Topic
AT 2008 SOBO gear list!!!!
Forum Posting
A Membership is required to post in the forums. Login or become a member to post in the member forums!
Home › Forums › Gear Forums › Gear Lists › AT 2008 SOBO gear list!!!!
- This topic is empty.
-
AuthorPosts
-
Feb 18, 2008 at 1:13 pm #1227357
Hello everyone, please take a look and let me know any constructive criticism!! Especially regarding an item I haven't bought yet. My start date will most likely be early July, but it's flexible.
I definitely feel that my rain gear could use some improvement. Has anyone used an umbrella on the AT? I don't have much umbrella experience but I love the psychological boost of being "out of the rain."
Here's the list! Thank you.
http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=pBxw1O7aoF_1p3ldltH8UDA
Feb 18, 2008 at 5:07 pm #1421056Hi Brittany,
I can't speak to any of the AT besides the Whites, but you might want to check out Ben & Lauren's blog at http://bltadventure.blogspot.com/. They were '07 NOBOs and had a gear list that was very similar to yours. FWIW, they carried GoLite umbrellas and Dri-Ducks jackets. If you got a similar garment, it could double as a windshirt, thus taking an item off your list (you could omit the umbrella then, too). I carry a silnylon poncho, windshirt and brimmed hat, myself, and hike in wind pants 'cause I'm a klutz.Your headlamp could be lighter; have you looked at the Petzl e+lite or a Photon Freedom with a hat clip, each of which is well under an ounce? That also sounds like a lot of DEET to start out with. I know the following will add weight, but have you thought about: camera, sunscreen or visor/hat, earplugs in case you're stuck in a shelter or hostel with snorers? Oh yeah: and a little soap, like Dr. Bronner's, and some alcohol gel (Purell).
Ok, enough from me. Time for some thru-hikers to weigh in. Have fun!!
Feb 18, 2008 at 6:53 pm #1421073Thank you Heather for your reply! I will definitely be reading Ben & Lauren's blog.
I don't have a headlamp yet, that weight was an uneducated guess, as was the weight for the DEET. I'll look into the headlamps you suggested! My boyfriend is bringing a camera, and I'm planning to use the umbrella for any sunny sections. However if I ditch the umbrella I'll need sunscreen. Earplugs – good suggestion I will add those. I just went on a factory tour where we needed earplugs – I should've snagged a pair. Soap – I normally make do with a soap free bandanna bath!
Brittany
Feb 18, 2008 at 7:23 pm #1421078Unless you plan on hiking at night, I highly recommend the Petzl E-Lite. 1oz, multiple settings including red LED, and clips to hat brims if needed.
Feb 19, 2008 at 7:03 am #1421121Thank you Douglas!
Also I've been going back and forth on getting a Mariposa or Mariposa Plus. I like the color of the original better, and it's on sale right now at GG. But the Plus is sturdier and can carry a heavier load, which I might need if the AT has a drought like last year. The 2oz weight difference between the two doesn't matter to me.
Feb 19, 2008 at 7:16 am #1421122I recently got the Mariposa Plus instead of the normal Mariposa. I've had silnylon packs before, and I like the M. Plus's material much better. More durable and feels better.
Feb 19, 2008 at 5:26 pm #1421184Has anyone heard about a timeframe for a change to curved stays on the Maricopa Plus?
Feb 20, 2008 at 9:30 am #1421251Well I went ahead and ordered the Mariposa Plus. I'm going on a shakedown hike during spring break in early March, so I couldn't put off the decision any longer!
Feb 24, 2008 at 2:25 pm #1421867hey everyone,
I got my Mariposa Plus in the mail on Friday, as well as my Montbell Alpine down jacket. I got a jacket size L using my measurements and the guide on the website. However, I think the jacket may be too big. It doesn't fit snuggly with two layers underneath. How can I tell if the fit is right??
I know it's a balancing act because a too big jacket won't keep me as warm as I could be, while a too small jacket will compress the down. Help!! I may buy a medium and compare the fit, then return the one I don't like.
Mar 4, 2008 at 7:06 pm #1423026Sun exposure is not a problem on the AT. With the exception of a few open ridges and summits, you will be hiking in the shade even in the Smokies. I encountered several straight days of rain in August in VT, and was glad to have an umbrella which I rigged to carry hands free. It was most helpful when I stopped for a break in the pouring rain. I still got wet, however. so I no longer carry an umbrella. The highlight of my time with the umbrella is when I passed a woman who said she considered carrying an umbrella, but thought she would look stupid with it. Then I passed by a shelter in a downpour with hikers huddled inside. I asked for "Grey Poupon", but got only icy stares. The low point of carrying an umbrella was during a lightning storm. Somehow having a metal umbrella waving above my head was not comforting. As for a headlamp, go for one with strong one-bulb spot in the center. It will be helpful if you have to hike in the dark. I have used just a Photon (green) to hike but it only shows the trail at your feet. Take note that colored lights also change the color of the white blazes.
-
AuthorPosts
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
Forum Posting
A Membership is required to post in the forums. Login or become a member to post in the member forums!
Our Community Posts are Moderated
Backpacking Light community posts are moderated and here to foster helpful and positive discussions about lightweight backpacking. Please be mindful of our values and boundaries and review our Community Guidelines prior to posting.
Get the Newsletter
Gear Research & Discovery Tools
- Browse our curated Gear Shop
- See the latest Gear Deals and Sales
- Our Recommendations
- Search for Gear on Sale with the Gear Finder
- Used Gear Swap
- Member Gear Reviews and BPL Gear Review Articles
- Browse by Gear Type or Brand.