Back on the Trail

I was idly browsing on REI the other day, and happened across the perfect backpack. I'd been thinking of getting one for a while, ever since my cross-continental hike ended prematurely, but it's really hard to find the right one for my size. Most non-military packs aren't made to accommodate my shoulder width or chest girth. Also, I dislike the bright colors civilian outdoor gear typically comes in. And it was marked way down, to less than a third of its original price.

So I figured, well, since I bought a new pack, I may as well get the rest of the lightweight gear I need, including the replacement for the tent that was destroyed in the storm my last night on the trail (I went with one of these nifty hammocks), and a new sleeping bag that weighs 1/4 what the army one I carried does. And, while I was at it, I figured I'd go ahead and get the thing I'd been looking on REI for in the first place, a super-cool featherweight titanium cook/mess kit and pretty much the smallest/lightest stove in the world which, not coincidentally, fits right inside the mess kit, along with its fuel canister.

And then I figured, well, since I've got all this new stuff, I may as well hike the AT. 

I'm hoping to leave in late February or early March; I want to get a jump on the "bubble", when the bulk of other people start from Georgia in April. That'll mean I'll have some cold nights during the early part of my hike, but I'm getting extra insulating layers for my new hammock, which I can send home to save weight when the weather warms enough, along with a few clothing items.

Between my weight loss and the significantly lightened load, I'll be carrying well over a hundred pounds less than before. I think that, combined with my nifty new high-tech knee brace, will allow me to finish this time. Just to give you an idea of the old/new weight ratio, here are some of the major gear items:

Old
Empty Pack - 12 lbs.
Sleeping Bag - 10 lbs.
Tent, Poles, Stakes, and Sleeping Pad - 9 lbs.
Stove with fuel, Full Fuel Bottle, Mess Kit, Canteen Cup - 5.5 lbs.

New
Empty Pack - 5 lbs.
Sleeping Bag - 2.5 lbs.
Hammock with extra insulating layers for cold weather - 3.5 lbs.
Stove, Cook/Mess Kit. + 2 Fuel Canisters - 1.5 lbs.

So that's 24 pounds saved right there. That alone would make a major difference, and I'm going to try and save even more, and keep my total weight carried between 35 and 45 lbs., including food and water. I hike twice a week on the AT right now with 25, and don't even really feel the pack, so if I could come in at around 35 that would be ideal.

The main thing I need to find is a pet-sitter. Either someone to check in a couple of times a week and refill his food and make sure the house hasn't burned down, or a full-fledged housesitter.