Tag Archives: Long Trail

Day 4

Today went really well. We took a shortcut and made up some time; still behind schedule tho. Feet and shoulders were way better today. Hoping for a full recoup tomorrow. Were inn a great shelter at Stratton pond. Loads of ‘characters’ out here. Should rain tomorrow but were shooting for a big push if we can get up early enough. More posts to come…

Day 3

Pretty challenging so far but good in general. We’ve fallen behind a few miles but think we can make it up tomorrow. My feet nearly disintegrated but are on the mend. Spotty cell service and bad light but will continue as possible. Lots of pics on the way.

LT Day -1

Slight change in plans. We’re getting dropped off at the trail tomorrow morning around 10 am. Tentative schedule still stands. I just cleaned and waxed my boots, and gave myself a haircut and shave. I have the itinerary and some notes printed and in a dry bag, along with the LT Guide Book. My bag is totally packed minus a few incidentals. Here’s the final loadout, if i can remember it all:

  • Black Diamond Predator 55L Backpack
  • Black Diamond Trekking poles
  • Asolo backpacking boots
  • Two pairs Smartwool mountaineering socks
  • Lightweight, water shedding hiking shorts
  • Mountain Hardwear Hiking T-shirt
  • Mountain Hardwear long sleeve 3/4 zip pullover
  • Mountain Hardwear gore windstopper fleece vest
  • Mountain Hardwear Xenon goretex paclite shell jacket
  • Two pairs Under Armor shorts
  • 25 degree down sleeping bag plus compression sack
  • Thermarest ultralight 3/4 length sleeping pad
  • Petzl leather climbing gloves
  • Light water shedding ball cap
  • Sunglasses
  • 3 Outdoor Research dry bags
  • Granite Gear water tight compression sack
  • MSR ultralight backpacking stove
  • MSR stainless steel backpacking pot
  • 4 cans IsoPro cooking fuel
  • REI quick drying, anti-microbial pack towel
  • Two titanium ‘sierra’ cups
  • Four Nalgene bottles
  • MSR Ceramic water filter plus purifying chemicals
  • Storm proof matches, lighters, striker
  • Headlamp plus extra batteries
  • Highgear multifunction altimeter
  • Suunto compass
  • Two Solio solar panels plus USB adapters
  • Nexus One
  • iPod
  • Two large stuff sacks of assorted food (breakfast materials, trail mix, Clif Bars, Clif Shot Bloks, pemmican, etc…)
  • 7 days worth of freeze dried dinners, assorted freeze dried breakfasts and deserts
  • 30 ft. parachute cord (shoe string, tent guy lines, unforeseeable jury rigging of failed equipment…)
  • 100 ft. rope (hanging our very large food stash from a tree branch)
  • First aid kit (assorted sterile bandages/gauze, Advil, Tylenol, Neosporin, sterile wipes)
  • Duct tape
  • Weather proof journal
  • Tooth brush and tooth paste
  • Biodegradable concentrated camp soap
  • Alcohol based hand sanitizer
  • Nail trimmers
  • Chapstick
  • Leatherman
  • Deodorant
  • Sunscreen/bug repellent combo
  • TP
  • Assorted empty plastic bags
  • LED flashlight
That might be it… Any thing I didn’t mention i’m sure Alex has…

Gear List:

Black Diamond Trail Trekking Pole Cinnamon, One SizeAsolo TPS 520 GV Boot - Men'sKUHL Trek Short - Men's Khaki, 30Mountain Hardwear Butter-Man 1/2 Zip Top - Long-Sleeve - Men'sMountain Hardwear WindStopper Tech Vest - Men'sTherm-a-Rest Prolite Plus Sleeping Pad Pomegranate, SPetzl Cordex Belay/Rappel Glove Tan, LOakley Bruce Irons Signature Hijinx SunglassesOutdoor Research Ultralight Dry SackMSR Pocket Rocket Stove One Color, One SizeNalgene Wide Mouth Tritan Bottle - 32oz Grey, One SizeMSR SweetWater Microfilter One Color, One SizeHighgear Alti Tech Altimeter Watch Black, One SizeSuunto A-10 CompassLeatherman Skeletool CX Multi-Tool