Gearing Up: Gear List for the AT

Here is my initial gear list for starting the Appalachian Trail.  I am not going to include much detail, as most of the items can be found quickly by going to the top of this article and clicking “view my gear list.” Once at the list, most of the items have a built-in link that should take you to a website for specs.

My Big Three

The Big Three include your pack, tent, and sleeping bag (I’m going to include my entire sleeping system).

Pack: ZPacks Arc Blast with Hip Pouches

Tent: ZPacks Duplex

Sleep system: REI Co-Op Igneo 25

Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite 

Sea to Summit Aeros Pillow Ultralight 

Zpacks Goose Socks 

Thought process:  I started with a different pack and tent a couple years back but managed to shave multiple pounds off my base weight by jumping to the Arc Blast and Duplex.  Both pieces are really well made and the stay system on the pack allows some breathability not found on other ultralight packs.  The sleeping bag isn’t the warmest or lightest, but it should do.  The down socks are for the really cold nights and won’t make the whole trip—but a shakedown hike taught me I needed them.  The inflatable pad is comfy and the pillow is a pure luxury item to aid in sleeping.

Clothing

This was always my biggest question when I was looking into gear, so I’ll add a little of my thought process to the gear choices.

Base layer (top and bottom): Smartwool 150 merino wool

Shorts: Patagonia Baggies (with flying fish print!)

Shirt:  Huk Performance shirt (long sleeve sun shirt—well-known fishing brand, and I have worn them a lot in the past).

Jackets: Patagonia R1 Hooded Fleece

REI Rhyolite Rain Jacket

Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer Jacket

Rain pants: Montbell Versalite

Shoes: Altra Lone Peaks

Everything else: Two pairs of Exofficio 3” boxer briefs.

Two pairs of Darn Tough socks for hiking.

One pair of Darn Tough socks for sleeping (thicker).

Buff

Ball cap

Dirty Girl Gaiters

I plan on my daily wear being underwear, my Baggies shorts, Huk shirt, Buff, and hat.  Even when it’s cold I plan on just wearing shorts.  If it gets too cold I’ll put my rain pants on.  I’m trying to leave the base layer, especially the bottoms, for camping.

Shoes have been a long journey for me.  Up until three months ago I was going to wear a pair of awesome boots that I have a couple hundred miles on.  I wanted to wear boots to protect my ankles, but after wearing trail runners, I’m going in that direction.  Not only are trail runners lighter, but I know shoes are going to get wet—and trail runners will dry a lot quicker than the boots.  Additionally, I’ll be starting slow (ten to 12 miles per day), to help strengthen my ankles through hiking.

Cooking, Water, and Miscellaneous

Lets all take one second and marvel at how I still remember to spell miscellaneous from second grade vocab.  As an engineer, my spelling is usually pretty horrible.  Just wanted to share my joy with everyone else.

Cooking: JetBoil Zip

Sea to Summit Spork

Water: Sawyer Squeeze filter

64 ounce Sawyer Bag

2 x one liter Smartwater bottles (only one pictured)

Navigation: AWOL AT Guide

Gen2 Spot GPS (not pictured)

iPhone (I’ll just put this here—more for pictures or calls when I’m in town)

Odds and ends:

Leki Corklite trekking poles

Black Diamond headlamp

You may just want to look at the picture for the rest of the items—and scan down when you wonder what an item is.

ZPacks food bag

Utility cord to hang bear bag

Two dry bags (one for sleeping bag, other for clothes)

First aid Supplies

Deuce Trowel (for digging catholes)

Body Glide

Tiny travel towel

Zpacks wallet

Chapstick, Leukotape, hand sanitizer, Ibuprofen

Spyderco pocket knife

Sandwich bag for toilet paper

Final thought:  The easiest way for me to lose a little weight would be a lighter cooking system.  The JetBoil is easy to use and I’m super lazy when it comes to cooking.  If I end up not wanting it, I’ll send it home and cold soak.

Feel free to ask questions, critique, or drop suggestions.