The One With All the Gear

Well here it is, The Gear Post. While I don’t love gear, I have learned a lot while preparing for the AT. I wanted to share my gear list in case it might be helpful for others, and if not, at least it’ll be fun to look back on!

Backpack

After testing many backpacks, I finally decided on the ULA Circuit. I struggled with finding a pack that fit my body type, and even this one rubs a tiny bit on my lower back/butt. I think it will be manageable though, and I absolutely love how the rest of it feels and fits!

This is my cat, Tasha. I’m really going to miss her!

Shelter & Sleep System

For my shelter, I’m using the Tarptent Moment DW. It’s a one-person tent, but it’s still quite spacious! It also has everything else I wanted in a tent: it can be set up fly-first, has two vestibules, and can be set up both freestanding and not freestanding. I am also using Gossamer Gear Polycro for a groundsheet.

One of my absolute favorite pieces of gear is my Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilt! It’s rated for 10 degrees and always keeps me super warm. I am a cold person and a cold sleeper so this is definitely a necessity. I have a quilt liner as well.

My sleeping pad is the Big Agnes Insulated Q-Core Deluxe. Again, cold sleeper, so I needed something with a good R-value. Also splurged on this a little (in terms of both cost and weight) because I am a terrible sleeper and a side sleeper so I wanted something nice! Finally, I have a Trekology Pillow.

Kitchen

Another one of my favorite pieces of gear is my Sea to Summit X-Pot Kettle! It collapses down and still fits a small rag and my lighter. To round out my kitchen, I have a Snow Peak Titanium Spork, an MSR PocketRocket Stove, and my fuel canister. To store my food, I am using an Ursack that is both bear-resistant and critter resistant.

Water

To carry water, I decided to get a lightweight wide-mouth Nalgene as well as a Smartwater Bottle. I have heard that Nalgenes don’t freeze as easily, so I’m going to be using that at least for the start of the trail. I am using a Sawyer Squeeze to filter my water.

Clothing & Shoes

Deciding what exactly to wear for the next six months was quite difficult! To start, I’ll be wearing hiking pants that can zip off into shorts and a button-down long sleeve. I am planning on at least switching out the pants for lightweight running shorts when the weather warms up. I have two pairs of Darn Tough socks, two pairs of Ice Breaker Merino Wool Underwear, and two Branwyn sports bras. I also have a microfleece to start with, base layer pants, a base layer top, and wool sleeping socks. Accessories include a warm hat, cap, gloves, and a buff. My synthetic Enlightened Equipment Torrid Jacket keeps me super warm. And finally, I have Frogg Toggs rain gear and some rain mittens.

I decided on trail runners over hiking boots for my thru hike. I’ll be using the Salomon Speedcross 5 Wides.

Electronics

I’m only carrying some basic electronics for this trip – my phone, my Garmin Inreach Mini, my headlamp, and potentially a Kindle. I have an Anker battery pack and one charging cord and two adapters to fit all of those devices.

Extras

Finally, all the little things! I have a ditty bag which will carry:

–first aid kit

–emergency repair kit

–toiletries

-electronics bag

I am also bringing:

–trowel & poop kit

–lip balm

–mini sunscreen

–camp soap

–headphones

–wallet

–reasons for hiking index card!

I think that’s about it for my gear. If you have any questions, let me know in the comments! It’ll be interesting to see how this list changes throughout my hike.