As for equipment, we shot it right down the middle of the road. We certainly weren't in the same league (or even on the same planet) as the Ray Jardine disciples with their ultralight 19-pound packs. (The one Jardinaire who passed us going south -- the only JMT hiker who passed us southbound -- was an over-animated spandex-clad fellow who looked like he was out for a jog around the block. He was going without a sleeping bag or a water filtration system, among other omissions. No thanks, pal.) We went out with around 37 pounds apiece, although this weight fluctuated constantly due to changing water and food loads. We were basically satisfied with our calls on equipment. The MSR Whisperlite suffered a serious malfunction mid-trip, but was replaced without incident by Erik's MSR Dragonfly.
Below, check out David's packing list and then check out what he didn't use. (Note that he went without long pants or tights, something he says that he might re-think given the chilly August mornings. That's the only equipment misgiving he'll cop to.)
- North Face Moraine high-capacity internal frame pack
- housekeys and car key + safety pin
- PCTA maps (the essential maps for the JMT)
- trail permit, lodge reservation docs + trip outline
- pen
- wallet in ziplock bag
- 2 glasses and cases
- chapstick
- Olympus D340 digital camera
- bandana and tissues
- 2 Clif Bars
- 2 Razz Sorbet ClifShot goos
- Swiss Army knife
- matches and Bic lighter
- compass
- extra shoelace
- Ace neoprene knee brace
- REI Jungle Juice insect repellant (large)
- SPF 30 sunscreen(large)
- Motrin (large)
- extra Mylanta tabs
- bandage compress and tape
- SAM splint
- moleskin
- Band-Aids
- antiseptic cream
- hydrocortisone cream
- high-altitude medical emergency note sheet
- Mylanta, Immodium, Benadryl, GasEx, aspirin
- vitamins
- mini toothbrush/paste
- hard candies
- Petzl Micro headlamp
- 1.5 quart water bottle
- North Face Superlight sleeping bag
- MSR Whisperlite stove/fuel bottle/windscreens
- plastic mug
- plastic bowl (4 cup)
- water pot
- plastic fork and spoon
- TP
- mosquito net
- 2 lg . and 2 sm. garbage bags
- water pump
- 3 mesh stuff sacks
- REI Polartec fleece jacket
- North Face Mountain Light parka
- T-shirt
- REI Capilene long-sleeved shirt
- 1 pr. underwear
- 1 pr. Thorlo heavy-duty trekking sox
- 1 pr. inner sox
- 1 shorts
- sleeping pad
- 7x5 plastic sheet
- Tevas
- rope
- hat
- Leki trekking poles
- Garcia Machine bear can
- food
UNUSED- 1 lb. dried fruit
- extra Mylanta tabs
- most of the first aid kit stuff
- Ace knee brace
- mosquito net
- garbage bags
- rope
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