My 2025 Appalachian Trail thru-hike gear list.

[@thomassheys9472]

Great vid. / info. good luck with your journey!

[@FatherTimeHikes]

@@thomassheys9472 thanks!

[@Goruckyourself68]

Good luck old fella. Let the old boys lead the way in 2025

[@FatherTimeHikes]

@@Goruckyourself68 thanks!

[@toghikes]

I am new to your channel. This was a well done video and I am looking forward to watching the next one. I was surprised to see that you are using a shower bottle cap. I was beginning to wonder if I was the only one doing that. I have been using one since around 1995. Those who have never used one may want to experiment with the size and number of holes. Add warm or cold water depending on your need. Put the bottle in the sun to warm the water if you don’t want to use your stove or don’t have a fire. I made a hanger out of small paracord. It works great. I love diy ideas. Thumbs up on your phone holder. Very cool. Thank you for sharing.

[@FatherTimeHikes]

@@toghikes thanks! Being creative is part of the fun.

[@MartyTake2]

I had the same pack and liked it. I found that my 2-person tent allowed me to keep my pack inside with me, which was very helpful for me. Body Glide is a must! I used running shorts with liners, and was very happy. I also had a pair of cheap nylon "dance pants" with elastic at the waist and ankles. I think 3oz. I used toe-socks liners in combination with wool socks and had NO feet issues. Might want to consider trip insurance. AT is not as remote as PCT/CDT, but evacuation after a fall is always possible. Happy hiking!

[@Uconn91]

Thanks for sharing, looking forward to your journey.

[@TdiNerd-dt6cc]

Excited to watch your progress! Best of luck and here's best wishes for favorable conditions!

[@FatherTimeHikes]

@@TdiNerd-dt6cc thank you!

[@vshybeej8756]

I love your video. Thanks so very much. Looking forward to following your journey. I'm going to look into some of the gear you mentioned. Thanks for sharing this video. -Shybee

[@FatherTimeHikes]

@@vshybeej8756 thank you!

[@KrizAkoni]

Looks like you’re ready to go!

[@FatherTimeHikes]

@@KrizAkoni now it's a waiting game 🙄

[@KrizAkoni]

@@FatherTimeHikes😅

[@Khumist62]

Looking forward to following your journey!

[@FatherTimeHikes]

@Khumist62 thank you!

[@TheArtOfHiking]

I'll be hitting the AT April 14th 2025, See you on trail!

[@MrTitanTopper]

My base weight is around 22.5 lbs…lol. I’ve tried to get it down, but like you, it’s a balance. Maybe by Neel Gap, I’ll ditch some stuff! 😂

[@dcaudwell]

Yikes! You’ll be so happy if you can ditch at least 10 lb of that!

[@MrTitanTopper]

@ yeah…that ain’t gonna happen 🥴

[@FatherTimeHikes]

@@MrTitanTopper 😂

[@williammihansky6686]

zpacks came out with a crazy light camp shoe that im interested in. but for now im taking my crocks that have been cut up and sanded down to be even lighter

[@FatherTimeHikes]

@@williammihansky6686 I just saw online some Croc slides that are only 9oz for the pair...tempting

[@lt2246]

Nice video. Check out the Zero brand sandals for camp shoes. They are light and can also be used for stream crossings without worrying that they might come off.

[@FatherTimeHikes]

@lt2246 thanks for the recommendation!

[@mfarley252]

Excited for your journey!

[@FatherTimeHikes]

@@mfarley252 thank you!

[@KatieHikes]

Great gear review! Yes, I am interested in seeing how the phone holder is used and interested in your son making me one.

[@FatherTimeHikes]

@@KatieHikes thanks! I'll make a video soon to give more details.

[@KatieHikes]

Perfect! Thank you ​@@FatherTimeHikes

[@CameronVirrill]

For camp shoes, try super lightweight slides made of eva foam.

[@FatherTimeHikes]

@@CameronVirrill thanks for the tip!

[@suecox8355]

Thanks🦋❤️

[@KerrinMontoya]

Just make sure you have the kindle app on your phone and books downloaded. No extra weight and not anything extra to charge.

[@tommybewick]

There is put it only one small 5 Mile section in Georgia where a beer canister is required. Don't spend the night in that little section and you're good.

[@erics9214]

A lot of people just slop through the creeks in their hiking shoes and often that is probably going to make the most sense. However, I carry Xero sandals as camp shoes because they work well for wading creeks. They weigh about 10 oz. and you can wear socks when it's a little cool. I also have the Birkenstock slides, but they are only a little lighter, don't pack down as small, and aren't very good for wading. I'm looking at the Zpacks camp shoes for when I don't think I'll be wading. As for the Kindle, I find I don't read as much as I thought in camp because of being tired and all the other things that need to get done. I find my phone is more than adequate as a reading platform. it looks like your gear is pretty dialed for how you say you want to hike. Best of luck!

[@FatherTimeHikes]

@@erics9214 thanks! Yea, I'm thinking I'll leave the Kindle behind.

[@mainerdmoose9242]

Hey there! I had to laugh when you showed the Mazama "pee bottle." I have the same bought at REI w/ reward $$, but with the original purpose in mind; never considered your intent! Some thoughts based on my NOBO-flipflop late April 2022, starting at Harper's Ferry. At the kick-off festivities, a ridge-runner did a pack shakedown. "Lose the Gore-tex overmitts," she said, along w/other items that sliced off 5 lbs. I kept them. Do you know what happened the 2nd day out? 50* temps w/ rain & wind....super glad I could put them on! Cold hands are miserable - they roll up small and weigh very little. Another hiker helped me pare down 5 lbs. more; went from 41 -> 31lbs. He began at Springer. His best advice (now always echoing in my mind) "Only carry what'll be used EVERY day or have multi-uses (ex rain coat). On power bricks, take the one that's most versatile. Lastly, you'll be sufficiently tired each day that setting up camp, eating then crashing for the nite will be enuff. Reading most likely won't interest you. FWIW, I had turned 62 on the trail and found 1 day rest each week suited me well.

[@FatherTimeHikes]

@mainerdmoose9242 I am going to aim for 1 day of rest per week too. Thanks!

[@MartyTake2]

Thoughts: If using air mattress, try Flextail zero pump. 1.7 oz. I loved it! Be ready for poor phone reception, which burns power. For all your electronics, you probably need 2 power packs. Look at RovyVon Aurora A28 light, which can clip to hat brim. I found 3-liter CNOC bag to be worth the extra oz. Much more convenient. BTW, I carried a 1/2-liter bottle on the pack strap, and had a 1-liter and a 1.5-liter bottle at various fullness levels on the move. Get a no-odor bag for food. Put tape or something on the top handle of your cook kit. It gets hot! I reused the freeze-dried meal bags to mix food in. They reseal to avoid odors. Clip your knife to the waist pack zipper. Buck knife is heavy. You might consider a neck knife. Having been to countries whose septic systems can't handle toilet paper, I found the bidet is perfectly good. No paper required, and cleaner. I used toothpaste tablets that work and are lighter. I brought a 3-foot and a 6-foot high amp charger cable. Less weight, faster charge. The bottoms of the flops may not be hard enough to be worthwhile with the rocks and trees. Be careful with sit pad, I lost 2 of them. My luxury was a blow-up Flextail pillow that can strap to air mattress. Pretty much, you gear looks good! As you say, there are a lot of personal choices.

[@FatherTimeHikes]

@@MartyTake2 thanks!

[@erics9214]

@@FatherTimeHikes Keeping the phone on airplane mode much of the time drastically improves phone battery life. Turning it off then requires powering back up if you need to use Farout or some other app. Toggling back and forth from airplane mode only takes a couple of seconds. The phone is still available for filming and photos in airplane mode.

[@FatherTimeHikes]

@@erics9214 that's exactly what I do!

[@elisaadams2292]

Have you considered the new Zpacks camp shoe?

[@FatherTimeHikes]

@elisaadams2292 I haven't yet, sounds like I need to though! Thanks

[@therestorationshop]

@@FatherTimeHikes 1.8oz pretty incredible

[@seanwilson6521]

Take a look at Seekway water shoes, super light breathable and cheap.

[@FatherTimeHikes]

@seanwilson6521 great, thank you!

[@BucolicAholic]

Yeah I almost opted for that same 3 port 150w charger but decided it was overkill since it divides the 150 watts over 3 and hardly anyone's backpacking electronics charges above 15 watts. I needed 3 ports so I chose the smaller 2 port 45w and a battery bank that supports pass through charging so I can recharge all my devices simultaneously and shave off 4 ounces. A lot to those blocks that's largely missed from many of these videos.

[@FatherTimeHikes]

@@BucolicAholic that's a good plan!

[@chiefstan77]

I love the pee bottle. I've been using a small Gatorade bottle for the last 2 years (its a game changer). I'm planning an AT thru hike for 2026. What is your approximate start date?

[@FatherTimeHikes]

@chiefstan77 looking at starting the second week in March.

[@dwayne5698]

Where did you get the fuel transfer valve? Please let us know how well it works for you when you're out there. Be safe!!

[@FatherTimeHikes]

@dwayne5698 thanks! It's from Amazon. (Campingmoon Gas Canister Refill Adapter) I tried it at home and worked well.

[@Maryann110]

Archies flip flops 👍. Lightweight with arch support.

[@FatherTimeHikes]

@@Maryann110 thanks! I'll look into them.

[@Maryann110]

Happy Trails 😊🥾

[@dantealighieri799]

I want to carry only what I need. But I want long-lasting, rugged equipment and that usually means somewhat heavy. Thankfully, I'm still able to carry relatively heavy loads with no problem (in my 50s). For footwear I wear steel-toe work boots. I'm just used to 'em and appreciate the secure feeling they offer. "Heavy", sure. But perfect for me. Great video!

[@dantealighieri799]

P.S. - The "pee bag" is something I have never even thought of but it's brilliant! This 'ole dog learned something new. Thank you!

[@FatherTimeHikes]

@@dantealighieri799 thanks!

[@denniscall2454]

I think base weight should be winter weights summer weight. Found your video very informative. Looking forward to your hike.

[@FatherTimeHikes]

@@denniscall2454 thanks!

[@mattjosh69]

Have you seen or considered the 3D printed cap for the top of your poop trail ? And maybe aluminium stake pusher ? 🙏🏻

[@FatherTimeHikes]

@@mattjosh69 I have not! Where can I find them?

[@mattjosh69]

@ hi there’s a KZbinr that posted a video “Hiking with Cam” it’s TITLED “DIY Backpacking Hacks” he has a Etsy page. I watch a lot of KZbin so it’s taken me 5 mins trying to find it in my History 🤭😂

[@FatherTimeHikes]

@@mattjosh69 thank you!

[@mattjosh69]

@ you are very welcome

[@danb2490]

Class of 23 you'll be fine probably lose the nalgene buck knife, shower cap, rain mittens, excess first aid, different stuff sacks, bottom line is starting with what you have is good, just stay open minded and enjoy the journey. You will whittle down the weight as you go. I think you are one to make it to Maine. No worries.

[@FatherTimeHikes]

@@danb2490 thanks!

[@dougmiller4567]

That looks like a normal Sawyer, not a mini... Did they redesign the mini?

[@FatherTimeHikes]

@dougmiller4567 no, I misspoke. It is the Sawyer Squeeze.

[@gregeberhardt1711]

Rain dress does make you feel like girl a bit but works well to keep you mostly dry and much warmer

[@MartyTake2]

Forgot to mention that I'm 71.

[@Kyfried]

Always have nalgene, an just screw your Filter right on the water bottle and drink like that, that's what I do.