Tried and True 3 season / long distance AT Pack List

[Papa D]

Hi Folks:
This list would change for early and late season hiking (bigger down bag, down jacket, etc.) but I thought that some folks - especially aspiring thru hikers might want to see what's in my pack because I think it represents a great balance of the nod toward lightweight backpacking but with the sensibility of someone who likes to be comfortable and well prepared. There are a lot of posts similar to this one but I really thought that this pack list (if replicated) could help a bunch of the 2012 gang:

Osprey Atmos 50 (liter) backpack & pack cover
35 degree sleeping bag and stuff sack
MSR Hubba Carbon Reflex Tent
Tyvek house wrap ground sheet cut to fit tent
3/4 thermorest (ladies - I'm a 5'8 man)
MSR Pocket Rocket / Propane Fuel Canister
windscreen - custom made with roof flashing to use with W.L.
1 @ 1- liter MSR titanium cockpit, strainer lid (doubles as coffee cup)
Aqua Mira for Water Purification
little bag with stuff including
lighter, small pocketknife, headlamp, batteries, spoon,
toothbrush cut in 1/2, paste, coaches tape, tiny first aid stuff, blister pads, etc.
tiny bottle of Dr. Brommers soap, tiny sunscreen, lip balm
small cell phone (turned off) and charger cord
small Change Clothes waterproof stuff sack as follows:
boxers for sleeping
long underwear
light wool icebreaker sweater
stocking cap
spare silky t-shirt
spare smart-wool socks
2 granite gear stuff sacks for above items
big zip lock with
current map, data book page photocopies, small journal book, pencil and sharpie
Food Bag - about 6.5 lbs for 4-5 days.
18' - 4 mil cord for food hang (keep in food bag)
1 1/2 - 2 liters water (depending on availability) Gatoraid bottles
tiny flask of liquor - 8oz - (optional)
1 garbage bag - put legs in for quick warm -up
rain jacket - arc-teryx packlight
crocs and pack towel
very small digital camera on hip belt


about 29 pounds with food and water
base weight - between 19.5 and 20 pounds

[burger]

I think it represents a great balance of the nod toward lightweight backpacking but with the sensibility of someone who likes to be comfortable and well prepared.
So, you're implying that people carrying lighter packs are uncomfortable and unprepared? That's not remotely true.

[Odd Man Out]

So, you're implying that people carrying lighter packs are uncomfortable and unprepared? That's not remotely true.

I think we must assume that HE would feel uncomfortable and unprepared with a lighter kit. That probably is true.

[Blissful]

If this list is meant for aspiring thru hikers as implied, they would need a list ready for their typical March / April start of the hike. This is not a three season list as the title says.
Imo, one extra pair of socks isn't enough.
I never needed food for more than 4 days except perhaps the Smokies if not stopping at Gatlinburg about 3-4 is good.
35 degree bag only good for summer.
DEET when needed
Hiker wallet
Cutting a toothbrush in half decreases its effectiveness by making it hard to grasp and use effectively. Not worth the .02 oz saved.
Dental floss
TP
Stocking cap not warm enough to be effective
Gloves early on


(Flask of liquor?? never saw that on a must have list...)

[Hoofit]

Liquor is and has always been good medecine.......
Another eight ounces for pure personal pleasure is recommended!
The two can interchange depending on the circumstances...