What I’m keeping and what I’m ditching from my starting gear on the Appalachian Trail. I’m in Tennessee and I’m replacing almost half of my gear.
I've made a lot of adjustments to my gear since I've been out here. Because I didn't do a lot of testing or shakedown hikes I've done a lot of gear sorting out here on the trail. I've had problems with my sleeping pad, my pack, my sleeping bag liner, amongst other things. Here's a video I made, and the list version is below!
So here it is, the revised edition:
Tent
I got rid of my BA tent and got a Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo. This is a Sil-Nylon tarp tent. I like it so far! Super quick and easy to set up and take down, less condensation, more room, and (BONUS!) it's half the weight!
In
- Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo
Out
Big Agnes Copper Spur UL 1Big Agness Copper Spur UL1 Footprint
Sleeping Bag
I switched out my quilt for a 0* synthetic mummy bag that I borrowed from Michelin during the Smokies. I got my quilt back in Hot Springs. I like it for the most part, but if I could do this again I would get a warmer mummy bag (10*) and a lighter quilt for summer (30-40*).
In
- Enlightened Equipment Revelation
- Granite Gear 16L Compression Stuff Sack
Out
0ºF Mummy Bag
Sleeping Pad
I got rid of my Klymit pad in Hiawassee and got the 'insulated' version. The insulated version wasn't warm enough. After that I got a Big Agnes Q-Core Ultra Insulated pad but that also didn't keep me warm, despite the fact that t was more comfortable. I now have a Therm-A-Rest Neoair XTherm. It's the warmest inflatable sleeping pad on the market and is currently on sale on Amazon if you're interested!
In
- Therm-A-Rest NeoAir XTherm MAX
Out
Klymit PadBig Agnes Q-Core UltraArich Outdoor Foam Pad
Clothing
I got rid of my base layer too after the smokies. I wore it at night but that's it. I had both a midweight and lightweight top.
The lightweight one gave me a rash so I Hiker Boxed it. I am now carrying a pair of lightweight Under Armour jogger pants, my semi synthetic T-shirt, a fleece quarter zip from EMS, and my midweight baselayer bottoms for sleeping.
In
- EMS Techwick Midweight Baselayer Bottoms
- Semi-Synthetic T-Shirt
Out
EMS Techwick Lightweight Baselayer TopHeavy Weight Wool 'Lifestyle' Socks (unsure of brand)
Cooking Gear
I got rid of my Olicamp pot when I accidentally burned Cous Cous in it before Franklin. It made the anodized coating peel, rendering it useless. Since then I've picked up a much cheaper, more durable, and heavier pot at Walmart manufactured by Stanley. I'm hoping to replace it with a titanium pot eventually. I got rid of my C-Cup because I didn't really like it for the weight.
I got rid of my Ursack in Gatlinburg because it froze shut so many times. It was also pretty heavy.
In
- MSR Pocket Rocket
- Bic Mini
- 4-8fl/oz. IsoPro
- Sea to Summit Alpha Light Long Handle Spork
- Pampered Chef Pot Scraper
- 50 Ft Reflective Chord
Out
Olicamp LTSea to Summit X CupUrsack
Water Filter
I love my water set up. It's nearly infallible. It's not heavy. The Vecto can sometimes have a bit of a plastic taste in the beginning but it goes away. I love my knife, too!!
- CNOC Vecto 2L Dirty Water Bag
- Sawyer Squeeze
- Smart Water Bottle
- Spyderco Tenacious
Backpack
This pack was a bit heavy and once I lost weight the hip belt didn't get small enough. So I ended up with cuts and bruises and extra hip pain from the improper fitting hip belt. It also doesn't ventilate well on the back. I replaced it with an Osprey Eja 58.
In
- Osprey Eja 58
Out
Gregory Maven 55
Trekking Poles
I love the handles on these poles and they're not very heavy. The straps are very strong and I don't see them wearing out the way the newer Leki poles do. I will say I hate these locks.
They're plastic and they're not quite strong enough. I've had to tighten them at every town (every 50-80 miles). The bottom section is constantly slipping during the day. It's annoying.
- REI Co-Op Traverse Power Lock Cork Women's Trekking Poles
Clothing
I actually brought an Under Armour bra from the beginning and apparently forgot to change it. I forgot my River Shorts when we left for GA. I actually usually just wear my spandex Nike shorts by themselves. I never wore the vest so I sent it home. That down jacket would never dry fast enough so I picked up a MontBell synthetic jacket at Mountain Crossings (I LOVE THIS JACKET. Dries within an hour every time and just as warm). I sent home the rain pants, never used them.
In
- Nike Miler
- EMS Women's Compass Slim Pants
- "Nike Pro Women's 8"" Compression Short"
- EMS Women's Techwick Hipkini
- Mountain Hardwear Ozonic Stretch Jacket
- Prana Nari Dress
- Synthetic hat with DriFit liner (made by my mom)
- Buff
Out
Nike Indy BraEMS Women's River ShortEddie Bauer Women's Ignitelite Hybrid VestEMS Women's Feather Pack DownTek JacketEMS Women's Thunderhead Full Zip Rain PantsSmartwool NTS 150 Merino Hooded TopSmartwool NTS 150 Merino Bottoms
Accessories
I Hiker boxed my umbrella in Fontana in favor of a Muscle Roller. I lost my Smartwool top on the approach trail (I know I was mad at myself too...). I tore up my Smartwool bottoms in my first week because I fall a lot. My big net I left at home but I'll get it eventually. My hat is awesome!! I love it!! (Thanks Mom!)
Gossamer Gear Liteflex Hiking (Chrome) UmbrellaBug Net
Footwear
I switched to a pair of La Sportiva Ultra Raptors in Franklin, I love them! I never use Gaiters. I might regret not having them later but I haven't yet. They're also not as easy to use with my La Sportivas. The Fox River socks gave me heat spots. I tried out Injinji toe liner socks but they gave me more blisters.
I'm now using Swiftwick running socks as liners. I love them right now, we shall see how they go as it gets hotter. These Smartwool socks I got a good deal on but I was not impressed with their quality. I already have a few holes in them and my toe nails have been kept short. I'm considering investing in some Darn Toughs.
In
- Crocs Karen
- Smartwool Women's Light Mid Crew Socks
- Swiftwick Running Socks Liners
- La Sportiva Ultra Raptors
Out
Fox River Wick Dry Alturas Ultra-Lightweight Liner SocksDirty Girl GaitersAltra Women's TimpInjinji Socks
Electronics
I love my Anker battery. My iPhone is great is great, as usual, although I do wish it had a better camera. I sent my kindle home and regretted it for a while until I realized I could use my phone and not drain my battery... those headphones are awesome. My Lifeproof case works great but does get condensation from time to time...
In
- Anker Astro E1
- Black Diamond Cosmo Headlamp
- iPhone 6s
- Spot
- Yurbuds Inspire Sport (women's)
- Life Proof Case
Out
Kindle
Toiletries
I added some vitamins and switched some stuff around. I got soap sheets instead of liquid soap. But overall the toiletries stayed the same.
In
- Travel Toothbrush
- Floss
- Toilet Paper
- Always Radiant Infinity / Playtext Sport
- Old Nike T-Shirt cut up
- Bandana
- PackTowl Nano
- Timex Women’s Ironman Sport
- Old Haircut Kit Comb
- Deuce of Spades (in case of snow)
- BodyGlide
- Granite Gear Air Pocket L
- Duck Tape
- Band Aids
- Vitamin I (aka Ibuprofen)
- LeukoTape
- Electrolyte Supplement Pills
Out
Straw, matches, cotton ball, striker, sealedDr. Bronner'sBenzoin TinctureGold Bond Ultimate Travel Size (transferring to plastic baggie)
I'm sure I'll pick up some stuff and get rid of some stuff along the way bu this is mostly what I expect to be carrying. I'll weigh in again in Damascus. I've gone from 40lbs to 55lbs to 38lbs, hopefully I'll get it down even more!
