This is probably one of the most well thought out pre-hike gear lists I've seen on UA-cam. Great video! Best of luck on your Thru. I start NoBo in May.
+Tom Willard Thanks Tom. I spent the last 15 months perfecting my Gear Setup while watching hundreds of other fellow thru-hikers setups and post gear reviews. I think I have a great setup that is well balanced for the comfort that I want while I live on the trail this summer. Maybe our trails will cross, cheers!
Nice presentation - and some interesting ideas...The floss, of course, doubles up for if you have to do any heavier duty repairs (to your pack or tent, for example) - make sure you have a needle that can take it. I wish you the very best of luck, Bigfoot, we can already hear the excitement of the challenge to come in your voice! Enjoy!
Thanks Fin. I have the needle covered in the small sew kit. I am definitely excited about my trip and cannot believe it's only 3 weeks away. I did make some last adjustments from my last 4 weekend pre-hikes I did in February and March. One of the big headlines is I have decided to go stove less. I will do one last update on my gear and why I choose to adjust. Thanks for the support!!!
I love the color of your Zpack. The purple/blue is nice color to have. Also, I really like this video. I can see you have put lots of thought into everything. I wish you the best of luck on the trail.
Thanks. LOVE LOVE LOVE my Arc Blast. I've spent the about 15 months trying to dial in the perfect balance of my pack. I don't really have a lot of time to figure it out on the trail since I am doing the trail in 100 days. Appreciate the feedback!
Your set up is really nice. I picked up some good ideas from your video. Thanks! I'm leaving April 4th with a much heavier pack, so I may see you on the trail, lol.
+afk hiker Thanks AFK. I should be on the trail by Saturday April 23rd. My goal is to get to Damascus for Trail Days by Friday the 13th. Maybe I'll see you there.
You're system setup is basically the same as mine including most of the gear. Go Zpacks. Also, carry an extra sawyer bag with you. Most people squeeze too hard on the bags and break them.
Thanks Man. I've seen a few vids of post reviews on the Sawyer and they have said that. I was kind of leaning that way but will definitely do that. ZPacks for life baby!!!!
Rory Anderson I'lll follow you on facebook and when you post videos. Hopefully, in a few years I will do the AT thru hike. Hopefull, a mini-retirement time for me.
+mike franks Right on man, I hope that happens for you. I have been wanting to do this for the last 3 years and planning it for the last 1 1/2 years, I AM READY TO GET ON THE AT! Happy Trails Man!
+John Davison Hey John. I have made a few changes to my final gear list which I will probably do one last video on it just before I go on all the gear that will be in my pack when I hit the trail. I did decide on bringing the AT guide book, but it will be cut into the 4 sections to save on weight. I have a compass on my watch as well. With the addition of the full AT guide on my phone and Guthook's AT Hiker, I will be set. One of the other big decisions I have made is to go stoveless for my trip, which I'll cover in an upcoming video. Thanks for the support and good vibes!
+Follow Bigfoot Thanks for the prompt reply! I'm based in the UK. I'm planning to backpack the Pennine Way this May. At 423km (263 miles) it's just a youngster compared to the Appalachian Trail (although the AT was the inspiration behind it). Then, in July, I'll be walking the Tour du Mont Blanc in the Alps. and finally I'll take my girlfriend along and hike the West Highland Way in Scotland (in September). And I've got a few shorter trips planned in between these three, to keep my motor running. I've gathered a lot of information (and inspiration) from AT hikers, so a big thank you for sharing! Your gear list is most helpful. I'll be thinking of you when I'm up in the Pennines. John Davison (Check my books at www.johndavison.moonfruit.com)
Used a Sawyer mini filter and the Smart Water bottle, it works but you can't get the pressure that you can with the syringe. Because of that we had to flush the mini's much more often, the Sawyer Squeeze should be better, but the syringe doesn't weigh very much...
Yay, I have both the mini and regular squeeze. I hated the flow rate on the mini so I will be taking the squeeze. I did experiment with not using a syringe and it worked out okay. What I ended up doing was filling up the water pouch and using the smart water cap on the water pouch. Then I flushed it out with the pouch. It isn't as efficient as the syringe and there is some water that squirts out the side, but for me it worked great to avoid having to bring the syringe. I did this on my pre-hikes and started to get really good at it.
+Rory Anderson Not entirely sure if i will be there or not. Would be awesome though, seems like a party! Just have to play that one by ear. What about yourself?
+Leland Kolson That's what the plan is. I have quite a bit of ground to cover to make it there in time. I guess it will depend on how the first week on the trail goes for me. My plan is to be there by the afternoon on the 13th.
+lifeisgood070 Being persistent, efficient with my time, driven and overcoming the mental challenges the Trail throws at you. It wasn't easy but it was one hell of a fun time and challenge
Don't bring the sawyer syringe, the 700ml smartwater bottle backflush will work! The BRS-3000 stove will save a couple of ounces and you can put it right on top of your gas canister in the pot. 12.8oz for camp shoes you will wear for an hour or two a day? You'll only wear them for an hour a day, because you've stated you must do 25miles/day, yes? Love that thermal weight capaliene! I'd like to try that trowel. You're going to have to be VERY efficient to do 25+ and do all the video you're talking about! The key is walk more hours, not faster. I remember seeing these idiot 22 year olds who were speed walking in Virginia with 30lbs packs. By mid day you'd pass them sleeping in a shelter!... Keep working those quads in the run up to your trip, you made good choices, now you just have to take care of that body. Your feet, knees, and hips are your main concerns! I'm a future physical therapist and if you have a weak ass (which most Westerners do) then your hips won't be stable, which means your quads will over compensate, which gets your knee caps migrating, then you have patellar femoral issues etc... Subbed Good luck
+BattleRattle I've been using the smart water bottle on my last few weekend trips and it definitely is doing the job. I am actually going to change up my stove, I had someone else recommend that so I ordered it last week, thanks! I have been thinking about dropping the camp shoes, so that may happen. Absolutely right on efficiency. I used to think more mile meant going faster and learned the hard way. The other big factor is my recovery between hikes to keep my legs and body fresh. Thanks for the advice!
One word, BLISS!!! I haven't owned a tent before that weighed less than a liter of water with the space to accommodate 2 people or myself and my pack. The other part that separates it from the rest is how much airflow you can get through the Duplex. Definitely makes nights much more enjoyable!
This is probably one of the most well thought out pre-hike gear lists I've seen on UA-cam. Great video! Best of luck on your Thru. I start NoBo in May.
+Tom Willard Thanks Tom. I spent the last 15 months perfecting my Gear Setup while watching hundreds of other fellow thru-hikers setups and post gear reviews. I think I have a great setup that is well balanced for the comfort that I want while I live on the trail this summer. Maybe our trails will cross, cheers!
Nice presentation - and some interesting ideas...The floss, of course, doubles up for if you have to do any heavier duty repairs (to your pack or tent, for example) - make sure you have a needle that can take it.
I wish you the very best of luck, Bigfoot, we can already hear the excitement of the challenge to come in your voice! Enjoy!
Thanks Fin. I have the needle covered in the small sew kit. I am definitely excited about my trip and cannot believe it's only 3 weeks away. I did make some last adjustments from my last 4 weekend pre-hikes I did in February and March. One of the big headlines is I have decided to go stove less. I will do one last update on my gear and why I choose to adjust. Thanks for the support!!!
I love the color of your Zpack. The purple/blue is nice color to have. Also, I really like this video. I can see you have put lots of thought into everything. I wish you the best of luck on the trail.
Thanks. LOVE LOVE LOVE my Arc Blast. I've spent the about 15 months trying to dial in the perfect balance of my pack. I don't really have a lot of time to figure it out on the trail since I am doing the trail in 100 days. Appreciate the feedback!
Your set up is really nice. I picked up some good ideas from your video. Thanks! I'm leaving April 4th with a much heavier pack, so I may see you on the trail, lol.
+afk hiker Thanks AFK. I should be on the trail by Saturday April 23rd. My goal is to get to Damascus for Trail Days by Friday the 13th. Maybe I'll see you there.
Fantastic gear video! Very well done. Best of luck on your AT thru.
You're system setup is basically the same as mine including most of the gear. Go Zpacks. Also, carry an extra sawyer bag with you. Most people squeeze too hard on the bags and break them.
Thanks Man. I've seen a few vids of post reviews on the Sawyer and they have said that. I was kind of leaning that way but will definitely do that. ZPacks for life baby!!!!
Rory Anderson I'lll follow you on facebook and when you post videos. Hopefully, in a few years I will do the AT thru hike. Hopefull, a mini-retirement time for me.
+mike franks Right on man, I hope that happens for you. I have been wanting to do this for the last 3 years and planning it for the last 1 1/2 years, I AM READY TO GET ON THE AT! Happy Trails Man!
+Rory Anderson Have a great time...Enjoy it and never give up.
+mike franks trick is dont "squeeze" the bag, instead ROLL it, works great :)
Hi! Interesting list and looks well thought out. I'll be following your progress. Can I ask: why no map or compass?
Oh, and good luck!
+John Davison Hey John. I have made a few changes to my final gear list which I will probably do one last video on it just before I go on all the gear that will be in my pack when I hit the trail. I did decide on bringing the AT guide book, but it will be cut into the 4 sections to save on weight. I have a compass on my watch as well. With the addition of the full AT guide on my phone and Guthook's AT Hiker, I will be set. One of the other big decisions I have made is to go stoveless for my trip, which I'll cover in an upcoming video. Thanks for the support and good vibes!
+Follow Bigfoot
Thanks for the prompt reply!
I'm based in the UK. I'm planning to backpack the Pennine Way this May. At 423km (263 miles) it's just a youngster compared to the Appalachian Trail (although the AT was the inspiration behind it). Then, in July, I'll be walking the Tour du Mont Blanc in the Alps. and finally I'll take my girlfriend along and hike the West Highland Way in Scotland (in September). And I've got a few shorter trips planned in between these three, to keep my motor running.
I've gathered a lot of information (and inspiration) from AT hikers, so a big thank you for sharing! Your gear list is most helpful. I'll be thinking of you when I'm up in the Pennines.
John Davison
(Check my books at www.johndavison.moonfruit.com)
Used a Sawyer mini filter and the Smart Water bottle, it works but you can't get the pressure that you can with the syringe. Because of that we had to flush the mini's much more often, the Sawyer Squeeze should be better, but the syringe doesn't weigh very much...
Yay, I have both the mini and regular squeeze. I hated the flow rate on the mini so I will be taking the squeeze. I did experiment with not using a syringe and it worked out okay. What I ended up doing was filling up the water pouch and using the smart water cap on the water pouch. Then I flushed it out with the pouch. It isn't as efficient as the syringe and there is some water that squirts out the side, but for me it worked great to avoid having to bring the syringe. I did this on my pre-hikes and started to get really good at it.
Excellent review and excellent gear. Good luck on your endeavor. :)
One pant, two shirts, one jacket, are sufficient? Could you tell me the exact quantity please? Thank you
Wow... Excellent review.
See you out there buddy, starting mid march! Soupcan
+Leland Kolson Right on man! Are you planning on being in Damascus for Trail Days?
+Rory Anderson Not entirely sure if i will be there or not. Would be awesome though, seems like a party! Just have to play that one by ear. What about yourself?
+Leland Kolson That's what the plan is. I have quite a bit of ground to cover to make it there in time. I guess it will depend on how the first week on the trail goes for me. My plan is to be there by the afternoon on the 13th.
+Leland Kolson Hey Soupcan, I am right behind you. Starting March 29th.
+Follow Bigfoot Right on man, good luck getting there on time! If i roll through there around that time ill keep any eye out for you.
I thought this was well done. Thank you for sharing.
& you hiked 50miles in 24hours? dude geez that's how you did 2,500 miles in 100 days. Crazy
+lifeisgood070 Being persistent, efficient with my time, driven and overcoming the mental challenges the Trail throws at you. It wasn't easy but it was one hell of a fun time and challenge
Best of luck Bigfoot !!
+Joe Smith Thanks Man!
Don't bring the sawyer syringe, the 700ml smartwater bottle backflush will work! The BRS-3000 stove will save a couple of ounces and you can put it right on top of your gas canister in the pot. 12.8oz for camp shoes you will wear for an hour or two a day? You'll only wear them for an hour a day, because you've stated you must do 25miles/day, yes? Love that thermal weight capaliene! I'd like to try that trowel. You're going to have to be VERY efficient to do 25+ and do all the video you're talking about! The key is walk more hours, not faster. I remember seeing these idiot 22 year olds who were speed walking in Virginia with 30lbs packs. By mid day you'd pass them sleeping in a shelter!... Keep working those quads in the run up to your trip, you made good choices, now you just have to take care of that body. Your feet, knees, and hips are your main concerns! I'm a future physical therapist and if you have a weak ass (which most Westerners do) then your hips won't be stable, which means your quads will over compensate, which gets your knee caps migrating, then you have patellar femoral issues etc... Subbed Good luck
+BattleRattle I've been using the smart water bottle on my last few weekend trips and it definitely is doing the job. I am actually going to change up my stove, I had someone else recommend that so I ordered it last week, thanks! I have been thinking about dropping the camp shoes, so that may happen. Absolutely right on efficiency. I used to think more mile meant going faster and learned the hard way. The other big factor is my recovery between hikes to keep my legs and body fresh. Thanks for the advice!
thanks from turkey
grreat gear review
When you love, love , love your tent, what's that like?
One word, BLISS!!! I haven't owned a tent before that weighed less than a liter of water with the space to accommodate 2 people or myself and my pack. The other part that separates it from the rest is how much airflow you can get through the Duplex. Definitely makes nights much more enjoyable!
Very light gear you spent a small fortune .. like my gear video but i doing it bike packing
+Solo Bikepacker I spent a little money. I think that it will pay itself off throughout the journey. I know my legs are already thanking me!
Bahhhhhgg