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Posted by Tom D on March 19, 2008 at 1:26:35 pm EDT
In reply to Gear For '09 AT Thru-Hike posted by wildthing13 on March 3, 2008 at 7:26:47 pm EST

I have never done one of these really long hikes, but from what I know from others who have, careful planning and paring down your weight as much as possible is a big part of a successful hike. I would read the gear tests here on Trailspace to compare various packs, boots and so on before making any big decisions. There are also websites devoted specifically to long distance hiking and UL gear in particular. A Google or Yahoo search should find them for you. I think there are several sites just about the AT and PCT, which may have gear suggestions.

You may want to hold off on any big money purchases such as a pack until you see what other AT and long distance hikers use and compare their packs to the Aether. I usually see the UL Granite Gear packs, MS Ghost and similar packs in the 3000-3500 c.i. range mentioned by long distance hikers who are doing hikes such as the AT or the PCT. I have looked at the Aether and considered buying one at one time. For a really long hike though, I think I would get something lighter.

For example, several of the ultralight GG packs are almost as big as the Aether 70 (3800ci compared to about 4200ci for the Aether), and weigh one to two pounds less. Big difference. I have tried on several of the GG packs and for someone with my build (fairly slender), they are very comfortable. I have owned big heavy packs and except maybe for winter or expeditions, see little point in carrying extra weight. I got rid of an Arteryx Bora 80 for that very reason-big and heavy and not the right pack for my purposes.

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