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  1. #1
    Registered User Skye15's Avatar
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    Default Gear List and Last Minute Questions!

    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!
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    You're not going to find anything much lighter then the squeeze, maybe faster, but perhaps not worth it in the end. Aquamira works, but personally I can't stand waiting 30 minutes for it to do its job. Steripen's are nice, but you'll have to replace batteries or keep it charged, and some people find them not exactly the most reliable item. I do use one in the winter, but only because I'm forgetful and have let my squeezes freeze on multiple occasions.

    I don't have any experience with gravity filters, so I can't comment. I know they're popular with some. There's also mechanical pumps, like the MSR sweetwater, but moving objects just increase the likelihood of malfunction.

    As for the sitpad. I just use a cutdown thinlight pad from GG. weighs about an oz and does the job admirably. The neolite if you were to ask me actually becomes less noisy after some use. Of course this may just be me getting used to the sound of it and not any real appreciable reduction. Still it's my favorite pad. I read on a thread on the BPL forums that the new 2015 model of the xlite will be quieter. I haven't seen it yet, but I have seen the updated xtherm.

  3. #3
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    My suggestion on water filtration is the Sawyer Mini... setup as a gravity filter.

    Just get an Evernew water carry for a dirty water bag and a platypus hoser for a clean water bag. The hose is a little small for the Mini's output nipple, but you can push it on enough to work.

    A brand-new mini filtering tap water can filter 2L of water in 4 minutes. You can use a hole punch on the edge of the clean water bag so that you can attach a piece of string and hang it for hands-free operation while you are busy doing other things in camp.

    The hose that comes with the platypus hoser is pretty thick. I didn't like it because it's very difficult to coil for storage. So I removed the supplied hose and replaced it with one of these medical grade rubber hoses (actually, I used the hoses that came with my Sweetwater filter).

  4. #4
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    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.


    most people dont carry rope but carry paracord................which is alot lighter.......

    as for the pad---i would seriously consider upgrading to a neo air or something like that over a closed cell pad-----you'll get much more comfortable sleep with a blow up pad...

    and then buy a sit pad (many versions are offered at various outfitters) or just a cut down version of a closed cell pad...........i would buy a cheap one at walmart (maybe 6 bucks) and cut it up instead of using the thermarest one you have....

  5. #5

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    Quote Originally Posted by TNhiker View Post
    most people dont carry rope but carry paracord................which is alot lighter.......
    Or 7/64" Amsteel rope which is about half the weight of Paracord and 3 times the strength (1,500 pound test instead of ~500). You can also use Zing-it/Lash-it for normal camp stuff as well (like 1/4 the thickness of paracord, with the same strength).

  6. #6
    Registered User evyck da fleet's Avatar
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    I like Aqua Mira drops for water treatment. It takes 5 minutes to mix and 15 minutes to treat unless the water is really dirty or cold then its thirty. I never waited thirty. I'd usually take a five or ten minute break anyway when I got water drink what I had left so I didn't have a problem waiting 15 minutes as I hiked.

    I'm betting you'll find a log or rock by a campfire and don't need something to sit on. If its cold you'll want to stand close to the fire anyway.

    Yes, most people carry caribiners and rope but surprisingly some don't.

    I'm willing to guess you don't need a second pair of pants unless you're a cold sleeper since you're starting in April.

  7. #7
    Registered User Fireonwindcsr's Avatar
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    I picked up a couple Lifestraws on Amazon.
    Any man who can drive safely while kissing a pretty girl is simply not giving the kiss the attention it deserves.”
    Albert Einstein

    http://www.trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?trailname=18107

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    Check out your local hardware store for braided mason's line to hang your food bag. Strong, cheap and super lightweight. The spool I bought is neon pink, which makes it easier to find too.

  9. #9
    Registered User Fireonwindcsr's Avatar
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    Great list. Do you plan on carrying food or buying on the trail? Tent vs Hammock??? Curious as to what people will use
    Any man who can drive safely while kissing a pretty girl is simply not giving the kiss the attention it deserves.”
    Albert Einstein

    http://www.trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?trailname=18107

  10. #10
    Registered User Fireonwindcsr's Avatar
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    Anyone bringing Permethrin Clothing Insect Repellent for ticks, etc?

    Any man who can drive safely while kissing a pretty girl is simply not giving the kiss the attention it deserves.”
    Albert Einstein

    http://www.trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?trailname=18107

  11. #11
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    Definitely go with something like a Neoair for sleeping. It's not as loud as you might think, at least the newer versions, and the comfort difference vs self inflating is stunning (at least for me).

    I prefer a pump filter. I have an older version of the Katadyn Hiker. It's fast and reliable. It's also 8 ounces heavier than the Sawyer Squeeze.

    Sit pad: I found the Thermarest Z Seat at an outfitter and love it. It's a luxury item, but well worth the $15 and 2 ounces of pure pleasure.

  12. #12
    Registered User Joe Rogowski's Avatar
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    i have the big agnes air core for my pad and i find it was really comfy and doesn't make noise right out of the box. as for pants if you want a thinner pair look at dufold they're pretty good quality and like $20 and for a sit pad i am just going to use my rain pants on a log or something. other then that you are good to go from what i see.

  13. #13
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    Quote Originally Posted by Fireonwindcsr View Post
    Anyone bringing Permethrin Clothing Insect Repellent for ticks, etc?
    Since it's good for about 6 washes(?) I will probably bounce it or buy it when I can and reapply and share what's left with another hiker.

  14. #14

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    Quote Originally Posted by Havana View Post
    Sit pad: I found the Thermarest Z Seat at an outfitter and love it. It's a luxury item, but well worth the $15 and 2 ounces of pure pleasure.
    I have this sit pad as well and absolutely love it. I grabbed it after watching Will Wood's YouTube review. He goes very lightweight and ended up buying this pad late into his hike. I used it for a 5 day shakedown in Shenandoah and it was great to pull out whenever I wanted a break. And like Havana said, it's pretty cheap and light.

    Also, I'd been planning on using a foam pad, but it was worth it to me to upgrade to the NeoAir. It's so much more comfortable. I also used it on a ~0 degree night and it insulated very well considering.

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    You could also get a cheap blue CCF pad at Wally World and cut a square of that to sit on.

  16. #16
    Registered User Skye15's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Treehugger View Post
    Since it's good for about 6 washes(?) I will probably bounce it or buy it when I can and reapply and share what's left with another hiker.
    I actually hadn't thought about insect repellent - but now I am. Good idea with bouncing it, i will probably go with that idea.

  17. #17
    Registered User Skye15's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Rocket Jones View Post
    You could also get a cheap blue CCF pad at Wally World and cut a square of that to sit on.
    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.

  18. #18
    Registered User Skye15's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Joe Rogowski View Post
    i have the big agnes air core for my pad and i find it was really comfy and doesn't make noise right out of the box. as for pants if you want a thinner pair look at dufold they're pretty good quality and like $20 and for a sit pad i am just going to use my rain pants on a log or something. other then that you are good to go from what i see.
    Awesome, I did see Dufold on Amazon, so I'll probably snag a pair. Not too worried about sleeping cold, my Joule is a 23 degree and i've used it when it's dropped into the teens, still felt like an oven in it.

  19. #19
    Registered User Skye15's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Fireonwindcsr View Post
    Great list. Do you plan on carrying food or buying on the trail? Tent vs Hammock??? Curious as to what people will use
    Thanks! When you say carrying food or buying on the trail, do you mean resupplying in town versus drop boxes? I will be doing a mixture of both, there are a few towns i've read that have little to no selection, like Bland VA and Caratunk ME. I have 6 planned drop box towns, may change while i'm on the trail. I am using a tent, at least starting with one. May switch out to a hammock in the summer months if I can, I sleep better in hammocks just don't have as much experience with them.

  20. #20
    Registered User Skye15's Avatar
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    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)

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