Never have I spent so much time researching and considering every single item that I am putting in my pack. Then again, never have I tried to walk so far with my life's possessions on my back.

Below is my current gear list, broken down into somewhat-arbitrary subsystems. Hikers tend to pay careful attention to how light their pack is, and while I could be carrying a lighter load, I'm happy with where the weight is at for my first thru-hike. Putting numbers to my load:

• Pack Base Weight (weight of pack and its carried gear, less food, water, and fuel): 16.7 pounds
• Total Base Weight (pack base weight + equipment worn): 20.1 pounds
• Average Total Pack Weight (total base weight + 3L water, 3 days of food assuming 2.5lbs/day, and a small isobutane canister): 34.7 pounds