Date: 2009-10-11
To: Gear Reviews Part 1- The Big Three
Miles today: 0.0

Before beginning our six-month hike, Tag-along and I spent considerable time selecting and testing hiking equipment and clothing. The goal in this journal entry is to critique our gear choices and honestly assess how each performed in the real world of thru hiking. Due to length, we are dividing our evaluation into two sections. Here is Part 1- The Big Three: Our Tent, Sleeping Gear, and Backpacks¢¦Tent: Tarptent Rainshadow 2 We couldn¢t have been more pleased with the Tarptent Rainshadow 2. Although Tag-along and I slept in it more than 140 nights, this lightweight (43 ounce) single wall tent held up well and never let us down. That¢s in spite of the fact that 2009 AT hiking season broke east U.S. rainfall records. The three-person design provided comfortable inside bug free space for both of us and all of our gear. With noseeum netting on both ends and along the lower sides, it is well-ventilated shelter. As a result, we had few issues with condensation. Carrying a few small eyehook screws allowed us to easily set-up on tent platforms. We never found any need to carry a protective ground sheet. FINAL VERDICT: HIGHLY RECOMMENDEDSleeping Bags: Montbell Super Stretch 800 Fill Down HuggersTag-along and I originally purchased 25-degree Montbell bags (UL SS Down Hugger #2) for cold weather hiking and found during practice section hikes that we a needed warmer bag. With this in mind, we switched to 15 degree Montbell bags (UL SS Down Hugger #1) and were quite happy with those. I am a warmer sleeper than Tag-along, so she occasionally used a sleeping bag liner and/or base layer clothing for added warmth on cold nights. During warm months we used 40-degree Montbell bags (UL SS Down Hugger #5). These worked out well for us also. We really liked the fact that the baffles of Montbell Super Stretch bags provide some freedom of movement while drawing the insulation closer, in turn minimizing dead space to be heated. FINAL VERDICT: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Sleeping Pads: Big Agnes Insulated Air Core and Therm-A-Rest NeoAir Tag-along and I have slightly different opinions when it comes to sleeping pad preferences. We both began our thru hike using Big Agnes (BA) Insulated Air Core pad (24 ounces) - a very comfortable option. About three weeks into our hike my BA started to leak slowly near the inflation nozzle. After calling the company, a free replacement was sent out. That eventually leaked near the inflation nozzle as well. At Mt. Rogers Outfitters in Damascus, I purchased a Thermo-A-Rest NeoAir (14 ounces) and slept very comfortably on that through the rest of our hike. Tag-along preferred the Big Agnes and continued to use that pad. FINAL VERDICT: BIG AGNES INSULATED AIR CORE RECOMMENDED WITH HESITATION DUE TO LEAKING PROBLEMS / THERM-A-REST NEOAIR HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Back Pack: ULA Catalyst (Tagless) My pack, the ULA Catalyst (43 ounces/4600 cubic inches), is a very comfortable top loader. Due to the use of Dyneema X Fabric, it stood up admirably to the wear and tear of long distance hiking. Bellowed side-mesh pockets and a large front mesh pocket were great for stashing crocs, our wet tent, rain jacket, rain wrap, pack cover, snacks, etc. On a minor note, the adjustment straps sometimes slipped a bit, requiring periodic tightening throughout the day. FINAL VERDICT: RECOMMENDEDBack Pack: Granite Gear Ozone (Tag-along)Tag-along¢s loved her Granite Gear Ozone pack (48 ounces/3600 cubic inches), a top loader designed with a rigid framesheet, nicely padded waist belt, and elasticized nylon pockets. This seemed to be a popular pack among thru hikers that we met along the trail. Other than some stitching that came loose in the base of one side pocket, it held up well to the rigors of thru hiking. FINAL VERDICT: HIGHLY RECOMMENDEDTomorrow look for Part Two of our reviews ¢ Clothing, Shoes, and Accessories