Another AT 2011

[Nathan Pipenberg]

I'm planning an AT NOBO thru starting in the middle of March.

https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B-C9WE2DZ4xLZDFlMGViZTAtZTk2Yi00ZWUwLTgxNWEtODA1MjA4ZDNlNmUz&sort=name&layout=list&num=50

Gear highlighted in yellow is stuff that I don't have yet, so it is the most open to consideration. But everything else is as well…

Other points:
-The pack is probably going to go.. not sure on a replacement yet but I'm thinking about a Mariposa Plus
-Will I be warm enough?
-Can I make do without WP/B pants? The thru hiker ones are only wind proof I think.

Thanks preemptively for any feedback you have.

Nathan

[Sid Riddle]

The link wouldn't work for me.

The address rather*

[Frank Deland]

Mid-March is a good time to start. Here is where your weather might be the coldest:

http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/snow.htm

I would definitely carry WP/B pants like Marmot Pre-cip or Golite Reed. Will serve as wind pants, long pants and warmth at night even to sleep in.

I think newer models do have ankle zips:

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/golite_reed_pants_review.html

or sew in your own. I see you have MYO Gear!

[Nathan Pipenberg]

I changed the settings on the google doc.. is it working now?

[Frank Deland]

It works. Even the yellow.

Your gear list looks a lot like mine!

Your pad might slip around in your hammock unless the hammock has a layer underneath. Nevertheless, having a pad works well in shelters or if you just want to sleep on the ground, not use your hammock some nights.

I, too like having a three liter capacity for water. Although I never carry more than 2, If I load up with three in the evening I won't have to get more in the morning.

I have used dry bags for food, but you can find lightweight bags even plastic bags from grocery stores. You can use an empty stuff sack from other gear to to hang food. Many use compactor trash bags, but I like MYO different color solnylon or cuben fiber, or othert scraps for stuff sacks.

For your camera, look for a model (Canon Powershot models) or Kodaks that use regular AA or AAA batteries. The you won't have to worry about chargers. No need to carry extra batteries, just buy fresh ones as needed. Lithium work best in the cold.

One good aspect of the AT is the many opportunities you will have to swap out gear, send stuff home, or get new. 30 miles from Springer the trail goes right through the famous Walasi Outdoor center!

I prefer this guide book, not the big section AT guides or Data books:

http://www.trailplace.com/hb_2010edition.html

I would start your hike with a 20 degree bag. In March you will find shelters warmer than hanging, I think. Get to your night spots early, so you can get a roaring fire going in the cold at designated fire pits near the shelters.

http://thru-hiker.com/projects/silnylon_stuffsacks.php

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=12717

BPL has directios for MOG bags, too.

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/make_your_own_gear_5_yards_to_sul_part_2.html

[Matthew Zion]

Disregard. Misread your list.

[Patrick S]

I'm with Frank on the guidebook. I started with the ATC books and ditched them as soon as I could for the Thru HIkers Handbook. I don't know anybody that used the data book.

You'll want to bring wpb pants for the first couple months at least and then ditch them when summer hits.

I'd definitely ditch the compass. It can get you in more trouble than help on the AT. "Trail north" is barely ever north and sometimes even straight south. Using a compass can really make you second guess yourself and the only people I ever knew that got turned around did so because they used a compass. You don't need it. Just the Thru Hikers Handbook.

I've seen a lot of people melt fast food plastic spoons, but if you've used it in the past and it worked for you then go for it.

The best gear I carried on my hike were my town clothes. Just some running shorts with a pocket and a cotton t-shirt. I know it may seem silly to carry the extra weight, but if you're hanging out with your friends in town and you're doing laundry you don't want to be wearing your rain gear. If you're using a bounce box you won't have to carry them as well. I didn't use the post office for anything other than sending stuff home, but its not a big deal to carry a clean shirt.

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