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You Show Me Your Appalachian Trail Gear and I’ll Show You Mine
Winter Start on the Appalachian Trail Considerations
After an abundance of advice and research I think my base pack is ready for a winter start. Knowing that nature will do as she pleases My gear choices should withstand any weather I am willing to endure on the trail. Of course a caveat is when the weather is coming in real ugly I will be cocooned up somewhere more hospitable. Extra cold weather gear and socks are a must as it would be foolish to go into mission failure for not bringing the appropriate clothing. As an adjustment I will bring additional socks, a warmer mid layer set, as well as a couple of other tactical redundancies. Not extra stuff, tactical redundancies in case of failure of one piece of equipment. Since I tend to be nocturnal, a second headlamp so that one will be fully charged and available. Thicker mid-layers in merino wool and alpaca with the bottoms being full side-zips for easier removal. A set of cold weather waterproof socks as an addition as well as four different pairs of socks and liners. I have been up in the air on camp footwear until I found Mayfly Ultralight Imago sandals weighing in at 1.8 ounces per pair and ordered them this morning. I have a preference for cold weather gear from Norway and Minnesota for they know how to keep warm in those locations. My wife is from Minnesota and has Nordic Heritage, she has been my guide on warm clothing. Final Base weight 20.74 pounds!
The Big Three
I have purchased three different packs, an Osprey Exos 55 Pro, a Zpacks Arc Zip Ultra 62L, and a ULA Circuit. All are great packs no question. I’m going with the ULA Circuit straight out of the chute for comfort and capacity. I added two additional side pockets for my stove and rain gear for convenience. The Zpacks Arc Zip is outstanding, however I have some dexterity issues in my fingers and zippers can be difficult for me, so I am selling this pack. I may have the Osprey EXOS shipped to me in warmer weather when my load volume is lessened for the simple reason that it is the most comfortable pack to carry in my measured opinion.
Edit: I now have a ULA with the S-Straps and it is as comfortable as any pack I’ve tried. The change fits my build much better than J-straps.
For the sleep system I chose an Enlightened Equipment Conundrum O F as it can be configured as a quilt or a sleeping bag. I have tested this bag/quilt on top of a Thermarest X-Therm NXT Max with a Gossamer Gear thin pad under it. Sleeping out during two snows in North Central, Montana the sleep system performed more than satisfactorily. My only sleep issue was having a pillow that continually slid out from underneath my head. I have now purchased both Trekology Aluft 2 and Hikenture Ultralight pillows. Both have an elastic strap to attach them to your pad. It’s a coin flip as to which one I’ll be carrying.
Worn Clothing and Outer Wear from Top to Bottom
For head and neck, a Turtle Fur Rufus Beanie and a colorful Buff. Top base layer is an REI 185 Merino Wool piece and a heavier Arms of Andes Alpaca 300 Half-zip mid- layer. These are interchangeable for outside temperature. My daily mid-layer top is a Melanzana Grid Hoodie V2. Thank you Cousin Stacy for going to Leadville for me, you are the Best! My Puffy is a Norrona Trollveggen Superlight Down850 Hooded Jacket. My rain jacket is an Outdoor Research Helium. For the hands, Pearl Izumi Alpha Summit Gloves, Rossignol Lobster Gloves, and Mountain Laurel Rain Mittens
Bottom base layer is REI 185 Merino Wool leggings, and Arms of Andes Alpaca Wool Thermal Leggings. Mid-layer is Norrona Flex Wool Stretch Legging. My pants are Norrona Svalbard Flex1 Pants. Dirty Girl Gaiters will be daily wear. Skivvies are Smartwool and Ex-Oficio Boxer Briefs.
Footwear and Socks
I’ll be sporting Hoka TenNine GTXs from Springer Mountain to Roan Mountain. Breaking these in has been an eye-opener. The extended Hubble Heel helps the shins and Achilles tendons on the hills, and downhill is happiness wearing these. There also is the opportunity for making hovercraft noises and moonwalking to confuse people. Next on are Hoka Speedboat GTXs followed further up the trail by TOPO Ultraventure 2, Mountain Racer 2, and Terraventures with a rock plate. Footwear will be switched to adjust to my needs for the terrain being traveled.
The socks in my bag are; Darn Toughs- Great fit and lifetime guarantee. FITS- Good enough for Jennifer Pharr Davis, good enough for me. Injinji Sock Liners- Prevent toe on toe crime. Sealskinz Cold Weather Waterproof Socks- The name says it all. There will be a pair of Silverlight Hikers sent further up the trail, great compression feel.
Packed Clothes
Outside of my worn clothing there is not much in my pack. A Howler Brothers Long Sleeve Heritage shirt, a pair of OR Astro Shorts, Melanzana Base Hoodie, Helly Hansen Lifa Merino Lightweight Base Layer Bottoms, and the socks, underwear, and outer layers not being worn at any given time. If there’s too much in there I will bounce it up the trail.
Kitchen
I find I need nothing more than a Jet Boil Stash, Fitness City Large Titanium Spoon, chopsticks (I don’t care to eat ramen with a spoon), lighter, and a small plastic container with lid from a good gelato brand. Regarding the spoon, it’s larger and slightly heavier than many, but it makes eating The Sludge and ice cream more efficient.
Luxury Items and Electronics
I wear a COROS APEX 2 PRO and it has great functions and an app to interface with. My GPS is a Garmin 66i for a few reasons. First off, there was a killer sale at REI and the $399 price was the same as an InReach Mini. Next, hiking is not the only activity I’ll be using it for. Lastly the functionality suits me and the few extra ounces have been counterbalanced by another item removed from my pack. My iPhone, Dark Energy Poseidon Pro battery pack, Shokz Open Run Pro headphones, and hearing aids round it out. Currently waiting delivery of a Flextail Zero Pump. Black Diamond Cork Trekking Poles are a must have for me. A bit additional about the Dark Energy Poseidon Pro battery. It is waterproof and takes a beating. The weight on mine is 8.8 ounces and is slightly larger than my phone. It has performed extremely well for me, I like Mil Spec type toughness!
Health, Safety, and Sanitation
Normal hygiene items from toothbrush, tooth paste, liquid soap, hand sanitizer, soap, and pack towel. I have a light first aid kit OTC meds, my meds, Leukotape, Glide, a variety of bandage material and triple antibiotic ointment. The PACT toilet kit is a great item consisting of trowel, expanding wipes, and tablets to put in for decomposition. For safety in icy places I have Kathoola Microspikes.
In Closing
There might be a small odd or end not listed, and there will be things added and subtracted along the way. Countless hours have been spent researching all this stuff and those who have put out equipment lists, gear videos, suggestions, and positive direction are greatly appreciated. There might be a change or two in the next few weeks before I fly. I would be remiss if I did not offer a public Thank You to the staff at Bighorn Outdoors in Great Falls, Montana for all their effort, time, advice, and guidance as I have prepared. You have helped me immeasurably and have my gratitude. To all who read this I hope you find an idea that may help you.
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Comments 20
Thanks for your list and descriptions. I am headed next April 12th or so, will turn 74 on the trip (June 8th) and it will start on my retirement “wish lists”.
That is incredible! A well deserved journey my friend. Congratulations!
WELLDONE!
Thanks Landslide! Looking forward to talking to you soon.
Kindest,
Charles
Looks good! Did I miss it, or did you include how much food you’ll be carrying? We left in mid-February 2000. Our coldest days were in VA, believe it or not. You are better prepared than we were so should do great. I’ll look forward to reading on. God bless!
Rushmore,
In a previous blog post on nutrition I put that I’ll carry 12,000 calories for a three day stretch. I’ll have resupply boxes frequently and what I don’t need will be pushed forward or put in a hiker box. Look at my previous post I described my basic menu. Tested my new JetBoil Stash this morning. Replaced my other JetBoil to save a few ounces because I added MicroSpikes to the pack.
Kindest,
Charles
Equipment is great, but what are you doing for training? Biggest mistake newbies make is saying I’ll get fit on the trail. Too late!
SMSCHAF,
I’ve been strength and endurance training for the past 6 months and am solid and aerobically fit. Four days a week strength training and walking the hills at altitude as I live near the the Rocky Mountain Front and Bob Marshall Wilderness. Along with proper nutrition and intermittent fasting my body is good to go.
Kindest regards,
Charles
Looks like a good rig, The ULA circuit is a great pack. What are you using for water purification (giardia suck). You could drop the pillow and use your down jacket and warm stuff as a pillow (put in a stuff sack and wrap in a bandana) and save a little more weight. I also recommend a bear container or Ursack for food. you really don’t want to feed the beasts or mice. I would drop the extra headlamp also. 25+ feet of lightweight line make a good clothesline and a few safety pins never hert to hang socks outside your pack.
Just my thoughts – I’m a 20 year LASHer and have seen a lot and changed gear a lot
Mapmaker,
I have a Katadyn Be Free for the water. My pillow issue is because of apnea and it sucks. I have the Ursack AllMighty and it should do unless an area, Smokies maybe, requires it. I did order 50 feet of Z-line slick cord and some bungee cord from Zpacks. Thirty nine years ago I was carrying an Army Alice pack with a PRC 77 radio, extra battery and the tripod of a .50 cal along with being the thumper on my team with a .203 grenade launcher. Every time I put one of these packs on I smile little. I’ve been looking at the recent guidance from the park service and can adjust fire if need be as the pack has room for a bear canister. So far the long term forecast seems to be holding and I should do well for the first few weeks. https://www.weathertab.com/en/c/e/01/united-states/georgia/ellijay/
I’m still shuffling the ounces, but there isn’t too much more to give. I appreciate the advice!
Kindest,
Charles
Understand about the pillow. I have to carry a bag of meds which sucks also. Don’t forget a couple pair of earplugs for when you end up in a shelter. (I was often offered cash for my spare pair s I snore a bit myself. Have a great hike and take care of your feet.
Mapmaker,
I knew I was forgetting something. I’ll pack some with me.
Kindest regards,
Charles
Charles, I urge you to consider using a bear canister. 450L does well for 4-6 days. Bears have become a critical issue on the AT in recent years. Even the Ursacks have begun to fail us, but not the bear.
Good luck on your hike, truly an amazing and damned difficult experience!
I’ve been looking at them this morning and will keep it well in consideration. Thanks!
Kindest Regards,
Charles
I just looked up that battery pack, that’s pretty nice. I used to have one (different brand) that could handle the elements, but sadly they stopped making it. My replacement just seems to be cheaply made, although the reviews were solid. You’ll have to let us know how that one holds up, especially in the colder weather.
Chris,
I’ll make sure to provide feedback on it as I travel. It’s been out in the cold with me up here with no problems.
Kindest regards,
Charles
Instead of chopsticks for the Ramen, crush the package into spoon-sized pieces. Heck, I drank mine most of the time and didn’t get my spoon dirty. I also carried three pairs of socks. Two to switch out for hiking, one to sleep in and Injinji liners to keep the criminal activity at bay. In the Smokies, you can put your food bag in your pack and hang your pack, common practice. If you are staying at shelter areas, there ate bear boxes and cables at the majority of them when you first start. very convenient. You’ll be able to cut the clothes in half once out there and realize you won’t use them. Plus, you’ll hit town with outfitters enough that you can always grab something on the fly. My 636-mile shakedown from Springer to Pearisburg opened my eyes to what was necessary and what was packed fears.
See you on the trail! Starting 2/12 from Springer, again.
-Movin’ On
Robert,
I appreciate the good words! I’ll let them shake out my pack at Mountain Crossings. I have been eyeing the barbecue place in Pearisburg. In 1998 I traveled from Great Falls, Montana to Lockhart, Texas to eat brisket at Black’s and Kreuz Market. Thinking back to my last tour I had 5 duffel bags, a large pack and a weapons case. Paring ounces has been an eye opening process. I’ll post how the shake out goes in a little over a month. Definitely being mindful of food storage May last hike into the Bob Marshall Wilderness was in October and there were Grizzly tracks on the trail. Happy hiking!
Kindest regards,
Charles
What has been your experience with the hearing aids on the trail? I recently started using what looks like the same brand you have pictured. I was planning to leave them behind for my AT section hike in April.
Matthew,
Mostly I leave them in the pack. For the phone I use my Shokz Open Run Pros to hear better. On my app I can find them if I drop one and I do have a habit of losing things.. Mostly left in the pack as a contingency.
Kindest regards,
Charles