You're going to need some durable clothes for your hike. Clothes designed for athletics tend to be more pricey than normal clothes, but you'll be wearing the same stuff everyday. Consider good clothes to be an investment. Synthetic materials are the best because they're lightweight, and they dry quickly. Cotton is the worst. If it gets wet, it will be cold and take a long time to dry. Also, remember to layer your clothes if it's cold.
Keep in mind that the first month or two will be colder than the rest of your hike. It's likely that you'll run into snow in the Smokies. Some of your clothes can be mailed home or ditched in a hiker box once the weather warms up for good. These are just suggestions. You'll probably have your own preferences.
-synthetic t-shirt: this is pretty much a staple, and you'll probably wear it everyday.
-rain jacket: this is great to have because it not only keeps you dry, but you can wear it when you're cold too.
-convertible pants: they zip off above the knee, so they can be shorts or pants.
-long-sleeved shirt: good for nighttime or cold weather.
-synthetic shorts: something loose and breathable.
-wool socks: bring 2 or 3 pairs; you'll probably have to replace them a few times during your hike.
-sports bra (if necessary)
Other options:
-running skirt: these are getting pretty popular on the trail because they're super comfortable and they look cute.
-hiking kilt (for men): most guys think these are for wussies, until they give them a try and see how comfortable they are; I thought they were nerdy until I ran into one hiker that looked like a Gladiator in his kilt.
Cold weather clothes (send home when weather warms up):
-beanie/cap: keep your ears warm.
-gloves: you can probably get by without them if you don't want to carry them, but they're nice to have.
-yoga pants/ long underwear
-fleece/ flannel/ long-sleeve shirt
Of course you'll need a comfortable pair of hiking boots or shoes. A lot of hikers like to have a pair of sandals to wear around camp, as well.
Showing posts with label Gear Talk. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gear Talk. Show all posts
Monday, March 5, 2012
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Choosing a Tent
Everyone has different preferences, so here's a few things to keep in mind while shopping for tents:
How easy is it to set up?
How much does it weigh?
How many people are going to be sleeping in it?
How much space does it have?
What's the price?
Is it ventilated well?
Keep those things in mind while you consider all the options for shelter on the Appalachian Trail.
Shelters, Huts, and Lean-Tos:
There are hundreds of shelters, huts, and lean-tos along the trail. They're basically the same thing, but with different names. These are usually placed in areas that have a water sources close by, and there is usually an outhouse too. Even if you're not staying in the shelter, there's always somewhere to tent. Many hikers prefer to get a spot in the shelter, and not set up their tents. However, you can't rely on getting a spot in the shelters every night during the first few hundred miles of the trail. There's too many other people on the trail attempting thru-hikes, but eventually they will start to drop off.
Tarps:
If you can learn to tie a few knots and don't mind laying your sleeping pad on the ground, you can use a tarp as your shelter. You'll be using cord to string the tarp up between trees. Tarps are great because they're extremely light to carry and they don't take up very much valuable pack space. Combine tarp carrying with sleeping in shelters, and you'll lower your pack weight but remain comfortable.
Free-Standing Tents:
Free-standing tents are just tents that stay up by themselves once you put the poles in. You still have to stake them to the ground, so they won't blow away. You can pay a lot of money for super lightweight tents, but in general this is the heaviest option. On the plus side, they're easy to set up and are roomy. You can set them up anywhere; you don't need trees. They're very sturdy too; they don't blow around as much in the wind and harsh weather. I've used a tent that was only partially free-standing, and it would always be caving in by morning and wasn't very sturdy. Tying guy lines will help with this problem, but I really don't like the extra hassle and carrying extra stakes. Some people don't mind though. Prices vary anywhere from $100-$600.
REI is a good place to start looking for a tent. They have a wide variety of brands and types of tents.
Other Types of Tents:
There's a variety of semi-freestanding tents available. You usually have to secure them with guy lines. They weigh less because they require fewer (if any) poles for set up. If you hike with trekking poles, there are tents that are designed to be set up with the trekking poles instead of carrying poles that only function for the tent. Check out Tarptent for lightweight tents that start around $200.
Hammocks are also becoming pretty popular on the trail. They have a rainfly that protects the netted hammock part. You don't have to worry about finding a level area of ground or sleeping on a hard surface. No poles, means less weight. You wouldn't necessarily need a sleeping pad either.
As far as hammocks go, Hennessy Hammock is the way to go. Prices start at $100.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Water Treatment
There's a variety of options when it comes to treating your water on the trail. When choosing a method, you want to take into account the cost, added weight, efficiency, time it takes, and how much chemicals are involved. Here are a few popular options:
Many hikers choose not to treat their water at all. This saves on expenses and pack weight. While they are more susceptible to bacteria and viruses, they probably build some sort of immunity after a while. Plus, they aren't adding any extra chemicals to their bodies.
Boiling water is another option. You don't have to pay anything extra for a treatment system, but you're still purifying your water. This is a time consuming process, and it's probably not for you if you like to put in big miles daily. Also, this consumes precious fuel that could be used for cooking. However, if you don't mind building fires, then you can save your fuel supply.
Another option is the Steripen. It eliminates almost 100% of bacteria and viruses. It works by using ultraviolet light to make water safe to drink. It only takes about 30 seconds to a full minute (depending on how many liters of water you have) to sterilize your drinking water. You can spend anywhere from $60 to $120 on a Steripen, and the more lightweight ones do cost more. Also, they require Lithium batteries which are more expensive. I used my Steripen on a 3-week backpacking trip, and it broke on me. I don't know if this is the case for everyone, but the company is pretty good about replacing broken products.
Iodine tablets and chlorine are inexpensive and lightweight. They come in a small bottle and normally only cost about $10. They do discolor and add a weird taste to your water. You can solve this problem by either getting an additional bottle of taste-neutrailizer or adding Gatorade packets to your water. You will usually have to wait at least a half hour before your water is safe to drink. You can get these treatment systems at most athletic stores that have a camping section. Along a similar line, I have heard of people who add 2 drops of regular bleach to their water. I'm not sure how healthy this is for your body, but it can't be much worse than iodine.
Water filters are another option for water treatment. This method, unlike the others listed above, gets rid of debris so you don't have any dirt floating in your water. Water filters get rid of parasites and bacteria, but not viruses. It doesn't change the taste of your water either. When buying a water filter, you should consider how often it needs to be cleaned and how often the filter needs to be replaced. There's a variety of different brands to choose from, and the cost can run anywhere from $20 to $250. While there are lightweight filters available, for the most part this method adds the most weight to your pack.
Not one method is right for everyone. If you're not sure, I would choose the most inexpensive method to start with or buy the product second-hand. Then if you're not happy, you can choose a more expensive option.
Many hikers choose not to treat their water at all. This saves on expenses and pack weight. While they are more susceptible to bacteria and viruses, they probably build some sort of immunity after a while. Plus, they aren't adding any extra chemicals to their bodies.
Boiling water is another option. You don't have to pay anything extra for a treatment system, but you're still purifying your water. This is a time consuming process, and it's probably not for you if you like to put in big miles daily. Also, this consumes precious fuel that could be used for cooking. However, if you don't mind building fires, then you can save your fuel supply.
Another option is the Steripen. It eliminates almost 100% of bacteria and viruses. It works by using ultraviolet light to make water safe to drink. It only takes about 30 seconds to a full minute (depending on how many liters of water you have) to sterilize your drinking water. You can spend anywhere from $60 to $120 on a Steripen, and the more lightweight ones do cost more. Also, they require Lithium batteries which are more expensive. I used my Steripen on a 3-week backpacking trip, and it broke on me. I don't know if this is the case for everyone, but the company is pretty good about replacing broken products.
Iodine tablets and chlorine are inexpensive and lightweight. They come in a small bottle and normally only cost about $10. They do discolor and add a weird taste to your water. You can solve this problem by either getting an additional bottle of taste-neutrailizer or adding Gatorade packets to your water. You will usually have to wait at least a half hour before your water is safe to drink. You can get these treatment systems at most athletic stores that have a camping section. Along a similar line, I have heard of people who add 2 drops of regular bleach to their water. I'm not sure how healthy this is for your body, but it can't be much worse than iodine.
Water filters are another option for water treatment. This method, unlike the others listed above, gets rid of debris so you don't have any dirt floating in your water. Water filters get rid of parasites and bacteria, but not viruses. It doesn't change the taste of your water either. When buying a water filter, you should consider how often it needs to be cleaned and how often the filter needs to be replaced. There's a variety of different brands to choose from, and the cost can run anywhere from $20 to $250. While there are lightweight filters available, for the most part this method adds the most weight to your pack.
Not one method is right for everyone. If you're not sure, I would choose the most inexpensive method to start with or buy the product second-hand. Then if you're not happy, you can choose a more expensive option.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Gear Talk: Finding the Perfect Pack
Finding a pack that works for you is important. Hiking with a pack that's uncomfortable or the wrong fit, is going to make you feel miserable. If you're going to splurge on a piece of gear, this is it.
Other sources will tell you that you should purchase your pack at an outfitter, so you can try it on to make sure that it fits right and is comfortable. However, unless you live in an outdoor mecca, it's going to be difficult to find an outfitter with a wide selection of packs available. I would recommend going to an outfitter to find the right size and fit. Then you can order online if you like. At the very least, make sure you're ordering from a website that will allow you to make returns.
I'm pretty convinced that that I'll be purchasing the new Osprey Aura 65 for my thru-hike. In addition to the sleek look and pretty color options, this pack has some great features. While it comes in sizes from small to large, you can also adjust the harness and hipbelt to make a perfect fit. Osprey is also known for their extremely comfortable hipbelts. The downsize is that there isn't a pocket for large water bottles, so you either have to get a hydration reservoir or use smaller water bottles. Osprey packs are also more pricey, so you'll probably be spending between $200-$250.
http://www.ospreypacks.com/
Osprey has great customer service who know what they're talking about and seem to be real hikers.
Kelty is another reliable brand that has great packs. My first pack was a Kelty, and after 250 miles of hiking and a trip to England, I haven't had any problems with it. It's been comfortable, durable, and easily fits all of my gear. Kelty has a new Agile Series of packs that have great ventilation and suspension systems. You can easily store your hydration reservoir or use the large side pockets for your water bottles. The downside is that the harness isn't adjustable, so be sure to measure your torso length and check out the size chart before you order. Kelty is a bit more reasonably priced than the Osprey. You'll probably be able to find a great pack for around $150.
http://www.kelty.com/default.aspx
Kelty is another brand with great customer service from real hikers.
Another well-known brand is North Face. I've never actually met anyone who owned a North Face pack and was happy with it, but there are some great reviews online. Most North Face packs seem to have an adjustable harness and good ventilation on the back panel, which are great features. For the high price of these packs, I think they should be a little more lightweight. Prices range from $140- $270, so you can still shop in your price range.
http://www.thenorthface.com/en_US/index.html
Other notable brands are:
Gregory
Black Diamond
REI
If you're not set on a specific brand, and you just want to shop around and compare prices and styles, REI is also great for that along with Altrec and Backcountry. These websites offer great discounts, so you can find a pack priced anywhere from $80- $500.
Other sources will tell you that you should purchase your pack at an outfitter, so you can try it on to make sure that it fits right and is comfortable. However, unless you live in an outdoor mecca, it's going to be difficult to find an outfitter with a wide selection of packs available. I would recommend going to an outfitter to find the right size and fit. Then you can order online if you like. At the very least, make sure you're ordering from a website that will allow you to make returns.
I'm pretty convinced that that I'll be purchasing the new Osprey Aura 65 for my thru-hike. In addition to the sleek look and pretty color options, this pack has some great features. While it comes in sizes from small to large, you can also adjust the harness and hipbelt to make a perfect fit. Osprey is also known for their extremely comfortable hipbelts. The downsize is that there isn't a pocket for large water bottles, so you either have to get a hydration reservoir or use smaller water bottles. Osprey packs are also more pricey, so you'll probably be spending between $200-$250.
http://www.ospreypacks.com/
Osprey has great customer service who know what they're talking about and seem to be real hikers.
Kelty is another reliable brand that has great packs. My first pack was a Kelty, and after 250 miles of hiking and a trip to England, I haven't had any problems with it. It's been comfortable, durable, and easily fits all of my gear. Kelty has a new Agile Series of packs that have great ventilation and suspension systems. You can easily store your hydration reservoir or use the large side pockets for your water bottles. The downside is that the harness isn't adjustable, so be sure to measure your torso length and check out the size chart before you order. Kelty is a bit more reasonably priced than the Osprey. You'll probably be able to find a great pack for around $150.
http://www.kelty.com/default.aspx
Kelty is another brand with great customer service from real hikers.
Another well-known brand is North Face. I've never actually met anyone who owned a North Face pack and was happy with it, but there are some great reviews online. Most North Face packs seem to have an adjustable harness and good ventilation on the back panel, which are great features. For the high price of these packs, I think they should be a little more lightweight. Prices range from $140- $270, so you can still shop in your price range.
http://www.thenorthface.com/en_US/index.html
Other notable brands are:
Gregory
Black Diamond
REI
If you're not set on a specific brand, and you just want to shop around and compare prices and styles, REI is also great for that along with Altrec and Backcountry. These websites offer great discounts, so you can find a pack priced anywhere from $80- $500.
Monday, January 9, 2012
What To Pack for the Trail
Packing for the AT might seem daunting at first. You're not completely sure of what items you'll need. Maybe you go overboard and pack anything that might seem mildly useful. Maybe in your desperation to have a low pack weight, you forget a few key pieces of gear. Well not to worry hikers. Here is your gear list of everything you need (and don't need) to hit the AT.
Let's remember two rules while we're packing:
1. If you're not going to use something everyday, you really don't need it.
2. Start with your three basic pieces of gear: pack, sleeping bag, and shelter. Build on from that.
Be sure your sleeping bag and tent are designed for backpacking, otherwise they'll probably be really heavy.
Other necessary gear:
-boots or hiking shoes
-bag to keep food in (something durable; you have to hang in up every night)
-sleeping pad
-water bottles or water bladder
-something to purify water with like iodine tablets, Aqua Mura, or a Steripen
-clothes (we'll cover what kind of clothes in a later post)
-stuff sack for clothes
-small first aid kit (nothing too fancy; unless your a doctor you probably won't be able to treat much more than scrapes)
-flashlight or head lamp
-data book
-camp stove and cooking pot
-lighter
-thin, light rope (to hang your bear bag)
Optional items:
-sandals to wear around camp
-pocket knife
-tarp
-toothbrush, deodorant, etc.
-journal
-camera
-bear Mace
-trekking poles
-trail mascot
-sunscreen
-tent repair kit
-needle and thread
Things to leave at home:
-gun (you really won't need it)
-machete (the trail is not overgrown)
-GPS (the trail is clearly marked)
-boyfriend (just kidding)
Let's remember two rules while we're packing:
1. If you're not going to use something everyday, you really don't need it.
2. Start with your three basic pieces of gear: pack, sleeping bag, and shelter. Build on from that.
Be sure your sleeping bag and tent are designed for backpacking, otherwise they'll probably be really heavy.
Other necessary gear:
-boots or hiking shoes
-bag to keep food in (something durable; you have to hang in up every night)
-sleeping pad
-water bottles or water bladder
-something to purify water with like iodine tablets, Aqua Mura, or a Steripen
-clothes (we'll cover what kind of clothes in a later post)
-stuff sack for clothes
-small first aid kit (nothing too fancy; unless your a doctor you probably won't be able to treat much more than scrapes)
-flashlight or head lamp
-data book
-camp stove and cooking pot
-lighter
-thin, light rope (to hang your bear bag)
Optional items:
-sandals to wear around camp
-pocket knife
-tarp
-toothbrush, deodorant, etc.
-journal
-camera
-bear Mace
-trekking poles
-trail mascot
-sunscreen
-tent repair kit
-needle and thread
Things to leave at home:
-gun (you really won't need it)
-machete (the trail is not overgrown)
-GPS (the trail is clearly marked)
-boyfriend (just kidding)
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