>>855170I'm also a ex boy scout and I've done the AT and PCT. Honestly the "everything including the kitchen sink" philosophy you find at places like Philmont is a really bad idea for long term high mileage backpacking. You won't find ANYBODY on the trail with a >20lb dry pack weight.
>What kind of setup would you recommend then?A complete "standard issue" setup would be something like this:
>PackOsprey Exos. Literally 50% of thru hikers use this pack. If you have some old +4lb thing you might consider investing in a lighter one. Those heavy bags are designed for more weight than you are going to be carrying
>Sleeping Bag15-30 degrees. Of course down if you can afford it
>Sleeping padThermarest Neoair trekker or similar. Thermarest z-lite or plain foam pad works if budget is a concern, but its a few extra ounces and a lot of bulk.
>Cookingjetboil or similar light canister stove. you'll have no problem finding canisters on the trail, usually youll pick them up for free in the "oops i carried too much shit" boxes
bowl, spork
>clothes2x shirts (merino is best for odor resistance and handwashability but really anything works)
1x shorts (light nylon)
1x pants (or zip offs if you dont mind looking like a dork) (light nylon)
2x underwear
3x MERINO socks (this is pretty much a necessity)
hat
several pairs of light hiking shoes or boots. (mail dropped to you) (many people say you are supposed to replace them every few hundred miles, i don't believe that's totally necessary but dont expect to use the same pair the whole time)
>electronics GPS (recommended but not necessary)
phone
camera if youre into that sort of thing
>miscellaneousleatherman, mini roll of duct tape, patch kit for sleeping pad if inflatable, tent pole splint, headlamp, and probably a couple other things im forgetting
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