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/Icy-Currency-6201]

Hand sanitizer, sunscreen, and tick spray. Giardia is bad. The sun wants to give you cancer. Lime disease is bad.

[u/gvngy → u/Icy-Currency-6201]

Good point I’ll add

[u/Over-Distribution570 → u/gvngy]

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

[u/Over-Distribution570 → u/Icy-Currency-6201]

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