This isn’t my first Rodeo ,But  I can still be stubborn, some things I just can’t hike without such as my trusty chair

Well if you have read my blogs of followed my video blogs on YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGxlJacgH1z8HHLUmR58zug

You will know that I’m not an ultra-light  hiker. But I am reasonably  happy with what I carry

When I prepared  for my first hike  I acquired  most of my  gear very cheap from suppliers , Thanks again Keith Fosset  for your tips https://www.keithfoskett.com/

The problem  was that I hadn’t done my  homework properly .
I acquired great kit  but the wrong kit for a through hike
This really sucked meaning that I had to replace it early on using precious  hiking funds.

Do your homework
Get the best gear your money can buy but do not get silly!

The Trail is long
Plenty of time to  trial gear, swap it out , buy new

Don’t Over Think  it
You can get brain overload with advice, you need these, why have you got those . Remember this is your hike 
A week spent on one of these trails is the best backpacking education in the world – better than any amount of online research.

This is my draft gear list it will be checked a few times before i pack up

Also most of my kit acquired in 2014 and its been tweaked and tweaked again when i hiked the AT in 2018 and so i haven’t got the outlay of £3000*
this page may help
https://snailtrainer.com/7-ways-to-get-your-gear-cheap/

KITCHEN:

• Backpack | Osprey Atmos 65 with rain cover  
• Sleeping pad | Expend  Downmat Ul W M
• Sleeping bag | Feather friends Hummingbird
• Tent | Big Agnes Flycreek HV UL3
• Groundsheet | Built in but I also use the BA  footprint
• Tent stakes | MSR Mini Groundhog
• Sleeping bag liner | didn’t bother
• Dry bags | mainly Exped and what I pick up
• Ground Sheet | Tyvek
• Chair | Helinox Chair one

WARDROBE:

• Rain  jacket | OR Helium 2 (new)
• Waterproof trousers | none
• Puffy | Rab  Microlight Alpine jacket   (New)
• Thermal bottoms | Undecided
• Shorts |  Fjern – Men’s Klatring Softshell Shorts (new)
• Shorts |  Under armour  Mid Compression Shorts
• Under wear | TBD
• Tights |Mountain  Warehouse Extreme
• Shirt | Columbia Bahama PFG Shirt (new)
• Shirt | Under armour   heat gear  compression shirt
• Socks x 4 | Darn Tough / Smart wool /
• Shoes | Solomon’s  XA Pro 3D     (new)
• Gaiters | Dirty Girl (new)
• Gloves | cheap  gloves
• Hat |  Beanie I brought on AT
• Cap |  Cheap Cap
• Sunglasses | Julbo Bivouak Chameleon

WARDROBE

• Pot | Optimus Terra Weekend HE Cook
• Cup |Sea to Summit collapsible  plus  cheap plastic Cup
• Spoon |Sea to Summit Titanium
• Water filter | Sawyer Squeeze Lrg
• Stove | MSR Pocket Rocket
• Wind Break |Decathlon windbreak
• Fuel | Gas (whatever I  can get)
• Bladder Camelbak 3L (Spare Bite valve) (new)
• Water bottle x2 | Smart water bottle (will by on arrival)
• Lighter | Mini Bic
• Rehydration | Emergen- C  and Crystal light

ABLUTIONS:

• Sun cream | Nivea Factor 50
• Mini scissors | **
• Tweezers | **
• Lip Balm
• Anti-Chafe | Body glide
• Toothpaste |Travel sized
• Toothbrush|
• Loo roll /Wet wipes
• Hand Sanitiser | didn’t bother
• Trowel |  Sea to Summit Pocket trowel
• First aid | Kit

ACCESSORIES:

• Head net | Sea to Summit
• Phone | Samsung  to be decided
• Battery pack + Cable | Anker Power core 2100
• Solar Charger | Solar Monkey Expedition
• Adapter plug | 4 USB way USA plug
• Music| Sansa Mp3 Player
• Wallet | **
• Journal | TBD
• Knife | Gerber Paraframe 2
• Pain relief |Ibuprofen and
• Head torch | TIKKA PLUS2 headlamp
• Repair tape | Spinnaker Tape
• Blister care | hypafix Tape
• Dry bag | Exped Selection
• Umbrella | TBD
• Poles |  Lekki Khumbo
• Bear Bag kit
• Duct Tape
• Watch | Shifenmei Dig Sports watch

MORE DETAIL:

Backpac: Osprey Atmos 65

On my first  Hike PCT in 2014  (green hiker) I started   with  the Osprey Aether 70 but I as I was carrying far too much after a Big shake down, I  swapped it  for an Exos 48,  which was great. 
But I preferred how  the Aether sat on my back, so I swapped it  back. Saying that the Exos was a popular bag in 2014
I started the AT with this bag but as I began to lose body fat it became sloppy and  as Osprey  offered me a great deal on a new bag I swapped it for an Atmos 65.
Again I just like how  the osprey bags feel on my back and when I broke   my hip belt buckle. I was so impressed on the speed osprey  were able to get me a replacement  to me
Why do  I  like this bag!  It’s certainly not the lightest and  I’m not anal to chop bits  off to  make it  lighter
But I like the way it feels on my back and how it carries
I like that I can fill from top and bottom

Front Mesh Pocket
Internal Suspension
Side/Top Compression Straps
Ice Axe/Pole Retention Loops

Price Heavy discount from Osprey

PAD: Exped DownMat UL Winter LW Sleeping Mat

I had te Exped SIM Lite UL for my first hike and I loved it except I wanted something that packed smaller, so I went for Exped DownMat UL Winter LW for the AT.
I has  Ultra-high R-Value  of 7.00 . It weighs in at 865gm .This Mat ships with a Schnozzel Pump bag for rapid, effortless and moisture free inflation which I love
It has  anti-slip GripSkin coating means you don’t side off in the night even if your flat spot isn’t that flat !!!I must admit people drove me crazy on the AT with their cheap crinkling mats , I really wanted to get up and stab them, that  is their mats not them although there was  one hiker !
I may be a little concerned about punctures in the desert !!!
Packed height: 27 cm
Packed diameter: 12 cm
Thickness: 9 cm
Length: 197 cm
Shoulder Width: 65 cm
Foot Width: 65 cm

Cost: £180

SLEEPING BAG:
Feathered friends Hummingbird 900 FILL

My bag of choice is the  Feathered friends Hummingbird, brought this for te PCT  in 2014 and is still perfect !
Its lightweight and down so packs small. I have never been cold  ,
several times on the AT  I was roasting so slept on the top this is a 20-degree bag and weighs 20ozs

Cost £283 

TENT: Big Agnes Flycreek 3 HV UL

My Tent – I  used the  Big Agnes Fly Creek UL 3 on the PCT and loved it and I have to  say there was a lot of tent envy as this is a 3 man tent but I love it.
I was even happier when Big Agnes  said that I could have  a Fly Creek HV UL3 at a heavily discounted price
It’s a great, lightweight tent and free standing which is fairly useful on the AT. Even though I am a solo Hiker this is a three-man tent. It’s very palatial which is important, especially in wet  like I encountered on  the Appalachian Trail. So, you can have all your gear inside and still have room to room and dry stuff Trail weight 2lb 15oz
I also used the footprint. Protects the tent  so you’re not packing a dirty tent
Cost: £445.85  I got 65% discount from Big Agnes

PEGS: MSR Needle Tent Stakes 

These MRS Needle tent stakes  haven’t let me down, they hold firm  although  they are designed  for rocky ground. They’re strong yet lightweight .They’re a nifty bright red colour so your less likely to lose them in poor conditions
These are 9.6g each  and they are  17.5 cm long
Cost: £11.99 (6pk)

RAIN Jacket : Helium II Jacket 

The Helium II Jacket is a super lightweight, extremely breathable and fully waterproof jacket that will keep you protected in wet and windy conditions. 
Its  100% waterproof, super-breathable Helium II weighs an incredibly light 6.4 ounces. An ultra-compressible piece you’ll never leave behind, it’s so light and packs down so small you’ll forget it’s clipped to your harness until you throw it on to ward off a sudden mid-route downpour. Compressible to the size of a granola bar, the Helium II keeps you completely protected from unfriendly weather on the trail but doesn’t waste space or add more than a feather’s-worth of weight to your pack.
To be Honest  I  seldom wore this  rain jacket as I preferred to hike wet  and get dry once at camp, however when I got cold  this  jacket was fantastic.
I brought this on trail after being envious of other hikers   who had  them

Cost £104 – worth the price 

Tights/Leggings :  Men’s Base Layer Pants

I don’t carry log  trousers   but if I’m cold I slip these one They are Isotherm  so have good heat retention to  ensures you stay warm, even in the coldest climates
They are High wicking – actively wicks moisture away from the skin, keeping you dry and comfortable and  they dry quickly too
Lightweight – no added bulk, great when used as part of a layering system

Cost £9.95

Puffy: Rab Microlight Alpine Jacket

 When I hiked  the PCT  I  brought a Rab  ultralight jacket  that I  absolutely loved  and again I worse it on the AT  but since then technology  has  moved on and  so after a little research well not much as this  was  what I wanted
So new  for the CDT  is  Microlight Alpine Jacket weight 15.7 oz  445g jacket with  750 fill down.
It’s super warm  and I love it  plus  it squashes  down to nothing

Cost: £165.32

Thermals :  Isobaa – Merino 200 Long Sleeve shirt

I used the same  for  PCT  & At  so treated myself to a new on as  it  worn on the shoulders
Merino keeps you warm when it’s cold and breathes well when it’s warm, keeping you comfortable whatever the weather. It’s also quick drying, naturally odour resistant 200g

Cost: £39.00

Shorts: Fjern  Klatring Softshell Shorts

These are a lightweight & pack able stretch hiking short, saying that  the order seems lost,  so they haven’t arrived yet, but shorts are shorts .
Lightweight Polyester 4 way Stretch single weave fabric weight  250gms   8.8 oz
NB I normally start with this type of shorts   then switch  to  Under armour Gym shorts

Cost: £29.99

Shirt: Columbia Silver Ridge II Long Sleeve 

I liked this colour makes a change from olive green
100% nylon basket weave
Cost: £35

Sockks: / Smart wool / Darn Tough / Others

Merino, smell proof, cushioned, seamless, durable, fast action wicking,
NB,  I carry  four pairs and swap of  regularly , this works for me  but maybe  overkill for you !!

Cost: £18-£20

Shoes: Salomon XA Pro 3D

When I started the PCT. in 2014   I was a very green hiker  and came  to the US with three pairs of Berghaus  boots which I  has obtained  for  very few shillings
It was only when a friend from California  came to see me on trial did I swap  them for trail runner  after a huge Bollocking
My first Choice were Altras snow  Peaks 2 they fitted like a glove  and  off I hiked  but  they fell apart   before they had completed a 100 miles   Crap
I quickly phoned   REI, and  they suggested  Solomon’s  and wow what a great shoe
Shoes are the most subjective of all things on my gear list. Comfort and fit are paramount, especially for beginners. Durability (Relative to cost) comes next, and everything else is just noise.
I used  3 pairs on the PCT   and almost 5 on the  Appalachian trail , The At destroys shoes .
I tend to buy off season  at approx. £70 I did take several pairs  with me  on the AT  but  that’s another story

Cost £69.99 

Gaiters : Dirty Girls

Virtually every  hiker wears  these  they cost around £20  and come in thousands of crazy  colours
They attach with Velcro and a clip  remember to  keep the extra Velcro as they can get torn off
You can get in the Uk  but easier to get in the USA

Cost £15.74/20

Gloves :Basic

Totally waterproof, breathable and windproof
Soft, durable synthetic palm with gel padding for increased grip and comfort

Cost: £1200

Hat: Appalachian Trail  BEANIE

Lost mine so picked this up from one of the Huts in the Whites .
Acrylic hat, it’s warm….

Cost $10

Sun Hat:

It’s a hat !

Sunglasses : JULBO – Explorer 2.0 Chameleon

Love these sunglasses especially great when hiking through the snow

Cost: £150.26  Free from sponsor

Pot: Optimus Terra Weekend HE Cook 

I used this cook set  on the PCT  & the AT and loved it so of course it’s coming again
It has  Heat exchanger system cuts boil time by 20% it’s easy to clean . Fry pan lid with handle, I use to make more tea as my food steams .
I carry hot sauce olive oil, scrapper and lighter inside as well as powdered milk and tea bags (I’m a Brit)

Lowdown:
Volume: 0.95 L
Size: 165 × Ø 124 mm | 6.49 x Ø 4.8″
Weight: 10 oz | 284 g
Weight 284 Gm

Cost: £31  Free from Sponsor

Windbreak : Decathlon windbreak

This is probably a nice to have  but I’m bringing it , after several food accident while  protecting  my  cooking from the wind
Its 190 g light and durable , it  folds flat and can help reduce fuel 

Cost £9.00

Cup : Sea to Summit & Basic

I Carry TWO ,I carry a folding sea to summit and a cheap basic one
The basic one I find useful when I have to bail water when the source is low or slow

Cost £5-00   and 99p

Spoon: Sea To Summit Titanium Spoon

Another titanium, lightweight, strong product. This spoon has been in my life for a while and does the trick! 12gms

Cost £6.00

Knife : Gerber Paraframe 2

I came by this knife by accident , I picked it up on trail  until I found its owner, I was so impressed   I had to buy my own
This knife comes in several sizes I use the  3 inch bladed version , and the blade folds away

Cost £25.00 Ish

Water Filter: Sawer Squeeze

This little filter is all the rage in the US currently.
Weighing a mere 85g it is lightweight, the most time efficient water treatment system, inexpensive and both easy and versatile.
You can fill up your hydration bladder or water bottle, screw this filter on the top, and drink straight from it. Alternatively, fill a bottle or bladder and filter water through the filter into another container for use later. It comes with two additional water pouches, and a syringe to backwash the filter to keep it clean and particle free.

Remember to sleep with it on cold nights as if it freezes its no longer safe

Cost : Around £40ish

Stove : MSR Pocket Rocket II

I’ve had this Pocket Rocket for years. It’s reliable, lightweight and fast. It seems silly to replace it,

Smart Water Bottle 1L X 2

These are the more popular water bottles to carry on any long distance trail at 37.5g (empty obviously) they  slip into  your  packs pocket  so easily
smart water used to print straight on the bottle  but now it’s a stuck on label, The problem is when it every come off the bottle is sticky and  get coated in poo

I’ll carry 2 of these most of the time, and with the 3L bladder this gives a max capacity of 5L. I also carry a 1l roll up bag  just in case

Cost: Who cares

Headnet : Sea to Summit

It’s a head net !! But bugs  are annoying

Cost £

Phone Samsung TBD

Camera :

I have  an  Olympus Tough T5
Again Cameras are personal  choice ; some hikers carry  them  other rely on their smart phone.  I  like  to use a camera  and  have my smart  phone as back up , On the PCT  I used a Olympus Tough TG-830, which I loved  as it was  bullet proof we  rolled down mountains together , got roasted in the desert and buried in ice and snow  and  it never let me down . This camera is its replacement
I also carry a spare battery  and of course memory cards

Thanks to the nice people at Olympus

Music : Sansa 8 GB MP3 Player

Again personnel  choice, I really like  this  little chap , its small  ,has an external memory card  (I have a 8gb card in mine) It also has a built in radio, It clips to your pack .I like to use  this , thus keeping my phone safe  and saving  precious  juice 

Cost £22.00

Battery: Anker Power Core  20100

I like this power pack.  It’s a beast  and  normally can last me a week  charging my stuff
Does what is says on the tin .

Cost £29.99

Electricals : 3 / usb Oulet

I couldn’t find a picture of mine , Mine is a 4-way cube , it means when outlets are tight you can charge more than 1 device at a time

$8.00

Solar: Power-traveller EXTREME SOLAR

Weight   289 gms

Price £65.00  I  grovelled and got mine  for under £30

WAllet: Aquapac  Travel case

A waterproof case that keeps all your valuables and essentials safe from the elements.

Cost £7.88

Blister Care: Hypafix

Came across this by accident     Used  on chaffing areas   ie when your pack is settling in, blister or hot spots on feet
amazing stuff.
I cut it  into lengths an carry it in my first aid kit and send more in a resupply box up the trail.

Cost £3.66

Repair Tape : Spinnaker tape

Another hiker recommended this too me  so  why not give it a go

Cost £6.48 for 4.5m

Watch : shifenmei Digital Sports Watch

I like a watch , maybe because I’m old  But I like one with an hourly chime , it helps me pace myself  ,  and it tells the time

Cost £19.99

Drybags: Exped Fold Dry 4 Pack Drybag/ Sea To Summit

I  was  given these bags as part as a sponsorship deal back in 2014  and  they are still good to go   although I have  added a couple of others including a sea to summit

The to sea to summit I use for my food bag and id often hung
1  for my clothes
1  for  my sleeping bag
1 for electricals
1 for my daily food /snacks

Cost £ Free from sponsor

Chair: Helinox Chair one

The Chair One from Helionx is a lightweight, packable camp chair, that packs up small and lightIf you want it, you will carry it  as it’s a worthy companion on any outdoor journey.I saw  many hikers carrying theses and I said to myself if I see one more then ill buy one !It may be a luxury on te AT considering the extra food and water that I need to carry………. We will see !

Weighs: 960g

Cost £80.00

Shade : Trecking UmbrellaTBD

I have to say i have never taken one of these on either of my last two thru hikes , But I have been following Astrid’s 2019 hike of the CDT and she has great things to say about it so i may just buy one yousonder.wordpress.com CDT 2019 Thru-hike

Water : Platypus  3L

This is my bladder of choice – It’ weighs 91gms .   I used the same model on PCT and AT  and  could use again but I want New !
I use this as my main hiking water  and just  sit it on top of my pack and let the hose dangle. I am how ever taking a spare valve  as I accidentally stood on my last one and  it shot off into long grass .

Cost: £23.00

Poles: LEKI Khumbu SPEED LOCK + baskets

I used Black  Diamond Trail Ergo Cork on both the PCT and AT    and I loved them , On the AT I would say it was about 50/50 Leki   v Black diamond
But I thought I would try some Leki’s   they are similar  cork handles ,  speed lock ,I’ll let you know how I get on with them  270g each.

Cost: £75.00

Anti Chafe: Body Glide

It is  not a thing that I suffer from   but when it does  begin you need to sort it quickly

COST: £6.50

Re-hydration : Emengen-c  / Crystal Light

I have  used  Emengen-c   for  my electrolytes, and  they have looked after me , Crystal light is just  for flavouring my water that I got addicted too on the PCT
Both come in different flavours
 COST £ TBA

.

First Aid :

 lengths of Hypafix
Nail scissors
Nail Clippers
Tick remover,
Ibuprofen
Sodium Naproxen
Ibuprofen night-time (knocks me out)
Antibiotics  2 x courses (from Dr before I travel)
needles
band aids /plasters
antiseptic cream

POOP Scoop:   Sea To Summit Pocket Trowel

A super strong, lightweight and cleverly compact pocket trowel. Designed to support the Leave No Trace ethic of minimising back country impact by humans.
The Pocket Trowel is collapsible, Stores lighter/toilet tissues in handle,
have to say used others and this is far superior  I mean you want a nice hole to poop in right 100g weight

Cost 7.00

Bear kit 

I use a small ditty back this one is Osprey, a length of para cord  , a carabiner and a large tent stake they all fit in the bag.What you do is remove all parts from the bag ,hook carabiner to the bag, find a largish stone, Put this in the bag . Now attempt to get the bag over a suitable  tree branch.
When successful several hours later , take off the ditty bag, Hook on your food bag,  make sure you pass the other end  through your carabiner.
Hoist  it  up towards the branch . Now  tie  clove around your tent stake  and then  it will lock in place.

Most hikers will look for a stick,  but I found that the tent stake slides off much easier
If  your now lost  google  bear bag hanging PCT method

https://theultimatehang.com/2013/03/19/hanging-a-bear-bag-the-pct-method/

SOS:  McMurdo Fast Find 220 PLB

I didn’t carry anything on the PCT  as I had  used up my Budget but  thought I should on the AT  although there weren’t so many scary moments  compared to the PCT
I choice  the McMurdo Fast Find 220 PLB. This is the bit of kit that you hope that you never have to use.
It only has one way communication, , if in trouble you  set it off and  hope , there is no way of knowing   if the signal is received  but let’s hope so
A lot of people use  the spot, as it has two-way communication , but  from my experience they are all a bit  hit and  miss , and have led to a few false  alarm.

Cost: £199