Quick solo trip to Shenandoah

[G Sticks]

Happy to get some thoughts on this list: http://lighterpack.com/r/cj2wpq

I've really familiar with Shenandoah, this is more of a big hike for me because it'll be my first time under a tarp, in a bivy and combining my sleep shelter with my clothes.

I might take my 35 degree Mountain Hardwear synthetic bag but it's supposed to be 85-90 degrees and muggy. I think the fleece might do much better for me in the bivy and it weights less than half as much.

[Gabe P]

maybe I missed it: but I didn't see a compass on your gear list. highly recommend one

[G Sticks]

I have one I can bring…I've been debating. I have the official map of the area, and the trails are well defined. BUT this is my first solo trip in a while – guess it's not much extra weight (I can use it well enough to get my bearings which would be nice).

Yeah, had it on originally but took it off b/c I figured the trails would be well marked.

[Ben C]

Looks like you are doing a quick one-nighter in summer Shenandoah. I would carry a lot less. The R2, for example seems unnecessary in the hot muggy weather we have been having.

[G Sticks]

Ditching the R2 probably makes sense…but I don't like it haha. Should I then do synthetic S/S baselayer and layer a L/S synthetic baselayer as I need it?

The fleece blanket doesn't cover me from head to toe so I was going to bring the R2 in case I got cold. I sleep warm though and weather isn't predicted to drop below 65 degrees F.

[Ben C]

I recently did an overnight trip in this hot, muggy weather we are having; we had the same temperatures you mention. About all I used was my tarp, quilt, stove, and rain gear. The first day we walked about 10 miles and all I wanted was to stay cooler. Shorts and a light synth with trail runners and light wool socks were all I wanted. I slept under a tarp with a 30 degree quilt only. The quilt was overkill but I could vent and be comfortable; just a little of it over me was plenty. We had a fire at night mostly to keep the bugs away and I needed nothing else.

The second day rained hard most of out 7 mile trip out. I had driducks over a synth T and was fine. Some of my group had no rain jacket at all and were fine too.

The next day I was covered with chiggers from about mid-thigh down. Of course I never saw or felt them while we were out but they hit with a vengeance the next day. While the trip was enjoyable, I really don't think I will backpack again at low elevations in August again.

I would think about experimenting with a light alcohol stove too. You really save a lot of weight on short trips like these. Get a cat food can, a hole punch, a bottle of HEET and a little tin foil and you are ready to give it a try.

If you know the area and trails are well marked, I see no reason for compass, rescue devices, backup anything, etc.

[Andy F]

I'd add a backup firestarter and whistle on-person.

There are options other than DEET which work. Might want to experiment with those?

[Mark Armesto]

I like the way you set up your list. I'd like to borrow your format.

[Author]

Posts