Date: 2003-12-28
To: Prep Status
Miles today: 0.0

Well, as you know I got my maps and guidebooks for Christmas, however I'll only be taking the maps along, the guidebooks seem a little too heavy for the taking, I'll probably end up taking my 2004 Data book along. Was walking around in the low 30's upper 20's the past few days wearing my base layer and fleece and was quite cold, so I spent my EMS gift certificate I got from my Uncle and Aunt on an EMS Primaloft Jacket, that thing is so comfortable, although I'll probably be ditching it before Mt. Rogers, it'll serve me well for the first two months, and the last month or so. I'm starting to really get my gear together, I've cleared off a whole corner of the basement for my thru-hike prep. I put up the big strip map of the AT down there. Here's the gear I know I'll be using so far: I'm set on my pack, the North Face Perserverance, perhaps one of the most comfortable rides ever. On my pack will definately be a few strap-its, I love them For starting with the base layer I'll be using are midweight EMS bergelene longies, I'll be switching to the silkweight's after MT. Rogers. As for actual clothing, I'll be using these incredibly lightweight Hind shorts I found, they weigh something like an ounce and a half. I'm still trying to figure which shirt I want to bring, I want something natural so it won't stink too bad, but I also don't want it to weigh too much. For my insulating layer, I'll be using an EMS windstopper fleece the whole trail and to begin and end with I'll also be carrying an EMS Primaloft Jacket. For my headgear I'll be using a bacalava. I've also got a pair of lightweight fleece pants I'll be starting with. Sleeping gear; EMS down under 25 degree down sleeping bag, it's served me well since 1998 why change now. I may start with my Kelty 0 degree bag, not yet sure about that though. For my sleeping pad I'll be using my Ridge rest all the way. Cooking gear; MSR simmerlite stove, haven't had any problems with it, I don't mind a little added weight for the peace of mind of a white gas stove. I'll be using an alluminum cook pot, lid and hot pot gripper from an MSR cook kit. Also to keep my food safe from critters and bears I will be using my Expedition Bearikade, it's only 2# and i'd rather be safe than sorry, it holds 9 days worth of food also. Shelter; for the most part, I plan on tenting somewhere around the shelter area, so I can have the shelter experience without having to sleep on the wood floors. Although starting out I'll enjoy the shelters and if it's raining I'll use the shelters, but on most nights I plan on using my tent, a Eureka Ranier. I love it, and yet another item that's served me well since 1998. Raingear; The EMS System III paclite jackets and pants are on sale, I know where my next paycheck is going. The jackets are modeled after the Gore-Tex Paclite, and Marmot Precip type raingear, and are actually cheaper, especially with the 20% off. Footwear; I'll be sporting Montrail Torre GTX's on the trail, great boot, just picked them up this summer, have about 200 miles or so on them like em a lot. For my in camp shoe/slipper my mom found these "Fireside" clog things that weigh absolutely nothing, and will be a godsend to slip my feet into at the end of the day rather than lugging around camp in boots. Miscellaneous; I'll be using a Tikka Plus headlamp, my Gerber easyout, Handbook & maps, Journal & pencil, EMS Mountaineer Trekking Poles, and probably some other stuff that I'm not thinking of right now. Now, back to the preparation; I've been using in combination the 2004 Data book and the map profiles to not really write up a solid hiking schedule, but more of a general idea for my parents and approximate dates I'll be stopping in town for maildrops. So far I'm up to Mass. and should be done with it in the coming days. Well, so long for now.