https://lighterpack.com/r/q7sxf8

I am starting NOBO 4/22 with the intent of breaking the AT into 3 chunks. North pretty deep into Virginia and take a break. Midsummer Vermont to Katahdin and then completing the middle in the Fall North to South. Probably 6 months total but nowhere near that in terms of hiking days. I guess that would still be a thru hike sort of. Not really a flip flop. More a flip, flop, and drop or something. That is pretty much the extent of my plan. Step by step, day by day. Solve any challenges, do not entertain any negative thoughts in my brain.....that seems to work as a plan for me. If I write something now, it will become toilet paper within a week.

My gear list is not well organized but it is complete as far as my plans starting from Georgia. I might be missing something. I am not concerned with categorization and understand I might not listed stuff in the right bucket, for instance are poles worn weight or carry weight. I have a really bad neck. Walking is better for me than sitting or laying around but I need to be light. I intend my max. carry weight on my back to be under 15 pounds all in. I am pretty close, I think. Trying for quite light but not stupid light. After some testing, I determined my existed bag and pad were not good enough. I bought a full 25x72 thermarest and much warmer bag and added a freakin pillow for the neck. I can now sleep down to 17F as tested in current setup but this is wearing my puffy. Without the puffy, I am only good to 26-27F (tested it). Unfortunately, this new stuff added 19-20 oz weight but it is necessary unfortunately. I considered a hammock but I know tents and sleeping bags, so, I felt comfortable not changing.

I seem to have a lot of stuff. Too much. Any comments welcome. I listed some stuff that might be excessive.

I intend to hike in rowing/cycling shorts and light tee shirt if temps are 50+ w/o much wind. 35-50F, I would add my 1/4 zipper baselayer. I would also sleep in this shirt if temps are below 35F. I'd hike additionally with wool leggings if under 40F. If raining hard and under 55F, both jacket and rain pants. I am on the fence whether I need waterproof covers over thin wool gloves. I will hike thru any rain but will stop for lightning. Cold wind? Rain jacket over. I have a puffy just in case it gets really, really cold but I cannot imagine my rain jacket over my base layers not to be sufficient down to the 20's hiking and that is very unlikely in early May during the day. I expect to enter GSMNP around May 1 and the record low for May is 17F but it seems 25-30F in early May at night is pretty common. I think keeping the puffy initially makes sense? Maybe ship it home after the Smokies? I usually like to have one layer of clothing more than I think is necessary, so, keeping the puffy fits with my way of thinking. I know if I posted on ultralight, they would right up tell me I had too much clothing.

I have redundancy in water purification. Mostly will filter but repackaged aquamira to be added depending on source. I am also carrying soap and hand disinfectant. I doubt I am willing to lower weight there. I have the bigger Sawyer and bag to keep it in my sleeping bag from freezing.

I have been bitten by dogs twice and based on reading, lots of loose dogs. I am on the fence for dog spray. I have sprayed one dog, it stopped the attack and the dog just started sneezing and then wiping its nose on the ground.

The maps that I have looked at seem not terribly helpful aside from elevation profile (companion guide and Antigravity). I am thinking of trying guthook and maybe just find good USGS type makes for White Mountains and maybe Maine.

Will I need a bug net in the southern part assuming I am off trail by Memorial day? No idea when the skeeters come out down there.

I would like to chop 8-16 oz off.....some of these might be needed until they are. What should I get rid of?

1. Drop Puffy 8 oz
2. Drop neck warmer 2.4 oz
3. Drop Bugnet 0.7 oz
4. smaller hand sanitizer 0.7 0z
5. Get rid of vasoline 0.5 oz
6. smaller duck tape strip 0.5 oz
7. eliminate side pouch 1 oz
8. eliminate Evernew 2L 1.5 oz
9. eliminate gold bond 1.5 oz
10. Eliminate tea pot 1.7 oz
11. No grubpack 3.7 oz

I only intend to camp in shelter area in GSMNP. Otherwise away from shelters, somewhat less risk for small critters and 3.7 oz stainless steel mesh grub pack might be overkill. Food in smelly proof bags inside the stainless. Maybe just carry it all and make a decision in Erwin or somewhere up the trail? I have only ever slept with my food but I also camp wild away from others and rarely eat in camp. Thanks for any help/suggestions, Sorry long, messy post.

https://lighterpack.com/r/q7sxf8