Equipment

On a thru hike, achieving the proper balance of weight, comfort and function is key to a successful and enjoyable hike.

I did a ton of web research along with talking to past thru hikers to get insights on the best equipment. Also erred toward things we could try out, touch and feel vs. buying blind over the web. In the end, struck a good balance of light weight, good function, reasonable budget and providing all we will need to during the trek.

This is my kit spread out before final packing.

While we already had plenty of equipment, it turns out what works for a week in Yosemite is not always the best for five months on the AT. So it was off to REI (and the web) to upgrade our kit. The goal was to achieve a base weight around 20 pounds while not breaking the bank. Here is the equipment list we selected:

Backpack - Osprey Atmos (heavier than some alternatives but fit extremely well and durable)

Sleeping Bag - REI Igneo 25 - a light down bag warm enough for this spring/summer run

Tent - REI Quarter Dome 1 - a free standing one person tent that is easy to set up and relatively light (thought about using a hammock but with bugs being etc. decided tent was a better option)

Sleeping Pad - Klymit 5 - A good budget pad, a little heavier than I prefer but comfortable and durable.

Stove - MSR Pocket Rocket 2 and/or

Water Filter - MSR Trailshot

Base Layer - Merlino Wool Mid weight from REI

Rain Gear - Marmot PreCip and Rain Pants

Warm Jacket - REI Down Puffy Coat

Camp Shoes - Crocs Swift Water Wave Sandal

Food Storage - With the increased bear activity along much of the AT, we went with a kevlar Bear Bag. Lighter than a full bear canister while still providing adequate protection from bears and other little critters trying to steal our food :).

Socks - Went with FITS merino wool trail socks. They are COMFY.

Hiking Clothes - REI Pants and Dry Wick shirts (all treated with permethrin)

Solar Charger -Suntactics Scharger 5

Headlamp - Black Diamond

Cook set - Snow Peak Titanium Mini Solo - a versatile and durable kit at just 5 ounces

Adding a cell phone, first aid kit and other personal items yields a base weight at just over 20 pounds. Water, food and fuel will range from a low of 5 pounds to a high of 15 pounds giving a hiking weight range of 25-35 pounds during the hike. Not ultra lite, but not bad (he says after only taking practice hikes :) Will revisit after we are done with a shake down list, review or our equipment choices and commentary on weight).

#hikinggear #hiking #OspeyAtmos #REI #Klymit #BlackDiamond #AppalachianTrail