WhiteBlaze Pages 2024
A Complete Appalachian Trail Guidebook.
AVAILABLE NOW. $4 for interactive PDF(smartphone version)
Read more here WhiteBlaze Pages Store

Page 3 of 3 FirstFirst 1 2 3
Results 41 to 57 of 57
  1. #41
    Registered User
    Join Date
    03-20-2007
    Location
    Los Angeles, CA
    Posts
    21

    Default Bear Canisters

    Yes, weight is an important consideration, but the security of your food, low impact and multi-functionality of a bear canister may be worth the tradeoff.

    You will find that bear cables, when they exist, are frequently broken and are no guarantee of security when they aren't. You can hang your food effectively on a tree branch, but many don't due to lack of knowledge or lack of interest (which includes lack of time).

    I'm only a lowly section hiker, but I used my Bearikade for the first time (also originally acquired for the JMT) on my Dicks-to-the-Dam section this past May. Most everyone who saw it dismissed it as unnecessary, but the folks who had lost their food to a bear near Blood Mountain seemed very interested. So did the young woman heading to Harper's who took over 30 minutes one evening to find a branch and get her bear bag rigged. I was able to lock the lid, dump the canister in the woods and not be concerned about bears or rodents.

    For me, it worked. I'll use it again.

  2. #42
    Registered User TheChop's Avatar
    Join Date
    08-09-2010
    Location
    Athens, GA
    Age
    45
    Posts
    414

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by JohnF View Post
    I'm only a lowly section hiker, but I used my Bearikade for the first time
    The Bearikade is also lighter and has more volume than the Bear Vault. My problems with the BV are that it's relatively heavy, is always a huge problem packing everything up that first day because it's fairly small inside.

  3. #43
    Section Hiking Knucklehead Hooch's Avatar
    Join Date
    03-26-2007
    Location
    Charlotte, NC
    Age
    55
    Posts
    3,948
    Images
    17

    Default

    You can drop a few pounds by losing that big, heavy pack. It's probably way too large for your needs. You're probably going to need a pack that's not much larger than 60 or 65L instead of the 85 that you have now. If you have a pack that's too big, the natural tendency is to try to put more stuff in it to fill it up. Hence, a heavier than needed pack. Try going with something a bit smaller and lighter.

    You can drop a couple more pounds by losing the bear canister. As others have mentioned, it's completely unnecessary. Go with a sil dry bag and some cord to hang it with if there ae no bear cables where you're staying the night.

    Best o' luck in '11!
    "If you play a Nicleback song backwards, you'll hear messages from the devil. Even worse, if you play it forward, you'll hear Nickleback." - Dave Grohl

  4. #44
    Registered User
    Join Date
    12-15-2003
    Location
    Charlotte, NC
    Posts
    3,949

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Hooch View Post
    ......

    You can drop a couple more pounds by losing the bear canister. As others have mentioned, it's completely unnecessary. Go with a sil dry bag and some cord to hang it with if there are no bear cables where you're staying the night.
    ...
    I agree with Hooch.

    50 ft of small diameter cord (2mm) and a sil-nylon food bag will work when you hang. Mouse baffles are plentiful in shelters along the way if you crash there. Don't forget to get an extra 10-12 feet of cord to use for a clothes line for drying out wet stuff.

    Add a couple Black Diamond plastic 'biners or plastic Nite Ize S-Biners and you'll save a few ounces too!

  5. #45
    Registered User
    Join Date
    07-27-2010
    Location
    NH native stuck in Northern VA
    Age
    51
    Posts
    91
    Images
    11

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by TheChop View Post
    The Bearikade is also lighter and has more volume than the Bear Vault. My problems with the BV are that it's relatively heavy, is always a huge problem packing everything up that first day because it's fairly small inside.
    IMO these two come out a wash but also because the two models of each dont really match up for an even comparison.The Bearikade "Weekender" sort of falls in between the two BVs size wise (650ci vs 440/700). So when you say the BV is too small inside compared to the Bearikade which one are you talking about? I would agree if you are talking about the BV450. Weight wise I would not say it is tremendously lighter 31 oz vs 33/41 oz.

    Where the Bearikade fails me at least is the $225/$275 cost for their two models vs $65/75 for the BVs. It is also not see through which I have come to really like. Each one seems to have pluses and minuses but I personally went with the BV for these two reasons.

    I'll add that the reason I use one every time out is that 99% of my hiking/camping in is SNP where I see bears almost every time out.
    Last edited by dcmidnight; 08-11-2010 at 12:26. Reason: price correction

  6. #46
    Registered User
    Join Date
    03-06-2007
    Location
    Bellevue, WA
    Age
    67
    Posts
    2,000

    Default

    For those cases where a bear can really is warranted, I agree with dcmidnight. I hiked in the Sierras for a while with a fellow who had rented a Bearikade, and he liked it a lot and I was moderately jealous, but it is indeed expensive.

    I have one each of the other most common cans, the clear plastic BV, and the black plastic Garcia. So long as you keep the threads clean (it's frustrating to have the lid screwed on with grit in it so that it's almost impossible to open ...), the BV wins over the Garcia in every way IMO, not only is it easier to pack more efficiently due to the clear plastic, it has a nicer opening to put things in and take things out of. And rain won't get it (always stand your Garcia lid-side down ...).

    There are always other options; apart from a couple of other "me to" plastic bear can brands, there's what amounts to a sort of portable electric fence (I think REI sells these ?). Some folks for a while were selling a bear bag that used a capacitor and a battery to prevent bears from wanting to mess with it, though their website is gone now, so presumeably that didn't pan out (might have been more about regulations than logic, however, who knows ...).

    What doesn't work in practice all that well, IMO, is bear bagging --- when there are actual bear threats around. I've seen a lot of bear bags hung, using various methods, and the vast majority were done badly enough as to not be a serious deterrent. Doing an easy, low hang makes sense along the AT if you're not in a shelter, just to keep food from rodents.

    There arn't that many places with bears on the AT, however, and most of those have cables or poles or lockers, so my suggestion is to sleep near bear-prevention infrastructure like that when in those limited zones and just worry about rodents otherwise.
    Gadget
    PCT: 2008 NOBO, AT: 2010 NOBO, CDT: 2011 SOBO, PNT: 2014+2016

  7. #47
    Nalgene Ninja flemdawg1's Avatar
    Join Date
    03-31-2008
    Location
    Huntsville, AL
    Age
    52
    Posts
    2,429

    Default

    Used a bear can for the first time a couple of weeks back in Yosemite, afterwards I can say that would never again carry such a heavy thing unless required to. I've learned to sucessfully hang my food by the PCT method and on a weekend hike in Shenadoah where I saw 9 bears, I never had a problem with my food.

  8. #48
    Registered User mad4scrapping's Avatar
    Join Date
    08-30-2009
    Location
    richmond,virginia
    Age
    64
    Posts
    185
    Images
    12

    Default Underwear recommendation

    I recommend "Barely there" underwear by Hanes. They are made of microfiber and wick nicely. You can get them at target, etc. and they are not too expensive.
    Lead me to the long green tunnel.

  9. #49

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by tamijo View Post
    Hi, everyone! I am a lone female hiker who will be hitting the trail in April 2011. I am trying to make a comprhensive (except for food and water) gear checklist and I'd love your input. I know the list is long but I am trying to think of positively everything. Will you please help me cull items I don't need and add items I may have overlooked? I have never done any sort of extended hike and I am trying to ensure my success. Obviously I want to be comfortale on and off the trail, and I know I will have to make some compromises, but I'm not sure where I should alter this list. I would be ever so grateful for any and all assistance.

    Appalachian Train Gear List:

    c Backpack with camelback insert: Osprey Xenon 85 Women's Backpack can you get a lighter pack? This pack is extremely heavy. You're looking at a difference of at least 3 to 4 pounds with a lighter pack.
    c Trekking poles: Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork Trekking Poles
    c pack rain cover:
    c

    SHELTER AND SLEEPING:
    c Tent: Tarptent Double Rainbow plus pole extender tips, tyvek groundsheet, and stuffsak can you go with the regular Rainbow? I know your niece is coming, but you're only gaining 6" of width which doesn't really seem like that much for the amount of weight you're going to be carrying for months.
    c Sleeping Bag: Halo +25
    c Thermal sleeping bag liner
    c Sleeping pad: Thermarest Neo Air Mattress

    FOOD AND HYDRATION:
    c Bear Vault: BV500 as everyone's said...ditch this. It's going to feel like you're carrying a mule on your back after the first day.
    c Stove: Jetboil personal cooking system go with an alcohol stove, and a small cup/pot. This system weighs about a pound, and when you add in fuel canisters, you're looking at substantial weight.
    c Fuel:
    c spork ditch this. you don't need a spork and a spoon
    c long-handled spoon
    c coffee press cup
    c Water filter: Katadyn Hiker Pro Water Filter...just use the mira tabs
    c


    CLOTHING:
    c ____ pairs underwear (what kind???)
    c 2 sports bras (one to wear, one to pack)
    c 1 pair lightweight compression shorts in case I experience chafing
    c 1 pair convertible pants
    c Macabi skirt
    c 2 short-sleeve shirts (one to wear, one to pack)
    c long-sleeve shirt
    c MontBell Ultralight Thermawrap Insulated Parka </SPAN>
    c ___ pair socks (What kind??? Should I layer two pairs?)
    c rain pants
    c rain jacket
    c hat
    c gloves
    c should I bring thermal underclothes?
    c shoes: probably trailrunners, but what about camp shoes? water crossings? Crocs

    TOILETRIES AND MISC. PERSONAL ITEMS:
    c Decomposing Field wipes (available at Wal-Mart) you don't need this and toilet paper. And they don't *really* decompose unless conditions are right (water/air/soil ratios), so are you prepared to carry them out?
    c Diva cup or tampons (need to check out the possibility of straight-though BCP to dodge the issue altogether)
    c disposable razor (yeah, I know...should skip the shaving altogether but I hate the way my legs feel when they get hairy) I know this is a personal issue, but hair on your legs is going to be the least of your concerns when it comes to something making you uncomfortable.
    c shampoo...this is just wasted weight
    c conditioner...as is this
    c Body Glide
    c hand sanitizer
    c deodorant...deodorant isn't going to do anything on the trail. You're just going to stink. Period. Carrying this around is only going to attract animals, bugs, rodents, etc. And while it seems weightless right now, you'll definitely notice that weight on the trail.
    c wide-tooth comb
    c brush...ditch this. You don't need a brush and a comb, and a comb is handier, weighs less, and takes up less space.
    c hair bands for braiding my hair
    c toothpaste
    c toothbrush
    c dental floss
    c toilet paper
    c tweezers
    c nail clippers
    c Dr. Bronners soap
    c towel: somewhere I read about a towel that can be found in the austomotive section at Wal-mart: small and lightweight but very absorbent

    TOOLS:
    c headlamp or flashlight
    c lantern to journal by...just use your headlamp...that's what it's for, and they're pretty powerful.
    c cat hole shovel
    c compass (attached to pack, weighs virtually nothing)
    c knife or leatherman tool
    c Duct tape (have a couple of yards on my trekking poles)
    c Bic lighters...you only need one
    c waterproof matches as backup
    c Toby’s Swedish fire steel )probably don’t need this but Toby wants to give me something for the trail)...I'd pick one out of the matches, lighters, and fire steel department. You are definitely going to feel every single ounce of everything you're carrying. While it doesn't seem all that heavy in your kitchen or living room, it ways twice that much on the trail
    c rope,,,what kind and how much?


    HEALTH AND SAFETY:
    c first-aid kit plus moleskin
    c whistle
    c bug spray: what kind? I am a major bug magnet!!!! My friends are always astounded
    c sunscreen
    c water treatment tablets (backup in case filter fails)



    MISCELLANEOUS:
    c playing cards...you'll probably never use these
    c journal with fine-tip writing implement
    c camera with charger, spare batteries, spare memory cards...you could drop a lot of weight by using disposable cameras and sending them home. They're easy to pick up along the way, and if you drop one, or your pack lands in a river, it won't be as bad.
    c ear plugs
    c MP3 player and charger
    c cell phone and charger...can you consolidate a phone and an MP3 player? I know a lot of phones have music on them, and since they both need to be charged, why not just carry one?
    c 2 bandanas
    c ID
    c Credit Cards
    c cash
    c Ziploc bags
    If you're already at 35 pounds, and you haven't added food yet, you're going to be hating life really quickly carrying around 40 to 45 pounds. I've done it in the past, and there's just no way I'll do it again. I know everyone's different, but there's so many places you can shave off weight. Ounces here and there really add up.


    It's Nice To See Another Austinite!

  10. #50
    Registered User
    Join Date
    08-09-2010
    Location
    Attleboro, Ma
    Age
    50
    Posts
    2

    Default food/ 100 mile wilderness/ etc

    Hi if I may lead off with what Tamijo inquired, is there a specific site for food prep , maybe AMC, like a thru hikers guide list,

    specificaly im looking to do the 100 mile wilderness, and I want to know what I need, the list posted is very helpful, so maybe a food list etc

    also any specific sites devoted to 100 mile wilderness? like the shuttle deal, and reservations in Baxter???

    and direction would greatly be appreciated

    Steve

  11. #51
    Registered User GlazeDog's Avatar
    Join Date
    04-09-2006
    Location
    Kent, Ohio
    Age
    54
    Posts
    246
    Images
    7

    Default

    Tamijo--
    The Xenon backpack is way to big and heavy. The problem with the size is...if people have the space, no matter how disciplined people think they are, they tend to fill the space. Even if you are disciplined, then the space is half empty--therefore what is the point of having this HUGE pack.

    I'm 6'6" 215lbs--a bigger guy who carries a bigger sleeping bag, bigger clothes, etc. that in theory take up more space, but I only carry a 50 Liter pack to go out for 5-6 days (My pack is the Osprey Atmos 50) with a total base pack weight around 22lbs.

    Also, just ACTUALLY hiking a few overnights up MOUNTAINS will quickly tell you if you are carrying too much weight. Go on a 1 night trip but carry 4 days of food to test yourself. Learning from books and reading posts can't tell you what YOUR BODY can handle--everyone has different fitness levels. Get out in some mountains and find out where you stand. An AT thru hike is a major expedition--take a couple shakedown trips first. You will learn so much.

    Good Luck and Happy Trails!!
    Start a huge foolish project, like Noah. It makes absolutely no difference what people think of you.----Rumi

  12. #52
    Registered User
    Join Date
    07-27-2010
    Location
    NH native stuck in Northern VA
    Age
    51
    Posts
    91
    Images
    11

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by GlazeDog View Post
    Go on a 1 night trip but carry 4 days of food to test yourself. Learning from books and reading posts can't tell you what YOUR BODY can handle--everyone has different fitness levels. Get out in some mountains and find out where you stand. An AT thru hike is a major expedition--take a couple shakedown trips first. You will learn so much.

    Good Luck and Happy Trails!!
    Excellent points here. I've done this once already this year and am going again next week for another one. Dont let anyone on here tell you what you should carry. Take suggestions, narrow your list and then hike a couple of shakedown hikes to find out what you like and what you can carry.

    Its amazing how efficiently you can learn to pack when you limit the amount of space you have. I have an Osprey Kestrel 48 and can really get a lot of gear in there - even with a tent and bear vault.

  13. #53
    Iron Guts IronGutsTommy's Avatar
    Join Date
    08-21-2010
    Location
    Dunedin, Florida
    Age
    48
    Posts
    430
    Images
    11

    Default

    thanks for all the good suggestions, fellas
    I broke a mirror in my house. I'm supposed to get seven years bad luck but my lawyer thinks he can get me five.

  14. #54

    Default

    Most of my gear I have modified myself. I fix gear and do all my own repairs, as well as make some of my stuff. My

    gear list and explanations are below. My base pack weight(everything but food and water) was around 14 lbs. I kept

    experimenting with gear until I found what works for me.




    Shelter and sleep system

    Appy Trails Mark 3 tarptent-cut down and resewn to a 1 man tent. I got rid of the support pole and tied it off to a

    tree with 550 cord. I resewed tent grommets with paracord also. Total weight with stakes is around 17 ounces.


    Thermarest blue 4 season ground pad long-24 oz. I cut this down to fit me, weight is around a pound.

    Lightweight tarp for ground cloth, cut in half, estimated weight 4 oz.

    I started with a 0 degree down bag which I converted to a quilt(3 lbs). I switched to a tarp survival blanket and

    sleeping bag insert(21 oz). This was fine until I hit low 50's. The survival blanket would have kept me alive, but

    it was too cold to sleep in. I picked up a synthetic 15 degree bag in Rangely, Maine. It is 3lbs, but I slept well

    and am keeping it. Synthetic is bulkier and heavier, but retains 70-80 percent of warmth when soaked. I keep my bag

    dry, but in the woods, stuff happens and you never know.




    Clothing system

    Cotton sucks for clothing, and thermally it is worse than being naked if it is wet.

    Long sleeve synthetic wicking T-shirt and cargo pants(weight unknown, but these are pretty light and they dry fast)

    2 pairs wool socks(kept my feet warm even when they were wet, which was often)

    3 pair women's underwear(weight 0.5 oz, men's underwear were 2.3 oz, they had the same wicking ability, and were

    surprisingly comfortable. I got some at wal-mart for $3 a pair, they lasted 800 miles. I would wear a pair to hike

    in, change at night after drying off with baby powder, and keep another pair for when I was doing laundry.)

    Thermasilk shirt(2 oz)

    polypro tops and bottoms(I got these towards the end of the hike, seemed to work well)

    nylon rain jacket and rain pants(I got rained on all day while hiking because this stuff is too hot to wear hiking.

    It is mainly for cold rainy days. I also use it as a thermal layer in camp when it is a bit colder. Weight is

    probably about a pound for the pants and jacket together.)

    Merrell hiking shoes( I used 2 pairs of these, the sole peels off, this is easily repaired with 550 cord. I also

    relaced the laces with paracord.)

    Gregory 2400 cubic inch pack, heavily modified, with extra pouches sewn on.

    Army PT shorts and a tshirt(camp clothing to change into so I don't have to wear the sweaty hiking stuff. On colder

    days my raingear was my campwear.)

    Teva flip flops(wore these after done hiking for the day, they are lightweight and let my feet air out.)

    35L nylon dry sack(used as a packliner, kept all my gear dry in really bad rainstorms. Weight 2 oz)



    Toiletries(not all are toiletries, but this is what is in my ziploc)

    Baby powder, 1.5 oz travel size. This is mandatory after walking all day in rain. I powder my feet and croch before

    changing into my camp clothing.

    Travel size toothpaste and cut down toothbrush(I also carried Campsuds to wash clothing, and I brushed my teeth

    with it for a long time. I would refill the small tue with a big one by holding them tightly together and squeezing

    the big one.)

    Rolled up TP(also used moss and wet leaves)

    Spare set of AAA batteries for headlamp(I was forced to nighthike several times due to circumstances, and spare

    batteries were an important safety issue)

    Aleve

    Bleach in 1 oz dropper bottle( 2 drops per quart, shake, wait 30 mins. I got free bleach at hostels, and it was

    just as effective as the expensive stuff, and much lighter than a filter.)

    Zinc oxide diaper rash ointment(Stronger than sunscreen and I don't sweat it off. Also used for chafing issues.

    Carried a 4 oz tube, wal mart brand, $1.59)



    Cook system

    1L titanium cookpot(I cooked in this, and used it for getting water out of shallow streams. Weight 3 oz.)

    wal mart 25 cent teaspoon( I ate with this and used it the whole thru)

    esbit tab stove(I broke the folding wind tab off a full size esbit stove and used that instead, it was lighter,

    protected on 3 sides, and the pot sat a half inch over the flame, so I only had to use half a tab to boil water)

    pot grabber(cut off piece of an old Thermarest pad)

    Bic lighter(wrapped with 50 yards dental floss and 3 needles. Dental floss is strong thread, and after you tie it

    off, burn the excess and it won't unravel)

    Cook system total weight- 12oz, 24+ burns with 12 esbit tabs




    misc carried gear

    Military issue magnesium firestarter(I used this for 3 weeks, building fires twice a day. I also wanted to see how

    it handled being sweated on and exposed to the elements for 5 months. The magnesium is slightly pitted, and the

    strike rod has worn down some, still fully functional.)

    backup LED keyring light(Inova, 6 bucks at wal mart)

    headlamp(Petzl Tikka 2, 3 AAA batteries, never failed me)

    wallet(cards and money with a ponytail holder around the cards instead of a wallet)

    Gerber STL 2.0 pocketknife(1.1 oz, I carried this on a long 550 cord lanyard with a cut down diamond rod for

    sharpening. I sharpened people's knives constantly in shelters and at hostels. I didn't meet another hiker who

    carried a way to sharpen their knives. With all the practice, I can put a razor edge on one now. I also trimmed my

    fingernails and toenails with this knife. Also, the magnesium firestarter dulled the edge.)

    novel(libraries sold these cheap, and it helped sometimes when I got bored.

    AT data book(this was light, and sometimes I regretted the lack of information. The thru hiker's companion is much

    better.)

    Shooting glasses, clear. I wore these on night hikes to keep from getting slapped in the eye with low branches.

    20 ft paracord(self explanatory)



    Water system

    1 oz bleach(mentioned previously)

    2 2.4L Platypus water bags(around 1.5 oz each, these things are tough, I dropped them on rocks and fell backwards

    onto my pack with a full one and it didn't bust. I carried these for camp water.)

    2L Gatorade bottle(used the entire thru hike, I had a piece of t-shirt on it to filter out floaties)

    I made 550 cord lanyards on all my water bottles so I could carry all of them in one hand, and use my hiking pole.

    (some of the terrain down to the water was challenging). I also had a fastex buckle on my gatorade bottle so if it

    fell out of my pack pouch I wouldn't lose my water.




    Food


    Food varied, usually I had a big restaurant meal in town, or went to a store and got meat, apples, and bread. I

    liked to leave town with about 6 apples and half a loaf of bread. This was heavy, but I ate it quick.


    8 cheddar broccoli rice sides with 8 2.5 oz tuna pouches.

    4 lbs off brand fig newtons or cheap cookies.

    pop tarts

    candy bars(snickers or milky way, the fig newtons were cheaper though, so I hardly got candy bars)

    ramen noodles

    oreo cookies or nutter butter

    graham crackers

    bag of cereal

    peanut butter or nutella





    I carried a first aid kit off and on, but it was mostly for small stuff. You cannot carry a kit for anything big

    without it being too heavy.

  15. #55
    Registered User Lyle's Avatar
    Join Date
    01-25-2006
    Location
    Croswell, MI
    Age
    70
    Posts
    3,934
    Images
    68

    Default

    Since you started out saying your list is long, my first critical thinking will be how you should shorten you list. Most folks over-pack when first starting out. If I notice anything blatant missing, I'll mention it. Most items can be picked up within the first few days if you do miss something that you "must have". My comments will be embedded in your list.


    Quote Originally Posted by tamijo View Post

    Appalachian Train Gear List:

    c Backpack with camelback insert: Osprey Xenon 85 Women's Backpack
    c Trekking poles: Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork Trekking Poles
    c pack rain cover:
    c

    SHELTER AND SLEEPING:
    c Tent: Tarptent Double Rainbow plus pole extender tips, tyvek groundsheet, and stuffsak
    c Sleeping Bag: Halo +25 20* bag may be more comfortable early on
    c Thermal sleeping bag liner only needed during the coldest nights, silk liner would be MUCH lighter. Extra clothes can be worn at night on the occasional real cold snaps
    c Sleeping pad: Thermarest Neo Air Mattress

    FOOD AND HYDRATION:
    c Bear Vault: BV500 not needed
    c Stove: Jetboil personal cooking system alcohol and small pot MUCH lighter
    c Fuel: with cannisters you have to carry extra when near the end of a cannister, then carry the empty when it's done. With alcohol, you just top off when needed, you are always certain how much fuel you have/need to get
    c spork
    c long-handled spoon use your spork - no duplicates for the same function
    c coffee press cup
    c Water filter: Katadyn Hiker Pro Water Filter AquaMira/Potable Aqua MUCH lighter and more compact - cheaper too if you haven't already bought the filter
    c


    CLOTHING:
    c ____ pairs underwear (what kind???)
    c 2 sports bras (one to wear, one to pack) One to wear, none to pack
    c 1 pair lightweight compression shorts in case I experience chafing Buy them along the way if needed, no sense carrying it if not a problem
    c 1 pair convertible pants
    c Macabi skirt
    c 2 short-sleeve shirts (one to wear, one to pack) One to wear, none to pack
    c long-sleeve shirt wear this while washing the short-sleeve you normally wear
    c MontBell Ultralight Thermawrap Insulated Parka </SPAN>
    c ___ pair socks (What kind??? Should I layer two pairs?) Two pair should be sufficient. Moreno wool. I (and most others) find liner socks not necessary with trail runners again, add them if the need develops
    c rain pants
    c rain jacket
    c hat knit hat for warmth early on, plus a brimmed hat to keep rain off your face (glasses)
    c gloves
    c should I bring thermal underclothes? Moreno wool for insulation (PolyPro will also work), Silk for added warmth when in sleeping bag, plus it keeps the bag cleaner. Keep the silk pair only for sleeping, and they will always be reasonably dry and comfy.
    c shoes: probably trailrunners, but what about camp shoes? water crossings? Crocks (Dollar General knock-offs are CHEAP, hold up well, and I find them more comfortable than the originals)

    TOILETRIES AND MISC. PERSONAL ITEMS:
    c Decomposing Field wipes (available at Wal-Mart)
    c Diva cup or tampons (need to check out the possibility of straight-though BCP to dodge the issue altogether) deferring comment to the ladies
    c disposable razor (yeah, I know...should skip the shaving altogether but I hate the way my legs feel when they get hairy) Get used to it, everyone else will
    c shampoo Bronners or CampSuds - all purpose
    c conditioner ditch it
    c Body Glide buy along the way IF you need it
    c hand sanitizer yep, keep with TP Tiny bottle goes a long way
    c deodorant ditch it, you'll get used to the smell, everyone else smells as bad or worse
    c wide-tooth comb ditch this or the brush, better yet, cut your hair short, MUCH easier to maintain a semblance of cleanliness/neatness
    c brush see above
    c hair bands for braiding my hair see above
    c toothpaste if you must tiny, sample size, use sparingly
    c toothbrush
    c dental floss
    c toilet paper
    c tweezers questionalble
    c nail clippers get knife with scissors, much more versatile
    c Dr. Bronners soap see shampoo comment above - only need a small container
    c towel: somewhere I read about a towel that can be found in the austomotive section at Wal-mart: small and lightweight but very absorbent If you carry a pack towel, cut it down. Bandannas work quite well are lighter and more versatile

    TOOLS:
    c headlamp or flashlight unless you plan on frequent night hiking, small is the key
    c lantern to journal by that's what the headlamp is for
    c cat hole shovel stick, tent stake, boot heel - dual purpose always!!!
    c compass (attached to pack, weighs virtually nothing)
    c knife or leatherman tool Micro leatherman that includes scissors - see comment above
    c Duct tape (have a couple of yards on my trekking poles)
    c Bic lighters
    c waterproof matches as backup
    c Toby’s Swedish fire steel )probably don’t need this but Toby wants to give me something for the trail) Is Toby going to carry it for 2100 miles?
    c rope,,,what kind and how much? Masons cord available at most hardware type stores. Light and strong enough for most uses. For bear bagging, this can be used, but need to take care not to damage trees as it's very small cord. If not mason's cord, nylon or other synthetic parachute cord, about 1/8" diameter is more than adequate. 50ft.


    HEALTH AND SAFETY:
    c first-aid kit plus moleskin Keep it small, with only a couple of days worth of anything. You will soon be in town where things can be supplemented as needed. I like to include Ibuprofen, something for cold, diarrhea, antacid, moleskin, few bandaids and few pieces of gause. Most first aid items can be improvised. First aid course (preferably Wilderness First Aid) is your best bet and doesn't weigh a thing or take up any space.
    c whistle
    c bug spray: what kind? I am a major bug magnet!!!! My friends are always astounded Most of the time bugs aren't a problem. When they are, pick some up along the way. No sense carrying bug spray from Georgia to New Jersey or Maine. They sell spray in every state and community along the way.
    c sunscreen
    c water treatment tablets (backup in case filter fails) Just use these when needed, boiling over a fire is your back-up. See comment about filter above.



    MISCELLANEOUS:
    c playing cards
    c journal with fine-tip writing implement
    c camera with charger, spare batteries, spare memory cards
    c ear plugs
    c MP3 player and charger
    c cell phone and charger
    c 2 bandanas
    c ID
    c Credit Cards
    c cash
    c Ziploc bags
    Put your chargers in a bounce box.

  16. #56
    Digger takethisbread's Avatar
    Join Date
    08-11-2009
    Location
    Massachusetts
    Posts
    1,062
    Journal Entries
    1

    Default

    Gear lists are a fluid topic IMO. I'm constantly adjusting, refining my pack, losing items (ask Ez hiker ), but I think I'm pretty lightweight.

    My general rule, is when I have gone a week without using an item, it means I don't need it (except rain jacket)

  17. #57

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by takethisbread View Post
    Gear lists are a fluid topic IMO. I'm constantly adjusting, refining my pack, losing items (ask Ez hiker ), but I think I'm pretty lightweight.

    My general rule, is when I have gone a week without using an item, it means I don't need it (except rain jacket)
    Tell Ez Hiker and Trail Trash Hollywood says hi, I haven't seen them since 501 shelter. I summitted on the 12th of August.

Page 3 of 3 FirstFirst 1 2 3
++ New Posts ++

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •