First Solo on JMT gear list

Keith,

Pretty good looking list, I think. Here's what I'd change–mostly preferences:

1. Use a Wild Ideas Weekender. Larger than the BV450 and lighter. Rent from Wild Ideas. Save 5.0 oz.

2. Think about a Neoair Short instead of the REI pad. They're all the rage these days. Save 9.25 oz.

3. Pillows are for when you're staying at the Ritz-Carlton. Leave it at home. Use clothes in a stuff sack, or shoes under your sleeping pad. Save 2.7 oz.

4. Leave the rain pants at home. You're wearing convertible pants. If they get wet, when you get to camp, you'll put on your dry thermals, and get in your quilt and bivy and be nice and toasty. Save 9.25 oz.

5. Night shoes? You know what I'm going to say. Save 7.0 oz.

6. Dirty girl gaiters are outstanding and will save you a few oz. Around 2.9 oz, I think.

7. If I were going solo, I'd forego the stove, but I know that's a reach for some. You could bring a safety Esbit stove (see my thread in the gear forums, I'm looking into this right now!) for around 4.0 oz including a few Esbit squares. In any case, maybe hate your life, but save 11.7 oz.

8. Add repackaged Aqua Mira for water treatment backup. Add 1.2 oz.

9. The Erik the Black's guide is great–definitely bring it. But I'd bring the appropriate Tom Harrison Maps too, in case you need to bail for any reason–then you'll have a map of the way out. Also, better maps for looking at surrounding terrain. You can send the appropriate ones to your resupply. Add 2.0 oz (or so).

10. What are the spare batteries for, the Spot? If so, you won't need them. Those things run for like, weeks. Months. Just turn it on, send a message, turn it off. And doesn't the Spot weigh around 4.0 oz?

11. Consider taking a Photon Freedom Microlight (white) as a spare headlamp. Only weighs 0.25 oz, but if your primary headlamp fails, it will be your salvation. If those spare batteries above were for the headlamp, consider just bringing the micro photon–it will run for around 18 hours at full brightness, I think, if you get a white (I use a red, which will run for ~170 or something ridiculous like that, but it's pretty dim. Not sure I recommend it.)

12. 140 sheets of toilet paper? How long are you planning on taking? I'm a four-square-per-day kind of guy, but I bring six per day to be safe. And always have a ton extra. Can't you resupply this? Not necessarily a weight thing, but a principle thing.

13. Do you need two bandanas? I always only use one.

14. I'd leave the Kindle at home. Read Erik the Black's, or the Tom Harrison maps, if you need to read something. Or sit quietly and think about what you should do with all your extra toilet paper.

I didn't see sunblock or hand sanitizer. I'd bring both.

Well, if you did everything I suggested above, ignoring the open-ended questions, it would save you 2.8 lbs, and in my opinion, not impact comfort significantly.

But as I said–it's mostly preference. We could probably have a 10,000 word debate on camp shoes, and I'd never see the light.

Have fun! I have a trip report from Aug./Sep. of last year; you can find it if you poke around the trip report forums.

Thanks Adam for the great ideas.

1. I would love a Bearikade, but have overspent for this year. Maybe next year.

2. I used to have short ThermaRest, but slept so much better on the fuller length.

3. Never have taken a pillow before, but thought I would try it. I am 64 years old and creature comfort has some value for me. But I may ditch it at Tuolemne Meadows.

4. At 64 I get cold easy, and I use the rain pants as another layer. But I may ditch them in Tuolomne as well.

5. At 64 I get up several times a night to take a leak. Sure hate the idea of putting on the hiking shoes and tying laces to keep them from getting all urined up. I will find it hard to part with Crocs

6. Never heard of Dirty Girl Gaiters. Thanks for the tip. I might try these on a one week hike I am doing prior to the JMT

7. I am leaving the stove out of pack for the trip to Tuolomne, maybe change food plan there and keep it out.

8. Are you concerned about the Sawyer Filter not working.

9. I hiked from Tuolemne to Red's Meadow last year with only Eric's guide. I think you are absolutely right about maps beyond the guide. Great idea.

10. spare batteries interchangable with flash light and SPOT. I will send some ahead at Muir in case and leave extra out of the pack.

11. the PHoton Freedom Microlight sounds like a great idea.

12. Never thought of backing off on TP. Again, at 64 I have had some issues, that may be more demanding than 6 sheets a day. last year. I almost didn't have enough. but I will reconsider this

13. I like to use one that gets really dirty and one that stays cleaner.

14. I have always taken a book to read. With the Kindle I can take lots of books at he weight of one. I have also put food plans and destination plans on documents that I can put on the Kindle.

I have never used Sunblock. I keep covered up and play golf twice a week in Bakersfield, CA. Yesterday I carried my clubs for 27 holes. Played pretty good too. Shot 3 over par for the last 18 holes. So I have a good tan to exposed areas.
I will take a little soap. Dr. Brommers. Most of my reading suggests soap over hand sanitizer. Is there a reason you prefer hand sanitizer?

I have put the Soap in plastic straws and sealed them for individual use.

Thanks again, for your feed back. I will definitely try some of your reccomendations. And hope to save up for a Bearikade. My wife would kill me if I bought anothe expensive item.

Blessings.

Keith,

I hiked the JMT with my dad last year; he was 61. So I'm not completely unfamiliar with some of the age-related stuff.

Just a few follow-ups:

> 1. I would love a Bearikade, but have overspent for this year. Maybe next year.

You can rent them from Wild Ideas–pretty big discount for JMT through-hikers.

> 4. At 64 I get cold easy, and I use the rain pants as another layer. But I may ditch
> them in Tuolomne as well.

You might consider light wind pants instead then. I think Montbell Dynamos weigh something like 2.6 oz.

> 5. At 64 I get up several times a night to take a leak. Sure hate the idea of putting
> on the hiking shoes and tying laces to keep them from getting all urined up. I will
> find it hard to part with Crocs

I don't bother tying the laces at night–just shove feet in, walk a few paces, go. Still, if I had to choose between laces that smelled like piss and carrying a half-pound 220 miles, I know which I'd choose–and I'd try to avoid smelling my laces.

> 8. Are you concerned about the Sawyer Filter not working.

I think that if you believe treating the water is necessary, then having a suitable backup is prudent. Filters fail, Steripens fail, chemicals leak. Repackaged Aqua Mira will give you a backup for only 1.2 oz or so.

> I will take a little soap. Dr. Brommers. Most of my reading suggests soap over hand
> sanitizer. Is there a reason you prefer hand sanitizer?

Well, a few reasons, I guess.

The first is ignorance–I wasn't aware that Dr. Bronners was effective at killing microorganisms.

Still, sometimes I do business that requires cleaning my hands and I'm not near water. Will rubbing Dr. Bronners on dry hands be effective?

Lastly, I have no other need for soap, and only need to prevent ingestion of harmful bacteria–I'm told hand sanitizer can do that. So I've never bought or used Dr. Bronners.

If you do stick with Dr. Bronners, please remember to keep it out of all lakes and streams.

Anyway, your gear looks fine–have fun!

"Never thought of backing off on TP. Again, at 64 I have had some issues, that may be more demanding than 6 sheets a day. last year. I almost didn't have enough. but I will reconsider this"

That is the other reason to carry paper topo maps.

I understand about using plastic straws as containers. However, once you open up a plastic straw full of some liquid, you almost need to use the whole container right there. I think plastic straw sections are best used for something that you will use all at once. For something like liquid soap that you might want to use two drops per day for ten days, a different container with a dropper cap might be more suitable. For example, there are dozens of tiny plastic containers that are sold for repackaging small amounts of ladies cosmetics. They start at the size of a thimble and work up from there. Another one is the little plastic container that soy sauce is sometimes furnished in. There are other similar containers that are just slightly larger. For that matter, solid soap doesn't really require a container.

–B.G.–

FYI… Bearkade rents for $5 a day and only charges you for the days you're in the backcountry. Call Allen deForrest 805.693.0550. All bear containers suck, but the weekender is the best that is out there.

Good job on the 3 over, you'll be shooting your age for sure.

Timo

There is nothing hyperlight about a pillow. Leave it and use clothes in a stuff sack instead.

Leave the thermal bottoms.

How are the temps in August? I never take rain pants in the Sierra in June/July. Outside of thunderstorm season, it rarely rains. And if it does, temps are usually pretty warm. If you push to September and run into rain, cold, and wind all at the same time, they will be needed.

Leave the crocs. Your day shoes will still work at night.

You can leave the gaiters. The trail should be dry in August. Especially this year.

WOW Jeff, I understand the pillow thing, I was going to try the pillow thing on a short trip prior to the JMT. With downsizing my equipment last year, my stuff bag was not full enough for a satisfactory pillow effect. I was going to see how much benefit the pillow might be. No problem in tossing it for JMT if it doesn't balance weight versus comfort.

I have hike the Sierras quite a bit in August and September and experienced a lot of rain. I have hiked for a few days in some significant rainfall and lightning and snow. My experience makes it hard for me to leave the rain pants at home.

I used to pack in about 50 to 60 pounds and have gotten by base weight under 15 pounds and pretty sure I can keep food to under 10 pounds for most of the trip. So that is exciting to me. At 64 years old I can imagine many more years of backpacking.
However, the age affects a few things such as coldness. When the sun goes down, I put on thermals, and rain pants and sometimes even the hiking pants and two to four layers on top just to stay warm.
I have to admit that I have done most of my hiking and camping well over 10,000 feet, often camping at Guitar Lake, Hitchcock Lakes, Crabtree Lakes, Sky Blue Lakes. All above 11,000 feet. I love to camp at a little spot just below Trail Crest at about 13,5000. I have even slept on top of Whitney a few times. It is just hard for me to imagine taking any less than I plan. I could take less and sleep lower, but then I love the high country. I will try to keep doing that until I am forced to sleep at lower levels.

I used gaiters for the first time last year and loved them, not so much for keeping dry, but keeping little rocks and trail dust out of my shoes.
For me, there are certain things to weigh in terms of UL and comfort and enjoyment and I have spent quite a bit of money cutting down on pack, quilt etc.

So that is why I am probably going to take some of these questionable items. Fortunately, I will get to try out the pillow thing, which admittedly is the most questionable item on my list.

I am afraid, that the night shoes will probably stay also. Just my personal experience and comfort versus weight thing again.

thanks for your thoughts.

Thanks to every one.

I have changed several items as a result of listing this thread and appreciate the thoughtful and experienced ideas expressed.
This is a great site and community.

Thanks

i know he's probably left by now, but i wanted to respond to you BG.
as far as packing soap in the straws, thats what is kind of neat about the straws. you can size them as single serve at home, maybe only 1/2inch of straw needed for that. or pack a whole straw full and plan to reseal it after use. might be tough for those that dont pack a multi tool with pliers though. but either way, the straws can be sized to your serving preference.

I would not skimp on the toilet paper. I have a pretty good high fiber diet and normally don't need much paper but 30 or 40 years ago I got sick and was very glad I had plenty. It is a multi use item as well. Looks like you will have a great hike. Enjoy

I completed trip in 22 days with about 3 days of rest

I went without toilet paper.
I used a small Arrowhead water bottle. Made a small X in cap and used it as portable Bidet (spelling?) I used a small dedicated Kerchief for finishing up and cleaned it each night.
It actually worked much better than toilet paper for me.

This site helped me tremendously.

My pack with 9 days of found weighed just under 25 pounds when I left MTR according to their hanging scale.

I made it home in 8 days from MTR

Good to hear you had a great trip. It's interesting to hear how the gear list worked for you after the trip.

Hi Keith, glad meeting you at Muir Trail Ranch and it was pleasure talking with you.
I took no rest days and finished the JMT in 16 days, 7 days for the 2nd half after MTR. Here are some pictures.
The weather was so nice and no rain and thunder storm, I feel blessed.
PM me when you are around or need a trail partner to Sierra anytime. I live in San Jose and pass central valley when heading to mountains. -Sean

Sean, in your photos, about number 15, it seems like a blue grouse. About where was that located? I have photographed them in Yosemite, but always north of the valley.

–B.G.–

Hey Bob, that picture was taken around Sunrise High Sierra Camp, so you are right, it is at the North of Yosemite Valley. I did not know it it Blue Grouse until you pointed out, please forgive my ignorance. I saw some similar looking creatures at the very high altitude area, right after one of passes, Forester Pass if I remember correctly, unfortunately, I did not take any photo of them.

BTW, I have looked your work at your website. I absolutely love them and they are really outstanding. Thanks.

Nice Keith.

Congrats!

Sean, thank you. Blue grouse (Dendragapus obscurus) is seen in the forests of Yosemite, but I've seen them more north of the valley. I've photographed them all the way down to Mineral King. East of the crest, I see Sage grouse also.

Keith may have seen them on his trip as well, but maybe he didn't have a cook pot big enough for one.

–B.G.–

It was an honor to meet you at MTR. Congrats on 7 days after MTR. I took 8 days and thought I was doing pretty good. Interesting to look at your pictures. Great photography. I did see some grouse and some other fowl. And it was tempting, but loved my diet of the same food everyday too much to change that.

I shot my vacation days for this year but next summer, I might squeeze in a week, but will probably try to take some young people from church to wilderness. It was a bucket list thing to hike the JMT. Now my goal will be to get as many young people introduced to the wilderness as much as possible.

I am also thinking of hiking up Whitney every year, to see if I can match or surpass Hulda Crooks record of hiking up Whitney until she was about 91. I have been up about 19 times now and I am 64, so got a ways to go.

I also want to try to find a isolated lake and spend a few days in solitude, reading, meditating and praying. I prayed a lot on the JMT but as you know, hiking the JMT required a lot of focus.

I will PM you with my info though if you are interested.

Is there anything you would do differently (gear wise)?

" I am also thinking of hiking up Whitney every year, to see if I can match or surpass Hulda Crooks record of hiking up Whitney until she was about 91. I have been up about 19 times now and I am 64, so got a ways to go. "

Oh, 19 times. A beginner. You can tag along with some grownups to increase the count.

Keep in mind that as Hulda Crooks got into her later years, she had her entire family along to carry all of the gear. Still, making it up Whitney like she did at the age of 89.

Let's see. At the age of 89, I hope to be still breathing.

–B.G.–

the following lists the original gear list with changes I was able to make in ALL CAPS
and changes I would make in the future in [ALL CAPS]

After it rained on me I decided to go from bivvy to tent. It was challenging to keep down dry.
I bought a Big Agness Fly Creek UL1 in Mammoth, it was the best I could find there.
I am not sure what I would use with greater choice and time available.

My daughter's in-laws have a condo in Mammoth and she hiked with me from Tuolomne to Red's Meadow.
At that point I switched to My BV500

GEAR LIST

Back Pack ULA Circuit 36.0 oz
Bear Canister BV 440 cu. In. 33.0 oz
FROM RED'S MEADOW ON BV 500
Shelter OR Aurora Bivvy 19.0 oz to BIG AGNES FLY CREEK UL1 at 32 oz

Ground cloth SOL Emergency Blanket 3.0 oz
LEFT THIS AT MAMMOTH LAKES

Sleeping Quilt Enlightment Enigma 20 degree 20.75 oz
Sleeping Pad REI Mattress 17.25 oz
Pillow Cocoon HyperLigh Air Core 2.7 oz loved my pillow

CLOTHING PACKED
Thermal Top 5.6 oz
Thermal bottoms 6.8 oz
Rain Jacket OR Helium II 7.1 oz
Rain pants Nike rain pants 9.2 oz [SWITCHED TO MONTBELL WINDPANTS] about 4 oz
not as durable, got a hole in butt, but still usable
Jacket Montbell EX Light down 6.25 oz
Shoes (night) Crocks (knock offs) 7.0 oz