I've Got a Lovely Bunch of Backpacking Gear

 

So, I've noticed that my collection of backpacking gear somehow keeps growing, even when I'm not consciously trying to add to it. It's probably the only collection I have that's bigger than my backlog of PC games – let's be honest, I'll never get through all of them. Every time I check out gear sites, there's always some new item that I suddenly convince myself I absolutely need to improve my chances on the trail. (Yes, titanium spork, I'm looking at you! You're the missing piece that will revolutionize my entire hiking experience!)

I never actually need it, but it's fun to pretend, right? The bear canister just arrived a few days ago, so I'm all set and ready to go for my adventure one month from now. No more lugging around bags of rocks in my pack – I've upgraded to real gear! Finally!

To explain the bag of rocks reference, I trained for the AT (Appalachian Trail) with a backpack full of rocks. I needed weight in the pack for training, but I didn't have the resources for weights, and I didn't trust gallon jugs of water to stay intact during my tumbles. So, I made a special trip to the home improvement store to buy myself some "weights." You might ask, "Why go to Lowe's or Home Depot for weights?" Great question!

I've learned that I can't be trusted with things I want to last – the yearly "Broken List" is proof of this. A 50-pound bag of pebbles or pea gravel is $5. Garbage bags and duct tape are already accessible to most backpackers – bag liner and gear repair, anyone? I just split the original hefty 50-pounder into two 25-pound bags. I didn't want to end up with a dirty, gravel-filled pack before even starting, so I taped the whole thing into a giant square weighted bag.

I've pretty much dialed in my gear list for the final showdown of items! Such a rewarding day! Training in various conditions – nighttime hiking, cold weather, warm weather – allowed me to fine-tune the list. Living in PA, where you can experience all four seasons in one day, provides ample opportunities for practice. Recently, setting up my tent in the windiest spot I can find is added to the to-do list.

But, wait! There's more – the flu.

Training was going well until I caught the flu. Trying to come back from the flu isn't happening fast enough for me. It's also pretty darn cold in PA these days, which isn't helping my throat and cough. However, the show must go on, or the hike must go on... something like that. I've been prepping like nobody's business – cooking meals, dehydrating foods, playing assembly line to pack everything up! It's never-ending, and I love it.

Now, off we go to check a gear list, a wonderful gear list we go!

Shelter: LightHeart Gear SoLong with Vargo Titanium Shepherds Hook Stake with a bonus paint job from yours truly
Sleeping bag: Zen Bivy Bed 10F in a Sea to Summit eVent Compression Sack
Sleeping pad: Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated
Pack: Gregory Zulu 55
Stove: MSR Pocket Rocket 2 w/ Soto Pocket Torch with Refillable Lighter
Pot: MSR Ceramic Solo Pot
Utensil(s): Sea to Summit Alpha Light Set
Filter: Sawyer Squeeze
Water bottles: Platypus 1L – two
Puffy: Black Diamond Access Down Hoody
Base Layer Top: Patagonia Capilene Midweight Crew
Shirt: Smartwool Active Ultralite Tech Tee
Base Layer Bottom: Smartwool Active Fleece Wind Tights
Fleece: Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Quarter Zip
Pants: REI Co-op Trailmade Pants (No thank you, Deer ticks. I’ve had enough close calls from you already.)
Socks: Smartwool Men Classic Hike Full Cushion Crew
Sock Liners: REI Co-op Silk Liner Crew Socks
Boots: Salomon Predict Hike Mid GTX Hiking Boots

I think that covers the main items. I'll be creating a complete list with weights for you all. It's been a wild ride to obtain all of these items and make sure they functionally work for me on this grand adventure. Hopefully, they do, and I can't wait to see what oddities end up in my collection as well!

Until next time, my friends, I bid you a fond farewell and happy trails!

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