Gear List ok? (open to questions comments and criticizm) [Archive]

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GoodbyeOhio

02-23-2013, 10:35

HOUSE
----------

30* sleeping bag
7x7 tent
Sleeping Pad
*1 4000 Explorer pack w/ cover

KITCHEN
------------

Hydration bladder
1 drink bottle
1 cookpot w/ lid
1 alcohol stove
1 can opener
1 single blade knife
2 stuff sacks
1 water treatment drops
1 fork
1 spoon
1 cleaning scrubbie
1 shamwow style towel
1 spice container

BATHROOM
-------------

1 toiletry bag
1 first aid kit

Electronics
--------------

1 flashlight
1 walkman/mp3 player w/charger
1 digital camera w/charger
1 Samsung Galaxy Phone w/Charger
1 pack AA batteries

CLOSET
----------

3 Pair socks (1 worn)
3 Pair Boxers (1 worn)
3 Pair Pants (1 worn{traded for shorts midpoint}, 1 rain, 1 zipoff)
2 underarmor undershirts
2 mid layer shirts (outerlayer in summer, 1 short 1 long)
2 outter shell shirts (1 rain, 1 fleece[preferably hooded})
1 cold weather jacket
1 pair cheap gloves
1 cold weather hat
1 pair walking/running shoes w/ insoles
1 pair camp shoes
1 Bandana

Miscellanious
---------------

1 fire/smoke kit
1 pair trekking poles
*1 AT guide book
1 compass
1 deck cards + 300 MTG cards
1 Notebook w/ mech. pencil
1 rope 20-30 ft

Mountaintop

02-23-2013, 10:56

swjohnsey

02-23-2013, 11:17

Maybe trade rope for 50' of mason twine and flashlight for headlamp.

Rasty

02-23-2013, 11:38

HOUSE
----------

30* sleeping bag Not enough information
7x7 tent Consider upgrading to a 2# or less single person tent
Sleeping Pad
*1 4000 Explorer pack w/ cover Get the best pack you can afford as it has to be comfortable

KITCHEN
------------

Hydration bladder Consider a second gatorade bottle
1 drink bottle
1 cookpot w/ lid
1 alcohol stove
1 can opener
1 single blade knife
2 stuff sacks
1 water treatment drops
1 fork Pick one or the other
1 spoon
1 cleaning scrubbie
1 shamwow style towel
1 spice container

BATHROOM
-------------

1 toiletry bag
1 first aid kit Get the smallest kit you can find

Electronics
--------------

1 flashlight Headlamp
1 walkman/mp3 player w/charger
1 digital camera w/charger
1 Samsung Galaxy Phone w/Charger
1 pack AA batteries

CLOSET
----------

3 Pair socks (1 worn) 2 or 3 no big deal
3 Pair Boxers (1 worn) Leave 1
3 Pair Pants (1 worn{traded for shorts midpoint}, 1 rain, 1 zipoff) Rain & Zipoff only
2 underarmor undershirts
2 mid layer shirts (outerlayer in summer, 1 short 1 long)
2 outter shell shirts (1 rain, 1 fleece[preferably hooded})
1 cold weather jacket
1 pair cheap gloves
1 cold weather hat
1 pair walking/running shoes w/ insoles
1 pair camp shoes
1 Bandana

Miscellanious
---------------

1 fire/smoke kit
1 pair trekking poles
*1 AT guide book
1 compass
1 deck cards + 300 MTG cards
1 Notebook w/ mech. pencil
1 rope 20-30 ft Twine or 2mm cord

GoodbyeOhio

02-23-2013, 11:55

oops on the rope, I meant a lightweight twine or paracord style, just something to hang my pack with when a hookline isn't available. I agree on the headlamp, everyone seems to prefer it over a flashlight, I've never owned one tho. I like having the 7x7, it only weighs 3.8 pounds, and is very spacious if I happen to have to spend a zero or nero inside of it between shelters, and I feel like having a roomy comfy tent keeps my wallet more full and myself out of the hostels and where I really desire to be, on the trail. as far as boxers go, I'm not a fan of wearing them more than once, let alone twice, I'm going to stick with my 3, the sarge will thank me.

yellowsirocco

02-23-2013, 12:18

get used to wearing dirty clothes, it is part of backpacking. ditch the rain pants, they just get you wet from persperation. I use a rain wrap on my lower half. what you got doesn't look like a disaster or anything, but almost 4 pounds for a single person shelter is a lot. Maybe consider combining a one man tent with a kitchen tarp for hanging around camp on crappy days.

mountain squid

02-23-2013, 13:48

Some observations:

30f sleeping bag - depends on when you are leaving
will you ever wear all the clothes at the same time? - if not, probably too many
50' of para cord - 20' will NOT be enough to get over a branch
needle for draining blisters
duct tape
ear plugs
sunscreen - no leaves on trees - again depending on when you leave
hand sanitizer
spoon only
whistle - if backpack sternum strap buckle doesn't have one
mtg cards?!?

Concur:
headlamp

Disagree:
keep hydration bladder for drinking on the go

Good Luck and Have Fun!

See you on the trail,
mt squid

some observations (http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?14493-observations-from-fs42-(advice-for-first-week-on-trail)&highlight=)

Tree Nerd

02-23-2013, 14:31

HYOH.....you could def be lighter but it all depends on what you "want" and "need". Personally, I am no UL packer and I dont plan to be, I have several "wants" in my pack (typically around 25 lbs w/o food or water) and it suits me well. Do a couple one week long shake down hikes with what you have. When you get home take everything out of your pack and make three piles. One for stuff you used often, stuff you used sometimes, and one for stuff you never used, then eliminate the never used pile and do it over. Eventually you will come up with a pack and gear that is set up for you.

SpartanATthruhiker05

02-24-2013, 23:51

Your pack list would work, and you'll make adjustments along the way. But this is how I would save weight:

[QUOTE=GoodbyeOhio;1424096]HOUSE
----------

30* sleeping bag
7x7 tent
Sleeping Pad
*1 4000 Explorer pack w/ cover
(Do you have a footprint?)

KITCHEN
------------

Hydration bladder (nalgenes and gatoraids work better)
1 drink bottle
1 cookpot w/ lid
1 alcohol stove
1 can opener (For what? Or get it on the knife)
1 single blade knife
2 stuff sacks
1 water treatment drops
1 fork
1 spoon (Combine these two with a titanium spork)
1 cleaning scrubbie (Use a bandana instead)
1 shamwow style towel
1 spice container (Are you serious?)

BATHROOM
-------------

1 toiletry bag
1 first aid kit

Electronics
--------------

1 flashlight (Headlamp instead)
1 walkman/mp3 player w/charger
1 digital camera w/charger
1 Samsung Galaxy Phone w/Charger
1 pack AA batteries (Can you really not make it without electronics until your next resupply?)
(You could argue all of those - but luxury items like that it's up to you - is it worth the weight for you?- I'd just take the camera and headlamp)

CLOSET
----------

3 Pair socks (1 worn) (2 hiking, 2 camp imo)
3 Pair Boxers (1 worn) (2 imo)
3 Pair Pants (1 worn{traded for shorts midpoint}, 1 rain, 1 zipoff) (Hiking short, hiking swimsuit, zipoffs for camp for me-I'd never hike in pants-swim suit w\gaiters becomes rain outfit -more breathable)
2 underarmor undershirts
2 mid layer shirts (outerlayer in summer, 1 short 1 long)
2 outter shell shirts (1 rain, 1 fleece[preferably hooded})
1 cold weather jacket (Not sure what but something seems extra in your tops -maybe 1 thermal, no underarmor, unless you plan on hiking in the underarmor, then maybe it's the mid layer shirts - what do you mean)
1 pair cheap gloves
1 cold weather hat
1 pair walking/running shoes w/ insoles
1 pair camp shoes
1 Bandana (2, at least)

Miscellanious
---------------

1 fire/smoke kit (just use a Lighter and nature)
1 pair trekking poles
*1 AT guide book
1 compass
1 deck cards + 300 MTG cards
1 Notebook w/ mech. pencil
1 rope 20-30 ft (Add 1or2 Caribiners-use to throw bear lines or connect stuff to pack)

GoodbyeOhio

02-25-2013, 04:24

UPDATED GEAR LIST

HOUSE
----------

30* sleeping bag
Nylon mosquito netted hammock system
Rainfly tarp
Sleeping Pad
Teton 4000 Explorer pack w/ cover

KITCHEN
------------

2-3 Gatoraid Bottles
1 cookpot w/ lid
1 alcohol stove
1 can opener
1 homemade windshield and stand for stove
1 single blade knife
2 stuff sacks
1 water treatment drops
1 spork
1 cleaning scrubbie
1 shamwow style towel
2 multi-compartment drink mix/spice containers

BATHROOM
-------------

1 toiletry bag
1 first aid kit

Electronics
--------------

1 headlamp
1 walkman/mp3 player w/charger
1 digital camera w/charger
1 Samsung Galaxy Phone w/Charger

CLOSET
----------

3 Pair socks (2 hike/2 camp)
3 Pair Boxers
1 pair camp pants
1 pair rain pant zip-offs
1 pair swishy shorts
2 underarmor undershirts
1 mid layer long sleeve in spring/fall, outer layer short in summer
1 fleece pullover
1 polyester rain jacket
1 pair cheap gloves
1 cold weather hat
1 pair walking/running shoes w/ insoles
1 pair camp shoes
1 Bandana

Miscellanious
---------------

1 fire/smoke kit
1 pair trekking poles
*1 AT guide book
1 compass
1 deck cards + 300 MTG cards
1 Notebook w/ mech. pencil
30-50 ft 2-5 mm cord w caribiners

10-K

02-25-2013, 06:55

Can you use your phone as a camera and music player?

If so, you can leave the camera and mp3 player at home.

fredmugs

02-25-2013, 09:16

I didn't know they still made Walkman's. I love my MP3 player to motivate me for tough uphill climbs. I would definitely bring it and not overburden my cell phone battery.

You do not need a compass.

flemdawg1

02-25-2013, 13:29

HOUSE
----------

30* sleeping bag Go warmer for March-early April
7x7 tent
Sleeping Pad
*1 4000 Explorer pack w/ cover

KITCHEN
------------

Hydration bladder I like mine, keep it. I can drink without ever stopping.
1 drink bottle
1 cookpot w/ lid
1 alcohol stove
1 can opener P-38 style I hope.
1 single blade knife
2 stuff sacks
1 water treatment drops
1 fork Spoon or spork works best
1 spoon
1 cleaning scrubbie Cut it down to 1/4
1 shamwow style towel
1 spice container

BATHROOM
-------------

1 toiletry bag
1 first aid kit

Electronics
--------------

1 flashlight Get a headlamp. Its lighter, more vesatile.
1 walkman/mp3 player w/charger Samsung phone plays music pretty well,ditch the player.
1 digital camera w/charger Phone also takes decent pictures.
1 Samsung Galaxy Phone w/Charger
1 pack AA batteries

CLOSET
----------

3 Pair socks (1 worn)
3 Pair Boxers (1 worn) 2
3 Pair Pants (1 worn{traded for shorts midpoint}, 1 rain, 1 zipoff) 2
2 underarmor undershirts
2 mid layer shirts (outerlayer in summer, 1 short 1 long) ditch all (if you can't wear it all at once, don't take it.
2 outter shell shirts (1 rain, 1 fleece[preferably hooded}) ditch fleece
1 cold weather jacket
1 pair cheap gloves
1 cold weather hat
1 pair walking/running shoes w/ insoles
1 pair camp shoes
1 Bandana

Miscellanious
---------------

1 fire/smoke kit
1 pair trekking poles
*1 AT guide book
1 compass
1 deck cards + 300 MTG cards ditch get some games on your phone.
1 Notebook w/ mech. pencil ditch type on your phone.
1 rope 20-30 ft 50ft of lightwt cord

Typical newb mistake is to bring more clothes than you can wear at once in the coldest weather.

Venchka

02-25-2013, 17:32

Wasssup with the fascination for hoodies? The only thing I carry with a hood is my bomb proof Gore-Tex parka. I carry a skull fitting fleece bike helmet liner & a wide brim sun hat. My fleece or down insulating layers are sans hood. Infinitely more versatile and don't interfere with my pack as a hoodie might.
Electronics: Headlamp. 1 set of spare batteries for the headlamp. Done.
Everything you carry must be good for at least two purposes. If not, fuhgettabouit.

Typical newb mistake is to bring more clothes than you can wear at once in the coldest weather. Write that on your gear list. The exception would be socks. Typically, 3 pairs are broken down as 1 on your feet, 1 on your pack drying, 1 in your pack clean and dry. Applies to light liners and heavier outer socks. So, a total of 6 pairs. Dry wool hiking socks are also warm mittens if it gets cold.
Your sleeping bag should be adequate, when wearing all of your clothes, for the coldest nights you anticipate. Temperature data for Boone, NC at an elevation of ~3,300' should give you a good idea of what it will be like in the southern mountains.

Have fun!

Wayne

mountain squid

02-25-2013, 18:46

Temperature data for Boone, NC at an elevation of ~3,300' should give you a good idea of what it will be like in the southern mountains.:confused: What?!? How do you figure that? :confused:

I just left Carvers Gap (5512'). It was 36f with very high winds, as is usual. I specifically checked the temp at Roan Mountain, TN as I turned onto 143 heading to Carvers . . . it was 49f. So that is a 13f temp change, not even including the wind. Roan High Knob is at 6285' - 700' higher than Carvers - so I would be sure that it is even colder, albeit less windy because of the trees. And, of course, Roan High Knob Shelter is up there . . . .

And, not to mention the 70 miles through the Smokys . . . . which has Clingmans Dome at 6643'.

Too many hikers start off ill prepared for cold weather because they think that GA is in the South and that the South is warm . . . . I see it every year . . . read #3 bullet of some observations (http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?14493-observations-from-fs42-(advice-for-first-week-on-trail)&highlight=).

See you on the trail,
mt squid

flemdawg1

02-25-2013, 18:48

Wasssup with the fascination for hoodies?
Have fun!

Wayne

It its a younger generation, fashion statement thing. I can't stand them, too much muffling of sounds around me.

prain4u

02-28-2013, 09:48

HOUSE
----------

30* sleeping bag Unless you are getting a late season start--might be a bit cold.
Nylon mosquito netted hammock system
Rainfly tarp
Sleeping Pad
Teton 4000 Explorer pack w/ cover Somewhat heavy at 5 lbs.

Ideally, a top quilt and under quilt works better in a hammock than a sleeping bag and pad. But costs $$$$$$

KITCHEN
------------

2-3 Gatoraid Bottles
1 cookpot w/ lid
1 alcohol stove It is helpful to also carry some alcohol for that stove :)
1 can opener
1 homemade windshield and stand for stove
1 single blade knife
2 stuff sacks
1 water treatment drops
1 spork
1 cleaning scrubbie
1 shamwow style towel
2 multi-compartment drink mix/spice containers Never used one. Seems needlessly bulky/heavy---particularly for drink mix.

BATHROOM
-------------

1 toiletry bag What is in this? Weight?
1 first aid kit What is in this? Weight?

Electronics Maybe a bit on the heavy side in the Electronics Department. You could combine MP3, camera and phone into a Smartphone
--------------

1 headlamp Batteries?
1 walkman/mp3 player w/charger
1 digital camera w/charger
1 Samsung Galaxy Phone w/Charger

CLOSET
----------

3 Pair socks (2 hike/2 camp) 2+2 =4 :)
3 Pair Boxers Does this include the pair you will be wearing? This is more than many people carry.
1 pair camp pants
1 pair rain pant zip-offs
1 pair swishy shorts
2 underarmor undershirts
1 mid layer long sleeve in spring/fall, outer layer short in summer
1 fleece pullover
1 polyester rain jacket
1 pair cheap gloves
1 cold weather hat
1 pair walking/running shoes w/ insoles
1 pair camp shoes
1 Bandana

Miscellanious
---------------

1 fire/smoke kit
1 pair trekking poles
*1 AT guide book
1 compass
1 deck cards + 300 MTG cards
1 Notebook w/ mech. pencil
30-50 ft 2-5 mm cord w caribiners[/QUOTE]

List looks O.K.. It is basically a matter of how much weight you want to carry and how much you want to spend to go lighter.

prain4u

02-28-2013, 10:02

:confused: What?!? How do you figure that? :confused:

I just left Carvers Gap (5512'). It was 36f with very high winds, as is usual. I specifically checked the temp at Roan Mountain, TN as I turned onto 143 heading to Carvers . . . it was 49f. So that is a 13f temp change, not even including the wind. Roan High Knob is at 6285' - 700' higher than Carvers - so I would be sure that it is even colder, albeit less windy because of the trees. And, of course, Roan High Knob Shelter is up there . . . .

And, not to mention the 70 miles through the Smokys . . . . which has Clingmans Dome at 6643'.

Too many hikers start off ill prepared for cold weather because they think that GA is in the South and that the South is warm . . . . I see it every year . . . read #3 bullet of some observations (http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?14493-observations-from-fs42-(advice-for-first-week-on-trail)&highlight=).

See you on the trail,
mt squid

This is part of what I posted on another thread....

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

I did some checking on the historical weather data for Franklin, NC and Gatlinburg, TN. I looked day-by-day at the RECORD low temp for each day and the AVERAGE low temp for each day.

In the first 15 days of March at Franklin, NC:
The AVERAGE daily low temps ranged from 32-35 degrees.
The RECORD daily low temps ranged from 2 degrees to 16 degrees

From March 8th thru March 31st at Gatlinburg, TN:

The AVERAGE daily low temps ranged from 34 degrees to 42 degrees.
The RECORD daily low temps ranged between 12 degrees and 24 degrees.

We need to remember that these weather reporting stations are not necessarily at the highest and coldest/windiest elevations. Where you will be hiking and camping WILL PROBABLY BE COLDER AND MORE WINDY!

Here is the real kicker--WINDCHILL FACTORS:

2 degree air temp with a 10 mph wind means it will feel like MINUS 14 degrees
2 degree air temp with a 20 mph wind means it will feel like MINUS 20 degrees

10 degree air temp with a 10 mph wind means it will feel like MINUS 4 degrees
10 degree air temp with a 20 mph wind means it will feel like MINUS 9 degrees

15 degree air temp with a 10 mph wind means it will feel like 3 degrees
15 degree air temp with a 20 mph wind means it will feel like MINUS 3 degrees
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++++

That should give you an idea of the averages and the "worst case scenario". Some folks pack clothing and gear based upon the "average" temps. Some folks pack lighter and hope it is a warm year. Personally, I like to be prepared for "worst case scenario".

I don't know how "common" days at 15 degrees and lower are. However, personally, I would hate to be packed for just 35 degrees and then get even ONE 10 degree day (or night) with a 20 mph wind (windchill of minus 9 degrees). I guess it all depends upon how many super cold nights like that is "too many" for you? :)

Hike Your Own Hike. Your Mileage may Vary.

GoodbyeOhio

03-01-2013, 04:18

thanks everyone. OK, some facts to help clear a couple things up. I AM leaving late. Starting date is between 4-22 and 4-30. I hate the cold, and I hope to keep pace to avoid it in maine. Besides, if I'm able to hike far enough to even being thinking about maine, it won't matter how cold it is, it will get done. But if figure my green horns and young abled body will have no problem acheiving my 4-5 month goal. I've considered the weight in the electronics department. But my family will not let me hike without an active cell phone, which doesn't have the battery capacity for music on a day to day basis. hence the MP3/walkman, it's a half pound or so that will be well worth it. 2ndly is the camera. The sights and views that AT Hikers see are rare and possibly once in a lifetime opportunities, I'm not going to let my blurry smartphone (3 MP) ruin this for me. Some of these photos will undoubtedly be blown up and used as decorations n xmas cards lol. I thought about upgrading my phone, and incurring these costs all in one, however nothing comes close to the battery power and life of a walkman, and the crystal clarity of a 16 MP camera. yet again, another half pound that will be well worth it. Lightweight IS a thing always in the back of my mind, but altogether I have 3-5 lbs of "extra" equipment, and probably another 3-5 in weight that could be reduced by purchasing more expensive gear. I'll have to accept those 6-10 lbs, at least to begin. they are several luxuries that I'd rather not go without. It's not just about gettin to Maine, it's about enjoying the journey.

prain4u

03-01-2013, 06:09

Lightweight IS a thing always in the back of my mind, but altogether I have 3-5 lbs of "extra" equipment, and probably another 3-5 in weight that could be reduced by purchasing more expensive gear. I'll have to accept those 6-10 lbs, at least to begin. they are several luxuries that I'd rather not go without. It's not just about gettin to Maine, it's about enjoying the journey.

I am FULLY respecting your right to Hike Your Own Hike and carry as much weight as you want. (I used to hike with a 40-60 lb pack when I was in my teens and 20s. But, this was back in a day when almost EVERYONE had "heavy" packs and modern lightweight equipment didn't exist). I also know that finances dictate what lighter gear we can/cannot afford to upgrade to. Thus, I am not saying that you "must" go lighter--nor am I predicting "disaster" if you carry 6-10 extra lbs.

That being said, you may find yourself cursing that extra 6-10 lbs. when you are hiking through the numerous pointless (and painful) ups and downs of the trail. Ten extra lbs. can feel pretty darn heavy after a long day of hiking on rough trail conditions. If your goal is to have a relatively "fast" thru hike (as you have implied) it is very possible that the extra 6-10 lbs. could conflict with that goal. I am not criticizing either goal (heavier pack and faster pace). I am just saying that they are USUALLY not considered to be compatible goals.