2009 SHT Thru Hike List

I should also mention I'll have one resupply when my wife splits off and goes home since a car will be there (almost exactly 1/2 way through). Any suggestions for things to throw in there other than my food/fuel resupply would be great.

This is a very solid list. You're obviously in the fine tuning phase. So here's a few suggestions although you don't need to change anything.

I prefer having a separate wind jacket. 50F is perfect weather to hike in a base layer + wind jacket. I over heat if I add any insulation.

You're pack is kind of heavy. The gg mariposa, ula circuit or mld ark could save 1 lb. If you lighten you're load a little more you can get a lighter pack.

A quilt could save 1/2 lb.

The lunar duo looks very luxurious although there are significantly lighter options.

Other things to drop an ounce or 2:
alcohol stove
foil or oven liner lid for your mug
get rid of the hose and 2 aquafina bottles
use natural tp :)

You're already at a a base weight that's low enough to make the going nearly as easy as a day hike. So pick your luxuries and enjoy them. You don't have many left.

p.s. no camera?

I did this hike with my brother last May, so I understand the conditions you could see. We averages about 19 miles/day. Here is my trip report: http://crazyrunnerguy.blogspot.com/2008/05/splash-down-i-have-returned.html. I don't have a full gear-list from that trip, but it was similar to your current list.

Your list looks great – you are definitely into serious fine-tuning. What is your backup pad is you can't get the NeoAir? Going with even a 3/4 ridgerest could save you 6 ounces. You could also drop the pillow and use your puffy jacket instead. I would also look hard at your SmartWool bottoms. These (along with my bandanna and zip-off pant legs) were one piece of gear I thought I could have done without.

I think you could drop your mid layer and swap your hat for a thin balaclava – you don't have a hood on that puffy jacket, do you?

Are you taking two utensils? What shelter will you be using when you are solo?

I might be up there around your time doing a fast-pack, so I'll let you know.

PM sent.

Dan,

Just an FYI, the Osprey Exos 46 Medium specs out at 37 oz. The weights unfortunately were increased from the specs given at last years Outdoor Show. You can find the pack and specs on the Osprey website under the heading Active Light Pursuits.

Paul

Nia – I prefer having a separate wind jacket. 50F is perfect weather to hike in a base layer + wind jacket. I over heat if I add any insulation.

Good point – I'm a heat machine. Any good lightweight suggestions that aren't a sauna?

Nia – You're pack is kind of heavy. The gg mariposa, ula circuit or mld ark could save 1 lb. If you lighten you're load a little more you can get a lighter pack.

I don't use a closed foam pad, and I want some form of suspension. I'm actually quite happy with my Granite Gear Vapor pack, but I find I sweat like a pig with the foam backpanel. The Exos mesh backpanel looks like it would do me well. Although I see it was mentioned that their quoted weights are off.

Nia – A quilt could save 1/2 lb.

Good suggestion, especially considering I rarely zip it up, but I love my Western Mountaineering bag, and appreciate the time that I can zip it up.

Nia – The lunar duo looks very luxurious although there are significantly lighter options.

Doesn't it look luxurious? :) The first half of the hike I'm sharing it. Almost all of my hiking is with my wife, so I can't really justify a buying something like a Lunar Solo for the rare solo hike.

Nia – Other things to drop an ounce or 2: alcohol stove, foil or oven liner lid for your mug, get rid of the hose and 2 aquafina bottles, use natural tp :)

Alcohol stove may work for part 2, so I may put mine in the car. I made one that works great with the relatively narrow bottom of my Snow Peak mug. For two people and 7 days, the Giga is more efficient. Good tip on the lid – the 1.25 ounce piece of stainless has always annoyed me. I really like having a hydration hose. The plan is to purify, let the chems work for 15 min, then have the Frontier hose hooked to the bladder to filter out Giardia. Natural TP? I've read the thread… I'm not ready yet, and I will NEVER convince my wife. :)

Nia – p.s. no camera?

My wife is carrying it the first half. It's 6.3 ounces… I think I'll cave and throw it in for the second half. I'll edit and add it to my above list.

Matt – What is your backup pad is you can't get the NeoAir?

I have a 14 oz Ridge Rest and a strangely heavy 27 ounce BA Air Core mummy cut. I don't know why it's so heavy. I side sleep and it's soooo much more comfortable on my hips that haven't gone back to my ridge rest even though it's… gulp… 10 oz heavier.

Matt – You could also drop the pillow and use your puffy jacket instead. I would also look hard at your SmartWool bottoms. These (along with my bandanna and zip-off pant legs) were one piece of gear I thought I could have done without.

I've been wondering about the jacket/pillow thing. I just got it this winter, so I haven't tried it as a pillow. It looks like it'd do pretty good though. I side sleep, so I need decent head elevation. I think I'll try it. On the smartwools – thanks for the tip. I am a very warm person, but was concerned if it got windy/rainy.

Matt – I think you could drop your mid layer and swap your hat for a thin balaclava – you don't have a hood on that puffy jacket, do you?

Drop the mid layer? Hadn't thought of that. If it was going to be warmer I'd argue, but I think you're on to something. It's coming off my list. Regarding the balaclava, hmmm… I have a shaved head and use the hat mostly for sleeping. My scalp is VERY sensitive to what is pushed up against it for 8 hours of sleep. I don't have a hood on my puffy jacket. I have bought many-a-hat that felt good in the store that got tossed after I realized they irritated my head after a few hours.

Matt – Are you taking two utensils? What shelter will you be using when you are solo? I might be up there around your time doing a fast-pack, so I'll let you know.

Yep, although – I'll probably leave the fork behind if I do all freezer bag cooking. They weigh almost nothing though. As mentioned above, I'm using the LD castle. I can't really justify shelling out a bunch of cash for a solo shelter that would be rarely used.

Paul – Just an FYI, the Osprey Exos 46 Medium specs out at 37 oz. The weights unfortunately were increased from the specs given at last years Outdoor Show.

JERKS! I'm updating my list above. I'm still thinking that mesh backpanel would be nice, but I'm a little less sure now.

I updated my gear list:

+7 = Updated Osprey pack weight
+6.3 = Added camera, (which will only be carried for the second 1/2)
-.25 = Removed Fork
-6.80 = Removed Eco Mesh Shirt (mid layer)
-5.60 = Removed SmartWool Microweight Bottoms (base layer)
-2.5 = Removed Mont-Bell pillow

Keep the ideas coming… :)

Here’s my thoughts… first check out my list as it is geared for the SHT down to about 35F. I don’t know if it will be of any value to you, but here you go. I haven’t actually tried this exact list yet as I am constantly upgrading, but I’ve been up there enough to have a feel that it should work. Notice that I am going to try out the no tp thing on my next trip… daring I know.

My 35F Gear List

One thing I am going to try this year after taking two trips on the SHT last year. The first was end of May 2008 where I saw temps down to about 30F. The second was end of October where we saw 20F, lots of rain and a little snow. In both cases, I never used my insulating jacket unless I wasn’t moving. I’m thinking about trying out not bringing the insulated jacket and just grab my sleeping bag to through over my shoulders when I get chilled… If you decide to lose your insulating jacket, you would need to throw that midweight back in.

I also have always used my rain jacket as my wind breaker of which you could easily do. It was rainy and very windy for part of the October trip and one of the guys wore his driducks suit constantly… It was a lifesaver for him!! He didn’t have much for insulation under it and was very comfortable.

I just recently bought my BA Clearview, so am curious to see if I can get by without any other insulation under me down to 35F. I am going to bring my short Z-Lite just in case on my next trip, but hope to not have to use it. I think that the 35-40F is going to be the bottom for not having a closed cell under me. If you sleep warm, you could pick one up and I bet you would be good down to that temp as well. This would save you a few more ounces on your pad and save some cash as well. I always carry a sit pad with me as having that insulation under me when I’m sitting around helps a ton. I would use this in combination with my BA Clearview as well for sleeping.

From my experience, you can lose the headnet and insect repellent. I’ve seen mosquitos in northern MN in the middle of May, but they are rare and usually harmless.

That’s all I have for now…

My thoughts from my 2005 thru hike (May 1st – 15th):

1. I had snow on my first night out with temps below freezing.
2. In May the SHT will be running with an endless supply of water so you can make do with one water bottle no problem. All campsites are near water sources for easy water retrieval when cooking as well.
3. It rained 5 out of 15 days. Driducks are good, but if this is your first thru-hike you may want something super comfortable and extra breathable.

Now my thoughts on your hike:
1. Are you already an ultralight backpacker to the core? If not, don’t use this trip as a means of becoming one. Use what you know and what are comfortable with otherwise you’ll never go on a long distance hike again. Take away from it what you’ve learned and apply it to lightening up on future trips.
2. Save weight by resupplying often. Lutsen, Grand Marais, Silver Bay, your car. All good options. If the shuttle is running at that time they’ll drop off food for you as well.
3. A twelve pound base isn’t bad – yes I could suggest ways to lighten it but more importantly I’d rather you were comfortable and walked the trail from beginning to end.
4. Bring your camera – backpackers should always save room for a camera!

Sam, your note prompted me to re-visit your photo album. Let me try to guess the location of another photo … #2of36 … North Carlson Pond?? (near the Arrowhead trail) … the Hoover Dam of beaver dams!

Great comments from Sam – I was waiting for him to put some up. I resupplied in Tofte. It is not much of a town – cafe, post office, no gas station or other grocery store. But what it does have is a that post office and it is only about 1.5 miles off-trail. The hike down is mostly on a road-size path and it quite easy. It is downhill, so hauling back up can be a little less fun. The post office is about 100 yards west on 61 once you reach it.

When I stopped there my brother and I went to the cafe there just as it closed. The owner, the only one working there, made my brother and I sandwiches and the taste of fresh food was like mana from heaven. The tomatoes and red onions had sharp flavor and enlightened my spirits (I had one extra-fierce blister).

One more thing: if you want more trip beta, I have photos posted on my Facebook.

Also, that beaver pond just blew me away the first time (and now everytime) I see it.

Here's some pics:

Another:

It is, however, not my favorite beaver dam. That honor squarely belongs to the dam at Sawmill Bog, where you need to walk some 100 yards over it. See:

Jeremy – From my experience, you can lose the headnet and insect repellent. I've seen mosquitos in northern MN in the middle of May, but they are rare and usually harmless.

I don't think I'd need it for the first half. I may put it in the car. Towards the end of May, it could get buggy if it warms up. If it stays cool, I'm probably okay.

Sam – Are you already an ultralight backpacker to the core? If not, don't use this trip as a means of becoming one.

Ultralight to the core? That sounds so definitive. ;) In June of 2003 I met a friend of my wife's on the SHT for short hike. His pack was incredibly light (he's hiked the AT and PCT many times – he's in his 60's). I saw his alcohol stove, tennis shoes, and little GoLite pack, but I didn't get it and our hike was easy. Two weeks later we went on a real trip in Colorado and it started to make more sense to me. Over the next two years I kept cutting more and more weight. I'd say 2006 was the first year I really got it. I haven't looked back. My longest hike, however, has been about 50 miles. Most of this has been due to getting vacation time.

Sam – Save weight by resupplying often. Lutsen, Grand Marais, Silver Bay, your car. All good options. If the shuttle is running at that time they'll drop off food for you as well.

The car will be in Tofte at Bluefin (my wife is treating herself), so that's an easy one, but the only one I had planned. Considering I'm going to have 10-14 pounds of food on day one of each 1/2 of the hike, splitting it in half again would be quite a savings. How much time do you spend going off trail to get to the food drops on the SHT?

I can post my itinerary if you want.

Ultralight @ Dan

Dan, it sounds like you know what you're getting into in terms of whether you should or shouldn't save weight. I take a cautious approach to suggesting people save lots of weight in their pack right before a long hike. It's better to try those techniques out on shakedowns.

Resupply @ Dan

As Matt mentioned, there's a post office at Tofte, there's a post office (and grocery) at Grand Marais and Silver Bay as well. Those two towns are an hour's walk off the trail so you'd add half a day to your overall trip length using them probably. Restaurants are basically on-trail at Cascade, Lutsen, where else? That might be outside your style of backpacking though.

Photo @ Jim
Jim I'd agree with you but I'm not sure which photo album you might be looking at. I have those pictures posted in at least three locations.

ps – Bluefin? Your wife is obviously smarter than all of us who would rather be on the trail than at that posh, lakeside location.

Sorry, but I would not rely on DriDucks on a long trip. They tear too easily.

Sam – ps – Bluefin? Your wife is obviously smarter than all of us who would rather be on the trail than at that posh, lakeside location.

Yeah… I know. She thinks I should do a night there to freshen up, have a hot meal, some beer, and then continue on. It might be nice, but I'm not sure how I feel about a "hotel night" on my SHT thru hike. But man, I bet that'll sound pretty d-a-m-n good 1/2 way through. :)

Frank – Sorry, but I would not rely on DriDucks on a long trip. They tear too easily.

My only defense is that every area I've ever been through on the SHT is pretty open. I'm more concerned about how they'd preform under sustained rain. Will they eventually wet out, or will they shed rain all day long? I've been fortunate enough to not hike in them all day in the rain.

Matt – I've hiked that beaver dam at Sawmill bog. It's very cool! There was some water running over the boardwalk when I did it, and it was a bit slippery. Didn't fall in though. :)

Like Dan said, the SHT is very, very open for a trail that goes through forests. There are some narrow sections but for the most part, the only areas to worry about snagging something is going around deadfalls.

Everytime I go over Sawmill Bog I unbuckle the hipbelt, undo pole traps, etc. Falling in on either side would suck.

Dan. Hope you and your wife have a great hike. You both are brave ones, hiking SHT in early may. I can't get myself to hike it any earlier than memorial weekend and that can be cold..infact, a group of us are hiking that weekend. Sounds like you will be done by may 28th. If not, see you on your last leg of the trail….Happy hiking

My comments below:
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The Pack, Shelter, Sleep System weigh in at a whopping 8 pounds 0.2 oz! That's a LOT. A true ultra-light hiker could easily go out with their entire base weight WELL under that number.

Ospre Exos 46 is pretty heavy. There are lot's of lighter backpacks.

What's a "mylar bag liner" ?

Why the stuff sack for the sleeping bag? Just use a trash compactor bag in the pack.

Why a true tent? WIll a tarp suffice?

Why a butane stove? Alcohol is lighter.

Toilet paper AND wet wipes (and more wipes in the first aid kit?) Why both. You CAN leave the toilet paper behind…

a 2.5 oz headlamp? THere are lighter options…

The DriDucks are a fine option, but BE careful (especially with the easily ripped pants)

A 2 oz compass?

Cut the bandana in half.

A 15 oz jacket? For May?

Here's a quick list I put together with some changes that could save you five pounds. I left a bunch of your expensive items on there because it's doubtful you're going to replace those items (although if you did more weight could be saved)

20.00 – ULA Conduit
27.00 – WM MegaLite Long, S2S Ultra
06.00 – Gossamer Gear Thinlite and Nitelite
12.00 – Silnylon or Spinnaker tarp
65.00

01.00 – Whitebox Stove
04.25 – Snow Peak 700 Mug & Lid
00.25 – Mini Bic
00.25 – Lexan Spoon
05.75

00.00 – leave Aquafina at home
03.50 – Platypus Hoser 1.8L Bladder
00.00 – leave Frontier Pro at home
00.50 – Aquamira/Micropur Tabs
04.00

01.00 – Toothbrush, floss, baking soda
00.00 – leave TP at home
00.00 – leave Wet Wipes at home
01.00 – Dr Bonners Soap in dropper
00.50 – Sun Block
00.00 – leave Insect Repellant at home
00.00 – leave Headnet at home
03.00 – Food Line, Bag, & Caribeaner
03.00 – 1st aid kit
00.20 – Photon Freedom
02.00 – Compass
06.30 – Canon SD880 IS Camera
17.00

05.50 – DriDucks Jacket
00.00 – leave Rain Pants at home
01.00 – Bandana
01.50 – REI Fleece Hat
15.00 – REI Spruice Run Jacket
02.00 – Smartwool Socks
00.00 – only need the pair you're wearing
01.00 – S2S UltraSil Dry Sack & Mylar bag liner
26.00

03.50 – Ex Officio Underwear
13.00 – REI Sahara Pants
07.40 – SmartWool Microweight Zip
12.50 – REI Peak UL Trekking Poles
01.75 – BenchMade 530 Knife (pocket)
02.00 – Smartwool Socks
04.00 – Tilley LT5
32.00 – Inov-8 Terroc 330s
76.15

117.75 oz (7.36 lbs)

Mike – The Pack, Shelter, Sleep System weigh in at a whopping 8 pounds 0.2 oz! That's a LOT. A true ultra-light hiker could easily go out with their entire base weight WELL under that number.

Uh… okay. I guess I'm not true then, but thanks. Keep in mind it's for 2 people for the first half – the kitchen, shelter, first aid, and some other items are shared.

Mike – Ospre Exos 46 is pretty heavy. There are lot's of lighter backpacks.

I think that you can find packs lighter than 2 pounds goes without saying.

Mike – What's a "mylar bag liner" ?

Really? It's a polyester based oven roaster bag – somewhat strong, very light, and waterproof. If lining a silnylon stuff sack (which would be used to make your sleeping bag take up less space), the tend to work pretty well. In fact, it's mentioned in BPL's own book that mylar bags combined with silnylon are a good UL method of protecting sleeping bags.

Mike – Why the stuff sack for the sleeping bag? Just use a trash compactor bag in the pack.

See above – smaller package. I'd also rather individually protect my sleeping bag from moisture. It's one minor ounce of insurance.

Mike – Why a true tent? WIll a tarp suffice?

I'd argue it's not a true tent, but whatever. I have a 13.5oz 8×10 ID SilTarp 2 and a 7.5 oz sheet of tyvek that would be perfect size. With the titanium stakes and guyline it's about 23.5 ounces. But, no – my wife is coming. :) I could use it for the second half, but there will be rain and bugs (ever been to Northern MN?), I don't have a bivy, etc, etc, etc.

Mike – Why a butane stove? Alcohol is lighter.

Covered that already. Stove is lighter, fuel is heavier. Take your pick. For the second half, I'll probably grab my alcohol stove. Most of our trips use the alcohol stove (homemade redbull variety).

Mike – Toilet paper AND wet wipes (and more wipes in the first aid kit?) Why both. You CAN leave the toilet paper behind…

Good point on the wet wipes. Those can stay behind.

Mike – a 2.5 oz headlamp? THere are lighter options…

True. I tried the little photon things, it was okay but I prefer my lamp.

Mike – The DriDucks are a fine option, but BE careful (especially with the easily ripped pants)

I ripped out one pair of pants squatting down, so I understand the fragility of the material. They handle long sustained rain well?

Mike – A 2 oz compass?

Ya know, it's probably one of those things that I REALLY don't need for this trip, but always carry. Really, it's supposed to be the best marked trail in North America. I've never even been remotely lost. Out it goes!

Mike – Cut the bandana in half.

Nope – I shave my head. If I don't wear the brimmed hat, the bandana is on my head. It's a big enough head that 1/2 of one wouldn't cover it. Good idea though.

Mike – A 15 oz jacket? For May?

Been to Northern MN in May? I will defer this to Sam and Matt – what do you think? I doubt I'd use it while walking.

Sam – 20.00 – ULA Conduit

Requires a foam sleeping pad. See below.

Sam – 06.00 – Gossamer Gear Thinlite and Nitelite

I have a Ridgerest that I used for a couple of years. I switched to the BA air core because I got a lot of hip pain when sleeping. The air matress makes a big difference for me.

Sam – 12.00 – Silnylon or Spinnaker tarp

Not going to happen with the wife – period – end of discussion. Perhaps on the second half I could.

Sam – 01.00 – Whitebox Stove

I already have a very good RedBull stove that works great with my mug. It’s only .5oz and the screen is only .75oz, so I’m set if I want to go that way. You can see it here.

Sam – 00.00 – leave Aquafina at home

Not a bad idea, but I like the backup. Will consider…

Sam – 00.00 – leave Frontier Pro at home
00.50 – Aquamira/Micropur Tabs

Giardia is common on the SHT (yes?), and it takes the tabs a long time to kill it. I’d rather let the tabs kill the bacteria and viruses and then be able to drink through the filter in 15 minutes. I can carry less water this way, which is way heavier than the 2 oz filter.

Sam – 00.00 – leave TP at home

I’m not there.

Sam – 00.00 – leave Wet Wipes at home

Yeah, I agreee on this one.

Sam – 00.00 – leave Insect Repellant at home
00.00 – leave Headnet at home

No bugs toward the end of May after Memorial weekend?

Sam – 00.20 – Photon Freedom

I have a certain level of psychological comfort from the brighter headlamp. Tried the photon, didn’t do it for me. This is not a functional issue, it’s a psychological one.

Sam – 00.00 – leave Rain Pants at home

I did this twice with no bad results, but it was warmer. My legs never get cold though. Perhaps they can stay at home.

Sam – 00.00 – only need the pair you’re wearing

I like dry socks to sleep in, or dry socks the next day. If my feet wet out, it’s make my day to throw on dry socks.

Sam – 04.00 – Tilley LT5

I’ve been eyeing this hat – thanks for the recommendation. I’m not happy with my current hat.

Sam – 32.00 – Inov-8 Terroc 330s

I’ve read a lot about Inov-8 shoes, but have never tried them on. I see there are some local running shops that carry them, so I’ll have to try them out.

Here are a couple of favorites from fall hikes on the SHT…

The trail beckons you!!

The "missus" and I overlooking Bean (Bear?) Lake just north of Silver Bay.

Poplar River overlook between Lutsen and Lake Agnes

This won't lighten your load.

Could the timing of the hat discomfort be related to regrowth of your hair? I assume you start a trip with a fresh shaved head. Very short facial hair often itches. Wouldn't that be the same on your scalp with the added irritation from the hat rubbing on the regrowth?