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November 26, 2008
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Which light-weight gear will work best on the Appalachian Trail?
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Gregory Palisade 80 Backpack (courtesy, REI)
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I’m an avid day-hiker, and now I want to do weekend and longer hikes. I have
thought about doing the Appalachian Trail but need tips on light-weight
gear. I was in the infantry in the army and spent time in the mountains of
Afghanistan, so I know weight is crucial. Any help?
— Jeremy
Carrollton, Georgia
Do you have a question of your own?
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 Here’s a tip: Go lie down for an hour. Perhaps by then the urge to do the
Appalachian Trail will go away. Hey, I am all for Feats of Strength, but
some things border on insanity…like running marathons (I ran ten and then
reformed), climbing Everest (um, it has been done before!)…you get the idea.
Then there is the Appalachian Trail. Exactly 2,175 miles of up, then down.
Then up, then down again. And…up! And down. Much of it in the woods (West
Coast bias alert: We hike uphill and have expansive views).
Anyway, I can tell that you are persuaded to do this. So here is another
tip: pack light. You can stop for food and fuel at regular intervals, so
that takes a lot of pressure off your load. Otherwise, here are my Five Keys
for Success:
For a pack, think small—no more than 5,000 cubic inches, and around
4,500 is better yet. Perfect pack? Try the Gregory Palisade 80
($319). It’s just less than 5,000 cubic inches, has a comfortable
suspension, and is trim fitting.
Layer up. Start with Patagonia Capilene 1 (figure $30 per piece, tops and
bottoms), then work your way up with a fleece jacket and rain gear (
Marmot Oracle, $160). Plus,
you’ll need a hat and gloves. Plan on cool weather at first, and ship shorts
and T-shirts to the point where history shows late spring appears.
Decent shoes are a must. Scarpa’s Kailash ($160) is just the ticket.
Keep your sleeping kit light. MontBell’s UL.SS.Down ($279) is super-light and rated to
30 degrees; it will suffice from early in the trek until late.
Food: Take whatever tastes good. I don’t care what it is. Whatever tastes
good. Just be sure there is enough fiber for good…um, lower GI tract action.
I think you are nuts. But I admire that!
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you can get prepped for gift-giving season—even if everything you pick
is for yourself!
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