My Pre-AT Gear Testing Adventure
Upon walking into my apartment right now, people might either guess Im thru-hiking the AT or Im a doomsday prepper. Either way, things are close to being all squared away on the gear and supplies front. Last weekend a friend and I escaped from our mountain-less Indiana home, to the Grand Canyon for some hiking and gear testing. Here was our weekend itinerary:
Day 1: South Rim to the Bright Angel Campground via the South Kaibab Trail (4,780 descent in 7 miles). Nighttime Temp: Low 30sF
Day 2: Bright Angel Campground to Indian Garden Campground via the Bright Angel Trail (1,320 ascent in 4.7 miles). We also hiked and additional 3 miles roundtrip (sans packs) to Plateau Point on a flat trail. Nighttime Temp: Mid 20sF
Day 3: Indian Garden Campground to the South Rim via Bright Angel Trail (3,060 ascent in 4.8 miles).
It was my plan to earn my official trail name out on the AT, but given the pretty strenuous nature of the Grand Canyon hike I feel I sufficiently earned my name this week: Switchback. There. were. a. million. of. them. Here is the short list of the essentials I tested on the trip:
Pack: Osprey Ariel 65
Tent: REI Quarter Dome 2 (I like the extra space, to me its worth the weight)
Sleeping Pad: Big Agnes Insulated Air Core
Sleeping Bag: High Peak Alpine Pack 20 degree
Stove: MSR Pocket Rocket
Water Reservoir: 3L Platypus (usually only fill to 2L)
Water Purification: SteriPen Ultra (rechargeable)
Trekking Poles: Cascade Mountain Tech – Quick Lock
Cook Set: Snow Peak Titanium Mini Solo Cook Set, Aluminum Plate, Sea to Summit Outdoor Utensil Set, GSI Outdoors Pack Kitchen 8
Hiking Shoes: Adidas Terrex Fast GTX Mid
Crampons/Ice & Snow Grips: Snow Trax
As far as clothes, Im a sweaty beast so I’m constantly shedding/adding layers throughout the day. Some of my favorite items are:
- Reebok moisture-wicking leggings
- HEAD running gloves
- REI down jacket
- Paradox waterproof shell (cheap and much better quality than Frogg Toggs)
The rest of my apparel is some variety of wool or moisture-wicking material. So there you have it. I am really happy with all of my gear thus far. I was glad we had our Snow Trax because the trail was steep and icy near the rim, similar conditions for my mid-March AT start.
The only drawback I would say is that I was cold in my mummy bag. I believe the temperature rating on those this is the you probably wont die at this temperature rating, not the youll be warm at this temperature rating. Im sure this could be helped with a sleeping bag liner, but I just bundled up and it wasnt too shab. With all of that equipment, plus the other essentials I havent listed (food, toiletries, luxury items, etc.) and a near full reservoir and water bottle, Im looking at a combined weight of *drumroll, please* 35lbs. Ive hiked with this weight several times and feel quite comfortable with it so far. The ultimate test of course will be during the first few weeks of life on the trail.
Ive also started hoarding food from Costco like its my job. Although I dont plan on having all of my food mailed to me, I got nearly a months worth of food for only about $100; you cant beat that. I also think with my REI Member Refund this yearwhich should be a pretty penny after all the gear Ive gotten from themIm going to buy a ton of freeze dried food. The weight and the ability to switch up flavors is right up my alley.
This website contains affiliate links, which means The Trek may receive a percentage of any product or service you purchase using the links in the articles or advertisements. The buyer pays the same price as they would otherwise, and your purchase helps to support The Trek's ongoing goal to serve you quality backpacking advice and information. Thanks for your support!
To learn more, please visit the About This Site page.
Comments 2
My son and I are starting at about the same time, and we have the same gear preferences as you. Although we are sharing a tent at the start and switching to hammocks further up the trail. You probably won’t need crampons. But what do I know? I live in Georgia and we blocked up two interstates during an ice storm last year.
Awesome! I’ve thought about a hammock, but have never tried one. If you guys still with that plan please let me know how you like it!