In March 2018, I set off on my grand journey of thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail (AT), a 2,200-mile steady path between Georgia and Maine. It was a dream I’d had since I used to be 11 years previous. I used to be on an in a single day summer time camp backpacking journey in New Hampshire at Mizpah Spring Hut within the White Mountains. Two ladies who have been climbing the entire Appalachian Trail collectively have been the visitor audio system, speaking about their experiences.
My good friend and I checked out each other and mentioned, “Let’s do that when we’re older.”
Years later, after graduating school, the time was excellent. I didn’t have a job but and I’d completed all my research. So I began making ready for that lifelong objective and journey.
I had researched and invested in some gear forward of that first thru-hike try. But most of what I ended up taking had been thrifted or gifted. I firmly imagine I might have made it to Katahdin with what I had. But at Harpers Ferry, I needed to get off for private causes. My first thru-hike try had been derailed.
This March, although, I’m returning to Springer Mountain with a brand new setup, decided to complete what I began with even higher gear. Here’s what I’m altering concerning the packing checklist, what I’m abandoning, and what I’ve upgraded. If you’re contemplating your individual Appalachian Trail thru-hike — whether or not it’s on the AT, Pacific Crest Trail, the Continental Divide Trail, or every other — you would possibly have the ability to study one thing from my errors.
Updating My Appalachian Trail Thrifted and Gifted Gear
What I Changed
Before setting off on the Appalachian Trail for the primary time, I had been backpacking about two or thrice. One included climbing right down to pure sizzling springs in Colorado and carrying a pumpkin pie in my pack. We carried every part in our backpacks for the multiday journey. So I might nonetheless name it “backpacking.” But we undoubtedly weren’t counting the ounces.
I believed I used to be making good choices for the Appalachian Trail thru-hike. But like everybody heading out for the primary time, there was a much-needed shakedown as soon as I received on the market. People who have been extra skilled backpackers checked out my issues and requested why I used to be carrying a bodily journal, a map, knowledge, a guidebook, and different small equipment. My pack didn’t really feel too heavy. But I shortly realized that each ounce issues.
Planning for this second try was the right alternative to improve my gear and fill my pack with the ounces I truly wanted.
Footwear
Prior to my 2018 try, I went to REI to get good climbing boots. I labored with an worker for fairly some time to get the scale and match dialed in. And that they had felt advantageous within the retailer. But on the path, it was a special story. I even had sock liners, and my toes nonetheless received many blisters. The hike continued, however every step was so painful I knew I needed to change them as quickly as doable.
I hobbled into Franklin, N.C., proper after the 100-mile mark, and into the native retailer, Outdoor 76. The man on the retailer steered I measurement as much as account for my toes swelling from climbing a lot. He mentioned whichever shoe felt essentially the most snug at that second would really feel like clouds when my toes healed. He was proper. The Saucony sneakers I picked felt fantastic.
The Saucony sneakers have been for working on pavement, however they felt unbelievable on the path. I hiked till mile 1,013 with that model. And to this present day, I’m loyal to Saucony. These sneakers match wider toes, are rather more versatile than boots, and nonetheless help me nicely.
The weight distinction between climbing boots and path trainers is huge. My prior Oboz climbing boots weighed 33 oz, and the Saucony path runners weigh simply 9.8 ounces. That weight discount made an enormous distinction with every step on the path. Some individuals want taller, stiffer boots that supply extra ankle or arch help. But if you may make path runners work, they lower loads of weight.
I additionally modified the kind of liners I used to be utilizing from sock match to particular person toe match (Injinji). That additional material between the toes actually helped decrease friction, so I barely received any blisters.
Hiking Dresses and Sun Hoodies
In 2018, I hiked in shorts I had present in a free garments pile at college and shirts from Target. This 12 months I’m planning to primarily put on the Columbia PFG Freezer III costume as a result of I discover it extremely snug (learn my full evaluation to study extra).
I’m additionally packing my Jolly Gear solar hoodie, which I’m excited to put on. Designed by a thru-hiker (path identify “Jolly”) for thru-hikers. The firm’s tagline is “where fun meets functional.” I really like supporting others within the thru-hiking neighborhood. And anyway, it’s only a cool hoodie that protects me from getting an excessive amount of solar.
Appalachian Trail Thru-Hike: The Pack
The backpack that I used on my first Appalachian Trail thru-hike try was the REI Crestrail 65, which I purchased in 2013. It was an awesome pack. But it was 4 kilos, 5 ounces. And clearly, pack applied sciences and pack weights have come a great distance within the final decade. The Osprey Eja 58 will take its place this 12 months. The Eja 58 is 2 kilos, 8 ounces; reducing 1 pound, 7 ounces from my pack weight will make a noticeable distinction with out sacrificing consolation.
I’ve used a Hyperlite 2400 Junction Pack previously for shorter hikes, which I’ve liked. But I’m selecting the Osprey Eja 58 for a thru-hike so long as this one. Why? The Osprey is 9 ounces heavier than the Hyperlite. But I imagine the consolation offered by the mesh again of the Osprey can be value that additional weight.
Appalachian Trail Thru-Hike: Accessories
I had loads of small issues that I both thought I wanted or have been items. And as a result of they have been so small, I believed, why not? I can carry just a few additional objects even when I don’t want them.
I undoubtedly shipped just a few issues residence once I arrived within the first city. There was a conveyable photo voltaic charger that wasn’t as efficient as I wanted it to be. It needed to go. I additionally had an information e-book with all of the shelters and campsites listed. I ended up taking pictures of the pages as an alternative and despatched the bodily e-book residence. Then there have been a bunch of small carabiners I by no means used. I even had a clothesline, (thanks for the present, Dad!), however I didn’t use it sufficient for it to make sense.
This time round, my equipment are all thought-out.
I’m prepared to hold my digicam and the charger to seize my expertise. My Therm-a-Rest pump can be a needed luxurious. It retains the sleeping pad cleaner as I gained’t use my breath to blow it up. It additionally makes establishing camp a lot simpler after an extended day, and I do know I’ll use it each night time. Thank you for that suggestion, Alina (path identify “Abstract”).
Full Gear List for the Appalachian Trail
Apparel
Gear
Packing for My Appalachian Trail Thru-Hike: Conclusion
With so many objects gifted or thrifted in 2018, I didn’t have loads of alternative about what to make use of. This time, I hand-selected gear that may work for me. I really feel rather more ready. I’ve spent the previous 4 years backpacking every time I might and had the chance to work in an outside retailer. So I’m additionally rather more educated about gear normally.
Over the years, I’ve switched to ultralight objects like a Hyperlite Mountain Gear tarp tent, Hyperlite pack, and even a Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite sleeping pad. They have been nice. But they didn’t have the consolation degree I used to be searching for in a thru-hike. I’ll be utilizing this gear day-after-day, so I wish to make sure that I really like each facet of it — not simply the burden.
My base weight of every part minus meals and water is 17 kilos, 9 ounces. While I might all the time need it to be lighter, I’m prioritizing consolation and delight on the AT. My pack is rather more of a light-weight backpacking setup than an ultralight setup, however I imagine it can work nicely for me.
When it involves gear, the quantity of use and delight will justify the burden. Use this gear checklist as a information on your subsequent journey, whether or not it’s a shorter backpacking journey or a thru-hike. Hike your individual hike — and blissful trails!