AT Thru Hike UL Gear List - Rip

[hurricane!]

Hey Guys,

Here is a current list of my gear along with the weight. Please pick apart and let me know what I am missing or what I dont need. I know I'm not accounting for AT book or camera, so dont hurt me too bad.

Looking to leave mid-March and doing as close to 20 a day from the start as possible. I run a lot and plan on starting some hiking specific stuff in January.

So any thru hiking veterans: Was there something that you had but wish you left home? Something you left at home but wished you hadn't?

Your insight is what I'm looking forward to reading. Wish Christmas coming up I'm looking for some gifts I can tell people to get me. The stuff in red is what I still need to get.

Gear (ounces)
REI Flash 50 40.00
MSR E-Wing shelter 19.00
Kelty Light year 25 30.00
Thermarest ProLite Short 11.00
Headlamp - PrincetonTec 2.80
Snow Peak Stove 1.90
REI Titanium Pot 5.50
REI Titanium Spoon 0.60
Aquamira Drops 4
Leatherman Wave 3.25
Leki Trekking Poles 10.80
First Aid Kit 3.70

North Face Verto Shell 3.20
REI Running Shorts x 2 6.00
Patagonia Down Jacket 11.00
Darn Tough x 2 Socks 6.00
Arctyrx Beanie 3.00
Smartwool Base Layer Top 9.20
Running Tights 8.11
Tech Tee Shirt 3.00

Total Weight - 11.38lbs

Shoes
Montrail GoreTex Light Hikers (colder months)
Montrail Trail Runners (warmer months)

[Malto]

My two cents...
1) use your trail runners, non goretex the whole way. Goretex is over rated and if your experience is like most folks I know, it will do nothing but keep your feet wet. May have benefit if you were in sustained sub freezing temps but that will not be the case.
2) I would find a lower weight pack. At 40oz it is a high percentage of your total.
3) I would consider a warmer pad at the beginning. The weight savings of a shortie is not worth the warmth compromise. That is especially true if you plan on staying in shelters, a good pad is important. I recently switched over to a neoair xtherm. That has to be the warmest pad I have used. And at 14 oz, it doesn't weight me down.
4) what's the leatherman for? Switch to either the small Swiss army knife with blade and scissors or just a straight razor blade. I took the Swiss army knife on my thru and used it primarily to trim my toenails.

Good luck with your hike. If you haven't done so already I would do some trial runs of both you and your gear. You stated that your goal was to hit 20s out of the gate..... My rule of thumb is that you should be able to do in a day 150% of your daily average on a given day hike with full "combat load" In your case if you cant go out and easily knock off a thirty mile day then I would ramp up to the higher mileage over the first couple of weeks. Also, it will be a challenge to train for the elevation gain on the southern AT in Florida. Keep that in mind as your are setting up your plan.

[Firefighter503]

Looks like a nice well thought out list with all the things you need, and none of the fluff. Don't forget to add hand sanitizer, TP(!), toothbrush/paste, floss, etc. Water storage (gatorade bottles, maybe a slightly larger platypus for in camp).

For a first aid kit, a couple of 4x4 bandages, some Ibuprofen, Benadryl, Imodium, neosporin, and a needle for popping blisters if you get them should suffice. I like to carry a few cough drops as well.

Also don't forget a trash bag or similar for a pack liner.

I would start off a little slower than 20 miles a day from the gate, but just pay attention to your body. If you are in shape, 20 miles a day shouldn't be a problem after a couple of weeks.

[bannerstone]

Add tent stakes, ground cloth, water containers, toiletry items, gloves, fuel canister.

I would suggest you consider a top layer for cool/cold hiking other than your down jacket, like a light fleece that will dry quicker and can be layered up with your NF shell for wind. Keep your down jacket dry for when you're in camp or even to sleep in. You'll probably need something more for your lower half to hike in on cold days than running tights and shorts like hiking pants or soft shells. At the very least you'll want a dry change for camp.

David

[hurricane!]

Yes, I did leave out some of the things I do have that I also plan on bringing:

Stakes/Ground Cloth (both in with the shelter)
Plan on using Gatorade bottle and bladder for camp
Toiletries
Gloves

Thanks for the two cents on the swiss army knife and the DIY first aid kit. Both great info!

So I've been reading about the trash bag liner. What is this for? No one has ever taught me on this one in my life of hiking. I've only ever used a rain cover on the pack. Is this the same idea except inside the pack?

Do you guys have any experience with frameless packs? Are they worth the weight savings vs comfort? If not, suggestions over my REI?

bannerstone, I am going to get that long sleeve merino smartwool top. You think that would be sufficient?

I plan on switching to backpacking mode come January. Borrowing a weight vest and doing some solid humps throughout the week while cutting down my running mileage so I dont get any nagging injuries. Right now I'm a competitive runner logging about 60-70 miles a week.

[G-FOURce]

....
Leki Trekking Poles 10.80
...

do trekking poles count against you in carry weight? i would think you wouldn't count them, but i'm a newb so correct me if i am wrong here.

[Malto]

I have been using frameless packs for the last six years. I use my sleeping pad against my back to act as a frame. When you pack your bag or quilt leave it loose vs. putting it in a stuff sack. That will allow the volume in the pack to get filled as food is eaten allowing a firm pack. You are already light enough to go frameless especially on the AT where there are resupplies so frequently.

The pack liner replaces a pack cover. Many, including me, use a trash compacted bag. Place the bag into your pack and fill as you would normally then tie off the opening. When it is dry I usually will slip my airmat into the bag vs. putting all my gear. This helps reduce abrasion on the thin airmats.

[bubonicplay]

Best weight savings would be finding a sub 20 oz pack. Your knees will thank you, even if that means a little less comfort on your shoulders.

[hurricane!]

do trekking poles count against you in carry weight? i would think you wouldn't count them, but i'm a newb so correct me if i am wrong here.

I'm pretty newbie too, but I'm counting it because its something I have to be responsible for over 2100 miles haha Others may not.

Okay, I'll look into a ~20oz frameless. Seems like good info.

[Wise Old Owl]

You ment Leatherman Squirt ps4?

[bubonicplay]

You can also save nearly a pound by replacing your MSR ewing with a cuben tarp/ hexamid.

[grateful 2]

Look at the zpacks arc blast. (zpacks.com) I love mine. You will want a frame with that much weight. Remember 1 1/2 to 2 lbs of food per day. Water weighs 2.2 lbs per liter. You will be carrying over 20 lbs. and a frame makes it bearable.

I'm pretty newbie too, but I'm counting it because its something I have to be responsible for over 2100 miles haha Others may not.

Okay, I'll look into a ~20oz frameless. Seems like good info.

[shelb]

it will be a challenge to train for the elevation gain on the southern AT in Florida. Keep that in mind as your are setting up your plan.

As a flatlander from Michigan who was used to hiking locally, I found the elevation changes to be a big greatest challenge. Putting in miles when the terrain was flatter was no big deal.

[tammons]

Decent list, some suggestions

Gear (ounces) LIGHTER

Zpacks or other 16
Dry bag 2 (missing)
Cuben Tarp 8
Stakes 2 (missing)
XP Quilt 20 ($120 MYOG)
Thermarest ProLite Short 11.00 or better yet Xtherm
Add a 1/8th GG pad 2 (missing)
ground cloth polycro 2 (missing)
bug head net 1 or other (missing)
Headlamp - PrincetonTec 2.80
Snow Peak Stove 1.90 (add fuel and canisters etc) or....
Alcohol is lighter or Wood stove - no fuel
Snow peak 600 3 or....
(my entire 18oz cook kit with cozy, towel, drink/stor vessel/measuring cup with lid (crush proof) tit spoon, alc stove, wind screen weighs about 6oz)
REI Titanium Spoon 0.60
Aquamira Drops 4 (sounds heavy, you can do a sawyer filter kit for about 6 oz)
Leatherman Wave 3.25 (Kershaw chill 2oz)
Leki Trekking Poles 10.80 (sounds light)
First Aid Kit 3.70

North Face Verto Shell 3.20
REI Running Shorts x 2 6.00
Patagonia Down Jacket 11.00
Darn Tough x 2 Socks 6.00
Arctyrx Beanie 3.00
Smartwool Base Layer Top 9.20
Running Tights 8.11
Tech Tee Shirt 3.00

Might want to consider a bivy if you stick with a down bag or quilt.
You can do a simple 1.25oz tyvek bivy at about 8oz with a bug net.

What are you doing for rain gear ??

Total Weight - 8.7lbs without the bivy or rain gear

[hurricane!]

Decent list, some suggestions

Gear (ounces) LIGHTER

Zpacks or other 16
Dry bag 2 (missing)
Cuben Tarp 8
Stakes 2 (missing)
XP Quilt 20 ($120 MYOG)
Thermarest ProLite Short 11.00 or better yet Xtherm
Add a 1/8th GG pad 2 (missing)
ground cloth polycro 2 (missing)
bug head net 1 or other (missing)
Headlamp - PrincetonTec 2.80
Snow Peak Stove 1.90 (add fuel and canisters etc) or....
Alcohol is lighter or Wood stove - no fuel
Snow peak 600 3 or....
(my entire 18oz cook kit with cozy, towel, drink/stor vessel/measuring cup with lid (crush proof) tit spoon, alc stove, wind screen weighs about 6oz)
REI Titanium Spoon 0.60
Aquamira Drops 4 (sounds heavy, you can do a sawyer filter kit for about 6 oz)
Leatherman Wave 3.25 (Kershaw chill 2oz)
Leki Trekking Poles 10.80 (sounds light)
First Aid Kit 3.70

North Face Verto Shell 3.20
REI Running Shorts x 2 6.00
Patagonia Down Jacket 11.00
Darn Tough x 2 Socks 6.00
Arctyrx Beanie 3.00
Smartwool Base Layer Top 9.20
Running Tights 8.11
Tech Tee Shirt 3.00

Might want to consider a bivy if you stick with a down bag or quilt.
You can do a simple 1.25oz tyvek bivy at about 8oz with a bug net.

What are you doing for rain gear ??

Total Weight - 8.7lbs without the bivy or rain gear

Wow, it is true what they say about its cheap to cut pounds and expensive to cut ounces.

I was considering a home made alcohol stove which will shed some and I like the pack even though its super expensive.

Could one get away with just sleeping exposed in a tyvek bivy? I dont know because this stuff is new to me. I'm used to solo tenting it.

Best types of MYOG quilt and tarp shelter?

[rhjanes]

consider a third pair of socks. One on your feet hiking getting filthy and soaked in snow/rain/sweat, one hanging on the pack drying (yesterdays hiking socks) and a clean dry pair for sleeping in (and only sleeping in).

and yeah! to the trash compactor bag inside your pack. Not a trash bag, the compactor bag. Send several along in your bounce box also. I put my sleeping gear (hammock, top and bottom quilts, sleep clothes) all in a compression dry-bag, then that in the bottom of the back, inside the trash compactor bag. Keeping that stuff dry is paramount.

[tammons]

Wow, it is true what they say about its cheap to cut pounds and expensive to cut ounces.
I was considering a home made alcohol stove which will shed some and I like the pack even though its super expensive.
Could one get away with just sleeping exposed in a tyvek bivy? I dont know because this stuff is new to me. I'm used to solo tenting it.
Best types of MYOG quilt and tarp shelter?

No on sleeping exposed in a tyvek bivy except maybe in the hot summer.

It does not have to be that expensive to lose some weight.
Look up Loner2012AT on youtube.
He has a very simple and pretty cheap SUL hammock setup and he finished.
He video documented his entire AT hammock thru so you may get some ideas.
I think his base weight is like 9# or so with a full sleeping down bag, but a good one.
He explains his Eq on video 20 and 58.
Note his pack is tiny !
That said where he has a 20oz underquilt and hammock you will have a pad.

There was also a buy on BPL, ICEAXE I think that did a thru 2 years ago with a ground setup, IE tarp, XP Spirit quilt, no bivy, no cook etc etc
Also about 9# base. On the AT its damp all the time and Climashield dries fast. Just wash it and throw it in a dryer and 30 min later your on the go.

If you go all high end Zpacks Cuben it will be expensive.

Depending on what you buy and MYOG you can do it cheap.
I have an older JamII which is stripped that cost $50 and weighs 18 oz.
Bulk is an issue though with a pack that small so all your gear has to be tiny.

I would buy a good pack and maybe a tarp and MYOG a Quilt and MYOG a bivy if you need one.

M50 MYOG Climashied quilt (if you can sew) is pretty easy and buy a cuben tarp or build a cat cut sil tarp,
and get a good backpack no more than 20-24oz, Zpacks, ULA, Mirapa, Gorilla etc.
Backpacks are a PIA to build IMO.

There is a guy on BPL that built a 3 oz bivy, M50 top and cuben bottom.

Basically you want the big 4 as light as possible and you can probably hit close to 4# for a reasonable cost.

An example of a light big 4 with a bivy - MYOG Climashield 5oz M50 Apex quilt - 20, Cuben Tarp w/stakes 8, older stripped JamII 18, Xlite small 8, GG 1/8 pad 3, tyvek bivy 8, Polycro ground sheet 2 and a drybag 2.
All that is about 4.3#.

I will post a pic of my latest cook kit later. It is actually 5 oz.

Since you have not tarped much I would probably buy or build an 8x10 tarp.
A Bivy will buy you a little extra wet insurance.

I would do a couple of shake downs. One in the cold and one in the rain.

[tammons]

FYI this is what my cook kit looks like. As shown its 4.5oz. With my lighter stove and no coffee funnel its about 4.7 oz.

<a href="http://s195.beta.photobucket.com/user/tammons3/library/New%20Cook%20kit" target="_blank"><img src="http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z300/tammons3/New%20Cook%20kit/1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"/></a>

http://s195.beta.photobucket.com/use...w%20Cook%20kit

Pic 1 - Everything apart.
Cozy with cord and microfiber dishcloth wrapped around, Alum wind screen around alcohol stove.
Coffee filter holder, Ti spoon, Cut down tang container with top, Cut down Foster 18oz pot with bail handle, silicone tab and silicone wrap with Fiberglass pad.
You can lift from the side with this tab.
Pic 2 - coffee filter/funnel closed made from a gallon milk jug.
Pic 3 - all together
Pic 4 - what one of the paper filters looks like in the holder on the tang container
Pic 5 - One of the paper filters. These came from publix.
Pic 6,7,8 - My latest stove. This is a Conchita Coconut water can cut down and the inner part is a CVS alum shaving can top inverted.
The conchita can has a bigger mouth than normal coke cans.
The parts are Conchita can press fit into bottom and 2" high. 16 cuts into ring as shown. Cut the top out tight to the inside for a press fit.
The CVS can top is 2.5" high and has 3 cuts in thte bottom.
The fit is press fit.

The entire kit is used as a freezer bag cook kit.
You can use either the cozy or Tang container to hold the freezer bags.
The tang container can handle boiling water and is marked in cups and can be used for tea of coffee.

Sample use - measure out 2 cups of h20, boil it, place freezer bag of oatmeal or whatever in cozy and pour in 1 cup of water.
Set up coffee filter in tang container as shown add espresso grind and pour in remainder of H20 and make a cup of coffee while your gruel is brewing.

Basically the tang container gives you another container to steam in, a drinking/measuring cup and a crush proof container to put everything in and protect the fosters pot. FYI a Heini pot will not fit.

Below is my old modular M90 quilt.
My new one is just an empty M50 shell with inserts.
The ties untied so with this new one I switched the connectors to nacro biners.
Its a real hassle to build one like this because every liner is like a new quilt, plus the ties and silk add weight.

Posted just so you would get an idea of what it looks like.

http://s195.beta.photobucket.com/use...%20Mod%20Quilt

[tammons]

Sorry its not 4.5oz as shown it is 5.5 oz.

[hurricane!]

Wow, thanks tammons. Thats some cool stuff. I'll for sure be taking your advice into account.