My Most Valuable Possessions for the Trail

In case anyone’s interested, here’s what I’m attempting to start off with:


Shelter:
REI Quarter Dome 1

Pack: MEC Spirit 40, as well as an Eddie Bauer day pack for my front (forever snacking)

Sleeping bag: REI CO-OP Joule 30 F

Sleeping pad: Therm-a-Rest Z-Lite

Footwear: Hiking – Keen Waterproof  Hiking Boots / Camp shoes – Sketchers Goga Max

Clothes: Free-Country shorts, Eddie Bauer hiking pants, a Reebok blue long-sleeve, a purple Legend T-shirt, a New Balance black tank, Patagonia blue fleece, a green Eddie Bauer vest, and three Buffs. I miss my closet already.

Rain jacket: MEC Recco purple jacket (hopefully waterproof)

Socks: Three pairs – Ascent, Darn Tough, and Stance

Underneath: Three pairs of LaSenza underwear (prob a rookie mistake) and one mystery sports bra because I’ve worn the label off

Hat: Columbia Omni-Freeze ball cap

Stuff sacks: Four total – one waterproof, three that are super thin and flimsy because that’s all I could find in my house

Kitchen: MSR Pocket Rocket, MSR Ultralight Titanium Kettle, Sea to Summit long handle spoon, a Second Cup plastic thing for coffee and whatever plus two lighters.

Water: Two Smartwater bottles and a Sawyer Mini with a gravity filtration system

Toiletries: A pretty empty deodorant stick and a small tube each of shampoo and conditioner, a couple hair elastics, and Kleenex Wet Wipes

Sunscreen: Sawyer Stay Put sunscreen lotion

Insect repellent: Sawyer Picaridin Insect Repellent Lotion and Premium Maxi Deet Spray

Headlamp: A woods headlamp for when I get completely lost in the dark

Luxuries/comfort: A pillow, an Anker for charging, and an OtterBox for my Samsung phone

Misc: A bear flare (because my mom insisted) and a couple of Band-Aids, some rope (actually supposed to be a clothesline, I think) a pair of headphones, and orange scooper everyone seems to have, a High Sierra pack cover I took off an old bag which I know isn’t even waterproof but I don’t have an alternative – awesome, and finally, a garbage bag

Base weight: 18 pounds

 

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Comments 9

  • Raven : Jun 28th

    Have so much fun! Quinnie is excited to listen to your tales of adventure! ❤️❤️

    Reply
  • Scott Brotherton : Jun 28th

    You are doing well ! After I saw the picture I thought your base weight would be much higher….Best of luck and good fortune on your journey !

    Reply
  • Hashim Yusop : Jun 28th

    Good luck and one day we will be together for hiking in Malaysia…

    Reply
  • Tim : Jun 28th

    have fun and be safe looking forward to hearing about your adventure. I did not notice a knife or firestarter and emergency bivy/blanket

    Reply
  • Ruby Lane : Jun 30th

    Congrats on the decision to go for it!! Just gotta say your bio made me laugh about job. That’s one reason I’ve been a hike as well. Only difference is I’m 45 and broke and trying to figure out life (again).
    Good luck!!

    Reply
    • Jenni Thompson : Jul 19th

      Ha that’s awesome you’re out there too! Happy hiking 🙂

      Reply
  • john front desk guy : Jul 11th

    hey Jenni, let me know if you need anything, ill bring it too u

    Reply
    • Jenni Thompson : Jul 19th

      Somehow I haven’t come across anything I need ha, amazing right? Thanks though!

      Reply
  • TicTac : Aug 5th

    I’ve already read that your pack was Poetized at Shaws, seeing this photo I can see what he faced. Yeah, I’m reading this post last. I love how you don’t pull any punches in describing your days, keep up the spirit and you must be dealing with Vermud pretty darned soon… Don’t fall in the mud!

    Reply

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