Gear Part I: The Big Three, Kitchen, Hydration, and Consumables

“You put the load right on me” The Weight – The Band

During my first section hike on the AT in 2019, everything was borrowed from my son. After that hike, I decided I was going to be doing this “thing” and started purchasing my own gear. Gear considerations for section hikers are the same as thru hikers. I generally agree with the common advice to keep base weight below the 20-pound threshold; the lower the better. But ultimately, I am more of a lightweight hiker than an ultralight guru; I am willing to trade a little gain in weight to gain some comfort or convenience. Mostly, I would like to stay under 35 pounds of total skin-out weight. I know for many even that is still too much. Back during my days in the Army’s 10th Mountain Division, 35 pounds was the required pack weight for the semi-annual 12-mile road march qualification. I like the historical symmetry. Nevertheless, a lesson learned from my last section hike is that I really do need to cut some weight from my gear list. Lessons learned are not learned unless implemented; they are just lessons identified. So, with that in mind, I set out to closely examine my gear list and see where I might cut some weight.

Tent site, Blackrock Hut, Shenandoah NP, VA

The Big Three: Backpack, Tent, Sleeping System (10 lbs)

So, first up for consideration is my Osprey Kestrel 48 pack (with included rain cover). I bought this pack directly from Osprey’s site in 2019 after my first section hike on the AT; this was the 2018 model reduced almost 50 percent. You can’t beat a nice Osprey backpack for $100 bucks! It served me well for short ass section hikes over the last five years. I like its organization, carry and airflow between my back and the pack. However, this pack weighs 3.7 pounds! And the hip belt pockets are not easy to close while wearing the pack. I really need to retire this pack. As I noted in a recent post, I would like to pull the trigger on an ULA Circuit at 2.3 pounds, but it is a pricey backpack.

My first shelter was the ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 1 tent. I liked this tent despite its heavy weight of 4 lbs 9 oz with footprint. It was another bargain purchase in 2019 for under $100 dollars until I decided I really was going to continue this AT journey. In spring 2021, I pulled the trigger on my current tent; Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL 1 Tent with footprint, weighing 2 lbs 10 oz. The tent is roomy, able to shelter myself and all my gear, holds up well in heavy rain, and is relatively easy to pitch. I used my REI Rewards, reducing the price by a third. So, the price was reasonable and I probably will use this tent until it is no longer serviceable.

Tent site, south of Boiling Springs, PA

I am still using my 2019 purchased sleeping bag; REI Radiant 19 Sleeping Bag. This was another bargain purchase as it was a discontinued model. I purchased it in store, after physically comparing it to the over twice as expensive (and also now discontinued) REI Igneo 25 Sleeping Bag. The Radiant has similar specs and after getting inside both bags, it felt roomier than the Igneo. Considering the price difference, it was an easy decision to buy the Radiant. I really like this mummy bag, even as a side sleeper and it weighs a respectable 2.5 pounds. The only issue is that it is too warm for summer; yet perfect, for me anyway, in spring and fall. I am starting to ponder the idea of a lighter weight quilt, something like the Zenbivy Core Quilt Down 25 at 1 lb 9 oz, for summer. I started out with an inexpensive Klymit Static V2 Sleeping Pad at a bit over 17 oz. I recently switched that out for a 16 oz NEMO Tensor. An ounce is an ounce. Especially, since I also added an Outdoor Vitals Ultralight Stretch Pillow at 3 oz as one of my desired comfort items.

REI Radiant 19 Sleeping Bag (Image via REI.com)

Kitchen and Hydration (1.5 lbs)

My kitchen set-up is fairly standard; an MSR Pocket Rocket, TOAKS 750ml titanium pot with lid and a TOAKS titanium long handled spoon. I also have a couple items that a pack shakedown artist would probably toss aside; a TOAKS 450ml cup (yes, for coffee) and an AntiGravityGear Pouch Cozy (for keeping a meal hot while it rehydrates). I have an Outdoor Research Graphic “Moonshine” Dry Bag 10L, for my food bag. A total of 13.4 oz. I use the standard Sawyer Squeeze, a CNOC 2L bag for dirty water, one 750ml Smartwater bottle and two 1L Smartwater bottles for my hydration system; for 9.5 oz.

All considered, the only thing I must do to significantly affect weight is change out my pack. For summer, the change to a quilt from the sleeping bag is a high consideration. Other than those two factors, I feel I am fairly dialed in within these two major groups.

MSR Pocket Rocket and TOAKS Titanium, Stony Man Summit, Shenandoah NP, VA

Consumables

While these fall into the consumables category, it is worth considering in an examination of overall weight.  I have only carried a 4 oz fuel canister. I try to keep food to no more than 1.5 pounds per day, but as I noted previously, I have a habit of overpacking food at first. No getting around the weight of water other than not carrying much. I don’t like running out of water; so, I usually fill up completely at the beginning of the day. Depending on weather and terrain, I often refill my bottles once during the day. I have on occasion also carried the dirty bag full of water if I thought there might not be a water source sometime during the day’s hike. Consumables vary quite a bit; however, they are a major part of overall weight and should be considered closely.