If I Hiked The Long Trail Again

The Long Trail was my first long hike after completing the Appalachian Trail. I learned a lot on the AT and wanted to apply what it taught me. The most important lesson I learned on the AT was Trail Confidence. I learned what I could and couldn’t deal with, what worked and what didn’t. What follows is my gear choices and thoughts If I hiked the Long Trail again.

One of the biggest things I learned was I knew I could carry less and still feel safe. When I did the Long Trail the first time, I ended up going as light as I thought possibly for me at the time. If I hiked the Long Trail again I would definitely be going faster and lighter.

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PACK & SHELTER

Item

Brand

Reason

What I Used Last Time

Pack

Pa’lante Packs V2 or Gossamer Gear Kumo 36

Hopefully by doing more miles I can use a smaller bag since I’ll be carrying less food between resupplies.

GoLite Breeze

Shelter

Gossamer Gear Spin Twin Tarp or

Outdoor Research Helium Bivy.

With shelters I wouldn’t really need a tent and I’d try to plan my stops at shelters.

Sierra Designs Clip Flashlight

The biggest change I made then was using a much smaller pack than I used on the AT. It forced me to rethink everything I carried. I would use that same philosophy if I hiked the Long Trail again. Keeping the amount of gear I had and weight to a minimum would be key.

During my first go of the LT I mainly stayed in shelters. This can be very limiting when it comes to mileage. This time I’ll only stay in a shelter if my day happened to end at one. I would mainly use them for cooking and finding water.

SLEEP SYSTEM

Item

Brand

Reason

What I Used Last Time

Sleeping Bag

Big Agnes Flume 30

or maybe my Enlightened Equipment Enigma Quilt.

I don’t own the Marmot anymore. I might even take my 40 degree Big Agnes.

Marmot Arroyo 30 degree

Sleeping Pad

Undecided

Which pad I bring depends on pack space and how well it will fit with which ever pack I use. The Thermarest Z-Lite / BA Foam / Thermarest Uberlite are all possibilities.

Thermarest Z-lite 3/4

Pillow

Big Agnes AXL Air Pillow

Less clothes means no makeshift pillow, and let’s face it the BA AXL pillow is comfy.

N/A

The main reason for the change of sleeping bags was that my original one was very old and I wanted to upgrade to a newer model with modern fabrics and design technology. My new Big Agnes Flume UL 30 is the perfect bag for a Long Trail thru-hike. If the temperatures were going to be high I might even use my Big Agnes Pluton UL 40.

As stated above my pad choice has a lot to do with which pack I use and which pad best fits with that pack. I’ve used all of them and can be comfortable with any of them.

Clothing Worn

Item

Brand

Reason

What I Used Last Time

Hat

Trucker Hat or visor

Simple and it’s just a hat.

Visor

Sunglasses

Julbo Renegade

Their photochromic lenses would be ideal for the variable lighting conditions on the PCT.

Sunglasses – generic

Hiking Top

Short Sleeve T, Button Down Long Sleeve, or sun hoody

A long sleeve is more versatile and usually my go to these days but I like the added value of a hood on the new sun shirts.

Marmot synthetic S/S

Shorts/Pants

Something light and quick drying

I’m a heavy sweater , so I need something quick dry.

Mountain Hardware Conversion Pack Pants

Socks

FITS Medium Hiker

They’re durable and fit great.

Smartwool Light Hiker Socks

Gaiters

SimBLISSity LevaGaiter

Simple, they work, and they’re durable.

Outdoor Research Rocky Mtn. Low Gaiter

Shoes

La Sportiva Ultra Raptors

Best grip there is, and most importantly, they perfectly fit my feet.

Lowa low hikers

Insoles

SuperFeet Green

After 20 years of using them, why would I change (I tried once and hated the result).

SuperFeet Green

Transition Pieces

Item

Brand

Reason

What I Used Last Time

Rain Jacket

Montbell Versalite

Whatever I choose it will have more options and have pit zips.

O2 Rain Gear

Rain Pants

Montbell Versalite or DYI Rain Wrap

I like the versatility of the rain wrap but the weather on the LT can be rough. Pants might be the call.

O2 Rain Gear

Gloves

Polypro Glove liners

Simple and light.

Outdoor Research PL 150

Outdoor Research Helium Rain Mitts

Wind Jacket

None

Unneeded extra weight. I’d use my rain jacket.

Pearl Izumi Wind Jacket

Head Net

None

No change.

None

Buff

Probably whatever I had at the time.

Super useful item to keep warm with, protection from sun or bugs, or washing.

N/A

Arm Coverings

N/A

Only bring them if I went with a short sleeve shirt.

N/A

Camp Clothes

Item

Brand

Reason

What I Used Last Time

Jacket

Undecided at this time. (It will be down.)

Packs smaller, is warmer, and is lighter than fleece.

100wt Fleece Pullover

Hat

Outdoor Research Beanie

It’s warm and fits well.

Beanie

Socks

None

N/A

Smartwool Light Hiker Socks

Camp Shoes

None

Unneeded extra weight.

None

Sleep Top

Ibex Woolie L/S or Ibex Indy Hoodie

Wool, less odor. I might also not bring one and sleep in my hiking shirt.

Patagonia Lightweight Capilene

Sleep Bottoms

Ibex Boxers

Wool, less odor.

Patagonia Lightweight Capilene

My main goal with my clothing would be to carry less and eliminate bulk in my pack. Most changes, besides trying to accomplish my main goal, are due to technological changes in gear. Down is more available than in 2003, fabrics have gotten lighter and better at wicking.

Products that didn’t exist before (sun hoodies), and others are simply a result of my taste changing preferences (no camp shoes). In the end they’re all part of my philosophy of “Do more with less.”

Most changes are also a result of my years of hiking and the experience gained since my first thru-hike of the Long Trail. More importantly they’re a result of learning what I can and can’t deal with while on trail. If I hiked the Long Trail again I would try my best to apply what I’ve learned.

Hydration & Cooking

Hydration

Item

Brand

Reason

What I Used Last Time

Bladder

Platypus Platy Bottle

No change.

Platypus Platy Bottle

Water Bottles

(2) Smart Water bottles

Lighter, more versatile, and readily available. They’re also easier to get in and out of the side pockets of your pack.

32 oz Gatorade Bottles (2)

Filter / Drops

Sawyer Micro

Simple to use and clean, and small and compact.

Aqua Mira

The major changes to my hydration set up are taller water bottles which are easier to get in and out of my pack, carrying less water, and using a Sawyer Squeeze instead of Aqua Mira. This is a result of what I like to call Trail Confidence. I’ve learned how much water I need and only carry what I need.

I stopped using Aqua Mira for two reasons. First, I don’t like the wait and secondly, I don’t need to use chemicals anymore. I love that I can drink right away with the Sawyer. It’s also simple, easy to back flush, and light.

Cooking

Item

Brand

Reason

What I Used Last Time

Stove

ISO stove (Snow Peak LiteMax)

It’s faster and less temperamental than my alcohol stove.

Soda Can/Alcohol Stove

Cooking Pot

Small Ti mug

With bag cooking I wouldn’t need a large pot.

Evernew .9 Liter Ti

Utensil

Snow Peak Titanium Spork

Plastic can break and does.

No change.

Lighter

Smaller and lighter.

Regular size Bic

Cooking Oil

None

I’ve stopped carry olive oil for the calories because I’ve done better with the foods I carry. Plus it’s messy.

None

Cleaning

Bandana

No change.

Bandana

The Long Trail was the first time I started a hike with an alcohol stove. I’ve used that same stove since then, 17 years! While on the John Muir Trail in 2019 I decided to make the switch back to ISO butane.

I now find the slow boiling times and fussiness of using my alcohol stove to be unacceptable when compared to today’s ISO butane stoves. They’re faster, just as light, and are hassle free.

If I hiked the Long Trail again I would switch to a smaller ti mug and use the bag cooking method. This has two advantages. One, a smaller pot (less bulk and weight) and no more cleaning my pot every night. Efficiency!

Health/First Aid

Item

Brand

Reason

What I Used Last Time

First Aid

Custom First Aid Kit

Over the counter kits have items I don’t use or know how to use. Building my own with things I use and know just makes sense.

Adventure Medical . 3 kit

Pain Relief

Advil

No change.

Advil

Medicine

Imodium AD

No change.

Imodium AD

Bug Protection

None

I would simply cover up or keep moving over using Deet. Also late season hiking should mean less bugs.

None

Sun Screen

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer

Doesn’t irritate my eyes.

Generic

Oral Care

Tooth brush, flosser & paste

No change but adding a flosser.

Tooth brush & paste

Toiletries

Dude Wipes & hand sanitizer

Less bulky, more versatile, and better at cleaning up.

Toilet Paper

Vision

Disposable Contacts or get Lasik

I would love Lasik but the cost is a barrier to getting get for me. The daily wears are much better for my eyes, than wearing regular contacts for multiple days like I did the first time.

Glasses & contacts & case / contact fluid

Lip Buam

Cherry Chapstick

No change.

Cherry Chapstick

Since my early days I’ve carried a small first aid kit, but it has also changed over the years as I have learned more and gained trail confidence. By carrying a limited amount of first aid, I’m basically weighing my skills and the risks of hiking. I’m gambling.

I’ve accepted I can’t control every thing and stopped trying to. With this in mind, I constantly monitor my situation, use good judgement, and make smart decisions when in the backcountry. With the goal being to limit my chances of injury.

My current First aid kit is smaller and simpler. Two things I did add were duct tape and K-tape.

Odds/Ends

Item

Brand

Reason

What I Used Last Time

Hiking Poles

Gossamer Gear LT5 Three Section Hiking Poles

Much lighter and more compact.

Leki Super Makalu

Maps

Use iPhone with Guthook App

One item to do multiple things and IMO the trail is not hard to follow.

Long Trail Guide Book

Bandana

Generic

One item to do multiple things.

Bandana

Towel

None

Use bandana.

MSR Pack Towel (1/2)

Journal

Use iPhone

One item to do multiple things.

Waterproof notebook and pen

The number of odds and ends I carry has grown and shrunk over the years. They always seem to grow while on trail, then I realize it and I cut them back again. Nowadays I do my best to keep my odds and ends to the absolute minimum. I’m not a fan of clutter. The less gear I have, the easier it is to keep my gear organized.

Electronics

Brand

Reason

Item

What I Used Last Time

Headlamp

Latest Petzl

They make the best lights and their rechargeable.

Petzl Tikka

Batteries

Ravpower battery

It has both quick charge and quick output.

Batteries – AAA

Phone/Camera/Navigation/Journal

Latest iPhone

One piece of equipment to do many things. Camera, maps, phone, journal, compass, and more.

None

Camera

Phone

One item to do multiple things.

Cannon (Digital)

Phone Case

A Lifeproof or similar waterproof case.

Phone protection is a major concern, as I relay on it for so many things . Breakage isn’t an option.

N/A

USB Block

Qualcomm QC 3.0 Wall Charger

It’s equipped w/ multiple ports and offers quick charging.

N/A

Cords

One to fit both Ravpower and Petzl

iPhone charging cord

One item to do multiple things.

None

Solar

None

I don’t find they’re worth carrying and would rather use an external battery. I found I spent too much time worrying or fiddling with my solar panel to ensure it was in the sun.

None

Music

Use Phone

One item to do many tasks.

None

Over the last 17 years technology has changed a lot. I no longer have to carry individual batteries or search the store for the smallest package so I don’t have to carry extras. Head lamps are brighter, last longer, have rechargeable batteries. Phones allow one to navigate, journal, take photos and more.

Compared to my first Long Trail thru-hike, I carry a lot of electronics now. I try my best to keep my electronics to a minimum. The goal being to save on bulk and weight.

Using my phone for a camera, journal, navigation, and a phone allows me to combine many things into one. As mentioned above this allows me to carry less weight and bulk, but also means less cords to carry and manage.

Carrying only items that use rechargeable batteries on all my hikes, allows me to save weight and the environment. I use external battery packs to charge all my devices. Solar panels are not efficient on the LT due to the tree cover. External batteries are just simpler and faster.

Conclusion

I realize my fast and light style isn’t for everyone but there’s still lessons to be learned. My gear choices above reflect my style and goals for another Long Trail attempt.

I’ve taken what I learned from all my hikes and from my previous time on the Long Trail to build the gear list I think would work best for me. How I hike has changed over the years. These days I enjoy solo hiking and I doing bigger miles. My gear and other decisions reflect this change.

It’s my hope that this If I Hiked the Long Trail Again post will help others considering doing the trail for the first time, understand what one veteran hiker would bring when it comes to gear and help them in planning their own attempt.

Finally, I encourage you to build your gear list to match your personal needs and style. This post is meant to assist in that process. Do your own research, go on shakedown hikes, and build your trail confidence before hitting the trail. Good luck.