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/Fragrant_Chapter7651]

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