2021 NOBO AT Thru-Hiker’s Gear List

Look at this stuff, isn’t it neat?

Wouldn’t you think my collection’s complete?

I’ve got gadgets and gizmos a-plenty
I’ve got whozits and whatzits galore.

Quick stats for “Big Three” and “Base Weight” junkies:

Here’s the white meat for you savages. Now move along!

Base Weight: 11.7 pounds.

Big Three: 

For everyone else:

The picture above represents (nearly) everything I will take with my on my thru-hike attempt starting in late March. I’m not a gear expert by any means, I combined my own preferences with advice from sources I trust including former thru-hikers, Youtube gear reviewers etc. Do NOT take this as any sort of advice if you’re reading this as you plan for your thru-hike! I don’t have much of an ego around my gear knowledge so please feel free to provide constructive feedback!

Gear List:

Backpack: Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 Weight: 30.5 oz

Tent: Gossamer Gear “The One” Weight: 17.7 oz 

Footprint: Gossamer Gear Polycryo Ground Cloth Weight: 1.6 oz

Sleeping Bag: Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilt (10 degree) Weight: 25 oz  

Sleeping Pad: NEMO Tensor Insulated Sleeping Pad Weight: 15 oz 

Pillow:  Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Pillow Weight: 2.7 oz

Compression Bag: Sea to Summit Event Compression bag Weight: 4 oz?*

Trekking Poles – LEKI Legacy Women’s Trekking Poles Weight: 16 oz (Required to set up tent)

Cook pot: GSI Outdoors Halulite Microdualist II Cookset Only taking mug/bowl for one so I’m not sure of exact weight, maybe 12-13 oz in total?

Utensil: Snow Peak Titanium Spork Weight: 0.6 oz

Stove: MSR Pocket Rocket 2 Stove Weight: 4.2 oz packed

Water Filtration: Sawyer Squeeze Weight: 3 oz

Toilet: Deuce of spades UL Weight: 0.45 oz

Headlamp: Petzel Tikka Weight: 2.9 oz (and 2 extra AAA batteries at 0.4 oz each)

Dry Bag: Sea to Summit eVAC Dry Sack Weight: 3 oz 

Food/Bear Bag: LiteAF Flat Bottom Bear Bag Kit (Large) Weight: 2.5 oz

Power Bank: Anker PowerCore II 1000 Weight: 6.9 oz

Chargers/Cords

Headphones*

First Aid/Toiletries/Mask

Personal Medications*

Clothing List:

Hiking shoes: Men’s Altra Lone Peak 10.5

Socks: 3 pair Darn Tough Micro Crew Light Cushion 

Midlayer: Mountain Hardwear Women’s Microchill 2.0 

Puffy: Montbell UL Thermawrap Parka (Women’s) 

Rain Jacket – Montbell Versalite Women’s Jacket 

Rain Pants – Frog Toggs Ultralite

Town Shirt: REI Women’s Sahara

Base layer top: Patagonia Women’s Capilene T-Shirt

Underwear – 2 pair of Icebreaker Merino Siren Bikini Briefs 

Sports Bra: Patagonia Barely Sports Bra 

Bottoms: Patagonia Women’s Capilene Midweight Bottom’s 

Hiking Shorts: Patagonia Women’s Baggies Shorts 5” 

Camp shoes: Xero Z-Trail Men’s Sandals (swapping out for old flip flops shown in pic)

Sleep/Swim shorts – Adidas running shorts

Gloves – North Face fleece gloves *

Not pictured in gear shot above.

“Why no hiking pants?” And other logical questions…

“No hiking pants??” I’m planning to layer the Patagonia Midweight Capilene leggings and Patagonia Baggies when it’s chilly but dry, and I’ll wear my rain pants over that if it’s raining or snowing or just especially cold. I have plenty of quality top layers to protect my core temperature so pants seemed unnecessary. Disagree with this choice? Let me know in the comments!

“Only one base layer top, you sure ’bout that?” Yeah pretty sure I think…the Patagonia Capilene t-shirt doesn’t get too stinky and dries fast. I may add a long sleeve base layer top, and I have the REI Sahara button up shirt if I need a light long sleeve in a pinch… Thoughts? Am I good with just the Patagonia Capilene t-shirt as a base layer top or nah?

“What did you include in your ‘Base Weight’?” My base weight includes all of my gear and clothing EXCEPT for what I expect to have as “worn weight” on Day 1 on the trail and consumables (food/water/fuel).

“Do you regret making the Little Mermaid references at the beginning of the post?” No… No I don’t.

Feedback? Follow my trek!

Please hop in the comments and give me your thoughts! I hope you’ll stick with me through my entire thru-hike by subscribing to my posts here. And be sure to add me on Instagram @seltzerskelter for trail updates, pics and other bits of my life!

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Comments 12

  • Katie Houston : Jan 19th

    Love this article, Lyla! My partner only took one base layer and no hiking pants (and started in February!) so don’t be nervous. Worst case scenario there are so many places along trail you could pick something up if you decide you need it. Your story is very inspiring and I hope to keep reading your updates. Have fun preparing to hit the trail!

    Reply
    • Lyla Harrod : Jan 20th

      Thanks Katie! Yeah I’m feeling pretty confident, and you’re absolutely right about picking up clothing/hear as needed on trail, I will certainly keep that in mind.

      Reply
  • pearwood : Jan 19th

    Looks good, Lyla. For me the biggest unknown is the variability of March weather. I’ve camped on snow, I’ve camped in comfy warm weather, and I’ve camped in driving rain. The challenge is trying to be prepared for the variability in weather without carrying a ton on my back.
    Blessings,
    Steve

    Reply
  • Two Kings : Jan 20th

    This post just make me want to buy more stuff. Your hyperlinks sent me on a gear k-hole. Found myself looking at quilts and trail runners and was like “damn, what happen to the last hour?”

    Your setup looks great btw!

    Reply
    • Lyla Harrod : Jan 20th

      Haha! Those gear link rabbit holes are how I ended up getting most of the items on that list, so I definitely feel ya on that!

      Reply
  • Tina : Jan 20th

    Disney reference on point. 10/10

    Reply
    • Lyla Harrod : Jan 20th

      If I’m not using this blog as a platform to make outdated Disney references, then what am I even doing here?? lol

      Reply
  • The Wild Jocelot : Jan 20th

    The Disney quote is EVERYTHING.
    ?

    Great dialed in gearlist! I’m no pro either but I like what you’ve got going on!

    Reply
  • Chance : Mar 7th

    Hi Lyla,

    Remind me to not ever read your posts while I’m drinking coffee. The gadgets, gizmos a-plenty, whozits and whatzits galore reference is hilarious!! Good luck on your hike. Look forward to seeing your updates and progress.

    Reply

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