We all know that the main reason anyone bothers to read pre-trip gear lists is so they can criticize someone else’s gear choices. And by “they,” I mean me. Sure, we might pick up some great ideas, but mostly we all want to validate our own gear picks. That is why the internet was invented, after all. If you’re looking for better advice on gear, read a blogger’s post-thru hike gear list. I know I’ll have refined and sorted my pack more than a few times before I finish. Check back this fall to see which of my gear made it all the way to Katahdin.

But who am I to mess with tradition? So here goes… Magnetic Pocket Work Light

Please be kind in the comments and keep in mind that even though I’ve never thru hiked the AT, I have been backpacking for 50+ years and done several other long trails in the past 10 years. My system works for me. I’ve tried out lots of gear. I’d love to hear your thoughts, but I’ll be hiking my own hike and may disagree. If you really feel strongly, please feel free to mail me your favorite piece of gear (new, of course) and I’ll be happy to give it a test run. I’ll give you a shout out if I like it. If not, I’ll sell it online and keep the cash. Either way, thank you.

Maybe it would be more interesting to tell you what gear I’m not bringing that is on the ATC’s recommended gear list:

The shortest path to lighter pack is to leave stuff you don’t really need at home. Here’s my leave-at-home list:

Here’s my gear list. I feel strongly about a few of them, but some others I’d gladly consider upgrades.

When it comes to clothes, this is my packing list. It varies a bit by season, of course:

My base weight is 22.8 pounds.

Bring on the hate. In my defense, I’ll be carrying it, not you, so relax and take a deep breath. We’ll both be fine.

I’ve carried that base weight (or much more) for several thousand miles of backpacking trips. I know what it feels like. And yes, I’m aware of and have tried several UL backpacks. I didn’t like them.

Plus, 23 pounds represents less than 10% of my body weight and less than half the weight I’ve lost (so far) preparing for my thru hike.

But if we have to have the base weight discussion, let’s have it on a cold, rainy night while I’m warm, dry, and eating a hot meal. We can revisit the argument on a long, grueling mountain climb if you like and perhaps then we’ll see each other’s perspective more clearly.

That’s all I’ve got.  See you on the trail.

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Hi! I'm Jon, but on the trail I'm known as "The Incident." There's a good story behind my trail name, but I'll have to know you better before I tell it. Maybe after I summit Katahdin. Maybe. I'm married to "Princess Beastmode," father of three grown children, one only of whom has a trail name (Poppywhacker). Mrs. The Incident and I will be living the vanlife with our two golden doodles, Gus & Roux, as I hike the AT in 2023. I'm a mostly retired fluvial geomorphologist (I did river studies) and a published author (my River Elegy books can be found on Amazon). I hope to see you on the trail!

First time I’ve posted on one of these articles. And I read a lot. My favorite part is the end where you say my base weight is 23lbs. I’m carrying it not you so let’s relax lol. I’ve already trade marked it to make bumper stickers

LOL. Thanks for reading! 50/50 on all bumper sticker profits! 🙂

Hi John. Best of trail luck to you. Thanks for the pack tour, always interesting to look into what other hikers are carrying. I think we are closly matched on most items, few differences. Running a Osprey Kestrel 48. I hang a hammock but thats just me. I will follow you when you start out. Slow year for me, knee needs replacement 😖 Take care

Hey, Russ. Tough luck on the knee. Dang. I just was looking at the smaller Ospreys at REI. Hammocks are a good way to go too. Thanks for reading!

Thanks, Jon. I hope you have an amazing time!

Me too! Thanks for reading.

I burst out laughing several times reading this. It really should have been a feature article. Well done.

Thanks for the kind words, and for reading, Tony. All the best.

Jon, What got you to go 0drop? Old guy too and trying out LPs just not sure but love the toe room. Been a hiking boot and shoe guy for all my years of hiking. Thinking about the AT in 24, so thought I would follow you, it seems we have a few things in common comfort and older ☺️. Look forward to hearing about your walk, have fun. Randy

Hey, Randy. I’m not particularly a fan of zero drop. I think it leads to Achilles problems if you don’t take a long time to ease into the transition from traditional soles to zero drop. But I like the big toe box on the Altras. Zero drop is the price I’ve paid to get it. Plus, my choices on shoes are limited because I wear size 15, and most shoe makers have stopped making anything bigger than 13 or 14. The ones that do don’t have the big toe box. Thanks for reading. Good luck in ’24!

You might take a peek at the Oboz website. They have shoes and some boots in a size 15. Just took a look for you.

Thanks for the tip. I know Oboz and Hoka carry 15’s, but I’ve never seen them in a store, so I can’t try them on. And I’m too lazy to order a pair and then send them back. But I’ll definitely keep an eye out – you like them?

As an old guy with a couple of titanium bits for joints who could care less about the whole UL thing I really enjoyed your article. Best of luck and as we say in sailing- “Fair winds and following seas”.

Well Said Jon. I like how you think and write. One of the better gear lists I have read so far. I guess I just figured out who I will be following this year… on line anyway.. not in the woods which would be much preferable.

Thanks, John! Glad you’ll be following along.

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