Spend enough time around backpackers and conversations are likely to trend towards gear. For some, gear is an afterthought, a minor consideration compared to the seemingly grand adventure that lays before them. For others, it is an obsession, a meticulous side quest where every item is carefully considered and cataloged. Regardless of the approach, packing the appropriate items to remain reasonably safe, comfortable, and sane in expected environmental conditions is crucial for a successful hike.
There is no perfect gear list as each person’s needs and preferences are different. We referenced websites like greenbelly.com and the many gear reviews from YouTubers like Homemade Wanderlust and Darwin on the Trail to make many of our gear decisions. Weight is an important consideration when deciding on gear but it should be tempered with a bit of humor and common sense, and not be viewed as restrictive. I have seen thru-hikers carry items like mandolins, a unicycle and even a brass wizard statue. My own packs have ranged from over 80lbs on my first AT thru-hike to an ultra-light 6lbs in the high Sierra. Just keep an open mind and hike your own hike.
For this trek, we have decided to go with light-weight packs, each weighing in at about 35 pounds when you count the weight of 5-days worth of food and water. Because we depart in the winter, this estimate includes additional warm weather accessories that we will send home in the late spring. Take a look below if you would like to see some of the items that we will be bringing.
-Chris
The Basics (updated post-trail to reflect changes)
Packed Gear
58L Osprey Packs
Trash bag pack liner
Pack Cover
Aluminum Trekking Poles
Water Filter
2x Smartwater bottles
16oz Nalgene
Camp Sandals
Headlamp
Dry Sacks + Stuff Sacks
TP + Trowel + Ziploc
Pee Rag
Essential Toiletries
Sleep System
2-Person Big Agnes Tent w/ Rainfly + footprint
0° Quilt
Emergency Blanket
Repair Kit
X-lite sleeping pad
Power Bank
Clothing
Rain Jacket
Rain Pants (winter)
Fleece Hoodie
1x Hiking Pants (winter)
1x Hiking shorts (summer)
1x Hiking Shirt
Trail-Running Shoes
Superfeet Insoles
Neck gaiter
3-5x Underwear (1x bra)
3x Socks
1x waterproof socks (winter)
Liner Gloves (winter)
1x Base Layers
Beanie (winter)
Puffy (doubles as pillow)
Ankle/knee compression
Hat
Kitchen
Titanium Pot
Pot Insulator (winter)
Pocket Rocket Stove
Mini Lighter
Fuel
Spork
Bear Bag + Rope
Pan Scraper
Odor Proof Bag
Pot Towel
First Aid
Wound Care + athlete tape
Tweezers
Anti-inflammatory
Hand Sanitizer
Chapstick
Needle and thread
Antidiarrheal
Antihistamine
Sunscreen
For a comprehensive list of the gear we’re bringing, check out our LighterPack list.
Chris dries off after a swollen river crossing on the Lone Star Trail.