sleeping bag/stove update

Me and Zach made the drive to Johnson City, TN (a beautiful drive actually) on friday in search of Western Mountianeering sleeping bags. Our trip was partially successful, even after our extreme annoyance that the Pizza Hut in Elizabethton calls itself "Pizza Hut: Italian Bistro" ( I mean really?). We did find WM sleeping bags but not the one I've been looking at. However, I did crawl into one that had the same height and specs as the Versalite. The regular size height (6') was a perfect fit. Unfortunately the girth was a little big for me to heat on cold Appalachian nights, since your body is what actually keeps you warm (the bag just holds your heat in). The sales guy and i both decided something in hight 50" range was more what i needed (perhaps you haven't noticed but I'm a little on the scrawny side), whereas the Versalite is roughly 64" in girth at the shoulders. luckily I discovered that the Western Mountaineering Apache MF come in a 15 degree rated bad with a 59" girth at the shoulders ( I really really need a tape measure!). So it is possible that the Apache accompanied by a lightweight bagliner would serve me really well, as it is the same weight as the Versalite and about $50 cheaper. The trip was not wasted though, I came home with a new stove. This was not the Jetboil I intended to go with but operates on roughly the same concept. I got the MSR Reactor which packs into its own stove like the Jetboil at only 5 oz. more. The reactor does have a larger pot which lessens the possibility of boil over and also allows you to pack a larger fuel canister. The coolest thing is that the Reactor doesn't even have a flame, it works a lot like a space heater. Sounds weird I know but here's a video demonstration .

estimated cost of gear so far... assuming i stick with these

1. Jetboil System with support and stabilizer $99
2. Jetboil Maintenance Kit $9.95
3. Jetboil cozy $9.95
4. Nunatuk Ghost $307
5. Western Mountaineering Versalite $410
6. Wolfpacks Banzai $79
7. Rough potential pack cost ~$400 (Based on arc'teryx Bora 80)
   

So This is Where it Begins I suppose

So it looks like my dog, Beau, and I will be thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail next year. We will be traveling northbound from Georgia to Maine. I am somewhat worried about Beau during the early months and what I will have to do with him at the Great Smokies and Baxter State Park, as neither allow dogs. Oddly though, the Smokies are full of coyotes. The first months are sure to be chilly, as I am well aware of how unpredictable mountain weather can be in the spring. I suppose my first step here is to start listing gear that will need to be purchased before next spring. Later I think I will be posting my itinerary as well as addresses for mail drops for all those who might be interested i helping out or sending me letters on the trail.

The Shopping List

1. New pack (to be purchased after all other gear). Must be able to carry larger loads comfortably while maintaining some lightness.
2. 2 sleeping bags. (a) A bag with a temperature rating enough to keep me warm during the early months and possibly the later months. (b) A lighter lower temp rating bag for the hot/humid summer months. Potential candidates are the Western Mountaineering Versalite rated at 10 F and only 20 ounces. For the warmer bag, the Nunatuk ghost bag rated for 32F and weighing in at 14 ounces.
3. Sleeping pad to keep me off the cold cold ground. Normally I'd say to hell with this, but after the disastrous New Years Eve adventure of 2007, this seems like a worthwhile hassle.
4. Jetboil Personal Cooking System... 15 ounces and its all I need to cook and eat except utensils.
5. Light eating utensils.
6. Jet Boil Fuel canisters.
7. Guidebook and maps... for obvious reasons.
8. Water nalgene, large water bladder, water purification tablets (lots of water purification tablets), possibly (and by possibly I mean definitely) lightweight nalgene type flask for top shelf bourbon (can double as firestarter).
9. New dog pack for Beau. Most likely the Wolfpack Banzai.
10. Possibly high strength boots for Beauregard. Apparently, the pads of dogs feet become easily damaged when wet. Potential candidate: Granite Gear Endurance Boots
11. Lots of people and dog food. Possibly need to switch Beau's brand for greater caloric and protein intake.
12. Lightweight synthetic clothes for cold and hot weather. Potentially new rain gear dependent on how well what I have holds out.
13. Cheap Bic lighters.
14. Repair supplies for pack and stove.
    

As best as I can tell right now this is the starting gear list. I don't think I will be taking trekking poles, but if I decide that they're needed I have some MSR's that will do fine. I will be wearing (again, most likely) my Montrail boots. For a tent I will be taking my GoLite Hex 3, with proper sleep gear I have total trust in this tent (may need additional waterproofing).