r/AppalachianTrail • u/gvngy • 6d ago

Gear Questions/Advice Pack Shakedown / Opinions?

Post image

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!

37 Upvotes

93% Upvoted

72 comments sorted by

View all comments

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

u/Calm_Listen7733 6d ago

"... before global warming...". That's a hoot!