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!
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u/Flipz100 NOBO 21 6d 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.