What's In My Pack?

First blog post!!!  Getting close to the start of the trail!!!!!

Some of the most frequently asked questions from people hearing I'm headed out to the woods for five months have been about what I'm taking with me.  Are you carrying a gun? (No.) How many changes of clothes are you taking? (Two, ish.) Are you taking a tent? (No, ish.)

Here it is!

Total pack weight excluding water and food is 23 pounds.  This includes the following:

1. Pack (Lowe Alpine Merak ND45)
2. Rainfly, Poles, and Ground Tarp (From my MHW Lightwedge 2)
3. Trekking Poles (REI Aluminum)
4. 32 oz Water Bottle (Nalgene)
5. Headlamp (Black Diamond Storm)
6. Sleeping Bag (Sierra Designs Thunderbolt)
7. Sleeping Pad (Thermarest Ridgesrest)
8. Trail Sandals (Teva)
9. Baseball Cap (Walmart)
10. Sunglasses (Ray Ban)
11. Hammock (ENO)
12. Hammock Suspension (Byer Microrope)
13. Stove and Pot (Primus ETA Solo)
14. Stove Fuel (Primus)
15. Spork (Light My Fire)
16. Food Bag (Separate Post Later on What's in It)
17. Water Bladder (Camelbak 70 oz)
18. Water Purification (Katadyn and MSR Aquatabs)
19. Solar Charger (Goal Zero Nomad 7)
20. Battery Pack (Nomad 10)
21. Spare Paracord
22. First Aid Kit (Adventure Medical 0.7, with modifications)
23. Fleece Hat (MHW)
24. Toothbrush & Toothpaste
25. Dental Floss
26. Bar Soap/Shampoo (J.R. Leggett's)
27. Anti-Chafe (Body Glide)
28. Ballpoint Pen (Fisher Spacepen)
29. Multi-tools (Leatherman Micra and Wave)
30. Bear Bell (REI)
31. Bug Repellent (Jungle Juice 100)
32. Lighter (BIC)
33. Nail Clippers
34. Turkish Evil Eye Keychain
35. Firestarter Sticks (Coleman/Walmart)
36. The A.T. Guide (2014 Southbound Edition)
37. Glove Liners (Patagonia)
38. Gloves (Novara)
39. Bandanas (2)
40. IPOD Shuffle
41. Rain Jacket (Sierra Designs)
42. Down Jacket (Columbia Omniheat)
43. Rain Pants (White Sierra)
44. Shorts (North Face)
45. Zip Off Pants (North Face)
46. Thermal Pants and Shirt (Patagonia)
47. Tank Top
48. Short Sleeve Shirt
49. Long Sleeve Shirt
50. 2 Sports Bras
51. 2 Pairs Underwear
52. One Pair Sock Liners
53. Three Pair Socks (2 Short Boot, 1 Long)
54. Boots (Vasque)
55. Luck (Copious Quantities, Not Pictured)

Added (thanks to blog comments!):

1. Phone and Charger
2. Toilet Paper
   
3. Sunscreen
4. Pack Cover
5. Bug Netting
6. Compass

A lot of my gear is old (as in a couple of pieces a decade plus) and some of it is brand-spankin' new.  I figure what dies on the trail will be replaced, and if it's worked solidly for several years it will probably keep on truckin' for at least a few miles.  Some of my gear is also from other sports - my bike gloves happen to be lightweight, waterproof and comfortable, and I see no reason to not use them for this.

Basically, I put together the best kit I had from existing gear and then augmented with new supplies; I felt this was the thriftiest thing to do.  Therefore, I welcome suggestions for how to improve on this or lighten weight, but am not about to run out and replace something in my pack based solely on weight or "new modelness."  And for the love of Pete, if you see something I've forgotten, please please please tell me before I'm in the middle of the woods without something crucial! I've left one thing out on purpose to see who recognizes it!