Gather around, It’s gear time!

Posting gear can be a hot topic sometimes and can come along with some very opinionated voices. We all love our gear and what works for us. The reason why there are so many different items and brands out there is because of varying wants and needs. So while this may not work for you, your neighbor Doug, or the keyboard warriors that think they know it all, it works for us. Suggestions are always welcome along with helpful advice, just remember at the end of the day we will be the ones carrying these things, not you. 

The big three! Keyword being BIG. 

I am still gathering up some last minute things but I will show you what we have so far!

Disclaimer: This is not an official gear review blog by any means, just why we like and chose these items. 

Tents – ( 2 ) 

Big Agnes Copper Spurs UL5 and the UL3.

While these tents weigh more than most will be using on the trail, they comfortably hold the amount of people stated, with plenty of room to get in and out of. I can actually fully stand up in the UL5!

The Big Agnes tents are free standing, making for a simple set up. They are also double walled which helps give a bit of extra protection against wind, rain, and condensation. Plus since the tent body has a mesh upper, it allows for the set up of forgoing the fly and falling asleep staring at the stars. While I love the ideal of cowboy camping, critters within close proximity to me give me a bit more heebies than my jeebies can handle. 

Though it may be a bit harder to find a spot to set up camp, we love them as they feel a bit “homier” for the kids.  The weight per person averages out and they’re worth their weight for us. 

That time we forgot a footprint..

• Pads. 

All of our sleeping pads are Thermarest Xlite NWT pads with an R value of 4.2. I think if one pops and is non reparable, we may lean towards the Xtherm for a few more ounces and added R value.  But I personally find this pad extremely comfortable, more so than my mattress at home that gives me chronic backaches. 

• Sleeping bags/ Quilts! 

Almost all our quilts are Enlightened Equipment 10f degree/ -12c, either Revolution or Enigma. 

Our youngest bag is a sleep sack style made by Morrison outdoors. The attached arms help keep babe extra warm and cozy. 

How is it possible to carry up to SIX months worth of stuff!?

A question we often get asked by those outside the thru hiking community is, 

How does one gather up gear for such a large family? 

Lots of people who inquire with me about all we have to bring on trail often picture a large wardrobe with lots of amenities.  They don’t realize backpackers take minimal clothing, which means minimal changing. Laundry and showers happen maybe once a week if you’re lucky and those rules we have at home like showers and clean undies before bed go out the window. 

As with carrying such loads, one needs BAGS – pretty big bags, even despite the ‘minimalism’. 

My husband will be carrying the bulk of the load in terms of food, water, and some shelter. For this we got him the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Porter 80L bag. 

Myself I will be using the Osprey Poco Plus and carrying the toddler a lot of the time. I will also be carrying water along with clothing for the smaller children. The bag has a volume of 28L. 

My Two oldest boys have the Gossamer Gear 60L Mariposa’s while my two oldest girls use the Deuter Fox 30L bags.

The 6yo an 18L Deuter bag and the rest of them freeloading. 

The other stuff

To make things easier since there are nine of us, I will be giving a blanket set of items being used across the board. 

If you’re curious and would love to know which specific items for each person, absolutely feel free to comment below and I will let you know! 

Clothing

• Merino wool base layer. I will be trying to keep these for camp sleeping only so as to minimize food contamination on our sleep items,  but they may need to be used during the day if it is extra cold. 
• Sun hoody. 
• Nylon hiking pants from Amazon. 
• Shorts for when we don’t wish to wear pants or find a swimming hole/lake/public pool.
• Fleece mid lay. These will be sent home if not used enough. 
• Rain gear. 
• Synthetic or puffy jacket. 
• Sunhats.
• Three pairs of socks. One mid layer, one lightweight, as well as a spare pair for camp. 
• Undies. 
• Bra. 

Hydration system 

• 2 or 3L CNOC bags for water storage. 
• Two Smart water bottles. Either 1L or 1.5L depending on who is carrying. 
• Sawyer Filter. 

Cook system – 

• MSR Pocket Rocker 
• Toaks 750ml pan. 
• Lighter. 
• Fuel Canister. 
• Cheap plastic spoon. 

Other miscellaneous items include, 

• Garmin InReach Mini… which I may switch out for the Zoleo. 
• BV500 x’s 2, both my husband and my eldest will carry the food in the BV’s. My second oldest will be carrying a BV450 to hold the trash we pack out. 
• Trowel x’s 2.
• Trekking poles. 
• First Aid kit and sanitation supplies. 
• Power banks for charging phones. 
• DSLR camera. 
• Microspikes which will be sent ahead at the start of the trail. ( Ice Axe TBD when needed ). 
• Sunglasses 
• Kids special lovey or blankie.
• Pillows. 
• Headlamp. 

As life goes with a brain full of mush I am likely forgetting some things. If that is the case I will come back and edit. 

Now I know you may be interested in total base weights, total weights, as well as total costs involved with gathering everything together. I will write a future article with a further breakdown! 

For now, off until next time!