All hikers pack gear differently. Weight is depending on preference, size and experience. There are lots of gear out there some good some bad. This is my checklist for summer and winter on the Florida trail. Look below the checklist to get the link for gear that is being discussed . I recommend testing any new gear you may have purchase defects and reliability.
Item: Tent
Quantity: 1
Trek Time: Summer/Winter
Type: Lightweight, Freestanding, 2 Doors, 2 person, Green or dark colors, 3 season
Explanation: The freestanding is for the uses in places like the sand dunes where the tent stacks are no good. 2 doors is for temperature control in high heat days, because 1 door don’t cut it. 2 person tent size is because I like to have my pack in the tent with me, especially on rain days. Green or dark colors for a tent is because I’m a solo hiker and sometimes I need to stealth camp in not such great areas. 3 season tent is seems to the right weight for me without loosing insulation. Also tent have no condensation layer.
Item: Backpack
Quantity: 1
Trek Season: Summer/Winter
Type: 30L to 70L depends on the size and abilities of a hiker.
Explanation: I prefer a 65L Osprey. I like it to be able to carry extra food in areas that have no stores. It’s the most comfortable pack I’ve ever used. If something break on your pack they send a part out immediately.
Item: Water Storage
Quantity: 1
Trek Season: Summer/Winter
Type: Bladder system 3L
Explanation: I carry a larger one, so when I get close to a camp with no water around. I can carry enough extra water for the rest of the night and enough to get me rolling in the morning.
Item: Sleeping Bag
Quantity: 1
Trek Season: Summer/Winter
Type: 20 degree Rated, RH zipper with bag.
Explanation: Florida also gets very cold nights. I’m right handed, so RH zipper and the bag doubles as my bear bag.
Item: Sleeping Bag Liner
Quantity: 1
Trek Season: Summer/Winter
Type: Standard Material, light weight
Explanation: I use the light material, mostly because it’s easy to clean and quick to dry. It gives it a few extra degrees on the cold night or I just sleep in it while on top of the Sleeping bag.
Item: Sleeping Pad
Quantity: 1
Trek Season: Summer/Winter
Type: Bubble mat. Very light
Explanation: I’ve tried a lot sleeping mats, but the green “Quest” mat from Dick’s Sporting Goods, seems to the best for me and it’s super light.
Item: Hiking Footwear
Quantity: 1
Trek Season: Summer/Winter
Type: Leather boots
Explanation: I choose to use Redhead leather boots because I like the leather for protection from swamp things, ankle support for the hole that are scattered in the swamp and this brand has the right type of interior cloth so it doesn’t hold the Big Cypress sand like some of the other brands and they have never failed in the Big Cypress acidity water. I’ve owned 9 sets of the same boots and I get about 550 miles out of them. I use two sets for the FT. I send my 2nd set to the White springs Post Office. I’m not to concerned with hiking boot weights, because my legs quickly to wet or dry boot weight.
Item: Flip Flops
Quantity: 1
Trek Season: Summer/Winter
Type: The cheapest at Dollar General
Explanation: They have super light flip flops to wear at camp for like 99 cents. This will help so you don’t get toe nail fungus or swamp toe.
Item: UV Umbrella
Quantity: 1
Trek Season: Summer/Winter
Type: Silver top UV protection umbrella
Explanation: These are a saver for those areas with not shade all day or the rain sun rain sun days.
Item: Mosquito Suit
Quantity: 1
Trek Season: Summer
Type: Full suit insect protection
Explanation: In the winter you can get by with bug repellent, but in the summer during the rain season, The highly aggressive Deer fly's, yellow fly's, mosquitoes, no see um’s, sting caterpillar, scorpions and several types of ticks will have you looking life a bee keeper. I would not recommend swamp hiking in the summer without them.
Item: Polyester Tank Top
Quantity: 2
Trek Season: Summer/Winter
Type: Polyester
Explanation: These wick out moister super fast.
Item: Polyester Long Sleeve Shirt
Quantity: 1
Trek Season: Summer/Winter
Type: Polyester
Explanation: These wick out moister super fast. I bring one long sleeve for the cool nights.
Item: Polyester Short Sleeve Shirt
Quantity: 1
Trek Season: Summer/Winter
Type: Polyester
Explanation: These wick out moister super fast.
Item: Underwear
Quantity: 2
Trek Season: Summer/Winter
Type: Polyester or wicking
Explanation: These wick out moister super fast.
Item: Mid Long Socks
Quantity: 2 sets
Trek Season: Summer/Winter
Type: Wool, wicking or polyester
Explanation: These wick out moister super fast.
Item: Sock Liners
Quantity: 3 sets
Trek Season: Summer/Winter
Type: Wool, wicking or polyester and padded if possible
Explanation: This will help keep your feet protected against moister and heat.
Item: Convertible Hiking Pants
Quantity: 2
Trek Season: Summer/Winter
Type: Polyester
Explanation: These pants dry quickly and the pant legs zip off so you can make them into shorts. Also most pockets zip.
Item: Multi Functional Neck Gaiter Scarf
Quantity: 1
Trek Season: Summer/Winter
Type: Moisture Wicking
Explanation: This is my go to hat on the trail. It doesn't take up much space if not in use. Absorbs sweat and you can soak it in water if your hot.
Item: Ultra Light Rain Suit
Quantity: 1
Trek Season: Summer
Type: Ultra light Frog Bogs
Explanation: I use these in summer during the rain season, because of all day rain. They are very thin and breathable. They still work great even after a couple rips. Very light.
Item: Winter Coat
Quantity: 1
Trek Season: Winter
Type: Patagonia
Explanation: These coats are very light and warm. They can be stuffed into a small spot.
Item: Stuff Sacks
Quantity: 2
Trek Season: Summer/Winter
Type: Nylon
Explanation: I use a small one for my miscellaneous item’s and a larger one for clothes.
Item: Quart Measuring Cup
Quantity: 1
Trek Season: Summer/Winter
Type: Plastic Dollar General
Explanation: I cut the handle off and drill 4 holes on the top of it. This is my water gatherer, bowl, cup. (I got a video on YouTube for this.)
Item: Plastic Spoon
Quantity: 1
Trek Season: Summer/Winter
Type: Mess kit plastic spoon.
Explanation: I cut the mess kit spoon in half, for weight cutting.
Item: Trekking Poles
Quantity: 1 set
Trek Season: Summer/Winter
Type: Light weight, cork handle, The shock absorber ones are best
Explanation: Cork handles are best for hands and shock aborber feature is best for your joints.
Item: Trekking Pole Tips
Quantity: 3 sets
Trek Season: Summer/Winter
Type: Boot types
Explanation: This are the best for hard surfaces. I usually order a 12 pack of them, then I carry 3 sets at a time. I go through 1 set every 100 miles.
Item: Headlamp
Quantity: 1
Trek Season: Summer/Winter
Type: Rechargeable C-type
Explanation: I use rechargeable so no need to carry batteries and I use the C type one because it’s the same as my phone.
Item: Water Purification System
Quantity: 1
Trek Season: Summer/Winter
Type: Sawyer Squeeze
Explanation: I use this one because it works great and I like to make water fast. I carry an empty 2 liter bottle (very light) with me. I put water in it and Then I put the Filter on it with the little hose tip on top. I set on the water bottle and fill up the blue bags. This allows for the filter to last a lot longer and the 2 liter bottle won’t bust like the bags. I use 2 for the winter and 4 for the summer.
Item: Empty 2 Liter Bottle
Quantity: 1
Trek Season: Summer/Winter
Type: Any
Explanation: I use this with the Water Purification System.
Item: Resealable Bags
Quantity: 1 pack
Trek Season: Summer/Winter
Type: I use the bear proof smelly bags. 1 gallons size.
Explanation: I use these for food storage, then I can just through them in the bear bag at night. These type don’t need to be replaced all the time like zip lock bags. If I have any extras I use them to put clothes them to keep dry.
Item: Lightweight Dash Saver
Quantity: 1
Trek Season: Summer
Type: The cheap Walmart one.
Explanation: They have one don’t weigh much of anything. I use it in the summer to put on top of the tent, to give shade in the tent and reflect the sun in the areas with no shade around. I use 4 mini bungees to strap it down.
Item: GPS Locator
Quantity: 1
Trek Season: Summer/Winter
Type: Spot
Explanation: This works great for the price. You can drop a pin on the map, another pin when you stop and emergency distress call.
Item: First aid Kit
Quantity: 1
Trek Season: Summer/Winter
Type: Homemade
Explanation: I use just a few band aids, ibuprofen and a small tube of antibiotics.
Item: Poop Shovel
Quantity: 1
Trek Season: Summer/Winter
Type: I like the ultra light aluminum shovel.
Explanation: The flat ish type is light and easy to put in a side pocket. The fold able ones are heavy and sharp.
Item: Toilet Paper
Quantity: 2 Rolls
Trek Season: Summer/Winter
Type: Lighter types
Explanation: I like my toilet paper. After the first 2 rolls, I get another roll when I’m down to a half roll.
Item: Blister Remover
Quantity: 1
Trek Season: Summer/Winter
Type: Blister remover pads
Explanation: It’s like a 2nd skin for protection after you get a blister. It will allow it to heal quick.
Item: Hot Spot Bandage
Quantity: 1
Trek Season: Summer/Winter
Type: They are like Band aids for hot spots
Explanation: They are basically cloth band aids that you can put on hot spots on toes and feet.
Item: Padded Tape
Quantity: 1
Trek Season: Summer/Winter
Type: Cheap small roll that is slick on outside.
Explanation: I use it to pad areas of my feet if I get foot pain and I also use small pieces of it for to put over the hot spot bandages, if they are in between my toes.
Item: Therapeutic Lip Balm
Quantity: 1
Trek Season: Summer/Winter
Type: Small tube
Explanation: I put a little between my toe everyday so my toes don’t make friction and helps it from getting hot.
Item: Deodorant
Quantity: 1
Trek Season: Summer/Winter
Type: Unscented type
Explanation: Although most hikers don’t wear deodorant, I prefer it. Especially in the summer.
Item: Tooth Brush
Quantity: 1
Trek Season: Summer/Winter
Type: Small light plastic
Explanation: I cut half the handle off to cut weight.
Item: Tooth Paste
Quantity: 1
Trek Season: Summer/Winter
Type: Unflavored and Unscented or bring a little baking soda.
Explanation: Small amounts with no odor.
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Item: Lip Balm
Quantity: 1
Trek Season: Summer/Winter
Type: UV protection
Explanation: Help protect lips from wind burn, sun burn and dryness.
Item: Cigarette Lighter
Quantity: 1
Trek Season: Summer/Winter
Type: Bic
Explanation: Easier then matches
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Item: Bear Line
Quantity: 1
Trek Season: Summer/Winter
Type: Nylon cord 25 to 30 foot with a small aluminum carabiner
Explanation: I use this to hang my bear bag and to dip water unconventional places.
Item: Bear Spray
Quantity: 1
Trek Season: Summer/Winter
Type: Large Can
Explanation: In case of emergency, which is usually domestic dogs.
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Item: Bear Spray Holster
Quantity: 1
Trek Season: Summer/Winter
Type: Mystery Ranch
Explanation: I keep it zip tied upside down on my right shoulder strap.
Item: Hand Fan
Quantity: 1
Trek Season: Summer/Winter
Type: Fold able
Explanation: Great to cool down at camp. They almost don’t have a weight.
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Item: Cool Towel
Quantity: 1
Trek Season: Summer/Winter
Type: Small size
Explanation: I use this for a cool down towel, bathing towel and neck protection on power sun days.
Item: Empty Water Bottle
Quantity: 1
Trek Season: Summer/Winter
Type: Any regular size
Explanation: I only use this to mix hydro mix in. After a few weeks I discard and replace.
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Item: Insect Repellant
Quantity: 1
Trek Season: Summer/Winter
Type: DEET
Explanation: Smaller pump bottle (winter) and larger spray can in the summer.
Item: Sun Block
Quantity: 1
Trek Season: Summer/Winter
Type: Very small bottle
Explanation: I use it in the summer a lot. Very little in the winter.
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Item: Sun Glasses
Quantity: 1
Trek Season: Summer/Winter
Type: Cheap
Explanation: I only buy cheap because they don’t last long.
Item: Carabiners
Quantity: 8
Trek Season: Summer/Winter
Type: 4 mediums / 4 smalls lightweights
Explanation: I use the for gathering water, drying laundry and other things.
Item: Permits and FT membership card
Quantity: -
Trek Season: Summer/Winter
Type: FT permits and membership card
Explanation: You want to make sure your membership in order as well as the required permits.
Item: Battery Bank
Quantity: 2
Trek Season: Summer/Winter
Type: Small and light
Explanation: 2 seems to be the lucky number for me.
Item: Adapter 2 to 3 prong
Quantity: 2
Trek Season: Summer/Winter
Type: Cheap Walmart ones
Explanation: A lot of places on the trail to charge phones and batterers are located outside in a plug box, that doesn’t fit any plug in that goes to either side, but with a couple of these extension plugs are light and gets the job done.
Item: Winter Gloves
Quantity: 1 set
Trek Season: Winter
Type: Better rating, better gloves
Explanation: For days you wake up and your tent is froze solid and it still needs folded.
Item: Winter Hat
Quantity: 1
Trek Season: Winter
Type: Toque type
Explanation: For cold winter days.
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Item: Needle and Thread
Quantity: 1
Trek Season: Summer/Winter
Type: Cheap and small
Explanation: For repairs
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Item: Anti Friction Defense
Quantity: 1
Trek Season: Summer/Winter
Type: Gol Bond Bar
Explanation: Anti chafing for any irritated area.
Here is links to the gear that I prefer for Florida hiking and swamp stomping.
The Gear Connection
Completing the Florida Trail is an achievement that not many hikers can boast, making it a remarkable journey for those who dare to take on its challenges. Spanning 1,110 miles through a diverse array of ecosystems from swamps and forests to coastal regions, the trail offers a unique experience that stands apart from more popular hiking routes across the United States. To be the exception among the few who finish this trail means embracing both the external challenges of navigating Florida's often humid and buggy terrain and the internal challenges of stamina, perseverance, and mental fortitude.
However, becoming one of the few who successfully complete this trail requires thorough preparation, adaptability, and a genuine passion for exploration. The journey demands not only physical endurance but also an understanding of the local wildlife and having a respect for the ecosystems.
By taking the plunge and committing to hike the Florida Trail, you not only set yourself apart from the crowd but also immerse yourself in a transformative adventure that few experience. The camaraderie found among those who have hiked this trail is short of a brotherhood of the swamp. It’s a badge of honor that speaks to resilience, preparation, and appreciation for the natural world, ultimately leaving you with lasting memories and a profound sense of accomplishment. Embrace the journey, and in doing so, become part of a select group who have ventured through the heart of Florida wilderness.