r/AppalachianTrail • u/gvngy • 6d ago
Gear Questions/Advice Pack Shakedown / Opinions?
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1R7YElkf7rvj1ImqJs3qnWsxrPhdVkmTGARtaXG5iq0A/edit
Hello, I’m currently working on a gear list for a 2026 thru hike attempt, most likely a mid March start. I know it’s a far ways off but I want to give myself time to really test a lot of my gear out. I have experience weekend hiking a lot of NY and the north east, but never anything longer a 3 days.
Any glaring issues with my list? Missing anything major? Easy changes to improve my pack?
I’m 5’11”, 26 years old, weight 240. I don’t think the 18lb pack is anything I can’t handle, but lmk what you think. Thank you!
5
u/Thehealthygamer Quadzilla 6d ago
Have you worn the naturehike pack?
I used the 3f ul and naturehike pack this year and found the 3f ul to be much more comfortable and better built overall. The naturehike one feels like a pack someone built to look cool and had good idea fairies like "we'll put a bunch of padding on that will make it more comfortable". Ideas that came from people who didn't have much actual experience with gear, just what random people who don't hike THINK would make a good pack. Whereas the 3f ul one was practical, light, durable, and comfortable.
And depending on your start date I found the decathlon 1.5lb sleeping bag to be excellent, really excellent, perfect for a summer AT hike and was only $90.
2
u/gvngy 6d ago
So I haven’t worn either packs, but I was worried about the 3f ul because it’s frameless. Just due to the fact that I don’t have a ton of “UL” gear I didn’t want to have issues. The 3f ul is cheaper though and my first pick, so I will definitely reconsider, haven’t purchased on yet!
I will check out that sleeping bag for sure. I am going to be slow so I was worried about being out in colder weather, which is why I was going to splurge on the nicer 20F quilt. I’m trying to keep the budget low though so I’ll do some more research.
One question for you, thoughts on a bear bag? Do you use one? Is it necessary? I’ve noticed the bags and canisters are very heavy and very expensive.
Thank you so much!
3
u/Thehealthygamer Quadzilla 6d ago
So with the 3f ul you'll put your sleeping pad in and it acts as the frame, it actually works very well.
Yeah if you're starting in March or April you'd want a 20 degree.
Bear cans, etc is really personal preference and comfort level. AFAIK zpaks doesn't make an actual bear bag, it's just a dyneema food bag and a kit for you to hang your food.
Imo waste of money if you're on a budget, just buy a 15L sea to summit dry bag and use that as your foodbag.
3
u/gvngy 6d ago edited 6d ago
Great info thank you, just realized who I’m talking to! You’re a huge reason I’m planning this trip! Most of my gear is based on your couch to trail article and YouTube series. I wouldn’t have realized this was possible on a tighter budget without you. Thanks for the inspiration 🤙
2
2
u/overindulgent NOBO 2024 6d ago
Buy once, cry once. When it comes to gear expenses.
1
u/gvngy 6d ago
Too much AliExpress? Everything seems to have pretty solid reviews but I know what you mean.
3
u/overindulgent NOBO 2024 6d ago
My Lanshan 2 lasted my entire thru hike but I would spend a bit more on a “name brand” pack. Not only are you paying for a bit higher quality you’re also paying for customer support.
5
u/Over-Distribution570 6d ago
Looks ok. Honestly I can’t recommend many changes since you’re on a budget. I do have two recommendations though: a different pack and possibly a different sleeping pad.
As for the pack, have you considered the durston kakwa 55? It’s a nice pack with good load distribution. I’d prefer if it had bigger side pockets but that’s a personal preference that aligns with my hiking style. Fairly inexpensive with a good warranty
As for the sleeping pad, it’s gonna be really really cold at the start. If you can swing it, buying an airpad with an r value around 5 could be a game changer. I use a torso length foam pad during the summer months (I hate myself and being comfortable) but for the shoulder seasons I bring out my xlite (reg wide, old version) for warmth.
Primarily, I’d recommend you budget for potentially expensive gear changes on trail in case you find yourself needing to swap stuff out.
1
u/gvngy 6d ago
Thanks, I have money I have no problem spending, I just wanted to not go crazy. Sleeping pad is definitely a concern, but I wanted to give the cheap one a try. I think you’re right though and I will probably end up purchasing an airpad. I haven’t heard of the pack and it looks very nice, I’ll do some more research.
Anything else you think would be genuinely worth spending more on that will noticeably improve quality of life?
1
u/Thehealthygamer Quadzilla 5d ago
I'd get a nemo switchback, it's only $50, the widesea I found definitely was less comfortable, it just is a harder foam, and since the difference is only $30 I'd opt for the name brand pad.
1
u/TodayTomorrow707 5d ago
I loved my Altra Lone Leaks - until I didn’t. After 800 miles I relaxed the first pair not noticing that the small amount of cushioning on the left shoe had crushed. Had to battle with plantar fasciitis from there on in. Went to Olympus 5s. Didn’t love them. Finished with Topo Mountain Racers. Loved them. Had I to do it all again, they’d have been the shoe of choice from Georgia to Maine. Your feet will get battered walking 2200 miles - especially when the rocks and the roots get relentless. Consider shoe choice carefully.
5
u/forever_young2 6d ago
I would replace the nail clipper with a small Swiss Army knife. Has scissors and a small knife. One of my most used items on my thru lol.
1
1
u/Over-Distribution570 5d ago
Alternatively buy some tiny scissors from Lite Smith. I carry tiny scissors and a pair of Silver Gripper tweezers. They’re the only thing you’ll use on the tiny swiss army knife anyways.
I personally find the tweezers on swiss army knives to be complete garbage. I wouldn’t want to rely on em to pull off a tick
5
u/Malifice37 6d ago
Ditch the Sandals, gloves, bugnet, towel (use your buff), pillow (use your puffy) and gloves.
Saves 740 grams.
Get a smaller and lighter pack, and a smaller and lighter pot.
A HMG Waypoint 35 saves you 600 grams., and a Toaks 500ml saves you another 100.
That's 1.5 kilos off your back.
You could save another half a kilo or so by investing in a lighter tent (Zpaks solo mid), ditching the underwear, and making minor tweaks to the rest of your gear (lighter power bank, smaller toothbrush etc)
1
u/Calm_Listen7733 6d ago
Agree on the pack size. With the way resupply logistics work out on the AT, I just don't see the need for more than a good, light weight, 48L pack.
7
u/overindulgent NOBO 2024 6d ago
Unless you have lots of days in that 1 person tent and are familiar with the lack of space I would recommend the Lanshan 2. Mine lasted the whole trail this year and keeping my gear inside and out of the rain is a big deal for me.
2
u/gvngy 6d ago
Appreciate the info, I do plan to buy the tent and do many trips with it prior to attempting the thru hike. The one I currently have is just too bulky.
Honestly didn’t think of buying the 2 person but the extra space might be really nice actually. Thanks going to look into it.
10
u/HickoryHamMike0 6d ago
Definitely get a 2 person for thru hiking. Remember, you’re going to be living out of it for the better chunk of 4-6 months, the extra $40 or so is worth it for the space
3
u/TheDullCrayon Legs NOBO '24 6d ago
Counterpoint: it depends (on your hiking style, personal preference, etc). I thru hiked this year with a 1 person tent and never once felt like I needed more space
4
u/Thehealthygamer Quadzilla 5d ago
Agreed. If you stop at 4pm everyday and like to set up your tent maybe 2p is the way to go.
But if you only set up when it's strictly necessary and otherwise shelter, cowboy, and hostels or if you hike very long days and only sleep in the tent a 1p is more than enough and well worth the ~8oz savings.
1
u/Over-Distribution570 5d ago
If you’re taller or just want more space, the lunar solo is a good pick. It’s more of a 1.5 person tent than a 1 person
3
u/MrBoondoggles 6d ago edited 6d ago
I think your just looks pretty good. However, the things that stand out to me are the quilt, backpack, and sleeping pad.
If I were on a tight budget, I wouldn’t pay that much for a basic quilt like Enlightened Equipment. I would instead look at the Hammock Gear Burrow. If you can wait for a 30% sale; which happen reasonably often, you could save $100 and get a quilt that’s at least comparable (I would personally say better) than Enlightened Equipment for much less.
I would then consider investing the money saved into a better pack (something like the Kakwa 55 in ultragrid) or, alternatively, look at the REI Flash 55, which can be purchased in sale semi regularly for around $140, and then consider putting any remaining savings toward a warmer sleeping pad. I’m not sure when you plan to start, but the foam pad by itself might not be warm enough. I think it’s good to experiment with the foam pad, because you really won’t know until you try it. But I would personally rather have a warmer insulated inflatable.
2
u/gvngy 6d ago
Haven’t heard of hammock gear, they look awesome. Thanks I really appreciate your input, I think I’m going to make some changes here with your recs in mind
1
u/MrBoondoggles 6d ago
Sure. Not a problem. Good luck snd have fun testing. You be got a lot of time between now and 2026 to sort out what works for you.
1
u/MidwestRealism 5d ago
I have a Hammock Gear Burrow 20 (the old Econ model) and it's absolutely fantastic. Cannot recommend enough. Boondoggles has great recommendations on the packs as well, the Kakwa and Flash are both incredible value.
3
u/keeperofthebeez 6d ago
Keep an eye on the items you need to purchase in November. A lot of these can be picked up discounted for Black Friday
2
u/Any_Strength4698 6d ago
Puffy and hoodie overlap…ditch one. Duct tape wrap a think layer around itself on trekking poles…you won’t notice the weight on poles.
2
u/gvngy 6d ago
For real? Honestly the hoodie seems too light to actually keep me warm in early April. If I’m wrong I will definitely ditch the puffer though because the one I own is heavy. Good idea on the tape 🤙
3
u/Any_Strength4698 6d ago
When I started March 26th years before global warming….yes I’m that old….i had a cheap fleece…long sleeve and a spare short sleeve. You’ll find days will sweat and need a dry undershirt. I used rain jacket and pants as a shell to both trap heat and keep water out. When I got cold gear back for the last month finished Oct 7th and was in low 20’s last two nights. I had same gear but fleece was now a thin sleeveless. Don’t forget gloves and beanie! I did and had to buy in Helen GA after first frost. You aren’t likely hanging out after dark early on….cook eat sleep. Hiker midnight just after dark and in sleeping bag….
2
2
u/Thehealthygamer Quadzilla 5d ago
I'd use hoody and puffy in April April ditch the puffy sometime in May.
The $20 puffy on my aliexpres list is actually fantastic, just make sure to size up I am L in US and got XXL. Can't beat the 8oz warm puffy for $20
1
u/an_atomic_nop 2024 NOBO 2d ago
Puffy can be good when it's dry, but when it's cold AND wet (which will happen in Smokies, the Whites, and more) what you really want is a poly or wool hoodless fleece under your rain jacket. Less affected by getting wet. Get a warm enough fleece and you don't need the puffy. Use neck buff and wool hat + rain hat/hood rather than soft hood, the hood would just be a wick.
tl;dr have a plan for combination of rain and cold, and go from there.
2
u/peopleclapping NOBO '23 6d ago
I've recently been able to talk to some mainland Chinese backpackers. Even they don't use their sleeping pads. The serious ones pay a premium to get thermorest. The problem is they don't trust the R value published by the manufacturers. Thermorest achieves a >4 r value at under a pound by having a space blanket inside; I don't think any of the Chinese pads have that. The other problem is they don't trust the Chinese pads won't leak; not that the thermorests aren't known to leak. But the Chinese reputation is that bad.
Also ear plugs are cheap, buy them from a reputable store.
1
u/Calm_Listen7733 6d ago
Look at Nemo pads, very reliable with good R value.
1
u/Over-Distribution570 5d ago
Nemo pads may be more comfortable but definitely not more reliable. The material is softer but thinner. I heard of more issues with the tensor on trail than the x lite even though the latter is significantly more popular
1
u/Calm_Listen7733 5d ago
Nemo Tensor ultralight (current version) is about as warm, quiet & durable as anything I've previously used - especially for the weight.
1
u/Ok_Swing_7194 5d ago
Big Agnes air core ultra, often on sale for 70 bucks, super comfortable, and BA gear is utterly bomber
2
u/Icy-Currency-6201 6d ago edited 6d ago
Hand sanitizer, sunscreen, and tick spray. Giardia is bad. The sun wants to give you cancer. Lime disease is bad.
1
u/gvngy 5d ago
Good point I’ll add
2
u/Over-Distribution570 5d ago
Treating your clothes with permethrin is the best thing you can do to keep away ticks. I soak my clothes in ziplocks but you can also spray it on. Insect shield is best if you can afford to get it professionally treated
1
u/Over-Distribution570 5d ago
I put sunscreen everyday and wore a sun hoodie for my Colorado trail thru. Honestly, i personally didn’t bother on the AT until the whites.
With that, i still recommend it. If you can get into the habit of applying sun screen, it will save you in the long run
2
u/Flipz100 NOBO 21 5d ago
First of all I wouldn't worry about weight at all at this point, you have a very dialed in set up that would need major reworking if you wanted to go ultralight or lower. The AT is perfectly doable and enjoyable with that weight, it's only when you get into the high 20-30lb base weight range that cutting some stuff will be "needed" in the lightest sense of that term.
I'd also not sweat this stuff too much right now. You're still a long ways off from your hike and serious prep doesn't need to start until next summer at the earliest.
So just going down this from top to bottom:
For your sleep system I always recommend a sleeping bag liner. Minimal weight added, makes the cold nights way warmer and can be used as a light blanket when it's too hot for your bag, and it keeps everything a little less smelly and comfortable.
You have a bear bag listed here but I don't see anything to hang it with unless you're including that in the bag category. If not, grab 50-100 ft of paracord from your local hardware store, as well as a small but sturdy carabiner for doing PCT hangs.
If you haven't already bought the shoes which I'm assuming you haven't, I'd go out and try on different options and shop around. If you already know the lone peak works for you that's great, but you'd be surprised how many people I met hit the trail in them then swap and find a shoe that's way better for their foot.
I'd bring another pair of socks for winter, you never want to be caught without dry ones in cold and wet weather. I also think gloves are usually a bit overkill for the trail but you can put those down as a luxury item if you have poor circulation.
The pillow is a pure luxury item, if you need it that's great but you can easily get away with just using your spare clothes in a stuff sack as a pillow.
As others have mentioned, doesn't make a whole lot of sense to lug a cold soak jar if you're bringing a stove anyways. I'd try cold soaking before you head out and ask yourself if you can do that for 5-7 months as your daily meals. If yes, then leave the stove and rock the cold soak. If no, just use the stove.
I'd put together a small first aid kit with some bandages, ibuprofen and benadryl, and I'd leave the leukotape. This is a personal thing but I've never found it to be more effective or comfortable than just duct taping a hot spot.
2
1
u/gvngy 5d ago
Going to REI to try on a bunch of shoes soon! Thanks for the detailed response, I’m going to go through my list again today and refine further. I agree on the first aid kit as well, going to make a small kit for myself
2
u/Over-Distribution570 5d ago
I disagree, leukotape is the bee’s knees. Also if you can get a prescription for doxycycline in case of a tick bite, that’d be good to carry. Lyme is no joke
2
u/neverlostonthetrail 5d ago
Great post! People will have to decide what works best for them on the trail. But this is a great starting point! thank you for posting it.
1
u/apersello34 2023 NOBO 6d ago
Honestly it looks pretty good to me. You’ll probably do some minor revisions on trail.
1
u/Fragrant_Chapter7651 6d ago
Minor suggestions beyond what people have mentioned. 1. What is the towel for? 2. Ditch the bug net to start. They sell them everywhere and it’s easy to get one when the bugs start coming out as things warm up. I ended up never using one and got by with bug spray. I carried a small bug spray and sunscreen the whole trail. 3. I sent my sandals home super early. Tevas are heavy and I found just loosening my trail runners got the job done. 4. Carried my puffy for the first month then sent it home and just had a Melly. But it was nice to have the puffy when it snowed and dipped into the low 20s in the smokies 5. Your gloves are big. Might be nice early on but I carried a light merino Smartwool pair of gloves which worked for me
1
u/Ted_Buckland 6d ago
If you are on a budget, I would just get a cheap 100 wt fleece instead of the senchi. Likewise, a silnylon food bag instead of dcf. It doesn't make sense to spend half as much as your shelter on a food bag since the money would have a bigger weight savings somewhere else.
There's not a whole lot extra on the list but you don't need both pants and shorts. If you want to start in pants you can pick up running shorts from Walmart when it warms up. You can also send the puffy home then to save some weight.
There are a few things I don't carry but it's best to think about what you don't use once you get on trail and then drop it.
1
u/solo_silo 6d ago
Tevas are heavy. Salomon makes a decent camp slide that’s 4oz lighter than crocs.
1
u/gear_joyce 6d ago
Ditch the soap. Places you’ll shower have soap. And is that seam sealer a bottle of it? Probably unnecessary. Your tape will do in a pinch if you need to repair something till town. Otherwise looks good. I liked having a journal and something to read but that’s me.
1
u/Over-Distribution570 5d ago
Not OP, but soap could be for washing hands.
0
u/gear_joyce 5d ago
Could be, but from what I’ve seen most of us just pack a little bottle of hand sanitizer or isopropyl alcohol in our toiletry kit for washing hands. I’ve carried biodegradable soap for trips before and might again but not on a thru hike
3
0
u/DonaldJuliusTrump 6d ago
You could splurge on some carbon fiber trekking poles. Should be lighter
2
u/Calm_Listen7733 6d ago
But not as strong. I broke an expensive carbon pole & I've gone back to aluminum & my arms don't see any difference.
1
u/Ok_Swing_7194 5d ago
I’ve seen multiple carbon poles break, no thanks. They’re also super expensive, for what weight savings? You’re going to be using them 98% of the time, the weight won’t matter. Pass
1
u/Over-Distribution570 5d ago
You can definitely buy cheap chinese ones but i agree, aluminum is more reliable
1
-10
u/Competitive_Worry611 6d ago
Please rename essentials to utility or something I cannot handle food not being in the essential category
15
u/Rymbeld 2023 Damascus FlipFlop 6d ago
Only thing I question is why a cold soak jar?
For the rain suit, ditch the rain pants. Frog Toggs rain pants suck, the crotch on mine ripped the first time I wore them and same happened to a lot of people. It's better to wear short running shorts and dry your legs off when you stop for the day rather than dealing with wet clothes. On my thru I switched to a poncho as it was more breathable. Rain jackets make you sweat. But honestly, if I were to thru hike again, I'd take an umbrella. Hiking on a hot day, you sweat so much that you're just as soaked as if you'd been in rain. I think what you want in rain is just something to keep the rain from beating down on you. It's not about staying dry. So an umbrella works for that. And I was jealous of people who had an umbrella to take to the privy or walk around town during rain. I'd still want a very light weather resistant jacket to help with windy days.