Getting Geared Up!

Just like any aspiring thru-hiker, I have spent hours researching gear. Luckily, I have acquired much of the gear over the years from other backpacking, camping, and traveling experiences. Here are Lily and my gear lists. They are a work in progress, so I am open to any advice and recommendations (and donations ;)).

Emma’s Gear:

  • Tent- EMS Velocity 2
  • Pack- Osprey Xenon 70 (not made anymore)
  • Pack liner- black compactor trash bag
  • Sleeping Bag-
    • Mountain Hardwear Women’s Ultralamina 32
    • EMS Boreal 0 (sent out if necessary in Dec.)
  • Sleeping Bag Liner- Sea to Summit Coolmax Adaptor with insect shield
  • Stove- Jetboil Mightymo and Fuel- Jetboil Jetpower
  • Pot/Bowl- MSR Seagull
  • Bear bag- Sea to Summit Dry-sack
  • Utensil- Sea to Summit Spork
  • Tool- Leatherman
  • Water Purification- Sawyer Squeeze
  • Water Bottle- Nalgene or Hydroflask + CamelBak
  • Headlamp- Black Diamond (older model, not sure of exact name)
  • Hiking Boots- Asolo Fission GV w/ green Superfeet insoles

    Asolo’s are very popular! In this picture, I am wearing my first pair (left side), which I got in 2009 and still wear on day hikes.

  • Camp Shoe- Chacos
  • Clothing-
    • Rain coat- Patagonia
    • Fleece- North Face, Women’s PearTree Full-Zip
    • Long-sleeve layer- Merino Wool (not sure of brand)
    • T-shirt- Champion Vapor, Women’s Powertrain
    • Shorts- EMS Women’s Trek Shorts
    • Pants- Lululemon’s original leggings
    • Socks x3- Darn Tough women’s crew sock and EMS mid-weight crew sock
    • Underwear x2- not cotton, 1 camp, 1 hiking
    • Sports bra- Champion (not cotton)
    • Hat- TBD, thin fleece
  • Toiletries-
    • Toothbrush and Toothpaste (although I’m considering powder instead)
    • Small hairbrush
    • Nail Clippers
    • Vaseline (small container)
    • Baby Powder (small container)
    • Camp Soap- Dr. Broners
    • Towel- REI Lite MultiTowel (Large)
    • Diva cup
    • Baby wipes
  • Shmoo shovel- The Deuce of Spades (by The Tent Lab)
  • First Aid Kit, ect.-
    • Small bag of pain/allergy meds
    • Small packet TAO
    • Several bandaids
    • Duct Tape
    • Needle and thread
    • Lighter x2
    • Shoe Laces
    • Rubber bands
  • Phone + charger
  • Guidebook- AWOL’s AT Guide, Southbound 2017

Not Sure About:

  • Solar Charger- PowerAdd Apollo 2
  • Hat with bug netting (for July)
  • Fanny pack (saw another blogger write about having one and was inspired)
  • P-cord vs. string

Still Need:

  • Sleeping pad- Therm-a-rest Women’s ProLite Plus
  • Water bladder- TBD (bigger volume than provided by Sawyer Squeeze)

    This is how I’m going to look when I get to Baxter State Park.

    This is how I am going to look after 2 minutes on the trail and for the first whole month (and more)!

 Lily’s Gear:

  • Pack- Ruffwear Palisades (I like this one because it has removable saddlebags)
  • Sleeping pad- Therm-a-rest Z Lite Sol (4-5 panels) or Chuckit! travel dog bed
  • Collar
  • Dog tags/ paperwork
  • Leash w/ waist attachment
  • First Aid Kit-
    • tweezers
    • heart worm meds
    • tic treatment (topical)
    • Musher’s secret
    • 4 Rubber bands
    • Small scissors and small animal nail clippers (Lily has hair, not fur, so I will need to trim her, especially during the summer months)
  • Towel- REI Lite MultiTowel (Medium)

 

As I write this out, I feel like we’re bringing a lot. I definitely tend not to make things easy for myself, but I am trying to be considerate with my gear, balancing the benefits of investing in good gear and saving as much money as I can in the long haul. My pack will change through my journey as I figure out what does and does not work for Lily and me. Also, there is still a decent amount of time before I hit the trail to make adjustments. Therefore, if you have any advice, hit me!

 

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Comments 2

  • Anna Rudinski : Apr 17th

    Hi Emma!

    I go to Colby currently and I am planning a month long hike on the Long Trail in Vermont. My girlfriend (ironically also named Emma), pointed me toward your blog for planning. I just had a question about some things on the gear list. I noticed you’re bringing a sleeping bag liner, is this for water protection?

    Thanks and good luck with the rest of your preparation!

    Anna Rudinski

    Reply
    • Emma Rosenfield : Apr 17th

      Hey Anna! Go Mules!
      I’m glad you were pointed in the direction of my blog. I hope it is helpful! The sleeping bag liner is more for warmth because my sleeping bag is pretty light. It also keeps my sleeping bag cleaner for longer and then I only have to wash the liner 🙂 Hope this answers your question! Also good luck on your trip, the Long Trail is another one I hope to do eventually!

      Reply

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