Gear For '09 AT Thru-Hike

Hey Everyone. I plan on thru-hiking the A.T. next year. I have been doing a lot of research on which gear to purchase. Below is a list I have compiled. Please leave comments and suggestions, for they will be greatly appreciated. I could especially use advice on the footwear, pack, and stove. Keep in mind that I would like to go as light as possible, but can carry a little weight as I'm fairly rugged (6'3", 180lbs). Thanks a lot.

- Pack: Osprey Aether 70
- Boots: L.L. Bean Cresta
- Stove: MSR PocketRocket
- Rain Jacket: L.L. Storm Chaser
- Filter: Katadyn Hiker Pro Microfilter
- Sleeping Pad: Therm-A-Rest RidgeRest or Z-Lite
- Sleeping Bag: Katadyn Climashield 20*
- Shorts: Patagonia Men's Baggies
- Pants: EMS Scout Pants
- Tent: MSR Hubba
- Fleece: Patagonia R2
- T-Shirts: L.L. Bean CoolMax
- Poles: Pacerpole or Leki Super Makalu

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I would replace the msr stove for an alcohol or esbit stove, they are alot lighter and in through hiking, i would assume you only use the stove for boiling water.

For a tent, unless you are set on a tent, if you use a bivy bag/tarp combo or a waterproof bivy bag you could knock some weight off.

For shoes, depending on your ankle strength and weight of the pack, you may wat to think about using trail shoes instead of boots

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wildthing,
If you haven't already thought of this, you should get the gear you think you want together and do a series of short hikes to see how it all works out. Try to get in a 4 or 5 day hike, since a simple overnight/weekend won't begin to stress the gear. And make the days at least 10 miles with what you think will be the maximum load (for example, if you plan on a week between re-supply stops, then carry 10 days worth of food and fuel - there are always delays on the real thru-hike). This will quickly tell you if trail-runners will work for you or if you need something sturdier. And it will quickly inspire you to cut the weight still further.

I agree with m0rpheu about the canister stove - you end up with too much weight in the canisters. But I have found that alcohol stoves don't fulfill their promised weight savings - the stove yes, but the inefficiency of the alcohol as a fuel soon adds up to too much weight in fuel. You can get very light white gas stoves (MSR's Simmerlite for 1) that are efficient enough to more than make up in fuel weight the heavier stove weight. Ten days worth of white gas is about 15 ounces weight, while 10 days of good-quality alcohol stove fuel (no, not isopropyl rubbing alcohol, which is very poor efficiency, I mean real stove alcohol) is about 30-35 ounces, or a pound more than the white gas, basically the weight of the Simmerlite.

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bill s and m0rpheu5111,

thanks for the suggestions. i'm from maine and actually plan on hiking the 100-mile wilderness in about 2 months as a way of testing my gear.
pertaining to the shoes, i have talked to 3-4 employees at my local outfitter (ll beans) and they have all suggested the cresta hiking boots. they say, although heavy, they are one of the most comfortable boots out there. they said trail runners weren't a good idea because of the pounding my feet will take from the trail and that i need one w/ a sturdy sole. have you or anyone you've known had success w/ trail runners?

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Wildthing,

I thru-hiked in 04, and I have a few sugestions. First I think it's important to know where you are starting and in what month. Your clothing and sleeping bag requirements will change signifigantly depending on departure time and location.

Things on your list that will work well:

1. The hubba -great light tent. You could go lighter with a tarp, but the hubba will work well with the bugs!

2. The r2 is great. I'm guessing you can find one cheap at the outlet in freeport. I got a similer TNF version at Reney's for $12. Check there for good deals!

I'd change a few things to your gear list:

1. Get a smaller pack. I own a aether 70 and it is way to big and heavy for thru-hiking, although it may be perfect for your 100 mile wilderness hike.
2. You may want to use Aqua Mira instead of a filter. Filters are one the first thing thru-hikers send home. they are heavy, they freeze, and they clog. Some people love thier filters and use them the whole way, it's realy a personal choice.
3.only bring 1 t-shirt
4.Get an alchohol stove. They are supper light and you can get the fuel anywhere on the trail.

On Boots,

Depending where and when you start, You may want to consider starting with trail runners. If you start in early march in Georgia you may have snow in which case boots may be nice to have. For the most part of the trail, trail runners are ideal. You want them to dry fast and be less of a burden to lift every step. Boots are another item that thru-hikers send home very quickly. I actuly started with running shoes and switched to chaco sandals after about 100 miles. I guess it all depends on your ankle strength and pack weight.

You also may want to go to the library and get the book "beyond Backpacking" by Ray Jardine. It is a somewhat outdated and highly opinionated book, but you can learn a ton from it.

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Wildthing,

I have to share this photo with you. I took this near the end of my thru-hike right after a thunderstorm on Moxie Mtn or Moxie bald(I can't remember which) This will get you pumped for your trip!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/12410809@N06/2310090974/

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Jeffrey said

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"beyond Backpacking" by Ray Jardine. It is a somewhat outdated and highly opinionated book, but you can learn a ton from it.

Ray opinionated? Naaahhh, you gotta be kidding ;)

Wildthing, jeffrey is right. "Beyond Backpacking" is "the bible" of light and ultralight packing, and packed with information. It is a bit on the thick side, but it and other publications by Ray, outlining the RayWay have a lot of excellent information and ideas. A lot of people do find the RayWay to be a bit extreme (as you might guess by the cultish name), but almost everyone who reads the book benefits. You do have to try out the ideas to see if they work for you.

Last time I ran into Ray was at Patriot Hills in Antarctica. He and his wife were doing an "ultralight" trek across the continent. Now ya gotta understand - "ultralight" is relative. It requires sleds in the Antarctic, but can be a 10 pound pack on the AT. Still, they were using the down blanket instead of full sleeping bags - too tough for me (the down blanket is described in the book).

On the trail-runners - I use Adidas trail-runners for a lot of my hiking and approach to backcountry technical climbs. There is a rule of thumb that a pound on the feet is like 5 pounds in the pack. So lighter footgear makes the going easier. Topquality trailrunners are very comfortable on rough trails and off-trail. BUT they do not provide the support of a good boot (so you need strong and flexible ankles) and they do let water in (but they do dry fairly quickly). As jeffrey said, if you encounter snow, you will definitely want boots (waterproof, not the breathable mesh type).

The filter? You are from Maine, so you know about filters and cold weather. Make your own choice. Keep in mind that Aquamira (being chlorine dioxide) requires at least 20-30 minutes to kill the critters in the water (iodine is about half the time). And your water for cooking will be boiled, which will kill the beasties. The major water purification problem will be your drinking water (drink LOTS of water, meaning 2 liters or more in the morning and 2 liters or more in the afternoon - remember the mantra "clear and copious"). Filters do require maintenance, which means if you take one, you need to have replacement filter elements at your resupply points.

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I was sort of thinking that same thing about the Aether 70 being not just a little big, but quite heavy. I did a little looking around and came upon the Atmos 65. The Atmos seems to be quite a bit lighter than the Aether. Does anyone know anything good/bad about this pack? Would the Atmos 50 be large enough for my gear? What is a sufficient size pack? Also, for trail runners, what models have worked for people who have hiked the AT in them?

Thanks.

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Wildthing,

Your pack size is determined by the size of your gearload. If for example, you have a synthetyic fill sleeping bag you will need a larger pack to hold it. You will have to figure out what gear you are going to use then get a pack that can hold all of it. I'd say on average thru-hikers have a pack in the 4000 Ci range. Here is a link to the pack I used on my hike.

http://www.trailspace.com/gear/equinox/katahdin/review/10896/

I don't think they make them any more. I now own one of these

http://www.gossamergear.com/cgi-bin/gossamergear/Mariposa-Plus.html

On trail runners

I have heard many good things about all of the major brands. Montrain merrel lowa etc. Also many people like just plain New Balace running shoes. What is realy important is that the fit your feet!

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Wildthing, I hiked quite a bit in the North Georgia mountains using the Aether65. While it does have a cool red color and appearance, I did not find it comfortable. I would have greatly appreciated a litle more bag control and a lot more waistbelt. Remember though thats just what I like, I go as lite as possible but I am willing to sacrifice a little for comfort. A pack that I just got that I like a lot and am very anxious to try out is the now famously "Trauma" tested Granite Gear Nimbus Meridian. But Go Lite has a few packs that are amazingly lite.

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There are shelters along the length of the AT - if you don't value privacy using them can be a great way to save on weight (eliminate the tent). You do, however, need to be prepared to shelter yourself when the shelters themselves are full to overflowing - so a bivy or light tarp would be ideal. You might also consider a mosquito net - even if it's just one that covers your head - a good nights sleep is paramount when you're backpacking (in my opinion at least).
As for trail runners, I know some folks love 'em and have thru-hiked in them, but be warned - the trail through Maryland and Pennsylvania (especially the Southern PA section - which is about the 1/2 way mark) sees a lot of people abandon because their feet get the snot beat out of 'em. It is very rocky - and a lot of the rocks are sharp - routing the trail over them is not deliberate by the way. I've seen otherwise strong hikers humbled because the muscles on the undersides of their feet just couldn't stand the pounding.

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I went to my local outfitter (LL Bean) and tried on the Atmos 50/65 models and the Aether 70. I wasn't very impressed w/ the waist belt or the comfort of the Atmos series packs. I was impressed by the comfort of the Aether 70 (size m) and the durability and support that the waist belt offered. I know it may be a little big (4200 cu in. & 4 lbs. 12 oz.) but it fit really well and will prob. end up buying it. Does anyone happen to have any personal experience w/ the Aether 70 pack?

Also, I am looking for a good rain jacket and could really use some suggestion.

Thanks,
Wild Thing

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I have an Aether 70. I love it! It's comfy, I can fit everything and then some in it, and its relatively light for its size. I use it for Mountaineering trips and winter hiking.

Are you going North-bound Wildthing?

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Jeffrey, do you think then that the Aether70 would be a sufficient pack to use on the trail? I plan on leaving starting at the very beginning of March.

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Wildthing congrats on your Aether70, I know picking a pack is a hard decision and also a relief to be able to check that off your list of items to buy. As far as rain coats/jackets go, i have the marmot oracle jacket and have worn it a lot. Its a little heavy though, but I love it and it keeps you dry. I have been scrolling through GoLite's products, in my opinion great products at good prices. I have the Whim pants..awesome. But a lot of people just take ponchos, thats not for me I like to be warmer and drier than that.

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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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Wildthing,
two thoughts. first, on the backpack. I own a Aether 70. Yes, its a little heavy, but its incredibly comfortable. I've hiked many many miles in it. It's also incredibly tough. Its been through the mountains of Thailand, the swamps of florida, and the rocky trails in Virginia with no problems, oh and the dry/really hot climate of morocco is coming up this summer. I use it for backpacking, traveling, and climbing. I even do fast packing in it... I view the pack as the base to your system and I've learned the base is better if its comfy. The weight is a pound or two above some other stuff, but, in all reality a pound or two is worth it for the comfort and toughness of the pack.

second, on the shoes, you can get some great lightweight hiking boots. They're awesome for when its cold or the trail is super rough/your hiking with a really heavy pack. The truth of the matter though is that once you own trail runners you hardly ever use your boots again. I personally love the Salomon XA Pro 3D. Light, support (check out the specs) and waterproof.. they also dry extremely fast. Check them out.

http://www.rei.com/product/727770

and remember, you can always ship shoes to a portion of the trail where you'll need them.. your going to need more than one pair anyway

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One of the things I really liked about the Aether is the weight distribution.My back acts up a little every couple of months or so, so it's really important that all the weight isn't pulling down on my shoulder and that my waist absorbs some of it.

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