What gear do I use on the trail? A lot of stuff… and it seems like it’s always changing. I try to keep this gear list updated, with links to where you can learn more, and maybe buy it if you’re interested in trying it for yourself. If you plan to buy any of these things, I’d appreciate you using these links… it won’t cost you anything, but I may make a few bucks to help pay my hosting bill.
My current load-out for 3-season backcountry hiking has a base weight of about 23 pounds, or about 25 when I need to carry the bear canister. Not ultralight, but not bad. With food and water, that can ends up at about 33-37 pounds for a 5-6 day hike. I’ll be able to lighten that a little for the summer (less clothing), and I may invest in a few more pieces of lightweight gear to get the base weight closer to 20 pounds next year. I like to travel pretty civilized, and take some technology with me, so I’m never going to have a sub-12-pound base weight like the ultralight freaks. But I can’t imagine how some people carry 50+ pounds, either.
Gear List
Packs / Hydration:
- Backpack: Osprey Atmos AG 65 and 3L Osprey reservoir and Osprey rain cover
- Daypack: Osprey Manta AG 36 w/2.5L Osprey reservoir
Shelter:
- Hammock: Warbonnet Blackbird XLC w/webbing & buckle suspension & Hennessy Snakeskins
- Rain fly: Jacks ‘R’ Better silnylon hex fly w/dyneema ridge line, trekking poles to support entry side, Vargo titanium and MSR Groundhog stakes
- Hammock underquilt: Hammock Gear Incubator 30 (full length “short” w/2 oz overfill, shoulders to feet, for cool/cold weather) Jacks ‘R’ Better Greylock 3 (torso-length, for warm weather)
- Sit pad: Therm-a-Rest Z Seat
- Ground sheet: 1mil polycro
Sleep:
- Top Quilt: Hammock Gear Burrow 20 w/sewn insulated footbox
- Summer Top Quilt: Custom sewn quilt, modified from a $20 Costco down throw
- Pillow: Sea-to-Summit Aeros Premium
- Lounge hammock: WiseOwl Outfitters Single (in daypack; I don’t take it on overnight hikes)
Food & Water:
- Stove System: JetBoil FlashLite
- Water Filtration: Sawyer Squeeze Filter w/Platypus 2L dirty reservoir and hose, Osprey quick-connects
- Backup water purification: PotableAqua tablets
- Storage: OPSAK odor-barrier bags
- Bear protection: BearVault BV450 or Ursack Major Bag, 40′ paracord for hanging pack
- Spoon: TOAKS Long-handle titanium
Lighting:
- Headlamp: Black Diamond Storm
- Hammock Light: NiteIze SpotLit LED
Electronics:
- Phone/Camera/GPS: iPhone 8 Plus (w/Gaia GPS, HikingProject, AllTrails, map pdfs, ProHDR X camera, Lightroom, others) and mini tripod/remote
- Satellite Communicator: Delorme/Garmin InReach SE
- GPS Watch: Garmin Fenix 5x
- eReader: Kindle Paperwhite
- Battery Pack: Anker 10,000mAh
Clothing:
- Hiking pants: Columbia Silver Ridge Convertible
- Hiking shirts: Hanes Long-sleeve Cool Dri T-shirts
- Gloves: Mechanix Wear Original
- Headwear: Buffs, ExOfficio BugsAway Hat, Micro-Fleece Balaclava
- Down Vest: REI Magma (for cool/cold weather)
- Wool blend shirt: Omni-wool Merino Blend
- Baselayer (for sleeping): Fleece-lined poly long-johns
- Raingear: Marmot Mica jacket; ULA Equipment Rain Kilt; Plastic emergency poncho
Footwear:
- Boots: Keen Durand Mid WP w/rigid arch supports and gel insoles
- Water/Camp shoes: Vibram FiveFingers V-Trail
- Socks: Injinji Liner toe socks, Thorlo Outdoor Explorer Hiking Socks
Other Gear:
- Trekking Poles: Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z (120mm)
- Multitool: Gerber Dime
- Notebook: Rite-in-the-Rain
- Trowel: Snow Stake
- Bug repellent: Sawyer Picardin Lotion
- Lube / Foot protectant: Hike Goo
- Fire kit: cotton balls dipped in Vaseline, mini Bic lighters
Affiliate marketing notice: I may receive a small commission if you purchase products using links from this site. I only link to products I use and recommend. Someday, it may be enough to pay my hosting bill!