(Part 2) Best products from r/AppalachianTrail

Based on my experience with the NeoAir Xtherm, I'd be a bit sketched out about using a NeoAir Xtherm or Xlite for a lengthy thru-hike. Mine started to leak air significantly after only a handful of uses, in such a way that it was impossible for me to repair it (even after getting out of the field). Fortunately, Cascade Designs replaced it for free, but mine is now reserved only for the trips that I really need that added warmth on to keep the wear and tear of the pad to a minimum. Perhaps someone who has carried a NeoAir on a thru-hike (or a lengthy section hike) can chime in, but again, I'd be hesitant to carry one myself on a longer trip.

I agree with /u/AussieEquiv that a 30 degree bag may or may not be sufficient, depending on the timing of your thru especially. Some details on when you plan to depart would be helpful, but I suspect in any case that you might want to consider at least carrying a liner- that way you can send it home once things have warmed up enough that you won't need it. Based on my experiences hiking Georgia in early spring, a 30 degree bag by itself would be a bit cold on at least some nights until some time in April. And even if you start in GA late, you may not finish in ME until late Summer/early Autumn, and accordingly you may still find that the 30 degree bag isn't warm enough in the northeast towards the end of your hike.

Similarly, I also agree with the comment about a thermal top in addition to the leggings. You'll likely be glad to have a full set of long underwear on at least some nights early into your thru-hike. I see you're planning on getting a light puffy which is good, but a light thermal top will be more comfortable for sleeping in.

And again, on another similar note, I would at least consider a hat liner and glove liners for occasional cold weather as well.

And yes, definitely ditch the town clothes (especially since they weigh nearly a pound). A spare t-shirt, underwear, and socks are OK, but you can otherwise just your cleanest hiking clothes (even if that includes your rain gear) while the rest are in the laundry.

I might suggest also carrying a pair of pants in addition to shorts- perhaps look into zipoff/convertible pants to keep weight down. You'll be glad to have pants on colder days, when hiking in grassy areas with ticks, etc.

Was the decision not to carry rain pants a conscious one? If so, what was the rationale behind it? Are you OK with soaking wet pants/shorts at the end of the day (and having to put those same soaking wet pants/shorts on the next morning)? I don't always bother with putting on rain gear myself when the weather is particularly warm (on hot and humid days you sweat just as much under it as you would get wet from the rain without it), but for a longer hike I think it's probably a good idea to have a full rain suit. You will have some cold, rainy days during which I think you'd be glad to have rain pants during in addition to a jacket.

I think if you have a spork with shallow fork tongs it will be OK. Something like the Sea to Summit Titanium Utensil Spork will be fine. Or you might look at the Light My Fire Titanium Spork, which has a fork/knife combo at the opposite end of the spoon (I'm a huge fan of this one, personally).

I hope this is helpful!

Pad - looks good, a personal favorite. I take along http://www.amazon.com/Therm-a-Rest-Z-Seat-Cushion-Coyote-Gray/dp/B00453UPQ2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1334417369&sr=8-1 to put under my hips and sit on at campsites

Platypus - I love these things, if you haven't ordered, the 3 liter adds a minimal amount of weight and can make it easier to position in your pack when they aren't quite as full.

Peanut lighter - looks really silly to me, but I love mini bic lighters.

Pill holder - what does this do that a ziplock bag doesn't?

Headlamp - perfect, those rock. Consider some sort of LED lantern for your campsite, my mom found some interesting cheap energizer flashlights at target that run on 2 AA and have multiple modes including colored beacons and they weigh about 3 ounces.

Down jacket - I would consider the same model with a hood or detachable hood. You can also get an appropriate sized stuff sack and turn this into a comfy pillow pretty easily.

Aquamira - do some taste testing, see what you like most. My mom ended up really liking the platypus gravity filters along with potableaqua.

Ragg Cap - why bother spending $12+ shipping for a boring beanie? Unless that's just a placeholder, hit up rei for a sweet end of season something for the same price

Paracord - perfect, no more, no less, although I might recommend neon green or orange, as that color will disappear at night

Ridiculous cheap knife - get a leatherman squirt or juice w/ scissors and pliers instead

One thing I would consider with that stove set up (and what helped me make a decision myself) is what you are going to be eating... if you're going to order a bunch of freezedried meals and eat those nearly exclusively, save yourself the trouble and get a jetboil. If you like to cook and will have more fresh ingredients, then maybe the pocket stove will be great. But then you won't have to lug around pans and more than a single spork, because the jetboil is so well self contained.

Clothes in general - feels like you have just a few too many items. I hear lots of stories of those convertible pants never being worth while, most people just unzip the legs and send them home. For long pants, consider some triathlon tights and athletic shorts exclusively.

Those toe socks will drive you insane. Invest in three pairs of smart wool socks - of varying thickness so you can rotate out and change the stress on your feet. They make footie and crew type...

That tent is pretty awesome. If you're hiking solo, you do have a chance to use some of the cooler, (lighter) more unusual shelter options like hammocks and tarps. I would at least give that some thought before spending $300 on a tent.

Phones - My mom has been hiking with an HTC Status. You don't need to find some rugged phone or buy one specifically for the trail. Keep it in a ziplock bag, or aloksak bag. They have a solar charger, but I don't think they've used it. Your problem is going to be days between cell phone towers/valleys. It has, however been invaluable. I wouldn't go without. A spare battery and wall charger would probably be better than bothering with solar.

Add a tube of Cortisone cream and a few benadryl to your first aid kit.

Add a wide brimmed hat with a bug net. Bugs protection in general...

Trail runners will probably see more use than your boots. You'll also want flipflops/crocs/slip ons for camp. For the earlier part of the trip, Some short gaiters may also be help with mud.

I like a plain old, regular compass, rather than something in a multitool.
http://www.amazon.com/Brunton-F-9020G-Classic-Compass/dp/B000093ILT/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1334418487&sr=8-8

I assume you had a mug in your list before I came to the thread. If I could only take 5 items, a mug would be one of them... I have both lexan and enameled mugs and they weigh (surprisingly) similar.

(FWIW, that list would be mug, spoon, platypus, sleeping bag and a bic lighter)

Just some thoughts in general, after outfitting myself and the parents for various trips. I hope it is helpful.

I just bought this Condor Microgrid Fleece for $23 and I would definitely recommend it so far!

I bought this as an alternative to something like a Patagonia R1 as I am trying to cut some costs where I can.

The material feels nice and soft. The grid fleece is on the inside. The partial zipper is long which will be nice to adjust the temperature. I do wish it was a full zip and/or that it had a hood, but I figure I'm carrying a hat and puffy with a hood anyways, and I just saved some cash, sooooo!


I read that most men had to size up a size or 2 in this since it runs small.

I am a 5'2" petite female. I ordered the men's small and hoped for the best. To my surprise it wasn't half bad! The length of the arms was maybe a hair long but it's nice so it covers more of my hands. The thumb-holes line up perfectly. The sleeves are baggy on me but I can alter those on the sewing machine. I'll take off a little length too. Honestly if I just wanted to take it as is I definitely -could- but I'll probably end up fiddling with it before I go.

Hope you find something!

​

I know this family ended up completing their thru-hike only because I came across a picture of them on the summit of Katahdin. They've got kids of varying ages, but all look capable of carrying a backpack with SOME gear in it.

I remember hearing of a family who section hiked either the AT or CDT over a period of 5 years or so and they had an infant or toddler when they started. Having trouble finding information on them though.

Edit: Ha, found it! She wrote a book! Scraping Heaven by Cindy Ross:

> [S]easoned trekkers Todd and Cindy Ross set out to hike along the 3,100-mile Continental Divide Trail from Canada to Mexico with their two toddlers, Sierra and Bryce, and a string of four llamas. When Ross (A Woman's Journey) and her husband first met, two of the main loves they shared were of hiking and the outdoors. But when their children arrived, they were afraid they would have to wait years to return to the wilderness-until hearing of the docile nature and great versatility of the llama as a pack animal. And so they began in the summer of 1993, hiking through the Colorado Rockies, learning the habits of llamas, inventing more efficient ways to wash diapers on the trail and keeping two toddlers entertained, warm and healthy while trying to stay sane and absorb the vast beauty of the trail that drew them. After two months, more than 300 miles, bags of candy, wet and smelly socks, lightning storms and temper tantrums, what their friends and family thought would end early in disaster was completed with success and the desire to do it all over again. That summer in 1993 ends five years later as the Ross family returns summer after summer to the Continental Divide Trail in their quest to grow closer and be one with nature.

Edit 2:

My personal opinion is, if the child is breastfeeding, wait at least until the child has weened off breast milk before going on multi-day hikes. The logistics of either dealing with stored breastmilk or breastfeeding/pumping for the mother are too much to really enjoy the hike. My wife and I took our daughter car camping while my wife was still feeding/pumping and even with all the comforts car camping has, that was a pain.

I'm thru-hiking the AT now, SOBO. I started in running shoes and they got destroyed. I switched to Merrells and they got destroyed. I picked up a pair of Adidas Galaxy Trail shoes and they are downright amazing. I got my first pair in Massachusetts and hiked 1,000 miles in them before I traded them out for another pair I bought on amazon. The first pair definitely had more life in them but I didn't want to get into a spot where I needed new shoes and couldn't get the ones I wanted. These shoes are comfy, haven't caused me any blisters, break in easily, and grip rocks like you wouldn't believe. You can't go wrong with these. I'd say you could do the whole trail in two pairs but I'd get three and do it comfortably in three pairs, never having to worry about whether or not your tread is going to slip on the rocks. You'll love these.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01H5WVB4E/ref=twister_B01DFVOCHM?th=1&psc=1

In terms of twisting your ankle, it's going to happen. Fortunately none of my twists have turned into sprains. I don't think high-boot vs low-cut shoe is going to make all that much of a difference. Get a good pair of hiking poles that you can trust. I can't tell you how many times I've caught myself during an ankle twist with my poles. Don't go cheap on your hiking poles.

And don't go waterproof. Your feet will expand a bit but definitely not two sizes larger. I bought a 9.5 (male) of the Galaxy Trails and I'm usually a 9 or a 9.5 Get the bigger size of what you normally fit into.

Congratulations! That time is going to pass much quicker than it seems now. You'll be on trail before you know it!

Since it's on topic, does anyone mind if I pimp my own work? I hiked in 2014 and last year published "Where's the Next Shelter?" It seems like there are plenty of books already that depict the hike diary style. "Day 42, 18 miles. Oatmeal again." I wanted to tell it as a story. It's the true account of my hike, but it's written with dialog and characters, and a distinct beginning, middle and end.

Plus it's funny! There are plenty of serious parts, but overall I wanted a tone that entertained as well as educated. Seems to have worked if the reviews are honest. (There's an audio version too.)

Another one I highly recommend is Appalachian Trials by Zach Davis. Very comprehensive guide for mental preparation, as well as gear and stuff. Cheap, quick read, easy to find. Nice guy too!

Unless Patagonia is sponsoring your hike, I would ditch the trucker hat for a boonie hat. The boonie hat offers (1) more protection from harmful UVA and UVB rays versus a baseball cap, (2) you can soak it in a stream and the evaporation will help keep your head cool on those hot days, (3) makes a bug net much more effective (something else you should definately consider, unless it is there and I just dont see it) by keeping the mesh and mosquitos/flies away from your skin.

Tru-Spec makes really nice ones and they are pretty cheap, $15 for a really quality one.

Tru-Spec Military Boonie Hat Olive Drab 7.75 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00302FX84/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_o8S7BbHEYD8VV

There are cheap and effective bug nets on Amazon meant to go over the head

Benvo Head Net Mesh, Protective Cover Mask Face from Insect Bug Bee Mosquito Gnats for Any Outdoor Lover- with Free Carry Bags (2pcs, Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074QKGJ6G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_H9S7BbNME19PS

Best of luck and happy trails!

Hey! I'm also looking to start NOBO 2017 around that same time. I have some backpacking experience. Mostly weekend overnight trips over the past 3 to 4 years. I just got back from finishing a 7 day shakedown hike on the Georgia section (Springer to Dicks Creek Gap). Once you start picking up some stuff, I would highly suggest at least trying a 2 or 3 night hike to get a feel for your gear.

I've been slowly upgrading to more lightweight items over the past few months ... after obsessively reading this sub as well as /r/ultralight. Here is what I'm currently using. Hope this helps!

• Packs - I have the ULA Circuit but I've heard nothing but good things about the Osprey Exos. Both are extremely popular packs on the trail. This is really dependent on your baseweight so it's recommended that you pick this up last. (Something I did not do lol)
  
  
• Sleeping Bags - What I ended up getting and what everyone here seems to recommend is a 20deg Enlightened Revelation Quilt. I don't have any complaints about it so far. Another popular (and cheaper) option I've seen around here is the Kelty Cosmic Down.
  
  
• Tents - You can pick up a Henry Shires Tarptent for around $200 to $300. I have the Notch but I almost went with the Rainbow.
  
  
• Trekking Poles - You don't need expensive carbon poles. I picked up a pair of Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork poles for about $70 on amazon and I love them. These also double as my tent poles. I'd go cheaper here and use the cash saved somewhere else.
  
  
• Cooking System - I have the MSR Pocket Rocket canister stove and a GSI minimalist cookpot. However, I'm looking to upgrade the pot to a titanium cookpot before leaving for trail.

My Suggestions:

• The quilt looks like it would work. At first I was going to agree with everyone else about not bringing one for both but the Accomplice, for the most part, is 2 sleeping bags sewn together. What degree do you plan on getting tho?
  
  
• The cook set could be replaced with something lighter. Not sure if you want those cups but this is only like 3 oz: http://www.amazon.com/Stanco-Non-Stick-Grease-Strainer-Black/dp/B000MVTIOQ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1452001853&sr=8-2&keywords=grease+strainer If money isn't tight, the TOAKS Titanium pot is the upgraded version of what I've linked.
  
  
• 16 oz of duct tape seems excessive.
  
  
• The Dry bags seem heavy. You can get others that weigh about 2 oz. http://www.seatosummit.com/product/?item=Ultra-Sil%26reg%3B+Nano+Dry+Sack&o1=0&o2=0&o3=511-32
  
  
• I think you could get away with the speaker but for 22 oz. I would rather get headphones that are significantly lighter.
  
  
• I would forgo the Gopro. Phone camera works fine. HYOH tho. GoPros do take really cool shots. You just have 4.54 pounds in electronics alone.
  
  Response to your Questions:
  
  
• From all the other gear lists I've seen, you have the appropriate amount of clothing. Weight conscious people usually forgo pants for shorts, have 2 base layers, a nice puffy, a rain/wind shell and that is about it. Don't forget light pair of gloves.
  
  
• Go to the retailer site and they usually have the dimensions of what you are suppose to get.
  
  
• I've seen some people with it but I would say majority do not. Most that have the bug net for their face usually are bivy/tarp people. Unless you are overly attractive to bugs I would ditch it.
  
  
• I would just get a cheap/light pair of gloves to be honest. Nothing worst than freezing hands as you try and take down/set up your tent.
  
  
• Works for some, I tried it. For me took to long to boil water, imo. If you know what you are doing it will be fine. My recommendation is get a wind screen. If it becomes a pain get a http://www.cascadedesigns.com/msr/stoves/rapid-cooking/pocketrocket/product or something similar. I'm not a fan of the jetboils, I believe you can't cook in them.
  
  
• I can't imagine you will have a problem but I'm not completely sure. All the vids and trail time I've seen there has been lots of spots. You just may have to be a little more selective.
  
  
• See above
  
  Good luck! If I see a couple with a dog and a cloudburst I'll say hello!

I haven't bought a sleeping bag for a few years but it looks like there are some decent ones out there for reasonable prices. I found this one on Amazon for cheap.
Looks like it's not the lightest option but compresses small and has good reviews. A 30 degree bag will be fine in July- you could get away with a warmer rating if you want to.

As for a tarp, anything will do. I've used hardware store blue tarps, pieces of sheet plastic, Tyvek house wrap, and army surplus ponchos for that purpose. The poncho was great because it doubles as rain gear. You don't need to spend a lot of money.

Whilst i spent a fair amount on my pack, sleeping bag and pad, and tent the rest i cheaped out on. Echoing what others have said but most clothing you can get cheap (any poly/.running t shirts and base layers, sleeping socks, gloves, hat, swimming trunks), trash bag for pack liner, cat can alcohol stove (or stoveless, if you prefer canister then there's always this for cheap and light http://www.amazon.com/BRS-Ultralight-Camping-Outdoor-Cooking/dp/B00NNMF70U ) , uniqlo UL down jacket (you can get them on ebay for at least half price to), frogg toggs for waterproofs. Darn tough socks might be expensive at first but the warranty would probably make them worth it in the case of a thru hike. Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon Fiber poles if you want to use hiking poles for $30. Depending on your budge the Six Moon Designs Scout tent is lightweight (34 oz) and only $125. CCF pads are much cheaper and fine for some, but i'd try and test one out first if you can.

Second hand gear is always a good way to go, i stalked eBay a fair bit getting gear together. As far as shoes go, trail runners are very popular but do tend to have shorter lives so i'd recommend approach shoes (such as Merrell Moab Vents) which tend to last a bit longer. The biggest way to save money though is to just not buy gear, which will also help keep your weight down. If you just embrace the fact you're going to stink and be dirty from the start then you don't need that second t shirt and trousers/trunks, less pairs of socks and underwear etc.

Ok, here's the totally non-essential, and stupidly expensive for what it is, but I won't go out even overnight without is my Nalgene coffee press or the GSI Nalgene coffee filter. The filter weighs nothing, it's the coffee and sugar that gets you. Now, if you are good with typical Maxwell House/Folger's coffee, and you drink it with cream and sugar, there is one good alternative. Maxim Korean Coffee Packets are amazingly good. I use 2 packets every morning and sometimes again in the evening. The 100 pack does me good for about a month. If you're reading my post, checking out the product, and saying "Really, um... no.", then you are in the same shoes I was in until I tried it. Has sugar and cream already in it.

I'll also second the battery pack. Those who claimed that pillows and camp shoes are non-essential, I beg to disagree! That's like saying Gold Bond powder is non-essential! I'll admit that I'm not UL, but tax, tag, and title, out of town I'm weighing in right around 30 with 2 liters of water and food. Since I weigh 250, it's light enough.

If you are doing mostly "freezer bag" meals, you will not need a very large pot, and shape is less crucial. However, if you plan to cook in your pot a lot, you will need to be more picky. Wider bottom pots are easier to cook in and eat from, and typically you want a pot wider than your stove for efficiency. Think about stability, both in the width of the pot and weight/length of the handle.

Titanium isn't really lighter, it's just stronger. I have an aluminum grease pot from Kmart, weight 3.5oz and holds 1.5 liters, it's nice and wide. Only cons are that it does not have a handle or fry pan lid, and will dent much more easily (but can also be bent back into shape or replaced cheaply). Grease pot from amazon.

If I don't care (much) about weight, I'll take the Anker 21-Watt PowerPort which has enough surface area to generate useful power in less than perfect conditions. In full sun, that'll max out a USB port's ability to accept current.

If I were going very light, I'd look at a Sunkingdom 5-10-Watt mini panel, with the understanding it needs full sun and will take a long time to recharge anything. Might do for a Kindle with wireless off though.

Winner Outfitters Double Camping Hammock - Lightweight Nylon Portable Hammock, Best Parachute Double Hammock For Backpacking, Camping, Travel, Beach, Yard. 118"(L) x 78"(W), Sky Blue/Blue Color https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GCKAPLK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_IHlDCb7JPK9HM

I use something like Bodyglide. The key is the paraffin. It doesn't last all day, but a few applications a day helps where it counts.

EDIT: It also doesn't sting like some if you are already chaffed. If you ARE already chaffed, get some A&D cream for the end of the day. If you can wash your sensitive areas, do so. Otherwise do what you can to keep them clean and dry as possible.

This ultralight canister stove has been making the rounds lately, I've been pretty impressed with it. http://www.amazon.com/BRS-Ultralight-Camping-Outdoor-Cooking/dp/B00NNMF70U

I do not donate money, don't donate time. I try to be an ambassador by encouraging others, sharing my story (giving e-copies for free), leave trail magic, and just all around promote the awesomeness that the AT is.

[I Hike] (http://www.amazon.com/I-Hike-Lawton-Grinter/dp/0985241500) IMHO paints the best picture of a thru-hike. Though it is not specifically AT, it also has short stories from the CDT and PCT. AWOL on the AT is a decent account of an AT thru-hike.

I would reccomend the GSI Soloist pot over the Jet boil and with that a MSR Pocket Rocket, but thats just my personal preference.

This is the liner that I use but I would look more into other liners, just to see if theres anything you would prefer more. I only used the liner like a dozen times at most, so its not a necessity.

I think the dosages are pretty high. For the electrolytes, check out Hydrolyte in terms of pure electrolyte mix. Their website also shows the studies. I do not think in any studies I have ever read, the dosage was ever that high.

​

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KCFQF2L?ref=myi_title_dp

Where's the Next Shelter by Gary Sizer. Audio book is free too.

This book, https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01NBR1GNE/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_d_asin_title_o00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 was written by a SOBO hiker. Lots of good advice.

I have used an alcohol stove for about 6 years and I love it. I use mine with an MSR Titan Kettle but it is about $50. A cheap option would be to use a grease pot. Loads of people swear by them. You can buy one at Walmart too. The Toaks titanium pot is around $30. People also use this mug to cook water in and claim it will boil 2 cups. Here is another grease pot that people use.

You can make a windscreen for it out of lightweight aluminum flashing or heavy duty cooking foil.

I really like this stuff:

https://www.amazon.com/Maxim-Original-Korean-Coffee-100pks/dp/B005GV9RZC/ref=sr_1_2_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1523158929&sr=8-2&keywords=korean+coffee

Pick up one of these for sure: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0043S06GI/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Non-mobile: I found this one on Amazon for cheap.

^That's ^why ^I'm ^here, ^I ^don't ^judge ^you. ^PM ^/u/xl0 ^if ^I'm ^causing ^any ^trouble. ^WUT?

Just get a greasepot.

Personally, I'd go with neither.


I'd go with a small little pocket rocket style stove like this one: https://www.amazon.com/Ultralight-Camping-Outdoor-Burner-Cooking/dp/B00NNMF70U


Jetboils are big and heavy, but convenient.


I like how alcohols are light and cheap and useful in starting fire in the rain. But, they are dangerous (likely illegal right now in the fire ban areas) and inefficient and slow.


Pocket rocket style stoves are the best of both worlds. Fairly cheap ($15), quick and easy to use (morning coffee isn't a chore), safe (positive shutoff valve), small and light. And you can use the stove to help dry twigs to get a fire going in an emergency.