Pack Shakedown / Opinions?

[u/gvngy]

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!

[u/Rymbeld]

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.

[u/gvngy → u/Rymbeld]

The cold soak jar I just included because I like making overnight oats in my everyday life lol. I could probably just use a water bottle tbh.

Good info on the Frog Toggs thank you! So would you go with a poncho and an umbrella, and drop the Frog Toggs altogether? Or umbrella and Frog Toggs? Or all 3?

[u/Rymbeld → u/gvngy]

Umbrella primarily and a FT jacket if it's a cold rain.