Gear List and Last Minute Questions!

[Traveler]

I think this is the route i'm going to go. I really do not mind sitting on the ground, my only concern is a wet butt. I used to use my poncho, but i upgraded to a rain jacket and don't want to use that.

You may want to look at the Therm A Rest Z Seat more closely. For $14 and 2 ounces of weight, you get a seat with 2.2 R value insulation most anywhere you need or want one without grinding dirt into rain gear. It folds up rather well, does not require straps to stay folded (though a stuff sack is a good idea to protect it), and stashes/secures well in my packs given its folded shape. It may be cheaper than the wally world CCF pad, likely lighter as well and has a bit of insulation value that the CCF material lacks. Plus, you don't have to mess with cutting it up.

[q-tip]

For water I use the Steripen. I dehydrate extremely fast and that makes water ready in under two minutes. As for a sit pad, I have a big ass, and use a NeoAir for sleep. Foam mattress did not work.

[Rocket Jones]

I think this is the route i'm going to go. I really do not mind sitting on the ground, my only concern is a wet butt. I used to use my poncho, but i upgraded to a rain jacket and don't want to use that.

Another option then is a simple plastic laminated placemat.

[CarlZ993]

My $0.02 worth:
I didn't see rain pants. I'd include them. When it is hard & humid, you might consider shipping them home. My worse weather day I had was April 4th. Hiked in freezing rain & was miserable (rain froze to the trees). Glad I was wearing full rain-gear.

Close-cell foam sit pad is a nice luxury to have. As long as your sleeping pad has an adequate R-value, any pad will do. Close-cell foam pads are bullet-proof but not as comfy. Self-inflating pads are generally heavier but more comfortable. Inflatable pads (ex. NeoAir Xlite) can be as light or lighter than close-cell foam pads but really comfy. I used the Xlite down to about 15 degrees & was warm. Really cushy. Never had any problems w/ it but I definitely babied it to prevent leaks.

I didn't see a trowel. You can use a wide stake to serve the same purpose. Really helps with Leave No Trace issues of human waste.

A Platypus-based hydration system would probably be lighter than a Camelbak system. Camelbak system would probably be sturdier. Soda, Gatorade, or cheap water bottles are lighter & generally cheaper. I used the Aquamira water purification system & was happy with it. Very light (~3 oz when both bottles are full) & almost idiot-proof (just gotta make sure your tighten down the lids thoroughly).

From a guy's perspective, your toiletry kit seems a little heavy.

Depending on your budget, you can get lighter tents & packs than what you're planning on carrying. Same for your pot (my Evernew 0.9L pot weighed around 4.6 oz).

What you have as gear is only one part of the equation. I saw people with the lightest, wiz-bang stuff that didn't complete the AT. I saw people with antiquated, heavy gear make it the entire way. You'll have ample opportunity to add or subtract stuff as you go. When in doubt, I recommend you consider the lighter option.

Best of luck on your hike.

[comanche8f]

Hey all! I am planning on heading out April 1st from Springer - i'm getting a late start posting some last minute questions here. I've attached the gear list I have going so far, any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. A couple notes/questions:

I found I am not happy with my filtration system anymore (i have the Sawyer Squeeze) - the fill bag is just so slow. Any suggestions on others to take?

I may switch out my thermarest closed foam pad for an inflatable one. I like the closed foam because i could use it as a sleeping pad and to sit on around the fire. If i switch it out, what do others use to sit on outside? I was thinking about the NeoAir Xlite, but it is so loud/crinkly.

My clothing system is a big piece i've been anxious about. My thermal pants are pretty thick, any suggestions on thinner ones that wont break the bank? And do i need two pairs? one for hiking, one for sleep?

Havent seen much about rope and carabiners on peoples gear lists, are they necessary? I am used to hanging a food bag on most trips.

Thanks guys!

In regards to the water isssue. For me personally, I am doing it a bit different. I am carrying a 3l camelback. I am going to fill the camelback with water, add some aquamire drops. I will also be carrying two filtered water bottles. I am going to keep the water bottles filled with the water from the camelback, that way I can carry a reserve and not have to wait for it to be treated. Plus I am paranoid about the water, I know I am being over cautious, but this way I know I will have clean water and not have the bad taste either

[Kc Fiedler]

So one of my friends offered to let me take his MSR Sweetwater filter on the trail. http://www.rei.com/product/617913/ms...r-water-filter

It is really easy to use and is very quick, my concern is it is A) bulkier B) there may be water supplies that are just a trickle and this system wouldn't work in those situations. Looks like it needs to be a pretty substantial water source for the valve to rest in and pump. (hopefully that makes sense)

Avoid this filter at all costs. Quite frankly I have rarely encountered a piece of gear I hated more. In fact this might be the number one worst filter I've ever encountered.

I worked leading trips for an institution which used these as water purification on trips. They clog up so quickly that while pumping water out of a relatively clean source (yes, the intake was floating off the bottom, yes we avoided sediment, yes the water was pretty much free of visible particulates) for a group of ten, we had to disassemble and clean the filter element every two liters. It was a huge pain in the ass, not just on one trip but multiple throughout the summer. Halfway through the summer I told my supervisor we weren't taking these filters back on trail and replaced them with AquaMira.

Personally, I'd recommend bleach for purification.

Anyways, I'd suggest avoiding this filter at all costs. Cheers!

P.S. I'd suggest 35-40' of Dynaglide rope and a Nite Ize Mini S-Biner for bear bagging.

[Connie]

I prefilter. Melitta coffee filters.

I read in this forum microfiber cloth is a prefilter.

The Sawyer filter is .1 micron absolute.

All the top filters need prefilter.

I prefilter for the Sawyer.

[jred321]

I'm going with the Sawyer but hear you on the filling of the bags. If there is a strong flow it's easy. If things aren't flowing as strongly it kind of sucks. I've had mild success with kind of holding the bag open while holding it underwater. I may end up changing but that's at least what I'm starting with.

I'm only planning on bringing one pair of long thermals. I don't expect to use them while hiking unless it's really cold but I'm generally warm (ran in shorts, long sleeve t, hat and gloves last night when it was <20 degrees). So that part is mostly up to you and what you're comfortable with.

I have the XLite and haven't found that the noise bothered me. Maybe I was annoying the crap out of everyone else but nobody said anything.

For gloves, I got a pair of these for Christmas http://www.ems.com/product/index.jsp...308435.3693385 They're windproof with a fair amount of insulation but not full on ski gloves. I also have a pair of uninsulated gloves that are less windproof. What the weather is at the time will dictate which I bring.

Do you need the footprint? I know there are mixed opinions but something to consider.

Paracord and a carabiner for hanging a bag is a good idea.

As for a sit pad, my pack has a removable one built in as do many of the Gossamer Gear packs. The pad on the back is external and easy to take in and out. If a new pack is something you were thinking about then this is something to consider.

[jred321]

What about any electronics? Phone, charger, etc.... Also, are you bringing a guide?