Gear Lists are for Changing

On all of my thruhikes so far, my gear has fluctuated based on things like terrain, hiker box finds, and material failures. Still, I was chuckling at myself this week when a friend asked for a link to my CDT gear list and I had to explain that I had multiple gear setups this year. Part of me feels like it’s over the top, while another recognizes that a long trail doesn’t remain the same for its length.

My strategy for this thruhike is to tailor my setup first for New Mexico, then Colorado, and finally for grizzly country. Today is my last day before boarding a train to New Mexico to start the trail. As I comb through my final gear lists and resupply packages, I’m met with both comfort in how familiar most of my gear is and excitement for trying out the new. Here’s a reflection on my most tried-and-true and what I’ll be trying for the first time on the CDT.

Building Upon Tried-and-True Gear

Up until my most recent thruhike, the South Te Araroa, I’d only used one backpack EVER. Not just the same type of backpack, I mean one backpack for something over 4,000 miles. Though I’m sticking to the same brand, I’ll get to try out two completely new backpacks this hike: the Murmur 36 and the Mariposa 60. In theory, I’ll get the best of both worlds with a hyper minimalist pack for the south end and then a more supportive frame pack for bear canisters full of long food carries as I make it north. I have the second packed up and addressed for Chama, NM. 

After discovering a zipper-related design issue with my initial ultralight tent of choice, I’ve put my Lunar Solo tent through practically every elements-related challenge possible. And though I have plans to use it further into my hike, I decided to branch out and try something even lighter this time. And so, I’ll be testing out a poncho tarp tent and bug net combo with a similar shape. Will I miss my tent’s floor or my trusty orange rain jacket? I will certainly find out.

What I’m bouncing up to Silver City

I’m beginning the trail without all of the gear on my list, as an instant test for what I need. It feels easier to add things than to immediately let go of them once I’m already accustomed. I was already going to mail myself some paper maps to Silver City, NM to try them out, so I’m doing that for this new concept as well. What’s in my instantaneous bounce box?

• Sleeping bag liner
• Extra shoe inserts
• Collapsible cup
• Spork
• Food hang
• Bug spray
• Mini Pepper Spray
• Sun umbrella

These are things I know I will want, but if I can let my body adjust during the first 150 miles with a base weight of about 8.5 pounds…why not see how it is right?

From Bear Hang to Large Canister

I don’t mess around when it comes to food storage, but also love the free feeling of hiking without a bear canister. So, I’ll be using a hang when needed in New Mexico, a 5L canister until the Wind River range, and an 11.5 L can from there on as I get into long food carries and grizzly country. 

I’ve had the same gear list for quite some time, but there’s always room for expanding one’s horizons. I’m looking forward to exploring my ability to adjust gear on a trail as dynamic as the CDT. 

My Full CDT Gear List

(Ounces in parenthesis)

Pack

• Gossamer Gear Murmur 36 (12.7) OR Mariposa 60 (32)

Sleep System

• Six Moons Gatewood Cape + Sea to Summit Nano Pyramid (14) OR Lunar Solo (26)
• Polycryo Tarp (1.5)
• 5 Sea to Summit Tent Stakes (1.3)
• Enlightened Equipment Enigma 10 Short (21)
• Thermarest NeoAir UberLite Small (5.8)
• Cocoon Silk MummyLiner (4.7)

Sleep Layers

• Patagonia Capilene Midweight Thermals (11.4)
• Smartwool Merino Beanie (0.6)
• Compression Socks (2.2)

Outer Layers

• Outdoor Research Helium 2 Rain Jacket, for when I don’t have my poncho tarp (6.2)
• Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer (6.5)
• Mountain Hardwear UL Fleece (4)

Water System

• Katadyn BeFree + Smartwater Bottle (3.8) OR Platypus 2L Pouch + Sawyer Squeeze + Smartwater Bottle + Aquamira Tabs (8)

Cooking System

• TOAKS Titanium Camping Cup-450 with Lid (2.2)
• Sea to Summit Delta Spork (0.7)
• Ebay Stove (1)
• MSR IsoPro Fuel (4)
• Mini Bic Lighter (0.4)
• Sea to Summit Cool Grip X-Tumbler (2.4)

Food Storage

• Bear Hang System (3.5) OR BV450 (33) OR BV500 + Odor Proof Bag (41.8)

Electronics

• ACR Beacon (5.4)
• Nitecore NU25 UL 400 Headlamp (2.2)
• Nitecore NB10000 Gen 2 Battery (5.3)
• Cell Phone + Waterproof Case + Charger (9)
• Earbuds (3)

Miscellaneous

• Extra Shoe Inserts (3.2)
• GUM Folding Travel Toothbrush + Floss + Toothpaste (1)
• Sunscreen + GG Mini Chapstick (2.7)
• Herbal Armor or Picardin Insect Repellant (2.5)
• MIO Electrolytes (3)
• ID + Cards + Cash (0.8)
• Mini Pepper Spray (2) OR Bear Spray (16)
• Mini Foam Roller (0.6)
• Snow Peak UL Umbrella (4.7)
• Repair + First Aid Kit (6.6): Ibuprofen, Diphenhydramine, Aspirin, Loperamide, Dramamine, Triple Antibiotic Ointment, Medical Tape, Toe Caps, Tweezers, Epi-Pen, Inhaler, Sewing Needle & Thread; Tenacious Tape, Gaskets

Total Starting Base Weight: 8.5 pounds (136.2 oz)

Total Estimated Ending Base Weight: ~15 pounds (242 oz)

If you’d like to contribute to my CDT thruhike fundraiser please visit this link.