Backpacking Tips: Clothing System

[@BackcountryBanter]

At the very beginning of the trail I had a pair of pants, I think I had them through the Smoky Mountains. They were not worth the weight. In a rain they just get wet. Some people choose to take rain pants. These help in light rains but ultimately you'll still get wet. I took a 2oz rain kilt and it worked well enough in that it kept the shorts I was wearing dry. That is really all you can ask for. Even up in NH/ME when it was cold again, the long johns were plenty.

[@BackcountryBanter]

Yeah, a rain kilt is really just a piece of silnylon that wraps around your waste to keep your shorts dry. I made one (very easily) with some silnylon scraps, velcro, and a bungee cord (and some sewing obviously). I look at thrift stores but never find anything worth picking up unfortunately. If you've never been to one, REI garage sales are the best way to get great gear cheap.

[@BackcountryBanter]

I carried a bug net for my hammock (essential for those summer months with mosquitos and other insects). I never had a "wearable" mosquito head net but a couple people did, including a ridgerunner. There is a time throughout the summer where gnats are constantly trying to fly into your eyes (A true test of sanity). Instead of a mosquito net, I opted for a $1 pair of sunglasses which worked great against the "eye" bugs. Never really had a big problem with mosquitos while hiking.

[@BackcountryBanter]

The red one is from an EMS outfitter I found along the way. It was synthetic with a small percentage of wool to combat stink. It was very comfortable, but eventually ended up with a hole in it due to pack rub.

[@levidoug]

I am really liking your video's. Giving me many ideas to cut weight. Started at about 17-18lbs. base, now down to about 13-14lbs.and continue to use many of your ideas to keep going down. Thanks for sharing.

[@KrispieNugget]

Thank you for you for your gear reviews! They really are awesome! Did you ever use a mosquito net or know of anyone who used one? Thanks again.

[@BackcountryBanter]

Thanks. I haven't been hiking in a couple months and I'm already missing it.

[@BackcountryBanter]

Just a wool beanie works fine and adds plenty of warmth when needed.

[@MeetMeOutside]

Awesome ! So other than the patagonia long johns , you had no long pants ? Peace

[@dmacken11]

Rain Kilt? I never heard of these until reading a comment below. I'll have to consider that rather than rain pants. A great idea. Did you purchase or make them? Enjoying your videos. I need to backtrack through them a bit. A good system of clothing here. Just the basics pretty much. I do see that you purchase some of the better brands too. Get the good stuff once, pay the price and be done with it. I find myself buying a LOT of things at thrift stores and yard sales. And have some great finds.

[@BackcountryBanter]

March 24th. There were many people leaving every day at that point (I think mid-March might be the high point). I imagine that by April less people would be leaving, but I am not sure.

[@geraldhenrickson7472]

Thanks Joe! Good to know!

[@baronvonbadazz]

What time of year did you leave? I had a friend leave in April, and I think my experience in March will be quite different.

[@rastus1999]

what did u use for a hat in warm or cold weather?

[@Entheogin913]

Hey what kind of shirt is that? what brand?

[@Maineriverandtide]

What fill is your patagonia jacket?

[@BackcountryBanter]

Thanks!

[@MindaFraser]

LOL! awesome! we have the same exact line up - except add a sports bra for me =D YAY! feeling confident about my prep for pct thru hike!

[@pennace]

Which arc'teryx jacket was that?

[@BuffFam]

I usually where compression shorts. how did that liner feel when it came to chaffing?

[@BackcountryBanter]

It worked great. There was only one time where chaffing was an issue for me on the AT, in which case the liner did aggravate (but didn't cause) the chafe. I think the liner prevented most chafe, simply by holding everything in place.

[@Mels111]

Thanks for the response .... What's the longest you went without showering out there ?

[@BackcountryBanter]

This is a little embarrassing, but I went from the very end of Pennsylvania to somewhere in Connecticut/Massachusetts without showering. Not necessarily by choice, but there were not many opportunities to shower.

[@BackcountryBanter]

I would just go without them. The liner in the shorts is plenty.

[@Mels111]

What did u guys do for hygiene ?baby wipes I'm assuming

[@BackcountryBanter]

TP and hand sanitizer mostly. And showers whenever possible (not too often)

[@BackcountryBanter]

800 fill.

[@kungpow108]

Don't you want to wear pants to keep ticks off your legs?