JMT 2012

also I am hiking the trail in early august so minimal snow and good weather (hopefully)!

sorry for the layout, try this http://www.geargrams.com/list?id=6043

Ok so the biggest thing that jumps out is all of the stuff sacks. I like to think of my pack and food bag as the only 'sacks' I need. If keeping stuff dry is a concern your trash compactor bag should be plenty. If you guys are planning on hiking most of the day I think you could trim back on your insulation – running tights, cap top, and down jacket. You'll have to decide for yourself but I only use wind shirt/pants.

I think a Zpacks twin would be the best $/weight value. But the way this years snow pack is shaping to be (whisper this b/c I don't want to them to have some epic march) bugs may be less of an issue. Also means water might be more of an issue…

Trimmed up Jam would probably do the trick or similar size. I'll be carrying a MLD Prophet for the PCT.

ya good call on the stuff sacks. The thing with the insulation is that my friends isnt quite "in shape" enough to push 30 miles a day and hike all day so there will be some downtime. I may trade out my parka for a light vest of some sort also. The stuff sacks are definitely a problem, i found that i can keep the same amount of stuff sacks and lose 4 ounces if i switch to zpacks cuben stuff sacks, so that may be my solution for that. How do you like your prophet? ive heard great things about the new one but havent had a chance to try it out.

Its on order and I don't expect it for at least a month. Be happy to show it to you when it gets in — perhaps a RMNP training hike/ski.

I did not see your backpack listed, or a bear canister. I saw socks, but no shoes/boots listed. I compiled my list with what I am going to buy to give the best idea of my weight, plug in the back you expect to get to get the best idea of you weight.

So i dont have a pack yet, bear canister, or shelter yet. Im still going back and forth on footwear as well. I was just wondering what people may suggest for the gear that i currently have. Sorry that it isnt yet complete.

I don't see a big problem with what you have- more some holes:

Bear Can
Pack (that will be comfortable with a bear can.)
Mosquito head net. August can be almost bug-free or it can be pure hell.

Your warmth layers may be more than you need. I did JMT Aug08 with only a 100wt fleece (similar to cap 3) I never needed more. I only hiked in it once when I started up Glen Pass at 4:00 AM. But then my trip was dry the whole way through. You could bring just the down or just the cap3 if you're trying to shave weight. OTOH sleep in the Cap3 and use the down as a pillow (cozy!).

what would be a good pack that would carry a bear canister? at least from your experience. Ive been interested in the GG gorilla but i havent decided yet.

"what would be a good pack that would carry a bear canister?"

It depends on what size of bear canister you have.

One backpack manufacturer was asked if a Bear Vault 500 would fit a particular backpack, and he answered that a Garcia would fit.

–B.G.–