Gear 

First of all, I’m not big on ultra light it being my first thru hike I’m excited to learn a lot and probably ditch and switch some gear out along the trail but this is my tentative gear list for starting the trail. 

The Big Three!

Tent—I will be using the Paria Zion one-person tent. I’ve tested it out in some mediocre Minnesotan weather on my deck, and I have no complaints yet.

Backpack-  The osprey Kyte 46. I’ve had this pack for years and have used it for every trip since, backing packing or not without any issues, so it didn’t make sense to me to get a new backpack.

Sleep system

Sleeping bag– I have the Nemo Disco 15-degree women’s regular sleeping bag. I knew I wanted a sleeping bag as opposed to a quilt simply because I find my sleeping pad uncomfortable without a layer in between. Side note I love the color.

Sleeping pad– I have the Nemo switch back in the short version

Bag liner-  Sea to Summit reactor thermolite fleece. I sleep cold and felt the extra weight is worth it for warmth especially with the sleep pad only having a 2 R-value. I plan to send it home when it warms up Hopefully I won’t have to have it for too long.

Cook Kit

–I’ll be using the MSR Pocket Rocket 2 and the Toaks 750 ml pot

Clothing

Base layer– for sleeping I have hand-me-down smart wool thermals, thanks to my grandma

For everyday wear, I have Rei convertible pants and a long-sleeve jolly gear shirt. I wore the shirt all threw the summer on runs and was not disappointed and never overheated. I will also be bringing my Mellenzana fleece and beanie. 

Puffy– I have the Decathlon forclaz hooded jacket. 

Rain gear– Rei trail-made jacket and I will also be bringing rain pants but unfortunately I not sure of the brand. in an effort to cut down any ounce, I cut the tags off everything and there are no logos on the pants, whoops.

Socks– I’m a big fan of toe socks so I will be bringing Injiji, unsure yet whether to bring the “liner” socks or the more durable trail midweight ones I will also have my pair of mismatched darn toughs.

Shoes

Trail runners– I’ll be hiking in the Olympus 5 trail runners from Altra

Gaiters- Dirty Girl “Hottie” gaiters, I chose these because one I like the design and two because, on the Dirty Girl website, they have Brett Maune, a Barkley Marathon finisher pictured wearing them as he was running to the finish.

 Camp shoes– regular old crocs 

MISC

for charging electronics- Nitecore NB 10000

headlamp- random old headlamp with mismatched strap from a different headlamp 

bear canister 450/500 I have a feeling I will run out of space but that’s a problem for future me

trekking poles- rei flash carbon 120 poles,  also a hand-me-down thanks to my grandpa.

alright, that’s about sums up the important stuff with 38 days till I hit the trail. I can’t wait!