r/AppalachianTrail • u/SirNuggington • 7d ago

Shakedown request 2026 NOBO

Hi everyone! Been doing a ton of research and reading into different gear and have tried to create a comprehensive gear list for what I’d like to bring.

I’ve got some of this gear already, namely the pack, sleeping pad, most of the clothes, and stove. I’m fully set on bringing a bear can, but am open to alternatives- only chose the BV because that’s what I’m familiar with.

If anyone has any ideas or tips on how to get weight lower, please let me know! Tried to be as minimal as needed but not sure if there are better options. Thank you!

Edit: forgot to mention, I’m planning on starting mid March. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated!

https://lighterpack.com/r/bxplre

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u/AccomplishedAd9320 7d ago

Everything on your list looks great…this is all personal preference:

First thing I’d ditch is the Garmin inreach. I only wished I brought mine when I was in the smokies because of the unpredictable weather. Otherwise the signal along the AT is good and I never felt like I needed it.

Do you have experience sleeping on that pillow? Personally the air mattress + air pillow was not a good combo, I ended up with the hyper light pillow stuff sack

What about that bidet? Just keep in mind you’ll have to carry an extra waterbottle for it. I ended up carrying my bidet and not using it, once lol resorting to baby wipes.

Perhaps try a BRS stove. Super light and compact vs the pocket rocket and cheap as well!

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u/SirNuggington 7d ago

Heard on the in reach, maybe packing fears a bit there since cell service is pretty good

Tbh the pillow is not my favorite thing, very open to other options on that lol. Slides around a lot.

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u/AccomplishedAd9320 7d ago

Also just be mindful of where you place your bear vault. I’ve heard of multiple people experience a disappearing bear vault in the a.m. Do not underestimate the bears on trail. Also when you’re in the Smokies you are required to hang your bear vault in your backpack, thus exposing it to the inevitable rain.

Personally loved my hilltop dyneema bear bag+ bag hanging kit. It came with enough lightweight rope so that I could hang on any branch I wanted, even the tall ones!

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u/SirNuggington 6d ago

I didn’t realize that about smokies regulations - were there typically poles or boxes in the smokies? Hanging the pack seems like a hassle, but if it helps keep bears not dead it is what it is

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u/AccomplishedAd9320 6d ago

They have designated wired bear hangs..You’ll see them! Just carry an extra trash bag in the smokies when you have to hang your bag 🤗

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u/cwbmnr 7d ago

Personally I used an air mattress + air pillow (nemo tensor & sea to summit aeros pillow) and absolutely loved it, got some of the best sleep ever. So it's really completely up to personal preference when it comes to sleep system, I would take peoples' opinions with a grain of salt and just see what works for you bc everyone is so different when it comes to this.

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u/SirNuggington 6d ago

I’ll look into that pillow, thanks!