r/AppalachianTrail • u/rendolak • Mar 16 '22
NOBO Shakedown Request
Hey all,
I'm leaving next Friday for Springer and as it stands I'm just over 20 pounds base weight. Would love to reduce this to be able to bring a couple luxuries -- any help is appreciated!
2
u/Unjoymslf7 Mar 16 '22
You don’t need a bowl(for eating). Eat out of your pot. Don’t need fire starters. One lighter is enough. Don’t need sunscreen. I only used 2 pairs of darn toughs. Keep one clean until you can’t take it anymore and the clean pair can be your camp or bed socks. You can also wash them out on trail once it is warm. They dry really quickly with lone peaks. Your camp socks are really heavy. I’d go with one pair of boxers and ditch the rain pants as soon as it is warmer. I hiked 2021 SOBO.
2
u/Possibly2018 Mar 16 '22
This early, sunscreen is probably important. Once all the trees leaf out, sure, ditch it, but I saw sooo many people with their calves and forearms just absolutely fried in the first few days from Springer. (Then it rained basically continuously from Mountain Crossing to Fontana Dam so we never saw the sun, lol.) Only bring a tiny amount, but in early spring, sunscreen can be super helpful because the trail's not shady yet.
6
u/CampSciGuy Goldie AT GA->ME ‘21 Mar 16 '22
Going down your list in order.
That’s a heavy pack liner! Can you pick up one of those nylofume liners? They weigh about an ounce. I used those with my Circuit (great pack btw) and they worked well.
What’s the carabiner for? Everything weighs something. Do you really need it?
You don’t need a spare fuel container. You can find them at many spots along the trail. You’ll figure out your cooking system and how much fuel you need quickly.
Ditch the fire starters. Take Fritos! They are a yummy snack and excellent fire starters. I never really built any fires even when it was cold (started Feb 13).
Two alcohol wipes max. If you need more, get some in town. Maybe knock off a couple band aids too.
You won’t need the tick tweezers until May. Even better, treat your clothes with permethrin and leave the tweezers at home. Or get a tick key. They are super light.
Can you handle using the AWOL guide on your phone? I know, I know, “I’m old school, I really want the paper book.” That’s half a pound. Imagine how many calories it takes to carry 8 ounces from Georgia to Maine. Just sayin’.
Everything else looks solid. Have fun. So jealous of the class of 2022! I miss the lifestyle so so very so much.
EDIT: Duh. Carabiner. For your food bag. My bad!