My Appalachian Trail Winter Thru-Hike Gear List
Oh hi, it’s me, The Real Hiking Viking. As we learned in my previous post, I’m currently en route, SOBO thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail. Yes, in Winter. Tomorrow, I’m taking on the Mahoosuc Notch. Wish me luck.
“But it’s gotta be incredibly cold and snowy,” you say. You bet your ass it is. That’s why I have to ensure I’m properly equipped for the harshest of conditions, as the alternative could result in death. For those who are curious, here’s what I’m carrying.
Backpack
Granite Gear Nimbus Trace 60 Liter (no lid)
Tent
Big Agnes Fly Creek UL1 Platinum (although I will use shelters as often as possible)
Tent Stakes
Vargo Titanium Tent Stake (shepherds hook with orange fluorescent head)
Sleep system
NOTE:
I utilize this entire sleep system every night. The synthetic overquilt is to provide a moisture/condensation barrier for my down bag. The synthetic insulation can get wet and still retain its insulating properties, much better than hydrophobic down. It is a very warm and effective system. I thank Trauma for his suggestions to use this method as this is what he and Pepper used on their PCT winter hike last year.
Down bag
Over quilt
Enlightened Equipment Prodigy 30 degree synthetic quilt (Climashield)
Airpad
Foam pad
Clothes
NOTE:
I will typically only wear the Woolies 1 & 2 with the MontBell Tachyon Anorak as a vapor barrier between the two underneath my rain jacket. If the day is colder I can add the Woolies 3 Hoodie or my OR Cathode Jacket and/or the Rab Down Hoody depending on conditions. I like to keep a pair of socks and top and bottom dry for sleeping if at all possible. But in emergency situations will wear what I need to in order to be warm. Layering needs to be pretty fluid depending on weather, temperatures, and if I am ascending or descending.
Ibex merino baselayers:
Woolies 1 Zip T-Neck, Woolies 1 Bottom, Woolies 2 Zip T-Neck, Woolies 2 Bottom, Woolies 3 Hoody
Energy Free Tight (winter-weight will stretch tight), Woolies 1 Boxer Brief
Vapor Barrier:
Insulation:
NOTE:
I use the synthetic insulation overtop of my down jacket in the same way the synthetic overquilt is used.
Outdoor Research Cathode Hooded Jacket, Rab Microlight Alpine Down Hoody
Rain Gear:
NOTE:
I wear both of these all day long.
Outdoor Research Foray Jacket, Outdoor Research Foray Pants
Socks:
NOTE:
I will wear the liner sock followed by the neoprene sock and then depending on how cold it’s going to be that day I will either wear the medium cushion or the the extra heavy cushion over top of the neoprene sock. Having the neoprene sock as a vapor barrier traps all the sweat and keeps it from reaching my boot so it doesn’t freeze from the inside due to exterior temperatures.
(2) Point 6 expedition tech xheavy mid- calf, (3) Point 6 nordic haymaker medium crew, (3) Point 6 nordic bruce’s no cushion crew, NeoSock Neoprene sock
Boots:
Asolo TPS 520 GTX (a full size bigger to accommodate the sock layering system).
Gloves/Mitts:
NOTE:
I wear all three combined in the coldest and wettest conditions.
Ibex Stretch Merino Glove liner, Z-Packs Fleece Mitts, Z-Packs Cuben Fiber Rain Mitt
Hats:
Mountainsmith Trucker Hat (typical hiking hat), Ibex Meru Beanie (for use during extreme cold days hiking), Z-Packs Fleece Beenie (for sleep), Outdoor Research Ninjaclava (for protecting skin from frostbite in the exposed alpine)
Sunglasses:
Trekking Poles:
Leki Summit AS w/ snow baskets
Camera pack:
Mountainsmith Swift FX Lumbar Pack (modified to be a chest pack that clips into the shoulder straps)
Camera:
Fujifilm X-T1 with FUJINON LENS XF18-135mmF3.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR
Umbrella:
Water bottles:
(2) 32oz Nalgene w/ neoprene sleeves
Water Treatment:
Stove:
Snowpeak LiteMax Titanium Stove with Mini Bic Lighter
Pot:
Vargo Bot 1 liter Titanium pot with neoprene sleeve
Spoon:
Vargo Titanium Long Handle Spoon
Knife:
Snowshoes:
Ice Axe:
Crampons:
Microspikes:
Gaiters:
Electronics:
Phone:
iPhone 6s Plus w/ waterproof case and headphones
Emergency beacon/Satellite communicator:
Battery Pack:
Headlamp:
Trail guides:
AWOL’s AT Guide, Guthook’s Guide: AT Hiker
If you’d like to follow my journey, let’s hangout on Facebook and Instagram.
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Comments 14
Semper Fi
Why are you caring crampons and micro spikes? What do you do with your snow shoes when there is no snow on the trail?
I ship any gear forward that I am not using. I haven’t had to carry my snow shoes yet. And I have the crampons for more aggressive icy terrain. I lost a crampon the other day when I lost the trail in some real thick stuff and I was glad I had my micro spikes with me as well.
Heard rumor the other day that you were sponsored? Any truth to this?
Yeah man there is truth to that. I personally wouldn’t be able to do what I do without those sponsors providing the latest and greatest for me to get on the trails and live the life I love. I have a great relationship with several brands and I am very thankful for the opportunities to work with all of them.
Don’t hear of many using a vapor barrier. Used in drier cold climates. How do you like it?
What kind of pack weight are you carrying on average?
My understanding is that Aquamira isn’t a purifier/sanitizer . . . am I wrong?
Safe travels and have a great time!
I’m sorry that winter is just not performing this year! It’s a damn shame for all of us hoping to enjoy a winter wonderland. Watch out for that rain in the whites sunday, darn nino. I can believe that you haven’t had to use snowshoes, there is hardly any good snow anywhere in the east except northern maine. Unfortunately that rain and mid 40s sunday could take that away too. But hey, safe travels through the whites and the rest of new england, should be smooth sailing from there. Keep Truckin!
So is the umbrella for your sponsors sake cuz that caught me as fairly odd.
Hey! How did you make out on your winter thru hike? I just found this blog and read it with great interest. It is now 1-1-2017, and I’m curious to know how your hike turned out.
I thru hiked the AT in 2008, the Virginia/West Virginia portion in 2014, and will be doing another thru hike this year.
I highly doubt I would do a winter hike, mainly because I hate the cold!
But you have earned my greatest respect for doing the near impossible.
Question about your sleep system: A vapor barrier in the construction industry is always on the warm side of insulation system so if I understand your system correctly the synthetic quilt would be in direct contact with you and the down sleeping bag on the outside. Is this correct?
Same thing with the dress layer? Usually with dress layer the insulation is on the inside and the outside would be wind and rain protection and breathable or not the outside shell would act as a vapor barrier on which your sweat would condensate and eventually you’d get wet from the inside.
Still correct?
thanks.
Thanks for your list
you might want to recheck all your links