Peace Corps Interview

We have our Peace Corps interviews scheduled for Friday, December 5.

AT Gear List

Here is what we will be bringing on our AT trek. We are trying to go as light as possible (and still be comfortable). We've been very fortunate to pick up most of this gear at outlets or on sale or on sale at outlets.

note: The Bear Vaults are actually more for mice and raccoons and the like, though they are bear proof. They also will serve as stools and as our washing machine.

Gear that we have:


Tent: MSR Hubba Hubba
Chris's Pack: Gregory z55
Tarah's Pack: Gregory jade 50
Chris's Bag: Mountain Hardwear Women's UltraLamina 15° (long)
Tarah's Bag: Mountain Hardwear Women's UltraLamina 15°
Sleeping Pads: Therm-a-Rest Z-Lite
Cook Set: Jetboil PCS & Fry Pan & Utensils
Water Purification: SteriPEN Adventurer and Solar Charging Case
Water Storage: Camelbak 100oz Omega Reservoirs
Food Storage: Bear Vault BV 450 Solo Bear Resistant Food Canisters
Trash Storage: Sea to Summit Trash Dry Sack

Safety: Spot Personal Satellite Messenger & First Aid Kit
Headlamps: Petzl e+LITE

Chris's Rain Shell: Mountain Hard Wear Aiguille Parka
Tarah's Rain Shell: LL Bean Gore-Tex Paclite Jacket

Chris's Tops: Icebreaker Superfine Elite Shirt & The North Face L/S Reckoning Tee
Tarah's Tops: Icebreaker Tech T-Shirt & The North Face L/S Reckoning Crew
Chris's Bottoms: Patagonia Ultra Shorts & Patagonia Jackalope Pants
Tarah's Bottoms: Patagonia Stella Capris
Chris's Socks: SmartWool Adrenaline Light Mini Crew
Tarah's Base Layer: Patagonia Active Bra Top
Headgear: Patagonia Sun Mask
Gloves: Nike Lightweight Running Gloves

Camera: Olympus Stylus 770 SW
Tripod: Joby Gorillapod

Laundry Detergent/Body Wash/Shampoo/Toothpaste/etc.: Dr. Bronner's Magic Soap
Nightly "Showers": Seventh Generation Chlorine-Free Baby Wipes
Bug Dope: Burt's Bees Herbal Insect Repellent & Ben's 100 Max Deet Tick & Insect Repellent

Gear that we want:

Chris's Base Layer: Icebreaker Bodyfit/150 Boxer Brief
Tarah's Base Layers: Icebreaker Nature/150 Hipster
Tarah's Socks: SmartWool Hiking Mid Mini
Shoes: The North Face Purgatory
Music, Email & Photo Storage: 32GB iPod Touch
Tool Set: Leatherman Skeletool

We also have ridiculously light wind shells from Hind that we picked up at our last marathon expo for about a quarter of their normal price and antishock trekking poles. We'll each bring a fleece or down sweater for a mid-layer too, otherwise this is what will be on our bodies or in our packs.

Future Adventures

Two of our greatest adventures are on the horizon.

Beginning in May, we will be hiking the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine. In preparation for this epic journey, we've spent numerous weekends in Baxter State Park, completed the Grafton Loop Trail in both directions and hiked every trail in Acadia National Park - including the trails outside of Mount Desert Island.

Upon completion of the 2000+ mile trek, we will hopefully be serving in the Peace Corps. We've submitted our applications and secondary paperwork, now we just need to get a couple of recommendations in and schedule interviews.

Your thoughts and prayers concerning our future plans are always greatly appreciated.