I’m 6’7" and gearing up for a thru this year. Any advice on packs/tents/shoes for the tall guys?
Right now I own/have my eyes on the following:
Pack: ULA Catalyst
Tent: Squall 2 Tarp Tent
Shoes: New Balance MT811 (size 16 shoes are hard to come by)
I’m also curious about how many folks carry two hiking poles the distance vs. just one?
Thanks for this wonderful forum!
Tree
I’m “normal”, but some of my best friends are really tall. I hiked the PCT with Tall Paul and Pi, both about your size. Sounds like you have the right gear ideas. Great shoes, by the way. Try to replace them every 500, 700 max.
I hiked the PCT (and CDT) with just one pole, and really liked having easy access to map and compass, water bottle, swatting mosquitos, etc. But I’ve decided to bring two on the AT this year for hill assistance. I only saw two other hikers on the PCT with one pole, and one of them was my wife. The pole was one of my more valuable pieces of gear, I thought.
Good luck on the hike!
Garlic
I am only 6’5" with size 13 shoes. For my section hike of Springer to Dick’s Creek Gap last October, I used the Squall 2 Tarp Tent and loved it. I used NB 856s which are running shoes, and they worked out fine. At the end of the day, I would massage my toes because of the Georgia downhills. In May, I am continuing my hike and I plan to bring some size 14, NB 856s. After awhile on the trail your feet will swell a bit, so if size 16 is tight, be cautious.
Happy Trails!
Steamer
Steamer
Tree,
We met last spring on Beauty Spot - you & your fiance shared your beer with several of us - One of the best happenings of my hike!! I still talk of it as an example of the goodness of others.
Not as tall as you- 6’4" - most of Shires tarp tents do seem long -check out the Double Rainbow seem to remember it as long.I used a Stephenson Warmlite, also long.
Pack - all I hear of ULA’s are great = I used Ospry Atmos 50 - other than a slipping belt = it did great. If you purchase directly from ULA he may be able to personalize for your height.
Shoes - what ever fits - you do not need boots - I ended up with Montrail Hardrocks after two false starts in Merrells. Get your shoes figured out before you leave. I just thought I had & had a tough trip until finally getting it right in Damascus.
Poles - used two all the way - as brakes, brace, reduced downhill knee stress. Can’t imagine doing without them -both. No telling how many falls they prevented. If you use a Tarp Tent - you’ll likely need them for it.
Have a great adventure - I’ll keep up thru TJs.
Be Safe,
Evil Eye
Evil Eye
Don’t overlook Gossamer Gear. The founder, Glen, is 6’4" as well. They have several packs as well as a new 17-ounce TENT.
AsABat