More LT stuff - The Long Trail - Vermont

imported
#1

For anyone out there who has hiked the LT, could you please give me some input on whether or not this gear is superfluous or not??

  1. sunscreen
  2. hiking poles
  3. rain pants
  4. sweater vs. a fleece jacket (in July)
  5. sandals vs. (low) boots

Thank you all!

Avalon

#2

The Long Trail is in many ways, similiar to other long distance trails in the east. So, what ever gear you would bring along for that trail you will probably want on the LT.

Sunscreen? Probably not. Mostly under tree cover

Hiking poles? Probably yes if you use them. There are lots of ups and downs that can be hard on the knees.

Rain pants? Well, in my case, yes, because Frogg Toggs will be the only long pants that I take along in mid summer.

Sweater vs fleece jacket? Evenings and early morning can be cool. I’d probably take along a fleece shirt that I have. So, bring along something that you are comfortable with.

Sandals or low boots? Frankly, my preference is boots. Sandals don’t have enough protection and support for me. The trail is rocky, just like most trails in the Northeast.

Peaks

#3

Those pole things get in the rocks and twist and its a job working em to. What are we doing working poles are looking up. One stick is enough, even if they sold you two. Webs on the trail, extra long jumps or just a ugle stick. Its good to have one. Your going to mess up with junk on those climbs with two. Learn to spear chuck. Just want to get you all thinking. Jesus was a minimalist and carried a hiking staff.And Backpacker Magazine since their birth has a hiker with a staff as their symbol. So does the NPS and the NFS. I rest my case.

Greg

#4

Ditto on the above post. You will not need a sweater. Besides, a light weight fleece will give you as much warmth and will dry quicker if you get drenched (a distinct possibility on the LT almost anytime of the year except winter).

Definitely use the boots vs. the sandals. The northern LT is much rockier and rougher than the southern half. You will appreciate a little more support up there. You could probably do well with a pair of trail runners but a pair of light-hikers work well too. Just get something that dose not slip on wet mossy rocks. They are plentiful on the LT.

Oh yes, you could safely leave the sunscreen home. Most of the LT is in the woods. Except for Mt. Mansfield (about a 1.5 mile ridge walk) and the Bamforth Ridge (north side of Camel’s Hump), there are few places where you will be in the open long enough to have a problem with sunburn.

Depends how you feel about rain pants. I always carry a light weight pair but not everyone wants to do that. In July, most rain storms will be on the warmer side, so getting your shorts wet should not be an issue. I would (however) carry something for long pants (perhaps zip-off legs or a pair of nylon long pants) in case you run into a cooler spell or need to escape from the mosquitoes when at camp. Do what you are comfortable with here.

Rob

#5

Rather than a fleece or a sweater, have you considered a Marmot Windshirt? Very light (12 oz for a men’s large), packs very small (not as bulky as a fleece or a sweater) and is surpringly warm. It is NOT a “sit around and hang out in camp” kind of jacket, but for long-distance hiking is is great! It is windproof and water resistant. It is by far my favorite piece of gear for not only myself but many other thru-hikers. (In 2002 on the PCT, MANY of us wore this jacket. Two years later it is even more popular not only among thru-hikers but among backpackers in general). EMS also has a version that is about $60. It is slightly heavier than the Marmot version, but is still is less bulky and weighs less than a fleece or sweater.

Mags

#6

I wonder if the EMS version is what I have. I bought a microfleece shirt a number of years ago fro them. It is not a wind blocking shirt (which may have answered my question) but it is very warm for its weight. I alwys call it my fleece (probably because it was originally labeled a micro-fleece) and is my primary long-sleeve shirt when I backpack.

Rob

#7

The windshirt (EMS and Marmot model) looks like a windbreaker with a light fleece liner.

EMS Version:
http://tinyurl.com/2kdhp

Marmot:
http://www.backcountrygear.com/catalog/appareldetail.cfm/MA4200

Looks like they “improved” the Marmot windshirt with handwarmer pockets while the EMS has a simpler design.

Mags

#8

The EMS Windshear Jacket is their answer to the Marmot Driclime Windshirt (at half the price). The Windshear has pockets and is slightly heavier than the Marmot. I took this and a 200 wt. fleece vest for my ill-fated trek in '02. It is one of my favorite pieces of gear. Unfortunately, the '04 version which is lighter in weight, seems more perishable. I guess time will tell. :tongue

Lady Di

#9

When people carry windshirts, are you using them for raingear as well, or do you have a separate rain jacket or poncho?

Bunchberry

#10

I carry a simple coated nylon rain jacket (8oz) as the Windshirt is not waterproof. I only wear my rainjacket in really driving rain. I get very hot when hiking so I seldom wear any kind of rain protection unless, again, it is really driving rain.

The windshirt works well for light rain if you get cold easily, though.

Mags

#11

No sunscreen. Yes Deet. Yes for some form of long pants-nettles and thorn protection north of the AT. Definitely rain jacket or poncho (also doubles as a tarp shelter). My orthodics swam in my boots-unbelieveable. So-for footwear use something with traction for the ledges and that is also good in MUD. Fleece is good. After my LT hike I bought rain mittens-my hands got cold because they were wet so much of the time. Umbrella wasn’t practical because of the woods-came in handy when hitching though (I ended up sending it home).
Good luck and have fun!

T.W.I.G.

#12

As one of the Long trail trail Angels and all around watchful eye. I would say a lite wool sweeter , low boots, and sunscreen
and a natural bug repelant there is one from repel with Eucalipus and lemon oil works good. Hope to see you out there
Remember to come to the Clarendon Shelter and see if I am Cooking. I wil still try to have the Coffee on. Peace and safe hiking
PIPER

piper