Optimal Gear List, Filming the AT

[Jane McMichen]

This gear list is for the Filming the AT project, beginning in 2007. Our gear has been chosen with the goal of keeping pack weight as low as possible, yet protecting our video cameras and offering dependable service under rugged conditions.

The experience levels (amateur to high intermediate) of the hikers who will use this gear have been taken into account as well. Specific brands and product models are given as a reference for the target weight, construction or performance of general gear needs. Similar products or alternate selections are more than welcome upon your suggestion. Less expensive alternative suggestions also welcome.

We have no sewing experience for making our own gear. Weight is for 1 instance of each item, estimated videographer and support hiker base packs below. We are in the process of acquiring gear for the project.

Tent (1)TarpTent Squall 2 35 oz
Packs(3)GGMariposa Plus 19 oz
Sleeping Bags(3)MarmotPounder 17 oz
Sleeping Mats(3)GGNiteLite 3/4 8 oz
Ground Cloths(3)GG 1.5 oz
Rain Gear(3)GoLite Poncho 10 oz
Stove(3)BPLight Tit Esbit Wing.5 oz
Fuel – BPL FireLite Tabs/day 1 oz
Mug (3)Vargo Ttm 5.2 oz
Spoon (3)BPL Ttm LH SUL .4 oz
Windscreen (3)BPL Ttm SM .3 oz
Water Pur(3)Klearwater drops .5 oz
Platypus water bottle (3)2L 1.39 oz
First Aid (3) Create 2 oz
Video Camera(2) Sony DCR-HC96
(weight incl. xt battery&tape) 22 oz
Camera Stabilizer(2)custom made
of ttm, max weight 8 oz
Camera XT Battery(8)Duracell 4.8 oz
Tapes(40-50)60/80 min DV 1 oz
Extra Clothes hiker's choice max16 oz
Dry Bags (?) OP Sak .1 oz
Bear Bags (3)Ursalite 2 oz
Sewing Kit(1)created 2 oz
Personal Hygeine (3) 2 oz
Map & Compass 2 oz

Videographer's Base Pack – 3 day hike

2 Video Cameras 44 oz
2 stabilizers 16 oz
Pack 19 oz
Sleeping Bag 17 oz
Sleeping Pad 8 oz
Ground Cloth 1.5 oz
Extra battery (2) 9.6 oz
Extra tapes (10) 10 oz
Stove, Mug, Spoon, Fuel, Extra Fuel, Windscreen 12.5 oz
Extra clothes up to 16 oz
First Aid 2 oz
Personal Hygiene 2 oz
Map & Compass 2 oz
6 Dry bags OP for cameras, batteries, tapes .6 oz
Bear Bag 2 oz
Poncho 10 oz
Water purification .5 oz
Platypus bottle w/cap 1.39 oz

Base Pk Weight 164.09 oz = 10.25 pounds

Support Hiker's Base Pack – 3 day hike

Pack 19 oz
Tent 35 oz
Sleeping Bag 17 oz
Sleeping Mat 8 oz
Ground Cloth 1.5 oz
Extra Batteries (4) 19.2 oz
Extra Tapes (28) 28 oz
2 Dry bags OP for extra batteries and tapes .2 oz
Bear Bag 2 oz
Water Purification .5 oz
Platypus water bottle 1.39 oz
First Aid 2 oz
Personal Hygiene 2 oz
Sewing Kit, Misc. repair 8 oz
Stove, mug, spoon, extra fuel, windscreen 12.5 oz
Poncho 10 oz

Base PK Weight 166.29 oz = 10.39 pounds

On refelction, I realize I left out fire starter, aircord, light & emergency whistle. Add 2 – 3 oz to each pack?

For more info on the project (iteneraries, donations, etc)you can visit the website at
http://www.downeastwebs.com/AT

[E. Smith]

Looks like a pretty comprehensive gear list you've got there. You may want to consider a duplicate map and compass in the support hikers pack though – always a good idea, and saves fear of the only copy getting damaged/lost. In the extra clothing make sure you include some sort of beanie for cold nights, they're a life saver. Other than that, looks like a very reasonable base weight for each pack. Just add food and water and you'll be set!

[Jane McMichen]

Thanks Enoch. Good tip on the beanie. Any other comments, suggestions welcome.

[Thomas Knighton]

Jane,

If you haven't already purchased the BPL spoon, take a look at the Light My Fire spork instead. Unlike many sporks, it has a full fork end, and a spoon end. It's pretty durable, unless you're trying to use it to move boulders off a trail or something, it weighs less, and it's actually cheaper! I love mine, and ended up getting them for the whole family :)

Everything else looked pretty good to me, and even the BPL spoon is a fine piece as well. One other thing I saw was the GoLite poncho. While I don't think you'll be poorly served by it, there are a few lighter options out there including Equinox's and Sierra Designs, if memory serves. I believe that both of them can be had for less than the GoLite poncho.

Tom

[Jane McMichen]

Thanks Thomas, I'll check that out!

[Bill Fornshell]

Jane,

Put the Poncho on hold till you get south of the White Mtn's NH. You will need good rain weather gear in and around Mt Washington.

[Jane McMichen]

Thanks Bill. I may give that a try! It would save the weight if it's not needed. I do worry about the cameras should it rain, though. I won't melt if I get damp or even soaked but they might be damaged. I was thinking about the large sized Watchful Eye OP sak as a dry bag for the cameras. Think that would work OK?

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