Whats in my Big Three?

Over the last 7 years, I’ve had the opportunity to try out quite a bit of gear, keeping what I like and moving beyond what I don’t. The gear I use has evolved with me as my experience has grown over time. I’ve grown comfortable with my setup and it’s become an extension of my experience on trail. It’s a part of me. This is how my Big Three has evolved and what pieces of gear I’ll be taking with me on my thru hike attempt.

It’s become an extension of my experience on trail…

Yes, I’m a gear nerd! My goals for my gear are to be functional, while increasing my comfort and safety on the trail, lightweight, and durable. For many, this is where the bulk of pack weight and cost end up.

1) My Backpack

Let’s start with my backpack, easy, right? I broke out my old Kelty framed pack I used decades ago… It was was both heavy and a little awkward. I quickly replaced it with a quirky Kelty White Cloud. A vintage “ultralight” pack that was way ahead of its time. I found one on eBay, new in package. I used this for years and continue to like it. What’s not to like, it’s cool, it’s white, it’s light! It had some drawbacks though… no water bottle pockets and not fully waterproof. I may still use this on the winter part of my hike as I’m used to it and it works well for me.

What’s not to like, it’s cool, it’s white, it’s light!

That being said, at Trail Days last year I decided to get a Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 60. I did this to try and drop my base weight and to have a water resistant pack. This pack has been both comfortable and functional…and lighter than what I had. I’m still a fan of the backpack “brain” and added a Zpacks “Multi-Pack” to the top, as well as an HMG Shoulder Pocket. Mission accomplished, I’ve decided on my pack.

2) My Sleep system (sleeping bag, quilt, and pad)

Moving on to the sleep system, I’ve always been a fan of the quilts from Enlightened Equipment. I started off with an Enigma H.E. 30. This was my go-to quilt for years, light and warm. As I started doing more winter camping, I transitioned to a Western Mountaineering Versalite (10F) bag. I wanted the full coverage of a bag to keep drafts out. I’m a rotisserie sleeper, lol. This is what I’ll use for the cold parts of my hike. The rest of the time, I’ll be using an EE Enigma 45. Beneath it all is an inflatable pad. I chose the Thermarest XTherm for winter, with a Z-Lite SOL underneath for extra warmth and security if the XTherm goes flat. For Summer, I’ll use the XLite Women’s version (smaller, lighter, and warmer than the men’s version).

3) My Shelter

The last of the Big Three is my tent. I still have mixed feelings on my choice. I started off with a Zpacks Duplex and used it for a number of years. It’s easy to set up, roomy, and super light. After a lot of use, it was time to replace it. DCF does wear out and this one was starting to show it’s age. New on the scene was the Durston X-Mid Pro 2, and my choice seemed easy. After using the Pro 2 for a season, I decided that it was a little big for me. So again, at Trail Days last year, Hyperlite Mountain Gear unveiled their new MID-1. I ended up getting one of these and have been using since then. I have to say, it checks all my boxes, functional, lightweight, comfortable, durable. It’s on the small side though. I’m going to start with the HMG MID-1, knowing I might trade it out for more room later on.

So there’s my Big Three – WM Versalite / EE Enigma 45 / XTherm; HMG MID-1; Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 60

I’ve listed all my gear on my Gear List in my Bio: https://thetrek.co/author/john-kriz/gear-list/

I’ll continue to update the list as I get closer to my start date in September. if you have questions or comments on my list, feel free to send me a note. Happy Hiking!