As I am about to leave to get on the plane for Georgia, I just finished inputting my gear list into LighterPack.com.
My base weight is 24 lbs, which I personally don’t think is too bad. With food and water I would assume that my pack would sit around 35 lbs. My biggest weight problem is definitely my sleep system. I am pretty sure that I won’t need my sleeping bag with my under quilt but I would rather be safe than sorry and I can always send it home. This will be my second extended trip sleeping in a hammock set-up, but my first with cold weather.
I will report back on what I do to save weight as I become a more veteran through-hiker. I know people go so far as the cut down the handle of their toothbrush to save weight so we will see.
A few thoughts on some of the gear.
Toothpaste (Tom’s of Maine) – Non-fluoride toothpaste as swallowing toothpaste is protocol on the trail (leave no trace).
Charger (Anker 2-port) – In town, quickly charging devices will be essential if I don’t want to take a zero so the 2 port higher wattage charger seemed useful.
Personal Locator Beacon or PLB (DeLorme InReach) – Not necessary for the AT in my opinion but it eases the mind of my wife and mother so worthwhile. As an item to have to outdoor adventures it is an excellent addition. I first used one when paddling the Everglades, where cell reception was non-existent and we didn’t see people for days. The DeLorme allows family and friends with the link to track my location via GPS and allows me to send text messages via satellite. Most of the messages I send are pre-written, but you can send custom messages too (in limited supply) depending on your subscription with the company. The most important function of a PLB is that it has an SOS button which can be activated and located almost anywhere in the world (certainly anywhere in the US).
