Gear List Review Request for JMT Thru-Hike
Hi all, I'm planning to hike the JMT NoBo this year in early August, starting at Cottonwood Pass and exiting at Happy Isles in (target) 17 days. I'd like some feedback on my gear list:
https://lighterpack.com/r/6tb8xt
I purchased 2 new pieces of gear for this trek that I haven't had the chance to test yet (still shipping), the Durston Kakwa 55 pack and the Katabatic Flex 15 quilt. If for whatever reason these pieces don't fit, I have a backup pack and sleeping bag that will add about 2ish pounds.
This will be my first backpacking trip longer than 2-3 nights and my first long solo trip, so any suggestions and words of advice / encouragement would be appreciated! I've taken many 2-3 night trips before and feel comfortable , but I'm concerned about the mental challenges of hiking alone for 2.5 weeks (especially because the average daily mileage in my current itinerary is a bit more than my previous treks). For reference, I'm in my mid-20s and live at sea level.
(ETA: I'm actually located in CA and have taken a couple trips in the Sierras at altitude (camping / hiking above 11k): I day-hiked Whitney, summitted Langley via Old Army Pass, went over New Army Pass last week, etc. Other than the standard shortness of breath and early-onset fatigue, I've been fortunate enough to not experience any symptoms of altitude sickness. I have a bit of familiarity with the Sierra landscape but the length and strenuousness of the JMT are definitely still intimidating.)
Please share items you wish you had / hadn't brought. I've had many "a-ha" moments from reading other posts in this sub!
Thanks all in advance.