Everything I Need and Nothing That I Don’t

Here is my final pack list for the CDT. I might have to add some winter gear for the San Juans and I might get rid of some pieces if I see fit. My base weight is 9.5 pounds. I was able to reduce my pack weight three pounds since the PCT. I have my gear list published in my blog as well, but here I go a little more in-depth about the gear and the details of each.

Waymark 40L Thru Pack – 24oz

This is my first time using a frameless pack and it is a custom pack at that. It has been comfortable the few times I have used it so far. There are already are a few things I wish I could change, but it’ll do just fine! I’ll be using a trash compactor bag for a pack liner to keep everything dry.

Zpacks Hexamid solo tent – 17oz

This is my first Cuben shelter and I am so excited to live in it. It is a fully enclosed shelter for 17oz including the groundsheet and stakes… can’t beat it. I will be carrying one leki trekking pole to erect the tent.

Polycryo groundsheet

A bit of clear plastic to use as a groundsheet since the tent is only enclosed with bug netting.

8-tent stakes

The problem with these non-freestanding tents is that they require a lot of stakes.

EE Enigma Long 20° – 20oz

I ended up selling two older sleeping bags to purchase a new quilt. My other sleeping bags were not ideal for the CDT. This is my first Enlightened Equipment quilt and I am really excited to use it. I also go the long version so I can burrow down into it.

Thermarest NeoAir ¾ length – 10oz

I think this will be the third thru-hike for this pad. It used to belong to my mother. It might fall apart honesty, then I’m keen on trying a foam pad.

Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer – 8oz

Had to upgrade my Patagonia puffy that I’ve had for over five years. Went with the hooded version for use with my quilt. I have to be careful with it, it’s delicate.

OR Helium II rain jacket – 6oz

Used the same jacket on the PCT. It’s awesome.

Long sleeve shirt

Just a polyester shirt to sleep in.

Long underwear

Just simple REI long johns to sleep in or to use on colder days.

Thin gloves

For the cold mornings, or can be used as a beer koozie.

Darn Tough socks

Classic. My favorite socks. I hike in a pair and sleep in another. If my hiking pair gets holes I switch the two.

Mountain Hardwear beanie

For warmth.

Buff

Used for everything!

Granite Gear 16L food bag

OpSak odor proof sack

I’m going to try to only use the OpSak for night time storage. The OpSak is basically a large heavy-duty ziplock. However they are too delicate to use all the time to store food.

Soak jar

Titanium spoon

I’m stoveless so this is my kitchen setup. The soak jar is an old veganaise container… yum…

Sawyer Squeeze

Evernew 2L bladder

2-1L Plastic bottles

I’m a fan of the squeeze. I will buy bottles if I need more water capacity along the way. You can backwash the squeeze with the smartwater squirt top, so one of my bottles includes that.

Black Diamond Headlamp

I don’t know what model this is, I’ve had it for a while. Takes 3 AAA batteries.

Ditty Bag

Toothbrush, toothpaste, gear repair tape, small knife, nail clippers, lighter, bug head net, multivitamins, hand sanitizer, trowel, extra bottle cap

Small First Aid Kit

Vaseline, 4 Band-Aids, 2 safety pins, various meds, 2 alcohol pads, Epipen

LG G4 telephone

12000 mah RavPower Battery

This is my first time carrying a battery bank this size. I think it’ll change my phone 3ish times.

RavPower wall outlet and two cords

I can charge my battery and phone at the same time with this gadget. Also includes a quick charging port

Sun Umbrella

Small sun umbrella for the desert section. These things come in handy when it’s midday and there’s no shade in sight. I might ditch this after the desert or I may keep it. These umbrellas are also super nice in rain storms.

This is everything that will be in my pack to start the trail. I hope to do another entry in the future and go into detail about the what I am wearing everyday. I would also like to do some more in-depth reviews along the way once I get some miles under my feet. If you have any questions about the gear feel free to ask! Also be sure to subscribe with your email address to get my trail updates right to your inbox!!

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Comments 7

  • Ivan Szrejder : Apr 29th

    Good to see a concise and comprehensive list without too much waffle. Short and sweet!

    Reply
    • Nick Cornell : May 7th

      Thanks! Although I could use a waffle right now.

      Reply
  • Yermo : Apr 30th

    Umbrella — Besides sun, sure keeps the cold rain (is there any other kind) off the shoulders — and that for me, anyway, is really important.

    Reply
    • Nick Cornell : May 7th

      Oh yes the umbrella is amazing in the rain thanks for reminding me.

      Reply
  • Gus "Guac" Umanzor : May 2nd

    Best of luck. Guac on brother.

    Guac
    GA -> MA 2017

    Reply
  • Kamakazee : May 3rd

    I have a question on the first aid kit. What happens if you get a larger cut or abrasion that requires bigger coverage than four bandaids? Minimal is good but that’s kind of scary, god forbid you get anything worse than what would need a bandaid.

    Reply
    • Nick Cornell : May 7th

      The best way to deal with the more serious injuries is to prevent them. I know I don’t have the more serious medical supplies so I’m not going to put myself into situations where I might end up hurt. But yea sometimes injuries still happen and we will deal with those accordingly as they happen.

      Reply

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