Hey X-Ray, hope you enjoy your hike. A few comments.
Here are some of my observations (no recommendations, just what I’ve noticed on my three times along the AT).
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People’s gear is as varied as the people themselves.
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Most folks carry a 3-4 lb internal frame backpack (empty)
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Tents are usually around 3 lbs in weight–single person tents. If you get a tent, try to get a free standing tent (meaning you don’t need to force stakes into the ground).
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Sleeping bag most commonly used is a 20 degree (F) type that weights about 2 lbs
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Most people bring far too many clothing items (they carrying 2 or 3 of the same thing such as long sleeve warm layers etc. Rule of thumb is 1) Your day hiking clothes, 2) your always-kept-dry-evening wear, 3) rain gear (pants and jacket but most folks get rid of pants early on), 4) Spare clothes-extra socks, shirt
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Most people carry far too much food to start with. Plan on 3 days food when you start–maybe 4 if you get nervous or want to avoid expensive resupply 30 miles up trail.
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I would guess average pack weight these days (Food, water + all gear) is around 35 lbs.
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I am usually at the low end of pack weight (10 lb base weight + whatever food and water I need and this usually ends up around 15-18 lbs). My gear selection has been an evolution from a 45 lb behemoth that nearly killed me to the 10 lbs of today (less if mid summer but I tend to be on the AT in Spring)
And I wear sandals (with sealskin socks for wet/cold areas). Foot wear is very person-specific, what works for one guy is not guaranteed to work for others. Some guys walk thousands of miles in boots with no problems. I walk 10 mile sin boots and my feet become shredded messes. I switched to sandals out of sheer desperation to avoid blisters and it worked like a charm.
As long as I keep my pack that light, I don’t need trekking poles or boots/trail runners and my feet and knees love me for that.
In the end, don’t fret too much about gear and such–it’ll work out, but my philosophy is go light, go efficient, hike vs camp and enjoy the flexibility that gives you.
backpackinglight.com is a good site, it’s based in my home town here in Montana and is run by and frequented by some good people. For more light weight info try andrewskurka.com
A good online gear store that delivers wherever (and is also based in my hometown) is prolitegear.com. Some well-known gear stores in the US:
mountainlaureldesigns.com (I use their burn backpack and love it)
gossamergear.com (I use their spinntwinn tarp and love it)
And course the ever popular REI.com (large corporation that remains very customer-focused)
There are many others (EMS is popular up the east coast I think—Eastern Mountain Sports?)
Of course, you don’t HAVE to go lightweight, these trails can be done in many ways, just make sure whatever way you choose–it you who chooses.
And it is 100% true that a thru-hike is 100% mental. Commit 100% to it X-Ray and you’ll get it done. It’s well worth the effort when you do.
_Jason_
