Hiking gear list – end of season 2021

After around 800 hiking miles this season, the final ‘go-to-gear’ list is ready to be baselined and improved for next season.

Weight goals:

• Day Hiking – as light as possible, but weather dictates (OR weather can demand 2 rain shells, warmer clothes, micro-spikes for ice, etc) – water kept to <1L unless really hot
• Multi-day hiking – < 28 pounds including consumables and extras (includes backpack) – this is without bear canister.

Purpose	Product	Seasons used	Rating	Plans
Day hike pack	Gregory Citro 30	1	3 Bells	Use 2022
Multi-day pack	Granite Gear Crown 2 (rejected!) Osprey Exos 58	1.5 Testing	2 Bells Too soon	Replace now Use 2022 / test
Summer shoes	Topo Terraventure	2	4 Bells	Use 2022
Wet weather shoes	Topo Trailventure	Testing 1x	4 Bells	Use 2022
Multi-day tent	REI Flash Air 1	2	2.5 Bells	Use 2022
Sleeping bag	REI Magma 30	3	3 Bells	Use 2022
Sleeping pad	Nemo Tensor	1	3 Bells	Use 2022
Trekking poles	Black Diamond Carbon Cork	2	3 Bells	Use 2022
Socks	Darn Tough Hiker Micro	2	4 Bells	Use 2022
Shoe gaiters	Outdoor Research Thru G	.5	3 Bells	Use 2022
Rain shell	Mountain Hardwear Exposure	1.5	3 Bells	Use 2022
Down shell	Patagonia Nano Puff	1	4 Bells	Use 2022
Water purification	MSR Trailshot	2	2 Bells	Testing new 1
Maps/ routes tool	PCT = Guthook / Out There Other = GaiaGPS	1 1	4 Bells 3 Bells	Use 2022 Use 2022
Stove	Jetboil Flash Carbon	2	3 Bells	Use 2022
Headlamp	Black Diamond Cosmo	3	3 Bells	Use 2022
Bug protection	Sea to Summit Head Net	2	3 Bells	Use 2022
Multi-day food (dinner)	Patagonia Provisions	2	3 Bells	Use 2022
Food bag (rodents)	Armored Ratsack	1 Season	4 Bells	Use 2022
Mobile phone service	T-Mobile	.5 Season	1 Bell	Satelite Garmin

The Bells rating system

• 1 Bell – should not use again
• 2 Bells – works but is not something to recommend and needs a better alternative or product
• 3 Bells – works well, meets objectives of function, durability and comfort – will not replace unless necessary
• 4 Bells – works great and exceeds objectives and is highly recommended for others to try

Obviously, there is a bunch of other gear that I use, like stuff bags, waterproof bags, emergency gear, etc … but that list would make things too long and uninteresting.