A Serial Over-Packer’s Thru-Hike Gear List

I am a serial over-packer. It’s a running joke that I should join Over-Packer’s Anonymous. For weekend trips with rowing, it was not uncommon for me to pack 4 pairs of shoes, 8 different tops, and a dress I have never/will never wear. However, my inability to predict the future requires it. “What if we decide to go to a club and all I have are tennis shoes??” (Keep in mind that most these trips we drive, eat, sleep, row, and drive home. We’re not going to a club.)

However, I want to be prepared for all situations. So you can imagine my difficulties packing for a 6 month hike. I’ve had to combat my over-packer tendencies at every turn. That, and combined with my inability to make a decision, has made this an interesting journey to say the least.

However, since I’m a week out from hitting the trail head, my gear list has been mostly solidified, (I have $40 to REI expiring on March 17, so there might be some minor adjustments).

(If you want to see my complete-ish gear list and associate weights, you can click on my gear list in the sidebar –> )

Pack

Osprey Aura 50 – I started out with an Osprey Ariel 55, which is approximately 1lb heavier. It was also a size too small. I got fitted at an REI in Richmond and was told I was an XS. I have a small torso, so it made sense. However, it was real uncomfortable during my shakedown hike a couple of weeks ago. I went back to the REI here in KC and the girl was like, “I don’t know why you have an XS, you need a S.” Low and behold, the S fit better. (I felt like an idiot as well) I miss the bells and whistles of the Ariel, but not the extra weight.

Osprey Ultralight Pack Raincover

Shelter

Big Agnes Fly Creek UL1 – It’s real cozy. However, I got the UL1 on sale and couldn’t justify spending $100 more on the UL2. 

Homemade Tyvek Footprint

Sleep System

Big Agnes Blue Lake 25 Sleeping Bag – I’m not sold on my sleeping bag. This is my fourth bag I’ve bought. I haven’t really loved any of them. I just like this one more than the others.

Therm-a-Rest Prolite Women’s Plus Sleeping Pad –  The bag isn’t coming with.

Sea to Summit Reactor Thermolite Mummy Bag Liner – Adds 15 degrees to my bag

REI Lightweight Compression Stuff Sack 16L

Kitchen

Jetboil Flash Cooking System

Sea to Summit Alphalite Spork

Food/bear bag hanging kit – Includes Sea to Summit 13L dry sack, small carbiner, and 50′ 550 paracord

Bic Lighter

Clothes

I will start out and say, I probably have too many clothes. I know it. Some will be shipped home, but I’m an over-packer… and I’m afraid of being cold.

On My Body…

For my trail clothes let’s start from my head and work my way down. (Makes sense right?) I didn’t include anything I didn’t expect to wear every day. Cold gear is below.

Head: Buff  – Let’s talk about how much I love this. Initially I thought Buffs were stupid. Now I want this silly tube of fabric in all colors.

Torso: The North Face Short Sleeve Shirt  and New Balance Sports Bra

Legs: White Sierra Women’s Sierra Point Convertible Pants, and ExOfficio Underwear

Feet: Dirty Girl Gaiters (the black/multi-colored things), Darn Tough Micro Crew Hiking Socks, Brooks Cascadia 10,  and Superfeet Green Insoles

Camp Gear/Extra Clothes

  

Camp Gear: Patagonia Capilene 3 Zip-Neck Top, Smartwool Midweight 250 Bottoms, Vivo Ultra Pure Shoes (camp shoes, think more attractive Crocs), and Heat Holders Lightweight Socks

Rain Gear: Outdoor Research Helium II (rain jacket), Columbia Rain pants

Cold Gear:  Patagonia Nano-Air Jacket, New Balance Fleece, Generic Long Sleeve Shirt, Gloves, Beanie

Extras: Smartwool Hiking Socks, Extra Short Sleeve Shirt, KU hat, two bandanas

Luxury

iPhone 6s, cords, and waterproof case

Basis Peak – activity monitor and watch

iPod Shuffle 4th Generation 2GB

Journal and Pen

Anker Astro 6700mAh External Battery

Tools

Leki Jannu Trekking Poles

AWOL 2016 Northbound Guidebook – Springer to Damascus

Yalumi Headlamp

Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter and Smartwater Bottle

Nalgene Bottle – Initially I bought this for putting a hot water bottle in my bag, but I really like mixing my protein powder in it.

Platypus Big Zip 1.5L Reservoir –  This is a hassle to fill. I might use it just for camp.

Poop Trowel

Swiss Army Knife – think tiny

Glasses and case

Diva Cup – This is a game changer. I LOVE my Diva Cup. I know some people might be grossed out, but it saves me money, helps the environment and I never have to worry about leakage (TMI? Might be TMI).

Hygiene Kit – Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, contacts, Dr. Bronner’s Liquid Soap 2 fl oz., nail clippers, tweezers, chap stick, antibacterial gel

Homemade First Aid Kit – Band Aids, Excedrin Migraine, Neosporin, moleskin, gauze, aspirin (probably forgot something)

My starting base weight is a little under 20 lbs. That’s carrying most my clothes.  Higher than some, less than others.

It might change a little before Wednesday. It might not.