hello all,
been perusing the site for a day or two. there is lots of information!!!
i have not yet attempted the AT. i have been hiking a section or two at a time of pennsylvania's Mid State Trail.
i was wondering if anyone would care to glance at my gear list and suggest areas for improvement bearing in mind a low budget.
the basic list:
mountainsmith external frame pack (i only use external).
quest 40* mummy
fleece bag liner
When the time comes, it is usually lighter to just get a bag that is adequate for the temps you hike in. A great budget bag is the Campmore 20* down bag for about $119.
ozark trail youth tent (super light, $20.00, big enough for me and gear)
If this keeps you dry, great. If I were getting into shoulder season (fall/spring) I may feel more secure with a bit higher quality shelter. A tarp can be had for about $60 and would give you lots of dependable options once you learn to use it - not hard to learn.
sweetwater filtration pump
AquaMira is lighter and more compact
mini stainless multitool (very tiny, pliers and scissors, only a few ounces)
tiny roll duct tape
Just wrapping some duct tape around a hiking pole or pack frame may save you some bulk and weight
waterproof matches in a waterproof container
small air horn
???? For bear? not really needed. For personal safety in case of emergency? a whistle is lighter and won't run out of air till you do.
msr pocket rocket stove
Home made alcohol is lighter and cheaper
led headlight 15 hours on 3 lithium aaa battery
$.99 emergency rain poncho
Won't hold up well to brush. DriDucks (similar to and made by FroggToggs but much cheaper) would be more durable
swissgear aluminum hiking pole
reebok stretchy moisture evacuating shorts (anti chaffing device
)
hi-tech shoes, v-light low top hikers
depending on the hike, some of that stuff stays home.
i would like to get a cheap, light, non inflating sleep pad just to insulate me from the ground but have not looked in to any yet.
Cheap blue foam from K-mart or Wally World will work as well as anything the hi-tech shoes have developed a curl toe situation. i feel like i have elf shoes on. any suggestions regarding lightweight, board-lasted, waterproof low tops are especially appreciated!
I really like my Vasque Blur trail running shoes. Can get last year's model for around $69 at Campmore. They come in medium and wide widths. They also make a waterproof model, but it's more expensive. Waterproof isn't very useful in a low cut shoe, any significant water will just go over the top. Non-waterproof will dry much quicker once they are wet. Six of one, half dozen of the other. For me it's not worth the extra money.
thanks for any suggestions you may have. see you on the trails!
v