38.

Once you have gone out for a few weekends and get your gear more dialed in then go from there.

[Appalachian Tater]

I've been keeping tape on my poles for years without issue. It may be the type of duct tape you are using.

Not me! I wouldn't want to have to lift the weight of the tape with my arms each step for 2000+ miles. Also, I had to lend it to someone who had it on their water bottle and couldn't peel off a piece big enough to use. There's a bunch of grungy tape out there.

As far as what kind to use, I was told that the most expensive duct tape you can find by 3M at Home Depot is the best and that it really is better than cheap stuff.

[Appalachian Tater]

If you haven't bought much gear then start off with some shake down trips with cheap/simple gear and go from there. Look at soul rebel's post again. If you aren't comfortable or want more luxuries then you can add them. Don't spend a ton of money and then get rid of half the stuff.

Once you have gone out for a few weekends and get your gear more dialed in then go from there.

That's the best idea. Start with as little as possible and add if necessary. And go with an alcohol stove. With a canister you always carry too much fuel, with an alcohol stove you can adjust to however much you need until resupply, even tailor it to the number of meals you need it for, what kind of meals, and whether the weather is conducive to hot beverages. And if someone were to run out, you could give them some, and you can use it to start fires and remove adhesive.

[Flush2wice]

Too much, Too heavy, and too expensive. Hope that helps. :) j/k

Btw, you guys asking for weights on all this stuff. Clearly, you aren't gearheads. When I built my kit in 2005 (all new-hadn't bought gear since 1983), I learned the average weights of general market items and eventually weighed each item in my pack weighs to the 0.0 ozs. Did plenty of cross-comparisons on weights with legitimate weights and sizes at sites like www.prolitegear.com (http://www.prolitegear.com) and backpackinglight.com.

K.I.S.S. principle

Thinking-tarp, blue pad/ridgerest, 20/30d bag or quilt (if inclined), emergency blanket, garbage bag

aluminum pot, long-spoon, pop can stove, couple gatorade bottles,
1/3rd of the clothes, umbreller/jacket-booniehat,

superglue, mapdanna, small swiss army, couple lighters. Shoved in a one hole backpack.

The rest is food/whiskey/tobaccey/and lotsa walking. party on


For me and my hiking, I'd ditto on all that. If you have all your stuff, put in your pack and weigh it. If it's too heavy start pulling stuff. But if you want advice here, you should itemize with weights. Otherwise your not gonna get much good info. Like I said a 15d bag could be 2 or 4 lbs. So when I give a gear check I look for redundant stuff and missing stuff. Then it's "is this or that really needed"? After that it's "this item is twice as heavy (or expensive, etc) as a comparable product, maybe you should reconsider". IMO that's what most folks are asking for.
After a few posts and replies you might figure out that someone's on a tight budget, or they plan on taking a lot of days in motels, or they plan on averaging 20+ per day. Some folks just need to boil water and some folks want to "cook". All that stuff matters too.

[mountain squid]

Why in the world would you want it on your poles or on your water bottle?
Why not keep it someplace that will not increase the bulk within your pack?

I've never had a problem with duct tape on my poles either. And the amount needed is not going to significantly add any weight to your poles.

See you on the trail,
mt squid

PS. If it does add some weight, at least your arms will be getting a little bit of a workout - they don't otherwise...

[Appalachian Tater]

Why not keep it someplace that will not increase the bulk within your pack?

I've never had a problem with duct tape on my poles either. And the amount needed is not going to significantly add any weight to your poles.


Well, it woudn't increase the bulk any more than it would the weight of your poles.

I also think having your tape on your poles slows you down through aerodynamics. When I get going good, my poles and legs are just a blurr. The tape would significantly slow me down. It would probably add an entire day to a thru-hike, if not several days.

Seriously, I never would have thought duct tape placement would be so controversial, but you just never know!

Lock it down or move it to thick-skinned!

[Flush2wice]

I would never put poles inside of my duct tape. It makes my tape too heavy and bulky.

[walkinfool]

Ok, thanks for all the feedback. I've added all the weights I could find. Not sure how much the clothes, etc. will weigh...I'll have to weigh all that soon...but I found weights for most of the main gear. Thanks for all the feedback so far...really useful.

20.55 lbs. - gear in my pack
4 lbs. - gear I'll be wearing or carrying in hands
24.55 lbs. - total

I'll be leaving March 15 going NOBO.
-----------------------------------------------
Red = gear I still need to buy
-----------------------------------------------
Cooking
-Jetboil stove [15 oz.]
-Jetboil fuel (buy in GA) [3.5 oz.]
-Freezer bags for cooking in, eating out of, storing maps, etc.
-Long spoon [.4 oz.]
-Platypus 4 liter water bag [4.5 oz.]

Equipment
-Osprey Crescent 85 Pack [7 lbs 5 oz.]
-Big Agnes Seedhouse SL1 tent/rain fly [2 lbs. 13 oz.]
-Tent stakes [weight incl. in tent weight...won't need all of them, though]
-Tyvek Ground cover
-REI Zephyr +15 sleeping bag (long) [2 lbs. 15 oz.]
-Fleece sleeping bag liner (send home in warm weather) [15 oz.]
-Therm-a-Rest ProLite 3 sleeping pad [20 oz.]
-Straps for keeping sleeping bag on pad
-Something to use as a pillow
-Petzl Tikka Plus LED headlamp [2.7 oz.]
-Packa (backpack cover & rain jacket in one) [11 oz.]
-Black Diamond Trail trekking poles [18 oz.]
-Pack towel for drying tent, etc.
-Small knife with can opener, scissors (cut fingernails), blade, tweezers, toothpick
-40-50 ft. 3/16" parachute cord for bearbag [6 oz.]
-Sea To Summit Ultra-Sil Medium Dry Sack 11 x 18 (bear bag) [1.1 oz.]
-Small carabiner for hanging bear bag with PCT method [1.3 oz.]
-First Need Deluxe Water Purifier [1 lb. 3 oz.]
-Water bladder (3 liter Platypus - won't keep full) [4.25 oz.]
-Yak trax for early in season [5.7 oz.]
-Compass [1.2 oz.]

Clothing
-Short sleeve hiking shirts (1 for cold weather, 2 for warm?)
-Long sleeve hiking shirt (send home in warm weather)
-Hiking pants w/zip-off legs
-Smartwool mountaineering socks (2 pair)
-Sock liners (2 pair)
-Hiking boots (Montrail Torre GTX Classic) [3 lb. 10 oz.]
-Light sandals for river crossings and camp
-Comfortable shirt (long or short sleeve?) for camp/town
-Comfortable shorts (or pants?) for camp/town
-Socks for in camp (1 pair)
-Fleece jacket
-Lightweight fleece hat (send home in warm weather)
-Fleece or other thin gloves (send home in warm weather)
-Waterproof shells for gloves (send home in warm weather)

Miscellaneous
-ATC Trail maps
-Wingfoot's guidebook
-Calling card
-Earplugs
-Glasses & case
-Hand sanitizer
-Addresses
-Bandanas (1 for head, 1 for clean(ish) rag, 1 for misc.?)
-Bodyglide [1.3 oz.]
-Needle for repairs
-Dental floss (also good for sewing)
-Camera (incl. 2 rechargeable AA batteries) [6.3 oz.]
-Small notepad for journal
-Pencil
-Bug dope (not until later)
-Duct tape (small package)
-Toilet paper in ziploc
-Clothes pins (2)
-Plastic shovel

Grooming/first aid/emergency kit
-Ibuprofen
-Antibiotic ointment
-Powder (for feet and chafing)
-Antacid tablets
-Lip balm w/spf
-A few Band-aids
-Small roll of 1-inch-wide gauze
-Medical tape for blisters & covering band-aids
-Rubbing alcohol for sore muscles, cleaning cuts, bites, etc.
-Weatherproof matches or lighter
-Toothbrush
-Baking soda for brushing teeth
-Sunscreen (small amount)

Not sure yet
-Something to bang stakes in with?
-Short gaiters to keep debris/rain out of boots?
-Mosquito hat? (sent to me in summer…maybe end of June?)
-Watch?
-Emergency reflective blanket?
-Waterproof pants (should I send these home in warm weather?)
-Sunglasses?
-Thermometer?
-2 extra camera batteries [1.6 oz] & charger (or buy replacements as needed?)
-Shampoo? (small amount)
-Moleskin?
-Diarrhea medicine?
------------------------------------------
Hope that helps...

[4eyedbuzzard]

Extra set of batteries for the headlamp.
Get the heavy duty duct tape, it's usually green in color, also known as 200mph duct tape (NASCAR crews use it), much better than the standard tape for strength and waterproof qualities.
I'd skip the water filter and use Aqua Mira or equivelent if the source was suspect.

[earthbound]

Thats a BIG backpack... size and weight compared to what you want to put in it

[shoe]

7.5 pounds for a pack?!?!

I thought mine was heavy at around 5 pounds.

I would really consider other packs out there. I am getting a ULA catalyst at just under 3 pounds.

[walkinfool]

Yeah, the pack IS big and heavy, but you'd never know it when you put it on. It's the only one I've found that's comfortable on me and I figure the extra room will be welcomed...easier than trying to stuff everything into a tighter pack. I did 100 miles in Ireland last May..that was really my test run with this pack and I was happy with it. I'm sure I'll be keeping my eye on other packs between now and March, but for now I'm happy...even with the extra weight.

[soulrebel]

When I first went to the store to replace my jansport external frame. I picked the biggest baddest ala most expensive arcteryx bora 80L of the shelf.

The lady at the store casually mentioned that it was a lot of pack. I convinced myself that I needed to carry a lot of food and water.

Ultimately, I never bought that pack b/c of the price tag over $350. I did buy a gregory z pack $180 took that back after one trip. Then i bought the GG Vapor Trail--took that back after 3 trips $150. Then i got the GG Virga (frameless) $80-hiked with that one till Damascus. Twas ok--sold it to my friend when I found some Golite Breeze's $65 @ 14.5ozs at MRO. Carried those the rest of the way.

In the end, ALL of my gear weighs less than your backpack alone. You might be changing into all kinds of different outfits at the end of the day, but I will be drinking a tall boy with steak on a stick and fresh veggies in a pot, while chiefing a big big pipe. Just food for thought. Don't worry I'll offer you some of my victuals, but nothing lasts forever. :)

[taildragger]

You're pack is a behemoth, but then again, so is mine...

If its a pack thats comfortable and your okay with the extra weight, then cool, it means that you can buy a case of beer for each week and carry it with you :D

Just remember, you're going to have a lot of excess bulk in that bag, and straps hanging everywhere, it will be time to cut those away. Also, you're going to have to be diligent about not putting extra random crap in there since you've got the space to carry a single wide trailer (that bags what, about 5000 ci right?)

[walkinfool]

...that bags what, about 5000 ci right?

5300 c.i. I know it's monstrous...I've been going back and forth on it since I bought it. I'm just hesitant to go with anything different because I like this one so much. I'll keep my eyes open, though. How much smaller should I consider? Maybe 3500-4000 c.i.?

[taildragger]

I'd wait until you get all your gear, since you've got a pack, you can do the shakedowns right now. Once you've got your system, go try out whatever bags feel the best

[Appalachian Tater]

5300 c.i. is at least 30% more than you need. 4000 is probably the upper limited needed by an A.T. thru-hiker. A pack is a personal decision since it sits on your back all day and the weight is carried by your feet but you should consider taking it back and getting a smaller, lighter one. In this instance you may even save weight and money at the same time. You could easily shave 3 pounds off that. Osprey themselves have packs that are half that weight at about 3800 c.i.

[Bootstrap]

Moleskin?

Until I replaced my boots a few years ago, I had bad problems with blisters. Moleskin worked for me somewhat, but there are better alternatives, such as Spenco 2nd Skin or Spyroflex wound dressings. If you use 2nd Skin, you have to keep it moist and replace it daily, Spyroflex can be left in place for days.

Forgey's "Wilderness Medicine" is ecstatic about 2nd Skin and Spyroflex. On Moleskin, he says the following:


The old technique of blister care with rings of moleskin is seldom effective. Moleskin should be relegated to the Dark Ages of Wilderness Medicine.

Moleskin saved me once in the Grand Canyon, I'm not quite as against it as Forgey, but I mostly agree with him.

Jonathan

[take-a-knee]

Forgey's right, moleskin sucks. If you catch it as a hot spot before the skin is broken, duct tape works as well as anything else. If you use duct tape you must never apply the sticky side of the tape directly to the reddened area. Cut a little piece of duct tape and apply it to the sticky side of a larger piece of duct tape. This way, you only have sticky applied to healthy skin. It helps to trim a radius on the corners of the larger piece also, this keeps the corners from peeling. If you have a leatherman micra in your pocket, and duct tape wrapped around your aerodynamically challenged hiking poles, you don't even have to open your pack the treat a hot spot.

[Seeker]

brief comments in red.



Cooking
-Jetboil stove
-Jetboil fuel (buy in GA)
-Freezer bags for cooking in, eating out of, storing maps, etc. make sure you know why you're carrying each one. they add up quick.
-Long spork i hate a spork. try to eat soup, cocoa, or stew with it at home first, then decide.
-Water bag (1.5 gal?)

Equipment
-Tent & rain fly (Seedhouse SL1)
-Tyvek Ground cover
-Tent stakes
-Sleeping bag (REI +15)
-Fleece sleeping bag liner (send home in warm weather)
-Sleeping pad (Therm-a-Rest ProLite 3)
-Straps for keeping sleeping bag on pad do you really need this?
-Something to use as a pillow use a stuff sack and extra clothing
-Headlamp (Petzl Tikka Plus)
-Backpack (Osprey Crescent 85)
-Packa (backpack cover & rain jacket in one)
-Trekking poles
-Pack towel for drying tent, etc.
-Small knife with can opener, scissors, blade, tweezers, toothpick
-40-50 ft. 3/16" parachute cord for bearbag
-Waterproof bearbag and small carabiner for hanging with PCT method
-Water purifier (probably First Need)
-Water bladder (3 liter Platypus - won't keep full) redundant with previous bag, or not if you don't have water bottles.
-Yak trax for early in season
-Compass there is much debate about whether it's needed on the AT.

Clothing hard to comment without weights
-Short sleeve hiking shirts (1 for cold weather, 2 for warm?)
-Long sleeve hiking shirt (send home in warm weather)
-Hiking pants w/zip-off legs
-Wool mountaineering socks (2 pair)
-Sock liners (2 pair)
-Hiking boots (Montrail Torre GTX Classic)
-Light sandals for river crossings and camp
-Comfortable shirt (long or short sleeve?) for camp/town
-Comfortable shorts (or pants?) for camp/town
-Socks for in camp (1 pair)
-Fleece
-Waterproof jacket (packa)
-Lightweight fleece hat (send home in warm weather)
-Fleece or other thin gloves (send home in warm weather)
-Waterproof shells for gloves (send home in warm weather)

Miscellaneous
-ATC Trail maps
-Wingfoot's guidebook
-Calling card
-Earplugs
-Glasses & case
-Hand sanitizer
-Addresses
-Bandanas (1 for head, 1 for clean(ish) rag, 1 for misc.?)
-Bodyglide
-Needle & heavy duty thread for repairs
-Dental floss (also good for sewing) then leave the thread.
-Camera
-Small notepad for journal
-Pencil good choice. pen washes out in the rain
-Bug dope (not until later)
-Duct tape (small roll)
-Toilet paper in ziploc
-Clothes pins (2) do you really need them?
-Plastic shovel do you really need this?

Grooming/first aid/emergency kit
-Ibuprofen
-Antibiotic ointment
-Powder (for feet and chafing)
-Antacid tablets
-Lip balm w/spf
-A few Band-aids
-Small roll of 1-inch-wide gauze
-Medical tape for blisters & covering band-aids you already have duct tape
-Rubbing alcohol for sore muscles, cleaning cuts, bites, etc. you already have antibiotic ointment. not sure of the value on sore muscles.
-Weatherproof matches i prefer a mini-Bic cigarette lighter or 2
-Toothbrush
-Baking soda for brushing teeth
-Sunscreen (small amount)
-Shampoo? (small amount) won't use
-Moleskin? earlier comments on duct tape are good. if you walk a step past where you feel a hot spot, the resulting blister is your own fault. an ounce of prevention is worthwhile.
-Diarrhea medicine? yes. immodium will get you dried up enough to get off the trail if it's that bad.

Not sure yet
-Something to bang stakes in with? god provides them in the form of rocks.
-Short gaiters to keep debris/rain out of boots?
-Mosquito hat? (sent to me in summer…maybe end of June?)
-Watch?
-Emergency reflective blanket? i woudn't, but it's your pack and your hike.
-Waterproof pants (should I send these home in warm weather?)
-Sunglasses? i don't, but i'm dark eyed/haired.
-Thermometer? sometimes, if i want to see how cold it got
-Camera batteries & charger (really light, but maybe just buy replacements as needed?)

[Appalachian Tater]

Instead of straps for your sleeping pad/bag, put crosshatches of thin silicone on the side of your Prolite that is not already slip-proof. Why they don't make both sides of the grey instead of the orange material, I have no idea. If the bottom of your tent is slippery, put some on there, too. Keep them thin, that stuff is heavy. Little dots don't work, I tried that.

Also, get a Rite in the Rain pad (http://www.riteintherain.com/). Most good stationers and art supply stores and a lot of outfitters have them. Also blueprint shops or places where they sell surveying supplies.

[Froggy]

Some watches store data. These can be used to hold addresses, phone numbers and pin numbers. Also useful are the numbers you'd need to call to replace lost credit cards, driver's license, etc.

You'll have to find your own watch, I don't have a recommendation. I understand that Casio makes them, other companies probably do too. My Casio watch is a different model and it's been quite reliable for years. Except that sometimes the band falls off, so be careful!

[Summit]

You may want to consider picking up a small bottle of clear fingernail polish along about late May. If you become a victim of red bugs, you'll wish to die without it! :eek: Red bugs are almost microscopic but they burrow down into the skin. Coating the bite (burrow shaft) with two layers of clear fingernail polish cuts off the air supply for the little critter and it dies. Without this remedy you'll scratch until you draw blood.

I'm interested in whether or not there are other better remedies for red bugs, but I have gotten into them a couple of times pretty bad and the above works.

[walkinfool]

Great feedback so far. The REI near me is having their garage sale tomorrow, so maybe I'll check more items off the list this weekend. I'll take a look at smaller/lighter packs, too.

[mountain squid]

If you are going to check out backpacks, check these out: http://www.ula-equipment.com/index.htm and http://www.granitegear.com/products/backpacks/ultralight/navpage/index.html.

See you on the trail,
mt squid

[Summit]

A "PS" to my red bug post above. Red bugs are sometimes called "chiggers." Here is a Wiki article which mentions the fingernail polish solution:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_bug

[AT-HITMAN2005]

if you live near an outfitter, try to find out if they will help you do a shake down of your pack. a lot of the outfitters have experience hiking and if your lucky they may have thru-hiked or attempted a thru-hike and have some idea of the stuff you absolutely won't need. or try getting out for a couple days and find out which items you can do with out. and if nothing else if you think your pack is still heavy when you get to neel's gap they'll help you with a shake down for free too.

a lot of the people at my local outfitter have hiked the trail(a couple are even extreme UL) so they were a big help for me.