@CheezeTank This is a great question. I never really address this in my films about the other trails I've done either. A month into my hike, I got rid of my trowell, tent, mittens, mask, and replaced my two nalgenes with two quart sized powerade bottles and replaced my water filter with iodine tabs... I think that's about it. I also made a stove out of a catfood can which decreaced my food wait by 60 percent. All this being said, I would suggest bringing all of these things when you start.
@Tuts999 - What did you use for a towell? What was your sleeping arrangement like (i.e. Hammock, Shelter, etc.)? What do you mean by "bringing all these things when I start"? Should I come over prepared and shed what I don't need? The reason for all my questions is because I'm preparing for a SOBO thru-hike starting in June or July and I want to be ready.
@CheezeTank I didn't take a towell with me. I also slept in shelters every night. They are spaced so close together, that making it from one to another is pretty much a given. The only reason I would suggest to a new thru-hiker to take around 30 lbs of gear is that they might not be comfortable with taking less. Also, everyone finds their ideal gear amount rather quickly and it is much easier to get rid of gear than get new gear once you have started hiking. Good Luck on the SOBO, have fun!
@CheezeTank It depends on the season you plan on leaving in. If you leave in June, which is seemingly when most southbounders leave Katahdin, then you'll probably run into a bit of mud... moreso than the south in, say, March or April. That being said, it really depends on what kind of hiker you are. A minimalist would go with trail running shoes, while the more traditionalist goes with a good solid pair of boots. If you haven't done much long distance hiking, go boots first, change later.
great video. pliers, that particular gps, and rope- this is stuff the inexperienced could certainly use. I love using the whistle myself- bear, bobcat, and the like.
I don't want to come across like a hiking snob, but it doesn't seem to make much sence that you made a video about what to bring on the AT before you actually hiked it. you might find that some of your "indispensible" items aren't as necessary as you think. case in point: when i hiked i used my sunglasses twice in six months, and i have sensitive eyes.
@dtdude42 A great question. From my experience, most people take too much before they leave for a thru-hike. While I was prepared for this, I did, in fact, get suckered in to taking more than I needed, however, my sunglasses were a great help, especially when it was snowing while I hiked through the south. I continue to take my sunglasses while I backpack. This whole series is a documentary of how I did my thru-hike, not necessarily how-to thru-hike. I hope this clears things up a bit.
I'm not sure why you call yourself ultralight and minimalist--you're bringing tons of heavy, unneeded stuff compared to others who use the same appellation. Your pack must be over 20 lbs!
I saw that you used the Spot gps locator. How did that work for you. I was looking to get one myself. What was the pros and cons. Thanks I look forward to watching any new vids from you.
Problem with that is that you need treking poles... I don't use them. For people like me who don't, this tent cannot be used. Good point though, on the trail some people talked about those types of tents. A lot of PCT thru-hikers use them, but very few on the AT, due to the abundance of shelters. Tenting is obsolete for minamilist backpackers on the AT.
yeah good point, im planning to do the at next spring and i think ill have poles so ill probably carry the tent for the beginning until i know i can make it to the shelters, thanks for the advice man!
I hope to do the AT in the next 3-4 weeks. Nice video. You pack pretty light. Is that a katdyne? That's what I have. I don't think they filter cryto. Is there a 2010 edition of the AT through guide?
The 2010 thru-hikers companion should be out now or very soon. Make sure that you get the 2010 version... a lot has changed. Also, the Katadyn filter is just fantastic.
This is the best video Ive watched so far for the nOOb I am...Im planning to tackle the AT within the next 5 years..Awesome video...you know your stuff...thanks a bunch
Thanks a lot, man. I've watched a lot of gear videos on youtube and your the only one that really knows what he's doing and gives a very organized and well thought out walk through your pack. Good job.
I hate to burst your bubble but if you're carrying two nalgenes and a katadyn filter you're not an ULer. Platy bottles weigh 1 oz each as opposed to 6 oz for the Nalgene, and AquaMira droplets weigh basically nothing.
well 2 more days and i'm pretty sure you are getting antsy. 1 more good luck for ya before you go. no fires huh, nothin like a warm fire at night after a long day to lift the spirts, sure you will manage.
how much do you think this will cost(money wise) for the whole trip? trying to get an idea of the cost.
Thanks for the good luck. I have about 1800 for the trip but if that's not enough, I can always have a friend or relative send me a food drop. Most sources say that it'll cost in the area of 3000 bucks. That because most people can't resist a hostel, hotel, or resteraunt when they're in town. I shall resist. Thanks again, more vids comin soon.
hey Tuts just noticed i didn't see a knife in your gear or a saw for fire wood. probably don't realy need the saw but i would hate NOT to have a knife.
again good luck and can't wait to see some picks of your trip.
You are actually not supposed to make fires on the trail except in emergency situations. My multitool has a knife and saw in it for emergencies. I actually collect knives so I have tons. Again, with weight and bulk, I'm not taking one of my hunting knives or pruning saws. Good question. Thanks for the input.
Me and 2 friends are starting June 8th for a thru hike. We will be hiking through sun, rain, and snow. I am less of a minimalist, my pack will be approximately 50lbs lol. I have been training with a 60lb pack.
On another note, Good luck man! The more people I find like YOU who are pumped as much as I am lifts my spirits! This will be my first long distance hike and I am mentally prepared and spiritually ready as I see you are! BTW-I am 20 turn 21 on trail =P
It's great to see you're spiritually ready for this. Remember to be flexible on the amount of gear you're taking. Fifty lbs is quite a lot. My advice is to try and get that down as much as possible. Anyway, good luck to you too and thanks for the comments.
Always bud! Trail name will be Tuts, same as my youtube name. Thanks for your imput btw, generally I'm a bit too direct when answering comments but I do appreciate your input. A journal is a must as well. I'll probably talk about that in a later vid.
Goo vid dude, I hike some of the AT last week in the Smokey mtn. Happy trails my friend.
mp4542 2 months ago
I like the hammock, the dd travel is 1.9 ounces and it can be use as a bivi
ThouGreatOutDoors 7 months ago
Is there anything that you showed in this video that you ended up not using or that you would discourage anyone from bringing on an AT Thru-Hike?
CheezeTank 11 months ago
@CheezeTank This is a great question. I never really address this in my films about the other trails I've done either. A month into my hike, I got rid of my trowell, tent, mittens, mask, and replaced my two nalgenes with two quart sized powerade bottles and replaced my water filter with iodine tabs... I think that's about it. I also made a stove out of a catfood can which decreaced my food wait by 60 percent. All this being said, I would suggest bringing all of these things when you start.
Tuts999 11 months ago
@Tuts999 - What did you use for a towell? What was your sleeping arrangement like (i.e. Hammock, Shelter, etc.)? What do you mean by "bringing all these things when I start"? Should I come over prepared and shed what I don't need? The reason for all my questions is because I'm preparing for a SOBO thru-hike starting in June or July and I want to be ready.
CheezeTank 11 months ago
@CheezeTank I didn't take a towell with me. I also slept in shelters every night. They are spaced so close together, that making it from one to another is pretty much a given. The only reason I would suggest to a new thru-hiker to take around 30 lbs of gear is that they might not be comfortable with taking less. Also, everyone finds their ideal gear amount rather quickly and it is much easier to get rid of gear than get new gear once you have started hiking. Good Luck on the SOBO, have fun!
Tuts999 11 months ago
@Tuts999 - I know that you were a NOBO, but to the best of your knowledge can you recommend a shoe/hiking boot to start out from Katahdin?
CheezeTank 11 months ago
@CheezeTank It depends on the season you plan on leaving in. If you leave in June, which is seemingly when most southbounders leave Katahdin, then you'll probably run into a bit of mud... moreso than the south in, say, March or April. That being said, it really depends on what kind of hiker you are. A minimalist would go with trail running shoes, while the more traditionalist goes with a good solid pair of boots. If you haven't done much long distance hiking, go boots first, change later.
Tuts999 11 months ago
great video. pliers, that particular gps, and rope- this is stuff the inexperienced could certainly use. I love using the whistle myself- bear, bobcat, and the like.
camp4christ 1 year ago
great videos man
battlefield2013 1 year ago
This ain't ultra light weight at all. A tent..? How bout a hammock & tarp. That's lightweight.
Blulip926 1 year ago
I don't want to come across like a hiking snob, but it doesn't seem to make much sence that you made a video about what to bring on the AT before you actually hiked it. you might find that some of your "indispensible" items aren't as necessary as you think. case in point: when i hiked i used my sunglasses twice in six months, and i have sensitive eyes.
dtdude42 1 year ago
@dtdude42 A great question. From my experience, most people take too much before they leave for a thru-hike. While I was prepared for this, I did, in fact, get suckered in to taking more than I needed, however, my sunglasses were a great help, especially when it was snowing while I hiked through the south. I continue to take my sunglasses while I backpack. This whole series is a documentary of how I did my thru-hike, not necessarily how-to thru-hike. I hope this clears things up a bit.
Tuts999 1 year ago
I'm not sure why you call yourself ultralight and minimalist--you're bringing tons of heavy, unneeded stuff compared to others who use the same appellation. Your pack must be over 20 lbs!
kc7fys 1 year ago
Were you ok with the 40 degree bag starting in February?
greenlawnchairs 1 year ago
@greenlawnchairs i would say no.
MikeSkiera 1 year ago
I saw that you used the Spot gps locator. How did that work for you. I was looking to get one myself. What was the pros and cons. Thanks I look forward to watching any new vids from you.
SmokeEater118 1 year ago
the msr e-house is a tent but it doesnt use and poles, and its probably the lightest 2 person tent you can find, it only weighs 20 ounces! (fyi)
ironlionkalo 2 years ago
Problem with that is that you need treking poles... I don't use them. For people like me who don't, this tent cannot be used. Good point though, on the trail some people talked about those types of tents. A lot of PCT thru-hikers use them, but very few on the AT, due to the abundance of shelters. Tenting is obsolete for minamilist backpackers on the AT.
Tuts999 2 years ago
yeah good point, im planning to do the at next spring and i think ill have poles so ill probably carry the tent for the beginning until i know i can make it to the shelters, thanks for the advice man!
ironlionkalo 2 years ago
I hope to do the AT in the next 3-4 weeks. Nice video. You pack pretty light. Is that a katdyne? That's what I have. I don't think they filter cryto. Is there a 2010 edition of the AT through guide?
jamesbeach2 2 years ago
The 2010 thru-hikers companion should be out now or very soon. Make sure that you get the 2010 version... a lot has changed. Also, the Katadyn filter is just fantastic.
Tuts999 2 years ago
This is the best video Ive watched so far for the nOOb I am...Im planning to tackle the AT within the next 5 years..Awesome video...you know your stuff...thanks a bunch
MoonstruckRed 2 years ago
2800 out of around 3000 attempts fail...
This guy will not be one of those.
lSpadel 2 years ago 2
Thanks a lot, man. I've watched a lot of gear videos on youtube and your the only one that really knows what he's doing and gives a very organized and well thought out walk through your pack. Good job.
MrGreenday512 2 years ago
I hate to burst your bubble but if you're carrying two nalgenes and a katadyn filter you're not an ULer. Platy bottles weigh 1 oz each as opposed to 6 oz for the Nalgene, and AquaMira droplets weigh basically nothing.
deejayfore 2 years ago
I love Platys stuff! Great product - but watch his later videos he gets lighter.
Feaddesign 2 years ago
You're confusing me with a minimalist, not an ultra lighter. There is a distinct difference in philosophy.
Tuts999 2 years ago
Good luck this is on my to do list before i die
cmbuter 3 years ago
hey bro me again lol.
well 2 more days and i'm pretty sure you are getting antsy. 1 more good luck for ya before you go. no fires huh, nothin like a warm fire at night after a long day to lift the spirts, sure you will manage.
how much do you think this will cost(money wise) for the whole trip? trying to get an idea of the cost.
oh yea where did you get that radio?
mop4565 3 years ago
Thanks for the good luck. I have about 1800 for the trip but if that's not enough, I can always have a friend or relative send me a food drop. Most sources say that it'll cost in the area of 3000 bucks. That because most people can't resist a hostel, hotel, or resteraunt when they're in town. I shall resist. Thanks again, more vids comin soon.
Tuts999 3 years ago
hey Tuts just noticed i didn't see a knife in your gear or a saw for fire wood. probably don't realy need the saw but i would hate NOT to have a knife.
again good luck and can't wait to see some picks of your trip.
stay safe and free,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,twiztid
mop4565 3 years ago
You are actually not supposed to make fires on the trail except in emergency situations. My multitool has a knife and saw in it for emergencies. I actually collect knives so I have tons. Again, with weight and bulk, I'm not taking one of my hunting knives or pruning saws. Good question. Thanks for the input.
Tuts999 3 years ago
hey tutts just wanted to say good luck and i hope you find what you are looking for. are you starting in maine or georgia?
stay safe,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,twiztid
mop4565 3 years ago
Wouldn't start in Maine in February, so I'm starting in Georgia. Thanks for the good luck, and I always stay safe.
Tuts999 3 years ago
Me and 2 friends are starting June 8th for a thru hike. We will be hiking through sun, rain, and snow. I am less of a minimalist, my pack will be approximately 50lbs lol. I have been training with a 60lb pack.
On another note, Good luck man! The more people I find like YOU who are pumped as much as I am lifts my spirits! This will be my first long distance hike and I am mentally prepared and spiritually ready as I see you are! BTW-I am 20 turn 21 on trail =P
Vuntry 3 years ago
It's great to see you're spiritually ready for this. Remember to be flexible on the amount of gear you're taking. Fifty lbs is quite a lot. My advice is to try and get that down as much as possible. Anyway, good luck to you too and thanks for the comments.
Tuts999 3 years ago
so
will you be hiking the whole trail, or just a small part?
whatever. You seem like you r more than prepared!
Ringlord3434 3 years ago
Hiking the whole trail. Thanks for the comment
Tuts999 3 years ago
Yur gonna be surprised how much of that stuff you dont need LOL Good luck with yer hike bud, have an awesome trip!!!
Pagansdad 3 years ago
Always bud! Trail name will be Tuts, same as my youtube name. Thanks for your imput btw, generally I'm a bit too direct when answering comments but I do appreciate your input. A journal is a must as well. I'll probably talk about that in a later vid.
Tuts999 3 years ago
I'm not worried about it. From what I've seen of people, I'm on the low end of weight with about 20 lbs inc. food and water right now.
Tuts999 3 years ago