Finally Got Around To Writing A Gear Post

Better late than never, right? Here’s a list of the gear I’m taking on the AT!

Backpack:

Hyperlite Mountain Gear 2400 Southwest

32.37oz

I went with HMG because they’re based out of Maine, so they probably know a thing or two about the AT. The pack is almost 100% waterproof eliminating the need for a pack cover. I like the large, elastic outside pockets and the velcro rolltop closure. I weight trained with it on the stair stepper at the gym and it’s comfy as hell.

*Elastic strap I added myself.

Tent:

Gossamer Gear The One + Polycro Footprint

38.9oz (tent+stakes+footprint)

For my shelter system I chose Gossamer Gear’s The One tent. I would have liked to save up for something by Zpacks or a Hyperlite Mountain Gear, but they run anywhere from $500 to $800 which is out of my price range at the moment. I got The One for $240 on sale, which my bank account appreciated.

Sleep System:

Quilt:

GramXpert Elite Quilt, 21.2 degrees F

29oz

Although I’ve been a bag user for years, I recently switched to a quilt to reduce weight and bulk. I found this amazing Slovenian company called GramXpert; they don’t use down for ethical reasons which makes my vegan heart so so happy. They also make their quits to order, so I could customize temp rating, size, color, and various other details to build a quilt specifically for my needs.

Sleeping Pad:

Nemo Tensor Insulated Sleeping Pad

15oz

With the few tests I’ve done with this pad I’m extremely happy with it. 3 inches of thickness and only 15oz insulated. Yes please. I know the Thermarest Neoair Xtherm (the insulated version of the Xlite) is also a popular option in the lightweight backpacking community, but that pad is NOISY AS HECK. The Nemo Tensor has ZERO crinkling when I roll over. I’m in love.

Pillow:

Wilderness Technologies Inflatable Pillow

2.5oz

Cook System:

Vargo BOT 700 – 4.8oz

Pot Cozie – 1oz

MSR Pocket Rocket Stove (w/ case) – 3.3oz

Toaks Titanium Spoon – .6oz

Measuring Utensils – .4oz

Water System:

Smart Water Bottles, empty (23.7 FL oz size) (x2) – 2.4oz

Purinize Water Purifier Drops (2 FL oz size) – 2.6oz

Extra long bendy straws (Dollar Tree) (x2) – .1oz

Attached bottle to strap, extra long straw for easy drinking. (Photo from last September on my way up to Mount Whitney.)

Electronics:

Anker PowerCore 20100 Power Bank – 12.56oz

iPhone Xs Max (with Otterbox) – 10.3oz

GoPro Hero 7 (with case) – 6.5oz

Anker Dual USB PowerPort Speed 2 – 4.6oz

Big Agnes mtnGLO Tent Camp Lights (w/ batteries) – 3.2oz

Headlamp – Nitecore NU25 360 Lumen Triple Output USB Rechargeable – 1.9oz (w/ headband)

Anker Wireless Headphones – .8oz

Small Items Bag:

Hygiene Kit – 3.5oz

Med Kit – 5.3oz

Repair Kit – 3.6oz

Sea to Summit Insect Head Net – 1.3oz

Bathroom Kit:

Tentlab Deuce of Spades – .6oz

Toilet Paper – 1oz

Mesh bag – .4oz

Kula Cloth – .5oz

Clothing:

Top:

Patagonia Active Mesh Sports Bra – 2.8oz

REI Co-op Lightweight Base Layer Crew T-shirt – 4.5oz

REI Co-op Lightweight Base Layer Long Sleeve Half Zip – 5.8oz

Patagonia R1 Pullover Hoodie – 11oz

Patagonia Micro Puff Jacket (synthetic insulation) – 8oz

Outdoor Research Women’s Helium II Rain Jacket – 5.5oz

Bottom:

ExOfficio Women’s Give and Go Sport Mesh Bikini Briefs – 1.5oz

ExOfficio Give-N-Go Sport Mesh Boxer Briefs – Men’s 6″ Inseam – 2.3oz

Old Navy Activewear Running Shorts (liner cut out) – 2.6oz

32 Degree Baselayer Tight (for sleeping) – 4.6oz

Columbia OmniHeat Baselayer Tight – 5.2oz

Ultralight Adventure Equipment Rain Skirt – 2.9 oz

Other:

Mountain Standard beanie – 2.6oz

Solar Escape sun hat – 2.6oz

BUFF USA Multifunctional Headwear – 1.3oz

Gloves – 1.3oz

Injinji Trail Midweight Crew Toe Socks (Medium) (x2) – 2.6oz (one pair)

Fleece socks (for sleeping, some Kohls brand) – 2.5oz

Wild Fable Talise EVA Clogs – 8.5oz

Altra Lone Peak 4 – 17oz (pair)

Misc:

Thermarest Z Seat Pad – 2oz

Left hip belt pocket items – 7.5oz

Right hip belt pocket items – 4.5oz

I’m interested to see how I feel about my gear choices during and after the trail, expect a post-trail gear review when I’m done! Until then, here I go!!

First Post!

How exciting is this?! I’ve been wanting to start a blog for quite some time now, and while the theme has evolved as the years have passed, I’ve finally gotten around to actually doing it. *tiny dance party for myself* As most of you may know, I’m going to be starting the Appalachian Trail on March 31st. While I was on the John Muir Trail I decided that three weeks in the wilderness wasn’t enough, I needed more. So I started planning for the AT as soon as I got back to Utah, and here I am only two months away from actually doing it. I’ve gotten almost all of my gear, I’ve been working and saving as much money as I can, and in a little less than two months I’ll be on a plane en route to Georgia, stepping foot onto the AT where I’ll spend the next 4-5 months walking all the way to Maine. It’s going to be difficult, and wet, and I can’t imagine how many mental breakdowns I’m going to have, but I’m still excited. I’m excited to meet new people, see new places, learn new skills, and accomplish new goals. It’s going to be an amazing experience, one I’m excited to share with everyone! So stay tuned for more posts about my preparations, my gear set up, and more!