The fear in the pack

We are getting very close to striking out on this big adventure. I have found myself looking on Facebook at the other folks planning to hike the AT this year. It looks like nearly everyone has the need to post the contents of their pack for the world to see and comment on. And some of those comments are not at all kind or helpful.

When I take the time to really study the contents of a fellow hikers pack it occurs to me that I am being given the privilege of seeing their fears. Once you look past the tent, sleeping bag and pack everything becomes more or less optional and our fears drive what we choose to put in our pack. Some are easy to spot, say 2 canisters of bear spray. Some make you laugh, say waterproof socks AND waterproof boot covers. My pack in 2013 had 20 lbs of fear in it. Too much food, too many clothes, too much first aid and spares of everything I deemed critical.

So, when I stepped back to look for the fears in my pack this week it took a moment to spot. It is still my fear of being cold. I’m from Texas where the down puffy comes out and the car seat warmers go on whenever the temperature falls below 40 degrees. But we live in New Hampshire now where I find myself in my tee shirt shoveling snow when it’s 22 degrees! When we set out to hike the AT in 2013 I had long johns, long pants, long sleeve shirt, down jacket and Gore Tex shell, Thinsulate gloves, wool cap and I was still cold when the temps fell into the teens. So this winter, in preparation for this hike I set out to assemble a light weight and compact layering system that would keep me warm down to 15 degrees. I also wanted sun protection AND mosquito protection for the summer.

The full layering system for cold weather, hot weather, sunny days, rainy days and mosquito season.

So there it is. On the warmest days I will hike with a pair of running shorts and a running shirt. For cool days I might add the long pants and/or my long sleeve sun shirt. When it starts getting cold I’ll add the Melanzana sweater and hat, and my wool REI glove liners. Windy and cold calls for the Zpack’s rain pants and waterproof mits and the super lightweight Outdoor Vital’s rain jacket. I carry a buff in case my neck or face get cold. The shoes, socks and gators are the same year round.

Heading out for a 3 mile walk after 14” of snow. Temp was 30 and winds were 30. But the sun was shining!

Today was a good test of the coldest we will likely encounter on the trail. 30 degrees with 30 mph winds. I was not only warm, I was almost tempted to remove a layer after about 20 minutes of walking. The whole system weighs in at just over 2 lbs and packs into a bag the size of a cantaloupe. And it is comfortable to wear while hiking.

So, the next time you set out on an adventure take a moment to see how much fear you are carrying in your pack/trunk/suitcase/purse/guitar case/cargo shorts. And then set out to acknowledge and confront your fear. You never know how much of the excess weight you are carrying can be left behind!