I would appreciate your comments on my first attempt at gear choices for my '05 thru-hike of the AT. I'll be buying gear after the holidays and trying it out on backpacking trips with my Sierra Club next spring. I've done a lot of research and have paid attention to critiques of gear both here and at the TrailForums and WomenHikers websites. I want to go as light as possible, without sacrificing too much comfort. Please tell me what you think. I'd greatly appreciate your sage advice. Thanks, Barbara
Backpack:
Granite Gear Vapor Trail
Backpacker Mag’s Choice 2003,ultralite,
3600 cu in w/lg ext collar, carries loads up to 30 lbs,
good padding on should straps, sternum strap, hipbelt, loadlifter straps,
has narrow profile, hugs back well,
2 stretch side pockets for water bottles
2 lbs, $145
Pack Cover:
Dancing Light Gear
waterproof silnylon
3 oz, $20
Tent:
Mountain Hardware Waypoint 1
single wall w/several vents to aid w/condensation problems,
19 sq ft, w/5 sq ft vestibule, 7.5 ft long, 3 ft wide, 33 inches high,
includes fly, pole, Y pegs, stuff sack
2 lbs, 8 oz, $195
Sleeping Bag:
Western Mountaineering Ultra-light
20 degree, 5 inches of loft, 850 fill down,
w/waterproof stuff sack
1 lb, 11 oz, $280
Silk Sleeping Bag Liner:
Summit
adds 10 degrees to bag, helps keep bag clean
use by itself when too warm for bag
5 oz, $55
Pad:
Thermarest Ultralight
self-inflating, 3/4 length
18 oz, $60
Total weight: 8 lbs
Total cost: $760