My 2011 Gear List

[FORTIS]

I plan on leaving Amicalola Falls State Park the second week of March. It doesn't look like I did all that well as far as weight goes :eek: But I will be doing a seven day shake down hike in about a week. It won't entail much in the way of elevation change but I will be able to move to a different primitive campsite each night. I'm hoping this will mimic the AT to some degree and give me a few weight cutting ideas. Some things, like my medical supplies I can't alter to any large extent. Anyhow, thanks for all the help and for taking a look.

Category Item Weight (oz)Notes
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Base Group Foot Print 4.50 Big Agnes
Base Group Pack 67.00 Aarn Natural Balance
Incls. 2 Dri Sacs.
Base Group Shelter/Tent 45.00 Big Agnes Copper
Spur UL 1
Base Group Sleeping Bag 32.00 WM Versalite 10 deg.
Base Group Sleeping Pad 15.00 Them-A-Rest
NeoAir/+Stuff Sac

Base Group Total Weight 10.22 LBS

Clothing In Pack DownJacket w/hood 10.00 Down Sweater/7oz Clothing In Pack Gloves ? Gloves for camp ?
Clothing In Pack Med Wt. Base Layer 10.50 Merino Wool 260
Bottoms (for camp)
Clothing In Pack Med Wt. Base Layer 13.75 Merino Wool 260
Top (for camp)
Clothing In Pack Rain Jacket 8.00 Marmot Nano Jacket
Clothing In Pack Rain Pants 10.00 Marmot Minimalist Pants
Clothing In Pack Sock Liners 1.25 Merino Wool Liners
Clothing In Pack Socks 5.00 Merino Wool Lite Wt.
Hiker (2 pair)

Clothing In Pack Total Weight 3.66 LBS

Clothing Worn eVENT Rain Mitts 1.00 MLD Rain Mitts (if
needed)
Clothing Worn Base Layer Bottom 5.25 Merino Wool 150 UL
Clothing Worn Base Layer Top 6.75 Merino Wool 150 UL LS
w/zip neck
Clothing Worn Boots 49.00 Saloman Quest 4D GTX
Clothing Worn Glove Liners 0.75 Merino Wool Liners
(If needed)
Clothing Worn Hat 1.37 Merino Wool 200 beanie
Clothing Worn Pants (Convertible) 14.00 Mtn. Hardwear Mesa
Convertible
Clothing Worn Sock Liners 1.25 Merino Wool Liners (If
needed)
Clothing Worn Socks 2.50 Merino Wool
Clothing Worn SS UL Top 5.38 Merino Wool 150(for
camp or layering
Clothing Worn Treking Poles 15.00 Carbon Pacer Poles

Clothing Worn Total Weight 6.39 LBS

Consumables Food 144.00 Leave resupply points
w/6days
rations@ 1.5lbs/ day
Consumables Fuel 10.00 resupply points
w/5days fuel@2oz/day
Consumables Vitamins ? 5 day supply
Consumables Water 70.00 Start each day w/2L of
Water

Consumables Total Weight 14.00 LBS

Hydration Group Hydration System 5.75 Platypus BigZip 3L
Hydration Group Water Tank/Tote 3.50 Platypus water Tank 4L
Hydration Group Water Treatment 1.00 Aquamira Drops
Hydration Group Water Treatment 4.62 SteriPen Adventurer
Opti w/case/batteries

Hydration Group Total Weight .93 LBS

Hygiene Group Baby Wipes 2.63
Hygiene Group ChapStick 0.25
Hygiene Group Hand Sanitizer 1.00
Hygiene Group Small Toothbrush 0.13
Hygiene Group Small Toothpaste 0.88
Hygiene Group Soap 0.00
Hygiene Group Toilet Paper 0.00
Hygiene Group Trowel 2.88

Hygiene Group Total Weight .49

Kitchen Group Caldera Caddy 4.00 Caldera Caddy, Pot
Cozy and Stuff Sac
Kitchen Group Food Storage 3.40 MLD Pro Bear Bag
System
Kitchen Group Fuel Bottle 0.87 Fuel Bottle and
Measuring Cup
Kitchen Group Lighter 1.00 1 Bic Lighter (white)
Kitchen Group OP Sacks 2.40 2 extra OP Sacks
Kitchen Group Pot 3.88 EverNew 950ml
Kitchen Group Spoon 0.50 MLD Titanium Long
Handle Spoon
Kitchen Group Stove 0.50 Caldera Alcohol Stove
Kitchen Group Wind Screen 1.50 Caldera Cone

Kitchen Group Total Weight 1.13 LBS

Luxury Items Cell Phone 5.25 Droid X
Luxury Items Camp Shoes ? Considering
Luxury Items Compact Camera ? Considering
Luxury Items Journal/Pen ? Considering
Luxury Items MP3 ? Considering
Luxury Items Gaiters ? Considering

Luxury Items Total Weight .33 LBS + ?

Medical/FirstAid Credit Card/ Cash 0.00
Medical/FirstAid First Aid Kit 7.00
Medical/FirstAid ID/Health Ins. Card 0.00
Medical/FirstAid Medical Supply Kit 19.50 There's not much I can
do to to lower this Wt.

Medical/FirstAid Total Weight 1.66 LBS

Nav/Repair/Tools Compass 1.00
Nav/Repair/Tools Headlamp 3.12 Petzl
Nav/Repair/Tools Multi Tool 1.80 Micra Leatherman
Nav/Repair/Tools Photon Micro-Light 0.25
Nav/Repair/Tools Repair Kit for Tent 1.25
/Clothing
Nav/Repair/Tools The A.T. Guide 0.00 Divided up into Sections
Nav/Repair/Tools Whistle 0.50

Nav/Repair/Tools Total Weight .50 LBS

Total Weight 39.31 LBS

Thanks

[FORTIS]

Sorry! I'm not sure what I did. My post wasn't as jacked up looking as it is now.

[johnnyblisters]

Cut med kit to 8oz, some gauze, tape, meds (unless you have another condition which warrants more).

Also, do you really need a 3L Platy hozer and a 4L tank? Just take the hozer and a 1L gatoraide bottle, more than enough.

Other than that it looks good, see you out there!

[TheChop]

I'd take the 3L Platy and then two 1L bags. Great thing about platypus is you can be very flexible with water carried.

[Turtle Feet]

I'd be surprised if you find 1 1/2lbs. of food/day to be enough for you, that seems a little low. At the same time, doubt you'll need to carry 6 days worth at any given time (with the possible exception of the Maine 100 MW).

We're leaving about the same time, so see you out there!!!

tf

[swjohnsey]

Mine is weighing closer to 2 1/2 lbs/day for around 3,500 calories/day.

[Panzer1]

Your list looks good to me. Have fun.

Panzer

[map man]

Pack could be 1 to 1.5 pounds lighter. Tent could be a pound lighter. But I understand that it costs money to replace both of those items and money doesn't grow on trees.

You are bringing 6 top layers and 4 bottom layers. I think you could cut that down to 4 and 3, respectively. I don't think you need both a down jacket AND down sweater for camp. I don't think you need two merino top layers to hike in. You warm up pretty good while you are hiking. One merino shirt worn under your rain jacket will do when it's cold if you also have the wool cap and gloves to take on and off as needed for temperature control. And for the bottoms, one merino layer for camp and sleeping bag, with the convertible pants and rain pants should cover it. The second merino bottoms can go. Again, you warm up quick when you hike and just the nylon pants should be enough to hike in, I would think.

Hey, we are both 51 years old. So I have extra reason to be rooting for you! Good luck.

[Blissful]

You have too many clothes. Might cut to one mid weight. You will not hike in heavy merino baselayer pants if you wear convertible pants. Leave them at home.
Don't need both a down sweater and jacket. Take the jacket only for now and switch later on.
You have 2 tops for hiking, leave one at home. DO you have a short sleeve shirt? Need one.
I'd skip the rain mitts personally. One pair of gloves only.
I wouldn't worry about a trowel.
Tyvek works for a tent footprint. I wold suggest another thin pad to use under your neoair, its not good below 30 degrees. (like the kind gossamer gear sells)
I found gaiters kept my feet too hot and contributed to blisters.
You can easily resupply in 3-4 days not 6. Don't carry extra food or you'll regret it (I know from personal experience) :)
For me a camera is a necessity. :)
Skip tent repair kit,
Need to cut down your med kit. Too heavy. Might be helpful if you list the items in it.
Don't need a micro light with a head lamp
Steri pen is unreliable, imo. Just go with Aqua mira, you save a lot of weight
I do not take a compass myself. But I do carry maps which I believe is a necessity

[FORTIS]

When I copied, pasted and posted my gear list everything got all scrambled together. For example, I'm not taking a down jacket and down sweater......just a down sweater. My first aid kit weighs 7 0z and my medical supply kit weighs 19.5 0z. This is due to a medical condition. I'm going to try posting parts of it again. Sorry for the Confusion. :)

Clothing In Pack

10.00 oz Down Sweater w/7 oz of fill.
10.50 0z Med. Wt. Base Layer Bottom (Merino 260)
13.75 0z Med. Wt. Base Layer Top (Merino 260)
04.00 oz Nylong Shorts
08.00 0z Rain Jacket
10.00 0z Rain Pants
01.25 0z Merino Sock Liners (1 pair)
05.00 0z Merino Socks (2 pair)
????? Gloves for camp

Total Weight 3.66 LBS

Clothing Worn

01.00 0z eVENT Rain Mitts (if needed)
05.25 0z Ultra Light Base Layer Bottoms (merino 150)
06.75 0z Ultra Light Base Layer Top w/zip neck (merino 150)
49.00 0z Boots (Saloman Quest 4D GTX)
00.75 0z Merino Glove Liners
01.37 0z Merino 200 pocket beanie
14.00 0z Convertible Pants
01.25 0z Merino Sock Liners
02.50 0z Merino Socks (light weight)
05.38 0z Short Sleeve Ultra Light Merino Tee (Merino 150)
15.00 0z Treking Poles

Total Weight 6.39 LBS

Medical/First Aid

07.00 0z First Aid Kit (Basics)
19.50 0z Medical Supply Kit (Medical Condition)

Total Weight 1.66 LBS

I believe these were the areas of greatest confusion. I think the rest of my original post was OK. My bad :o

Thanks for all the help over these past couple of months.

[BrianLe]

My suggestions:

Bring the charging cord for the Droid X, don't take a separate camera. Do consider a separate MP3 player, find one that uses a single AAA battery.

Versalite bag is great starting out, do plan on swapping to a lighter bag when you get to Pearisburg.

Consider dropping the rain pants; I for one rarely use 'em. Maybe a rain skirt if you must; ULA sells one, or for more coin there's the cuben one by Zpacks. Try first with minor surgery to a yard waste bag, one that has a draw string, see if you like this approach.

I don't see mittens --- you list eVent mitten shells (excellent choice IMO), and glove liners. For a mid-March start I suspect you might want something more. Consider, for example, a pair of OR PL 400 mittens.

Repair kit for tent: you're on a trail with lots of shelters. Bring some duct tape and make do, save this weight.

FWIW, the Petzl e+lite is about 1 oz, and is plenty good enough for me so long as I'm not night hiking; perhaps start with your heavier light and switch as the days grow longer.

My Wenger Esquire knife is 0.8 oz and it's all I've ever needed. I do, however, think it's good to carry a very light backup light source, though less essential on the AT, where often someone else is around if you have a "sudden lack o' lumens" emergency.

Why is the weight of toilet paper listed as zero? Leaves and snow and rocks and things might work for you, but on the AT there are all of these outhouses --- IMO it's worth it to carry a bit of TP.

I agree on leaving the trowel, but suggest that you might compromise by carrying an SMC Snow/Sand stake as a sort of "extra" stake that can also dig a cat hole at need. Or just nothing, assuming use of a trekking pole tip for the few times that you can't make it to a shelter (with outhouse or resident large shovel).

Of course you certainly can do without that heavy a tent; if you can't get one in the 20+ weight range, then I'd reconsider, in the context of your other gear choices. If it's a money thing then, sure, but otherwise --- you're starting on the early side, I'd suspect you can get into shelters most nights if you keep your pace up. In that context something really minimal is possible. Or compromise on something comfortable but nevertheless lighter, perhaps a Lightheart Solo, or something by SMD or TarpTent.

You've clearly thought this through, definitely one of the better gear lists I've seen with excellent specifics in terms of gear items, completeness, weights given, etc.
Have a great time on the trail!!

[ARambler]

10 lb of cloths including 4 lb of boots and treking poles does not seem that high to me. If you go much below this you will need to hike out to safety 1 year in 10. Although this is sop for many, your life may be worth more that the average internet blogger.

You seem to be in the 20 lb base weight range which is very reasonable. It will become much lighter in the summer when you go with a summer bag and less cloths (and lighter boots).

Make sure you don't forget the minor things you will want, e.g. ziploks, Droid case, and still fight the upward drift in weight.

[WY Fan]

How about rope to hang your food bag? I know out west that is part of the standard bear practice but I have yet to tackle the AT.

[Spokes]

Compare yours to the tried and true Mountain Crossings Method (http://www.backpacker.com/november_08_pack_man_/articles/12659?page=4) (ignore the pop-up). Tweak it for summer.

Cheers!

[StormBird]

Yes, way too many clothes. You won't wear thermals while you are hiking, it will be too hot even when it is very cold outside. So just wear thermals at night and a shirt and pants or shorts during the day. Also, you do not need both a down sweater AND a down coat. Just bring the coat. You only need one pair of gloves, not three.

On water, you will only need to carry 2 liters of water at a time in the beginning. Water is EVERYWHERE! You may need more capacity in the summer when water is scarce and you need more of it. :)

Other things you will not need:
-gaiters
-multi-tool
-repair kit for you tent
-compass
-two lights (just bring your headlamp)
-whistle
-PAR DOWN YOUR MED KIT! (you only need duct tape, camp soap, goldbond powder, 2-4 tablets benadryl, 4-6 tablets tylenol & a bandana)

[Sassafras Lass]

I plan on leaving Amicalola Falls State Park the second week of March. It doesn't look like I did all that well as far as weight goes :eek: But I will be doing a seven day shake down hike in about a week. It won't entail much in the way of elevation change but I will be able to move to a different primitive campsite each night. I'm hoping this will mimic the AT to some degree and give me a few weight cutting ideas. Some things, like my medical supplies I can't alter to any large extent. Anyhow, thanks for all the help and for taking a look.

Category Item Weight (oz)Notes
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Base Group Foot Print 4.50 Big Agnes
Base Group Pack 67.00 Aarn Natural Balance
Incls. 2 Dri Sacs.
Base Group Shelter/Tent 45.00 Big Agnes Copper
Spur UL 1
Base Group Sleeping Bag 32.00 WM Versalite 10 deg.
Base Group Sleeping Pad 15.00 Them-A-Rest
NeoAir/+Stuff Sac

Base Group Total Weight 10.22 LBS

Clothing In Pack DownJacket w/hood 10.00 Down Sweater/7oz Clothing In Pack Gloves ? Gloves for camp ?
Clothing In Pack Med Wt. Base Layer 10.50 Merino Wool 260
Bottoms (for camp)
Clothing In Pack Med Wt. Base Layer 13.75 Merino Wool 260
Top (for camp)
Clothing In Pack Rain Jacket 8.00 Marmot Nano Jacket
Clothing In Pack Rain Pants 10.00 Marmot Minimalist Pants
Clothing In Pack Sock Liners 1.25 Merino Wool Liners
Clothing In Pack Socks 5.00 Merino Wool Lite Wt.
Hiker (2 pair)

Clothing In Pack Total Weight 3.66 LBS

Clothing Worn eVENT Rain Mitts 1.00 MLD Rain Mitts (if
needed)
Clothing Worn Base Layer Bottom 5.25 Merino Wool 150 UL
Clothing Worn Base Layer Top 6.75 Merino Wool 150 UL LS
w/zip neck
Clothing Worn Boots 49.00 Saloman Quest 4D GTX
Clothing Worn Glove Liners 0.75 Merino Wool Liners
(If needed)
Clothing Worn Hat 1.37 Merino Wool 200 beanie
Clothing Worn Pants (Convertible) 14.00 Mtn. Hardwear Mesa
Convertible
Clothing Worn Sock Liners 1.25 Merino Wool Liners (If
needed)
Clothing Worn Socks 2.50 Merino Wool
Clothing Worn SS UL Top 5.38 Merino Wool 150(for
camp or layering
Clothing Worn Treking Poles 15.00 Carbon Pacer Poles

Clothing Worn Total Weight 6.39 LBS

Consumables Food 144.00 Leave resupply points
w/6days
rations@ 1.5lbs/ day
Consumables Fuel 10.00 resupply points
w/5days fuel@2oz/day
Consumables Vitamins ? 5 day supply
Consumables Water 70.00 Start each day w/2L of
Water

Consumables Total Weight 14.00 LBS

Hydration Group Hydration System 5.75 Platypus BigZip 3L
Hydration Group Water Tank/Tote 3.50 Platypus water Tank 4L
Hydration Group Water Treatment 1.00 Aquamira Drops
Hydration Group Water Treatment 4.62 SteriPen Adventurer
Opti w/case/batteries

Hydration Group Total Weight .93 LBS

Hygiene Group Baby Wipes 2.63
Hygiene Group ChapStick 0.25
Hygiene Group Hand Sanitizer 1.00
Hygiene Group Small Toothbrush 0.13
Hygiene Group Small Toothpaste 0.88
Hygiene Group Soap 0.00
Hygiene Group Toilet Paper 0.00
Hygiene Group Trowel 2.88

Hygiene Group Total Weight .49

Kitchen Group Caldera Caddy 4.00 Caldera Caddy, Pot
Cozy and Stuff Sac
Kitchen Group Food Storage 3.40 MLD Pro Bear Bag
System
Kitchen Group Fuel Bottle 0.87 Fuel Bottle and
Measuring Cup
Kitchen Group Lighter 1.00 1 Bic Lighter (white)
Kitchen Group OP Sacks 2.40 2 extra OP Sacks
Kitchen Group Pot 3.88 EverNew 950ml
Kitchen Group Spoon 0.50 MLD Titanium Long
Handle Spoon
Kitchen Group Stove 0.50 Caldera Alcohol Stove
Kitchen Group Wind Screen 1.50 Caldera Cone

Kitchen Group Total Weight 1.13 LBS

Luxury Items Cell Phone 5.25 Droid X
Luxury Items Camp Shoes ? Considering
Luxury Items Compact Camera ? Considering
Luxury Items Journal/Pen ? Considering
Luxury Items MP3 ? Considering
Luxury Items Gaiters ? Considering

Luxury Items Total Weight .33 LBS + ?

Medical/FirstAid Credit Card/ Cash 0.00
Medical/FirstAid First Aid Kit 7.00
Medical/FirstAid ID/Health Ins. Card 0.00
Medical/FirstAid Medical Supply Kit 19.50 There's not much I can
do to to lower this Wt.

Medical/FirstAid Total Weight 1.66 LBS

Nav/Repair/Tools Compass 1.00
Nav/Repair/Tools Headlamp 3.12 Petzl
Nav/Repair/Tools Multi Tool 1.80 Micra Leatherman
Nav/Repair/Tools Photon Micro-Light 0.25
Nav/Repair/Tools Repair Kit for Tent 1.25
/Clothing
Nav/Repair/Tools The A.T. Guide 0.00 Divided up into Sections
Nav/Repair/Tools Whistle 0.50

Nav/Repair/Tools Total Weight .50 LBS

Total Weight 39.31 LBS

Thanks

This looks fine apart from the 2 medical kits - I myself wouldn't see the 4L platy as a necessity but if you think you'll need that much H2O in camp then go for it. Also don't see any kind of wind protection, unless your rain gear doubles for that.

I would recommend gaiters - they'll keep snow out of your boots, keep your laces from becoming a frozen mess, keep raining from pouring down your legs into your boot, etc. etc. I've used mine at home and in the Smokies at New Year's and wouldn't hike in weather without them.

[Sassafras Lass]

Yes, way too many clothes. You won't wear thermals while you are hiking, it will be too hot even when it is very cold outside. So just wear thermals at night and a shirt and pants or shorts during the day. Also, you do not need both a down sweater AND a down coat. Just bring the coat. You only need one pair of gloves, not three.

On water, you will only need to carry 2 liters of water at a time in the beginning. Water is EVERYWHERE! You may need more capacity in the summer when water is scarce and you need more of it. :)

Other things you will not need:
-gaiters
-multi-tool
-repair kit for you tent
-compass
-two lights (just bring your headlamp)
-whistle
-PAR DOWN YOUR MED KIT! (you only need duct tape, camp soap, goldbond powder, 2-4 tablets benadryl, 4-6 tablets tylenol & a bandana)

To each his own; I feel it's rather more personal than that - I require a light baselayer to hike in and even then my tush and thighs are frozen like ice - sure I sweat a bit but I'm still freezing cold - perhaps the OP is like me in that regard.

Wouldn't leave out gaiters or a multi-tool - most have great scissors, especially the Leatherman Micra, I know I'll be cutting my own hair on the trail and wouldn't use a razor blade or single blade knife to do so.

I do agree with the med kit - we're not hiking in the Yukon with no towns around, you can always get off the trail if a minor ache n' pain becomes something more.

Just sayin' :)

[RockDoc]

Seems over-engineered to me. 40 pounds?

For the AT, you shouldn't need more than the high 20's IMO.

An extra pound in the pack, extra pound in the tent, too much clothes, pretty soon we're talking about real weight ;-)

[FORTIS]

Mine is weighing closer to 2 1/2 lbs/day for around 3,500 calories/day.

Swjohnsey,

Dinner
Mountain House Dinner 520 calories @ 4.62oz

Breakfast
Oatmeal 420 calories @ 3.75oz
Olive Oil 240 calories @ 1.00oz
Protein Powder (2 scoops) 315 calories @ 2.57oz

Mid morning/afternoon/evening
Lara Bars (3/day) 720 calories @ 4.86oz
Snicker Bars (1 large/2 small) 440 calories @ 3.25oz

Lunch
Gorp (my mix :)) 950 calories @ 6.00oz

Total is 3605 calories @ 26.05oz (1.63Lbs) This includes packaging.

Turtle Feet, I plan on starting with 3,600 calories/day but once I have my legs and get my insulin requirements adjusted I will supplement in towns. I just need a consistent base to work from. I hope :-?

[FORTIS]

Sorry for the late response. Lots of stuff/loose ends to take care of but 3/15 is almost here and I'm ready to start learning. I've had fun planning but I know once i hit the trail I will need to learn and adapt if I want to finish.

I wanted to thank you all for critiquing my gear list and giving me your suggestions. It really helps.

BrianLee, I added the OR PL 400 mittens. So now I have UL wool liners, PL 400 mittens with MLD Event shells for layering. My hands and feet tend to get really cold...to much time in Alaska I suppose. I also got a cover for my droid but I'm still be bringing a camera. Quality Photos are a big deal to me. I also have a WM summer bag and TP :) Thanks.

WY Fan, 50' of rope is included in the MLD bear bag system.

F-Stop, I added gaiters. Thanks.

Many commented on my med kit. I'm sorry for the confusion. My FirstAid kit weighs 6.0oz. My Medical kit weighs app. 20oz. I can't reduce the weight of the medical kit.

On a side note, I got my down sweater in the mail. It's 10oz and with my rain jacket used as a shell man oh man is it warm :)

Once again, thanks for the help. I hope to see you on the trail. I can't wait!!!

[BrianLe]

Nice to see follow-up, Fortis.

W.r.t. your meal plan:

"Dinner
Mountain House Dinner 520 calories @ 4.62oz
Breakfast
Oatmeal 420 calories @ 3.75oz
Olive Oil 240 calories @ 1.00oz
Protein Powder (2 scoops) 315 calories @ 2.57oz
Mid morning/afternoon/evening
Lara Bars (3/day) 720 calories @ 4.86oz
Snicker Bars (1 large/2 small) 440 calories @ 3.25oz
Lunch
Gorp (my mix :)) 950 calories @ 6.00oz"
Things like Mountain House dinners and protein powder and specific trail bars (Lara), own blend of gorp --- these suggest either a whole lot of resupply boxes along the way or just an initial "first few days" plan. I hope it's the latter. Most folks that go with a whole lot of boxes regret it, I believe; I was happy with five boxes for the whole trail, which included a new pair of shoes in each.

I'm trying to figure out how you're going to use that olive oil for breakfast --- go for it, but I'd be more inclined to put some in a cooked dinner (any cooked dinner).

I think it's great to have an initial plan for meals, but then try to find experienced folks and see what they're carrying and eating on trail, try to go grocery shopping with them to recalibrate your vision and brain to see a grocery store --- or gas station mini-mart --- through the eyes of a thru-hiker.

Your trip is starting soon, best wishes for a wonderful time!

[FORTIS]

Thanks a bunch for the well wishes Gadget. I use an insulin pump and thus unfortunately have many many mail drops planned for diabetes supplies and diet. I hated to do this. I have drops planned for the first half of the trip for both diabetes and food. The second half I only have drops planned for the medical supplies that I need.

I was planning on putting half of the olive oil in my oatmeal in the AM and half in my dinner at night :)

Thanks for the advice. I will definitely try and find some experienced folks along the way and see what they're carrying and eating on trail. I have a plan (mailboxes ready to go) but once I get myself regulated to the amount of exercise and caloric intake the trail requires I will be open to adjusting that plan for sure. But I will still need a minimum of 12-15 drops I imagine :eek:

Fortis

[Snowleopard]

... I was planning on putting half of the olive oil in my oatmeal in the AM and half in my dinner at night :)
Fortis
half of olive oil in AM oatmeal, yuck! :eek: I hope you like it that way. Have you considered adding the same calories/grams of fat in the form of walnuts, at least as a change of pace?
half of olive oil in dinner, YES!
One problem with food drops is that your food desires may change on the trail.
Premade, freeze dried meals can get pretty old after a while compared to real food. I suppose it can be challenging to get the proper mix of ingredients on the trail as a diabetic.

I have to carry a fair amount of weight in various asthma meds and inhalers. Isn't it annoying to work hard and spend money to bring down the weight of everything else in your pack and then have to carry a pound or two of medical stuff?

[EastCoastFeastCoast]

Good luck! Use your droid to make a journal and then post it along the way!!

[swantekkie]

i would consider some camp booties, i know u are concerned about weight, but they are real nice to have once ur done hiking for they day. also gives you a chance to air out your boots.:banana

[FORTIS]

Snowleopard, I have walnuts and almonds in my gorp and was looking for a caloric dense food high in fat to add to the oatmeal along with the protein powder to slow down the absorption of the high carb content. It doesn't sound very good when I think about it :eek:

"Premade, freeze dried meals can get pretty old after a while compared to real food".

I couldn't agree more but one of the easiest ways I have found to control my blood sugar over the years is by eating the same foods day in and day out. It makes it a lot easier to manage and predict insulin requirements. I've been eating fiber one (tasteless rat turds) daily for the past 23 years. I put them in everything. Chickens run from me I'm sorry to say. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I'm use to eating the same stuff just about every day. I'm truly looking forward to burning a bunch of calories throughout the week hiking so I can pig out on some real food once I hit town :D It will be a treat of sorts.

I hear you regarding the extra weight but hey I can't complain, I'm getting an opportunity to hike THE AT!!! How cool is that.

EastCoastFeastCoast, I don't have a journal set up yet other than my dog's blog. I guess I should set one up for journaling along the trail. Thanks for the suggestion.

swantekkie, camp shoes are the one piece of gear that I haven't purchased yet. I just can't make my mind up. I don't like crox. :) camp booties?

I'm so darn excited. My house feels like a cage. Thanks for all of the help and suggestions.

[Blissful]

I hear you regarding the extra weight but hey I can't complain, I'm getting an opportunity to hike THE AT!!! How cool is that.



Yes it is cool UNTIL you have been out there lugging extra weight for a week or two and with all the assorted issues arising from it, you'll wish you weren't and the AT gets real old fast. SO best to watch the weight issue to begin with.

As far as your diabetes, you really need to monitor your sugar frequently with this kind of hike and you will need to adjust your food as you go. You have never worked with diabetes and the kind of physical strain a long distance hike of this magnitude will do to your system. (I hiked with a diabetic for a week and she needed to adjust eating out there and only hiking a week). And be sure you are cleared by an MD and let them know what you are doing.

[EastCoastFeastCoast]

I look forward to reading them!