Planning for 08 JMT hike – Questions on gear!

[Doug Johnson]

Greetings!

Here's the short story. Been backpacking 5 or 6 times, hiking for 10 years. I'm planning on hiking the JMT Aug 08. I'm trying to figure out my gear situation, and could use all of your (collective) expert advice! I've been pouring over gear reviews, trip reviews, etc. for a month.

My first question is: Is a GG Nimbus Ozone well suited for this trip? I have one, w/lid pocket, and I like the suspension, but I think it's a bit heavy (3 lbs). I've been looking at the ULA Conduit as an alternative…thoughts?

[Martin Wilde]

A couple of things you will need to take into account:

1) A Sierra Approved Bear Canister is required. These are big and bulky. Thus you pack will need to accommodate one. Many people try to "tie" them on to small packs and have issues. The approved cannisters range any where from 23oz (S29 Ursack + Liner) to almost 3lbs for the black Garcia cannisters.

2) Resupply Options – the last 110 miles does not have a re-supply option unless you hike out 13 miles one-way or have some wonderful sole meet you. So typically 5 to 8 days of supplies are needed for that portion of the trail.

Remember this is a long hike and having a comfortable pack will make it feel much better. Scrimping on the pack may be acceptable for a few days – but for several weeks it can get old.

For journals I have read the GG Nimbus Ozone would be a good choice. I am using the ULA Catalyst. After talking with Brian he recommended the Catalyst over the Circuit for its better load handling and the ability to carry the bear cannister easily.

Enjoy!

-martin

[Ryan Faulkner]

hey douglas,

before making any suggestions, it would be good to see your current gearlist, that way we can see any weaknesses, and it will be easier to dial in your gear situation.

as far as pack recomondations, it really depends on your other gear choices, if your gearlist is under 10lbs, you will need a different pack than a 20 or 30lb load. it also depend on your resupply strategy, if you try a JMT thru-hike w/o resupply, you will have a heavier load to start out the hike, and will then need a heavier pack with better frame support.

last summer i did a 195 mile trek throught the sierras without a resupply, it was easier to plan, not having a ressuply, but i dont know if i would do it again, at the start of the hike i had almost 40lbs on my back, when my base weight was only 7.5lbs. it took my 9 days to finish the hike, i think if i had a couple ressuplys i could have done it quite a bit faster, and enjoyed the first few days more, because i wouldent have had the same weight in the begining.

I used a golite JAM, a ULA conduit is compareable to the JAM in size, and i assume performance. the JAM was excellent, and to this day remains my favorite backpack for almost all aplications.

[Doug Johnson]

Wow, thanks for the inputs! I'm working on organizing my gear list…but it's all up in the air and I'm planning on switching out quite a bit of my kit to lighten my load. My main pieces in my pack (sans tent because I haven't bought a solo yet) are:

Sleeping bag
Marmot Atom or REI Shasta 15

Pad
Prolite4 3/4 or BA Aircore reg.

Kitchen (not happy with setup)
Primus litrek Kettle
Brunton Optimus Crux
Brunton folding Ti Spork

Water
Assortment of Platy's Nalgene and Camelback bladders
Hiker filter w/bladder attach.

Food
Freezerbag meals
Clif Bars

Clothing
Marmot Precip jkt/pant
MHW zip-up zoetic shirtjac or
Marmot driclime jacket
Capilene top/bottom
Fleece hat/gloves

First Aid/other
.7 ultralight First aid kit
waterproof matches
leatherman micro
Brunton Compass
25" paracord

I know I'm forgetting some things, but that's the rough idea. I don't have a set "kit" of clothing…I just use what I need based on the expected weather. I have a couple of soft shells etc.

Thoughts? I really don't like my kitchen setup. It wont all fit in my kettle! Its just a hair too narrow….

[Martin Wilde]

Here is my list for my upcoming JMT hike on Aug 13th… I am planning many early resupplies thus my first 108 miles I have a resupply every 2-3 days to keep the weight down until Muir Ranch.

If you send me your email address – I will send you my entire planning spreadsheet…

-martin

==============================

Basic Items Ounces
Backpack 44 ULA Catalyst
Tent 34 Black Diamond One Shot
Quilt 20 Nunatak Arc Alpinist
Sleeping pad 19 Big Agnes Petite Mummy + Repair Kit
Backpack Cover 2.9
Pillow 1 BPL Pillow
Rope 1
Basic Total (lbs) 7.61875

Cook Items Ounces
Stove + Windscreen 1.8 Cone Stove
Cook Pot 4.2 MSR Titanium Kettle
Cleaning items 0.6 CampSuds
Spoon 0.4 BPL Long Titanium
Cook Items Tote Bag 0.8
Lighter 0.5
Ursack + Liner 23
Cozy 1
Cook Total (lbs) 2.01875

Personal Ounces
First Aide Kit 3
Headlamp 0 Photon III
Water Filtration 3 Aqua Mira
Toiletries 7 Toothpaste, Toothbrush, comb, floss, Advil, matches, spare battery
Shovel+TP 5
Body Soap 1 Dr. Bronners Soap
Knife 3
Hand Sanitizer 2
Camera 5.9
Sunscreen 2.5
Bug Repellent 2
Laundry Soap 1
Personal Total (lbs) 2.2125

Clothing Ounces
Shirt 3.1 Hind Running Shirt
Running Shorts 3.5 New Balance Running Shorts
Socks + Underwear 2.5
Rain Jacket 7.4 North Face Diad
Down Jacket 6.7 Montbell U.L. Inner Down
Gloves 1.5 Next2Skin
Stocking Hat 1.7
Bottom Base Layer 4.7 REI Long Johns
Pillow Case 1.8 Thermawrap Stuff Bag
Upper Base Layer 5.6 Patagonia 2 Merlino Wool
Bandanas 2.3
Rain Pants 2.9 ULA Rain Wrap
Wind Pants 2.4 Montbell Wind Pants
Clothing Total (lbs) 2.88125

Consumables Ounces
Fuel 10 Alcohol for 15 meals
Water 56
Food (28 oz per day) 56
Consumables Total 7.625

Total (lbs) 14.73125
Total + Consumables (lbs) 22.35625

[Doug Johnson]

Thanks Marty! Email sent.

[Author]

Posts