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.
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