Hey there everybody…I’d really appreciate you experienced ATers out there to give me some well-needed advice. I have my almost complete gear listing at:
www.trailjournals.com/gear.cfm?trailname=1479
or you can go the trailjournals.com/jackieb and check under the gear section on the left-hand side.
I’m starting in mid-Feb sometime.
Help me!
jackie b
Jackie-
All seems to look well on your gera selection. The only thing I would change would be the pack and bag and pad. The pack is very heavy even with the things removed. Backcountrygear.com has a huge sale on their mtnsmith ghost packs right now. Theyre about $100 from what I remember. That would cut the pack weight in half. Now for the sleeping bag… this is a personal call perosonally I would get a WM, Marmot or Moonstone 5-10* down bag as they will be a bit lighter than the Kelty. The blue foam pad will not last the entire length of the trip, if youre okay with that… then its not a problem. They flat out quickly as do most open-cell pads. If you enjoy the open cell pad I would suggest a ridgerest. The hammock is nice, but every now and then you’ll probably stay in a shelter… and a quality pad is where that would be great. Actually a lightweight 3/4 length inflatable one would be very nice.
Good luck on your hike. Ive hike several extended section hikes along the AT. Its unpredictable, demanding and highly rewarding all in one. The trail is truly an amazing experience.
guru
Wow, what a nice gear list! You’ve really done a good job. I’ll question a few things, just so you’ll have stuff to mull over! 
o As guru points out, you might as well carry a light pack, since all your other gear is ultralight. Have you considered the GVP G4 ($85) or GoLite Breeze ($70)? I could probably sell you a Mountainsmith Ghost real cheap, if that’s your fancy.
o You list “passort/cash/credit card/ traveller’s cheques”. Perhaps you’ll bring a calling card as well?
o I’d question the keychain light. If you’re hiking a bit later than planned, a decent light can be make the difference between falling and not-- so it’s a safety issue. The Petzl Tikka is a decent headlamp, and the CMG Infinity Ultra is a good flashlight.
o I used a 3/8" blue foam pad (cut to torso size) for the entire trail with no trouble. I only stayed in shelters 4-5 times, which sounds like about what you’re planning. It wasn’t great on those hard, wooden floors, but it was tolerable for a few nights.
o I’ve not used a Hennesy Hammock, but I’ve heard several people complain that the tarp is too small. Have you investigated this?
Overally, it looks like you’re very well prepared!
Eric
Your selection looks pretty good. You could go with a considerably lighter bag and pack though.I used a Golite Breeze and a Western Mountaineering Ultralight.
The leatherman is overkill as well. I used a Swisstech Utili-key the whole hike and it had all I needed. It weighs a little less than an ounce, combined with a p-38(.2oz) its all you need.
The Pad should be twenty four inches wide and foam is the type to stick with in a hamock, not a thermarest. The pad doesn’t flatten in hamock use, like it does on the ground. I used an Ultralight A-Sym from Glasgow Va. to Katahdin and the blue pad is good for me to the thirties, if I wear micro fleece top and and my tights. I don’t reccomend trimming to size though. I found it best to use the sleeping bag as a quilt and tuck the edges into the fold over on the sleeping pad. After Glasgow, or that general area, you can switch to a truck windshield reflector pad available at Wal-Mart. Its lighter than the pad and folds up smaller. Get the kind with the air bubbles ecapsulated in mylar. When you reah NH you can have you foam sent back.The hammock tarp is on the small side, though I never got wet in it, even with the rainy 2003 season. Choose your site well and you’ll be golden. The problem with the tarp is, it isn’t big enough to cook under, in rain, with any wind. You must have the snakeskins to make the hammock viable in rainy weather. That said, I’d never hike without the hammock again! Pehaps consider a larger tarp for a few added ounces.
Everone I saw with the mec vest or jacket loved it. It is very utilitarian and simply designed. Great Stuff! I may have to try those hi-tech shoes myself, do they come in wide withs? One little alteration with some velcro and your photon is a head lamp! Get velcro in a craft store in small circles and glue a piece on the back of the photon and on the bridge of your ball cap and presto an adjustable angle lite headlamp!
Consider delaying your start untill early March, unless you are specifically trying to avoid the thru hiker rush. People turned out to be the highlite of many days for me. Most importantly, GOOD LUCK the trail is the greatest!
Yo-YO
The list looks good. I’d definately get a headlamp instead of that keylight. The Black Diamond ION is a great little light that probably wouldn’t weight much more. The LED’s are bright enough to see around camp with and could be used for night hiking as well if you’re carefull. A Headlamp would free up your hands which helps a lot.
Nooga
Ditto. lighter pack, headlamp, lighter bag, start first of March. Hope to see you at Newfound Gap the last of March. Enjoy your hike!! No Rain, No Pain, NO MAINE!
Papa Smurf
Get a lighter pack. You won’t need a pack that size with all the stuff you’re carrying.
And…don’t cut your toothbrush. It doesn’t really save any weight, and it’s a pain to try to brush with a knob of a toothbrush.
bearbait
great stuff jackie…i just finished doing a GA thruhike after 3 tries. Pack and pack wt. were my biggest delima on the physical side. Of course I was mental and had things to do at home that always pulled at me when i was out there, so nuff said. the 93 mile test hike finally taught me loadsa stuff as well as Waldo SOBO 03 gave me so much info, i feel better about my hiking ability.
yer pack weighs as much as mine. that is scarey. i say that because i know that my pack allows me to carry far too much and still sinch it down, meaning i could carry a ton more. Waldo and I both decided we could go with a well produced 2900cube pack and not lose a bit of stuff and save at least 2# just by using a smaller sized pack. I am thinking of staying with Kelty and using their 2900 cu RedWing. I am sure you’re looking too. I don’t know what the other much more experienced people are recommending is right or wrong. I just know for me, i was support and strength without suffering lose of survival equipment.
the biggest thing i discovered was, in 93 miles, you just carry a lot of stuff that you never use, or are not really needed at all, ever. Blue Grasshopper had a kiddy backpack with maybe 15# max, and was flying like a race horse.
I am seriously now able to form a better oppinion of what is a creature comfort and will drop needless items.
After saying this, I will actually be adding some things, final selection pending as i train more.
My best, novice advice is…get out and test drive those puppies. Put a serious, well thought out, trail wise measuring stick on your own gear. If you can carry what you brought with you, you will be ok. If tho after experience has hardened you, you may just find, you are carrying needless items.
hope this helps
burn
burn
Hey there everyone…thanks for the advice. I have decided to get a lighter pack and in fact just bought one today. I decided on the GoLite Gust…good reviews, only 1 pound, 4 ounces with a hip belt. Also, there was a big half price sale so it was only about $50.00 US.
For the pad, I think I’ll stick with the blue foam one I have and may consider switching on the trail.
I also plan to start with my photon light and may pick up a headlamp on the trail. I really want to start light and then maybe pick up a few things on the trail if I need them.
I’m sticking with the sleeping bag because I don’t want to spend a lot more money on gear and I also don’t want to be cold at night! I may pick up a lighter summer bag or get the one I have at home shipped somewhere along the trail. Thanks again!
Jackie
jackie b