What do you need still I can steer you in the right direction
Appalachian Trail
- Thread starter Prof Sublime
- Start date
I am looking for suggestions on a two person tent(because the tent I have is effing heavy and a five person) , collapsible poles(never used them before, figured I would give it a try), rain gear(don't have a durable travel suit, I have seen a Patagonia jacket that stood up pretty well) , and some nice boots (because mine are on their last legs.) Preferably superlight but the most important thing is the quality, I don't want to take anything that is going to fail me in the middle of a 6 month hike. I think I have already decided to pick up a larger Osprey pack because I am very happy with the smaller one that I already have. I am also looking for the bare minimum list of what to take. I would rather pick up something small on the trail than take 20 things I don't need and trash em or pack em home. But if you have specific suggestions I haven't listed then lay em out there. I mean I am going to do the whole trail so my needs are a little different than the op.
REI. Life time member! I own all these items and have used them in the field they are great, well worth the dough. also I recommend getting the life time membership for 20 bucks.
all these things are essential
3 sources of fire per person, one in your pocket, one in your pack, one in your emergency kit.
http://www.rei.com/product/794296/rei-half-dome-2-plus-tent great tent
http://www.rei.com/product/802251/rei-shuksan-jacket-with-event-fabric-mens essential
http://www.rei.com/product/795624/osprey-aether-85-pack
http://www.rei.com/product/797553/deuter-aircontact-75-10-pack I think I like this pack better than my osprey, but it is personal preference, they both rock
http://www.rei.com/category/4500006_Men's+Footwear/q/Men's+Boots buy the boots that fit best. Keen makes wide toed boots. vasque makes narrow toed boots
http://www.rei.com/product/807913/black-diamond-spot-headlamp essential
http://www.rei.com/product/813623/jetboil-zip-stove
http://www.rei.com/product/783951/msr-flex-3-system-cookset
http://www.rei.com/category/4500059
http://www.rei.com/search?cat=40006351&page_size=29&hist=cat,40006351:Camp+Tools&pageSizeRedirect
http://www.rei.com/category/4500049 trekking polls are great two too. they save your legs big time.
http://www.rei.com/category/4500001_Sleeping+Bags I would go with synthetic over down because they dry better, and hold warmth better when wet.
http://www.rei.com/product/811907/exped-synmat-ul-7-air-pad
all these things are essential
3 sources of fire per person, one in your pocket, one in your pack, one in your emergency kit.
http://www.rei.com/product/794296/rei-half-dome-2-plus-tent great tent
http://www.rei.com/product/802251/rei-shuksan-jacket-with-event-fabric-mens essential
http://www.rei.com/product/795624/osprey-aether-85-pack
http://www.rei.com/product/797553/deuter-aircontact-75-10-pack I think I like this pack better than my osprey, but it is personal preference, they both rock
http://www.rei.com/category/4500006_Men's+Footwear/q/Men's+Boots buy the boots that fit best. Keen makes wide toed boots. vasque makes narrow toed boots
http://www.rei.com/product/807913/black-diamond-spot-headlamp essential
http://www.rei.com/product/813623/jetboil-zip-stove
http://www.rei.com/product/783951/msr-flex-3-system-cookset
http://www.rei.com/category/4500059
http://www.rei.com/search?cat=40006351&page_size=29&hist=cat,40006351:Camp+Tools&pageSizeRedirect
http://www.rei.com/category/4500049 trekking polls are great two too. they save your legs big time.
http://www.rei.com/category/4500001_Sleeping+Bags I would go with synthetic over down because they dry better, and hold warmth better when wet.
http://www.rei.com/product/811907/exped-synmat-ul-7-air-pad
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What do you like about the Deuter that makes it preferable to the Osprey and is that the exact osprey pack you have? I was going to shoot for keeping my load light enough for a talon 44, used a friend's for a 3 day up near shasta a couple of years ago and loved the way it fit and carried. Same question about the black diamond head lamp, I have a couple of princeton tecs that I have used for about 3 years now and I can't say I have found a problem with them yet though I have always wanted to spring for a petzl just never could part with that much dough. I have always worried about those air mats simply because I am not sure that I would have the energy to blow one up every night and that I would imagine it would spring a leak and suddenly become completely and utterly useless to me.
I've got a kelty gunnison II for a tent and I really like it. Its got 2 doors and a big vestibule area for each door and it was only about $120.
I've got a big agnes sleeping pad and I'm really happy with it. It does take a bit more air to inflate than a thremarest, but you'll sleep much better. You don't need to inflate it all the way up for it to work the best. I fill mine up about 3/4 the way, lay on it and release some air til its the most comfy and my butt isn't touching the ground. And the best part is that it folds up to the size of a nalgene bottle.
http://www.rei.com/product/760605/jetboil-group-cooking-system
Thats the jetboil I've got. It boils water very quickly. There are a few qwerks with it though. The lid can be difficult to get on, but its tight once its on. I think most of the reviews are of people who don't get the lid on all the way and they complain about the lid not being tight enough. Also, you may need a windscreen if you can't find natural wind protection, rocks, big logs, whatever. I've used my mountain house bags once as a windscreen.
As for boots, I've got a pair of la sportiva halite gtx. I've never had a single blister from them, they are comfortable to wear, easy to put on, waterproof and lightweight.
Sleeping bag I've got is from mountain equipment co-op in canada, its a hybrid bag with synthetic and down filling. The synthetic layer is on the outside and down on the inside. When I bought it a few years ago, it was only $135 for the long version. Its a great bag I'd say with all the features of the really expensive ones, storage pocket, neck drawcord, face drawcord, insulated zipper flap.
I just got back from a trip yesterday to the Ozarks in arkansas and the only thing I feel I really need is a foldout wood cutting saw, like this one http://www.rei.com/product/404013/sven-folding-saw-21.
I've got a big agnes sleeping pad and I'm really happy with it. It does take a bit more air to inflate than a thremarest, but you'll sleep much better. You don't need to inflate it all the way up for it to work the best. I fill mine up about 3/4 the way, lay on it and release some air til its the most comfy and my butt isn't touching the ground. And the best part is that it folds up to the size of a nalgene bottle.
http://www.rei.com/product/760605/jetboil-group-cooking-system
Thats the jetboil I've got. It boils water very quickly. There are a few qwerks with it though. The lid can be difficult to get on, but its tight once its on. I think most of the reviews are of people who don't get the lid on all the way and they complain about the lid not being tight enough. Also, you may need a windscreen if you can't find natural wind protection, rocks, big logs, whatever. I've used my mountain house bags once as a windscreen.
As for boots, I've got a pair of la sportiva halite gtx. I've never had a single blister from them, they are comfortable to wear, easy to put on, waterproof and lightweight.
Sleeping bag I've got is from mountain equipment co-op in canada, its a hybrid bag with synthetic and down filling. The synthetic layer is on the outside and down on the inside. When I bought it a few years ago, it was only $135 for the long version. Its a great bag I'd say with all the features of the really expensive ones, storage pocket, neck drawcord, face drawcord, insulated zipper flap.
I just got back from a trip yesterday to the Ozarks in arkansas and the only thing I feel I really need is a foldout wood cutting saw, like this one http://www.rei.com/product/404013/sven-folding-saw-21.
honestly anything you buy from REI is going to be good. everything they have is quality. I'm always satisfied.
I like the Deuter pack more just because I find that I stay cooler in it. I also hear gregory packs are the most comfy for long distance, but I have never used one, but if I had the money I would buy one of those too.
as for the head lamp, I just like it. it runs off triple a batteries, and is super bright.
Really the best thing to do is go to REI and they will load up all the packs you like an let you try them walking around the store. Find the one that is right for your body type.
If you don't have one near you ordering online is safe because they have great customer service.
Kirby
Member
Hey zenoonez,
What is your goal with the AT? If you are serious about extended backpacking trips or a possible thru-hike, then the company Gossamer Gear will steer you in the right direction. My pack, tent, trekking poles, sleeping pad, and stove set-up were all bought from Gossamer (so obviously I highly recommend them!). With the above gear, a sleeping bag, jacket, extra socks, raingear, windgear, mug, first aid, fuel, water (typically 1-3 liters at a time), and food (1.25 lbs per day) my pack may weigh anywhere from 15-25 lbs (usually on the lower side) depending on the situation. I have done many extended backpacking trips, mostly in the Grand Canyon and California but have been planning a thru-hike of, potentially, the Colorado Trail or possibly a large chunks of the PCT (Pacific Crest Trail), ICDT (Inter-Continental Drift Trail), or AT.
Also, don't pass on trekking poles or good boots. Carrying 25-50lbs in your pack may be comfortable to you, but not to your knees or feet. Learn to use trekking poles even if it means you go cheap and buy ski poles (or use a stick for that matter). Your knees are going to get beat up out there, so take care of them as best you can by helping them out with trekking poles (or the next best alternative). As for feet, well; Asolo, Zamberlan, Scarpa, Danner, Lowa and Aku are top quality. I suggest Montrail or Vasque if you're looking for a cheap, high quality boot.
Kirby
Member
You don't need a fancy headlamp. A $10 Princeton does the trick. As for self-inflating pads, well it's an opinion of what is comfort to you. I can sleep fine on a foam pad, meanwhile others find it very uncomfortable and hard to sleep on. Therm-a-rest is the obvious choice if you are looking for a quality self-inflatable. And punctures are relatively common, but easy to fix. Carry a patch kit and you are golden.
Kirby
Member
I take it the trail corridor got a little tight out there?
Thanks for the advice Kirby. A small group of friends and I are planning a through hike of the AT and maybe tackling the ICDT in a few years when we again have the time and money. I would love to hear any other tidbits from yourself or Zepplin on what to choose as far as specific brands, value, top quality, etc and also on materials, I know cotton is a no no for obvious reasons but I am definitely going to need some quality socks and undergarments. I know I am going to see if I can pick up some more of those pants with the zip off legs and I know they make ones with zip out liners for hot cold shifts too. I already have a couple of pairs but they are fairly old and have been through some things already which makes me think they are on their last legs and wouldn't provide the protection I am going to need. Another thing I have thought of being a problem is bugs. I know mosquitoes can transition a wonderful hike to a terrible night, been there done that, thanks barrier islands.
Edit: Woot woot for my 2000th post!
Edit: Woot woot for my 2000th post!
For insect repellant, I use and recommend the lemon eucalyptus stuff. Most sporting good stores have it. Backpacker magazine did a test of several different repellants and this one worked good for 4-6 hours. Others worked longer, but they had DEET.(poison)
You really ought to consider that sven saw, I'll be getting one for my next trip for sure. 3" to 4" logs burn so much longer than 2" to 3" sticks.
Another thing I found somewhere, I'll have to find it again, is a stove that uses wood instead of propane. For a trip that long, it would take many propane bottles. (that you would have to carry)
I found it, its called the bushbuddy. http://www.bushbuddy.ca/indexs.html
You really ought to consider that sven saw, I'll be getting one for my next trip for sure. 3" to 4" logs burn so much longer than 2" to 3" sticks.
Another thing I found somewhere, I'll have to find it again, is a stove that uses wood instead of propane. For a trip that long, it would take many propane bottles. (that you would have to carry)
I found it, its called the bushbuddy. http://www.bushbuddy.ca/indexs.html
ijim
Member
I had a serious coke problem in the late 70s. I hit the trail at Harper's Ferry WV. Went to Main. Walked to Stone Mountain. Turned around and walked back to Main. Turned around and walked to south Florida. 16 months all together counting time to work on farms and stores so I could restock and keep going. Feet have been mentioned. Forget all the fancy gadgets you will want to toss them after a few days to save weight and make room for basics. A hot cup of coffee is great for shaking off the morning dew. I used brown sugar as a sweetener we didn't have the strong low cal sweeteners of today. Plus I could make syrup with it for pancakes. A good poncho rocks. It will keep you and your pack fairly dry plus hold in heat. A roll of nylon rope can be magical. You will sleep much better with a closed cell foam bedroll. There are many well kept places to camp and sleep but a rock or twig will find you. A one man survival tent rolls up nice and small. Is light and can hold two people. And bags to carry your trash until you get to the next dumpster. And you can use your poncho as ground cover or a rain fly. Check the local fire regulations in the areas you will be camping in before you leave. If there are restrictions because of weather patterns you could find yourself paying a hefty fine for you camp fire. Make sure your radio has a AM band. You will get far more stations on AM with local weather. Nice to know if a storm is coming. You will be able to carry twice the toilet paper if you take the cardboard tube out of the roll and flatten them. Not good if you run out and use poison ivy or oak as a replacement. And there is a lot of it around camping areas. A Sativa for the AM and an Indica for PM is sweet. The lighter you leave home the happier you will be when you get back. Happy trucking.
one thing that is light and good to carry is two ace bandages in your med kit, for your knees and ankles. it makes a huge difference to have some knee support some days, or if you have to walk with a minor twist or sprang, which are the most common injuries. also an emergency whistle is great for the thick woods.
Injuries happen when you are tired usually, so when exhausted take your time.
If you get lost stay put. call out, use your whistle. when people are lost they tend to walk fast and not pay attention and get more lost. always check your compass if walking off trail to poop or something. slight elevation changes in what appears to be flat or level is usually not. it will make you walk in a slight curve and change your direction. stay on track with your compass. build rock cairns if you can.
Injuries happen when you are tired usually, so when exhausted take your time.
If you get lost stay put. call out, use your whistle. when people are lost they tend to walk fast and not pay attention and get more lost. always check your compass if walking off trail to poop or something. slight elevation changes in what appears to be flat or level is usually not. it will make you walk in a slight curve and change your direction. stay on track with your compass. build rock cairns if you can.
Kirby
Member
Sure. Trails are a passion of mine. I will gladly offer any advice I have to anyone pursuing the AT. But be wary as I am very opinionated when it comes to gear. Fair warning! Also there are some good websites out there on the subject. One is particular is a forum run by those in the 'AT club'. A Google search should lead you there. While on Google, go ahead and search 'ultralight backpacking' and 'thru hiker gear list'. As for suggestions on brands, there is a lot to talk about so I'll start with basic gear;
Backpacks; use trailspace.com for reviews on backpacks. Ebay is a great resource for used gear. If you buy used, Dana Design is what you look for first. Dana Design packs are all over 10 years old, but they still are still one of the best backpacks out there. Aside from that, when it comes to backpacks then I suggest you begin thinking more in terms of weight than style, internal space, or features on the pack. So while a well-established brand like Osprey, Deuter, Gregory, or Arc'Teryx may offer the most technical features on internal frame backpacks, they usually also going to weigh you down. Say, probably anywhere from 3-8lbs for a 50+ liter pack. Conversely, a frameless minimalist-style pack such as those made by GoLite, Gossamer Gear, or Six Moon Designs weigh typically under 2 lbs and are considerably cheaper (75-175).
Shelter; Tarp tents are a good move. A lot of thru-hikers now-a-days pitch a tarp and prop it with trekking poles. GoLite makes a super-lightweight (1.5 lb) and affordable ($150) one-person tent which I've seen a few thru-hikers carry. One poster here recommended the MSR Half Dome II. Good tent but I don't recommend it for a thru-hike. I owned it (as well as the original model) and several co-workers currently own it. However, I returned mine after seeing several of them, properly set up and all, get thrashed by high winds in the backcountry. With tents it really depends on your budget; if you got 200-500 to spend then you have a lot of good tents to choose from. Just keep that weight in mind. 6lbs is heavy while 3lbs is ideal. However if you are limited to less than 200 for a tent then you may have to choose very carefully. Also if you're doing it with friends then you can buddy up in a tent and then split the weight of the tent between the two of you. And I cannot speak for backpacking hammocks as I've never used them. GoLite, Granite Gear, Integral Designs, MSR, Terra Nova, Hilleberg, Montbell, Bibler and Gossamer Gear and all high quality. Eureka!, ALPS Mountaineering, Kelty, GoLite, REI, and Mountain Hardware are all quality and affordable.
Sleeping pads; Thermarest, REI. You can save weight by going with the 3/4 pads but by doing that your feet lay more exposed to weather. Thermarest makes a good foam pad called the Z-lite. Cheap and worth looking into.
Sleeping bags; Marmot, Western Mountaineering, Mountain Hardware, REI, Kelty. But again another question of budget. Ideally you'd go for a down sleeping bag rated to 0 to 15 degrees. Nothing wrong with going synthetic; more loft only means less space in your bag. Beware of weight, too. Those cheap 0 degree synthetic bags can weigh up to 7 lbs.
Footwear and trekking poles already covered. Stoves; MSR, Jetboil, Primus, plus the always reliable DIY stove (super efficient alcohol stove if built properly). A poster mentioned the Bushwacker. Great stove in that it's fuel source is locally harvested material but not practical for thru-hiking because of heavy rain. A week straight of rain is no uncommon when hiking the AT.
Alright, that about wraps it up for the basics. What do you have you in-mind for essentials (first aid, water purification, bug net etc)?
For First Aid we were going to piece together a kit of disinfectants, ace bandages, a tourniquet a splint kit, some gauze, some basics like excedrine, asprin, something for upset stomach, etc. just very basic. This was the purifier I was thinking of getting but again I have never used a purifier so I don't know what to look for in a good one. http://www.rei.com/product/671111/msr-sweetwater-water-purifier-system
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I've been really looking into this ultralight backpacking the last few days or so. Its very interesting to me, say for instance, that with the right purchases I could have a pack, bag, pad and tent that weighs as much as my current pack alone.
Focusing on the weight of every item you plan to buy can literally cut nearly 2/3's off of your backpack total weight.
And how much further could you hike per day with a 25-30 lb backpack vs a 55-60 lb backpack? I would say 8-10 miles.
Check out Hikelight (dot) com, he also has a youtube channel with some killer info.
I am, however, disgruntled that I will be buying all new gear in the near future for my gf and myself. There goes $2000.
One item that I keep finding out I will probably never give up is my Kelty Gunisson 2.1 tent. It can't be beat for interior space, vestibule area, per person weight, freestanding capabilities and the price is the best part. If your hiking with a partner, this is the tent to have, I think.
Another thing I've been looking into are minimalist shoes. Not the 5 fingered gorilla shoes, but the merrell trail glove and la sportiva crosslite gtx. I already have the crosslite, and they are so light and glovelike, its amazing and the treads are like dirt bike tires.
Think about how many times you lift your foot over the course of a 20 mile day. With my Halite GTX's, I would lift a total weight of 69,709 lbs in one day, whereas if I were hiking with my crosslites it would only be 33,578 lbs.
Those crosslites are the lightest shoe I have seen for trail running.
Focusing on the weight of every item you plan to buy can literally cut nearly 2/3's off of your backpack total weight.
And how much further could you hike per day with a 25-30 lb backpack vs a 55-60 lb backpack? I would say 8-10 miles.
Check out Hikelight (dot) com, he also has a youtube channel with some killer info.
I am, however, disgruntled that I will be buying all new gear in the near future for my gf and myself. There goes $2000.
One item that I keep finding out I will probably never give up is my Kelty Gunisson 2.1 tent. It can't be beat for interior space, vestibule area, per person weight, freestanding capabilities and the price is the best part. If your hiking with a partner, this is the tent to have, I think.
Another thing I've been looking into are minimalist shoes. Not the 5 fingered gorilla shoes, but the merrell trail glove and la sportiva crosslite gtx. I already have the crosslite, and they are so light and glovelike, its amazing and the treads are like dirt bike tires.
Think about how many times you lift your foot over the course of a 20 mile day. With my Halite GTX's, I would lift a total weight of 69,709 lbs in one day, whereas if I were hiking with my crosslites it would only be 33,578 lbs.
Those crosslites are the lightest shoe I have seen for trail running.
http://www.amazon.com/Expedition-Asym-Hennessy-Hammocks-Green/dp/accessories/B000LS0UY2
check out this back packing hammock. there is lots of trees so you can always use it, and if not the you still have the top tarp.
http://www.tothewoods.net/
http://www.tothewoods.net/HammockCamping.html this one is a whole instruction manual to it with great links
here is a blog about hammock camping
check out this back packing hammock. there is lots of trees so you can always use it, and if not the you still have the top tarp.
http://www.tothewoods.net/
http://www.tothewoods.net/HammockCamping.html this one is a whole instruction manual to it with great links
here is a blog about hammock camping
