AT thru-hike Gear I used and the Food I packed for mail drops

[jackmatthewanderson]

I am at 27 pound pack fully loaded.

[mechanicmike69]

@jackmatthewanderson With food and water? My base pack weight (without food and water) was 25-26 lbs.

[jackmatthewanderson]

@mechanicmike69 My heaviest was 40lbs in winter, my lightest was 17lbs with food and water in summer check out the video on my packing list on my channel.

[borderraven]

Reading the comments answered all my questions. :)

[seanthehaggis]

i love the old school bag, you dont see many frame packs like that about any more, nice one!

[mrouterrim]

How is a mail drop set up? Dont u need a po box set up or somthing?

[mechanicmike69]

@mrouterrim No p.o. box is needed. You simply address it to yourself in care of General Delivery.

General Delivery

John Smith

City, State zipcode

The post offices along the trail will hold your package about 2 weeks. Of course you'll need an ID to pick it up.

[MrSouthernRacist]

@mechanicmike69 is there a real risk of dying on the trail? Also do you set up camp anywere you want ot is there designated places? and is it free?

[mechanicmike69]

@MrSouthernRacist Just like anywhere else, there is a risk of dying on the trail, but no more so than any other place. They have shelters along the way, on average about 8 miles apart. Some a lot further apart, some closer.Shelters are usually three sided with a roof and a floor, while there are more elaborate ones with multiple floors and some even with doors. You can also generally set up anywhere you want, but everyone is practicing, Leave No Trace (LNT). The trail is free.

[MrSouthernRacist]

@mechanicmike69 Thanks for the info answered all but on of my questions I have about the trail. Can you pick up any hot chicks on the trail? I never leave trash laying around I always burn the plastic bottles and wrappers and trash.

[bluemountaindrivepae]

Spent 50 days hiking this spring. Backpacked Mckeesport PA to Cumberland MD on the Great Allegheny Passage. C and O Canal to Harpers Ferry. Appalachian Trail to PA/NJ border. Turned around and hiked south to Fort Franklin Road in Schuyckill County Pa. Was about 600 miles. Used 1 mail drop to my Dads house in New Ringgold Pa, 1.1 mile fom the trail. I needed shoes and a tent. I used what I had and did not spend thousands of dollars. I was a commuter hiker, a local yocal.

[bluemountaindrivepae]

Are maildrops needed? You are not going to Tibet. I seen hikers wasting money and time going to Post Office before there package arrives. Probaly the more money you have the better you travel. Even thru hikers like a hotel or hostel every week. And being a broke backpacker ends many thru hike attempts.

[mechanicmike69]

@bluemountaindrivepae "Are mail drops needed?" No they are not, but you can send yourself things that you can't get in small towns or can't get in small solo quantities. You'll be going to the post office even if you don't have mail drops to pick up, as you will need to send unused gear home or ahead with cold weather gear.

[videoman191]

Im hikin part of it tomorrow gonna be a blast walkin over the hudson!

[supercooldudeism]

a few Q's if u don't mind :) Your take on Miox? any specific water treatment for tarps? alcohol stove effective, or would you prefer a Wisperlite next time? Thanks a lot for doing the vid!!!!

[mechanicmike69]

@supercooldudeism I didn't want to carry a heavy filter that is prone to clogging and when it does work is even heavier because it is now wet and full of contaminants that have been filtered out of the water, yes you now are carrying around all the micro-organisms that were in the water. Iodine is probably the lightest but makes the nastiest tasting water you'll not want to drink.The Miox does make treated water taste like city water, a bit chlorinated, but it worked flawlessly.

[mechanicmike69]

@supercooldudeism You'll want to seam seal all your seams, not just your tarp,also do your stuff sacks and backpack rain cover. Also note a tea-light candle is great to carry along as a fire starter and it can also be rubbed along seams as the wax makes a great seam sealer out in the field. Alcohol stoves are the lightest way to go, not only that, it is the easiest to find fuel for and it is the most reliable, as there is nothing that can go wrong with them.

[supercooldudeism]

@mechanicmike69 wow, thank you so much for the quick and thorough reply! I have taken note of your advice and am using it to pack right now :) but I have MORE QUESTIONS! lol, that just means I trust ya. Would you bring a platypus cleaning rod and stuff? Any specific alcohol and for multiple people? and if one synchronized swimmer drowns, do the rest drown as well? Thanks again, and happy hiking!

[mechanicmike69]

@supercooldudeism I brought a platypus collapsible canteen, but not the cleaning kit. I did not fill it with anything but water. I had one wide mouth(easy cleaning) Nalgene .5 liter Lexan bottle for 'mixing' drinks in. I took a 'pepsi can' alcohol stove/burner. I now make and sell them on ebay. /cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll­?ViewItem&item=270363350385&ss­PageName=STRK:MESELX:IT

[teejate]

@supercooldudeism To answer your last question...Yes. All the synchronized swimmers drown if one drowns.

Budapest - 1963

Bejing - 2001

Oh...the humanity.

[supercooldudeism]

@mechanicmike69 I meant any specific alcohol stove

[CheezeTank]

What do you typically put into your mail drops as far as food? If you thru-hiked again, is there any thing you would do differently as far as preparation of your mail drops (food)?

[mechanicmike69]

@CheezeTank Basically I sent myself things I didn't believe I could get at a convenient store, or things I couldn't buy in small quantities if I did manage to get to a supermarket. Also you can send yourself things that you don't need on the trail, like travelers checks, laundry soap, new batteries, film/memory cards, coins for laundry mats.

Differently? yeah, make sure I don't need to pick up any mail drop on a weekend (post office closed Sat noon - Mon. morn.). Caused me some problems.

[kidballistic]

Hey mike, I can't find that tent anywhere, can you be more specific about the model? It is cool looking, wanted to see if I could find one... Thanks and congratulations on your AT hike. I am west coast and I would like to do the PCT one day...

[mechanicmike69]

@kidballistic That tent is an old Coleman Peak Cobra, they have since revised it and it is now called the Inyo. What they changed was to add a 2nd support pole at the foot of the tent. The last time I checked they made 2 sizes; a solo and a 2 person (both less than $100). Mine is a 2 person, but it would have to be a cozy 2 people, which allows room for gear and me inside tent.

[mechanicmike69]

@mechanicmike69 Coleman Exponent Inyo 2, I believe is the current full name.

[Diggity308]

What was your pack base weight? and how much gear did you "shed" along the way?

[mechanicmike69]

@Diggity308 At the start base pack weight, including water bottles and food bag, but no water and no food, was just under 26lbs. Changed out some conventional nylon stuff bags and pack cover for sil-nylon versions along with sending home the gloves, gaitors. Changed out the tent ground sheet for one made of tyvek. Shed almost 2 lbs of pack weight. But the greatest weight savings of all was the weight I lost off of ME, 30 lbs! I literally lost more than the base weight of my pack.

[123HikeIt]

detailed and very effective delivery while being fast. nice.

[REDSOXNYG]

How do you set up the mail drop offs for the food, I know that you would have a friend/family member mail them but how do you receive the packages?

[mechanicmike69]

@REDSOXNYG There are in the towns along he trail Post Offices. What most people don't know is you can send mail to a P.O. in care of 'General Delivery" and they will hold them for you. The P.O.'s along the trail will even hold them longer than most P.O.s. Simply address your mail :

Your Name

C/O General Delivery

Town, State Zipcode

You will need an ID to pick up your mail from them. Rules may have changed but generally they will hold it for 2 weeks before sending it back. Priority Mail best

[REDSOXNYG]

@mechanicmike69 Awesome, thanks for the response, thats exactly the answer I was looking for!!!

[plark15]

How long did you train/prepare for the hike? Did you go maine to georgia or georgia to maine? What time of the year did you go? How long did it take you? Did you go alone? What would you think of going alone? Sorry lots of questions Im very interested in doing the hike during my gap year.

[mechanicmike69]

@plark15 I trained with a fully loaded pack until I could do 8 miles a day for 3 days in a row and have no pain the next day. I went from Georgia to Maine (south to north). To avoid winter weather it is best to complete it from April to October, some even include March and November. Yes, I went solo, kind of. You see so many people will also be starting at the same time you will naturally be hiking with people of the same ability. Advice: Think of it as a series of 1 week hikes strung together.

[lysergicallycorrect]

The Appalachian Trail is AMAZING. I'm lucky enough to live about 15 miles away from it and less than 30 miles from damascus, VA. Nice gear.

[Kellett781]

I already have most of the gear for this, but I am going to train for 5 years, saving money, upgrading a few peaces here and there and then tackle it when I turn 40. I think thats the trick to it. "Know" you are going to do it and start preparing for it in every aspect. Rushing to start will decrease your chance of success. Do lots of research, and be prepared to be out of work for 3 to 4 months.

[chaseziskin]

how long is the appalation trail

[mechanicmike69]

@chaseziskin 2175 miles.

[nroc13]

what does all the gear cost not counting food

just the gear like the backpack and what goes in it!

[mechanicmike69]

@nroc13 That's a hard one. I didn't go out and buy it all at once. The sleeping bag (most expensive) was $280, the backpack was $180, tent $80, mess kit/stove/ stuff sacks, water treatment/filter, pack cover, walking sticks, maps, first aid, headlamp, rain suit/jacket, sleeping mat extra clothes, camera... I see $1000 going pretty quickly if you bought it all new.

[imnothear]

that's a sweet pillow

[mechanicmike69]

@imnothear that would be a half pound of pure luxury...

[hadd13]

Nice Snap-On tool box

[lukassnakeman]

wen i do the trail i plan on either doing a video or auido log

[kc7fys]

Could you list your three most useful, and three most useless items? Your vid and comments are actually some of the best here on YT. Also, wouldn't it be nice if there was a cooperative--that delivered mail drops to trail points? It would require some massive coordination, but a trade system could be developed for folks who live in the towns along the trail to hold packages--allowing access when POs are closed, etc.

Again, ACE video, sir.

Jonathan in St. Paul, MN

[mechanicmike69]

@kc7fys The 3 most useless items: Knit gloves, gaitors, cheap water shoes.

The 3 most useful; High quality light weight down sleeping bag, soda can alcohol stove set up for cooking, Tent tall enough to sit-up in with bug netting. There are actually private hotels along the way that you can send your mail drops to, and they will hold it until you get there. The thru-hikers companion sold by the ATC is a good source for addresses and trail town info.

[mechanicmike69]

@mechanicmike69 Hostels not hotels.

[kc7fys]

@mechanicmike69 Thanks for the full response. I appreciate it. I'm going to look for a break in the action in the next years to do something like this. Life is too short.

[JD03ish]

One last question: Did the fact that the tent is NOT free-standing affect you at any point on the trip? Like the White Mountains?

[mechanicmike69]

Only 3 times did it become a slight problem, in the Whites I couldn't get all the tent corners staked out as the rocks were bad, but the rocks are what I use to hold the corners.Another place was in Vermont where you had to set up on platforms & stakes could not be used,add some cord to the stake loops so they can be tied off.You can save almost a quarter of a pound by removing the 12 metal zipper pulls on the tent and rain fly and replacing them with tyvek strips tied to the zippers.

[KJB2010]

Im leaving on Feb. 27 to start my NOBO thru hike, as of now id planned on making food stops the whole way, is that a bad idea? are they less frequent than i think?, i have nothing prepared for mail drops. Very helpful video by the way.

[mechanicmike69]

It can be done either way or a mixture of both. I went with a mixture of both picking up mail drops but adding to them in town and then sending ahead what I didn't need now and could use later. Generally you can resupply on average every 4-7 days. Just a matter of how far down the road and off the trail you want to go.

[KJB2010]

Okay great thank you.

[JD03ish]

Did you use that Peak 1 tent on your whole journey? I've got that same tent. Did it leak?

[mechanicmike69]

Yes, I used that tent for the whole trip and still have it. Yes it did leak at the loop ties sewn into the rain fly. Seam sealer took care of it. Also a candle rubbed over the seam out in the field fixed the leak temporarily.

[JD03ish]

Thanks, Mike. Mine has leaked also but I just have to remember to seam seal every year and that takes care of it. Also some small amount of condensation if the flaps are totally zipped. But for the price and features, it's a very nice tent.

[erikoempa]

This is practically the only video in the whole world about what gear to use that's plain, simple and effective. No 'look at me' bullshit or any other crap. Thanks man!

[Spelunker0211]

Always remember to spend a little more on the items you will be using 24/7 sleeping bag a little pillow knives, tent.

[brianwurst1234]

About how much money would a set-up like this cost? I'm starting to plan a hike in a few months. Thanks.

[mechanicmike69]

A rough estimate would be $1000. Just the big three; Sleeping bag $280, backpack $200, Tent $150. Then you have the cook set/stove, canteens, clothes, bath, water treatment, first aid.

[streetpunk99]

@mechanicmike69 What kind of backpack is that, i see its an external frame. i think 200 would be pushing it for that style pack. the very largest keltys are around 180.

[mechanicmike69]

Yes, I over estimated it, back in the early 90's that pack was $180 a backpack of the same size and quality today would be approx.$200 and they don't make external frames as good as they used to as the market shifted towards internal packs. Which in my opinion are much more uncomfortable with loads over 25lbs.

[streetpunk99]

yeah externals the way to go, and big box stores like rei and such force feed internal packs onto people who dont know any better as if external frame packs are not good anymore. internal frame packs are hot as hell and like you said veyr uncomfortable.

[mechanicmike69]

@streetpunk99 forgot to mention that it is a Jansport Yosemite panel loading external frame backpack.

[afterthefox7]

who monitor your affairs, home, wife, etc. for 6 months.

[mechanicmike69]

I set up my bank account to pay the home mortgage while I was gone and my wife (the best) took care of the rest, even mailing out my mail drops(I made up before leaving) when the time was right.

[afterthefox7]

you must own your own business, most employment sites won't let you off that long. And your wife must have no problems with you being gone that long. WOW! wish I had that set-up.

[mechanicmike69]

Actually I was between jobs as there are no jobs I can think of that will let you go for 6 months! And my wife did have problems with me leaving, but I did come back!

[Spelunker0211]

@afterthefox7 Its not about having the right job. If you want to do it go do it what is holding you back be honest with yourself. You live once go do every litle thing you think would be fun.

[afterthefox7]

Like I said, I wish i had your set-up.

[Spelunker0211]

@afterthefox7 Just go do it, life can be put on hold.  Just make you are sure it is what you want ha!

[athiker7209]

I'm a section hiker and I enjoyed your video and comments. I've only hiked from Springer to Pine Grove Furnance. Looking to retire in 16 months and will continue section hiking, except bump it up from 1 week hikes to 2 week trips. It will help when we move to Eastern TN, where I want to be a Trail Angel during my off times. Thanks.

[BrokenAeroVT]

What do you think the top three reasons are for failure on the trail? Feel free to exhaust that subject if you wish.

[mechanicmike69]

Failure to know what you are getting into, failure to prepare mentally and physically, and injury, but everybody is different.

The easiest way to explain how to hike the trail is to understand the difference between camping out overnight and camping out 2 nights or more, because hiking the trail is best summed up as just a series of 1 week hiking trips lined up end to end. At the end of each week(aprox) you go down into town to resupply, take a shower,wash your clothes and head back out again.

[BrokenAeroVT]

Wouldn't it be nice if the post office ran a truck out to the trail head with all drops every weekday at 11 am and hung around for 15 minutes? Life would be sweet, lol.

How many additional miles do you think you walked heading in and out of towns for your mail drops?

[mechanicmike69]

Yeah, but you would still want to go into town to take a shower and wash your clothes and don't forget 'All You Can Eat' restaurants are a godsend.

[mechanicmike69]

I have often wondered how many additional miles I walked in and out of town. Estimates range from 100-300 miles.

[BrokenAeroVT]

Did you have any reality checks while hiking the trail and compensate or did you have it all figured out beforehand?

[mechanicmike69]

I had a dream to hike the complete trail. I didn't ever think I would or could get 6 months off. So when I did get the time off to do it, I know there wouldn't be another chance, getting 6 months off is near impossible for almost everyone, I wasn't going to waste the chance by quitting. I had a goal to finish and I did.

[younwhosarmy]

How many miles did You average in a day? did it slowly pick up as you adapted?

[mechanicmike69]

Started slow doing about 8-12 miles per day, then after about 2-3 weeks it picked up to 18-22 miles a day. Then when I hit the Whites in New Hampshire (read real mountains) it went back down to 15-18miles a day.

26.3 miles was the most I did in a day.

[fitz2715]

about how much did you spend on the trail itself?

[mechanicmike69]

I spent about $5.000 along the trail between hostels, motels, laundry, food, phone calls, and a few gear changes/upgrades. That cost can go up very fast with restaurants and staying at better hotels instead of hostels and spending too much time in towns. You actually don't spend any money on the trail itself, it is in the towns along the way you spend your money.

[fitz2715]

how often did you get to wash your clothes?

[mechanicmike69]

On average, once a week and yes they always needed it.

[cdltpx]

Did you hop on a scale after you loaded your pack to see the difference? Looks like a lot of stuff but the weight total is hard to guess I would say you were toting 30 lbs not including food? As for the mail drops how did you come up with that? Could you just buy what you needed along the way? If we all had your experience we would not need a FEMA to evacuate people when the Hcanes struck. Self sufficient is an understatement I wish I had hiked it then when I was 22 too late now 41 back issues.

[mechanicmike69]

My pack before food and water was just under 26lbs. Yes, you can buy supplies along the way, but are restricted to what the local small town store carries. I hiked the trail when I was 45 yrs old and have back problems also. note I didn't have any back problems backpacking.

[cdltpx]

Thanks for your prompt reply. I have 3 level fusion lower back titanium and stainless steele w/bone implants. Some days I can barely walk due to authritus I didn't k now that after back and knee surgery that I was coing to have gault attack every injury in my lifetime.

A tornado decided to flip my truck along with 4 others when I was in Haslett Texas Sept 10 1999. Due to sedimentary job then I was 280. Now I am 330 not impossible to loose the weight the trail would be great start hella pain.

[OneWithGuns93]

how much did you spend on all of that

[mechanicmike69]

The camping equipment was collected over many years, the sleeping bag was the newest. It cost $280.00. The food for the mail drops was right at $700.00 The backpack was $180.00 in the mid/late 90's.

[rondesi001]

Great video. I'm just starting to do simple hikes by myself and with my 4 year old daughter. I'm thinking when she's much older I'll take her to hike the Appalachian Trail. I have about 10-12 years of planning and practice!

[billtei]

amazing how lightweight everything is now ... back in my Scouting days when I hiked the AT, our packs were like 50lbs+ not including community stuff like cooking gear etc ... but kudos to you for completing the trail & not cheating!! I would love to do a thru hike someday

[lmccd]

Very helpful, thanks a lot.

[pbr2424]

Thanks for sharing the great imformation.

[Christopher711]

What's the dimensions of the tent?

[mechanicmike69]

Floor size: 95 x 52 • Peak height: 38 Floor width tapers at feet and head from widest point at shoulders. Also note it is a one pole design and has some sagging at foot end when damp/wet. Coleman updated this design by adding a second pole at foot end and they called it the Inyo.

[yb2normal]

Excellent video... tight editing, lots of notations... I paused a lot and studied your still pics. Best presentation I've seen yet.

[88bluegt]

Looks like you have everything covered but you have alot of extra stuff there. Just from seeing what you have shown I could easily shave off 4-5lbs. You could certainly shed 3lbs right off the tent and bag. Than you have way to many socks, bags, bottles, etc. I would go through that again before you head out. Or I have a feeling you'll be dropping alot of it on the way to Maine. Good luck on your hike though.

[mechanicmike69]

It is not stuff that I will be taking it is stuff I have already taken. Thru-hiked the AT in 2004, 163 days (18 zero days) 2,174 miles all of it with my pack, No Slackpacking or day hiking, I even summited Katahdin with my pack.Total pack weight with out water and food was just over 25lbs.

[mechanicmike69]

The best system is a combination of the two. You can send yourself items that can't be found in the stores found along the way. I made up 26 mail drop packages(1 a week)most of them were supplemented with items from the local mini mart because of the appetite I had along the trail. The problem with mail drops is the post office isn't always open,for instance I arrived in Bland Va. on a Saturday the P.O. was closed til Monday, I had to wait there 2 days for my mail drop.

[gkyahoo]

Sorry for my ignorance, but I suposed you left the packages with a friend or family to send it? or is it another way?

I am in Miami and I was thinkimg on doing the florida trail

[mechanicmike69]

All packages were left with my significant other who mailed them for me. I had each package already addressed for their destinations and a date when they should be sent.

[mostnamestaken]

What is your honest opinion on mail drops VS restocking on the way? Thanks if you answer this.

Sweet video.

[cuatthereservation]

I've been researching this very question(mail drop vs. restock) from what i've found out, it can be done without maildrops...but...do your research because some resupply areas have very little supplies on hand...like mechanicmike69 said, a combination is best...if you research using the "Thru-Hikers guide" and other books you will see which areas you will need to send a maildrop to and which ones you can just buy supplies at...that way you can cut down on costs of unnecessary maildrops.