View Full Version : clothing and tents
Hey guys,
my name's guy, and I'm starting the AT in march 14th, south to north.
since I live in Israel, everything is way cheaper in the US then here, so I'm buying all my gear, and that means EVERYTHING in the States.
I'm flying over to New Orleans for the mardi gras, and I'll buy my gear there and in atlanta, which gives me approx 3 weeks of shopping b4 I start my thru-hike.
I'm having trouble figuring out what kind of clothing I need. as in, what do I wear while I walk? when does the thermo-shirt and the fleece go and so forth...so I'll be happy if you can make some order in my confused mind.
and I'm looking for a good tent for the hike in the range of 200$ max.
thanks a lot!
SGT Rock
02-01-2009, 12:56
Here is a system. It is mine and it works for me, but everyone is different.
Clothing worn:
Underarmor T-Shirt
Microfiber Underwear
Nylon shorts
Trail Runners
Running socks
Hat with a bill (baseball style cap)
Extra clothing:
Wind shirt
spare pair underwear
Spare pair running socks
Sil-nylon sack for clothing. This is big enough for all my clothing except rain gear.
That all works for me in any weather as the base. For rain gear, which is a part of the clothing system, I carry this:
Jacket/Packcover (I use a Packa)
Rain Pants
Rain mittens
Goretex socks.
The rain mittens you may not want or need. I use the Goretex socks for hiking in the snow with running shoes. Depending on your footgear choice you may also not need those.
First layer:
Polypro top and bottom
Wool cap
Wool gloves
Wool socks
This, combined with raingear as a shell, works for me down to about 30F (about 0C). Normally I don't hike in this stuff, I just keep it for camp.
Second Layer:
Insulated top (M65 field jacke liner)
Insulated bottom (gield pants liners)
Heavy wool socks
Heavy fleece mittens
polypro neck gaiter
Combined with all the other gear above, this has taken me down into the teens farenheit for standing around in camp and with my sleeping bag has taken me down to about 6F for sleeping (that is about -15C).
I'll add that you should probably make sure you get a good bag. Your sleeping bag/pad is your last line of defense against hypothermia.
I hope that helps.
try to order from campmor and have it shipped to someone or a hostel it will save a lot of running for sizes etc when all the gear is together than take it to find a pack
mountain squid
02-01-2009, 13:39
so I'm buying all my gear, and that means EVERYTHING in the States.
http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-signs087.gifto WB. I would suggest going to Mountain Crossings (http://www.mountaincrossings.com/index.asp?PageAction=COMPANY) before starting. They have good gear there and usually a knowledgeable staff to help. You might also consider staying at the Hiker Hostel (http://hikerhostel.com/index.php). There will be other hikers there and they can provide a shuttle to Neels Gap (where Mountain Crossings is) if needed.
Good Luck and Have Fun!!
See you on the trail,
mt squid
daddytwosticks
02-01-2009, 15:51
You know for tents, everyone is gonna say "tarptent"...any model.:)
Slo-go'en
02-01-2009, 17:09
I would suggest going to Mountain Crossings (http://www.mountaincrossings.com/index.asp?PageAction=COMPANY) before starting.
I second that idea. It will be more expensive at first, but cheaper in the long run as you will get only the gear you really need, sold by people who know how to outfit you properly.
thanks guys.
but chances are I'm not gonna buy a tarptent..
any other suggestions?
thanks guys.
but chances are I'm not gonna buy a tarptent..
any other suggestions?
Check out the SHIRES' RAINBOW tarptent (http://www.tarptent.com/rainbow.html)...
more TENT than tarp.
Good luck on your hike!:D
I'll be out there in May (w/ "Jigsaw, Model-T & DAKS")...Harpers Ferry NOBO to Swatara Gap,PA...
Frick Frack
02-02-2009, 09:10
thanks guys.
but chances are I'm not gonna buy a tarptent..
any other suggestions?
My wife & I used a MSR Zoid II which is no longer made. I have used it for 8yrs+ with success. It was perfect for us. MSR made a ZOID I & a Micro Zoid for going solo. I noticed Mount Rogers Outfitters in Damascus still had some. GOHERE (http://mtrogersoutfitters.com/gear.asp?fn=d&cat=2&item=87)
Blissful
02-02-2009, 10:53
Mountain Crossings would be a good place to outfit, north of Atlanta. They know thru hikers.
FamilyGuy
02-02-2009, 11:06
I would consider the Big Agnes Seedhouse 1. Not the SL1 (superlight version) which can run to $250 but the Regular Seedhouse. About 3.5 pounds but freestanding and a lot of room. More robust materials than the SL1 and comfortably under $200. It will withstand wind and rain really well and even some light snow:
http://www.campsaver.com/itemdesc.asp?ic=bag0030
Plus you get a free footprint at this link.
GuyB
There are many tent options, but just to figure out what you have in your mind , what do you mean by :
"but chances are I'm not gonna buy a tarptent.."
The reason I am asking is because tarp tents in general and more specifically Tarptents (http://www.tarptent.com/) are very popular with long distance walkers.
Franco
http://www.sixmoondesigns.com/ Tents.
http://www.prolitegear.com/ Other stuff.
Feral Bill
02-02-2009, 21:22
I like my Sierra Designs Clip Flashlight. It is roomy for one and will work for two. About 4 pounds. Outside bug season I prefer a regular 8x10 tarp.
le loupe
02-02-2009, 21:36
I'm sure the Seedhouse and Zoid are great tents, but for a guy from Israel buying everything here and probably abandoning it prior to returning home what about some cheaper gear.
I use the Coleman Kraz- Specs (pack weight and size) are about the same as the Seedhouse and can be had for $100. $60 if you don't mind using the friends and family discount from the website.
I'm sure you get what you pay for, but treat it properly and its a fine entry level tent.
The extra hundred in your pocket can go a long way to something else nice.
SGT Rock
02-02-2009, 21:43
How about getting a tarp then. Spend less than $100 for a nice sized tarp. Chances are you will stay at shelters a lot anyway, so a tarp is a good carry along for the "in case" situations without blowing a lot of money or carrying a lot of weight.
theinfamousj
02-02-2009, 21:51
I'm sure the Seedhouse and Zoid are great tents, but for a guy from Israel buying everything here and probably abandoning it prior to returning home what about some cheaper gear.
Then, I must make the obligatory Walmart Ozark Trail Children's tent (http://www.trailspace.com/gear/ozark-trail/2-person-junior-dome-tent/). Under $20 and under 3 lbs. Sleep diagonally for lots of room. Doesn't leak.
(If you've noticed that I recommend this tent time and time again, you'll be amused to know that I use the Gossamer One as my primary tent.)
Yes I have seen plenty of other people recommending really cheap tents. Funny thing is that they all use something else.
Franco
thx for all your help guys.
le loup is right, I'm coming from far and probably won't take back everything I buy, maybe just the really good ones..
the reason I won't buy I tarptent is coz I just finished being a combat soldier in the army (it's mandatory here), and all we slept in was tarptents, and I'm kinda tired of the damn thing :)
the coleman kraz looks great, but is will it stand the whole trail?
I'll post my gear list when it's ready later on for all your comments, and thx again!
Past experience with Coleman would lead me to dissagree on the Kraz, but that's just my opinion. For a few dollars more you can buy a better made tent like the Eureka Zeus which are pretty good.
My recomendation would be Six Moon Designs, I have the Lunar Duo but I think They make a smaller single also.
daddytwosticks
02-03-2009, 08:44
I have and use several different shelters. After all, different tools for different jobs as I tell my wife. For an inexpensive, quality one-man tent, try the Eureka Spitfire.
Guy
I am pretty sure that the Israely Army is not using anything like the Tarptents we are thinking of...
http://www.tarptent.com/ (http://www.tarptent.com/)
Franco
Sorry, I meant Israeli....
ofthearth
02-03-2009, 17:20
http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-signs087.gifto WB. I would suggest going to Mountain Crossings (http://www.mountaincrossings.com/index.asp?PageAction=COMPANY) before starting. They have good gear there and usually a knowledgeable staff to help. You might also consider staying at the Hiker Hostel (http://hikerhostel.com/index.php). There will be other hikers there and they can provide a shuttle to Neels Gap (where Mountain Crossings is) if needed.
Good Luck and Have Fun!!
See you on the trail,
mt squid
I second that idea. It will be more expensive at first, but cheaper in the long run as you will get only the gear you really need, sold by people who know how to outfit you properly.
Mountain Crossings would be a good place to outfit, north of Atlanta. They know thru hikers.
Then, I must make the obligatory Walmart Ozark Trail Children's tent (http://www.trailspace.com/gear/ozark-trail/2-person-junior-dome-tent/). Under $20 and under 3 lbs. Sleep diagonally for lots of room. Doesn't leak.
(If you've noticed that I recommend this tent time and time again, you'll be amused to know that I use the Gossamer One as my primary tent.)
I 5th or 6th (which ever it is) the suggestion to try and get your gear at Mt Crossings. The gear itself might be more expensive but it will probably be cheaper in the long run as you will probably end up swapping out gear or getting new/more gear there anyway. You will also if, you hang out at the hostel there before you start, have a chance to see what people are really carrying.
I also have/use the GG THE ONE (TENT)
Good luck.
Would be interesting to see someone do a poll ( my mac has not mastered the art :o ) about gear swapped out / sent home from Mt Crossings.
mountain squid
02-03-2009, 17:29
Would be interesting to see someone do a poll about gear swapped out / sent home from Mt Crossings.Not a poll, but I did start a thread (http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?t=20301) on the topic.
See you on the trail,
mt squid
Well guys, here's my list, I have almost nothing from it except the sleeping bag coz I buy everything in the U.S., but I'll love it if you take your time to evaluate it (the prices are the range of prices I saw on the internet about the products):
2 Walmart walking polls (20$, which this forum recomanded :) )
Backpack: probably the Granite Gear Nimbus Ozone + cover (150$)
sleeping bag: Salewa Sigma Flex, -1 C, 1420 gr (3.13 lb)
tent: probably the Eureka Spitfire (100$)
foam mattress (30$)
3 Liter water bag + an empty bottle to refill it
gaiters (25$)
crocks
hat
fleece hat
fleece golves
sun glasses + spair glasses
fast drying towel 120X20 cm
1 Liter titanium pot
1 light heat proof spoon
pocket knife
lighter + matches
titanium cup
alchohol stove + 1 extra bottle of alchohol + wind shield (35$)
whistle
10 Meter string
flashlight
multy-use small soap
tooth brush + paste
first aid kit
light reflectors for the backpack
small unbreakable mirror
camera + spair battaries + spair memory card
toilet paper
purifying water tablets
zip locks for everything
AT thru-hike companion
3 hiking socks (I think 90% wool and 10% poly)
1 nylon pants (the short with the zipper and becomes long ones)
2 underwear (microfiber)
2 breathable shirts
1 heavy wool sock
1 fleece shirt
1 top + bottom polypro
light rain and wind coat, Marmot Precip (100$)
rain poncho ( 15$)
swimming suit
that's it execpt for......the shoes!
I got so confused with this forum and people trying to suggest things, I need to know once and for all. TO GORE-TEX OR NOT TO GORE-TEX?
water proof or not?
and thx a lot, again!
Waterproof shoes
Another endless debate with no right or wrong solution except for what works for the individual, and that will vary according to weather conditions, pure luck and perceptions.
My take is that the harder it is for the water to go in the harder it is to get out. In other words sooner or later ALL (Gore-Tex/eVent/Leather/whatever) will be overwhelmed ( often just water coming in from the top, never mind gaiters) at that point you will find that a breathable mesh type upper can dry fairly quickly, the Gore-Tex type will remain wet for ages. The next ten comments will provably espouse fifteen conflicting opinions.
Franco
GuyB---
Manishma? Glad you are coming over here to hike. My sister lives in Beersheba..we're originally from a kibbutz near nazareth.
Few things to consider:
--Probably won't need the rain poncho AND the marmot precip
--probably won't need two pairs of underwear (probably not even one)
--you can find a cheap pair of liner shorts that you can hike in and will double as swimming trunks
--ditch the towel and use bandannas
--Leaving march 14th, you might want a nice down or synthetic jacket for camp when your body temperature cools down. I have a Montbell something or other, but there are lots of options.
I'm starting March 10th--see you there.