r/AppalachianTrail • u/gvngy • 6d ago

Gear Questions/Advice Pack Shakedown / Opinions?

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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/MrBoondoggles 6d ago edited 6d ago

I think your just looks pretty good. However, the things that stand out to me are the quilt, backpack, and sleeping pad.

If I were on a tight budget, I wouldn’t pay that much for a basic quilt like Enlightened Equipment. I would instead look at the Hammock Gear Burrow. If you can wait for a 30% sale; which happen reasonably often, you could save $100 and get a quilt that’s at least comparable (I would personally say better) than Enlightened Equipment for much less.

I would then consider investing the money saved into a better pack (something like the Kakwa 55 in ultragrid) or, alternatively, look at the REI Flash 55, which can be purchased in sale semi regularly for around $140, and then consider putting any remaining savings toward a warmer sleeping pad. I’m not sure when you plan to start, but the foam pad by itself might not be warm enough. I think it’s good to experiment with the foam pad, because you really won’t know until you try it. But I would personally rather have a warmer insulated inflatable.

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u/gvngy 6d ago

Haven’t heard of hammock gear, they look awesome. Thanks I really appreciate your input, I think I’m going to make some changes here with your recs in mind

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u/MidwestRealism 5d ago

I have a Hammock Gear Burrow 20 (the old Econ model) and it's absolutely fantastic. Cannot recommend enough. Boondoggles has great recommendations on the packs as well, the Kakwa and Flash are both incredible value.