First Long Hike! Critique needed.

[Paul Barnwell]

I am taking a quarter off school to re-energize starting April 1 on Springer. I'll be hiking for approx. 75 days not knowing really how far I will go.
From the months of perusing these forums and thoroughly stalking some of you, I've come to the conclusion that this community is pretty damn awesome and has much more sense than I. This being the case, I have made a list of everything I will be bringing or thinking about bringing and would love if some wisdom could be bestowed. So here it is:

Bolded Items I currently own or titles.
Plain text Items I do not.

Must Have:
Ocarina

Pack:
Osprey Aether 60 – 63L 5lbs/80oz...heavy 3661 cub. Inches– Heavy I know.
Rain Cover –5oz?

Shelter:
Hennessy Hammock - 41oz - According to website

Sleep System:
Mountain Smith 35 degree synthetic mummy – 46oz
Sleeping bag liner – Silk – 4.5oz
Blue Sleeping Pad Long – 10 oz


Cook Set:
JetBoil Zip .8L – 345g/12oz
Extra frying pan or liter cup


Water:
3L Platypus – (Full 106oz-ish)
Katadyn Hiker Pro – 11oz
Iodinetabs/crystals/liquid/vit.c?


Clothing:
BearSuit.
ExOfficioMen's Give-N-Go Boxer Brief – 3oz – In the amazoncart...debating.
IcebreakerMen's BodyFit 150 BoxerBrief -?oz
IcebreakerMen's BodyFit 150 Leggings -?oz
PatagoniaFleece Hat -?oz
VasqueBreeze 2.0 Hiking Boots
REIWool Mid Rise Sock -?oz
SmartWoolGlove Liners – 1.6oz
SmartWoolPhD UL Graduated Compression sock - ?oz
SmartWoolTeller Tech T-shirt – 8oz
SmartWoolSportknit Sweater – 16oz
FoxRacing shorts – need to find a way to make elastic hold tighter,they get loose or I've got to buy something different.
BadassTexas Bandana – oz doesn't matter
Camp Shoes –currently have some off brand crock type things...might use.

Tools:
Leatherman Multitool – thinking ofreplacing with lighter weight simple pocket knife.
Energizer Headlamp – AAA-?oz
Small LED Flashlight – AAA-?oz – Probably won't bring.
Long Length of Cord – Not suresize-?oz
Super Glue
Duct Tape
Sewing Needles
Extra Batteries
Vaseline CottonBalls
Lighters

First Aid/Hygiene:
MSR Pack towel 10x14 - 1oz
Shamwow?
Floss
toothbrush
toothpaste – I use naturaltoothpaste (Mercola brand), best way to pack small amounts?
Soap – Bronner'sMint
Lip Balm
Sunscreen
Gold Bond
electrolytesupplement (maybe?)

Medication:
Ibuprofin
Pepcid – heartburn
Benadryl –sleep/allergy
Loperamide –(imodium) diarrhea

Wound Care:
Neosporin
Bestblister treatment?
Scissors
Bandaids/pads/other Bandages?

Blisters:
Moleskinor Liquid Bandaid (<-has worked awesome so far)

PoisonIvy/Oak/Sumac:
Zanfel– Maybe?

Bugs:
Promethrin– Ticks
Lemon Eucalyptus (DEET causes headaches & hasquestionable healtheffects) – Skeeters.
Tweezers

Food/Consumable:
Isobutane – Is re-supply available often?
Starbucks instants
Tea
To becontinued....looking for healthier options in food choices primarily to keep body in good shape, and conventional items (Ramen, Snickers,etc) for satiety & reward/gluttony. Looking to maintain good amount of vitamin/minerals to maintain health.

That's it, thanks!

[bigcranky]

Band aid blister pads are the best treatment if you get a blister. Isobutane canisters are readily available on the trail. Your pack is fine, though a tad heavy, but plenty have thru'd with one.

My concern is your bag, not sure it's warm enough. Also, the liner will be much more difficult to use inside a bag inside a hammock (using a bag is hard enough inside a hammock) plus none of those liners add any real warmth. Might be okay if we have an early spring.

Good luck on taking the time off from school. Hope you have a good trip and find what you seek.

[bigcranky]

Also, I love my light wool boxer briefs and long johns, same with the tops. The wool sweater may not be very warm for its weight. I don't see any other warm layers (down jacket?) or any rain gear - maybe I missed them.

[Feral Bill]

Bear Suit?

[flemdawg1]

I am taking a quarter off school to re-energize starting April 1 on Springer. I'll be hiking for approx. 75 days not knowing really how far I will go.
From the months of perusing these forums and thoroughly stalking some of you, I've come to the conclusion that this community is pretty damn awesome and has much more sense than I. This being the case, I have made a list of everything I will be bringing or thinking about bringing and would love if some wisdom could be bestowed. So here it is:

Bolded Items I currently own or titles.
Plain text Items I do not.

Must Have:
Ocarina ???

Pack:
Osprey Aether 60 – 63L 5lbs/80oz...heavy 3661 cub. Inches– Heavy I know.
Rain Cover –5oz? Nah, get a trash compactor bag as a liner.

Shelter:
Hennessy Hammock - 41oz - According to website

Sleep System:
Mountain Smith 35 degree synthetic mummy – 46oz Not warm enough, consider dropping about $250 for a 20 deg quilt.
Sleeping bag liner – Silk – 4.5oz
Blue Sleeping Pad Long – 10 oz


Cook Set:
JetBoil Zip .8L – 345g/12oz
Extra frying pan or liter cup Your drinking coffe and gatorade mix so you'll need something.


Water:
3L Platypus – (Full 106oz-ish)
Katadyn Hiker Pro – 11oz
Iodinetabs/crystals/liquid/vit.c? Look into Chlorine dioxide tablets


Clothing:
BearSuit.
ExOfficioMen's Give-N-Go Boxer Brief – 3oz – In the amazoncart...debating.
IcebreakerMen's BodyFit 150 BoxerBrief -?oz
IcebreakerMen's BodyFit 150 Leggings -?oz
PatagoniaFleece Hat -?oz
VasqueBreeze 2.0 Hiking Boots
REIWool Mid Rise Sock -?oz
SmartWoolGlove Liners – 1.6oz
SmartWoolPhD UL Graduated Compression sock - ?oz
SmartWoolTeller Tech T-shirt – 8oz
SmartWoolSportknit Sweater – 16oz
FoxRacing shorts – need to find a way to make elastic hold tighter,they get loose or I've got to buy something different. Just get some baggy drawstring shorts from walmart or goodwill.
BadassTexas Bandana – oz doesn't matter
Camp Shoes –currently have some off brand crock type things...might use.

Tools:
Leatherman Multitool – thinking ofreplacing with lighter weight simple pocket knife. As long as its smallish
Energizer Headlamp – AAA-?oz
Small LED Flashlight – AAA-?oz – Probably won't bring. Leave it.
Long Length of Cord – Not suresize-?oz
Super Glue
Duct Tape
Sewing Needles
Extra Batteries
Vaseline CottonBalls
Lighters

First Aid/Hygiene:
MSR Pack towel 10x14 - 1oz
Shamwow? You've got a towel, how about a bandana?
Floss
toothbrush
toothpaste – I use naturaltoothpaste (Mercola brand), best way to pack small amounts? http://hrxxlight.com/?p=1343
Soap – Bronner'sMint
Lip Balm
Sunscreen
Gold Bond
electrolytesupplement (maybe?) Kroger makes/sells a decent G2-like sports drink mix.

Medication:
Ibuprofin
Pepcid – heartburn
Benadryl –sleep/allergy
Loperamide –(imodium) diarrhea

Wound Care:
Neosporin
Bestblister treatment?
Scissors
Bandaids/pads/other Bandages?

Blisters:
Moleskinor Liquid Bandaid (<-has worked awesome so far)

PoisonIvy/Oak/Sumac:
Zanfel– Maybe? nah

Bugs:
Promethrin– Ticks nah
Lemon Eucalyptus (DEET causes headaches & hasquestionable healtheffects) – Skeeters. very small amount or none.
Tweezers

Food/Consumable:
Isobutane – Is re-supply available often?
Starbucks instants
Tea
To becontinued....looking for healthier options in food choices primarily to keep body in good shape, and conventional items (Ramen, Snickers,etc) for satiety & reward/gluttony. Looking to maintain good amount of vitamin/minerals to maintain health.

That's it, thanks!

That should do it.

[Hot Flash]

I love ExOfficio underwear. Light, comfortable, breathable, and wash/dry in a flash.

[robertblake60]

Leatherman Micra is nice and small and has useful tools.

[treesloth]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ocarina

The ocarina (/ɒkəˈriːnə/) is a wind instrument in the category of vessel flutes.^[1] Variations do exist, but a typical ocarina is an enclosed space with four to twelve finger holes and a mouthpiece that projects from the body. It is traditionally made from clay or ceramic, but other materials may also be used, such as plastic, wood, glass, metal, or bone. An example of an ocarina made of an animal horn is the medieval German gemshorn.

[Slo-go'en]

Band aid blister pads are the best treatment if you get a blister.

I have to disagree here. My blisters are always in a place where the pads don't stay put or are uncomfortable. The liquid bandage is the only thing which works for me.

The sleep system would be okay in a tent or shelter. Might be marginal on occasion, but one can live through a cold night once in a while. They don't last long that time of year. However, it could be really marginal on a more consistant bases in a hammock. Be sure to get a side entry hammock. I had a bottom entry and it was very difficult to deal with to the extent I sold it.

I have an Aether 60 and it is by far the worst pack I own. For some reason it just doesn't fit me right. But thats probably just me.

These are getting a little harder to come by, but the 35mm film canisters are good for storing things like toothpaste in.

I haven't had much luck with wool sweaters either. I find a wool shirt works better. You definately need a rain jacket of some sort.

You don't have to worry much about bugs until the end of May. Personally, I never use any bug repelant other then eating garlic pills.

[fredmugs]

I have a Hennessy hammock and I froze my butt off in the Shenandoahs and the lows were not down to 40. I had no clue about under quilts or anything like that. I would re-examine your hammock gear.

[swjohnsey]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ocarina

The ocarina (/ɒkəˈriːnə/) is a wind instrument in the category of vessel flutes.^[1] Variations do exist, but a typical ocarina is an enclosed space with four to twelve finger holes and a mouthpiece that projects from the body. It is traditionally made from clay or ceramic, but other materials may also be used, such as plastic, wood, glass, metal, or bone. An example of an ocarina made of an animal horn is the medieval German gemshorn.

Much better than a cello.

[Paul Barnwell]

Also, I love my light wool boxer briefs and long johns, same with the tops. The wool sweater may not be very warm for its weight. I don't see any other warm layers (down jacket?) or any rain gear - maybe I missed them.

Thank you for the responses. I don't have a heavy warm jacket such as the down that you mentioned. I may consider it though since a few have mentioned it. The rain jacket I have looks very similar to this one and is the same brand: http://snipurl.com/26dhhif
I am also considering FroggTogg DriDucks.
Also are there any specific warm jackets that you can suggest, I've read that down can be a bother if it gets wet.

Bear Suit?

Sarcasm....I'll have to work on that.

I have a Hennessy hammock and I froze my butt off in the Shenandoahs and the lows were not down to 40. I had no clue about under quilts or anything like that. I would re-examine your hammock gear.

This has worried me. I have the blue pad and the cheapo bag and liner. Would it be better to bring an underquilt or to buy a better bag as others have suggested?
Maybe that's where my March REI coupon and dividend will have to go...
Any specific suggestions?

I have to disagree here. My blisters are always in a place where the pads don't stay put or are uncomfortable. The liquid bandage is the only thing which works for me.

The sleep system would be okay in a tent or shelter. Might be marginal on occasion, but one can live through a cold night once in a while. They don't last long that time of year. However, it could be really marginal on a more consistant bases in a hammock. Be sure to get a side entry hammock. I had a bottom entry and it was very difficult to deal with to the extent I sold it.

I have an Aether 60 and it is by far the worst pack I own. For some reason it just doesn't fit me right. But thats probably just me.

These are getting a little harder to come by, but the 35mm film canisters are good for storing things like toothpaste in.

I have the side entry variety for the hammock luckily. The aether I bought at an REI scratch/dent sale for like $75 which was a steal and a huuge upgrade from my retail $50 Amazon bag, but we will see how it feels a couple of weeks in.

Awesome idea about the 35mm film canisters...I haven't seen one in a while though.

[Paul Barnwell]

That should do it.

Thanks! The ocarina was kind of a joke...but who knows maybe not.
Trash Bag seems like an easier and cheaper solution. I will look into this.
Any suggestions on what bag you prefer? Or an underquilt perhaps?
The leatherman tool is awesome, but it probably weighs a good 8-10oz

Thanks again for the reply.

[takethisbread]

I think you got good advice. I not sure u need leggings, just make sure u bring a few pair of socks. I don't see a need for multiple lights, multiple water cleaning systems, or multiple health care products . You can get stuff as you go, I prefer blister treatment (duct tape) and ibuprofen. Everything else as I need it u can get.

[Rocket Jones]

Leatherman makes a small tool called the Squirt. The main tool is a scissors, which is what you'll use more than any other. I'd carry one of those, or a small Swiss Army Knife.

Eventually you will need some bug protection. I soak my outer clothes and hat in Permethrin every Spring (but it's lethal to cats, do a search here on WB). Also, the reason DEET is still around is because it also works better than anything else. 40% concentration is the most you need, and you don't need to bathe in it, just a small amount spread very thin.

[Rocket Jones]

Also, I don't care much for bladders, but remember that you don't have to fill it completely. Carry a gatoraid bottle or two for most of your water needs and save the bladder capacity for long dry stretches, dry camps or evening/morning water.

[Deadeye]

You may find some folks won't appreciate the Ocarina

[Slo-go'en]

Paul,

Have you actually used the hammock set up yet? If not, it would be wise to practice setting it up and spending a night or two sleeping in it. They have a little learning curve and best to learn at home and not the first couple of days on the trail. Make sure the blue pad fits the hammock okay and that it is warm enough.

Your definately light on the clothes for 4/1. I'd add a thermal (long sleve) top and bottom (light weight), a nylon long sleve shirt, a microfleece or wool shirt (large) and a vest. Finished off with your rain shell. Layers are your friend, so have several and always keep one set dry.

Other wise, I think your good to go, I'd guess to about half way in 75 days.

[Slo-go'en]

You may find some folks won't appreciate the Ocarina

I'd prefer that to a guitar any evening. Wind insturments sound really spooky in the woods.

[Seawoods]

I think it will be way too cold for the hammock some nights. I spent a couple of cold nights in a hammock in early may a couple of years ago. I'd take a 20 degree down bag and sleep in the shelters on cold nights. If is warm enough you can use the hammock.