Full Starting Gear List | Appalachian Trail NOBO 2023

[@cliftonselent4625]

Love the honesty.. I'll be wearing this shirt/bra and I don't know where they came from. Instead of everything being name brand.

[@leighannenight]

It is honestly so refreshing to see a through hiker not obsessing about weight and trends using what they already have if able. I live vicariously through AT through hiker videos because I am not in a position to be able to do it myself, so I'm really excited to see how your adventure pans out! Good luck on the trail!

[@appalachianadventurista]

Thank you so much!!

[@vitospizza4847]

When you hike and have 26 or 20 or 14 Baer weight it can be the biggest difference in succeeding. Hence the obsession. Heavier packs have far less chance of completion

[@jameshooper3484]

I found that when I carried my toothpaste tabs in a baggie, they crumbled over just a couple trips. I've gone to carrying them in an old pill bottle, but I love your nutmeg bottle. I might have to steal that idea!

[@meganw6007]

Thumb holes for the win!! (11:16)

[@RickINFJ]

So many things I swear by! Gaiters, knife, fannypack. I still carry an old school compass and applicable maps in case electronics fail. Extra ziplocks and a space blanket are always good. You have a hammock! 😁 You got my attention when you said science. That's going to add an awesome dynamic to your journey. You're so ready. Fantastic video! ✌️

[@appalachianadventurista]

Thank you so much!

[@Gneiss365]

The science got my attention too. Love that she is taking a hand lens. I get so much ribbing for that (and stopping to take a picture of moss/fungi etc with a coin in the picture as a size reference).

[@ISuckatHiking]

Watching your hike now! I am starting in February 2024 and cannot wait.

[@j817madi]

Finally! A tree dweller! I was converted last year and hammock is where it's at for good sleep for me. I went all out and got a HG dcf winter palace tarp, dutchware gathered end hammock, and cedar ridge quilts. Worth every single penny and ounce. Got yourself another subscriber. Enjoy your epic adventure!

[@appalachianadventurista]

Thank you!! Glad to have you along for the journey.

[@EnglishmanJustWalking]

Exactly…”it’s what works for me now, with my budget, my experiences and my choices”. Hike on!!. Good video. I got so much DM grief from explaining why I was having a bounce box!. It’s my choice! 😂

[@appalachianadventurista]

Exactly! Bounce boxes are a great idea. Thank you!

[@steveadkins1888]

I love watching gear list's always some item you have never thought about, but being from the uk i still cringe /sweat as soon as bear or rattle snake is mentioned total respect to you guys. Have had a weird fixation with the appalachian trail for few years probley becouse i'll never get to do it so next best thing is comming along with you guy's, so thank you safe travels & sweet sleeps

[@JM.5387]

I love that you're so down to earth.

[@lisabullard5470]

Refreshing to see your approach to gear. Use what works, use what you have, borrow or buy used. Can’t wait to see your hike!

[@appalachianadventurista]

Thank you!!

[@pellelindbergh4455]

you have a ban can too! i like them ,use one on the PCT ,only thing that they take up too much space , good luck!

[@danielkutcher5704]

I forgot that you were a hammock camper. I decided to experiment with an ultralight hammock company and have used a Hummingbird Hammock single hammock for the 545 miles between Amicalola Falls and Atkins, Va. to tie all of my 40 years of section hikes together. I decided to do the Trail as a thruhike this year and will be carrying the same size hammock, but a new one because I misplaced my original one, and replaced the tree straps with a longer pair to avoid putting the whoopie slings against the bark. On the other hand, when the weather gets insufferabley hot, I will pick up my Sierra Madre Stratos Shield bug net with built-in gear hammock/floor, depending on how it's pitched. It's over a pound, if I remember, but gives me the elbow room of a tent, and I can almost stand up in it. I don't use quilts. I have an old zipperless 1.5 pound Golite Feather-lite bag which has a foot vent and a drawstring around the neck. I just thread my hammock through it, hang it, lay in the hammock, and pull the bag up. With my puffy, down pants and booties, and a hot water bottle (weightless warmth, because I am carrying a 40 ounce stainless water bottle that weighs a couple of ounces more than a Nalgene anyhow) I have slept down to 5 degrees Fahrenheit on a windy night. The metal bottle is to be sent home and replaced with empty peanut jars for warm weather water duty. I also carry a homemade alcohol stove with windscreen that weighs less than an ounce and a modified titanium wood stove with windscreen that weighs 5.25 oz. You seem to be well prepared for anything that the Trail might throw at you until you get to Shenandoah or Harper's Ferry, where most people send their warmer clothing and winter gear home. Have a great trip! ** Oh, btw, I don't put my hammock in my snakeskin with my tarp (Hammock Gear winter Palace tarp). The hammock can get wet, especially because I put my tarp in the mesh pocket of my pack, since it's nearly always wet (or at least damp). My total pack weight, with food and water maxed out at 32 pounds, including a 4 pound backpacking guitar. You have some cool apps to keep you entertained!

[@appalachianadventurista]

Great to meet another hammock camper. Thanks for following along!

[@SaschaChesler]

Cool homemade food cozy!! Love the DIY

[@appalachianadventurista]

Thank you!

[@hangnwithdosei3266]

I would recommend adding a tick key. I'm also a huge advocate of always having a map & compass, and the knowledge of how you use them.

[@meganw6007]

Oh man, thanks for going into which APPS you've got for constellations, AIRPLANES, mountain peaks, bird identification, etc!! (8:00) I will find those ideas really valuable when I (hopefully) hike!!

[@JamesEnTennessee]

Thanks for sharing!

[@stephtraveler7378]

Great tip on the lighter. That's one thing I always tell myself to change when Im in cold weather cursing myself for saving an ounce as I grind away the finger prints on my thumb from using those uber small lighters...

[@jamesedwards6269]

Good luck go get after it. You can do it.

[@jeffconley6366]

Well thought out equipment list. While not overloading yourself. I would suggest adding another fire lighting source. Probably something other than a butane lighter for a back up. Butane lighter's don't work well in cold temperatures. Might, I also suggest a small pair of scissors. If you were to get a cut larger than your band aids can handle you can use the duct tape you are bringing. The scissors will help with that. I have wanted to do the whole AT for years. But, a life time of injury's just aren't going to allow that. So, I enjoy the AT through KZbin videos. I am sure this is an experience you will treasure the rest of your life, Thank You

[@lenny3330]

Starting in Massachusetts south bound for 1500 miles on June first. love your content for reference.

[@takyc7883]

COOL GEAR!!

[@suemoore1965]

🥳 ANOTHER GREAT VIDEO

[@brianthompson9787]

Love the dishwashing gloves! Nice to see that not everything needs to be brand name! Keep it simple. I also enjoyed your video on dehydrating your meals and would like to see more of what you dehydrate. Good luck with your hike and happy trails 😊

[@appalachianadventurista]

Thank you so much!!

[@DisabledPrepper]

Subscribed! Love your video!

[@mattmcconnell6703]

Scary ready. Nice job

[@Wolfmanhikes]

Nice presentation of each category of gear. Well played.

[@ronrash5895]

Okay, great video! I almost started writing a comment about some of the items that you're taking might be a bit superfluous. But I caught myself and decide to research your channel a little more. I checked out your other videos and I saw the one where you explain ultralight, lightweight, and backpacking. And it appears you live near the AT so I'm guessing you know what you're doing. Have fun and I'm looking forward to following your AT adventures!!!

[@appalachianadventurista]

Thanks so much! Yes, I’m acutely aware of how many places I can save weight. I’m happy with my choices and this starting gear list. Thanks for following along and checking out my other videos - I really appreciate that!

[@amelialeatherman5786]

YESSSS!!! I have the Granite Gear Crown 2 as well!!!! Looking forward to following you and see how it holds up.

[@stephtraveler7378]

Take your sawyer backwash coupler. You will need it!

[@michaelkamph727]

I thr< hiked in 95, your doing great keep it up!

[@appalachianadventurista]

Thank you!

[@wanderlust9081]

This is a great load out 🎉Not that "uniformed" like many others and well organized. Love it.

[@acp4967]

Congratulations on your hike!

[@bronwenwiggin8003]

Great video! I love how these are all thought out and that you chose things to eliminate annoyance factors. I get trying to use a lighter with cold hands. Not fun! Those are my new favorite lighters anyway. Can’t wait to watch your hike.

[@appalachianadventurista]

Thank you so much!

[@robertsanders8866]

I like the set up! I'm looking forward to seeing u make it to katadin in the hammock!

[@HiddenHollowOutoors]

Can’t wait for you to get started!

[@VanillaGorilla20]

Yessss I was impatiently waiting for this video. So excited for you! Have fun 😊

[@appalachianadventurista]

You and me both. Haha

[@anthonybarbour43]

I really like your no frills, common sense approach to your gear selection. Looking forward to your trail vlogs.

[@appalachianadventurista]

Thank you!

[@williamking2249]

Hi. The chicken tramper bottle holders are awesome. I like mine.🌲👍

[@youflatscreentube]

You’ve done a great job of getting what you “need” to get started with equipment you like and are already familiar with. Anything you discover isn’t working well for you, you can change out as needed. Love the fact that you are already looking forward to stargazing and the like! Enjoy. Hope to see you out there.

[@lisamonalisahikes]

Nice gear… thanks for sharing

[@christinashepard8787]

Anxious for you to start

[@havelegswillhike]

I love a good gear video! You might be able to fit your cook pot in your food cozy, if it does its a handy way to carry it.

[@MJG70]

Just think. YOIU MADE IT!

[@jeffs6229]

Kit looks good and I think you are ready! I would be concerned over the foam mattress, it may not be enough insulation but time will tell. Looking forward to your adventure starting! Thanks for sharing!

[@appalachianadventurista]

Thank you!!

[@mollybutcher5487]

So excited to watch your journey on the AT-

[@hermeticallysealed]

dessicant team REPRESENT

[@josephmayes8302]

Nice setup. Looking forward to following your journey! Best wishes!

[@beardzrunztrailzrn-2887]

The Jus Running hat is key 🎉

[@valane178]

Looking forward to following your hike. Could you post the website for your dynema wallet? Happy trails...Winkle

[@appalachianadventurista]

www.etsy.com/shop/MountainBlaze

[@glynnmorgan6422]

I have the Crown 2 60 also. Was wondering how your shoulder straps fit Btw,I love the pack..

[@appalachianadventurista]

Mine fits great! I haven’t had any issues and it removes almost all the weight from my shoulders.

[@glynnmorgan6422]

Good deal.Hope to see ya on trail. Ain't long now. Good luck and be safe@

[@Wondering_Fireball]

I have a lot of the same nature apps.

[@TarotLadyLissa]

What option did you choose for feminine hygiene? Menstrual cup and squeeze bidet is my choice.

[@appalachianadventurista]

I love the menstrual cup. I have an IUD which entirely negates the need for certain hygiene items like that. I know many women out here use pads/tampons, but a cup is common as well!

[@TarotLadyLissa]

@@appalachianadventurista Do women using disposables have to put the trash from that in a separate bear bag? I'd be scared of bears smelling the blood. Sorry if that's too gross.

[@appalachianadventurista]

From what I hear, it all goes into a trash bag that gets hung in the same place as food. If a bear hang is done correctly, there should be no need of fear from bears.

[@ajohnson7735]

hello - what in your opinion is the best walking/hiking poles, thanks ✌️

[@appalachianadventurista]

I am really loving my Black Diamond Ergo with cork handles. They are my first ones so I don’t have other suggestions beyond them.

[@fluffbigrollingmarshmallow]

Hmmmm, not sure why you would have an oxygen absorber in with your electronics? It will do nothing to keep them dry, and looking at it, in that zip lock bag, it appears to actually be spent and no longer absorbing oxygen anyway. (Zip lock bags are not air tight, so oxygen absorbers are useless in them anyway. They absolutely must go from their own airtight container they came in, to another airtight container that is sealed immediately. If used correctly, they will absorb all the oxygen in their new bag, sucking the bag in to shrink around it's contents. The sealed bag with oxygen absorber should end up looking like a vacuum sealed bag.) Perhaps you meant to put in a silica packet, which WILL absorb moisture?

[@shirleyhall1924]

Well I learned something new. I've never heard of toothpaste tabs.

[@appalachianadventurista]

They’re a great low waste alternative!

[@XA1985]

Where did you get your winter long johns ?

[@appalachianadventurista]

I got the shirt from a friend, unknown brand. The bottoms are from Minus 33, I got them from Damascus Outfitters.

[@superlegoguy24]

you sure that pen will work with the notepad?

[@appalachianadventurista]

Yes it does!

[@footstepsinthedirt]

Please tell me your trail name is Uma Thurman. You look JUST LIKE HER. 😊

[@appalachianadventurista]

I take that as a HUGE compliment - thank you!! Still waiting to be bestowed a trail name…

[@asmith7876]

I was totally with you until THAT MONSTROUS TOOTH BRUSH!!!!! 😂😂😂😂 Looks like success to me, hope it goes well! I can’t imagine I’ll ever get to do such a thing, who knows. Have fun! And you’re very beautiful, be careful out there.

[@appalachianadventurista]

😂 Thank you!

[@anythingbutmyrealnamegoogl9615]

I see so many places to cut weight. What have I become?

[@appalachianadventurista]

Me too! I’m happy with the weight for the comfort of some of these items.

[@hindsfeetonhighplaces]

On the AWOL guide, I'm not sure I would take the physical book. I do this when hiking in the whites: I take PICTURES of the pages I need and keep those on my phone. If I need to reference something, I can read it that way. Since it does not add weight, it's a good way to keep weight down without doing without what could be an invaluable resource. Just a thought, of course. HYOH ;-)

[@appalachianadventurista]

It’s a good idea. At the moment, I want the physical copy as a memento from trail. If I change my mind on trail I may do that option.

[@randypeterson4146]

I can't imagine trying to sleep every night in an Eno hammock...To short to get a diagonal lie in...To heavy to be carrying every day...No Ridgeline...They are simply made for Sunday afternoon in the back yard for maybe a couple hours...Good luck after a few weeks in an Eno...

[@appalachianadventurista]

Thanks! I slept in one already for 8 months once. I find them extremely comfortable. The model I have does have a ridge line.

[@randypeterson4146]

@@appalachianadventurista 8 months in a row is some serious camping...

[@budget-adventure]

So most hiking food packets you can cut in half and not need a long spoon. Your still carrying the same amount of waste out. I’ve never understood why hikers buy a more expensive long handle spoon when you can just cut the bag in half

[@push-onshikingadventures1880]

So you are gonna have to explain to me how trekking poles are made specifically for women....🤷‍♂️😏🤯

[@appalachianadventurista]

The primary difference is the height which makes them slightly lighter as well.

[@push-onshikingadventures1880]

@@appalachianadventurista wow I'm having a bit of an existential crisis now tho bc my poles are adjustable in height. I'm not even sure what my pronouns are anymore... 😇😁

[@brett19890]

Where are your self defense products? Do people not think the horror stories in the Appalachian trial are just hoax? It's irresponsible to think hikers are invincible to anything that could possibly go wrong.

[@appalachianadventurista]

In nearly 50 years, there have been 13 deaths on the Appalachian Trail. In cities per capita, crime rates are substantially higher. I recognize that highlighting unsolved murders and mysteries on the AT has become a recent trend. With my knife, I feel safe and secure on trail. I appreciate your concern and would love to share that I’m acutely aware I’m not invincible. With 20+ years of outdoor experience, I feel secure in my ability to assess and act on things that go wrong on trail.

[@brett19890]

@@appalachianadventurista Sorry, but your trusty knife isn't going to do much when it requires you to be in close contact to actually use it. If some creeper have gotten too close to you as a woman, 9 times out of 10, that man will dominate you. That is fact. Hikers that claim so and so number of years experience in hiking have also made dumb decisions. Hiking in groups with people you know is much safer if you're against carrying a firearm or even a bear mace. Edit : I am also aware there are different rules in regards to firearms on the AT depending on different states. Not hard to research them.

[@hindsfeetonhighplaces]

I love the way you do all your DIY and do so much yourself as opposed to just buying things. Good luck and looking forward to watching your hike!

[@appalachianadventurista]

Thank you!