Arizona Trail (AZT) Bikepacking Gear List

Osprey Raptor 14

I’m not entirely sure that carrying a backpack is the right move on this trip – there are definitely ways I could adjust my bikepacking bags to accommodate all of my gear (I think). That said, I’m bringing an Osprey Raptor 14 with me and I don’t think (I hope) it’s the right move. The pack has a 2.5-liter bladder inside of it which is nice because I don’t know what water carries are going to be like (I have a 4 liter capacity on the bike). I’ve carried it on a shorter tour and didn’t have any issues, so hopefully, it will serve to carry my day’s food and whatever won’t fit inside of my bike bags.

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Bedrock Bags Black Dragon Seat Bag

I didn’t want a saddle bag that would ruin my ability to use my dropper post (which I’m still not entirely sure I’ve mastered). This severely limited my options and greatly reduced the capacity of the bags still available to me. The Bedrock Bags Black Dragon is dropper post compatible and is large enough for me to fit my sleeping pad, quilt, liner, and down jacket. It’s a tight fit, but it works. I am using a 26 mm Wolf Tooth Components Valais on my seat post with this bag and I still have about 1 in / 2.5 cm of clearance between the bag and my rear tire when the seat is dropped.

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Ortlieb Frame Pack (4L)

I’ve discovered that despite my bike being a hardtail, it doesn’t have a lot of space for a frame pack. This has allowed for more storage under the frame (more on this below), but it’s limited me to smaller frame bags. The 4L Ortlieb Frame Pack is a waterproof bag that fits acceptably in my frame – not perfect, but acceptably. I’m thinking it will hold mostly food, but time will tell.

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Pack Northwest Top Tube Bag

Since my frame doesn’t have room for a large frame bag and since I’ve gone with a smaller, dropper post compatible seatback bag, I need (I think I need) as much extra space as I can manage. I got the Pack Northwest Top Tube Bag instead of similar offerings because 1) it’s teal and 2) it has an exterior pocket where my phone fits nicely. Yes, I also have a phone mount, but I don’t know if my phone is actually going to live there and I like the option of being able to have it stashed.

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Revelate Designs Polecat

It turns out that panniers aren’t too cool on mountain bikes, but you can still attach bags to your fork. The Revelate Designs Polecat is basically a dry bag that can hold 3.5 liters of gear. Put one on each side of my fork and that’s a whole 7 liters. Assuming I’m going for a capacity similar to a 40-liter backpack, that gets me nearly a quarter of the way there. My idea is that I won’t have too much heavy gear in these; I’m expecting my extra clothing, and cook system – maybe some food.

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Revelate Designs Sweetroll

The Revelate Designs Sweetroll Handlebar Bag comes in two sizes and I’m using the smaller, 10-liter version. It’s pretty big and I can’t really imagine having anything larger attached to my handlebars. I think that this will be mostly filled with food and miscellaneous supplies that I won’t need access to during the day. It opens on both sides and has a front strap/pocket/thing that does a good job of holding my camera (or shell or extra water) in place. That said, I don’t know that I want my camera here when I ultimately fall off my bike or go over the handlebars, but we’ll see.

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Revelate Designs Jerrycan

I’m sad my fanny pack won’t be accompanying me on this trip and I’m thinking that my forward top tube bag will serve as my fanny replacement (I even got it in the same color as my fanny pack). I got the Revelate Designs Jerrycan to be more of my bikepacking fanny pack where I will hold things like my multi-tool, puncture repair gear, and miscellaneous bikepacking things that I may or may not know exactly why I’m bringing them yet. This bag comes in both a bent and straight version depending on how your frame is constructed (I have the bent version).

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Bedrock Bags Sinbad

Since I’m a little nervous about the amount of space I have for all my things (I don’t want to put too much in the pack I’m carrying), I got the Bedrock Bags Sinbad Stack Pack as a means of increasing my carry capacity just a little bit more. This guy is small and will only fit equally small gear, but I expect it to be one of those places where I either keep things I want to surprise myself with later (mostly candy) or where I put things I hope to never have to take out (like tire sealant and/or my puncture repair kit).

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Wolf Tooth Components Valais

The Wolf Tooth Components Valais is a small piece of plastic that attaches to your dropper post. You then attach your seatback bag to this (instead of directly to your post) and this little thing makes it so when you drop your seat, you’re not smashing your bag’s strap and potentially damaging either your dropper or your bag (or both). You lose a small amount of drop with the Valais, but it’s worth it (I think) to still have a functional dropper post when using a seatback bag.

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King Cage Manything Cage

My fork doesn’t have anywhere to attach bags and since I don’t think simply strapping bags to my fork will hold up long-term, I have attached a King Cage Manything Cage to each side of my fork to accommodate the Revelate Designs Polecat bags I am bringing along. These cages are made of titanium (very lightweight) and come with two voile straps each for attaching things to them. I also had to use three King Cage Universal Support Bolts (more below) on each side of my fork to attach these.

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King Cage Universal Support Bolt

The King Cage Universal Support Bolts are basically hose clamps with a screw protruding from them with a nut attached to it. These allow you to mount things on your bike where you don’t have bolts for mounting already. For me, this meant using these on my fork to mount my Manything Cages and using them on my down tube for mounting my water bottles. They come in a variety of sizes and it’s recommended that you use something (like electrical tape) around your bike’s frame (or wherever you’re attaching these) to prevent damage when tightening.

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Crank Brothers Multi-19 Tool

I can generally get away without carrying some kind of pocket knife, leatherman, or multitool when backpacking, but it’s a different story on the bike. With all the bolts, screws, and potential failure points on a bike, a multitool is a necessity. The Crank Brothers Multi-19 Tool has everything (I think) I need for this trip and has managed to tighten (or loosen) all of the gear I’ve attached to my bike in the lead-up to this trip. Hopefully, this statement holds true for the actual trip part of the AZT as well.

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Widefoot LiterCage

I haven’t looked ahead at all to know what the longest water carries of the Arizona Trail are going to be, but I am playing it safe and just assuming that the longest water carry will be “long”. For this reason, I’ve gotten two Widefoot LiterCages – each capable of carrying a bottle with a 3.5 in / 8.9 cm diameter (e.g. a 1.5-liter Smartwater bottle). Between these two cages, I’ll have a three-liter capacity, plus another 2.5 in my backpack and another one liter in my additional water bottle. I can’t imagine needing more than 6.5 liters for any stretch of trail, but we’ll see.

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Wolf Tooth Components B-RAD Mounting Base (3 Slot)

The Wolf Tooth Components B-RAD Mounting Base gives you the option to add additional mounts to your bike. I am using this in conjunction with the Wolf Tooth Components B-RAD Double Bottle Adapter to mount my two Widefoot LiterCages to the underside of my down tube. I had to attach the B-RAD Mounting Base upside down because I’m attaching it with King Cage Universal Support Bolts and bot the frame’s built-in bolts (there are no bolts on the underside of my down tube where I want to mount my bottles). It appears to have done the trick, but the real test will be when I hit the trail.

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Wolf Tooth Components B-RAD Double Bottle Adapter

The Wolf Tooth Components B-RAD Double Bottle Adapter works with the Wolf Tooth Components B-RAD Mounting Base to allow you to attach two side-by-side water bottle cages to your bike. I was afraid that the larger Widefoot LiterCages wouldn’t fit side-by-side with 1.5-liter bottles in them, but they fit perfectly. I’ve left what I hope is enough clearance between my pedals and my front wheel and the cages. Once again, the real test will come when I hit the trail.

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Quad Lock Stem / Handlebar Bike Mount

I first discovered the Quad Lock system on my bicycle trip across Australia and have been a fan ever since. Honestly, I’m not entirely sure how it’s going to hold up on the Arizona Trail, but I’m optimistic. Right now, my biggest question is whether it’s going to mean my phone getting in the way of my top tube bag (or, more accurately, the other way around) when turning. If I end up ditching the Quad Lock, I’ll still have the pocket on my top tube bag as a backup phone holster.

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Ridge Merino Solstice Lightweight Pullover Hoodie (Medium)

I’ve slowly grown into a connoisseur of technical hoodies and the Ridge Merino Solstice is by far my favorite at the moment. It has a high-volume hood with drawstrings that can usually keep it from flying off (you may have to loop or tie them), thumb loops, and is super comfy. My next hoodie will probably be another Ridge Merino Solstice in a new color – this thing is great. The hood also fits comfortably under my helmet which means less sunscreen needed to combat the evil UV rays of Arizona.

9 oz / 255 g
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Patagonia Baggies (Medium)

I guess maybe pants would be a good choice for a mountain biking trip, but it’s going to be hot – or at least warm – and I hate being hot. I am willing to risk cacti spines in my legs and terrible rashes should I fall, for the sake of not overheating while riding. Why the Patagonia Baggies? Because they have a version decorated with rock melon and they have super deep pockets. Really, I don’t imagine my shorts choice being too consequential, but we’ll see.

7.8 oz / 221 g
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Fox Racing Tecbase Liner Short

Apparently, there are people who do long-distance bikepacking and touring without wearing any sort of liner or chamois. I imagine these people to be similar to the “I don’t filter my water ever” people of the backpacking world. Sure, it’s an option, but it’s probably not the best one. I have had a pair of Fox Racing Tecbase Liner Shorts for a while now and I don’t see any reason to go out and spend money on a new chamois when I have one that I suspect will work perfectly well.

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PEARL iZUMi X Alp Canyon

Bikepacking presents a similar challenge as most other outdoor activities present to me – the challenge of finding shoes wide enough for my feet. After trying on dozens of pairs, I am satisfied with the fit of the PEARL iZUMi X Alp Canyon. Honestly, I’m not completely in love with them yet, but hopefully, this changes as the AZT goes on. The real question is whether I’m going to use these or another pair when I have to carry my bike rim to rim in the Grand Canyon.

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Darn Tough Quarter Cushion (XL)

I can still remember when I first discovered Darn Tough socks – just a few weeks into my first thru-hike. Since then, Darn Tough has been the only brand of socks that have graced my feet. Since there will be less foot rubbing (at least I think) during a bikepacking trip than on a backpacking trip, I don’t see any reason why I should be trying out something new in the sock department.

2 oz / 57 g
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Bontrager Rally WaveCel (Large)

You know what’s cool? Having a skull that’s not split open. A helmet should be an obvious must for any AZT bikepacking trip and I didn’t skimp on choosing one. Why do I like the Bontrager Rally WaveCel Mountain Bike Helmet? In addition to fitting my large head, it also promises “a collapsible cellular structure reduces rotational motion to the brain during impact”. Hopefully, I don’t have to put this claim to the test, but it’s nice to know that I’m not just plopping some $20 Walmart helmet on my head to check a box on my AZT gear list.

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Ray-Ban Wayfarer

As was the case with the hat, sunglasses are a personal choice. We’re talking backpacking here, not mountaineering. There’s not a “best” pair of sunglasses. However, there are good sunglasses and bad sunglasses. I’ve got Ray-Ban Wayfarers because, in addition to not looking too small for my big head (they come in a large size), I want polarized glasses for the desert sun.

1.6 oz / 45 g
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Chums Original Cotton

Fun fact, the official name for this thing is an “eyewear retainer”, but we all know that just makes it sound lamer than it already is. However, for the outdoors, these are incredibly useful. I have tried a couple of different eyewear retainers and have found this one to be the most durable (the ones with prints on a piece of neoprene eventually break apart and the print falls off). I’m very good at setting down my glasses and forgetting them or hanging them somewhere that they then fall off of – having a pair of these Chums saves me all that hassle.

0.6 oz / 17 g
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PEARL iZUMi ELITE Gel Full-Finger (XL)

I’m not typically a fan of full-fingered gloves, but I was told that I want full-fingered gloves for this trip and so that’s what I’ve gotten myself. The PEARL iZUMi ELITE Gel Full-Finger will hopefully breathe well while also protecting my dainty hands from the sun. That said, I expect that I will either end up dropping them entirely or swapping them for something else as the trip moves forward.

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Arc’teryx Zeta FL (Medium)

The Arc’teryx Zeta FL is made of Gore-Tex Paclite Plus and is a lightweight, packable shell. The hood isn’t helmet-compatible which is a good thing because it means it’s not going to fly off your head in the wind when you cinch it down. It’s also got two zippered hand pockets. I think I probably should have gotten a large, but other than that, I’m happy with the jacket.

7.8 oz / 221 g
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Arc’teryx Cerium LT Hooded Jacket (Medium)

The Arc’teryx Cerium LT Hooded Jacket is probably a jacket I should have gotten in a large (I guess I just can’t get any bulkier), but I have enjoyed the medium. The cuffs close tightly around my wrists, there are three pockets (one chest and two hand-warmer), and it (sometimes) comes in awesome colors.

10.4 oz / 295 g
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Ridge Merino Aspect Midweight (Medium)

I’m hoping that I will end up needing my Ridge Merino Aspect Midweight Leggings because I am hoping for some cooler weather on this trip. That said, I suspect that these may need to be sent home at some point since temperatures are warming up in the desert. The problem with bikepacking the Arizona Trail in the spring is that you have to wait for all the snow to melt – unless you’re really cool and can ride through the snow. That’s the next level, I suppose.

6.2 oz / 176 g
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Buff CoolNet UV+

I use the polar buff as a beanie, but I use a Buff CoolNet UV+ on my neck/head/face/wrist during the mornings/evenings/cold parts of the day when the polar would be too warm. This buff is designed to be used in the sun and supposedly doesn’t heat up as much as an original buff, but I have trouble keeping it on an entire day (I run hot).

1.2 oz / 34 g
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Polar Buff

The polar buff is the original buff, but with 9 in / 22.8 cm of fleece at the end making it a bit warmer and more versatile. I ditched my beanie and just use this instead. Folded over on itself, it does a good job of blocking out the wind (or of being an eye mask).

2.29 oz / 65 g
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Sea to Summit Head Net

I know that wearing a head net makes you look like a tool, but deep in mosquito country, nobody cares about how dumb they look – only about how many mosquitoes are not currently in and/or on their face. The Sea to Summit Head Net is a lightweight solution with an adjustable hem that it’s probably worth bringing two because you’ll be able to sell one for ten times the price to some sucker without one.

1.2 oz / 34 g
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Mayfly Ultralight Nymph

After many years of wearing my Batman sandals that I bought for $3 at a Walmart on the Continental Divide Trail (apparently, another trail I will now have to hike after the Arizona Trail), I am trying out something new with the Mayfly Ultralight Nymph. These are designed to be ultralight camp shoes for ultralight adventures in an ultralight world. I don’t think anyone would consider my bikepacking gear to be ultralight (I guess I would need to start with a carbon frame for that to be true), but I’ll take the weight savings where I can. I’m interested to see how these hold up over the course of the trail.

1.72 oz / 49 g
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SlingFin SplitWing

I used a SlingFin SplitWing on the Lowest to Highest Route (without the mesh interior) and had zero complaints. I’m excited to give it a shot (this time with the mesh interior) on a longer trail where I’ll, presumably, have to set it up more frequently. That said, snakes and spiders are not as scary as many people think and they’re not out to crawl into your sleeping bag at night, so I hope to be cowboy camping quite a bit as well. However, for a lightweight, packable shelter that’s going to fit nicely into one of my many bikepacking bags (probably the handlebar bag), I think the SplitWing is perfect.

21 oz / 595 g
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Western Mountaineering Astralite (Regular)

I think the Arizona Trail is the perfect trail for a quilt. I’ve experimented with quilts before and had mixed results. However, I decided to give them another shot since my go-to sleeping bag manufacturer, Western Mountaineering is now in the quilt game with their Astralite. The Astralite is a 26°F / -3.3°C quilt which is a bit higher than my typical 20°F / -6.7°C sleeping bag, but Western Mountaineering is known for being conservative with their temperature ratings and I have yet to have a cold night in the Astralite.

16 oz / 454 g
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Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite (Regular)

The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite has a redesigned valve (the best sleeping pad valve on the market, I would say) and an R-value of 4.2. The one-way valve is amazing – it solves all the problems of the old valve (if that means anything to you – if it doesn’t, just know that the new one is great). Now the only question you need for your three-season pad is whether you want the short one (or some minimalist foam pad).

12 oz / 340 g
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Platypus QuickDraw Microfilter

The Platypus QuickDraw Microfilter has literally just come out at the time of this being posted and I’m very interested to see how well it works. It’s a hollow fiber filter that weighs 2.2 oz / 63 g and can (at least it appears to) connect to a Smartwater bottle (the bottles I am bringing with me). Platypus claims that it can filter up to three liters per minute. I am skeptical of this claim and how long it will hold up with repeated use, but I hope it holds up.

2.2 oz / 63 g
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BRS-3000T

I’m still not steadfastly in the “bring a stove” or stoveless categories, but right now I’m experimenting with a BRS-3000T as part of the Simmer Shield Solo System (more on this below). The BRS-3000T is a canister stove with three pot supports that packs into as small a package as you can imagine. It weighs only 0.88 oz / 25 g and can feel a bit janky, but it gets the job done (all I cook is mac and cheese).

0.88 oz / 25 g
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Simmer Shield Solo

The Simmer Shield Solo is a cooking system that includes a BRS-3000T, a titanium pot, a titanium windscreen, and. a pot cozy. The whole system packs into itself and accommodates a small gas canister as well. I love the compactness of it all and the pot cozy is an excellent touch. I’ve only had it out for a few nights thus far, but it’s proven itself enough to earn a spot on my Arizona Trail gear list.

6 oz / 170 g
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Snow Peak Titanium Spork

Sure, you could get a plastic spoon from McDonald’s, but if you want a utensil that’s going to last forever (so long as you don’t lose it), then get a Snow Peak Titanium Spork. It won’t melt, it’s easy to clean, and it’s mother fucking titanium (which means that you can use it to fight off wild animals). With this spork, I can eat my trail meal like the champion while also looking like a total loser because I have a titanium spork – win-win.

0.6 oz / 17 g
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BioLite HeadLamp 200

I somehow lost my BioLite HeadLamp 330, which I loved, and so instead of buying a new one, I decided I would try their newer (and lighter) HeadLamp 200. The only drawback is that it’s not quite as bright as the 330, but it’s plenty bright for using around camp (I just need to get over my fear of the woods at night). I don’t expect to be doing any riding in the dark – if I was, I would probably want something a little brighter.

1.76 oz / 50 g
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Garmin inReach Mini

I didn’t use to carry a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), but the Garmin inReach Mini only weighs 3.5 oz / 99 g – so why not be a little safer? It has 2-way texting (which works well), tracking (also works well), and SOS capabilities (fortunately, haven’t had to test this). The only catch is that it requires a (paid) monthly plan to function.

3.5 oz / 99 g
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Western Mountaineering Tioga Silk

A sleeping bag liner isn’t necessary, but I am taking a Western Mountaineering Tioga Silk because 1) it keeps my Western Mountaineering Astralite clean (because having and eventually washing a dirty sleeping bag is no fun), and 2) for when I end up too hot during the night and just want to use the liner as my sleeping bag. Worth it’s weight to me, no question.

3.6 oz / 102 g
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Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight (Large)

I’ve been using the Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight Pillow and I am pretty sure that I like it? I still want to try the regular size (sometimes the large feels too big), but I am reasonably certain I wake up noticeably fewer times during the night with this below my head (or under my face). Definitely worth the extra weight if this is the case.

2.5 oz / 70 g
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Hyperlite Mountain Gear Stake Kit

These are tent stakes. These stakes are made from aluminum, they are lightweight, and are 8 in / 20.3 cm long. The heads are drilled to give you the option of attaching a cord to each of the stakes (I did this). Having special tent stakes will not make your outdoor adventures any better (unless you’re camping in snow). They are just tent stakes.

0.4 oz / 12g (per stake)
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Opinel No. 6 Stainless Steel Pocket Knife

Unless I’m traveling (and not checking a bag), I carry an Opinel No. 6 Stainless Steel Pocket Knife. I need something to cut my cheese – and fight off woodland creatures. You can even get one of these in different colors. Very exciting, I know.

1 oz / 28 g
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RAWLOGY Cork Massage Ball

Is a RAWLOGY Cork Massage Ball a luxury item? Is caring about my tortured muscles a luxury? Does it matter? These cork balls measure 2.5 in / 6.35 cm across and weigh 1.4 oz / 40 g each. Not light enough for you? There is also a 1.9 in / 4.82 cm version that weigh 0.9 oz / 25 g each. Best to bring the pair so that you can give one to a new best friend on the trail.

1.4 oz / 40 g
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Mini Bic

Since I use a BRS-3000T, I need to carry a lighter (I should probably carry one regardless). I carry a Mini Bic. It is like a regular Bic, but mini. You know, because ULTRALIGHT. I guess I could just carry like five matches instead and that would be even more ultralight, but I’ll stick with the lighter. Be responsible with fire, friends.

0.39 oz / 11 g
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Gorilla Tape

Tape. An often overlooked, but incredibly useful thing to have with you on a thru-hike. Tear your down jacket? Tape! Rip your tent? Tape! Need to shut up your adventure partner? Tape! Just don’t bring an entire roll. I like Gorilla Tape because it’s incredibly sticky, waterproof, and thick. I’ve used this to patch a hole in my shorts before and the tape didn’t come off even after multiple washes. That said, get whatever tape you want – just bring some (because you can’t have any of mine).

1 oz / 28 g
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Smartwater 1.5L Bottle x2

You just use a store-bought plastic water bottle? Yes. And you use it over and over again until the label has fallen off and it’s practically turned into a sock before you replace it? Also yes. Smartwater (and LIFEWATR) bottles are quite structurally sound compared to something like collapsable Arrowhead bottles. You can also put a Platypus QuickDraw Microfilter on the top and filter from one bottle to another. That said, I’m using a plastic bottle so I’m going to hell.

1.6 oz / 45 g
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TheTentLab The Deuce #2 UL

I’ve talked a lot about pooping in the woods and packing out your toilet paper in the past, and I will probably continue to do so. Backcountry poops aren’t glamorous, but they are a reality of trail life. A lot of people don’t bring a trowel saying that a shoe, a rock, a trekking pole or whatever will substitute. Sometimes this will be the case, but other times you are not going to be able to dig a proper cat hole (that’s a hole for your poop). The TheTentLab The Deuce #2 UL is an acceptable solution to the trowel question.

0.6 oz / 17 g
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Sawyer Picaridin Insect Repellent (3 oz)

I use Sawyer Picaridin Insect Repellent to keep me sane and free of itchy red spots (and ticks). The active ingredient is picaridin and, unlike DEET, it doesn’t smell, melt plastics, or make you want to gag. I like the spray because I can use it on my head and shoulders when the bugs get bad and start biting through my clothes.

3.2 oz / 91 g
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Sawyer Permethrin Pump Spray (24 oz)

I really hate bugs. Even gazing at a beautiful photo of your hike can be tormented by memories of mosquito swarms. That’s why, in addition to carrying repellent, I treat my clothing with Sawyer Permethrin before hitting the trail. One treatment lasts up to six washings or six weeks. Just don’t use it to insect-proof your cat (it’s toxic to cats in its liquid form – but safe after it dries and binds to your clothing).

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Kiss My Face Lip Balm

When EXTREME WALKING, you want a lip balm with SPF. I now use Kiss My Face Lip Balm (my previous choice, Burt’s Bees SPF 15 Lip Balm, left my lips white). The elements will ravage your beautiful lips if you aren’t careful to take care of them. It doesn’t really matter which lip balm you get – just get one with SPF.

0.8 oz / 23 g
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Bodyglide for Her (0.35 oz)

The worst thing on the trail is chafe (and more specifically, ass chafe). Thankfully, there is Bodyglide for Her to alleviate the suffering. It’s the same thing as Bodyglide Anti-Chafe Balm but it’s also “rich in vitamins A, B, E, and F”. What? Do only “hers” need vitamins? I want some, too. Just remember to apply before the chafe parade starts.

2 oz / 57 g
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Dr. Bronner’s Organic Hand Sanitizer

If there’s one thing I can say my hiking partner Mr. Appa taught me, it’s that he taught me about Dr. Bronner’s Organic Hand Sanitizer. It’s a spray-on hand sanitizer that makes my hands smell lavender-y and (hopefully) cleans them. There’s a peppermint version available as well.

2 oz / 57 g
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Coppertone SPORT SPF 50

Sunscreen should be broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB), it should be designed to not run off when you sweat, and it should ideally be SPF 50 (above SPF 50 provides only marginal additional protection at an often much more expensive price). I like the consistency of Coppertone SPORT SPF 50 (I don’t really like Banana Boat). What do you like? Not being sunburned? Excellent.

3.2 oz / 91 g
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Neosporin Ointment

A lot of people don’t talk about (or don’t bring) any kind of first aid into the backcountry, but it’s a good thing to have some antibiotic ointment around for when you slice your hand open whilst cutting off some of that sweet and delicious cheese. I carry a small tube of Neosporin Ointment to fight off the infections. Have I used it? Yes. Is it worth carrying? Sure.

1 oz / 28 g
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3M Medical Tape

Carrying a bit of 3M Medical Tape won’t cost a lot in terms of weight, but it can be very helpful should you slice something open and have a need for more than just a Band-Aid. I guess I can just rely on my Gorilla Tape, but I don’t really want to rip all my hair (and skin) off.

0.6 oz / 17 g
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GUM Folding Travel Toothbrush

I like the GUM Travel Toothbrush because it folds into itself for storage and packs away easily. However, once the bristles start to wear they get stuck in the brush when closing it. Still, I typically use one of these on the trail since they can fit easily in my pocket, fanny pack, or backpack.

0.8 oz / 23 g
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Dr. Bronner’s Travel Toothpaste

In case you are unaware, there are small versions of toothpaste available. You do not need to bring a huge tube of toothpaste whilst bikepacking. Get some Dr. Bronner’s Toothpaste (or just any travel-sized toothpaste) and keep yourself from becoming a complete woodland savage. Or you can just do the super-uber-duper-mega ultralight savage thing and don’t brush your teeth with toothpaste.

1 oz / 28 g
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Charmin Ultra Soft

Oftentimes I have to take what I can get in terms of toilet paper on the trail, but if I ever get the choice, it’s Charmin Ultra Soft for the win. Keeping clean will minimize butt chafe and maximize your poo-free-ness. I usually pack out an entire roll – way too much. And remember to pack out your toilet paper!

1 oz / 28 g
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Sea to Summit Wilderness Wipes

It took me a while to come around, but damn, having some Sea to Summit Wilderness Wet Wipes (or really any wet wipes) can be life-saving in the backcountry. In addition to ensuring the cleanest of bums following a backcountry waste disposal, they can be used to clean your disgusting feet to help keep them blister-free. But as with toilet paper, just remember to pack them out.

3 oz / 85 g
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Band-Aid Bandages

It’s not a bad idea to have a couple of Band-Aid Bandages tucked away somewhere in your pack for stopping the bleeding that will inevitably occur out of somewhere on your body during your hike.

0.2 oz / 6 g
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Charmast Slim 26800 Power Bank

I am going to be doing some big sections between resupplies on the Sierra High Route and so I am bringing a Charmast Slim 26800 Power Bank. It weighs almost a pound, but it is necessary if I expect to be able to charge my phone, camera, headphones, and headlamp for the entirety of each section. There are three USB ports and a USB-C port (used to both charge the battery pack and a device). It also has pass-through charging which means you can charge devices while you also charge the battery.

15 oz / 425 g
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Samsung Galaxy Buds+

It took me a while to finally get earbuds without a wire. I liked being able to drape my headphones around my neck when I wasn’t using them. I also feared dropping and forever losing an expensive earbud down the side of a mountain. But now I’m a big fan of the Samsung Galaxy Buds+. As a bonus, they have their own little battery pack case which means more juice in my large battery pack for my phone and camera.

1 oz / 28 g
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Google Pixel 5

You’re probably not looking at this gear list in hopes of finding yourself a new phone, but I get asked which phone I am using often enough that I’ve decided to include the Google Pixel 5 here. I’m not much of an iPhone fan, so I stick with the Google. This thing has a killer camera and a battery that makes me think twice about my need for my enormous battery pack.

5.3 oz / 150 g
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Sony a6500

I’ve been using a Sony a6500 for a few years now and I am very happy with it. It’s relatively lightweight, compact (fits in my jacket pocket), has in-body stabilization, 4K movie recording, and (maybe best of all) it can be recharged via USB (i.e. with my battery pack).

14.25 oz / 404 g
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Sony Vario-Tessar 16-70mm F4

I got the Vario-Tessar T* E 16-70mm F4 ZA OSS so I would have something with a bit of a focal length range. This lens takes beautiful photos and is relatively lightweight (not full-frame compatible), but it’s still not my ideal lens. Perhaps one day I’ll have enough money to upgrade (or just switch to something heavier).

10.9 oz / 308 g
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Peak Design Capture 3.0

The Peak Design Capture Clip is practically part of my backpack, I never take it off. It makes carrying my camera incredibly easy and saves me from having to open my pack to access my camera or having it hang annoyingly from a strap around my neck. There’s also an attachment for a GoPro if I decide I want some POV video (or if I need a dashcam for my inevitable fight with a bear).

3 oz / 85 g
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Peak Design Shell (Small)

To me, the Peak Design Shell is an essential piece of equipment with the Peak Design Capture. The Shell comes in three sizes and is designed to keep your camera dry in the rain (in addition to protecting it from the sun, dust, would-be robbers, and snow should you be so (un?)lucky). It can be tricky to adjust the zoom and focus with the Shell on and I usually remove it each time I take a photo. It’s made from a stretchy fabric that will also help to prevent nicks or abrasion when you inevitably bash your camera against a rock.

4 oz / 113 g
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GoPro HERO9 Black

I’ve gone back and forth on carrying a GoPro with me in addition to my camera, but the image stabilization has gotten so good in the GoPro HERO9 Black, that I’ve decided it’s worth it since I’m trying to take more video out on the trail. I keep my GoPro in my fanny pack and bust it out whenever I’m feeling inspired. I have found myself using it enough to justify having it along.

5.6 oz / 159 g
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