Appalachian Trail - Post Thru-Hike Gear and Hammocking Breakdown

[TxAggie]

Something that has helped me is to ditch the stuff sacks to nearly everything. Years ago, I had played around with a single stuff sack for both quilts, and my hammock. That was OK, but difficult to get in my pack. What I started doing in 2013 was simply eliminating nearly all stuff sacks. I think it helps with quilt life as well as the quilt can fit to a large space when not packing as tightly (carrying less food). Picture the lotto balls in the giant glass box...tons of empty space. Stuff sacks act pretty similarly.

On a 5 day food carry, I pack like this (quick summation):

1 day of food to the bottom of the pack.
Underquilt without stuff sack.
1 day of food.
Insert half of my top quilt (no stuff sack).
1 day of food.
Remainder of top quilt.
Ditty bag with some random stuff..hygiene, electronics, etc.... This bag is oversized for the contents so that it doesn't create a ball.
Sleep socks.
Hammock (no stuff sack).
Tree Straps in a ziplock bag.
Down jacket if not worn. Hat and gloves are in the pockets of my down jacket.
2 days of food + 1 California grocery bag (thicker multi-use plastic bag) with bulk items, nuts, jerky, etc..
Close top.

Loksaks, Rain poncho and hammock tarp are in the large mesh pocket outside along with water bladders.

Toilet paper, wind shirt and wind pants in upper side mesh pockets.

Z Rest strapped on top.

Each individual day's worth of food in a ziplock in case a wrapper rips.

As food increases, it goes in the lower two levels...that way weight is kept low in the pack.

I think that covers it.

So your Dodd is simply loose with your quilts basically wrapped around separated days? You don’t have any worries about messing up your quilts?


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[Chop]

So your Dodd is simply loose with your quilts basically wrapped around separated days? You don’t have any worries about messing up your quilts?


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Actually, no. My food is in a ziplock bag. It is double wrapped essentially. The food is in its packaging from the manufacturer, whether it is a Knorr Side or Larabar or whatever. A day's worth is then inside a sealed ziplock bag. In this scenario, the food is not loose at all. The quilts hold it snuggly in place since the pack is packed up and quite secure. Even chocolate and cheese stay in excellent condition since the pack is packed up in the morning when the food is cool from the previous evening. With all that insulation, it doesn't get the warmth that it would on the top of the pack.

[TxAggie]

Actually, no. My food is in a ziplock bag. It is double wrapped essentially. The food is in its packaging from the manufacturer, whether it is a Knorr Side or Larabar or whatever. A day's worth is then inside a sealed ziplock bag. In this scenario, the food is not loose at all. The quilts hold it snuggly in place since the pack is packed up and quite secure. Even chocolate and cheese stay in excellent condition since the pack is packed up in the morning when the food is cool from the previous evening. With all that insulation, it doesn't get the warmth that it would on the top of the pack.

Interesting. My luck my quilts would be destroyed in a week, but you have given me (a lot) to think on. Thanks for your insight!


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[TxAggie]

Actually, no. My food is in a ziplock bag. It is double wrapped essentially. The food is in its packaging from the manufacturer, whether it is a Knorr Side or Larabar or whatever. A day's worth is then inside a sealed ziplock bag. In this scenario, the food is not loose at all. The quilts hold it snuggly in place since the pack is packed up and quite secure. Even chocolate and cheese stay in excellent condition since the pack is packed up in the morning when the food is cool from the previous evening. With all that insulation, it doesn't get the warmth that it would on the top of the pack.

I tried this method with a new 40L pack and shoulder season setup on an overnighter and I have to admit it worked quite well. I was a little worried just because quilts are expensive, but you’re right- they filled up the space nicely and I had plenty of room up top.

Thanks for the insight. I’m not sure I would fit a full winter hammock setup in a 40 L, but it’s definitely viable for everything else now.

Thanks for the suggestion!


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[Chop]

I tried this method with a new 40L pack and shoulder season setup on an overnighter and I have to admit it worked quite well. I was a little worried just because quilts are expensive, but you’re right- they filled up the space nicely and I had plenty of room up top.

Thanks for the insight. I’m not sure I would fit a full winter hammock setup in a 40 L, but it’s definitely viable for everything else now.

Thanks for the suggestion!


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Excellent! Indeed quilts are expensive. I believe that, with proper packing, you shouldn't get any messes. I would think that this method should be easier on our down gear in general since it isn't getting crammed into a stuff sack and can fill up otherwise list space.


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[golfhiker]

Chop: I’m intrigued by your packing, and it sounds like it should work in most situations. Who wouldn’t want more space, less weight and stuff sacks.... I would ask about your food storage, specifically at camp. Do you hang or keep everything with you in your hammock at night? And if you hang, needing a traditional food bag for the hang, does this add to the daily handling of your food ( in the hang bag, out of the hang bag, etc.).

I’m sure you have a plan, and I apologize of you addressed this and I missed it. Thanks.


Excellent! Indeed quilts are expensive. I believe that, with proper packing, you shouldn't get any messes. I would think that this method should be easier on our down gear in general since it isn't getting crammed into a stuff sack and can fill up otherwise list space.


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[Chop]

Chop: I’m intrigued by your packing, and it sounds like it should work in most situations. Who wouldn’t want more space, less weight and stuff sacks.... I would ask about your food storage, specifically at camp. Do you hang or keep everything with you in your hammock at night? And if you hang, needing a traditional food bag for the hang, does this add to the daily handling of your food ( in the hang bag, out of the hang bag, etc.).

I’m sure you have a plan, and I apologize of you addressed this and I missed it. Thanks.


Excellent! Indeed quilts are expensive. I believe that, with proper packing, you shouldn't get any messes. I would think that this method should be easier on our down gear in general since it isn't getting crammed into a stuff sack and can fill up otherwise list space.


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[/QUOTE]

Sorry for the late reply, I didn't get the notification

Food:

I do not bring it into my hammock with me at night, but rather use a bag that is odor proof. After using Loksaks for many years, I have switched to a Nylo bag that Zpacks sells. These are surprisingly durable, pack smaller and are lighter than a Loksak. Here is the link: https://zpacks.com/products/nylopro-odor-barrier-bags

I used this for 2200 miles on the CDT last year, with no issues. 1 bag for the whole 2200 miles. I typically put my food bags into this bag at the end of the day, twist the top and set it upside down to keep the top closed....then empty and fold in the AM.

On the Great Divide Trail in Canada, I did hang my food....IIRC, I think their regs require it. On a trail like the JMT, I use a bear can per requirements.

[grindle]

Excellent! Indeed quilts are expensive. I believe that, with proper packing, you shouldn't get any messes. I would think that this method should be easier on our down gear in general since it isn't getting crammed into a stuff sack and can fill up otherwise list space.


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hi Chop/Beardoh - do you know roughly how many litres capacity your through hiking backpack is? Thanks.

[Chop]

hi Chop/Beardoh - do you know roughly how many litres capacity your through hiking backpack is? Thanks.

The big main area is about 25-30 litres...Though I may increase that by 10-15% on this year's pack that I am getting ready to order supplies for.... I am pretty tall (6'5") and would like a more direct line from my shoulder to the top of the shoulder strap, rather than sloping down.