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Gear-ing Up
I’ve spent the last year and a half researching, buying, and trying out gear for my upcoming AT thru-hike.
It’s been a fun, time-consuming, and sometimes expensive challenge to try to whittle down my pack weight without giving up too much comfort or peace of mind.
Packing my Fears
One of the things I’ve thought about with regard to pack weight is the idea of packing my fears; when I first put together my first aid kit it weighed around 2 pounds!
I have since brought it down to around 10 ounces by realizing:
- I can buy more ibuprofen, antihistamines, etc. if I need them whenever I resupply
- I *hopefully* won’t have to be prepared for massive bleeding, broken bones, or other awful scenarios
- I have accepted that if any of those scenarios DO happen, the Garmin InReach will connect me to emergency services
Part of my first aid kit consists of things like an extra pair of eyeglasses. I have decided to carry the weight of that fear, as hiking with fuzzy vision if my glasses break is not something I want to do.
I also have packed my fear of bad nutrition, evidenced by the weight of high quality vitamins, joint supplements, and extra food items like hemp seeds. Carrying a little more weight to give my older body better fuel to do what I’m asking it to do seems like a good trade-off.
My home away from home ( photo by Keith Metzger)
To Bring or not to Bring…
One thing not on the list that I am still considering bringing is a pair of down insulated pants. I tend to run cold, and they are so warm!
Unfortunately, they also weigh around 10 ounces. I would only wear them to sleep on bitterly cold nights, and if I know single digit or lower temps are forecasted I will probably try to find a hotel or hostel for the night anyway. Hmmm… guess I just answered my own question!
Carry Weight
During my shakedown hike in September my full carry weight with food and water was 31 pounds.
That was manageable, but I was hoping to get my pack lighter, not heavier! I’m looking at a full pack weight now of about 33 pounds.
I’d love to get my pack weight a little lighter before starting in a few weeks, so I’m all ears for any helpful suggestions on making that happen. What other fears -and weight- can I shed?
Here’s my current gear list for those who might be curious:
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Comments 12
hello on the main things I see that was rather heavy was your tent you can go with an ultra light tent and use your treking poles instead of tent and get that down to under 30 ounces. It’s a significant amount of weight. otherwise you’re packing list looks pretty good. remember, have fun and enjoy.
Thanks Ed! I’ll know I could go with a lighter tent, but my hiking partner and I will be sharing the weight – and the space. I put the full weight in my list as a worst case scenario. I appreciate you taking a look!
Your gear looks pretty good overall.
Get a quilt that is comfort rated (vs limit like EE) to 15F. Will add a few ozs. Skip the down pants and drop the liner. Will drop more than you add, and two less things to keep track of.
Use a trash compactor bag inside your pack instead of a pack cover; lighter, cheaper and more effective. A rare trifecta in the gear world. Get unscented, at a hardware store. Almost no thru hikers use covers..
I think the Sealskinz will be overkill..
Have a great trip! Don’t be anchored to what you start with, send stuff back that you aren’t using.
Thanks for the great advice Pappy! I will think about it and I’m definitely planning to send what I don’t use home.
I definitely echo Pappy’s comment on the Sealskinz waterproof socks – they will not be waterproof from the inside once your feet start sweating. My recommendation is to take two pairs of DarnTough (others will disagree and say only one); when your feet get wet, change socks – dry the wet ones on your pack or next to your body. [Overall, weight savings = 3oz].
I first wondered about a 3-person tent and then read you plan on sharing with a partner. At some point, as much as you like (love) each other, you may want some “alone time” in your tent. You might want to consider each of you carrying your own 1p tent. Many are under 2lbs; so, you might get some weight savings. Also, what if one of you has to get off trail; then you will be carrying the full 3p weight.
We all know our own health best; however, I would be willing to bet you will ditch the vitamins/supplements at some point.
But you are already steps ahead of those that have not thought intentionally about their gear. It’s always a game of adjustments. I look forward to reading more from your journey!
Thanks Rick! Good things to think about from your advice. I am definitely considering some modifications before I set out based on what you and others have said, and I know my gear set up will probably change as I go. Thanks for the encouraging words – I really appreciate them!
Great gear list, Jenn! Detailed 🙂 I think you’re in great shape. And honestly once you’re out there, you’ll quickly figure out what does/doesn’t need to be in your kit. And you can mail whatever you decide to ditch home. You got this! (& don’t forget earplugs for the snorers!)
Thanks Jess! it’s getting real now!
Your gear list looks great me. Your base weight is excellent. I assume you’ve chosen your gear based off of experience and/or research. So that tells me you’re taking what you want to take. Which is a primary element of “hiking your own hike”. Remember, you have the luxury of being able to add or subtract your gear easily. You can mail things away, or have things mailed to you. Almost anytime, anywhere.
Best advice I ever feel comfortable offering: always, always hike your own hike. And YOU and you decide what that means.
Thanks so much Ross! I appreciate the advice and encouragement!
Now THAT is what I call research! Great job. Here are some items from my gear you may want to consider:
Belt from Temu. 2.8 oz
ZPacks pack. 21.2
ZPacks 3p tent. 34.6
Zpacks 10 degree bag. 20.5
ZPacks 30 degree bags (used as a liner in super cold weather. 12.2
Pot. 4.8 ( lighter than the jet boil)
Insulated Mug, plastic, with cover. 3.3
Q-Core slx pad. R4.5 21.5
From Walmart about half inch solid
pad. The two pads do an excellent job.
11.6 oz
Zpacks poles 7.2
Rainsuit with hat. 23.3
Wallet. 1.6
I did this research about a year ago in a quest to be a state of the art and science backpacker. Not sure how close I got! Hope this helps.
Matt
Thanks Matt! I appreciate the compliment and your research – the Zpaks tent was one we debated back and forth, and I do think I would’ve bought a 10 degree bag if I was buying my gear now. Thanks for taking the time to share!