Date: 2017-01-30
To: Gear
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Except for a few things that were on my 2007 hike, I have updated all of my equipment over the past 10 years. My backpack is now an Osprey XO's 58, but in 2015 I lost so much weight the first month the belt didn't fit me. Last year I had the belt fixed so it's tighter and I'm also going to try and eat more. But overall the pack works well and I love the weight of it. My air mattress, the NeoAir XTherm Sleeping Pad will be good for the cold weather at the beginning, but then I'll switch to my 3/4 NeoAir light after the weather warms up. For those of you who use them, you know that they're noisy but it beats having your hip bones pressing into the ground. I've probably used every water treatment system out there. I started out with pills, but didn't like putting chemicals into my body, then a filter pump, next a Steri pen, and now I'm using the all popular Sawyer squeeze. I'm using the lager one as the flow is faster. This one is easy, light and if it goes bad you just buy a new one. I have an adapter so I can pump it right into my bladder. I do carry some pills for emergencies and know I'll need to be careful with the Sawyer in the cold. I guess it will become my new sleeping partner! Over the last years, I've purchased two new Western Mountaineer sleeping bags. My winter bag is a 10 degree and my summer is a 35 degree. Both are light and I'm hoping the 10 degree will get me through mid February to April. I also have a silk liner. I will change out bags when I get to my house in VA , and then have it mailed back to me when I get up north. I had been using a Big Agnes Fly Creek SL one tent for the last 7 years, but I have now switched to the B A Cooper SL one. The main difference between the two is the entry way. I really like the fact I can get in it through the side and it has a lot more head room inside as well. It weighs a few more ounces but I really like the fact that it's completely free standing. I have a Montbell down sweater and Montbell down vest. Together they weigh around 7oz so I thought having both would be more versatile, and I just got a Montbell wind shirt weighing in at 1.4 ounces! I've worn it a lot on training and section hikes and it really works well under my light fleece jacket. And of course I have new shirts, pants, socks etc. I belong to a running program sponsored by FleetFeet of Roanoke, Virginia. They sell wonderful clothes and shoes for running but also for hiking. I now hike in Sacony pant and Capirs. I also have merino wool Icebreaker zip and shirt that they gave me to hike in, so I'm going to wear them up the trail. Thanks Fleet Feet, you are wonderful!Boots or shoes are not something I enjoy buying. I have bad feet, (maybe too much hiking) so I have many pairs of boots/shoes. I have tried all different kinds of boots and trail runners. I really like the Hoka running and trail runners and last year they just came out with a Hoka water proof hiking boots. Im going to start with the boots and switch to the Hoka trail runners as soon as I possibly can. And of course gloves, buffs, and all the necessary cold weather head gear. I'll use the same kind of cooking system I've used for years, the simple Pepsi can stove using denatured alcohol. But when I registered for my thru hike I read where they have banned alcohol stoves in the Smoky's. I've purchased a canister stove and will have it mailed to me when I stay at the Hike Inn just before I enter the Park. I have Black Diamond poles, a Gortex North Face rain jacket and Lightheart rain pants, and high gators ( and Dirty Girls) to start with. I think I'm pretty well outfitted for this adventure, but I find I continuously change and update my gear. Leaving in mid-February is scary for me but if I go slow and get off the Trail when I need to, I'm hoping to get ahead of the crowds! The cold seeps intoYour bones making you aware Of waking to snow!