I would spend the money on a good sheath/survival knife anyway... and decent sharpening gear. But, hey, it's just another excuse to buy a knife for me...
Most bears are afraid of people so they usually will just run away. Unless a mother feels her cubs are in danger, then your screwed.
I carried a gerber mutiltool in Afghanistan, piece of cheap shit. If i were to do this trip, i'd carry a decent multitool, leatherman/swiss tool, as well as a good multipurpose sheath knife. Walking stick/poles are invaluable, particularly when river crossing/animal encounters etc...
You can spend a ton of money doing this, but you really dont need too.
I only used my gerber for basic stuff the cleaning weapons or opening packages. Always wanted a leatherman but they're so expensive. I guess it would be worth it for a long trip like this though.
This, I also second a good walking stick, not one of those light weight extendable things either, a good strong wood pole acts as a walking stick, a lever, a center pole of a makeshift tent, etc, etc. Avoid uni-taskers, everything you carry needs to justify it's weight. The more you carry the more you'll be tired and the more calories you'll burn, which will require more food weight. Stick to a light weight lifestyle, and use those small towns to re-stock and re-rejuvenate. That and plan your major stopping points in advance, where you sleep each night might change based on how you're feeling, but the big rest and refuel points should be known, they'll help with having goals.You can spend a ton of money doing this, but you really dont need too.
This, I also second a good walking stick, not one of those light weight extendable things either, a good strong wood pole acts as a walking stick, a lever, a center pole of a makeshift tent, etc, etc. Avoid uni-taskers, everything you carry needs to justify it's weight. The more you carry the more you'll be tired and the more calories you'll burn, which will require more food weight. Stick to a light weight lifestyle, and use those small towns to re-stock and re-rejuvenate. That and plan your major stopping points in advance, where you sleep each night might change based on how you're feeling, but the big rest and refuel points should be known, they'll help with having goals.
Sorry if this sounds preachy, I sure as fuck haven't done this and I'm jealous of your opportunity. Just some of the tid bits I've learned hiking in the region and what I've kept as sound advice for my future attempt at the same. By the way, have you read "A Walk in the Woods?"
The light weight aluminum walking sticks do seem to work well with kifaru tarps so that part of my advice may be off.....
1- Pelican case (for phone/wallet/camera/etc)
2- Poncho liner (optional)
3- Tarp (optional)
4- 1 man tent (optional)
I'd add something for treating/filtering water to the list and a GPS. Make sure whenever you do go you leave a detailed plan with someone including route, check-in times. People get lost/sick on the trail every year and without an idea of where they are some are never found. This is where a SPOT device or something can be handy, but even having your GPS coordinates can literately be a life saver. From what I've heard/read there is cell reception for most of the trail to be able to at least get a text out.
I'd love to get a Grayman.
When my buddy did it, I remember him sending home a bunch of gear as he realized it was unnecessary weight. Looking through his Facebook page yesterday, he went through two packs and lost 65 pounds in 190 days. One thing he also chimed in a lot on was it not being a race.
1- Plastic bag, zip lock/MRE drink bag
2- No need if you have a sleeping bag, and a sleeping bag is far superior.
3- Use a poncho, wear it and sleep under it, two birds with one stone.
4- Again, use a poncho. Also get a gortex bivi bag for your sleeping bag.
I always take my Yarborough knife with me when I go hiking. Its big enough to replace a small hatchet, and holds an edge incredibly well.I would spend the money on a good sheath/survival knife anyway... and decent sharpening gear. But, hey, it's just another excuse to buy a knife for me...
I wouldn't trust a plastic bag with my phone in it, would be too afraid of it cracking the screen. I was just thinking about the poncho liner on the cold days since I'd be starting early on the trail. I used to use the poncho liner while inside the sleeping bag on field ops in the winter, warm as hell. I am looking for a bivy cover though
There are small, waterproof hard cases for phones etc... I had one but don't use it now, it's not a bad idea, I got mine from either REI or EMS but what are you going to that would really require it? If you pack your gear properly it will be protected.
Poncho liner, well why not just get a decent/warmer sleeping bag? You wont need it once you start walking. Up to you though.
I'd recommend taking a light (Bic etc...) water proof matches and something like a firesteel/magnesium block, as well as tinder (clothes dryer lint etc...).
Take a cups canteen/steel cup, that you can cook/heat with.
Remember, when things go bad, you need to get out of the rain/snow, get warm and drink.
get a thermarest lightweight pad .... it will save your life in the cold.
Is there a specific one that's best?