My 2024 Appalachian Trail Gear

This is a video showing what will be in my pack for my 2024 Appalachian Trail thru hike

[@KrizAkoni]

18 base is extremely respectable!

[@ChuckHowell-Outdoors]

Thanks. I've worked hard to get it down without sacrificing too much.

[@dianelord5596]

Hi Chuck. I am so very much enjoying your hike of the AT so far. As an old nurse I've been so concerned about your foot and ankle, as well as your knee. I can see your strength to keep going and I admire that greatly. I do pray you enjoy more comfort and great success, but above all else please assure your safety. I don't want that ankle to trip you up again. Even if you must have an extended rest, it's OK. You have plenty of time to truly enjoy your journey when the time is right. if you feel comfortable plz tell us about your family or career. TY!

[@ChuckHowell-Outdoors]

Will do. The ankle is about 90% now. The IT band on the knee still gets me on the long down hills

[@HikingwithJenny]

New subscriber here. Pack weight seems good and you sound prepared. I’m starting a week after you. Happy trails!

[@ChuckHowell-Outdoors]

Thanks. I've spent the last 2 years trying to prepare, so I hope I'm where I need to be. Hope to meet you on the trail, but if not, good luck to you and have the time of your life!

[@markswishereatsstuff2500]

As a fellow 62 yr old, that chair at the end of the day will be the most valuable pound you could've carried. My chair is the Helinox Zero. Same pad, Zenbivy bag, Zpacks Plex Solo and Hyperlite Windrider 2400 when I section hiked the MD-PA AT. Rocks!!

[@ChuckHowell-Outdoors]

Thanks. I've about talked myself out of carrying the chair. Pack weight keeps going up and I'm thinking light weight outweighs comfort in the long run.

[@Elizabeth-pt4bv]

Very complete and informative review. Good luck

[@ChuckHowell-Outdoors]

Glad you liked it. Thanks

[@bluelining9568]

Just found your channel and subscribed. Looking forward to following your journey. All the best to you in the future.

[@ChuckHowell-Outdoors]

Welcome aboard!

[@Rituals-R1]

New sub here :D I am excited to see your journey Chuck you can do it!! :D please dont push yourself to hard and be safe

[@ChuckHowell-Outdoors]

Thanks. Glad to have you aboard

[@bobk.1428]

Yes to the chair and test to the cup. You can find much lighter camp sjoes

[@ChuckHowell-Outdoors]

Agreed

[@billseay6399]

Hey thanks great info. I Carry much of the same thing have fun brother

[@ChuckHowell-Outdoors]

I’ll still need to tweak a little, but I only have a week before I head out, so won’t change much.

[@vancey6072]

Leave the chair (You have the 1/8" foam to put against a tree/rock). Leave the mug. Lose the watch (You have enough devices to charge). Leave the camp shoes. I know many youtube videos show hikers gathering around a camp fire singing songs every night but that won't happen. After an 18-25 mile day you'll eat, stay in your tent and sleep. (Don't need shoes for that). It's true you may not notice an extra pound on your back but trust me.... over the course of hundreds of miles the joints in your knees and ankles will. And P.S. you would've fit fine in the regular Duplex. I'm 6-3 and just "prop" the ends up with sticks. Regardless, the Duplex is a great choice just like most of your other gear. I wish you an enjoyable hike my friend!

[@ChuckHowell-Outdoors]

Thanks for the suggestions. I think I've already decided to leave the shoes, and I'm leaning towards leaving the chair, but I really love having that extra mug. Whatever I decide, I appreciate your suggestions. Happy trails!!

[@dawg4life89-GregWatts]

At 18lbs Id take the extra stuff , being comfortable goes a long way. Good Luck and God Bless!!

[@ChuckHowell-Outdoors]

Thanks. Left the chair and the shoes. On trail now and haven’t missed them

[@vanmiles6979]

17.4 base weight is heavy, but you can trim a lot of that down when it starts getting warmer. But, you will be carrying the weight when you are the least conditioned to do so. Most people that I saw sent every single thing home that they didn’t absolutely need by the time they got to Franklin (200 miles) if not sooner, but I started in mid March, so it was getting warmer by then. I excited to watch and see what you send home and when.

[@ChuckHowell-Outdoors]

Yeah. A little heavier than I wanted. I’ll send some things home after the smokies, but want to get past them first.

[@1z1zmike]

One pound times 2,000 lbs equals a ton…just a thought 🙂🙏

[@ChuckHowell-Outdoors]

Hahaahhaha

[@TUPELO_HUNNY]

HEY Chuck, just found your channel today and am starting with this video. Im 52 and have wanted to hike the AT for several years but i moved to Mexico instead. Moving back to US soon for birth of 1st grandbaby. Did you consider a hammock for your thruhike? JW because i started sleeping in a hammock when i moved down here and its been great for my back pain. Have you seen anyone with an ultralight cot on the AT? Im trying to decide between a UL cot or hammock with tarp.

[@ChuckHowell-Outdoors]

No cots. I have seen a few hammocks though. I didn’t really consider one because I’m a side/stomach sleeper and I don’t think one would work for me.

[@pleok08]

Thursday, February 15th: Gear selections look good! You got this! Happy Trails!Ross08

[@ChuckHowell-Outdoors]

Thanks

[@ChuckHowell-Outdoors]

Thanks and welcome to my channel

[@Workin2Liv]

Good video Chuck. Thank you for sharing and best of luck. Will be following.

[@ChuckHowell-Outdoors]

Much appreciated

[@vanmiles6979]

You’ve made great choices. That foam pad is probably more valuable than you may know. It will keep the cold ground from sucking the heat out of you when you sleep. Even though your mattress has an R value, you will still get cold in February. That foam pad will really help a lot. I had to buy one in Franklin because I was freezing at night. The best piece of gear I had was my pee bottle. Absolutely a must have. I never had to get out of my tent to pee and I would go twice a night usually.

[@ChuckHowell-Outdoors]

Hahaha. Good advice. Thanks

[@gregskolozdra]

Great gear selection! Have a wonderful adventure.

[@ChuckHowell-Outdoors]

Thanks

[@jakeva9802]

Good setup. You put a lot of thought into it.

[@ChuckHowell-Outdoors]

Thanks. Still working on it

[@americanclassicmetal7913]

So jealous! I’ll be following your adventure. Can’t wait!!!

[@ChuckHowell-Outdoors]

Thanks. Welcome aboard

[@MaryTravels53]

Glad your selections are totally your! Best gear review I’ve seen in awhile. I will following!

[@ChuckHowell-Outdoors]

Awesome, thank you!