What I carried in my belt pouch or attached to my shoulder straps for handy access. Plus, my trekking poles (both sets).
From left to right:
LT5 Three Piece Carbon Trekking Poles (10.6 oz) VERDICT: ⭐️ The first pole broke on my sixth day out and the second broke on the ninth day. Very disappointing. I relied on my trekking poles a lot, maybe too much so. They really help cushion the impact on my knees on the descents and help me keep my balance when going uphill over the tough, gnarly terrain. I tried a splint using a stick and duct tape when the first one broke but it lasted all of 30 seconds. I was able to have my dad overnight my aluminum Black Diamond trekking poles to the place I was staying at my next town stop, but for the next four days, I used a pair of sticks. 😠
Not shown: Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork Trekking Poles (18 oz) VERDICT: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ These were the spare set my dad sent me after my LT5 carbon fiber poles broke. I should have started with these. Made of aluminum, the ergonomic, natural cork grip was really comfortable and, best of all, they didn't break! Not the lightest option out there but I highly recommend these poles.
Ray Bans (1.0 oz) VERDICT: N/A Never needed them in the "green tunnel." Didn't wear them once.
Finite Glasses Case (1.2 oz) VERDICT: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Kept my unused sunglasses safe.
Swiss Army Executive 81 Knife (0.8 oz) VERDICT: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Kept this in my belt pouch. Almost lost this knife at the Inn at the Long Trail when it fell out. Another hiker found it after I left and graciously ran to the trailhead to get it back to me. A trail angel! This little knife was the perfect size for the few times I had to use it. It has a little toothpick, tweezers, small blade, serrated edge scissors, nail file, and nail cleaner. Highly recommend this lightweight tool.
Purell Hand Sanitizer Gel (1.3 oz) VERDICT: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A bit scarce these days but I had one of the small travel size containers with one end designed to hold a small carabiner (or string) to hang from my shoulder strap for easy access like this one. I would refill it with an extra 1 oz bottle I kept in my pack. Used it every time I went.
Sawyer Insect Repellant (20% picaridin) (2.5 oz) VERDICT: N/A Kept it in my belt pouch but only used it twice. Bugs weren't an issue at all during my 23-day hike. Thankfully.
Rite-in-Rain pen (0.4 oz) VERDICT: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Only used it a few times but it came in handy. Kept it in my belt pouch.
GMC Long Trail map (1.3 oz) VERDICT: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Gotta have an old school map and this is a really good one. I referred to it every night as I planned out the next day's hike. I used the app Guthook as well but I liked having a map. Kept it in my belt pouch for easy access.
Buff Original Multifunctional Headwear (1.2 oz) VERDICT: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I’ve had this versatile piece of gear for years and love it. I used it as a hat when it was cold, as a sweatband when it was hot, as a cover for my inflatable pillow, and as an extra rag. Carried this in my shorts pocket when I wasn't wearing it. Highly recommend getting one.
iPhone ear buds (0.4 oz) VERDICT: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I only listened to music or a podcast for the last 2-3 miles of the day and at night before bed. Glad I had them. Kept them in my belt pouch.
Not shown: iPhone (6.3 oz) (used it to take photo) VERDICT: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Used it for photos, music, podcasts, the Guthook navigational app, and, to state the obvious, as a phone to contact family and friends (when I had service). Stored it in my shoulder strap pouch.
Not shown: Casio Men's Analog Watch (0.7 oz) VERDICT: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Cheap watch that I attached to my pack's shoulder strap. Helped to have easy access to the time without wearing a watch or relying on my iPhone.
Not shown: Red Paisley Doo-Rag Cotton Bandana (1.0 oz) VERDICT: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I tied this to my shoulder strap and used it to wipe sweat from my brow, clean my phone, and other rag-type uses. Very handy piece of classic trail gear. Some people use their Buff as their go-to rag but I liked having this extra bandana for "dirtier" uses given that I used my Buff on my head and as a pillow cover.
Not shown: Suunto M-3 D Leader Compass (1.6 oz) VERDICT: N/A Never used it but I have on other hikes. Given its light weight, no reason not to bring it, even on a trail as well marked as the Long Trail.
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