Talking Gear

[Scout9801]

I am looking for some information about what kind of gear I should carry to hike the Appalachian Trail. The gear I have now currently weighs 30 LBS. I'm trying to go ultralight before I go on a week long hike to get ready for a thru-hike when I get out of the Army. If anyone has any ideas please message me and let me know. I love to share my ideas on gear and get ideas in return. Let's talk gear!

Jamie "Scout" Roe

[Gorp-Gobbler]

Hi Scout9801,
I've been doing a lot of investigation on gear also. If you care to see some of the things I've found out please check out my trailjournals.com site.

[SunnyWalker]

Hey Scout, start with your big items: Pack, Sleeping Bag (system), Shelter.
For example, I changed my 9 lb pack for one that is slightly over 2 lbs. Then my shelter went from a heavy tent to a lightweight tarp and/or tent. Then sleeping bag- I went with a lightweight down bag.

Next consider your stove if you are going to cook. I suggest a alcohol stove as you said you wish to go real light. Check out the Caldera Cone.

Tarps: SixMoon Designs.

Sleeping bag: REI, or Western Mountaineering, etc.

For reviews on everything or to shop check out REI.com

-SunnyWalker

[Soggybottom]

My big 3 are from zpacks. I have the hexamid duplex and am ordering the 20 degree down bag and arc blast 50L pack. I would recommend this highly.

[d20]

I am looking for some information about what kind of gear I should carry to hike the Appalachian Trail. The gear I have now currently weighs 30 LBS. I'm trying to go ultralight before I go on a week long hike to get ready for a thru-hike when I get out of the Army. If anyone has any ideas please message me and let me know. I love to share my ideas on gear and get ideas in return. Let's talk gear!

Jamie "Scout" Roe

You can see what most people are actually using on the AT from the statistics at:

https://thetrek.co/author/la-mariposa/

Thoughts:

My wife and I have been doing sections on the AT for several years. I liked my Osprey Exos, traded it for a Levity to save weight. Switched out to a Hyperlight when the repairs did not go well and to hike with better posture.

We moved from a half dome to a copper spur to a ZPacks triplex. The triplex is lighter and sets up dry in the rain.

I’ve used a number of polycro tarps and footprints when using the copper spur. You get a lot of rain on the AT.

I’ve gone through a lot of rain gear (two ponchos, 5-6 jackets). Currently use a Packa—lighter, also doubles as a wind shirt. Used a rain skirt/gaiters for years. Just switched to Eastern Mountain Sports house brand rain pants (currently on clearance). They are full zip ( top to bottom) and just a little lighter. Best rain pants I’ve seen. Doomed because no kickbacks/affiliate marketing payments.

Have used MSR Windburner and stove/pot. Currently on stove/pot to save some weight.

Adrr.com/d20 is my current trail journal (I have used several).