I finally settled on my full gear list, but before posting it I thought I’d share what I cut to reduce the weight of the pack. I have a list of standard backpackers that I use for hikes of less than seven days. Based on my experience on the Tahoe Rim Trail, and knowing that I have to carry a lot of it for 2,200 miles, I need to reduce weight to carry the 2 pounds of food needed per day. That said, I don’t go for ultralights.
Things I cut
camp chair – I imagine you thinking, “Really, you were carrying a camp chair?!” On most trips it was worth 15 ounces to give my knees a rest at the end of the day. I also stopped getting as many chigger bites in the southern Appalachians when I stopped sitting on logs.
Knife – A knife is an incredibly versatile cutting instrument. There are things I just can’t do with my tiny folding scissors. On the other hand, I wouldn’t use it often and I don’t want to deal with the hassle of knowing the law to carry it in every state on the AT.
camp shoes – I grew up running barefoot outdoors, so camp shoes are definitely a luxury item for me. One that I can do without to reduce the weight of the backpack.
Tyvek footprint – I’m still pretty nervous about cutting this. The extra layer of protection to keep small things away from my dirt pad has always given me peace of mind. But… 2200 miles.
playing cards – I guess from the beginning I will be too tired to play and this is more like something I carry when the three foxes are walking.
My Mountain Hardware shell has worked well for a decade, but I’m going with the Frogg Togg’s to reduce the weight of the pack: 10 oz less!
Things I changed or updated
Waterproof jacket – Years ago I bought a Mountain Hardware jacket at the REI yard sale. It’s been great. 10 years and going strong. But the Frogg Toggs hanging in the closet were 10 ounces lighter.
Sun hoodie. – I love my long sleeve hiking shirt, but the sun hoodie is lighter and I hope it will help me get less sunburned.
bear line – The convenience of a bear canister is nice. In Tahoe, I really enjoyed not having to find and hang a bear every night and a bear canister makes a great stool. However, my bear line is 1 oz. This reduced over 2 pounds. pounds. I’ll hang a bear bag.
Soap – Hand sanitizer does not work on norovirus. Instead, I’ll carry an ounce of soap and make sure to wash my hands.
Things I considered changing, but continued
Toothbrush – I don’t think I could face my dentist if I didn’t take care of my teeth for four months.
Sacred Socks – Sleeping socks to always have something dry for my feet at night.
Wool – A Torrid puffer from Enlightened Equipment would save me a lot of weight, but at $200 it’s too expensive for me.
Headlamp – I can borrow Red’s headlamp, which only weighs 1.6 oz with strap and after looking How not2The headlight video… I’m pretty skeptical about spending money to maybe improve weight or lighting time.
All in all, it’s not a long list. On the one hand, I have a good idea of the equipment I want to carry and the pros and cons. On the other hand, such a long walk is completely new for me. I’m sure there are things I’m attached to that I’m just not willing to let go of.
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