Current Gear List

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Gear I probably take on the Continental Divide Trail – CDT 2019

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I am slowly starting to think about putting together my gear list for the CDT next year.

Luckily, this time, I have way more experience than on my last long distance hike, the PCT in 2017.

So this time, I actually have an idea how it is going to be like out there on the trail.

Having said this, I am pretty happy with my gear choices for the PCT, so I will carry most of it again, just with some (s)light amendments perhaps!

Don’t I just love putting together a gear list for a planned long distance hike!!

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Tent:

Zpacks Duplex Ultralight Two Person Tent

Why I plan to take the Zpack Duplex

  • I changed my mind! Initially I wanted to go with the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL 1 again, but….
  • the Zpack is so very very much lighter! It is almost a no-brainer!
  • Look: Big Agnes 1162 grams, vs Zpack 539 grams (2lbs 9oz vs 19oz), that IS a huge difference!
  • The Zpack is set up with my two trekking poles, so that is a handy dual-purpose for the poles
  • Its a two person tent, that means I can take me backpack and boots inside every evening (big plus!)
  • The inside does not get wet while pitching the tent in rain, as it is a one-layer tent
  • It is 100% waterproof
  • It is cool ;-)

What’s a bummer though:

  • Can’t see the stars through it at night!! … But it has got two doors which can be left open all night for some air and view
  • Apparently, it does give me condensation if both doors are closed. Oh well, there is always a downside on every cool product.

Backpack:

ÜLA Circuit

Why I plan to take the ÜLA Circuit Backpack

  • It is kind of comfortable to wear, even when fully loaded
  • The material seems excellent quality. I threw that thing so often on the floor and it still looks like new!
  • It has these two awesome big pockets on the hip belt, into which I can store my phone and my daily snack ration. So I can nibble all day without having to put down the pack
  • It has two more big pouches on the sides to store water bottles in. That’s also awesome, so I can reach for my water at all times while hiking. That’s essential.

Sleeping Bag:

Marmot Helium

Why I plan to take the Marmot Helium Sleeping Bag:

  • Its warm and fluffy and cozy until -9°C (15F)
  • It’s less than 1kg (2.2 lbs)
  • Did never smell bad (I did use a silk inlet though which I washed once-in-a-while

Mattress:

Therm-a-Rest Neo Air XLite

Why I plan to take the Therma-a-Rest Neo Air XLite

  • Its comfortable!
  • Its light
  • It isolates against the cold floor (though not enough on snow I have to say)

What’s a bummer though:

  • Gets holes (if it can get holes, it will!)
  • I have to blow it up every night, even though I am in a near coma status

Boots:

Merrell Moab Mens Vent

Why I plan to take the Merrell Moab 2 Vent Mens

  • It was not their fault that I got huge blisters on the PCT
  • They are extremely pleasant hiking companions
  • They are durable
  • They are NOT waterproof – aka, they dry fast after being soaked

What’s a bummer though:

  • Nothing. These boots rock!

Phone/Camera:

SAMSUNG Galaxy S9 PLUS

Why I plan to take the SAMSUNG Galaxy S9 PLUS

  • Had the Galaxy S7 on the PCT, and was super happy with it.
  • Image quality is amazing!
  • It is waterproof! That’s super important to me while outdoors.
  • It is reliable, exactly what I need out there.
  • Large screen which is helpful when I read a map and use the GPS function.

What’s a bummer though:

  • Expensive!

Small Stuff:

…. list to be continued!

I am working on this list – well, there is still plenty of time till April 2019!