The Unbearable Lightness of Hiking
The most trying thing about long-distance hiking is bearing the load. Well, that, and a lot of walking. As you'll be traveling with your world on your back the whole time, weight is an important consideration. With a good backpack it's not at all unusual for the average person to be able to carry up to 80 lbs, but that kind of weight over 100, let alone, 5000 miles isn't a reasonable request for your body, and not at all necessary, either. What is better is to aim for around thirty pounds, give or take five or ten, based on how much food is being carried at any given time. For anyone used to car camping and the many luxuries it affords, this that ain't.
ADT Man Tips
Remove all unnecessary edges from maps/data books
- Titanium is the best material for light-weight camping cooking ware
- Remove labels from tent/sleeping bag/clothing
- Use lithium Batteries instead of Alkaline
- Utilize a stuff-sack pillow (full of your dirty clothes!)
- Blackened Pots heat up faster than clean ones (gas consumption)
- Tools, equipment and such are the heaviest items, and should be limited in number
- Whether or not you want to take a stove and fuel may or may not introduce more logistical issues (you can't mail fuel). For the sake of this website, the hike documented will at least begin without the aid of a stove.
HIKING LIGHT CHECKLIST
The “Essential Ten"
At-leasts for safety, survival, and comfort.
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Beyond the Ten Essentials
- Backpack (seems essential to me, but you wouldn’t die without it)
- Tent, tarp or bivy sack (with stakes, guylines)
- Sleeping pad
- Sleeping bag
- Stuff sack or compression sack
- Whistle
- Signaling mirror
- Ice ax
- Trekking poles
(It’s 8-10 months, so you need to prepare for every contingency)
- Wicking Top
- Wicking underwear
- Quick-drying shorts or convertible pants
- Long-sleeve shirt (for sun, bugs)
- Bandana
- Insulating fleece jacket
- Rain jacket
- Rain pants
- Insulating hat or cap
- Gloves or mittens
- Trail-running shoes
- Comfortable socks
- Toilet paper
- Sanitation trowel
- Hand sanitizer
- Toothbrush
- Permits
- ADT Maps
- Camera/Cell Phone/Ipod/Charger
- Binoculars
- Cash/Credit Card
- Trip itinerary left at home
- Antiseptic wipes
- Antibacterial ointment
- Assorted adhesive bandages (fabric preferred)
- Butterfly bandages/adhesive wound-closure strips
- Gauze pads
- Nonstick sterile pads
- Medical adhesive tape
- Moleskin for blister treatment
- Ibuprofen/other pain-relief medication
- Insect-sting relief treatment
- Antihistamine to treat allergic reactions
- Tweezers
- Safety pins
- First-Aid Book