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TOMP
01-03-2012, 19:20
Starting my thru-hike in mid-March this year and here is my first draft gear list. I've read a ton of other peoples gear lists so I have been able to add and subtract a lot of gear based on that. I'm interested in any comments you have about my specific gear choices. In general im not looking to save an ounce if it means spending 100 dollars but all advice is welcome. Thanks!

All weights are in ounces.

Sleep

-0 degree SwissGear synthetic bag-spring 81.3
I know heavy but I want to be warm and I dont want a 300 dollar down. Ill suck it up.
-40 degrees SwissGear synthetic bag-summer 46.6
-Sea to summit thermolite bag liner- 2.8
-Homemade bivy-7.3 (shelter use only)
-thermarest Solite foam pad- 8.6
-Emergency blanket- 1.7 (just in case)
-MSR skinny one solo tent- 74.0
-Black Diamond Tarp tent- 19.0 (used as ground cloth or extra rain/wind protection)
-Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil dry sack 35L- 2.4

Subtotal- 197.1 (used heavier bag in total)

Eat

-Austrian windproof lighter- 1.3
-Primus Litech Kettle- 6.5
-Plastic GSI cup from pinnacle soloist- 1.5
-Sea to summit 13L evovac dry sack(food sack)- 2.4
-Soto Micro-regulator Stove- 2.5
-leatherman- 8.4
-Miox purification system and Aquamira chemicals- 7.2
-Ti spork- 0.6
-Camelbak 3L- 7.8
-MSR microfilter with 2.0L bladder- 11.3
-Stove fuel- 8.1
-50' spectra rope- 0.6

Subtotal- 58.2

Hike

-Scarpa boots size 11 (heavy but keep me dry)- 70
-Rainpants/long johns(spring)- 19.9
-waterproof gloves- 6.5
-Merino wool shirt- 7.0
-Underarmor esq shirt X2- 6.0 (12)
-Homemade gaiters- 2.5
-Ball cap- 2.7
-bear bell- 1.4
-head lamp- 2.8
-Rain shell- 16.0
-Longdistance running shorts- 3.0
-Running tights- 6.3
-towel-3.0
-heavy weight long Johns (spring)- 8.8
-underarmor hoody- 18.3
-Wool socks 3X- 2.5 (7.5)
-5200 ALPS cascade backpack- 86 (heavy but I dont like cramming things in my 30L packs, also weight includes rain cover)
-BlackDiamond Carbon Cork trekking poles- 17.8
-Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Clothes Bag 20L-2.4
-Compactor bags X2- 1.0 (1 for pack liner and one for hiking skirt)

Subtotal- 294.9

Luxuries

-biodegradable soap concetrated- 1.9
-Garmin GPSMAP GSX- 5.5
-4 extra batteries- 1.5
-Nikon coolPics camera- 4.9
-Pepper Spray- 1.5 (just in case)
-cell phone- 4.4
-cell phone charger 1.5
-mini playing cards- 1.3
-Journal and pen- 11.7

subtotal- 34.2

Total- 584.4 (36.5lbs) Skin out weight without food/water (add 5 lbs= 41.5lbs)


Chopping Block

-bear bell- 1.5
-Rainpants/long johns(spring)- 19.9
these are actuall lightweight snow pants that I hike use to hike in the winter. I dont think it will be cold enough for them
-MSR microfilter with 2.0L bladder- 11.3
dont know if ill need a filter or just chemicals. Ill down grade to a 2L camelbak at 7.0 ounces.
-Plastic GSI cup from pinnacle soloist- 1.5
-Black Diamond Tarp tent- 19.0 (used as ground cloth or extra rain/wind protection)

subtotal- 46.2

New total- 538.2 (33.6 lbs)

Pack weight is probably around (400 ounces or 25 lbs) (30lbs with food and this is good cause this is my goal)

RWheeler
01-03-2012, 19:34
You shouldn't need a bivy, a tent, and a tarp tent. Reconsider those options.

The bear bell and GPS are pretty unnecessary. A hiker's companion will be much more useful than a GPS so you can also know about the towns to resupply in.

I'm not sure about the cup. If I were hiking starting in March, I'd probably bring a cup, just so I could have hot water for food, and also have something to drink out of. Since I'm hiking later, my need for hot beverages isn't as high, so I'm just taking my cookpot to serve as a mug.

jacquelineanngrant
01-03-2012, 19:57
One tent is all you will need. Good choices for the chopping block. Good luck!

4eyedbuzzard
01-03-2012, 20:04
I'll bet you're going to make a new "friend" only a few miles up the trail. His name is Winton.

Blissful
01-03-2012, 21:04
Bag is overkill, 15 degree is enough for mid march start
One tent, no bivy (I'd go with the lightest shelter)
Leather man is heavy, go with a small swiss army
no kettle,just warm water in your cooking pot (I'd keep the cup to dip water from a stream)
too many water bags- if you are using a drink tube take one 3 liter bag
Skip filter, aqua mira is fine
the boots are overkill, your feet will not stay dry no matter what you wear. Better to get something that will dry out quickly, like trail runners (if you get your pack weight down though)
no pepper spray
you're gonna need an insulated jacket for a spring start. One t-shirt and one long sleeve shirt to hike. Long johns for camp (why are you chopping them? you'[ll need them). personally I like rain pants (like precip) for spring and then again in the WHites. You need an insulated hat ( I would not take a hoodie to hike in, but that's me)
first aid kit?
headlamp?
"wallet"
maps and guidebook pages - don't need GPS for AT

4eyedbuzzard
01-03-2012, 21:41
Listen to what Blissful is saying. Of major concern is that your pack/tent/sleeping bag combination weighs 15lbs. Not saying you can't carry it, but most folks these days carry about 1/2 that on those three major items without giving up any comfort or safety. Add in a lot of the other choices of things you're carrying and you're going to lug a full 10 to 15 lbs extra from GA to ME. Pay attention to every ounce. But in the end it's your choice. It will cost a lot less to lighten up now than it will at Mountain Crossings.

Bat321
01-03-2012, 21:53
Ditch the sleeping bag liner and all the other things others have already listed.

Slo-go'en
01-03-2012, 22:13
Keep the Scarpa boots - mine kept my feet dry last spring down there. Everything else Blisful said is right on.

TOMP
01-03-2012, 22:28
So, I made a tent decision and it turns out MSR skinny one is only 53 ounces. Also I forgot to list a few things.

Sleep
-0 degree SwissGear synthetic bag-spring 81.3
I know heavy but I want to be warm and I dont want a 300 dollar down. Ill suck it up and trade for the bag below in late april, early may.
-40 degrees SwissGear synthetic bag-summer 46.6
-Sea to summit thermolite bag liner- 2.8
-Homemade bivy-7.3 (works as a waterprotection layer for my sleeping bag in lieu of a groundcloth)
-thermarest Solite foam pad- 8.6
-Emergency blanket- 1.7 (just in case)
-MSR skinny one solo tent- 52.8
-Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil dry sack 35L- 2.4
Subtotal- 156.9 (used heavier bag in total)
Eat
-Austrian windproof lighter- 1.3
-Primus Litech Kettle (this is my pot)- 6.5
-Plastic GSI cup from pinnacle soloist- 1.5
-Sea to summit 13L evovac dry sack(food sack)- 2.4
-Soto Micro-regulator Stove- 2.5
-leatherman (i use extra stuff and dont use the knife so I dont want to substitute it for a knife alone)- 8.4
-Aquamira chemicals- 2.2
-Ti spork- 0.6
-Camelbak 2L and 3L- 14.8
-Stove fuel- 8.1
-50' spectra rope- 0.6
Subtotal- 48.9
Hike
-Scarpa boots size 11 (no seriously they stay dry. Only time they were wet was when I submerged them 2 feet in a stream. Took about 23 hours to dry)- 70
-waterproof gloves- 6.5
-Merino wool shirt- 7.0
-Underarmor esq shirt- 6.0
-Homemade gaiters- 2.5
-Ball cap- 2.7
-head lamp- 2.8
-Rain shell- 16.0
-Longdistance running shorts- 3.0
-Running tights- 6.3
-towel-3.0
-heavy weight long Johns- 8.8
-smartwool bacaclava? 1.2
-wool winter hat- 2.5
-underarmor hoody (much lighter then a regular hoody)- 18.3
-Wool socks 3X- 2.5 (7.5)
-5200 ALPS cascade backpack- 86 (heavy but I dont like cramming things in my 30L pack, also weight includes rain cover)
-BlackDiamond Carbon Cork trekking poles- 16.0
-Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Clothes Bag 20L-2.4
-Compactor bags X2- 1.0 (1 for pack liner and one for hiking skirt)
Subtotal-269.5
Luxuries
-first aid/duct tape wallet/bathroom stuff- 5.5
-biodegradable soap concetrated- 1.9
-Garmin GPSMAP GSX (has AT maps and trail guide info and saves 3 ounces of weight and GPS is waterproof)- 5.5
-2 extra batteries- 0.75
-Nikon coolPics camera- 4.9
-Pepper Spray- 1.5 (just in case)
-cell phone- 4.4
-cell phone charger 1.5
-mini playing cards- 1.3
-Journal and pen- 11.7
-safety pins X3- 0.01
-carabiner- 0.1
subtotal- 39.06
Total-514.36 (32.1lbs) Skin out weight without food/water (add 5 lbs=37.1 lbs)

Chopping Block
-GPS trade for 2011 NOBO AT guide-8.1 (use less batteries and GPS is more for my entertainment but I can do the math on the mph I guess).
-Plastic GSI cup from pinnacle soloist- 1.5
-wool hat or bacalava-1.2-2.5
might not need both
-mini playing cards 1.3 (but its only an ounce)
-half of my towel- 1.5
-gloves- 6.5 (use my extra socks but not waterproof)
subtotal- 21.4
New total- 492.96 (30.81 lbs)+5=35.81
Pack weight is probably around (350-400 ounces or 22-25 lbs+5 lbs= 27-30lbs)

Papa D
01-03-2012, 22:30
Starting my thru-hike in mid-March this year and here is my first draft gear list. I've read a ton of other peoples gear lists so I have been able to add and subtract a lot of gear based on that. I'm interested in any comments you have about my specific gear choices. In general im not looking to save an ounce if it means spending 100 dollars but all advice is welcome. Thanks!

All weights are in ounces.

Sleep

-0 degree SwissGear synthetic bag-spring 81.3 (You'll wish for down, but ok)
I know heavy but I want to be warm and I dont want a 300 dollar down. Ill suck it up.
-40 degrees SwissGear synthetic bag-summer 46.6
-Sea to summit thermolite bag liner- 2.8
-Homemade bivy-7.3 (shelter use only) (Ditch this)
-thermarest Solite foam pad- 8.6
-Emergency blanket- 1.7 (just in case) (Ditch this - you've got a bag - just in case)
-MSR skinny one solo tent- 74.0 (Hubba? - sounds good)
-Black Diamond Tarp tent- 19.0 (used as ground cloth or extra rain/wind protection) (Ditch this - you have a tent)
-Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil dry sack 35L- 2.4

Subtotal- 197.1 (used heavier bag in total)

Eat

-Austrian windproof lighter- 1.3
-Primus Litech Kettle- 6.5
-Plastic GSI cup from pinnacle soloist- 1.5
-Sea to summit 13L evovac dry sack(food sack)- 2.4
-Soto Micro-regulator Stove- 2.5
-leatherman- 8.4 (Ditch this - you won't use it - take the tiniest little pocket knife you can find for cutting cheese and maybe a cord or cleaning your toe-nails)
-Miox purification system and Aquamira chemicals- 7.2
-Ti spork- 0.6
-Camelbak 3L- 7.8
-MSR microfilter with 2.0L bladder- 11.3 (Ditch this - aqua-mira is plenty)
-Stove fuel- 8.1
-50' spectra rope- 0.6 (50' - you going to tow something - go for 25' - you won't hang that much anyway)

Subtotal- 58.2

Hike

-Scarpa boots size 11 (heavy but keep me dry)- 70 (no they won't keep you dry - except in snow - I have the italian made scarpas too - go to trail shoes)
-Rainpants/long johns(spring)- 19.9
-waterproof gloves- 6.5 (ditch - get merino wool or fleece gloves - I just use liners - all you really need)
-Merino wool shirt- 7.0
-Underarmor esq shirt X2- 6.0 (12)
-Homemade gaiters- 2.5 (leave them at home - unless you expect a lot of snow - which you dont)
-Ball cap- 2.7
-bear bell- 1.4
-head lamp- 2.8
-Rain shell- 16.0
-Longdistance running shorts- 3.0
-Running tights- 6.3
-towel-3.0
-heavy weight long Johns (spring)- 8.8
-underarmor hoody- 18.3 (You've got a merino wool shirt already - too many clothes)
-Wool socks 3X- 2.5 (7.5) (wear one pair - carry one pair - that's it)
-5200 ALPS cascade backpack- 86 (heavy but I dont like cramming things in my 30L packs, also weight includes rain cover)
-BlackDiamond Carbon Cork trekking poles- 17.8 (Consider black diamond Z-Poles - much lighter)
-Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Clothes Bag 20L-2.4
-Compactor bags X2- 1.0 (1 for pack liner and one for hiking skirt)

Subtotal- 294.9

Luxuries

-biodegradable soap concetrated- 1.9
-Garmin GPSMAP GSX- 5.5 (Ditch immediately)
-4 extra batteries- 1.5
-Nikon coolPics camera- 4.9
-Pepper Spray- 1.5 (just in case) (In case of what? - ditch this ****e)
-cell phone- 4.4
-cell phone charger 1.5
-mini playing cards- 1.3 (you'll find a card game with card - know when to hold em, when to fold em - in this case, walk away)
-Journal and pen- 11.7

subtotal- 34.2

Total- 584.4 (36.5lbs) Skin out weight without food/water (add 5 lbs= 41.5lbs)


Chopping Block

-bear bell- 1.5 (how about a cow bell around your neck - seriously - ditch it)
-Rainpants/long johns(spring)- 19.9
these are actuall lightweight snow pants that I hike use to hike in the winter. I dont think it will be cold enough for them
-MSR microfilter with 2.0L bladder- 11.3 (not I)
dont know if ill need a filter or just chemicals. (don't filter at all unless water isn't from a spring - then just chemicals) Ill down grade to a 2L camelbak at 7.0 ounces.
-Plastic GSI cup from pinnacle soloist- 1.5
-Black Diamond Tarp tent- 19.0 (used as ground cloth or extra rain/wind protection) ​(stick with your Hubba)

subtotal- 46.2

New total- 538.2 (33.6 lbs)

Pack weight is probably around (400 ounces or 25 lbs) (30lbs with food and this is good cause this is my goal)


Hope my bold comments help - like most, you have made the most common mistakes of too many clothes and a water pump (and a cowbell)

dandandan
01-03-2012, 23:47
mostly agree with what everyone is saying as well as....
-ditch that windproof lighter, use a mini bic (trust your windscreen[which I didn't see listed])
-use the tarptent and ditch everything else.
-get rid of all filters and just use aquamira
-too many clothes
-rain pants, rain shell, rain skirt, too much!
-drop the towel, a bandana works just as well.
-86 oz = 5.375 pounds. too much backpack
-everything on the chopping block can go (except tarp tent, replaces the tent)

Storm
01-04-2012, 00:19
I'd be interested to know how you will get by with only 5 pounds of food and water. 2 liters of water and you have 4 pounds right there. You are going to be very hungry.

stonedflea
01-04-2012, 01:49
I'd be interested to know how you will get by with only 5 pounds of food and water. 2 liters of water and you have 4 pounds right there. You are going to be very hungry.

this is very, very true. i carried the same food bag you're going to carry, and 5 pounds of food will hardly fill it halfway up.


So, I made a tent decision and it turns out MSR skinny one is only 53 ounces. Also I forgot to list a few things.

Sleep
-0 degree SwissGear synthetic bag-spring 81.3
I know heavy but I want to be warm and I dont want a 300 dollar down. Ill suck it up and trade for the bag below in late april.
you said you wanted to save weight, but didn't want to spend 100$ to save 1 oz. how about saving money and ounces and springing for a 20* down bag? i bought campmor's 20* down bag for 120$ and carried it the entire way with a mid-april start.
-40 degrees SwissGear synthetic bag-summer 46.6
-Sea to summit thermolite bag liner- 2.8
i seriously doubt you'll need this if you stick with your 0* bag, and there's no way you'll need a bag liner if you have a 40* bag in july.
-Homemade bivy-7.3 (works as a waterprotection layer for my sleeping bag in lieu of a groundcloth)
-thermarest Solite foam pad- 8.6
-Emergency blanket- 1.7 (just in case)
i took one of these as well... sent it home in hiawassee. ounces make pounds...
-MSR skinny one solo tent- 52.8
-Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil dry sack 35L- 2.4
what's this for? if you're using it for your tent, just skip this and use the stuff sack that your tent came in. use trash compactor bags to line your pack to keep your stuff from getting wet.
Subtotal- 156.9 (used heavier bag in total)
Eat
-Austrian windproof lighter- 1.3
it may weigh the same as a bic, but it's probably more expensive. just use a regular lighter.
-Primus Litech Kettle (this is my pot)- 6.5
-Plastic GSI cup from pinnacle soloist- 1.5
-Sea to summit 13L evovac dry sack(food sack)- 2.4
​good choice. i loved mine. :)
-Soto Micro-regulator Stove- 2.5
-leatherman (i use extra stuff and dont use the knife so I dont want to substitute it for a knife alone)- 8.4
-Aquamira chemicals- 2.2
have you thought about MSR's sweetwater drops? same price, but just one bottle and almost 1/3 the amount of chemicals & taste.
-Ti spork- 0.6
-Camelbak 2L and 3L- 14.8
drop the 2L and stick with just a 3L. 5L of water is super heavy. at the end of my hike, i had a carrying capacity of 4L (1L nalgene + 3L camelback) but i was carrying water for myself and my dog at times. you won't need to carry 5L with as plentiful as water is down south.
-Stove fuel- 8.1
-50' spectra rope- 0.6
Subtotal- 48.9
Hike
-Scarpa boots size 11 (no seriously they stay dry. Only time they were wet was when I submerged them 2 feet in a stream. Took about 23 hours to dry)- 70
-waterproof gloves- 6.5
i didn't hike in mid-march, but i never used gloves.
-Merino wool shirt- 7.0
-Underarmor esq shirt- 6.0
-Homemade gaiters- 2.5
-Ball cap- 2.7
-head lamp- 2.8
-Rain shell- 16.0
-Longdistance running shorts- 3.0
-Running tights- 6.
skip these and just hike in your long johns. i took UA cold gear tights with me and wore them under my running shorts on maybe 10 occasions. i dropped my pants in the middle of the trail after a 30* morning on sassafras mtn to take them off and again on a mountain somewhere in maine because you work up enough body heat hiking that they're really only needed in camp.
-towel-3.0
-heavy weight long Johns- 8.8
-smartwool bacaclava? 1.
skip it. or buy a buff ... it can be used for a balaclava, hat, etc. i even used my buff as a towel after showers sometimes.
-wool winter hat- 2.5
-underarmor hoody (much lighter then a regular hoody)- 18.3
skip this
-Wool socks 3X- 2.5 (7.5)
-5200 ALPS cascade backpack- 86 (heavy but I dont like cramming things in my 30L pack, also weight includes rain cover)
-BlackDiamond Carbon Cork trekking poles- 16.0
-Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Clothes Bag 20L-2.4
-Compactor bags X2- 1.0 (1 for pack liner and one for hiking skirt)
do you really think you're going to hike in a trash bag?
Subtotal-269.5
Luxuries
-first aid/duct tape wallet/bathroom stuff- 5.5
-biodegradable soap concetrated- 1.9
-Garmin GPSMAP GSX (has AT maps and trail guide info and saves 3 ounces of weight and GPS is waterproof)- 5.5
-2 extra batteries- 0.75
-Nikon coolPics camera- 4.9
-Pepper Spray- 1.5 (just in case)
skip this. i took a thing of mace for the "just in case" reason, too, and it exploded in my pack. i took everything out of the bag it was contained in, wiped everything down, and thought i was safe. a few days later, i got out my pocket mirror because i was having contacts issues and guess who got mace in her eye? one of my friends pointed out that mace is no good anyways unless you can get to it at a second's notice. if, "just in case," you get attacked, no one's going to wait for you to call time out so you can fiddle through your pack for a defense mechanism.
-cell phone- 4.4
-cell phone charger 1.5
-mini playing cards- 1.3
-Journal and pen- 11.7
-safety pins X3- 0.01
why safety pins? if you're concerned about keeping broken things together, why not a needle and thread instead?
-carabiner- 0.1
subtotal- 39.06
Total-514.36 (32.1lbs) Skin out weight without food/water (add 5 lbs=37.1 lbs)

Chopping Block
-GPS trade for 2011 NOBO AT guide-8.1 (use less batteries and GPS is more for my entertainment but I can do the math on the mph I guess).
-Plastic GSI cup from pinnacle soloist- 1.5
-wool hat or bacalava-1.2-2.5
might not need both
-mini playing cards 1.3 (but its only an ounce)
-half of my towel- 1.5
-gloves- 6.5 (use my extra socks but not waterproof)
subtotal- 21.4
New total- 492.96 (30.81 lbs)+5=35.81
Pack weight is probably around (350-400 ounces or 22-25 lbs+5 lbs= 27-30lbs)

TOMP
01-11-2012, 01:41
Ok, I refined the list a bit and put it on geargrams. Its a 22 lb pack load without food and water and I expect it to be around 30lbs with that in it (4-5 days worth of food). I know I can save a 1 lb by going with a smaller pack, but I see my pack as a cadillac and I think the comfort is going to be nice on the long hike, and eliminate my boots but I have everything I want at a weight I can handle. I think this is going to be about where I stand and Im ready to go. Getting excited. I also decided to get a thermarest haven 20 top bag (22 ounces) just couldnt pass up the weight and size reduction. Any last comments, hints, or suggestions? Thanks for your help.

http://www.geargrams.com/list?id=5712

CROCKETT
01-18-2012, 19:06
I wanted to reach out to everyone to get a feel for wearing Gaiters for a NOBO thru hike starting in mid March. Also, if you have a particular brand that has worked well for you. Thanks in advance

TOMP
01-18-2012, 19:56
I made my own out of tyvek and elastic cord to tighten the top around my leg as well as on the bottom to go under my boot. It weighs 0.8 oz each, waterproof, and comes up about mid shin on me. I like them because it keeps the bottoms of my pants dry and mudless. I only bring one pair of pants on long hikes so I try to stay as clean as possible. Often the gaiters are crusted in mud and I dont want that on my pants and later on my sleeping bag.

I was very underwhelmed with the name brand gaiters (REI) that I bought in the past. Mainly because they were made of heavy nylon, had a heavy strap, and full lenght heavy velcro. Each one was about 9 oz. And they were not waterproof so muddy water still got through. I have seen dirty girl gaiter that look nice and light but I dont think they are waterproof either.

I have heard people say they are hot to wear but I havent personally noticed a difference.

Papa D
01-18-2012, 20:23
I wanted to reach out to everyone to get a feel for wearing Gaiters for a NOBO thru hike starting in mid March. Also, if you have a particular brand that has worked well for you. Thanks in advance

I wear gaiters to keep the snow out of my shoes - if there is no snow, you don't need gaiters water will just run down the tops and get in your shoes anyway. They could (maybe) ward off a bit of poison ivy but that's what your eyes are for. I'd save the weight and leave them home - probably one of the "most-mailed home" items among thru-hikers.

rowan
01-18-2012, 21:04
I made my own out of tyvek and elastic cord to tighten the top around my leg as well as on the bottom to go under my boot. It weighs 0.8 oz each, waterproof, and comes up about mid shin on me. I like them because it keeps the bottoms of my pants dry and mudless. I only bring one pair of pants on long hikes so I try to stay as clean as possible. Often the gaiters are crusted in mud and I dont want that on my pants and later on my sleeping bag.

I was very underwhelmed with the name brand gaiters (REI) that I bought in the past. Mainly because they were made of heavy nylon, had a heavy strap, and full lenght heavy velcro. Each one was about 9 oz. And they were not waterproof so muddy water still got through. I have seen dirty girl gaiter that look nice and light but I dont think they are waterproof either.

I have heard people say they are hot to wear but I havent personally noticed a difference.

Hey TOMP I've been curious as to those home-made gaiters as well. Any chance we could see a pic of the finished product? Also, is it pretty easy to pick up tyvek at Lowe's or some place similar? Elastic from... fabric store? Thanks!

Rowan

Blissful
01-18-2012, 21:19
I wanted to reach out to everyone to get a feel for wearing Gaiters for a NOBO thru hike starting in mid March. Also, if you have a particular brand that has worked well for you. Thanks in advance

I'd skip it. Blister enhancer, imo. I sent mine home in '07.

CROCKETT
01-19-2012, 16:20
Thanks for the information on the Gaiters. I look so forward to the NOBO. I just retired from work at the end of 2011. Doing the Thru Hike has been a dream for a long time.

TOMP
01-19-2012, 17:12
Hey TOMP I've been curious as to those home-made gaiters as well. Any chance we could see a pic of the finished product? Also, is it pretty easy to pick up tyvek at Lowe's or some place similar? Elastic from... fabric store? Thanks!

Rowan

I bought my fabric and elastic cord on amazon. You can get cord at any outfitter store (falls under pack repair) and fabric stores probably have it too. I bought the kite quality tyvek because it is lighter than the construction grade and seems strong enough for my purposes. If you dont have a sewing machine I wouldnt try to make your own. I used fairly strong nylon thread and seam sealed (dont really have to). I used acrylic ink to dye the tyvek. Walked through alot of mud and nettles and it holds up. Only takes about 20 min to make the pair.
Ok in the first photo the top is on the left. I have elastic cord and cord lock to help tighten the top of the gaiter to my shin. I have loops at the bottom with an elastic cord with cord lock that goes under the boot. Its about as stylish as any gaiter and washes by hand pretty easily. 0.8 oz each.
1494314944

Rayo
02-08-2012, 00:02
nice gaiters TOMP. I'm getting to the end of my gear purchases and ready to start this thing. Hopefully I can get down there the same time as you otherwise I'll be hustling to catch up. haha later man

TOMP
02-08-2012, 00:59
nice gaiters TOMP. I'm getting to the end of my gear purchases and ready to start this thing. Hopefully I can get down there the same time as you otherwise I'll be hustling to catch up. haha later man

Thanks I appreciate it, it wont be hard to spot me with these on.

Feral Bill
02-08-2012, 01:29
Ok, I refined the list a bit and put it on geargrams. Its a 22 lb pack load without food and water and I expect it to be around 30lbs with that in it (4-5 days worth of food). I know I can save a 1 lb by going with a smaller pack, but I see my pack as a cadillac and I think the comfort is going to be nice on the long hike, and eliminate my boots but I have everything I want at a weight I can handle. I think this is going to be about where I stand and Im ready to go. Getting excited. I also decided to get a thermarest haven 20 top bag (22 ounces) just couldnt pass up the weight and size reduction. Any last comments, hints, or suggestions? Thanks for your help.

http://www.geargrams.com/list?id=5712 Expect to eat about 2 pounds of food daily 8-10 pounds altogether, plus 2-4 pounds of water.

bflorac
02-08-2012, 01:53
What every you have for a journal and pen at 11.5oz, ditch it. Find something lighter. Consider only enough pages till the next drop box. Should be more like 2-3oz.

Consider a smaller camelbak bladder and add a cheap used Gatorade bottle. 1) This gives you to places to hold water, drink from one, while purify the other. 2) Filling a bladder from a small trickle of water can be tough and the bottle can be used to scoop it up. 3) Often it is hard to tell when bladder is near empty. By splitting it, when bladder is empty, you got a reserve. 4) Sometimes it is nice to add a little mix of something to your water (propel, tea...) and you don't want 3 liters of it.

Break the guide/maps up into smaller parts and put in drop boxes along the way.

This is more of a personal thing but I like to have a balaclava (head hoodie) when it get cold. I have one that pulls into a hat or can be pulled down for around the neck. If you opt for a thin one, you can wear your wool hat over it.

Of course, I also like my therm-a-rest neoair sleeping pad and compressible pillow but they would add weight and for most, would be considered part of the "don't need" column.

If you are considering using the carabiner as your tool to hang your bear bag, be sure to get a "real" rated biner, Not some cheap toy or key chain think you got at Walmart. A good one will last the entire trip and will not break when side loaded.

TOMP
02-08-2012, 02:57
Thanks FB and bflorac for your comments, seems like some good ideas.

Now that my pack is down to 20lbs I think 30 lbs with food and water is a reasonable estimate.

Journal- Yeah its heavy but its kinda a preference/luxury issue for me. I want the journal as a keepsake and I want it to be together and intact at the end. I have seen alot of posts saying to bring loose paper and mail in more as needed and mail out the used sheets but that seems like a hassle. I want to keep my journal in one piece and my mail drops low to non-existant. I have been toying with the idea of gettting something smaller/lighter but I just write way to much for that to work for me.

Bladder/water bottle- very good point and is something a new hiker may overlook and find out on the trail. But for me I have never been inconvienced by waiting the 30 minutes for the chemicals to do thier thing. Its a pretty wet trail so I think ill be able to keep hydrated. Its just a preference thing and I am just used to using the bladder. I thought about bringing 2 camelbaks in case one breaks but then I figured Ill just buy one ASAP if that happens and use a gatorade bottle till it can be replaced.

Guide- I feel the same way about this as I do the journal except its not a keepsake, just doesnt warrant a maildrop for a 9 oz total item to be broken down. what if I get to town on sunday, what if i dont want to go to that town afterall, what if it gets lost. Just seems like a hassle.

Bacalava- I agree I own a few, I heard its overkill to wear both a hat and bacalava but I might slip one in at the last minute and send it home if its too warm.

My carabiner is titanium and has held up using the pct method so far.

Again thanks for the tips.

Also I just bought a new pair of La Sportiva FC ECO 4.0 GTX hiking boots for 87.50 total cost. I havent received them yet but they should be around 1.5-2.0 lbs so its a big break from the Scarpa Triolet Mountaineering Boots (4.2 lbs) that I have been using for a few years. I am still gonna bring the inov-8 talon 212 with these a another option/camp shoes. I like to rotate shoes because it helps me reduce any foot discomfort over time. It gives the feet a break from the same position everyday.

Hooch
02-10-2012, 23:23
I'll bet you're going to make a new "friend" only a few miles up the trail. His name is Winton.Couldn't agree more.

takethisbread
02-11-2012, 09:47
You need a sleeping bag, a tarp or tent, a pad, a pack, and a waterbottle/food. You got a whole lotta stuff here. It's all not necessary. You are leaving mid march. It's going to be mostly warm, you will be hot all day shorts and t shirt from the start. Start with all this junk, but be prepared to send most of it home. Or you are a beast and can carry all this without much stress! If so I'm envious.




Starting my thru-hike in mid-March this year and here is my first draft gear list. I've read a ton of other peoples gear lists so I have been able to add and subtract a lot of gear based on that. I'm interested in any comments you have about my specific gear choices. In general im not looking to save an ounce if it means spending 100 dollars but all advice is welcome. Thanks!

All weights are in ounces.

Sleep

-0 degree SwissGear synthetic bag-spring 81.3
I know heavy but I want to be warm and I dont want a 300 dollar down. Ill suck it up.
-40 degrees SwissGear synthetic bag-summer 46.6
-Sea to summit thermolite bag liner- 2.8
-Homemade bivy-7.3 (shelter use only)
-thermarest Solite foam pad- 8.6
-Emergency blanket- 1.7 (just in case)
-MSR skinny one solo tent- 74.0
-Black Diamond Tarp tent- 19.0 (used as ground cloth or extra rain/wind protection)
-Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil dry sack 35L- 2.4

Subtotal- 197.1 (used heavier bag in total)

Eat

-Austrian windproof lighter- 1.3
-Primus Litech Kettle- 6.5
-Plastic GSI cup from pinnacle soloist- 1.5
-Sea to summit 13L evovac dry sack(food sack)- 2.4
-Soto Micro-regulator Stove- 2.5
-leatherman- 8.4
-Miox purification system and Aquamira chemicals- 7.2
-Ti spork- 0.6
-Camelbak 3L- 7.8
-MSR microfilter with 2.0L bladder- 11.3
-Stove fuel- 8.1
-50' spectra rope- 0.6

Subtotal- 58.2

Hike

-Scarpa boots size 11 (heavy but keep me dry)- 70
-Rainpants/long johns(spring)- 19.9
-waterproof gloves- 6.5
-Merino wool shirt- 7.0
-Underarmor esq shirt X2- 6.0 (12)
-Homemade gaiters- 2.5
-Ball cap- 2.7
-bear bell- 1.4
-head lamp- 2.8
-Rain shell- 16.0
-Longdistance running shorts- 3.0
-Running tights- 6.3
-towel-3.0
-heavy weight long Johns (spring)- 8.8
-underarmor hoody- 18.3
-Wool socks 3X- 2.5 (7.5)
-5200 ALPS cascade backpack- 86 (heavy but I dont like cramming things in my 30L packs, also weight includes rain cover)
-BlackDiamond Carbon Cork trekking poles- 17.8
-Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Clothes Bag 20L-2.4
-Compactor bags X2- 1.0 (1 for pack liner and one for hiking skirt)

Subtotal- 294.9

Luxuries

-biodegradable soap concetrated- 1.9
-Garmin GPSMAP GSX- 5.5
-4 extra batteries- 1.5
-Nikon coolPics camera- 4.9
-Pepper Spray- 1.5 (just in case)
-cell phone- 4.4
-cell phone charger 1.5
-mini playing cards- 1.3
-Journal and pen- 11.7

subtotal- 34.2

Total- 584.4 (36.5lbs) Skin out weight without food/water (add 5 lbs= 41.5lbs)


Chopping Block

-bear bell- 1.5
-Rainpants/long johns(spring)- 19.9
these are actuall lightweight snow pants that I hike use to hike in the winter. I dont think it will be cold enough for them
-MSR microfilter with 2.0L bladder- 11.3
dont know if ill need a filter or just chemicals. Ill down grade to a 2L camelbak at 7.0 ounces.
-Plastic GSI cup from pinnacle soloist- 1.5
-Black Diamond Tarp tent- 19.0 (used as ground cloth or extra rain/wind protection)

subtotal- 46.2

New total- 538.2 (33.6 lbs)

Pack weight is probably around (400 ounces or 25 lbs) (30lbs with food and this is good cause this is my goal)

TOMP
02-11-2012, 13:36
You need a sleeping bag, a tarp or tent, a pad, a pack, and a waterbottle/food. You got a whole lotta stuff here. It's all not necessary. You are leaving mid march. It's going to be mostly warm, you will be hot all day shorts and t shirt from the start. Start with all this junk, but be prepared to send most of it home. Or you are a beast and can carry all this without much stress! If so I'm envious.

Yeah, this is the original and outdated list. My new list is the gear grams one. Take a look at that and let me know what you think is junk that would be more helpful, thanks. Weight wise I can carry it at this point, comfortably.

http://www.geargrams.com/list?id=5712

takethisbread
02-11-2012, 15:26
Yeah, this is the original and outdated list. My new list is the gear grams one. Take a look at that and let me know what you think is junk that would be more helpful, thanks. Weight wise I can carry it at this point, comfortably.

http://www.geargrams.com/list?id=5712



Its better but a Balaclava, Boots or shoes, Gloves, nail clippers and long johns should go. its March 15 not February 15, sure you might get hit with a cold night or two for sure, but with a warm bag you be ok. if weather gets bad you are going to be close to town up until the smokeys.

TOMP
02-11-2012, 16:46
Its better but a Balaclava, Boots or shoes, Gloves, nail clippers and long johns should go. its March 15 not February 15, sure you might get hit with a cold night or two for sure, but with a warm bag you be ok. if weather gets bad you are going to be close to town up until the smokeys.

Thanks, but I disagree, you might be ok with a warm bag but Ill take my winter gear. Personal warmth is really unique to the person. I heard about 5 people say bring cold weather gear for every one that says skip it. At some point they will be sent home.

No nail clipper? What will I use to cut my nails?

Boots or shoes, yeah I know im the only person that will do this, but I like to switch up my foot gear, helps reduce hot spots and foot pain. Yet there are countless people bringing crocs or other camp shoes that are only about 5 oz less than my trail runners and they cant hike for any real distance in them.

takethisbread
02-13-2012, 17:12
To each his own, but nail clippers are a luxury. Personal warmth is an issue, but you will be hot all day, especially carrying all the extra crap you think u need. Why not just hike all day comfortably, with little discomfort, roll into camp at 5 or 6 make a quick bite, and climb inside a warm bag? People with all that crap, tend to start looking for camp at 3pm and spend their day bitching about how heavy their pack is.



Thanks, but I disagree, you might be ok with a warm bag but Ill take my winter gear. Personal warmth is really unique to the person. I heard about 5 people say bring cold weather gear for every one that says skip it. At some point they will be sent home.

No nail clipper? What will I use to cut my nails?

Boots or shoes, yeah I know im the only person that will do this, but I like to switch up my foot gear, helps reduce hot spots and foot pain. Yet there are countless people bringing crocs or other camp shoes that are only about 5 oz less than my trail runners and they cant hike for any real distance in them.

TOMP
02-13-2012, 19:28
Yeah I dont usually roll into camp until a half hour before sunset, with my 30 lbs of pack weight unless its a weekend or 3 day hike. I seriously want to know how I am supposed to cut my nails? Im on a thru hike they will need maintenance. Im not using a pocket knife or bitting them that is for sure.
Yes it is to each his own and I prefer a comfortable, meaning warm, sleep and I will not lighten my load at the expense of it. If I dont sleep because I am shivering it wont much matter how light my pack is. I think I need this stuff because when I go camping in similar conditions I am cold without it. In other words I think because I know. When there is a chance of hiking through snow, I think its reckless not to bring the appropriate attire. If you are always warm even in snow or temps in the teens then dont bring it, but I will.
Ugh, plenty of people did long distance hikes before the UL craze and plenty will afterwards.

Rayo
02-14-2012, 00:37
Ugh, plenty of people did long distance hikes before the UL craze and plenty will afterwards.

This thread is turning into TOMP's defense of HYOH. Who's ready for a thumb war?! Anyone?! Anyone?!

TOMP
02-14-2012, 01:17
This thread is turning into TOMP's defense of HYOH. Who's ready for a thumb war?! Anyone?! Anyone?!

Yeah thats the trouble with gear lists, they get ripped up unless they just list the same items as the outfitter winston at neels gap. It was helpful at first, but now is mainly just jabs. It is helpful when they specify an item they wouldnt bring and why or how you could do without, it isnt helpful when they call your gear junk or crap. My back my pack HYOH.

Meriadoc
02-14-2012, 01:39
My back my pack HYOH.
This. List looks good. It's comparable to mine, so I hope it is. :D
Good luck TOMP! I'll be a month behind ye.

cabbagehead
02-19-2012, 02:02
I recommend a small bag of biodegradable water balloons to throw at people on hot days. They won't weigh much, and will provide valuable entertainment.

TOMP
02-19-2012, 02:26
I recommend a small bag of biodegradable water balloons to throw at people on hot days. They won't weigh much, and will provide valuable entertainment.

Not LNT enough for me, they will probably degrade in GA by the time I reach Maryland. Thats assuming wildlife doesnt eat it before then.

James GAME2009
02-20-2012, 12:12
So, I made a tent decision and it turns out MSR skinny one is only 53 ounces. Also I forgot to list a few things.

Sleep
-0 degree SwissGear synthetic bag-spring 81.3
I know heavy but I want to be warm and I dont want a 300 dollar down. Ill suck it up and trade for the bag below in late april, early may.
-40 degrees SwissGear synthetic bag-summer 46.6
-Sea to summit thermolite bag liner- 2.8 Not necessary with the 0 degree bag.
-Homemade bivy-7.3 (works as a waterprotection layer for my sleeping bag in lieu of a groundcloth) Not necessary.
-thermarest Solite foam pad- 8.6
-Emergency blanket- 1.7 (just in case) Not necessary.
-MSR skinny one solo tent- 52.8
-Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil dry sack 35L- 2.4
Subtotal- 156.9 (used heavier bag in total)
Eat
-Austrian windproof lighter- 1.3
-Primus Litech Kettle (this is my pot)- 6.5
-Plastic GSI cup from pinnacle soloist- 1.5 Not necessary.
-Sea to summit 13L evovac dry sack(food sack)- 2.4
-Soto Micro-regulator Stove- 2.5
-leatherman (i use extra stuff and dont use the knife so I dont want to substitute it for a knife alone)- 8.4 Definitely get rid of this. Heavy and mostly useless. Take a small knife if you need that has just a blade.
-Aquamira chemicals- 2.2
-Ti spork- 0.6
-Camelbak 2L and 3L- 14.8
-Stove fuel- 8.1
-50' spectra rope- 0.6 Get this down to 25 feet.
Subtotal- 48.9
Hike
-Scarpa boots size 11 (no seriously they stay dry. Only time they were wet was when I submerged them 2 feet in a stream. Took about 23 hours to dry)- 70 Boots are not a good idea. Get a nice pair of trail runners. These boots will slow you down dramatically and tire you out by having to lift their weight every step of the way.
-waterproof gloves- 6.5 Not necessary.
-Merino wool shirt- 7.0
-Underarmor esq shirt- 6.0
-Homemade gaiters- 2.5 Not necessary.
-Ball cap- 2.7
-head lamp- 2.8
-Rain shell- 16.0
-Longdistance running shorts- 3.0
-Running tights- 6.3 Not necessary.
-towel-3.0 Not necessary.
-heavy weight long Johns- 8.8
-smartwool bacaclava? 1.2 Not necessary.
-wool winter hat- 2.5
-underarmor hoody (much lighter then a regular hoody)- 18.3
-Wool socks 3X- 2.5 (7.5)
-5200 ALPS cascade backpack- 86 (heavy but I dont like cramming things in my 30L pack, also weight includes rain cover)
-BlackDiamond Carbon Cork trekking poles- 16.0
-Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Clothes Bag 20L-2.4
-Compactor bags X2- 1.0 (1 for pack liner and one for hiking skirt) Not necessary. You already have dry sacks for most everything.
Subtotal-269.5
Luxuries
-first aid/duct tape wallet/bathroom stuff- 5.5
-biodegradable soap concetrated- 1.9
-Garmin GPSMAP GSX (has AT maps and trail guide info and saves 3 ounces of weight and GPS is waterproof)- 5.5 Not necessary.
-2 extra batteries- 0.75 Not necessary.
-Nikon coolPics camera- 4.9
-Pepper Spray- 1.5 (just in case) Not necessary.
-cell phone- 4.4
-cell phone charger 1.5
-mini playing cards- 1.3 Not necessary.
-Journal and pen- 11.7
-safety pins X3- 0.01 Not necessary.
-carabiner- 0.1
subtotal- 39.06
Total-514.36 (32.1lbs) Skin out weight without food/water (add 5 lbs=37.1 lbs)

Chopping Block
-GPS trade for 2011 NOBO AT guide-8.1 (use less batteries and GPS is more for my entertainment but I can do the math on the mph I guess).
-Plastic GSI cup from pinnacle soloist- 1.5
-wool hat or bacalava-1.2-2.5
might not need both
-mini playing cards 1.3 (but its only an ounce)
-half of my towel- 1.5
-gloves- 6.5 (use my extra socks but not waterproof)
subtotal- 21.4
New total- 492.96 (30.81 lbs)+5=35.81
Pack weight is probably around (350-400 ounces or 22-25 lbs+5 lbs= 27-30lbs)

I would also recommend ditching the hoody in favor of a small packable down jacket. You will increase warmth and save on weight and room.

TOMP
05-06-2012, 15:39
I am currently in VA about 1
Third done. Winter stuff is at home and my boots fell apart so I'm now rocking the inov8 trail runners. My trail name is BYGE and I am still feeling good. See you on the trail.

trapper
06-12-2012, 13:03
I wanted to reach out to everyone to get a feel for wearing Gaiters for a NOBO thru hike starting in mid March. Also, if you have a particular brand that has worked well for you. Thanks in advance
OR ultra trail gaiter super light don't rub or bind don't even know you have them on. best I've ever wore

msupple
06-12-2012, 13:54
I am currently in VA about 1
Third done. Winter stuff is at home and my boots fell apart so I'm now rocking the inov8 trail runners. My trail name is BYGE and I am still feeling good. See you on the trail.

Good choice on the Inov-8s....even Winton Porter approved of mine. :)

Cat in the Hat

Feral Nature
06-12-2012, 16:05
What does BYGE stand for?

Winds
06-12-2012, 18:00
What does Phlox stand for? :)

TOMP
06-13-2012, 11:47
What does BYGE stand for?


Its BYGE "Biggie" and it stands for Build Your Gear & Equipment. Basically I was hiking with a guy that never heard of anyone making thier own gear and wanted to name me MYOG or DYI, but I didnt want ppl calling me that so he came up with a new acronym and called me biggie and it stuck. One day I fell 3 times and it became Biggie Falls for the week. Also the notorious BYG for a little while.

Also update, I decided to finish my hike in NJ (my home state). I got off the trail on June 6th and decided to save the rest for future hikes and end my thru attempt. Basically I just didnt want to be away from friends and family and my dog for another 2 months or so. I really enjoyed my time on the trail and wouldnt have changed a thing. But I feel like if I continued at this point it would only be to say I did it and thats just not a good enough reason for me to continue. Someone said to me before I left that if anything at home was pulling me back, then that thing would eventually win. And in my case they were right. I will be doing many 2-3 day section hikes this summer and have not lost my love of hiking but just dont want to be isolated from everyone I know any longer. I guess I found out that 3 months away is my maximum time for a long distance hike. Met a lot great ppl and I hope all who are still on the trail make it to katahdin or where ever their personal katahdin is.

TOMP
06-13-2012, 11:53
Good choice on the Inov-8s....even Winton Porter approved of mine. :)

Cat in the Hat

Did about 600 miles in the talon 212's and they didnt fall apart unlike the La Sportivas after 700 miles. The tread on the bottom is worn down but I am pretty sure I can get another couple hundred out of them. Bottom line they look like they have been used but did not break in any way so I am extremely impressed. Before I left I thought it would be the other way around considering how big and bulky the Sportiva boots are and how minimalist the inov-8s are. For warm weather hiking I dont think I will ever use boots again and convert to trail runners. I admit I was wrong and trail runners are awesome in everyway.

TOMP
06-13-2012, 11:55
Did about 600 miles in the talon 212's and they didnt fall apart unlike the La Sportivas after 700 miles. The tread on the bottom is worn down but I am pretty sure I can get another couple hundred out of them. Bottom line they look like they have been used but did not break in any way so I am extremely impressed. Before I left I thought it would be the other way around considering how big and bulky the Sportiva boots are and how minimalist the inov-8s are. For warm weather hiking I dont think I will ever use boots again and convert to trail runners. I admit I was wrong and trail runners are awesome in everyway.

Oh and not one blister with Inov-8, about 30 blisters with the La Sportivas on the heel, instep, and between toes.