2008 A.T thru hike

Are you dead set on a tent? A tarp is lighter, as is a bivy sack and a poncho tarp.

I'd recommend something like a Gatewood Cape and a Titanium Goat bivy sack with the bug screen added in. Still lighter than a tent, and the Cape serves as shelter, rain gear, and pack cover…all for about 11 ounces. With the bivy, you'll have bug protection and the versatility to sleep out under the stars.

If you don't want the bivy, then Gossamer Gear sells a 3 ounce bug screen that covers your upper body.

Just my thoughts.

Tom

Also remember the shelters built along the AT. I agree that a tarp or poncho tarp and bivy will give you greater flexibility for your sleeping arangements inside and out of the AT shelters.
Pack is pretty personal, and very dependant on what you are carrying.

Remember that it literally could rain on you for several months. Make sure you are happy with what you have for that extended period of time. The shelters will allow you to dry out your gear and have a place to retreat to, but they can be crowded and you may not get a spot. It will also be HOT at times and you probably will not want to be in a bivy for extended periods of time. My vote would be for separate shelter and rain gear with something for bugs. I like anything from Tarptent and Six Moon Designs. You could also get a tarp with a ton of coverage like a Golite Hut 1 and use some bug netting for your torso or an Adventure 16 bug bivy. Also get a durable pack like Six Moon Designs, ULA, or Golite made from dyneema or equivalent. They will last the long haul and will be lightweight. Just my opinions, and you may prefer a different system.

you may be interesting in checking the pictures that i posted one of the best bivy values on the market. It is under the title TiGoat Epic Bivy pictures and details

thank you to all

keep the advise coming please

all things concidered

peace jeff

I would suggest a MSR Fling.(3.5 pounds) I love mine!
Going with a tarp would be lighter, but you would probably still get wet. An extra pound or 2 is worth it to stay dry.

Also, check out the GoLite Odyssey. A little more than 3.5 pounds, but 5800 ci. I just ordered one because it was the lightest for its size that I have seen.

nm

Hey Jeff,

I'm hitting the AT for a NOBO thru in just over a month. I can relate to your desire to go light.

I'm taking a Gatewood Cape for shelter (also raingear and packcover) Mine is around 12 oz. seam sealed.

For a pack, picked up a GoLite Jam 2. 21 oz. manufacturer weight. I took out the foam back since I'll use my GG Nightlight torso pad as a frame/backpad.

I'd be curious to see the rest of your gear list, and will likely post mine soon to get some last minute feedback.

Happy planning!

I have a hard time giving up a tent for a tarp as well. I am thrilled with my Tarptent Double Rainbow. Still has full coverage, bug netting, floor, 2 doors, 2 vestibules, great ventilation, and inside liner to reduce dewing and help manage temps. Whole set up (tent, pole, 6 stakes, liner, sack) is 48oz for mine.

David, there's a slight chance I'll see you out there. I leave April 14 or 15, so you'll have to play catch-up :)

Like you, I'll probably be using my Gatewood Cape. I'm not sure if I'll be in my old Jam [sentimental] or my new SMD Essence pack. I'll sleep on 5-6oz of foam pads with the backpack under my feet. I plan to start with my Marmot Hydrogen bag and switch to an MH Phantom 45 for the warmer summer days in Virginia and later. When I cook, I'll stick with my reliable 6oz kit built around the Evernew .9L Titanium pot. Clothing is still in flux, but I know my Thermawrap and one of my windshirts will go. I think I'll end up in the 7.5-8.5lb range as usual.

Also, y'all be sure to check out Whiteblaze.net. There's a million AT experts over there that can give you really good gear critiques for the time and location you'll be starting.
-Mark

Here are more reviews and also look in their store.
Also a good comparison chart on tents and backs can be found at backcounrtygear.com under a link at their site called "matrix". Usually it is in the upper righthand corner.
http://thru-hiker.com/reviews.asp

Check out the packa for a raingear/windbreaker/pack cover combo. It makes rain gear easy to put on and of without removing your pack. It is also long enough to cover some shorts to help keep them dry. At thru-hiker the Adventure bug net is a nice option if you want to carry a tarp without netting. At this website check out the titanium version of the esbit stove.

Thomas – For me, bug protection is one of the major appeals of a light DWR-type bivy. Not many of them seem to offer a zippered bug screen, though. How well does the bug netting option on the Titanium Goat bivy work? It looks like it's just a flap of mesh sewn in along the bottom end. Do you find that you get a reasonable "seal" with this? I'd be curious to hear your thoughts on this bag.

Thanks,
Erik

For bugs I have a my bivy + a BPL headnet and ballcap to sleep in…I haven't tried it in heavy skeeter land, but here's hoping!