READERS COMMENTS

Following "compass or GPS (and map)" is a very BAD Idea - It should say "compass, map, and the ability to use them PROPERLY, GPS Optional" - Please don't bet your life on electronics!
Posted: Nov 17, 2009 Sean S

The list is a general guide line, not a bible and everybody has their own taste to what is or is not nesessary so adapt to ur personal hiking style.
Posted: Aug 09, 2009 Birra Nulu

honestly, if you use this list verbatim, then it might be a good idea to re-evaluate your goals. While it is a good "starting point", tweak, add, remove as you feel necessary. I live in canada, and believe me, up high in the mountains at night, I've got a shelter. be it a bivy sac, or my tent, but I've got a shelter
Posted: Jul 24, 2009 rendog

I think they meant that the "waterproof" was optional in the hiking boots. Hardly anyone hikes barefoot! I just got of the AT and one day the shelter was full, it was July 17th (when one would think it should be hot)and it got down into the mid 40's at night in Maine. I was quite cold in my hammock. We just use a lexan cup and a lexan spoon. No other utensils and not an insulated cup.
Posted: Jul 20, 2009 karen

I think they meant that the "waterproof" was optional in the hiking boots. Hardly anyone hikes barefoot! I just got of the AT and one day the shelter was full, it was July 17th (when one would think it should be hot)and it got down into the mid 40's at night in Maine. I was quite cold in my hammock. We just use a lexan cup and a lexan spoon. No other utensils and not an insulated cup.
Posted: Jul 20, 2009 karen

And duct tape
Posted: Jul 14, 2009 Timothy

No, hahahaha it says 3 season sleeping bag.
Posted: Jul 08, 2009 JOsh

Welcome to Montana, Spend a few days in the Bear Tooth Range at 8000 - 11000ft and you will want a tent. Hammock's are nice if there are trees to hang them on.
Posted: Jul 03, 2009 Luke

I agree that going tentless is nice when you can, but good luck with that in mosquito country!
Posted: Jun 06, 2009 D.J

I agree that going tentless is nice when you can, but good luck with that in mosquito country!
Posted: Jun 06, 2009 D.J

While not all need a tent everyone should have some form of shelter and no shelter is listed.
Posted: May 09, 2009 Roger

Yeah, what's wrong with pitching a tent?
Posted: Apr 27, 2009 Pressluck

If you look right after t.p, you'll see trowel. A trowel is a lightweight hand shovel. Just in case you didnt know.
Posted: Apr 18, 2009 BigBallJay

A shovel would be a courteous piece of gear too. No on likes to see TP.
Posted: Apr 07, 2009 Elrond

32 oz. water bottles (filter, tablets, or drops)

Doesn't that cover filter?
Posted: Apr 06, 2009 Jonny Balls

Unless you're used to drinking Mexican tap water, I would suggest a water filter system too.
Posted: Apr 05, 2009 Cody

It would also be smart to carry some type of first aid kit just in case of injuries along the trail.
Posted: Mar 20, 2009 damnskippy

I use a US issue jungle hammock w/canopy + mosquito netting. Light weight, comfortable(never sleep on the ground) and sheds all but the worst rain. Wouldn't recommend it for winter, but absolutely wonderful for spring/summer/fall.
Posted: Jan 12, 2009 Jay

Only a wus sleepes in a tent.
Posted: Nov 02, 2008 Doug

I can't remember the last time I hiked with a tent. I have recently logged 30 nights on the trail and never once slept in a tent. However a good portion of those nights were spent in a shelter on the AT, the other night were spent under or the stars or until a rain fly. I will usually always bring a rain fly with me and use my trekking poles to create shelter to sleep in when it's raining. I've slept in 70 degree temps all the way down to 0 degree temps. My two walled shelter has seen rain, snow, hail, and of course a mixture of all three. I presonally don't seen the need for a tent in my type of hiking conditions.
Posted: Oct 20, 2008 Sean

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