AT Thru Hike Gear

[overthinker]

Thanks for the replies.

I realize that my cook kit is on the large side, but its what I've got. Either that or a backcountry 700 ML, which for me is too small to cook a box of mac n cheese in. I use the BC 700 exclusively for freezer bag cooking.

I would really like a evernew .9L w/ Ti-Tri but cannot justify dropping the money on it when I know my cook kit will work just fine albeit large.

A smaller cookset is cheaper than a new pack. And you could always do the Wally World Imusa pot selection to really save some cash.

[AkFly]

I have a very similar setup with a slightly larger GoLite Pinnacle (old version of current Jam70) and I use the added volume to carry extra gear for my son to keep his pack weight down. I found Mountain Goat Gear's mesh pocket to be perfect to hold light, water-proof gear like tarps, rain jackets, sit pads, etc, w/o affecting the balance at all. Katharina makes a great product and she is listed on the vendor page of the forum. You do need to take care when bushwhacking or walking by stray branches, but by and large the mesh pocket - even when stuffed stays within the profile of the pack and weighs in at a whooping 0.7oz/21g. For me it was the lightest and cheapest way to add significant volume.

I am truly envious - and remember on your worst days you are still doing what most of us would trade our best days in the office for - enjoy your journey!

http://www.outdoortrailgear.com/cott...for-backpacks/

[hammock_monk]

I do like that mesh pocket. It could be a great way to stow a wet tarp on the outside of my jam 70.

[HammockFan]

You want to be careful with the Sawyer. If it freezes the fibers in it can rupture and cause it to pass pathogens.

[affreeman]

If it were me I would:

- Get a smaller cook pot
- Get rid of the head net, deet, fire starter and 3/4 of the towel
- Get rid of the Sawyer Squeeze and use Aqua Mira
- Add a 3rd pair of socks. Rotate 2 pair while hiking and keep the 3rd pair clean and dry for wearing at night
- Get rid of the NeoAir pad and groundsheet. Commit to the hammock and have the pad sent to you just for the Smokies and the Whites.

When selecting gear keep the saying in mind that "You can't camp your way to Katahdin."

[CanadaDan]

When selecting gear keep the saying in mind that "You can't camp your way to Katahdin."

Why stop at Katahdin when you could always keep hiking on the International Appalachian Trail (IAT) which starts from the end of the AT and continues up the east coast of Canada!

[JToon]

The day is approaching, good luck out there and have fun out there. Hope you the best.

[Scubahhh]

Zpacks Multi-Pack? Adds about 200 cubic inches; weighs <3 oz.; you can strap it on top, wear on your wais, or hang it off your chest straps as I usually do.
http://www.zpacks.com/accessories/backpack_lid.shtml

[affreeman]

Why stop at Katahdin when you could always keep hiking on the International Appalachian Trail (IAT) which starts from the end of the AT and continues up the east coast of Canada!

For purposes of the point I was making, it doesn't matter what the destination is.

For my own thru-hike, I was thoroughly tired of hiking by the time I reached Katahdin and had absolutely no interest in going any further. In fact, I remember wishing the northern terminus was Mount Washington, as originally conceived.

[ATHiker]

If it were me I would:

- Get a smaller cook pot
- Get rid of the head net, deet, fire starter and 3/4 of the towel
- Get rid of the Sawyer Squeeze and use Aqua Mira
- Add a 3rd pair of socks. Rotate 2 pair while hiking and keep the 3rd pair clean and dry for wearing at night
- Get rid of the NeoAir pad and groundsheet. Commit to the hammock and have the pad sent to you just for the Smokies and the Whites.

When selecting gear keep the saying in mind that "You can't camp your way to Katahdin."

Good advice. "You can't camp your way to Katahdin" is too true!