Everything I Need for 6 Months of Trail Living

It’s Time for Gear Talk, Y’all:

In honor of tomorrow being 7 weeks until we begin our Flip-Flip thru hike, here is my obligatory gear post!

I’m so stoked for those who have already started or who even took off in February. I’m not sure I could have braved the elements… but my mind is also prepared for a May start.

I mentioned in a previous post that my husband and I are by no means gear heads. We appreciate great quality gear for sure, but we did not necessarily have the funds to invest in the most ultra light, high tech stuff on the market.

That being said, REI (including REI garage sale) has been our best friend.

I’m sure it’s unanimous that this store goes above and beyond for thru hikers and adventurers alike. But if you have the time and patience to look out for store and item sales, you will save hundreds of dollars on amazing gear!

Here are some examples of sales we took advantage of:

  • Spend $100 get $20 gift card– this promotion we have received a few times (because it is easy to spend $100 on gear) and have basically been given free money to go towards other gear.
  • Applying for REI MasterCard– we are not big users of credit cards as a whole, but by applying for and using this card one time you get a $100 gift card. We mainly use the card for gear purchases anyway and you also invest straight into your REI dividend!
  • Online and in store REI garage sales– we were indeed participants of the 6:00 AM wake up call, stand in line outside your local REI in the freezing cold shenanigans. We went into the day with a general list of gear we needed and left with some pretty sweet deals. They will likely not have the exact item you are looking for, but if you are more flexible this is the sale for you.

All of that to say… we have most of our gear ready to roll!

I have listed most of the things we have purchased in my profile under gear list, but here are pictures of my gear by category and their (approximate) combined weight.

Hiking Gear: Weight = 4 lb 12oz

Sleeping Gear: Weight = 4 lb 3 oz

Hiking Clothes: I will be wearing them so did not include in pack base weight

Cooking Gear: Weight= 1 lb 7 oz

Weather Specific Gear (Rain and Cold): Weight= 3 lb 3 oz
  • Columbia Rain Jacket
  • Danskin 3/4 zip
  • Northface Down jacket
  • Half zip warmer layer

Camp Clothes: Weight= 2 lb 4 oz
  • Crocs
  • Darn Tough socks
  • Ex Officio undies
  • Under Armor leggings
  • Nike Dry Fit t-shirt

Misc. Gear/Supplies: Weight = 1 lb 8 oz
  • Head Net
  • Black Diamond Spot headlamp
  • Trowel
  • First Aid Kit
  • Iphone
  • IPhone charger
  • Bluetooth Ear Buds
  • Bluetooth Ear Buds charger
  • Charging Block

(electronics not pictured)

Approximate Base Weight= 17 lb 5oz (including winter clothes)  14 lb 5 oz (without winter clothes)

It is likely some of these items could change in the next 7 weeks, but this is what I am anticipating carrying! Some of you may have noticed my shelter is missing. That is because the hubs will be carrying our REI Quarter Dome 2 tent. I plan on carrying the cooking gear, and we each will carry our own food.

That’s all I have for now! The weeks are going to be fly by. Time to continue to mentally prepare, enjoy time with family and friends, and get ready for our biggest adventure yet.

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