Originally Posted by
BryanE
Hello, I am going to thru-hike the Superior Hiking Trail this summer. I don't have much experience with long hikes, but I've done some shorter backpacking trips. I will be going alone, and will be leaving for a southbound trip around May 13th. I just subscribed to the Superior Hiking Trail Association and got the 6th edition guide, which should help my planning a lot.
The thing I need the most help on is my gear list. This is what I have on my list so far. I own about 3/4 of it already:
Pack (with liner)
o Tent
o Water Filter
o Water bottle & water bladders
o Sleeping Bag (sleeping pad?)Definitly need an insulating pad. Plus a lot of rocky ground so comfort should also be a consideration.
o Rope (& carabiners) Hope that by rope you mean nylon cord. No real need for anything like climbing rope.
o Knife Small, light. Mostly used for spreading peanut butter, slicing sausage, occasionally cutting some of you cord (above). I find a micro leatherman to be fully adequate, and the scissors option is very useful.
o Food
o Flashlight (headlamp?) Headlamp with a tiny Photon keychain LED for back-up (especially since you will be solo)
o Sun screen
o Bug repellent
o Clothes
o Towel Bandana works, and you're already carrying it.
o Boots/Trail Runners
o Notebook and pen (with duct tape)
o Lighters/Fire-starters
o Compass
o Maps
o Cookware/Silverware/Plate Only silverware needed is a lexan spoon and your pocket knife
o Toilet Paper
o Toothbrush
o Rain Gear
o Stove & Fuel
o Hiking Poles
o First aid kit (including whistle, tylenol, etc.)
o Cell phone (emergencies)
ID and cash (plus debit card)
Bandana
How does this look? I know it's too heavy, so I need to find some ways to cut it down. I'm keeping my tent and water filter. Even though tarps/hammocks, alcohol stoves, and other water filters are lighter. I can switch out my Nalgene for a lightweight water bottle if need be. I am having a lot of trouble deciding between boots and trail-runners. I've read a lot of debates on this forum and it seems that most people prefer trail-runners. I am going to go to REI and try a couple of each on and see what fits me the best.
Once I get the book I will be able to plan out a detailed itinerary, that will be very nice. I am gluten and dairy intolerant so eating on the trail is going to be interesting, but I think that I have found enough recipes to last me.
Does anybody have any experiences on the trail? I have read one report on Trailjournals and the one thread that I found on it here. I am extremely excited. I am very underweight right now (because of my stomach issues). So I am going to spend the next 6 months gaining weight, training, and acquiring the rest of the gear that I need.
If you have any advice, experiences, or just want to say hi, feel free to post here. Thank you very much,
Bryan