GEAR LIST- Any ideas?

[Jail Break]

I believe this is my full current gear list. Fully loaded, WITH food and 3 full nalgenes, my pack weighs in at just under 45 lbs, with nothing strapped externally, other than a knife on my shoulder strap. I am 6'0, 240 lbs. That would make my pack about 1/5 of my bodyweight. I realize my sleeping pad is a bit heavy for long distance hiking, but I don't sleep well, and the extra comfort is necessary. If I can't sleep, I can't hike. I'll gladly listen to any suggestions or ideas. Please also see my other post regarding maildrops, "10 Day Maildrops".

GEAR TRANSPORT
Osprey Aether 85 Pack
Sea to Summit SilNyl Pack Cover
Hefty Contractor Bag (Pack Liner)
Komperdell C3 Carbon Ultralite Airshock Trekking Poles w/ Hemi-Tips

GUIDANCE
Brunton Compass
Appropriate Map
Thru-Hiker's Companion
Ironman Digital Watch

FINANCE/IDENTIFICATION
Driver's License
ATC Member Card
Bifold Wallet
Phone Card
Credit Card
Debit Card
Cash

SHELTER/SLEEPING
Granite Gear Nylon Sack (Tent Bag)
EMS Moonshadow Tent w/ Poles and 2 Stakes
Tyvek Ground Cloth
EMS Down Under 25 Sleeping Bag
Silk Sleeping Bag Liner
Hefty Kitchen Garbage Bag (as Sleeping Bag Dry Bag)
Therm-A-Rest Trail Pro L
Therm-A-Rest Compressible Pillow (Medium)

KITCHEN
MSR Pump-Style Water Filter in Mesh Bag
JetBoil System
Spare Fuel
Evernew 400 Titanium .4L Mug
Wide-Mouth Nalgene 32oz x3
Leatherman Wave
Lexan Spoon
Lexan Fork
Lexan Bowl
REI Medium Pack Towel

SUSTINENCE
Granite Gear Nylon Sack (Food Bag)
Food (10 Days)
Hefty OneZip 1 Gallon Bag (for Garbage)
Plastic Peanut Butter Jar w/lid (for condiment packets)
Oval Plastic Flask Container 8 oz (full of Tang drink mix)

CLOTHING
Granite Gear Nylon Sack (Clothes Bag)
Vasque Breeze XCR Boots
EMS Heavy Socks x3
EMS Sock Liners x2
ExOfficio Boxer Briefs x2
EMS Techwick Thermals (Top & Bottom)
EMS Hiking Pants
EMS Techwick T-Shirt
Long-Sleeve Fleece
EMS Glacier Down Jacket
REI Minimalist Waterproof/Windproof Gloves
EMS Thunderhead Raingear (Jacket/Pants/Hat)
Mountain Hardwear Dome Perignon Windproof Hat (Knit skimask instead???)
Sweatpants (camp)
Crocs (camp)

HEALTH & HYGIENE
Hefty OneZip 1 Quart Bags x3
Basic Medical Kit (Band-Aids, Neosporin, Moleskin, etc)
Toothbrush
Toothpaste .85 oz
Rx Bottle w/ various Medication (Benadryl, Sudafed, Ibuprofen, Nexium)
Centrum Multi-Vitamins
Dr. Bronner's Peppermint Soap 4 oz
Q-Tips x4
Shampoo 1.5 oz
Chapstick
Sunscreen 30 SPF 1 oz
Visine
Gold Bond Powder 1 oz
Wet Ones Antibacterial Wipes Individual Packets x6
Nailclippers
Charmin TP Miniroll 55 sheets

MISCELLANEOUS
Foil-Type Emergency Blanket
Small Spiral Bound Journal
Duct Tape 6ft
Waterproof Matches
Lighter
Buck Whittaker Knife
Tiny Spare Pocketknife
Estonian Forest Fire Starter x2
Spare Tent Stake
LED Fingerlight
Eveready Headlamp
Spare AAA batteries x6
Spare Bootlaces 1pr
MegaWarmers Hand Warmers x3
Bear Line 50ft
Mini Carabiners x2
OC Bear Spray 1.47 oz
Kodak Disposable Camera 800 speed 27 exp
Bandanas x2
Sunglasses

[warraghiyagey]

Lotta room for paring down there. I'm also a larger framed guy (6 -2, 200) and thought I could handle the extra pack weight. I did. But I learned that the hike was better for me to get rid of all the extras.
It's a long hike.
When you start getting rid of extra knives, nalgenes, extra batteries etc., etc., you find you can knock a lot of unnecessary weight off and you'll be glad you did.

[KG4FAM]

wallet- use a ziplock
pillow - use extra clothes/gear
mug - pour your drinks into a nalgene
fork - stab things with your knife
bowl - eat out of your cookpot
boxerbreifs - freeball it
insulating clothing - down and fleece, get rid of one
sweats - even more unneeded insulation
shampoo and toothpaste - use Dr. Bronners
emergency blanket - rainsuit and tent if your down stuff gets soaked
matches - you are already carrying a lighter and if it runs out it still sparks
2 knives - ditch one
fire starter - you dont need a fire to cook on so you dont need a fire
spare tent stake - use a stick or rock or tree for tie outs
2 flashlights - ditch one
spare batteries - too many
extra bootlaces - use your bear cord (assuming 550 parachute cord)
handwarmers - keep your core warm and the hands will follow

lots of other things could probably be cut out as well, but this can start you off.

[bigcranky]

This is a very good traditional backpacking list. Nothing wrong with that, and you're young enough to carry it. You do have some duplication, and a few areas where you might cut back:

1. Nalgenes are bombproof, yes, but there are few bombs on the AT anyway. Three of them together weigh almost a pound empty. 1-liter Aqua Fina or Gatorade bottles are lighter, cheaper, and do the same job. Platypus or Nalgene Cantene bags are lighter, but not as tough.

2. How many knives are you carrying? A Leatherman, and a Buck knife, and a spare pocket knife is three, did I miss one? While there are lots of reasons to love a good knife, many hikers make do with only the smallest Swiss Army Knife. The scissors being the most useful implement, BTW.

3. The Jetboil comes with a pot, yes? Either eat from the pot -- and leave the bowl -- or drink from the pot, and leave your mug.

4. You can wear your thermal bottoms in camp, with the rain pants over them, and leave the sweat pants at home.

When do you start. and which direction? Some of the clothing will be necessary in the colder parts of the hike (down jacket, fleece, heavy hat, etc.), and you can send them home when it warms up.

You'll be fine. Get out on the trail and enjoy it. When you get to be old fharts like us, you can look at lightening up a bit more.

[canoehead]

nice job 33whiskey. Any time you can multi task your gear the better off you are. Question is How LOW will you go.

[clured]

Everything bolded is unnecessary:

GEAR TRANSPORT
Osprey Aether 85 Pack
Sea to Summit SilNyl Pack Cover
Hefty Contractor Bag (Pack Liner)
Komperdell C3 Carbon Ultralite Airshock Trekking Poles w/ Hemi-Tips

GUIDANCE
Brunton Compass
Appropriate Map
Thru-Hiker's Companion
Ironman Digital Watch

FINANCE/IDENTIFICATION
Driver's License
ATC Member Card
Bifold Wallet
Phone Card
Credit Card
Debit Card
Cash

SHELTER/SLEEPING
Granite Gear Nylon Sack (Tent Bag)
EMS Moonshadow Tent w/ Poles and 2 Stakes
Tyvek Ground Cloth
EMS Down Under 25 Sleeping Bag
Silk Sleeping Bag Liner
Hefty Kitchen Garbage Bag (as Sleeping Bag Dry Bag)
Therm-A-Rest Trail Pro L
Therm-A-Rest Compressible Pillow (Medium)

KITCHEN
MSR Pump-Style Water Filter in Mesh Bag
JetBoil System
Spare Fuel
Evernew 400 Titanium .4L Mug
Wide-Mouth Nalgene 32oz x3
Leatherman Wave
Lexan Spoon
Lexan Fork
Lexan Bowl
REI Medium Pack Towel

SUSTINENCE
Granite Gear Nylon Sack (Food Bag)
Food (10 Days)
Hefty OneZip 1 Gallon Bag (for Garbage)
Plastic Peanut Butter Jar w/lid (for condiment packets)
Oval Plastic Flask Container 8 oz (full of Tang drink mix)

CLOTHING
Granite Gear Nylon Sack (Clothes Bag)
Vasque Breeze XCR Boots
EMS Heavy Socks x3
EMS Sock Liners x2
ExOfficio Boxer Briefs x2
EMS Techwick Thermals (Top & Bottom)
EMS Hiking Pants
EMS Techwick T-Shirt
Long-Sleeve Fleece
EMS Glacier Down Jacket
REI Minimalist Waterproof/Windproof Gloves
EMS Thunderhead Raingear (Jacket/Pants/Hat)
Mountain Hardwear Dome Perignon Windproof Hat (Knit skimask instead???)
Sweatpants (camp)
Crocs (camp)

HEALTH & HYGIENE
Hefty OneZip 1 Quart Bags x3
Basic Medical Kit (Band-Aids, Neosporin, Moleskin, etc)
Toothbrush
Toothpaste .85 oz
Rx Bottle w/ various Medication (Benadryl, Sudafed, Ibuprofen, Nexium)
Centrum Multi-Vitamins
Dr. Bronner's Peppermint Soap 4 oz
Q-Tips x4
Shampoo 1.5 oz
Chapstick
Sunscreen 30 SPF 1 oz
Visine
Gold Bond Powder 1 oz
Wet Ones Antibacterial Wipes Individual Packets x6
Nailclippers
Charmin TP Miniroll 55 sheets

MISCELLANEOUS
Foil-Type Emergency Blanket
Small Spiral Bound Journal
Duct Tape 6ft
Waterproof Matches
Lighter
Buck Whittaker Knife
Tiny Spare Pocketknife
Estonian Forest Fire Starter x2
Spare Tent Stake
LED Fingerlight
Eveready Headlamp
Spare AAA batteries x6
Spare Bootlaces 1pr
MegaWarmers Hand Warmers x3
Bear Line 50ft
Mini Carabiners x2
OC Bear Spray 1.47 oz
Kodak Disposable Camera 800 speed 27 exp
Bandanas x2
Sunglasses

[Jail Break]

I'm NoBo starting 3/27. Great tips, thanks... excellent so far!

[Appalachian Tater]

The spare batteries are unnecessary if it's an LED headlamp, they dim very slowly.
Ear plugs.

[John B]

I agree with whiskey and clured, exceptpersonally I'd rather carry a spoon than a fork -- easier to scrape the very bottom of the pot; no way I'd carry 3 Nalgene bottles -- 2 gatorades or, if I'm really paranoid, 1 gatorade and 1 Nalgene; that's a giant pack, but if it's already purchased, I can understand sticking with it to save the money; you might want to carry a few Advil for the aches and Imodium pills in case you get the runs; a tiny bit of Neosporin might help when you get blisters (duct tape makes a great bandaid); I'd ditch all the spare battaries for the reason Tater gave; you carry 10 days food? Check the resupply article by Jack Tarlin -- hardly ever a section that you'd need to carry more than 3-5; I'd toss the Jiffy bottle for holding condiments and replace it with a snack-size ziplock baggie.

Regardless of what you take initially, you'll adjust quickly to what you actually need instead of what you want. Enjoy the hike!

[earlylight]

I'd get rid of everything in bold.

GEAR TRANSPORT
Osprey Aether 85 Pack
Sea to Summit SilNyl Pack Cover
Hefty Contractor Bag (Pack Liner)
Komperdell C3 Carbon Ultralite Airshock Trekking Poles w/ Hemi-Tips

GUIDANCE
Brunton Compass
Appropriate Map
Thru-Hiker's Companion
Ironman Digital Watch

FINANCE/IDENTIFICATION
Driver's License
ATC Member Card
Bifold Wallet
Phone Card
Credit Card
Debit Card
Cash

SHELTER/SLEEPING
Granite Gear Nylon Sack (Tent Bag)
EMS Moonshadow Tent w/ Poles and 2 Stakes
Tyvek Ground Cloth
EMS Down Under 25 Sleeping Bag
Silk Sleeping Bag Liner (sleep in your clothes)
Hefty Kitchen Garbage Bag (as Sleeping Bag Dry Bag)
Therm-A-Rest Trail Pro L
Therm-A-Rest Compressible Pillow (Medium)

KITCHEN
MSR Pump-Style Water Filter in Mesh Bag
JetBoil System
Spare Fuel
Evernew 400 Titanium .4L Mug
Wide-Mouth Nalgene 32oz x3 (replace with Nalgene wide mouth collapsible canteens)
Leatherman Wave
Lexan Spoon
Lexan Fork
Lexan Bowl
REI Medium Pack Towel

SUSTINENCE
Granite Gear Nylon Sack (Food Bag)
Food (10 Days)
Hefty OneZip 1 Gallon Bag (for Garbage)
Plastic Peanut Butter Jar w/lid (for condiment packets) (use plastic bag)
Oval Plastic Flask Container 8 oz (full of Tang drink mix)

CLOTHING
Granite Gear Nylon Sack (Clothes Bag)
Vasque Breeze XCR Boots
EMS Heavy Socks x3
EMS Sock Liners x2
ExOfficio Boxer Briefs x2
EMS Techwick Thermals (Top & Bottom)
EMS Hiking Pants
EMS Techwick T-Shirt
Long-Sleeve Fleece
EMS Glacier Down Jacket
REI Minimalist Waterproof/Windproof Gloves
EMS Thunderhead Raingear (Jacket/Pants/Hat)
Mountain Hardwear Dome Perignon Windproof Hat (Knit skimask instead???)
Sweatpants (camp)
Crocs (camp)

HEALTH & HYGIENE
Hefty OneZip 1 Quart Bags x3
Basic Medical Kit (Band-Aids, Neosporin, Moleskin, etc)
Toothbrush
Toothpaste .85 oz
Rx Bottle w/ various Medication (Benadryl, Sudafed, Ibuprofen, Nexium)
Centrum Multi-Vitamins
Dr. Bronner's Peppermint Soap 4 oz (cut down to 1oz)
Q-Tips x4
Shampoo 1.5 oz
Chapstick
Sunscreen 30 SPF 1 oz
Visine
Gold Bond Powder 1 oz
Wet Ones Antibacterial Wipes Individual Packets x6
Nailclippers
Charmin TP Miniroll 55 sheets

MISCELLANEOUS
Foil-Type Emergency Blanket
Small Spiral Bound Journal
Duct Tape 6ft
Waterproof Matches
Lighter
Buck Whittaker Knife
Tiny Spare Pocketknife
Estonian Forest Fire Starter x2
Spare Tent Stake
LED Fingerlight
Eveready Headlamp
Spare AAA batteries x6 (bring 2)
Spare Bootlaces 1pr
MegaWarmers Hand Warmers x3
Bear Line 50ft
Mini Carabiners x2
OC Bear Spray 1.47 oz
Kodak Disposable Camera 800 speed 27 exp
Bandanas x2 (bring 1)
Sunglasses[/quote]

If you want to reduce yet more weight, and you can afford it, you should look into bringing a lighter tent. Its easy to get under 2lbs. Also look into lighter weight rain gear and think about bring some gaiters to keep your socks dry.

[Velcro]

Jail Break,

As much as I would love to strike items off your list that I ended up ditching and that I am sure you will also; it would deny you the personal metamorphosis from a materialistic thing oriented culture to a minimalist nature oriented existence. :) I am not attempting to be obtuse, it's just a theological exercise you ask of that cannot happen until the PAIN of culture clash. I am ROTFLOL as I write this thinking of mine and others misery with the initial learning curve.

At 45+/- pounds you are not IMHO in a danger area, just a forced and temporary unhappy zone. You will laugh after two weeks on the trail about what you once thought important.

My only suggestion is to keep an open mind regarding hiking style as your hike unfolds.

I started with a tent changed to a tarp.

I started with Nalgenes changed to a bladder

I started 100% in my boots, ended 80% in my reefs (not Tevas; too heavy)

I started with mail drops changed to a 'bounce box' (you might also I think, with your list of spares)

I started hiking alone but never was.

In short I changed everything, my perception of vanity, hygiene, food, comfort, time, distance, beauty etc..... These changes affected the size and weight of my pack, and I could never have predicted them.

Cheers

PS. One item not on your list?? (think social trail:) )

[Appalachian Tater]

PS. One item not on your list?? (think social trail:) )

Deck of cards?

[Velcro]

Deck of cards?


:) LOL

Think intimately social!!

[Appalachian Tater]

If you're talking about a condom, if you are male, it would be more likely that you would need to use it as an emergency water container than for sexual intercourse. That's just the odds out there on the trail working against you.

If you're female, you might prefer to use it as an emergency water container.

[quasarr]

you have a few nylon sacks, why not just put your garbage bag in your pack, then cram everything in? it'll make your pack less lumpy too.

[Seeker]

lots of good comments previously. here are some nit-picks.

GEAR TRANSPORT
Osprey Aether 85 Pack
Sea to Summit SilNyl Pack Cover do you need both cover and liner?
Hefty Contractor Bag (Pack Liner)
Komperdell C3 Carbon Ultralite Airshock Trekking Poles w/ Hemi-Tips

GUIDANCE
Brunton Compass a smaller hunter's fisheye is marginally lighter
Appropriate Map some say a map isn't needed.
Thru-Hiker's Companion
Ironman Digital Watch i waffle on a watch. i never look at it during the day, but when i wake up in the middle of the night, i always wonder what time it is. i finally got one with a thermometer, so i can justify bringing it.

FINANCE/IDENTIFICATION
Driver's License
ATC Member Card ?why? unless maybe good for discounts somewhere
Bifold Wallet ziplock and duck tape
Phone Card
Credit Card
Debit Card
Cash

SHELTER/SLEEPING
Granite Gear Nylon Sack (Tent Bag)
EMS Moonshadow Tent w/ Poles and 2 Stakes
Tyvek Ground Cloth
EMS Down Under 25 Sleeping Bag
Silk Sleeping Bag Liner
Hefty Kitchen Garbage Bag (as Sleeping Bag Dry Bag)
Therm-A-Rest Trail Pro L if you have back problems, look at a hammock system. might be too late for this trip, but at some point, check it out.
Therm-A-Rest Compressible Pillow (Medium) use tent bag w/extra clothes

KITCHEN
MSR Pump-Style Water Filter in Mesh Bag Aqua Mira will save you 12oz (but you may have a reason for not going with chemical treatment)
JetBoil System
Spare Fuel
Evernew 400 Titanium .4L Mug
Wide-Mouth Nalgene 32oz x3 1 or 2 aquafina or gatoraid bottles. and they weigh under an ounce each (vs 6oz each)
Leatherman Wave
Lexan Spoon
Lexan Fork what will you eat with a fork that won't work with a spoon?
Lexan Bowl mug or bowl. pick only one.
REI Medium Pack Towel bandanna works too. up to you.

SUSTINENCE
Granite Gear Nylon Sack (Food Bag)
Food (10 Days) yeeow! that's 20+ lbs!?
Hefty OneZip 1 Gallon Bag (for Garbage)
Plastic Peanut Butter Jar w/lid (for condiment packets) hmm... how about just putting them in a baggie inside your pot or mug instead?
Oval Plastic Flask Container 8 oz (full of Tang drink mix) double bag it.

CLOTHING a bit much, perhaps, but you will sort it out in a few days or weeks.
Granite Gear Nylon Sack (Clothes Bag)
Vasque Breeze XCR Boots
EMS Heavy Socks x3
EMS Sock Liners x2
ExOfficio Boxer Briefs x2
EMS Techwick Thermals (Top & Bottom)
EMS Hiking Pants
EMS Techwick T-Shirt
Long-Sleeve Fleece
EMS Glacier Down Jacket
REI Minimalist Waterproof/Windproof Gloves
EMS Thunderhead Raingear (Jacket/Pants/Hat)
Mountain Hardwear Dome Perignon Windproof Hat (Knit skimask instead???)
Sweatpants (camp)
Crocs (camp)

HEALTH & HYGIENE
Hefty OneZip 1 Quart Bags x3
Basic Medical Kit (Band-Aids, Neosporin, Moleskin, etc) here's a real nit-pick... you can get bandaids now with the neosporin already on them, so you don't have to carry it separately. but then you don't have it for other places (like a blister you'd cover with duct tape, or whatever)
Toothbrush
Toothpaste .85 oz
Rx Bottle w/ various Medication (Benadryl, Sudafed, Ibuprofen, Nexium) add some imodium
Centrum Multi-Vitamins
Dr. Bronner's Peppermint Soap 4 oz
Q-Tips x4
Shampoo 1.5 oz why?
Chapstick
Sunscreen 30 SPF 1 oz
Visine
Gold Bond Powder 1 oz
Wet Ones Antibacterial Wipes Individual Packets x6
Nailclippers
Charmin TP Miniroll 55 sheets

MISCELLANEOUS
Foil-Type Emergency Blanket overkill
Small Spiral Bound Journal
Duct Tape 6ft
Waterproof Matches get 2 x mini Bics. Bic, not some cheap knock-off.
Lighter see above.
Buck Whittaker Knife 2nd knife
Tiny Spare Pocketknife 3rd knife
Estonian Forest Fire Starter x2 again, stick with 2 mini-Bics
Spare Tent Stake overkill
LED Fingerlight
Eveready Headlamp
Spare AAA batteries x6 overkill
Spare Bootlaces 1pr overkill. unless someone steals them, you can tie a knot for a few days. or use some bear line (if appropriate). you can even pull a couple drawstrings out of your many stuff sacks, knot two of them together, and be good for a few days.
MegaWarmers Hand Warmers x3 overkill.
Bear Line 50ft
Mini Carabiners x2
OC Bear Spray 1.47 oz i first thought overkill, but then i remembered you'll be around people too...
Kodak Disposable Camera 800 speed 27 exp
Bandanas x2
Sunglasses

[StarLyte]

Jailbreak - I'm a long time sectioner, never thru'd.

Your pack weight seems quite reasonable at 45 lbs. with your age, height and weight. I'm sure you'll ditch anything you find you can do without.

You're absolutely right about the sleep at night - I myself have to be comfortable. If you don't sleep - you can't hike the next day. Don't do that to yourself, but with that thought...as you become conditioned you will change some of your gear.

I remember a young guy hiking once (on this list) who packed 75 pounds. Same weight and height. He did fine.

Have fun and hike your own hike friend!

[Awol2003]

I also like a nice sleep mat. I used a Big Agnes inflatable, which is just as comfy, but a little less weight and much less volume. If sleeping in a shelter, I'd put my tent ground cloth down first to avoid punctures (never got one).

For a knife, I like the Leatherman Micra. You won't be able to do any bear hunting with it, but it has great scissors.

My full gear list with pics, weights and comments is on the GEAR pages of my website.
http://awolonthetrail.com