I am following two guys who started their AT hike 1 Jan. Both were hammock users but spent about 80% of their nights inside the shelter. Around Franklin they ditched their hammocks and went to lightweight tents, sleeping pads, etc. Beside making that switch, they also ditched some other items and even went with smaller packs (55L and 65L to 40L) and basically dropped from 45lbs to just around 25lbs with food and water. As with most through hikers, we all make changes as we do the miles. I'm sure you are going to do great. Looking forward to your adventure. Best of luck

Reader of comments you must look at the full list of cost & weights. This is the absolute best display I’ve ever seen! You did better than any professional I’ve ever seen.

I never had any regrets not bringing camp shoes on my ‘21 AT thru hike. Looks like you are prepared with everything you need. If you end up wanting to change anything up out there, it’s fairly easy to do along the AT. Hope you’re enjoying your trek!

Really good idea to size up on shoes. Some hikers size up an additional size or two by a month in because they can grow, as you said. You may end up finding that just a half size up is too small down the road. If your feet really start hurting and getting red, especially around the pinky toe (a hiker I read about had this exact thing happen to him), you need to size up shoes. I am so glad that you got me on the train for Enlightened Equipment booties for the hammock. I am going to keep those in my sleeping bag and have my camp shoes under my hammock for me to use. Those covers that you made for them ARE kinda cute though, but I will be using my camp shoes around camp. IF you do go camp shoes, I would go with the closed toe option for more protection of feet. I think they will be very helpful for river crossings if I do not want to get my boots soaking wet on the inside... and with closed toe you have less chance of hurting your feet on something that you cannot see. That's my thinking at least, but I know you will make the right decision for you. You won't DIE without camp shoes, but I do think they are nice having along. They also dry really quickly so they are an alternative to wet shoes. Great waterproof double system there so it looks like your food will be protected from getting wet in the rain. That's a really impressive system there. As far as the stove, do what works for you. If that stove works for you, don't let anyone tell you that you shouldn't use it. I also have a number of extra ziploc bags; they come in handy. When I go to stores or wherever I want to be able to open up the bags with tons of air in it and put it in ziplocs. We can make trail mixs out of them too. I've added some quart sized bags since I did my gear video. You do have a lot in your toiletries bag. I do get that you may need to be more careful about your skin than I do given the recent past, but consider if you could make any of those containers a bit smaller. I don't know how much you have used on your other hikes though so I'm sure you know what you need. I definitely support the fanny pack. Great to keep the things in there that you may need throughout the day, for me that is a power bank, headlamps, handwarmers, phone, and maybe a snack or two. Great idea too to be prepared to waterproof your fanny pack. If I had the funds ready I would get a satellite device too. If and when I do the PCT or CDT I will definitely invest in one of these devices. Glad that you are able to have one. I am not sure what I would do about the extra sit pad. I like the pad that you have, but I also get the reason you have the bigger foam pad. I plan on going without a pad and just using my underquilt to separate me from the floor of the shelter. Then I am bringing a zpacks 2 ounce sitpad from Enlightened Equipment to put under my shoulders for cushioning there, since that's where I needed it most during my shelter night. So I would actually leave the foam pad and take the small sit pad, but I understand the reasons for you having the foam pad. All of my devices use different cords too. It is a bit annoying but it is what it is. I am bringing two charging blocks to allow me to charge everything at once. Just one caution about bringing shorter cords. Just practice charging them at home first if you have not yet. I found when using shorter cords, they were sometimes not long enough to reach the floor or windowsill or whatever. If you are having the product you are charging hanging from the outlet, the weight of it will pull the block out of the outlet. So make sure your setup prevents that from happening. That is a REALLY healthy base weight!! My base weight is 14 pounds over that so you did a really good job somehow achieving that base weight. Much respect to you and happy trails!!!

One piece of advice with the short charging cords. I’ve been in hostels where the plugs are in weird spots and a longer cord was necessary so that my phone didn’t dangle and pull the charger out of the wall.. Thanks for the watch charger idea….I hate the apple watch cord, magnet thing!

Nice setup! Have fun!

You may want to consider longer charge cords. Most wall outlets are a good foot off the ground. Also, you may run into outlets that aren't situated close to a table for supporting your electronics.

Soo looking forward to following along this year! I suppose you’re already out hiking by now, so hope the start went well!

Tuesday, February 20th: Interesting gear selections. We make our choices, we take our chances. Be prepared for rain! Good luck! Happy Trails! Ross08

Also something to think about is sandals for the showers in some hostels and something easy to put on to go to the privy at night.

Awesome video and have so much fun! As a fellow hammocker myself, I like your choices, especially going with the 20 degree UQ. I never slept in shelters- there are way too many trees in the woods to pack myself in like sardines. 😂 I also carry the 1/8” pad and use it as a sit pad and ground pad on occasion. You’ll want to go with a 40 degree set once the weather improves. Binge watch some Shug videos on KZfaq the first few weeks on trail 😊

Good stuff Jenny! I love my LHG fleece hoodies. Have 2 of them! Quality gear! My columbia shirt smells too so I switched to merino wool. I wish synthetic shirts worked for me because they are cheaper, but the merino works better for me. Looking forward to your first vid from the trail!

Not sure if you’ll run into restrictions for your alcohol stove, it’s tough in the western states. Even hammocks are banned in national parks unless they are free standing. I guess they think the trees will get injured 😳

Thanks!

Good, informative video. I don't know anything about hiking ect. and I've always wondered what the people actually have in those huge packs and why. Though I would want a "jet boil" just because it sounds cool and expensive, sucker for advertising. Kind of Gucci, lol. Going to get one for the car, (yes I could just drive and buy a coffee, I'm in Southern England so that will take all of 10 minutes) but the idea, the concept. It's like playing house but you're not in the house!!!

Good luck with the Thru hike, Amazing gear list.

Hey, for camp shoes you may want to try Vivo barefoot shoes- they are super lightweight and flexible and healthy for your feet if you go about using them correctly.🌿🧘🏼🙏

Way to go!!!! Watching your other vid I noticed you had an overcover for your hammock and seeing the actual temp difference helped me re-think. Since I have a custom hammock I was able to reach out and they will retro fit my hang for a snap on version of overcover. Your vid was instrumental. I'm also planning alcohol stove...great minds! Since there seems to be a never ending mental analysis paralysis I still haven't made purchase but if I bought today it would be the Caldera Cone system. In my planning I'd burn wood 70% alcohol the rest. Using the scrap for a wind screen is an excellent pro tip! I found it amazing how similar we are with our pack outs without even knowing each other. You're going to have a great time!!! Looking forward to enjoying your docuseries. Re: camp shoes. I'm thinking you may want to take the heavier of the two. For in town zero days and for wet crossings when your runners and socks have been dry all day. Mb even during hostel stays. Camp shoes give your feet a "break" as well and also lets your feet "breathe" minimizing fungal infections. That hoodie as a pillow is going on my "buy" list! I'm really excited for you!!! BTW which Zoleo plan did you decide on?

I am a big fan of alcohol burners ! The 1/8 pad I also use. I roll it out and then can fold it multiple times and it is just like a "real" sit pad. I also use the Zoleo....I live in the middle of nowhere so I also use it in the car where there is no cell service. Good load out list......let's get hiking!!!

Solid kit, well thought out.

Hey Jenny, it’s Sugar Bear. Glad to see you’ll be using the HammockGear tarp & stakes … they’re amazing! I have a question for you … where did you get your digital thermometer? I’ve done a search online and couldn’t find it (I found the one Nahamsha used, debut didn’t like it). Thanks in advance. I reckon you’re probably on trail or on the way there by now. Good luck … I’ll fe following your journey, and may bump into you one one of my section hikes.

PLEASE 🙏 what are these straw things called i cant find them ANYWHERE 😭 I've seen them in a few videos.. i don't like the bladders where it comes over your shoulder but i think i would really like these x

I'm using the SMD Swift V w/ the flight vest suspension this year. I don't think I'll ever go back to regular straps! so very comfortable. Swift V is about half a pound lighter than the Minimalist, I think. Love it so far. Good luck!

Why do you not like tarp doors. I haven’t bought a tarp for my hammock yet Also, I didn’t know ER had a hammock tq. How do you like it?