Oats’ Gear on the Appalachian High Route
The plane ticket is booked, permits are acquired, and excitement is rising: cue the obligatory gear post.
Here’s the gist – Oats on the Appalachian High Route LighterPack Gear List
Major Items
I’ve switched up the majority of my hiking kit since I last tackled a long distance trail back in 2020, and all of my Big 3 on this trip are items I’ve acquired in the last few months. Though I’ve been happy with the performance of everything in my pack so far, I’m eager to properly trail-test everything on this thru-hike.
My foam sleeping pad has been with me for all my thru-hiking miles and is still going strong – shoutout to Nemo for getting me out of camp earlier than inflatable pad users and their solid use as a sitting pad. I affix the sleeping pad to my pack with Hyperlite’s accessory straps and have found it a much easier method than securing it to the top or bottom.
I am opting to carry a bear canister due to rapidly increasing bear-human conflict on the Appalachian Trail and my desire for a good night’s sleep. I carried a bear canister the first half of my 2019 AT thru-hike and always slept well knowing myself and my food were secure. Sure the weight is a burden, but I’m willing to bear it.
Backpack: Hyperlite Junction 2400
Tent: Zpack Plex Solo Tent
Sleeping Pad: Nemo Switchback Ultralight Sleeping Pad
Stakes: 6” Ultralight Titanium Tent Stake
GPS: Spot Gen 3
Sleeping Bag: Therm-a-rest Hyperion 20 Degree
Bear Canister: Bear Vault BV500
Clothes/Worn Weight
I’m curious what someone reading my search history would think of my recent inquiry, “Are trekking poles worn weight?” to which the answer is: apparently, yes! No one could convince me to leave my trekking poles behind, not even TSA’s policy of only allowing them in checked bags.
Trekking Poles: Hiker Hunger Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles
Hiking Shirt/Shorts: Doesn’t Matter!
Hiking Socks: Swiftwick Pursuit 2
Shoes: Altra Lone Peak 5
Liner Socks: XO Skin Toe Socks
Rain Jacket: Outdoor Research
Gloves: Aegend Lightweight Running Gloves
Optional Gear
I was born and raised in Asheville so I am fortunate to have my family in the area. With a Saturday ice cream date with my Mom and Gram and a Hot Springs sit by the river with my Dad, I have the option of flexibility with some of my gear and resupplies. Depending on the temperatures, here’s some clothes that may or may not be worth the weight.
Down Socks: ZPacks Goose Socks
Down Puffy: Enlightened Equipment Torrid Jacket
Down Pants: Enlightened Equipment Torrid Pant
Base Layers:: Smartwool Merino 250 Long Sleeve and Pant
Cooking/Water
Though I got my trail name from beginning my AT thru-hike stove-less and typically prefer to hike that way, I’m opting to carry a stove on this trail for several reasons. 1) I want to share all the amazing dehydrated food I’ve been seeing thru-hikers go wild over. 2) It’s more nutritious. Otherwise I’ll end up shoveling cookie dough into my mouth around dinnertime. 3) I want to enjoy my time out there. With no days over a marathon in my itinerary, I’m planning on putting smiles before miles and staying on top of my hiker hunger as best I can.
Water Filter: Sawyer Squeeze + 1 L Bag
Stove: MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe + Lighter
Pot: Vargo Titanium Ti-Lite 900 ml Mug
Fuel: Snow Peak GigaPower 250
Spoon: Titanium Long Handle Spoon by Toaks
Bottles: 2 x 1.5 L Smartwater Bottles + 2 x Platypus 2 L Bottles
Itty Bitty Ditty Bag
Besides a rechargeable headlamp and my luxury item pillow, there’s not too much to see here. I share my Fitbit progress frequently, so if you’re looking for a challenge while I’m on trail send a request my way.
Phone: Samsung Galaxy S21 FE
Power Block: INIU 20000 mAh
Power Cords: USB-USBC, Fitbit + charger, USB-Micro USB, 30W Wall Adapter, Headphones
Bandana: Gifted
Headlamp: Nitecore NU25
Pillow: Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight Pillow
Toothbrush/Toothpaste: Travel Size
Hand Sanitizer
Dry Sacks: Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Dry Sack (XXS, XS, S)
Cord: 1.4 UHMWPE Core Guy Line
Bug Head Net
Camera
This addition was a difficult decision for me on several fronts: price and weight being the most blaring factors. After some kind advice from my partner on making an investment in myself and my passion, I pulled the trigger on this beautiful set-up.
Body: Sony a6400 w/16-50mm Lens
Microphone: Sennheiser MKE 200
Tripod: PEDCO Ultrapod 3