For me, at least, the most complicated part of preparing for this journey has been in choosing the proper gear. As I am not already an avid hiker/outdoorsman, the first challenge was just to figure out what all this stuff was and what to do with it. Then, it was a matter of getting hands-on experience with just about everything I could get my hands on and then deciding what to get. But it didn't end there. The thing always in the back of your mind is that everything you want to take with you must fit into your backpack. Not only that, the goal is to make your pack as light as possible.

Now there are "ultra-light" elitists who feel that half of their challenge is to make their pack as light as possible. They do things like tearing off tags and labels of clothes and other gear to save a fraction of an ounce here and there, the idea is that ounces add up to pounds. They will cut their toothbrush in half to save weight and may even drill holes in the part of the handle that's left. Their goal is to try and get as close to "0" as possible.

In actuality, making wise gear choices can take care of the weight issue without getting too anal. Choosing items that are inherently lightweight or ultra lightweight and only taking items that can serve two or more roles. For example, taking a tent that uses your hiking poles to stand instead of having to take hiking poles and tent poles. The tricks are numerous, but whether one chooses to the ultra-light extreme way or the merely comfortable way, the universal truth is a lighter pack is a happier pack, resulting in a happier hiker.

Traditionally, the average weight was an accepted 50 pounds or so, but modern improvements in materials and design and a willingness to trade a little comfort for a bigger benefit of a lightweight pack has made it possible to travel at even half that weight.

For my pack weight, I am shooting for a goal of 35 pounds for a full pack, including food and water. Possibly less, but we'll see how it goes as I shake my gear down. Still one month before I start, as of this writing. But without further adieu, here is what I am taking with me.
NOTE: This is Ron's original gear list. He has since replaced several items since the start of the hike.

My "House" consists of my backpack, Sleeping Bag/Pad and tent:

Osprey Aether 60 - This is a relatively lightweight pack - Mine is two years old and they've redesigned the pack a bit with different colors for this year. This pack is 3900 Cubic Inches and is an internal frame model - The weight of this pack is 3 pounds, 12 Ounces.

Big Agnes - Seedhouse 2L Superlight - I wanted the lightest tent I could get but without being cramped with a one person tent or smaller "bivy sack." I also wanted to have a two person tent so I would have room to spread out my gear or pack inside if I wanted. Since I wanted to have as little impact to the environment I was in as possible, green or brown color was mandatory. Filling up a beautiful wooded area with bright orange or blue tent covers is like putting a Wal-Mart in a historic neighborhood - This two person tent is lighter than many one person tents with a trail weight of 2 pounds, 6 ounces.

Western Mountaineering Ultra-light Super - My Cold Weather Bag - The choices for sleeping bags are either down or synthetic - Each has its advantages and disadvantages but I wanted lightweight and ''compressibility.'.' This 20 degree bag weighs a mere 1 pound, 10 Ounces and will compress down to a 5 inch by 7 inch stuff sack.

Slumberjack Tour Lite - My Fall/Cool Weather Bag - This bag is slightly larger and heavier than my down bag, but I didn't have another $300 to shell out for a summer version of it. This bag is still lightweight at around 2 pounds and will compress down nicely - It's rated for 40 degrees.

Therm-A-Rest Trail Lite Sleeping Pad - I wanted an inflatable mattress, but a small one to cut down on weight and size. This pad is the smallest one and weighs 1 pound, 5 ounces.

Mini Trangia Cookset - For my stove, I chose the Trangia alcohol stove. I love this particular set which comes with stove, windscreen, teflon frying pan, pot and flame size adjuster thingy. Most people who take alcohol take a variation of the aluminum coke can stove, but the problem with that is you can't regulate the flame and have to empty it of remaining fuel after each meal. With the Trangia, I can adjust the flame height and simply screw on the cap when I'm done cooking with the alcohol inside.

I have used this set for everything from stews to pancakes. 12 Ounces

Snow Peak Titanium Spork - Ok, so this is geeky. Many people just take a plain old steel spoon or a lexan spoon which is lighter, but which also melts easier.

NorthFace Lightspeed - This breathable shell is my outer layer for rain which will probably account for many of my first days on the trail. It is lightweight, packable, and North Face gear always makes me a big hit with the ladies :) Er... with my wife, I mean.

Marmot Driclime Vest - This is my second base layer when I need a little more warmth than my base layer can provide, but less warmth than my insulation layer will give me. This will be my outer layer while hiking in the cool weather unless it's raining in which case I'll have my rain shell on as well.

On a side note, I asked Marmot if they would help sponsor me with some rain pants I needed and I only got a cheap postcard with a canned "thanks but no thanks" paragraph printed onto a label that was hastily affixed to the back of the card. I at least mailed them a nicely written business letter.

I guess they have to cut down on their expenses when vests like this one only sell for $70. Adding a pair of sleeves for their jacket version of this vest is an additional $30. Cheapskates.

Underarmor UA Tech Long-sleeve Mock - This is my base layer - It's called a UA Tech Long-sleeve Mock instead of a polyester undershirt because that's how they justify the $34.95 pricetag. This will help whisk the sweat and perspiration away from my body to keep me dry. Hikers generally don't wear cotton because cotton gets wet quickly, doesn't dry and helps kill you faster with hypothermia when the weather gets chilly.

Western Mountaineering Meltdown Down Jacket - This 850 Plus goose down jacket is the toastiest jacket I've ever seen. It packs into a tiny stuff sack and weighs only 17 ounces! This will be my insulation layer.

Asolo Fusion 95 GTX - Probably the most important piece of gear are the boots which is why it took me 6 visits to the local outfitter to make sure I had the right ones. When looking for hiking boots, find the most experienced boot fitter and let him/her choose your boots for you based upon your foot size and measurements. Looks should ALWAYS be secondary to fit/comfort/weight. I purchased two pair.

10 Foot Pole - This favorite of dungeon adventurers can be used for defense or offense, carrying my rucksack or other tasks common while exploring indoor and outdoor adventure realms.

50 Feet of Rope - Nothing is more undaunting on the trail than trying to figure out how to descend into a spider-filled cavern without a rope. Being stalked by a fire hound or chased by a gelatinous cube? Simply toss up into a tree and pull yourself to safety. Everyone should have one.

Oil Flasks - No self respecting adventurer would venture out into the unknown without 2d6 worth of oil flasks. These can serve as light sources, weapons or even for use as barter items with some of the more unusual folks adventurers typically meet while exploring the lands..

Two Handed Greatsword - This giant two handed sword gives me +5 to hit against hillbillies (Only +3 if they are drunk) and if I can roll 15 or higher on a d20, all blisters on my feet are healed instantly. It's a bit heavy at 20 pounds, but it does make a fashion statement on the trail.

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