re: Heading to the Appalachian Trail for a 51 mile trek ...

I'm a bit of a gear freak when it comes to the backcountry, so for anyone that is also interested in backpacking gear, etc., I'll list the major gear I'm taking on my overnighter tomorrow and critique it when I get back. Yeah, it may look like I'm somewhat obsessive over it, but (to me) it matters. A lot. Usually you are not going to get a lot of help, so you need to have very good (light, durable, works every time) equipment.

- Backpack: Osprey Atmos 50
- Boots: Vasque Breeze 2.0 GTX
- Tent: Hilleberg Enan
- Trekking poles: Leki Makalu Summit Anti-shock
- Sleeping Bag: Mountain Hardwear Lamina 45 Degree Thermal Q (I don't use one bag for all seasons. This is my Summer bag)
- Ground pad: Big Agnes Insulated Air Core
- Stove: MSR PocketRocket
- Cookware: MSR Quick Solo System with a Sea to Summit Alpha Light Spork
- Hat: Tilley Endurables LTM3 Airflo Hat
- Socks: Wigwam Merino Comfort Hiker
- T-Shirt: Smartwool NTS Micro 150 Combo Tee
- Underwear (and this is more important than you can possibly imagine): Smartwool NTS Micro 150 Boxer Brief
- Shorts: The North Face and I have no idea what style they are. I don't think you can get them any more, but I love 'em.
- Rain jacket: Patagonia Torrentshell
- Rain pants: Marmot PreCip
- Knife: Buck Redpoint
- Gun: Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 380
- Hydration system: 3 liter Camelbak with a 2 liter Platypus for backup
- Water filter: MSR Sweetwater
- Headlamp: Princeton Tec VIZZ LED
- Watch: Luminox Series 3150

All of the above (minus the clothes, gun, knife and watch), including 5 liters of water and 3 meals = 29 pounds and fits very comfortably in my Osprey pack. I was even able to take the top section of the pack off and leave it at home.

Like it. I don't have a hike coming until the fall, but I'll list my core gear.

Pack: Osprey Atmos 65
Boots (shoes): Merrell Moab (I don't like boots)
Tent: Nemo Meta 2p
Bag: Marmot Sawtooth 15 (if cold), Marmot Down Bridger 40 (warm)
Pad: Big Agnes Insulated Air Core
Stove: Jetboil SOL (and fuel for deeprig)
Cookware: GSI collapsable bowl and cup, Light my fire spork
Hat: Smartwool beanie if cold, no hat if warm
Socks: Smartwool boot liner
Shorts (pants): Northface convertible
Rain jacket: Mountain Hardware shell
Knive: Leatherman Wave
Gun: Colt New Agent (.45 ACP)
Hydration: 2 liters in Nalgene, Katadyn Hiker Pro filter
Headlamp: Black Diamond Storm
Trekking Poles: Black Diamond Trail Shock Compact

Luxury items: Big Agnes Helinox chair, Exped pillow, liter of Four Roses SB in a Nalgene

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You forgot fuel.

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Didn't list fuel, as I haven't found a whole lot of difference between the brands that work with the MSR stove. For this trip I'm taking one 3.9 oz Optimus butane cartridge.

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Pack: Osprey Atmos 65
Boots (shoes): Merrell Moab (I don't like boots)
Tent: Nemo Meta 2p
Bag: Marmot Sawtooth 15 (if cold), Marmot Down Bridger 40 (warm)
Pad: Big Agnes Insulated Air Core
Stove: Jetboil SOL (and fuel for deeprig)
Cookware: GSI collapsable bowl and cup, Light my fire spork
Hat: Smartwool beanie if cold, no hat if warm
Socks: Smartwool boot liner
Shorts (pants): Northface convertible
Rain jacket: Mountain Hardware shell
Knive: Leatherman Wave
Gun: Colt New Agent (.45 ACP)
Hydration: 2 liters in Nalgene, Katadyn Hiker Pro filter
Headlamp: Black Diamond Storm
Trekking Poles: Black Diamond Trail Shock Compact

Luxury items: Big Agnes Helios chair, Exped pillow, liter of Four Roses SB in a Nalgene

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Forgot about my trekking poles and spork ( ). I have gone back and added them.

Bringing a full on .45? You are being very serious. You might could actually stop a bear with that thing. My 380 would only annoy it and piss it off. I may get me a pillow for the 40 mile trip, as well as some camp shoes/sandals. As tempting as it would be to bring some bourbon, I am going to resist the temptation. But I very much like the way you think. Especially with the Four Roses SB.

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Bringing a full on .45?

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I usually hike in the fall and spring in bear country. I've seen a few and they've all tucked tail and ran, but I just want to be able to at least change their mind if they decide to test me. I have a Kimber Solo 9mm that I've considered taking, but I don't think that could stop a big pissed bear even if I landed 3-4 rounds on it.

The Exped pillows are awesome and tiny in the pack. I use Crocs for camp shoes and deep water crossings. They're light and easy to hook to the pack.

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I usually hike in the fall and spring in bear country. I've seen a few and they've all tucked tail and ran, but I just want to be able to at least change their mind if they decide to test me. I have a Kimber Solo 9mm that I've considered taking, but I don't think that could stop a big pissed bear even if I landed 3-4 rounds on it.

The Exped pillows are awesome and tiny in the pack. I use Crocs for camp shoes and deep water crossings. They're light and easy to hook to the pack.

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I've come face to face with a bear on the Georgia AT and I don't know who was more scared - me or the bear. The bear took one look at me and took off like it was on fire. But it scared the pis* out of me. I also had a bear come by the Mt. LeConte shelter very late one night in the Smoky Mountain National Park. Sucker sounded like a rhino coming through the woods and it sniffed around the corner where I was sleeping, probably about two feet from my head, but separated by stone and the front of the shelter had a bear proof gate (that they have since taken down).

Yeah, my 380 will do nothing to a bear. I'd just shoot hoping the noise will scare it, or shoot my hiking buddy in the knee so I can get away faster or something.

Thanks for the tip on the pillow. I will definitely get one before the 40 miler.

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Why not bear spray?

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I think bear spray is a great option. My friend who is hiking with me will have some. Of course he's threatened to spray it at me while he makes his getaway.

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Yeah, my 380 will do nothing to a bear. I'd just shoot hoping the noise will scare it, or shoot my hiking buddy in the knee so I can get away faster or something.

Thanks for the tip on the pillow. I will definitely get one before the 40 miler.

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9,999 out of 10,000 times the noise will run it off. My first shot will be in the air because I don't want to hurt it. Black bears aren't aggressive by nature, but every once in a while one gets too comfortable around people.

You won't regret the pillow. It's the best 10 oz item in the pack. With that said, my chair is the best 29 oz in the pack. Having a legit chair after a 10 mile hike is awesome.

Awesome. We've done GA and NC parts, VA is next