JMT gear list

When are you going? If the mosquitos are bad, you'll either be stuck in the tent (no stargazing) or taking your chances if you sleep outside. I usually slept outside in the Sierra.

You won't need the towel.

Your layers look good. For what it is worth, I usually hiked in a very light shirt and supplemented with a baselayer on a couple of cold mornings (going up Whitney). Then just used the down jacket when it got cold when setting up camp. I'm not sure what "hoodie" will be, but I would leave it out if you take a baselayer instead.

You won't need the seat pad.

You'll need something to block the wind while cooking on a canister stove.

You'll definitely need a backpack to carry it all…

That camera setup will be much appreciated.

For the JMT, you might be OK with a rain shell top, but I would want a bottom as well for an extra layer of warmth. My current rain pants weigh only 2.45 ounces, and that is not much of a penalty.

On the camera, a single 35mm focal length lens, f1.8, is not terribly versatile. It is good for night photography, and maybe for panoramas if the focal length is right. I've always found zoom lenses to be handy, maybe something in the range of 20mm to maybe 100 or 200mm. Even that is limiting for wildlife photography.

–B.G.–

I just updated to include my pack. I will start on July 2nd. I like the 35mm for its light weight and bombproof construction. I plan to adjust my zoom the old fashioned way.

Normally, we put the stove fuel into the consumables category, which is not shown on this list. Of course, that is another rabbit hole.

–B.G.–

Bob,

What are your rain pants and on a tangent, I recall you posting that you had worn out a Ti wing stove. How long did that take?

You may want to add a so-called potty trowel. Or, some of us simply buy one SMC aluminum snow stake (REI, about $1.95) to use as a trowel or as a bombproof tent stake.

–B.G.–

The rain pants were made from a Thru-Hiker Liberty Ridge pants kit.

No, I've never worn out a titanium wing stove. I had an ancient one that was made out of steel. The center pin rusted out and the thing fell apart.

–B.G.–

Thanks, Bob. Now I feel a little silly for buying a spare. I suppose I have a "free" 5×4 locksak and some tinder cubes since that's the way they come from Ultimate Survival. Ten bucks on REI outlet is a good deal.

Thanks BG, I purchased a snow stake.

The aluminum snow stake works good. If you want, you can file or grind down the front edge, and that will make it a little sharper for digging, but that edge needs to be smooth so that it doesn't chew into your backpack pocket.

Sharpening the edge won't reduce the weight more than a hundred milligrams or so.

Then I added back a hundred milligrams of glow-in-the-dark paint to the handle end. That helps keep me from tripping over it at night.

–B.G.–

don't forget, you will need poop bags in the Whitney zone. Are you carrying any first aid kit? I didn't see it on your list.

Not sure if I'll bring anything other than some aleve

For your long sleeve base layer, I've been happy with 1/4 zip merino long sleeves from both Smartwool and Icebreaker.

Some additional things to consider:

– lighter? matches? Suggest you have a backup and primary (hard earned experience)

– First aid kit – you should think about this. My suggestions for minimal set of items:
leukotape (small amount on a straw or 1/2 in piece of pvc tubing)
small roll of gauze
single edge razor or swiss army knife (the "classic" I think – the tiny one)
Blist-o-ban bandages (invaluable if you do get a blister)
Pain/inflammation relief – personal choice. Turned ankle, twisted knee, headache, etc. can be made just a bit easier to get through.

– Patches for your pad / seat rest (e.g., Gear Aid Tenacious patches, REI)

– What's your plan for water? Lightest weight option is no treatment, then Aquamira or chlorine dioxide pills/drops, then a steripen (UV light source) or a Sawyer filter. Personally, I use the Sawyer mini filter. I'm not willing to risk giardia.

– Unless your pack is waterproof (ha) you should have a packliner that is. I've used a trash compactor bag (worked perfectly through 3 hours of rain/sleet). You can go lighter weight with Will Reitveld's suggestion (Lite Trail NyloBarrier Packliner). I have them on order.

– Noticed you didn't have gloves – maybe you don't need them. I find I do in camp, particularly early morning. Fleece gloves are very warm and inexpensive.

– Oh, and one last suggestion to consider with your list. I've always considered my camera as part of my base weight. Reason being that I really am carrying it, regardless of whether or not it's in my back. This is (for me) just trying to make sure I'm not fooling myself about how much extra stuff I'm carrying every day (beyond my clothes, which fortunately for all of us, I do wear every day).