All these PCT guys reviewing their gear got me motivated to represent the east coast. Here are my reviews of the gear I used on a very soggy AT thru hike this year
ULA Conduit 2008- 5/5. Used with a double layer of 3/8 foam for frame. Super ergonomical shoulder straps with solid padding. Hip belt pockets were sized perfect. The hip belt was very solid as well for such a light pack. Sized just right for 8-12lb base pack. Not a pain when carrying 30 lbs out of town. After running it thru the wash, it looks nearly new.
BA Insulated Aircore- 4/5. Perfect for shelter hopping. Had a leaky valve in one, but BA sent a replacement to me. The comfort was well worth the weight and effort to blow it up.
Meteor Bivy- 4/5 perfect for shelter hopping, decent for ground. added some warmth, great for keeping bugs and mice off my face. Envy of all shelter dwellers. Would prefer top zip entry, bathtub floor for ground camping
5×9 tarp- 4/5 great for shelter hopping, wrapping up in super cold nights. Enough coverage for the times i camped (12 or so). Turning it into a 6x4x9 for better use of fabric.
CS top bag- 4/5 5 oz climashield topbag was clutch. Synthetic was great for the amount of rain we got, and 24 oz was lighter than most everyone elses bags despite the use of heavier materials (1.5oz/yd). I would rate it to 25-30* which was appropriate 80% of the time. I found it warmer than a quilt, but still easily vented on warm nights. A tad bulky. When everything was soaked and I was cold, I took confidence knowing this bag would not fail me.
Montbell Thermawrap Parka 5/5- perfect for camp and sleeping in. I could have went lighter, but needed a hood since my topbag didnt have one. Puffy jacket is definitely the way to go. A few times, I was very glad it was synthetic.
Snowpeak Ti Bowl, supercat stove 4/5- the bowl is so light (<2oz), and the supercat so simple and fuel efficient. The bowl could have stood a little more room, but fit knorr sides, mac and cheese, or 2 ramen packs, but always was filled to the brim. super cat stove was great because it needs no pot stand.
Polar Pure – 4/5 not as bad tasting as iodine tabs, less fuss than Aqua Mira. Cheapest water option aside from bleach. Lasted whole trip, and would last another
Merino wool shirt 4/5- it was a gift a size too large, but performed wonderfully, and never stunk bad even after 2 weeks no washing (or showering from me). Only problem was slow dry time.
Darn Tough 1/4 socks- 4/5 super comfy, durable, cool. Hold tons of dirt and dry slow
Marmot Mica 3/5- wet through real quick. once wetted thru, would not come back to orginal repellancy until washed and dried. Durable, super light, packs small, breathable when dry.
Wal Mart roll top stuff sacks 5/5- these little gems were amazing. I could actually trust them to keep my stuff dry the whole time!
Overall, there is very little I would change about my gear choices I ended up with for the AT. Learned a lot about gear styles along the way and that you learn really quick whether or not your gear works well when its all you have. Also, its best to be prepared for anything when you dont have a house to retreat to if things go south. Seems like common sense, but sub 8 lbs was a pretty enticing in ME in September…
