Gear List/Gear Review

**posted 11/9/12**
Well, I never kept up very well what exactly what I had in my pack.  It was a constant evolution as I discovered what I needed, what I didn't need, gear upgrades, etc.  Anyhow, here is my gear review of what I had, what Kyle had, and my opinions on everything, as well as Kyle's (to the best of my knowledge).

Keala's Gear

I am 5'3, 125lbs

BACKPACK: ULA Circuit (S pack, S hipbelt)
MSRP: $225
WEIGHT: 39 oz (2lb, 7oz)

THE GOOD: I *LOVE* this pack.  It is so versatile and spacious, and you have so many different options on how to pack things.  This is especially important as your gear changes, and when you get a bear canister.  Also, I love how you can get different sized hip belts and packs (good for people who are tall and skinny, etc).  It is durable and has survived the entire hike with no damages.  This is a great pack for someone like me who isn't going completely minimal, but still wants a UL pack.  There is a reason why at lest 1 in 5 people on trail had this pack.
THE BAD:  You shouldn't load it with more than 35 lbs.  They state this on their website.  This holds true for pretty much all ultra-light packs.  If you overload it, not only does it feel like crap but you will damage your pack.
IF I COULD DO IT AGAIN:  I would choose this pack.  LOVE IT.
OTHER POPULAR PACKS: the ULA Circuit is the singlemost popular pack i saw on trail. also, tons of hikers with the Osprey Exos, Osprey Atmos, and other various osprey packs


TENT: TARPTENT NOTCH (1-person)
MSRP: $259
WEIGHT: 26oz (1lb, 10oz)

THE GOOD: Loved the versatility of this tent.  Very comfy for one person in the tub.  The mesh inner separates from the outer, and both can be used separately.  Lots of room under the vestibule to store you pack, cook, etc.  Most of the time I would be sitting in my tent, in my sleeping bag, and cooking, when it was cold.  Once you figure it out, it sets up *super quick*.
THE BAD: As with any other ultralight tent, there is a learning curve to setting it up.  It will be awkward and annoying at first but once you figure it out you can set it up in a little over a minute.  In high wind or rain, you'll want to have extra stakes to stake down the struts.  I've had the tent collapse on me a few times when I didn't properly secure it.
IF I COULD DO IT AGAIN:  I would choose this tent for a 1-person tent, or the Big Agnes Fly Creek UL 1.
OTHER POPULAR TENTS: i saw quite a few people with the Notch.  Also i've seen many Tarptent Contrals, Tarptent Rainbows, but by far the most popular is the Big Agnes Fly Creek UL1.  Also, the Six Moon Designs poncho/tarp tent i've seen a few of too.  Keep in mind the more minimalist you go, the less protection you'll have in bad weather.


TENT: STEPHENSON'S WARMLITE (2 PERSON 4-SEASON)
MSRP: $558
WEIGHT: 2.9lbs

THE GOOD:  This tent is pretty much bulletproof.  It will stand up to extreme elements.  It sets up incredibly quickly and efficiently, and the way it is designed, you don't necessarily need to stake it into the ground, you can secure it with rocks or a branch, whatever is availible.  This is a GREAT tent for winter camping (not much else).  VERY spacious inside (too much, actually)
THE BAD:  The thing I've discovered about 4 season tents is that it sucks unless its snowing or you're in crappy weather.  The ventilation is not good, so on the days it was 100*F+ we were dying inside.  The bright obnoxious color is not condusive to stealth camping.  The curved poles are a pain in the ass to pack, as a thru-hiker.  It was way too spacious inside, and all that extra tent material = extra weight.  All in all, this is NOT a practical tent for through hiking.
IF I COULD DO IT AGAIN:  I would get the Big Agnes Fly Creek UL 2 PLATINUM.   


GROUNDCLOTH: TYVEK
MSRP: usually around $1/ft.  I got mine for $12 that was already cut in the shape of my TarpTent
WEIGHT: very light

THE GOOD: lightweight, doubled as my hitchiking sign
THE BAD: after a lot of wear, water will seep through
IF I COULD DO IT AGAIN: i'd still use tyvek still but replace it once every 800 or 900 miles   
  


SLEEPING BAG: BIG AGNES PEGGY SL 15* DOWN (PETITE SIZE)
MSRP: $358 (I bought on clearance for $136)
*This item is discontinued.
WEIGHT: 2lb

THE GOOD:  This was an *amazing* sleeping bag, especially for the price.  I LOVE it.  I'm short, so the petite size bag was perfect!  Lightweight
THE BAD:  Did not maintain loft as well as Kyle's bag did, but I guess thats what you get between a $350 bag and a $500 bag.  The part of the bag by your back does not have any down it in.  The reasoning is, when down is smashed, it does not insulate.  So they just didn't fill that part of the bag, to save weight.  Therefore, this is designed to be used with a sleeping pad. 
IF I COULD DO IT AGAIN: I would use this bag.


DRY BAG: STOIC WATERPROOF (S & M)
MSRP: $10 AND $14
WEIGHT: 3.2 oz and 4 oz

THE GOOD: its waterproof. i've swam in the ocean with these bags.  the air release is nice
THE BAD: doesn't compress as well as an actual compression sack.  plus the shape of the bag kinda weird when full so it doesn't pack efficiently
IF I COULD DO IT AGAIN: i upgraded to the e-vent compression sack for my sleeping bag at Kennedy Meadows (mile 700), and made a tyvek stuff sack for my clothes (Ashland, OR mile 1800)


COMPRESSION SACK: SEA TO SUMMIT E-VENT COMPRESSION DRY SACK (M)
MSRP: $29.95
WEIGHT: 5.2oz

THE GOOD: I switched from the dry bag to this at kennedy meadows (mile 700), after seeing how awesome Kyle's was.  we both learned the hard way that it DOES work.  in the rain, this bag got soaked in the bottom of my pack, but the sleeping bag inside stayed dry yay!
THE BAD: i don't think theres anything bad about this.  it is *amazing*
IF I COULD DO IT AGAIN:  *HIGHLY* recommend this item


SLEEPING PAD: THERMAREST RIDGEREST (REGULAR)
MSRP: $25
WEIGHT: 14oz

THE GOOD: cheap, lightweight, WARM, comfortable
THE BAD: not very compact
IF I COULD DO IT AGAIN: it would be nice to have the neo-air lite but they're expensive and i don't think i'd want to inflate and deflate the mattress everynight.  i am stoked on the ridgerest and would use it again.
OTHER POPULAR PADS: the z-rest is by far the most popular pad.  also, the inflatable Thermarest Neo-air lite, but thats a $160 investment and everyone i know who owns one has popped it at least once.


SOLAR CHARGER: GOAL ZERO NOMAD 7 W/BATTERY PACK
MSRP: $159 (I originally bought it for $120)
WEIGHT: 1.2lbs

THE GOOD: I used this til about mile 350.  It charges very fast and is the most efficient solar charger.  It has loops where you can attach it to your pack.
THE BAD:  It is HEAVY.  Maybe I could have gone without the battery pack, or with the smaller panels (half the size).  I am not careful with electronics so I scratched the hell out of the panels.  It doesn't work as well when the panels are scratched.
IF I COULD DO IT AGAIN:  I upgraded to the ReVolve solar charger at El Cajon Pass (mile 350)


SOLAR CHARGER: REVOLVE xeMILO
MSRP: $100
WEIGHT: 10oz

THE GOOD: It is compact and all-in-one.  Theres a prong that pops on on the back of this where you can plug it directly into the wall.  You can charge the charger and have stuff plugged in the USB ports charging at the same time.  It is lighter than the Goal Zero charger I had, but doesn't charge as fast.
THE BAD: Theres no loops or anything to clip it onto your pack.  I put it in a clear ziplock bag and clipped that to my pack.  When the ziplock became very scratched, it didn't work very well.  It is still too heavy.
IF I COULD DO IT AGAIN:  I decided to go with a battery pack instead of a solar charger.
OTHER POPULAR SOLAR CHARGERS: I saw a lot of people with the Solio Bolt but I haven't heard any positive reviews on it from other hikers.


BATTERY PACK: REVOLVE RESCUE 7000
MSRP: $60
WEIGHT: 8oz

THE GOOD: Lighter weight than the solar charger.  Charged my iphone 3GS about 2+ times.
THE BAD: It works great, and I like it, but still too heavy.
IF I COULD DO IT AGAIN: I would get the Brunton Inspire battery pack.  That is the one you want.  Many hikers have it, and they say its awesome.


WATER FILTRATION: BLEACH (A SMALL VIAL OF BLEACH)
MSRP: free (top of at motels/trail angel houses, a 2 oz vial will last about 1,000 miles)
WEIGHT: almost nothing
POPULAR WATER FILTER:  1/2 the people i met have a sawyer squeeze.  I almost got one myself, but honestly bleach works just fine.  I know people who filtered their water and still got giardia so who knows.  Just save yourself the weight and use bleach.  If the water is really gross, filter it through your bandana first.  You'll probably only encounter at most 2 or 3 sources where its *that* bad.


KITCHEN: POT: MSR TITAN KETTLE .85L
MSRP: $60
WEIGHT: 4.2oz

THE GOOD: i LOVE this pot.  you can boil over 4 cups of water at a time, which is enough for 2 dinners.  Kyle and I were pretty much cooking exclusively out of my pot, because i could boil enough water for the both of us
THE BAD: no complaints
IF I COULD DO IT AGAIN: i would use this pot again.  It is a popular pot among hikers.
 


KITCHEN: STOVE: CALDERA CONE SYSTEM
MSRP: $34.95
WEIGHT: light

THE GOOD: LOVE it!  it is super efficient and awesome.  it is also very stable so a clumsy person like myself will not knock it over.  the flame is more or less enclosed so its less likely that i'll catch myself on fire.
THE BAD: the windscreen is kind of weird to pack.  most people ditch that plastic caddy.  i kept it in the caddy.  that caddy comes in *very* handy for all kinds of purposes, so i recommend taking it with you.  the fuel bottle that comes with the kit leaks.  don't use it.  use a tiny water bottle instead.
IF I COULD DO IT AGAIN: i would use this again

KITCHEN: STOVE: CALDERA CONE SYSTEM
MSRP:
WEIGHT:
THE GOOD:
THE BAD:
IF I COULD DO IT AGAIN:



CLOTHING: RAIN SHELL: MOUNTAIN HARDWARE GORETEX TYPHOON
MSRP: $200 (I got it for $70)
WEIGHT: 10oz

THE GOOD: it is AMAZING
THE BAD: n/a
IF I COULD DO IT AGAIN: i would use this jacket again



CLOTHING: RAIN PANTS: GOLITE TUMALO PERTEX 2.5 LAYER PANTS
MSRP: $50
WEIGHT: 7oz

THE GOOD: um...they're lightweight?
THE BAD: these pants were not very waterproof at all.  i pretty much got soaked through them.  so did Doe Eyes, who had the exact same pants I did.  it really sucks to find out in the rain that your rain gear is not waterproof enough...
IF I COULD DO IT AGAIN: i would get pants with a higher waterproof rating


CLOTHING: INSULATING JACKET: MONTBELL UL THERMAWRAP BC JACKET WOMENS
MSRP: $120 (I got it for $60)
WEIGHT: 7oz

THE GOOD: I bought this off a friend, and when I first saw the jacket i thought, there is no way this will keep me warm.  It is AMAZING.  I have no idea how such little material can keep me so insulated!  LOVE it!
THE BAD: sizes run small and it fits me kinda weird.  I have a M, and its kinda tight around the chest.  but hey, its functional so i don't really care.  its also somewhat form-fitting, so as to fit under other layers.
IF I COULD DO IT AGAIN: love this jacket
POPULAR INSULATING JACKETS: patagonia nano puff, mamrmot driclime windshirt (thats what Kyle had)


CLOTHING: LIGHT, MEDIUM, HEAVYWEIGHT SHIRT

MOUNTAIN HARDWARE WICKED LITE

MSRP: $45, THE GOOD: *super* lightweight, quickdrying, and breezy, i LOVE this shirt!! plus it always seems to look clean so when you go into towns you look less funk-y, THE BAD: n/a, IF I COULD DO IT AGAIN: i would have started with this shirt.  I actually started with a Dakine paddle shirt, which is similar to this shirt but not as breezy

 PATAGONIA CAPILENE 2 3/4 ZIP

MSRP: $50 (I got it for $26), THE GOOD: great midweight baselayer!  a little bit of warmth, THE BAD: not as durable as it shoudl be, IF I COULD DO IT AGAIN: i like this shirt, i would use it again

 ICEBREAKER BODYFIT 260 OLYMPIA 3/4 ZIP

MSRP: $100 (i got it for $50) , THE GOOD: very warm and comfy!  i love this shirt, i kept this in my bounce box most of the time for town wear, THE BAD: it never got cold enough for me to need this, until the last week. , IF I COULD DO IT AGAIN: i would buy this shirt again

CLOTHING: BRA: HONEY GIRL JULES REVERSIBLE TRIANGLE SPORT TOP

MSRP: $42, THE GOOD: this is an amazing top, I love it!  plus it is reversible, double win!  good support for busty people, this is a durable top, it lasted me the whole trip!, THE BAD: nothing, IF I COULD DO IT AGAIN: i highly recommend this top!

 
CLOTHING: UNDERWEAR: GENERIC SYNTHETIC UNDERWEAR FROM ROSS

MSRP: $5 for a 3pack at Ross, THE GOOD: this was great!!!  i pretty much wore this pair through the entire trail, occasionally rotated it out with another pair, THE BAD: n/a, IF I COULD DO IT AGAIN: stoked!  HA!  take that, Ex Officio with your $40 underwear!  these lasted me the whole trail and only costed $5 for 3!

CLOTHING: SKIRT (HOMEMADE)

MSRP: free, THE GOOD: this lasted me 2,200 miles!!  quick drying, breezy, ultra lightweight, THE BAD: i only made one, IF I COULD DO IT AGAIN: make another one and mail it to myself towards the end of the trail

CLOTHING: LEGGINGS: I/O BIO MERINO CONTACT 2 TIGHTS

MSRP: $90 (I paid $30 or $40 for them), THE GOOD: super comfortable, i really liked these, would have needed something thicker in colder weather though, THE BAD: i dropped them on the trail somewhere.  damn, IF I COULD DO IT AGAIN: i would have these, and also a thicker pair in my bounce box.

FOOTWEAR: VIBRAM 5 FINGERS SPYRIDON

MSRP: $120, THE GOOD: i love walking barefoot and this was the closest i could get, i LOVE these shoes, THE BAD:these shoes are not for everyone.  if you're not used to hiking barefoot, you want to slowly wean yourself onto them, otherwise you may get hurt.  there were several hikers who got injured from wearing these, IF I COULD DO IT AGAIN:i'd most definitely use these again

 

FOOTWEAR: MONTRAIL MOUNTAIN MASOCHIST

MSRP: $80-$100 (I got mine for around $40), THE GOOD:i don't generally like shoes, buti LOVED these.  so comfortable, especially if you have wide feet.  the tread is very grippy so its great on rocks, a very breathable and lightweight shoe, THE BAD:n/a, IF I COULD DO IT AGAIN:i would use these shoes again

OTHER POPULAR SHOES: by far the most popular thru-hiker shoes are the Brooks Cascadias, followed by Montrails.  Salomon shoes were also abundant, and everyone who had the La Sportiva Wildcats said it was amazing.  that was the shoe Kyle finished in.


FOOTWEAR: CHACO FLIP FLOPS

MSRP: $60, THE GOOD: I really like these flip flops, they are SUPER durable, comfortable, and has good arch support, THE BAD: they are HEAVY.  too heavy to use as a camp shoe.  i was hiking in these for a long time and I would have stuck with it but it was slowing me down because i had to be super careful where i stepped, IF I COULD DO IT AGAIN: i wouldn't bring these on the trail

FOOTWEAR:CHACO SANDALS

MSRP: $100, THE GOOD: they're durable, and i know of hikers who have done an entire thru hike in these, THE BAD:they are heavy and did not fit me well, not wide enough and too long, IF I COULD DO IT AGAIN: i would not use them again

FOOTWEAR: GENERIC FLIP FLOPS
i hiked in these for a while, it worked, but i wouldn't do it over long distances.  if you can find really lightweight ones, they make for great camp shoes.  so do Crocs (a popular choice).  i got some $2 super light flip flops at a thrift store that lasted me the whole trip.


FOOTWEAR: INJINJI TOE SOCKS

MSRP: $10, THE GOOD: no blisters!!, THE BAD: they wear out *really* fast, IF I COULD DO IT AGAIN: i would use these again, or maybe try the Smart Wool toe socks

OTHER POPULAR SOCKS: Darn Tough makes socks that are guaranteed for life.  a lot of times you can just take your old pair to a store and swap it out for a new pair.  they don't make toe socks unfortunately, so that didn't work for me :(


FOOTWEAR: DIRTY GIRL GAITERS

MSRP: $20, THE GOOD: keeps rocks, sand, and some particles out of my shoes, yay!  comes in awesome patterns and designs, THE BAD: n/a, IF I COULD DO IT AGAIN: i'd buy these again

FOOTWEAR: REI GAITERS

MSRP: $40, THE GOOD: i didn't need them until the very end when we were going through rain and snow.  it really helps keep you drier, THE BAD:  if you're trying to wear these on daily basis (i met some hikers who did), its really really hot and not comfortable, IF I COULD DO IT AGAIN: i really liked them, the trail never got overgrown enough to need them bu i would have some again just for rain/snow

GOLITE CHROME DOME UMPRELLA 
MSRP: $40 (usually on sale for $20)
WEIGHT: 8oz

i tied my umbrella to my trekking pole to make it longer

THE GOOD: i LOVE my chrome dome, it is probably my most favorite piece of miscellaneous gear.  not only does it reflect away heat and protect you from the scorching sun, it will protect you from precipitation.  and mild wind as well, when it is cold
THE BAD: its kind of a pain in the butt to store because its long 
IF I COULD DO IT AGAIN:  i would definitely use this again


TREKKING POLES: BLACK DIAMOND ULTRA DISTANCE Z-POLES 110cm
MSRP: $150
WEIGHT: 14oz

THE GOOD: i LOVE these poles.  they are *so* lightweight (carbon fiber), and they really help with my stability
THE BAD: they are fixed length poles, they do not adjust, although most people see this as a negative thing, i like it better like that.  less moving parts=less things that can fail
IF I COULD DO IT AGAIN: i would use these again
OTHER POPULAR POLES: many hikers had the Gossamer Gear poles, but every single hiker i knew who owns those has broken them.

Kyle's Gear

Kyle is 6'3, 169lbs

BACKPACK: GOSSAMER GEAR MARIPOSA PLUS
MSRP: $235
WEIGHT: 27oz (1lb 11oz)

THE GOOD: Small, compact and very lightweight.  The new models you can now chose your pack size as well as hipbelt size.  This is a good pack for someone who can keep their base pack weight pretty low.
THE BAD: The website says max load 35lbs, but Kyle said it started to feel like crap after about 30 lbs.  The pack is also skinnier than my Circuit, and it was very fickle in the way it distributed weight (but all UL packs are like this).  He also had and older model of this pack, which did not have hipbelts.  This new one looks much nicer, with more features.
IF I COULD DO IT AGAIN: Kyle got a new pack halfway though, one that could hold more weight.


BACKPACK: OSPREY KESTREL 48
MSRP: $169
WEIGHT: 3lbs 8oz

THE GOOD: Osprey designs some of the best packs in the world, and seeing the features on this one, now I understand why so many people have Osprey packs on the trail.  There are tons of pockets and straps so you can put things here and there.  The sleeping bag compartment on the bottom is a nice feature that a standard UL pack will not have.  The built in rain cover is *awesome* and so easy to setup.  Osprey has *great* customer service.
THE BAD: As with *any* backpack, make sure you try it on.  This pack comes in a S/M or M/L so its hard if you're a guy like Kyle and is tall and skinny.  He had the M/L pack, and it fit his torso but the hipbelt was too big.  The sternum strap broke on the 3rd day out.  We called Osprey to have them send a replacement part.  Its pretty heavy.
IF I COULD DO IT AGAIN: Kyle says he will probably try a Circuit backpack.


TENT: TARPTENT SUBLITE (1-Person)
MSRP: $199
WEIGHT: 19.5oz (1lb 3.5oz)

THE GOOD: Lightweight, sets up with trekking poles, has good tension.  You can physically fit 2 people inside if you need, but it'll be a tight squeeze.  It is super lightweight.
THE BAD: Is kind of a pain in the ass to setup, he hardly ever used it.  Not much of a breeze in there if its a hot day.
IF I COULD DO IT AGAIN: Kyle says he would get a Notch (the tent i had)


GROUND SHEET: TYVEK
(same thing i had) 


SLEEPING BAG:  MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR PHANTOM 15* DOWN (LONG)
MSRP: $450
WEIGHT: 2lb 4oz

THE GOOD:  It is an incredible bag.  Very tough, very warm, and very soft.  Retains loft very well.  It compresses super tiny and when you unpack it it fluffs up nicely.  It also insulates pretty well even when slightly damp.
THE BAD:  The zipper gets stuck.  I know this seems like a very trite detail, but it is ridiculously annoying when you can't zip up or down without difficulty. 
IF I COULD DO IT AGAIN:  Kyle loved this bag.  It was a little too warm for him, up until the last week when we were in snow.  He is naturally a very warm person though.


COMPRESSION SACK: SEA TO SUMMIT E-VENT COMPRESSION DRY SACK
same as mine, he used the (m) for his sleeping bag and (s, 4.5oz) for his clothing.


SLEEPING PAD: THERMAREST Z-REST
MSRP: $35
WEIGHT: 14 oz

THE GOOD: way more compact than the ridgerest! most people i know cut them to make it smaller.  this is by far the most popular pad on the trail.
THE BAD: its a softer foam and not as comfortable as the ridgerest
IF I COULD DO IT AGAIN: Kyle swapped to the ridgerest (the pad i have) at Kennedy Meadows (mile 700)


BATTERY PACK: REVOLVE RESCUE 2200
MSRP: $40
WEIGHT: 3.8oz

THE GOOD:  small and lightweight, rubber outside prevents slipping.  great if you just need to charge an mp3 player or a small phone
THE BAD: won't charge an iphone more than once.
IF I COULD DO IT AGAIN: Kyle was happy with this



WATER FILTRATION: BLEACH 
(a small vial of bleach)


KITCHEN: POT: SNOW PEAK 700
MSRP: $40
WEIGHT: 4.8oz

THE GOOD: its a nice pot
THE BAD: its taller than it is wide, so i don't think it is as efficient in boiling water than my pot, which is wider than it is tall
IF I COULD DO IT AGAIN: Kyle liked this pot

KITCHEN: STOVE: GENERIC ALCOHOL STOVE AND ALUMINUM WINDSCREEN
MSRP: ?
WEIGHT: light
THE GOOD: Kyle's setup was very compact and he was able to stuff everything inside his pot
THE BAD: the pot sat right on top of the stove so if you have rocky/uneven ground, it can get weird.  also, if it is windy, make sure the fire burns out before you lift up your pot because the stove can blow over, then you'll start a forest fire
IF I COULD DO IT AGAIN: Kyle wants to get a Caldera Cone windscreen.  they come custom sized to fit your pot,


CLOTHING: RAIN SHELL: PATAGONIA TORRENTSHELL
MSRP: $120
WEIGHT: 12 oz

THE GOOD: Kyle liked this jacket
THE BAD: n/a
IF I COULD DO IT AGAIN: yup!


RAIN PANTS: REI ULTRALIGHT PANTS
MSRP: $50
WEIGHT: 11oz

THE GOOD: they work!  would be good to have a baselayer undr
THE BAD: n/a
IF I COULD DO IT AGAIN: Kyle liked these pants


CLOTHING: INSULATING JACKET: MARMOT DRICLIME WINDSHIRT
MSRP: $95
WEIGHT: 9oz

THE GOOD: Kyle loves this jacket.  So do I.  It is so soft and comfy, and really warm for how thin and light it is.  And you can find it for a lot cheaper than the Montbell jacket I have.  I know at least 5 other hikers that had this same jacket and they all love it.
THE BAD: n/a
IF I COULD DO IT AGAIN: love this jacket!


CLOTHING: LIGHTWEIGHT, MIDWEIGHT SHIRT
MOUNTAIN HARDWARE WICKED LITE (same as mine)
SMARTWOOL FUNNEL ZIP 

MSRP: $100, THE GOOD: oh my gosh this shirt is so soft, i really like it, even though i wasn't the one who mainly wore it. lol!  its quite warm too, for being so thin.  Kyle really liked this shirt, THE BAD: n/a, IF I COULD DO IT AGAIN: great shirt!

 
CLOTHING: PANTS/SHORTS: KUHL LIBERATOR CONVERTIBLE PANTS

MSRP: $90, THE GOOD: they convert from shorts to pants, THE BAD: Kyle didn't like them too much, he eventually got too skinny for them, and they weren't comfortable, and they were hot underneath, IF I WERE TO DO IT AGAIN: he would have started in his soccer shorts

CLOTHING: SHORTS: ADIDAS SOCCER SHORTS
he switched to these in northern california from the Kuhl shorts, and wore them til the end.  much more comfortable.

CLOTHING: PANTS: REI MIDWEIGHT LONG UNDERWEAR
Kyle pretty much didn't use these the entire trip until the last week.  I actually used it a little too.  I thought they were ok.  It did the job but I would have gone with another material, like smartwool or capilene.



FOOTWEAR: NEW BALANCE
i can't find a picture of the ones he had, but he didn't like these very much, they weren't wide enough in the toe box.


FOOTWEAR: ASICS
I don't know which one he had but he didn't like these very much either.  They just didn't fit him very well.

FOOTWEAR: LA SPORTIVA WILDCAT

MSRP: $110, THE GOOD: Kyle really liked this shoe, it was the one he was originally thinking of buying, before the hike started.  he actually found a pair of these in the hiker box at Cascade Locks, and did all 500 miles of WA in this shoe.  another hiker said he got 1,200 miles from a pair of these, THE BAD: they are expensive, but i think footwear is important and should not be skipped on, IF I COULD DO IT AGAIN: Kyle probably would have started the hike in these shoes

FOOTWEAR: INJINJI TOE SOCKS 
same as mine


TREKKING POLES: REI Traverse PowerLock Trekking Poles
MSRP: $190
WEIGHT: 1lb 4oz

THE GOOD: they are adjustable
THE BAD: the locking mechanism would get loose and the poles would randomly collapse, usually at the worst possible time Kyle stopped using poles after Mammoth and liked it better without poles
IF I COULD DO IT AGAIN: Kyle didn't like these, would not recommend it


STUFF SACKS: REI DITTY BAGS

MSRP: $16.50, THE GOOD: stuff sacks are really important so that you don't end up with a pack full of unorganized crap, THE BAD: not waterproof

updated 3/6/12

This is TENTATIVE and INCOMPLETE.  There will be a lot added and a lot dropped off as the days get closer.