In the second installment of this year’s Continental Divide Trail Thru-Hiker Survey, we dive into gear for hiking the CDT. Continental Divide Trail gear lists vary wildly between hikers, and (spoiler alert) finding a perfect CDT gear list is impossible. That said, we can try.
I’ve organized this in a way that I hope will give a comprehensive picture of what gear CDT thru-hikers are using. This post covers the highest-rated gear, the most common gear, base weights, gear advice, and more.
The gear covered here includes backpacks, shelters, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, insulated jackets, rain jackets, fleeces, shoes, socks, stoves, water treatment, trekking poles, ice axes, traction systems, bear canisters, satellite messengers/PLBs, fitness trackers, luxury items, and more.
I’ve tweaked the layout this year; instead of having two tables (generally) repeating the same gear in a different order (one with the most common and another with the highest rated), I have a single sortable table with the most common and highest rated stats.
As always, the goal is for this to be a helpful resource for CDT hikers, so if there’s anything you think is missing, please leave a comment below. Now for this year’s Continental Divide Trail Gear Guide by the CDT Class of 2023.
Notes on the Data
- This year, there were 173 completed surveys. Are you next year? Sign up to take the survey here.
- Some responses are sorted and colored – e.g., northbound or southbound. More on this below.
- The Continental Divide Trail and thru-hiking generally use acronyms and jargon. If anything needs to be clarified, the thru-hiker glossary may help. Please comment if you still can’t find what you’re looking for.
- I ask that respondents do their best to respond accurately. Not every hiker answers every question, and not every answer is guaranteed 100% accurate (e.g., someone may mistakenly report spending $10,000 on their hike instead of $9,000).
- I refer to survey respondents collectively as this year’s “class.” Remember, this is a sample and not a comprehensive survey of every person on the CDT.
- These results invoke basic statistics. To maximize your time here, familiarize yourself with average, median (M), and standard deviation (σ).
- For stats requiring the length of the CDT for a calculation (e.g., mileage/day), I use 2,974.5 mi / 4,787 km (from the FarOut Guides CDT app).
- In the coming weeks, more detailed posts focused on CDT Resupply, CDT Horror Stories, and CDT Advice will be published. If you want to be notified of new survey posts, click here.
Notes on the Gear
- Backpacks: For weights/stats, I use capacities closest to 50 liters (if multiple options are available) based on this year’s average of 50.8 liters.
- Backpacks: Men’s and women’s versions of the same pack, for example, the Osprey Exos and the Osprey Eja, have been combined into a single pack.
- Backpacks: The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest, Windrider, and Junction are all the same backpack but with different exterior pocket material combinations. These packs have been combined into a single pack where it makes sense.
- Sleeping bags and quilts: For weights/stats, I use the highest fill power available and the temperature rating closest to 20°F/-6°C (if multiple options are available) based on this year’s average of 17.1°F/-8.3°C.
- Sleeping pads: Therm-a-Rest has released a new version of their sleeping pads, the NXT line, since the last survey. The women’s version of the XLite has been discontinued and rolled into the new version. Therm-a-Rest sleeping pad models have been combined where it makes sense to do so. I’ve also stopped treating the short versions of the pads as different products. The pads’ MAX (i.e., rectangular versions) are still treated as separate.
- Insulated jackets: I’ve left the jacket and hoodie/hoody versions of jackets separate for now, but I am considering combining them in future years. If you have any thoughts on this, please let me know.
- Ice axes: For weights/stats, I use the length closest to 60 cm (if multiple options are available).
- Highest-rated gear: Only gear used and rated by at least ten hikers is assigned an average rating. If a piece of gear does not have a rating, it was used and/or rated by fewer than ten hikers.
- All ratings listed are the average (on a scale of 1 to 10) from each hiker who rated the gear.
Data Labels
- Thru-Hikers: Thru-hikers
- Thru-Hikers (0): Thru-hikers who didn’t complete the CDT
- Thru-Hikers (1): Thru-hikers who completed the CDT
- Northbound: Northbound thru-hikers
- Southbound: Southbound thru-hikers
Most Common CDT Gear
I asked each survey respondent about the gear they used during their Continental Divide Trail hike. With this information, we can see the most popular gear on the trail.
Here’s what this year’s “Most Common CDT Gear List” backpack had (and what that theoretical backpack was).
- Backpack*: Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest (31.7 oz / 899 g)
- Shelter: Zpacks Duplex (1.16 lbs / 525 g)
- Sleeping bag: Enlightened Equipment Enigma (21.2 oz / 601 g)
- Sleeping pad: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT (13 oz / 369 g)
- Insulated jacket: Enlightened Equipment Torrid – Men’s/Women’s (8.40 oz / 238.14 g)
- Shell: Montbell Versalite – Men’s/Women’s (6.4 oz / 182 g)
- Fleece: Melanzana Microgrid Hoodie (12.1 oz / 343 g)
- Shoes: Altra Lone Peak – Men’s/Women’s (22 oz / 624 g)
- Socks: Darn Tough Hiker Quarter Midweight – Men’s/Women’s (2 oz / 57 g)
- Stove: MSR PocketRocket 2 (2.4 oz / 68 g)
- Water treatment: Sawyer Squeeze (3 oz / 85 g)
- Bear canister: Ursack Major XL – 15L (8.8 oz / 250 g)
- Trekking poles: Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork (17.1 oz / 485 g)
- PLB**: Garmin inReach Mini (3.5 oz / 100 g)
- Ice axe: C.A.M.P. USA Corsa (7.1 oz / 201 g)
- Traction device: Kahtoola MICROspikes (11.9 oz / 337 g)
- Umbrella: Gossamer Gear Lightrek Hiking (Chrome) Umbrella (6.3 oz / 179 g)
- Fitness tracker: Garmin Fenix (2.79 oz / 79 g)
Total weight – Big 3 (pack, shelter, sleeping bag): 4.46 lbs / 2.025 kg
Total weight – Big 4 (Big 3 + sleeping pad): 5.28 lbs / 2.394 kg
All gear***: 9.26 lbs / 4.198 kg
*The Southwest was the most common pack even before combining the Windrider and Junction as part of this count.
**The current version is the Garmin inReach Mini 2 (the second-most common); it also weighs 3.5 oz / 100 g.
***This does not include trekking poles, shoes, socks, umbrella, or fitness tracker
In addition to the items noted above, these total base weights (a backpack’s weight minus food, water, and consumables – like poop paper) are missing a few pieces of gear (headlamp, extra clothing, electronics, etc.).
This brings us over halfway to the year’s average starting base weight of 15.29 lbs / 7.94 kg. Note that the stove included in this list, the MSR PocketRocket 2, does not include the weight of a pot.
What is the total price of all this gear? $3,371 (with one pair of shoes and socks); I did not include the $650 price tag of the Garmin Fenix since most thru-hikers did not have a fitness tracker. What was the average thru-hikers spent on gear before beginning their hikes? $1,160 (M = $1,000 | σ = $1,019).
Highest-Rated Gear List
In addition to asking each Continental Divide Trail hiker what gear they used, I asked hikers to rate each piece of gear. No point in doing what everyone else is doing if none of them are happy with their choices, right? I’ve also used the results to construct a top-ten list for each category surveyed.
Here’s what this year’s “Highest-Rated CDT Gear List” backpack had (and what that theoretical backpack was).
- Backpack: Gossamer Gear Mariposa (29.4 oz / 834 g)
- Shelter: Zpacks Duplex (1.16 lbs / 525 g)
- Sleeping bag/quilt: Western Mountaineering Versalite (2 lb / 907 g)
- Sleeping pad: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT (13 oz / 369 g)
- Insulated jacket: Enlightened Equipment Torrid – Men’s/Women’s (8.40 oz / 238.14 g)
- Shell: Montbell Versalite – Men’s/Women’s (6.4 oz / 182 g)
- Fleece: Melanzana Microgrid Hoodie (12.1 oz / 343 g)
- Shoes: Altra Lone Peak – Men’s/Women’s (22 oz / 624 g)
- Socks: Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Midweight – Men’s/Women’s (2.7 oz / 77 g)
- Stove: SOTO Windmaster (3.1 oz / 88 g)
- Water treatment: Sawyer Squeeze (3 oz / 85 g)
- Bear canister: Ursack AllMitey – 20L (13.8 oz / 391 g)
- Trekking poles: Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork Unisex/Women’s (18.06 oz / 512 g)
- PLB: Garmin inReach Explorer+ (discontinued) (7.5 oz / 213 g)
- Ice axe: C.A.M.P. USA Corsa (7.1 oz / 201 g)
- Traction device: Kahtoola MICROspikes (11.9 oz / 337 g)
- Fitness tracker: Garmin Instinct (1.87 oz / 53 g)
Total weight – Big 3 (pack, shelter, sleeping bag): 5.00 lbs / 2.266 kg
Total weight – Big 4 (Big 3 + sleeping pad): 5.81 lbs / 2.635 kg
All gear*: 10.39 lbs / 4.713 kg
Keen readers may have noticed there is no umbrella listed here. This is because I did not ask hikers to rate their umbrellas. Perhaps I should have. However, I did ask in which sections they carried their umbrellas. This information will be covered below.
*This does not include trekking poles, shoes, socks, or fitness tracker
In addition to the items noted above, these total base weights (a backpack’s weight minus food, water, and consumables – like poop paper) are missing a few pieces of gear (headlamp, extra clothing, electronics, etc.). It brings us over halfway to the year’s average starting base weight of 17.6 lbs / 7.983 kg. Note that the stove included in this list, the SOTO Windmaster, does not include the weight of a pot.
What is the total price of all this gear? $3,271 (with one pair of shoes and socks); I did not include the $400 price tag of the Garmin Instinct since most thru-hikers did not have a fitness tracker. What did the average thru-hikers spend on gear before beginning their hikes? $1,160 (M = $1,000 | σ = $1,019).
Backpacks
One thing everyone definitely (probably?) needs if they’re going on an extended backpacking trip? A backpack.
A backpack can do a lot to define a hiker, and you can usually tell a lot (or at least think you can tell a lot) about a hiker by simply looking at their pack. This first section will examine backpack stats and the most common/highest-rated backpacks among Continental Divide Trail hikers this year.
Here is the average backpack size used by thru-hikers.
Thru-Hikers
50.8
(M = 52 | σ = 10.8)
Thru-Hikers (1)
50.8
(M = 53.5 | σ = 10.4)
Thru-Hikers (0)
50.6
(M = 50 | σ = 13.6)
Hikers’ most common complaints when it came to backpacks this year?
Packs were uncomfortable with heavy loads. Be sure that if you get an ultralight pack designed for ultralight carries, you don’t expect it to feel great when it’s loaded with a week’s worth of food and five liters of water.
Most Common CDT Backpacks
The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest was the most common backpack on the Continental Divide Trail this year, advancing from the number two spot in last year’s survey. The white version weighs 31.7 oz / 899 g in a size medium while the black version in a medium weighs 34.6oz / 980g. The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Windrider and Junction – the same pack with different exterior pocket fabrics – were among the ten most common packs. It’s made from DCH50 (white/body) and DCH150 (white/bottom, black/entire pack) and has a recommended load capacity of up to 40 lb / 18 kg.
Highest-Rated CDT Backpacks
The Gossamer Gear Mariposa was the highest-rated pack on the CDT this year. It weighs 29.4 oz / 834 g, comes in two colors, three sizes, has a 60 L capacity, and a recommended max carry load of 35 lb / 16 kg (but 30 lb / 14 kg for comfort). It’s made from 100 & 200D Robic high-tensile strength nylon and has three different-sized hip belts to find the optimal fit.
CDT Backpack Breakdown
Popularity | Rating | Backpack | Price | Weight | Liters | Max Load |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 8.11 | Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest | $379 | 1.98 lb | 899 g | 55 | 40 lb | 18 kg |
2 | 8.31 | ULA Circuit | $280 | 2.33 lb | 1.06 kg | 68 | 35 lb | 16 kg |
3 | 7.92 | Osprey Exos | $260 | 2.84 lb | 1.29 kg | 58 | 35 lb | 16 kg |
4 | 8.60 | Gossamer Gear Mariposa | $285 | 1.84 lb | 834 g | 60 | 35 lb | 16 kg |
5 | 6.90 | Zpacks Arc Haul | $399 | 1.29 lb | 584 g | 50 | 40 lb | 18 kg |
6 | -- | Gossamer Gear Gorilla | $255 | 1.78 lb | 809 g | 50 | 30 lb | 14 kg |
7 | -- | ULA Catalyst | $300 | 2.78 lb | 1.26 kg | 75 | 40 lb | 18 kg |
8 | -- | Atom Packs Atom+ | $271 | 1.49 lb | 675 g | 50 | 30 lb | 13.5 kg |
9 | -- | Zpacks Arc Blast | $375 | 1.25 lb | 565 g | 58 | 35 lb | 16 kg |
Shelters
Shelters – essentially the umbrella term for tents because there are options such as bivy sacks, tarps, pyramids, and lean-tos – are another essential piece of Continental Divide Trail gear. A consideration for hikers when choosing their shelter is whether they would like said shelter to be freestanding.
What is a freestanding shelter? It’s a shelter that needs only the tent body and its poles to be set up – no stakes or superfluous tie-outs required. An example of this type of shelter is the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2.
Shelters that are not freestanding must be staked or tied out to be set up properly. These shelters typically (but not always) use trekking poles instead of the more traditional tent poles to be set up – something to consider when considering shelter weights and prices. An example of this kind of shelter is the year’s most common shelter, the Zpacks Duplex.
Lastly, a semi-freestanding shelter is one that (typically) uses tent poles and can stand on its own, but that requires at least one stake or tie-outs to be completely set up. An example of this kind of shelter is the NEMO Equipment Hornet OSMO 1P.
Shelter Type
The percentage of hikers using each type of shelter on the Continental Divide Trail.
- 65.3% – Non-freestanding
- 16.8% – Semi-freestanding
- 9.2% – Freestanding
- 6.9% – Tarp
- 1.7% – Hammock
None of the top ten most common shelters are freestanding.
One of the top ten most common shelters, the NEMO Equipment Hornet OSMO 1P, is semi-freestanding. This means it can stand independently without stakes but requires stakes to be set up fully/properly.
The remaining nine are not freestanding.
Most Common/Highest Rated CDT Shelters
The Zpacks Duplex was the most common shelter on the CDT this year (for the third year). It’s a $669, two-person, side-entry, 18.5 oz / 525 g shelter requiring two trekking poles to set up. It’s made from .55 oz/yd² Dyneema Composite Fabric and requires at least six stakes to set up (not included in the $670 price tag).
The order of the highest-rated shelters mirrors the most common shelters except the Zpacks Plex Solo, which doesn’t receive a rating since at least ten hikers didn’t use it.
CDT Shelter Breakdown
Popularity | Rating | Shelter | Price | Weight | Floor | Freestanding | Capacity |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 9.19 | Zpacks Duplex | $669 | 1.16 lb | 525 g | 28 ft² / 2.6 m² | No | 2 |
2 | 7.64 | Durston Gear X-Mid 2 | $280 | 2.21 lb | 1.005 kg | 33.2 ft² / 3.1 m² | No | 2 |
3 | 8.90 | Durston Gear X-Mid 1 | $240 | 1.75 lb | 795 g | 20 ft² / 1.85 m² | No | 1 |
4 | 7.10 | Gossamer Gear The One | $255 | 1.11 lb | 503 g | 15.8 ft² / 1.5 m² | No | 1 |
5 | -- | Zpacks Plex Solo | $599 | 0.87 lb | 395 g | 20.6 ft² / 1.91 m² | No | 1 |
6 | -- | Zpacks Altaplex | $669 | 0.96 lb | 437 g | 22.5 ft² / 2.09 m² | No | 1 |
7 | -- | NEMO Equipment Hornet OSMO 1 | $400 | 1.81 lb | 822 g | 22.3 ft² / 2.07 m² | Semi | 1 |
8 | -- | Durston Gear X-Mid Pro 2 | $639 | 1.26 lb | 570 g | 28.75 ft² / 2.7 m² | No | 2 |
9 | -- | Zpacks 7×9 Flat Tarp | $349 | 0.32 lb | 144 g | N/A | No | N/A |
10 | -- | Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo | $260 | 1.63 lb | 740 g | 26 ft² / 2.4 m² | No | 1 |
11 | -- | Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 | $550 | 2.69 lb | 1.22 kg | 29 ft² / 2.7 m² | Yes | 2 |
Note: The Durston Gear X-Mid Pro 2 is available in woven and Dyneema versions with or without stakes. The data above reflects the woven version without stakes.
Sleeping Bags & Quilts
Is there a generic term for sleeping bags and quilts? Sleeping sacks? Insulation-filled backpacking tortillas? Writing sleeping bags/quilts is a bit excessive/unnecessary feeling. Suggestions welcome.
Quilts have become the unofficial standard in thru-hiker kits; three of the top five most common insulation-filled backpacking tortillas were quilts. That said, many quilts come in a variety of temperature ratings and are, many times, largely customizable.
Individual hiker temperature needs can vary greatly. How warm of a sleeper are you? Which sleeping pad do you have? Do you sleep in your clothes? With another person? In a small tent? A big tent? With a dog? Bigfoot?
The typical range for CDT sleeping bags and quilts is between 10°F and 20°F (-12.2°C to -6.7°C). Which bag will be best for you depends. Here’s what this year’s class had.
Thru-Hikers
17.1°F
-8.3°C
(M = 20°F/-6.7°C | σ = 7.4)
Average sleeping bag temperature
Thru-Hikers
57.2%
Percentage of hikers using a quilt
Thru-Hikers
18.4°F
-7.5°C
Average temperature of hiker bag/quilt who wanted something warmer
Most Common CDT Sleeping Bags
This year, the Enlightened Equipment Enigma was the CDT’s most common quilt (sleeping bag). The Enigma is highly customizable and comes in various lengths, widths, temperature ratings, fill powers, and colors. What’s the difference between the Enigma and the Revelation? The Enigma has a sewn foot box and the Revelation does not (i.e., the Revelation can be laid completely flat).
Highest-Rated CDT Sleeping Bags & Quilts
This year, the Western Mountaineering Versalite was the CDT’s highest-rated sleeping bag (or quilt). The regular-length, 10°F / -12°C model weighs 2 lb / 907 g and costs $720 (making it the most expensive piece of gear included anywhere in this post). It has a full-length zipper (with left or right options) and uses 850 fill power goose down. It’s available in short, regular, and long versions.
CDT Sleeping Bag & Quilt Breakdown
Popularity | Rating | Bag/Quilt | Price | Weight | Temperature | Fill | Fill Weight |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 9.28 | Enlightened Equipment Enigma | $430 | 1.32 lb | 601 g | 20°F / -6.7°C | 950 duck | 13.83 oz / 392 g |
2 | 8.54 | Enlightened Equipment Revelation | $420 | 1.2 lb | 544 g | 20°F / -6.7°C | 950 duck | 14.4 oz / 408 g |
3 | 9.50 | Western Mountaineering Versalite | $720 | 2 lb | 907 g | 10°F / -12.2°C | 850 goose | 20 oz / 565 g |
4 | -- | Katabatic Flex | $430 | 1.42 lb | 646 g | 22°F / -5.6°C | 900 goose | 14.3 oz / 405g |
5 | -- | REI Co-op Magma | Discontinued | 1.76 lb | 799 g | 16°F / -8.9°C | 850 goose | 15.9 oz / 451 g |
6 | -- | UGQ Bandit | $395 | 1.5 lb | 680 g | 20°F / -6.7°C | 950 goose | N/A |
7 | -- | Katabatic Alsek | $430 | 1.39 lb | 629 g | 22°F / -5.6°C | 900 goose | 13.4 oz / 380 g |
8 | -- | Zpacks Quilt | $429 | 1.15 oz | 520 g | 20°F / -6.7°C | 900 goose | 13.7 oz / 388 g |
9 | -- | Katabatic Sawatch | $470 | 1.54 lb | 700 g | 15°F / -9.4°C | 900 goose | 16.6 oz / 471 g |
10 | -- | Western Mountaineering Alpinlite | $695 | 1.94 lb | 880 g | 20°F / -6.7°C | 850 goose | 19 oz / 538 g |
11 | -- | Zpacks Classic Sleeping Bag | $449 | 1.18 lb | 533 g | 20°F / -6.7°C | 900 goose | 14.5 oz / 411 g |
12 | -- | Mountain Hardwear Phantom | $580 | 2.08 lb | 941 g | 15°F / -9.4°C | 850 fill | 20.1 oz / 572 g |
Sleeping Pads
Sleeping pads are another must-have item on the Continental Divide Trail. Hikers have two options: an inflatable or foam sleeping pad.
There are pros and cons to both. Foam pads can’t pop, can be easily deployed, aren’t noisy, and make acceptable LARPing weapons; inflatable pads pack down small, have higher R-values (i.e., they’re warmer), can (sometimes) be lighter, and make acceptable rafts.
Which sleeping pad is best depends on your personal needs and, in some cases, how much durability you’re willing to sacrifice to save weight. Most CDT hikers used inflatable sleeping pads, with 48% using some Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT version (regular, small, or the now-discontinued women’s).
The percentage of hikers using each style of sleeping pad on the Continental Divide Trail this year.
- 81.3% – Inflatable
- 18.7% – Foam
Most Common/Highest Rated CDT Sleeping Pads
This year, the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT was the most common sleeping pad on the Continental Divide Trail. In size regular, this air pad has an R-value of 4.5, weighs 13 oz / 369 g, packs to 4.1 x 9 in / 10 x 23 cm, and is 3 in / 7.6 cm thick. It’s also available in short, wide, and large sizes.
The order of the highest-rated sleeping pads mirrors the most common sleeping pads except the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT, which doesn’t receive a rating since at least ten hikers didn’t use it.
CDT Sleeping Pad Breakdown
Popularity | Rating | Sleeping Pad | Price | Weight | R-Value | Thickness |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 9.43 | Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT | $210 | 13 oz | 369 g | 4.5 | 3 in / 7.6 cm |
2 | 8.60 | NEMO Equipment Switchback | $55 | 14.5 oz | 415 g | 2 | 0.9 in / 2.3 cm |
3 | 8.57 | NEMO Equipment Tensor (Insulated) | $200 | 14.5 oz | 411 g | 4.2 | 3 in / 7.6 cm |
4 | 7.82 | Therm-a-Rest Z Lite SOL | $58 | 14 oz | 397 g | 2 | 0.75 in / 1.9 cm |
5 | -- | Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT | $240 | 16 oz | 454 g | 7.3 | 3 in / 7.6 cm |
6 | -- | Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite | $230 | 8.8 oz | 250 g | 2.3 | 2.5 in / 6.4 cm |
7 | -- | Big Agnes Rapide SL | Discontinued | 19 oz | 539 g | 4.2 | 3.5 in / 8.9 cm |
Insulated Jackets
Something to keep the top half of your body warm – whether this is a base layer, a fleece, or an insulated jacket – is something else every Continental Divide Trail hiker should have with them. Of this year’s class, 88% had an insulated jacket – meaning 12% said they didn’t bring one.
“Insulated jacket” because “down jacket” isn’t accurate since not all jackets use down insulation and because the word “puffy” isn’t quite official – also I don’t know whether to spell the plural “puffys” or “puffies.” They both look weird.
Many of the most popular insulated jackets have hooded and non-hooded versions. Typically, the hoodless versions are called “jackets,” while the hooded versions are called hoodies (e.g., Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 Jacket vs. Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 Hoody).
The percentage of hikers using a hoody versus those using a jacket (without a hood) on the Continental Divide Trail.
- 73.5% – Hoody
- 26.5% – Jacket (no hood)
Most Common/Highest Rated CDT Insulated Jackets
This year, the Enlightened Equipment Torrid Men’s/Women’s was the most common insulated jacket on the Continental Divide Trail. The hoody has synthetic insulation, weighs 8.40 oz / 238.14 g, comes in 10D or 7D shell options, and is available in sizes up to 2XL. The hood is cinchable, the jacket has elastic wrist closures, and two zippered hand-warmer pockets with a waist shock cord adjustment inside.
The only two insulated jackets used by ten or more hikers were the Enlightened Equipment Torrid (Men’s/Women’s) and the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 Hoody (Men’s/Women’s), the Torrid was the top-rated jacket in addition to being the most common.
Popularity | Rating | Insulated Jacket | Price | Weight | Hood | Pockets |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 9.30 | Enlightened Equipment Torrid (M/W) | $200 | 8.4 oz | 238 g | Yes | 2 hand |
2 | 8.87 | Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 Hoody (M/W) | $360 | 8.8 oz | 249 g | Yes | 2 hand |
3 | -- | Arc'teryx Cerium Hoody (M/W) | $400 | 11.9 oz | 337 g | Yes | 2 hand | 1 internal chest |
4 | -- | Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer 2 (M/W) | $330 | 8.3 oz | 236 g | No | 2 hand |
5 | -- | Arc’teryx Cerium Jacket (M/W) | $380 | 10.6 oz | 300 g | No | 2 hand | 1 internal chest |
6 | -- | Montbell Plasma 1000 Jacket (M/W) | $369 | 4.9 oz | 138 g | No | 2 hand |
7 | -- | Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody (M/W) | $329 | 10.5 oz | 298 g | Yes | 2 hand | 2 drop |
8 | -- | Decathlon Forclaz Trek 100 (M/W) | $100 | 10.2 oz | 290 g | Yes | 2 hand |
9 | -- | Feathered Friends Eos (M/W) | $409 | 10.8 oz | 306 g | Yes | 2 hand | 1 external chest |
10 | -- | REI Co-op Magma 850 (M/W) | $249 | 12.3 oz | 349 g | Yes | 2 hand | 1 external chest |
Shells
Shells, or rain jackets, aren’t something that Continental Divide Trail hikers use every day, but they should also not be overlooked. Weather on the CDT can be wild and unpredictable; getting caught unprepared in a storm could quickly become life-threatening.
Most Common/Highest Rated CDT Shells
This year, the Montbell Versalite (Men’s/Women’s) was the most common rainwear on the Continental Divide Trail. It’s a 6.4 oz / 182 g jacket made with GORE-TEX WINDSTOPPER fabric. It has pit zips, a pocket hem adjuster, and two hand-warmer pockets placed hiker up to not be in the way of a hipbelt, fanny pack, or harness.
The three most common shells received ratings that mirrored their popularity (e.g., the Montbell Versalite was both the most common and highest-rated). At least ten hikers used none of the other shells, so they did not receive ratings.
CDT Shell Breakdown
Popularity | Rating | Shell | Price | Weight | Fabric | Pit Zips |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 8.10 | Montbell Versalite (M/W) | $249 | 6.4 oz | 182 g | 2-layer GORE-TEX Infinium Windstopper | Yes |
2 | 6.13 | Outdoor Research Helium (M/W) | $170 | 6.2 oz | 176 g | 2.5-layer Pertex Shield (Nylon) | No |
3 | 5.86 | Frogg Toggs Ultra-Lite (M/W) | $30 | 5.5 oz | 156 g | Three-layer polypropylene | No |
4 | -- | Arc’teryx Beta (M/W) | $400 | 10.6 oz | 300 g | GORE-TEX w/ GORE C-KNIT backer | No |
5 | -- | Marmot PreCip (M/W) | $100 | 11 oz | 305 g | NanoPro 100% Nylon | Yes |
6 | -- | Lightheart Gear Rain Jacket | $125 | 6 oz | 170 g | 20D Ripstop Polyester | Yes |
7 | -- | Zpacks Vertice (M/W) | $299 | 5.4 oz | 152 g | 1.50 oz/yd² Vertice | Yes |
8 | -- | Enlightened Equipment Visp (M/W) | $250 | 6.38 oz | 181 g | 7D nylon + PU membrane + tricot lining | Yes |
9 | -- | Frogg Toggs Xtreme Lite (M/W) | $60 | 9.65 oz | 274 g | 20D Ripstop Polyester | No |
Fleeces
Many hikers carry a fleece in addition to or instead of an insulated jacket. They are typically more comfortable to hike in (if you’re using your extra layers for more than just staying warm at camp) and can offer more versatility than a puffy, depending on the situation.
An increasing number of hikers are bringing fleeces, with 71.7% bringing a fleece as part of their CDT gear list.
The following breakdown shows the percentage of CDT hikers who brought only a fleece, only an insulated jacket, both, or neither (not recommended).
- 59.6% – Insulated jacket and fleece
- 28.9% – Insulated jacket only
- 10.8% – Fleece only
- 0.6% – Neither
Most Common/Highest Rated CDT Fleeces
The most common fleece on the Continental Divide Trail, for the second year in a row, was the Melanzana Microgrid Hoodie. Despite only being available locally at their store in Leadville, Colorado, most hikers with a fleece had a Melly – a 12.2 oz / 346 g pullover with a hood and a kangaroo pocket in the front. Know what goes past Leadville? The CDT.
The Melanzana Microgrid Hoodie and the Senchi Designs Alpha 90 Hoodie were the only two fleeces used by enough hikers to earn a rating. The Melanzana Microgrid was the highest rated, with the Senchi Alpha 90 in second.
CDT Fleece Breakdown
Popularity | Rating | Fleece | Price | Weight | Fabric | Zip |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 9.00 | Melanzana Microgrid Hoodie | $86 | 12.1 oz | 343 g (L) | Polyester Micro Grid | None |
2 | 8.92 | Senchi Designs Alpha 90 Hoodie | $95 | 4.5 oz | 128 g | Polartec Alpha Direct 90 | None |
3 | -- | Senchi Designs Alpha 60 Hoodie | $85 | 3.7 oz | 105 g | Polartec Alpha Direct 60 | None |
4 | -- | Arc'teryx Delta Jacket (M/W) | $160 | 8.8 oz | 250 g | Polartec Power Dry | Full |
5 | -- | FarPointe Outdoor Gear Alpha Cruiser | $85 | 4 oz | 113 g (60) 4.9 oz | 139 g (90) | Polartec Alpha Direct 60 or 90 | None |
Shoes
Shoes are perhaps one of the most important gear choices for Continental Divide Trail hikers as they’re what’s literally moving you up the trail. They’re also one of the most individual-specific pieces of gear. Let me get this out of the way now and say there is no such thing as a “best thru-hiking shoe.”
What may be the objective best choice for one person could easily be the objective worst choice for another person. The “best thru-hiking shoes” are the ones that work best for the individual. Don’t be afraid of trying multiple models from multiple brands to find the most comfortable shoe for your foot.
This year, I’m breaking down shoes a bit more. I’ve included the type of shoe used, whether thru-hikers used waterproof shoes, and whether thru-hikers changed their shoe size during their hikes.
Type of Shoe Used
- 87.6% – Low top shoes
- 10.7% – Mid-top shoes
- 1.2% – Sandals
- 0.6% – Boots
Waterproof Shoe Use
Many shoes commonly used by CDT hikers have waterproof versions available. However, the majority of hikers choose not to use waterproof shoes.
- 94.7% – Not using waterproof shoes
- 5.3% – Using waterproof shoes
Hiker Shoe Size Changes
It’s commonly recommended that thru-hikers size up their shoes on the CDT, as many people’s feet will swell during a thru-hike. Here’s what this year’s class did.
- 22.0% – Sized up
- 76.3% – Didn’t change shoe size
- 1.7% – Sized down
For more on hiking shoes, check out the Best Shoes for Thru-Hiking.
Most Common CDT Shoes
The Altra Lone Peak (Men’s/Women’s) was the most common shoe on the feet of Continental Divide Trail hikers this year. They cost $140 per pair, have a 0 mm heel-toe drop, and weigh 21.4 oz / 607 g per pair. On average, thru-hikers (1) used five pairs of these on the trail (4.82 to be exact). Altra frequently releases new versions of the Lone Peak; at the time of publication, the latest is the Lone Peak 8.
Highest-Rated CDT Shoes
The Altra Lone Peak (Men’s/Women’s) was the highest-rated, in addition to being the most common, shoe on the feet of Continental Divide Trail hikers this year. They cost $140 per pair, have a 0 mm heel-toe drop, and weigh 21.4 oz / 607 g per pair. On average, thru-hikers (1) used five pairs of these on the trail (4.82 to be exact). Altra frequently releases new versions of the Lone Peak; at the time of publication, the latest is the Lone Peak 8.
CDT Shoe Breakdown
Popularity | Rating | Shoes | Price | Weight | Heel-Toe Drop | Number Used |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 8.92 | Altra Lone Peak (M/W) | $150 | 22 oz | 624 g | 0 mm | 4.82 |
2 | 8.50 | HOKA ONE ONE Speedgoat (M/W) | $155 | 20.6 oz | 584 g | 4 mm | 5.56 |
3 | 7.87 | Altra Olympus (M/W) | $170 | 24.6 oz | 697 g | 0 mm | 5.18 |
4 | 8.70 | Topo Athletic Terraventure (M/W) | $135 | 20.2 oz | 573 g | 3 mm | 5.13 |
5 | -- | Brooks Cascadia (M/W) | $140 | 22 oz | 624 g | 8 mm | 4.33 |
6 | -- | Merrell Moab (M/W) | $120 | 33 oz | 936 g | 11.5 mm | 3.75 |
7 | -- | Topo Athletic Ultraventure Pro (discontinued) | $150 | 20.8 oz | 590 g | 5 mm | 5.75 |
8 | -- | Topo Athletic Ultraventure (M/W) | $150 | 20.4 oz | 578 g | 5 mm | 5.20 |
9 | -- | Altra Lone Peak Hiker (M/W) | $150 | 25.6 oz | 726 g | 0 mm | 5.33 |
10 | -- | Topo MTN Racer (M/W) | $150 | 20.2 oz | 573 g | 5 mm | 5.00 |
Shoe Notes: Even if you knew that each pair of your shoes would last you 700 mi / 1,125 km, buying yourself four pairs at the start of the hike would be risky – what if the shoes aren’t as comfortable as you thought? What if your feet swell? What if you die?
Remember, once you know that you need a new pair, you can buy shoes and have them mailed ahead on the trail (to a post office, hotel, local outfitter, trail angel, etc.). If you encounter an emergency, you can always buy locally or wait for your shoes to arrive in the mail (this latter happens more than you might imagine).
Socks
After shoes, Continental Divide Trail hiker socks take the most (if not more) damage from the daily grind of the trail. Darn Tough is the standout sock brand among hikers – occupying four of the top five most common spots and all five of the highest-rated spots.
Hikers love these socks for their comfort and durability and because they’re “Unconditionally Guaranteed for Life.” Basically, wear a hole in your sock(s) while hiking, and you can get a new pair (reasonable exceptions apply, such as fire damage or animal tearing apart). Over 78% of CDT hikers had Darn Tough socks on the trail.
For more on hiking socks, check out the Best Socks for Thru-Hiking.
Most Common CDT Socks
Darn Tough dominated Continental Divide Trail hiker feet this year, with the Darn Tough Hiker Quarter Midweight (Men’s/Women’s) being the most common model. They are made of 59% merino wool, 38% nylon, and 3% spandex; they have a medium cushion, cost $22 a pair, and have an unconditional lifetime guarantee. The second most common sock was the crew length (men’s/women’s) of this sock.
Highest-Rated CDT Socks
This year, the Continental Divide Trail’s highest-rated sock was the Darn Tough Hiker Boot Midweight (Men’s/Women’s). They are made of 64% merino wool, 34% nylon, and 3% spandex; they have a medium cushion, cost $27 a pair, and have an unconditional lifetime guarantee. They’re also (at the time of publication) available in six color options, which is more than most of the other Darn Tough socks.
CDT Sock Breakdown
Popularity | Rating | Socks | Price | Fabric | Cushion | Height |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 9.20 | Darn Tough Hiker Quarter Midweight (M/W) | $22 | 59% merino wool, 38% nylon, 3% spandex | Medium | Ankle |
2 | 9.45 | Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Midweight (M/W) | $25 | 61% merino wool, 36% nylon, 3% spandex | Medium | Crew |
3 | 9.17 | Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew (M/W) | $24 | 54% nylon, 43% merino wool, 3% spandex | Light | Crew |
4 | 9.06 | Darn Tough Light Hiker Quarter (M/W) | $21 | 52% nylon, 44% merino wool, 4% spandex | Light | Ankle |
5 | 9.44 | Darn Tough Hiker Boot Midweight (M/W) | $27 | 64% merino wool, 33% nylon, 3% spandex | Medium | Crew |
6 | -- | Injinji Trail Midweight Mini-Crew (M/W) | $16 | 58% nylon, 39% CoolMax polyester, 3% spandex | Medium | Ankle |
7 | -- | Darn Tough Light Hiker No Show (M/W) | $19 | 56% nylon, 41% merino wool, 3% spandex | Light | No Show |
8 | -- | Injinji Liner Crew | $12 | 75% CoolMax polyester, 21% nylon, 4% spandex | Light | Crew |
9 | -- | Smartwool Hike Light Cushion Crew (M/W) | $24 | 56% merino wool, 11% nylon, 31% recycled nylon, 2% elastane | Light | Crew |
10 | -- | Injinji Ultra Run Crew (M/W) | $19 | 28% CoolMax EcoMade, 67% nylon, 5% spandex | Medium | Crew |
Stoves
Hikers have many stoves and fuel source choices when selecting their backpacking stoves. These include denatured alcohol/HEET, solid fuel, liquid fuel, isobutane/propane (gas canisters), and even old-fashioned wood.
91.4% of the stoves carried by hikers used isobutane/propane gas canisters.
That said, some hikers were still stoveless (they did not carry a stove on the trail), and others changed their minds as the trail went on. Here’s a breakdown of what that looked like.
Stoveless CDT Hikers
- 73.8% – Carried stove the entire hike
- 12.8% – Stoveless the entire hike
- 5.8% – Started stoveless and then got a stove
- 4.7% – Alternated multiple times
- 2.9% – Started with a stove and then went stoveless
Most Common CDT Stoves
This year, the MSR PocketRocket 2 was the most common stove on the Continental Divide Trail. It’s a 2.6 oz / 74 g canister stove that requires a lighter to ignite (i.e., no push-button ignition). The push-button start version, the MSR PocketRocket Deluxe, was the fourth most common stove (also for the second year in a row). The reported boil time for one liter of water is 3.5 minutes (at sea level).
Highest-Rated CDT Stoves
This year, the SOTO WindMaster was the highest-rated stove on the Continental Divide Trail. It’s a 3.1 oz / 88 g stove with a 4Flex support for larger pots or an optional TriFlex support for smaller pots. It has a 90-minute burn time for a 250 g canister and an average boil time of 4 minutes, 2 seconds per liter of water. The WindMaster packs to 5.7 x 3.8 x 1.3 in / 14.5 x 9.7 x 3.3 cm and, like nearly every other stove on the CDT, uses isobutane/propane gas canisters as fuel.
CDT Stove Breakdown
Popularity | Rating | Stoves | Price | Weight | Integrated Pot | Fuel |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 8.88 | MSR PocketRocket 2 | $60 | 2.6 oz | 73 g | No | Isobutane canister |
2 | 7.70 | BRS 3000T | $20 | 0.88 oz | 26 g | No | Isobutane canister |
3 | 9.06 | SOTO Windmaster | $70 | 3.1 oz | 88 g | No | Isobutane canister |
4 | -- | JetBoil Flash | $130 | 13.1 oz | 371 g | Yes | Isobutane canister |
5 | -- | JetBoil MiniMo | $165 | 14.6 oz | 414 g | Yes | Isobutane canister |
6 | -- | MSR PocketRocket Deluxe | $85 | 2.9 oz | 83 g | No | Isobutane canister |
7 | -- | Snow Peak GigaPower 2.0 | $50 | 4.23 oz | 120 g | No | Isobutane canister |
Water Treatment
Despite what a small vocal minority of hikers may tell you, water treatment is essential on the Continental Divide Trail. Pooping your pants on the trail (or in town) because you have contracted giardia is not fun. On that note, be sure to sanitize your hands frequently, keep your hands out of bags of food – especially other people’s – and pour that delicious snack into your hand instead.
Hikers have many options available regarding water filtration – hollow fiber membrane squeeze filters, pump filters, UV filters, and chemical treatments (e.g., bleach or iodine), to name a few. Yes, you can also boil water, but boiling water is not a realistic long-term water treatment solution on the CDT, as the amount of time and gas it would take to boil all one’s water would be immense.
90.5% of hikers used a hollow membrane squeeze, gravity, or pump water treatment device. That is to say, just 9.5% of CDT hikers used chemicals or UV to treat water sources.
Four of the top five most common water treatments fall into this category, as do four of the five highest-rated. These filters are typically inexpensive, lightweight, and easy to use, but they can also clog quickly and are susceptible to freezing (and breaking), so it’s important to care for them on the trail properly.
The most common hollow membrane squeeze filter (and the most common water treatment overall), the Sawyer Squeeze, was used by nearly 64% of hikers.
Most Common CDT Water Treatment
The Sawyer Squeeze was (by far) the most common Continental Divide Trail water filter this year. It’s a $41, 3 oz / 85 g hollow fiber filter that rids your drinking water of protozoa and bacteria (and floaties). It can be used with Sawyer bags (included with the filter) or compatible water bottles (Smartwater is the bottle of choice for many hikers). The Sawyer comes in two smaller sizes, the Sawyer Micro and the Sawyer MINI.
Highest-Rated CDT Water Treatment
In addition to being the most common water filter, the Sawyer Squeeze was also the highest-rated on the Continental Divide Trail this year. It’s a $41, 3 oz / 85 g hollow fiber filter that rids your drinking water of protozoa and bacteria (and floaties). It can be used with Sawyer bags (included with the filter) or compatible water bottles (Smartwater is the bottle of choice for many hikers). The Sawyer comes in two smaller sizes, the Sawyer Micro and the Sawyer MINI.
CDT Water Treatment Breakdown
Popularity | Rating | Water Treatment | Price | Weight | Medium | Removes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 8.94 | Sawyer Squeeze | $41 | 3 oz | 85 g | Hollow fiber | Protozoa / bacteria |
2 | 7.95 | Platypus QuickDraw | $50 | 2.2 oz | 63 g | Hollow fiber | Protozoa / bacteria |
3 | 7.15 | Katadyn BeFree | $45 | 2.3 oz | 65 g | Hollow fiber | Protozoa / bacteria |
4 | 8.00 | Aquamira | $15 | 3 oz / 85 g | Chlorine dioxide | Protozoa / bacteria / viruses |
5 | -- | Sawyer MINI | $25 | 2 oz | 57 g | Hollow fiber | Protozoa / bacteria |
Food Storage
Unlike the Pacific Crest Trail, hikers are not required to carry bear canisters anywhere along the Continental Divide Trail.
Carrying a bear canister (or animal-proof-ish food bag) is never unwise. Despite the weight penalty, many hikers carry something to protect animals from their food (and their food from animals).
Over 76% of CDT hikers carried additional gear to secure their food.
Most Common CDT Food Storage
This year, the Ursack Major XL was the most common food storage option on the Continental Divide Trail. The second and fifth most common food storage options were the smaller and larger versions of the Major XL. The difference between the Major and the third most common AllMitey is that the AllMitey is also designed to be rodent/critter-proof, whereas the Major is only designed to be bear-proof.
Highest-Rated CDT Food Storage
This year, the Ursack AllMitey (20L) was the most common food storage option on the Continental Divide Trail. It weighs 13.8 oz / 391 g and is made with high-performance UHMWPE fabric and kevlar. It claims to be able to hold up to nine days worth of food. The difference between the AllMitey and the second highest-rated Major is that the AllMitey is also designed to be rodent/critter-proof, whereas the Major is only designed to be bear-proof.
CDT Food Storage Breakdown
Populatiry | Rating | Food Storage | Price | Weight | Capacity | Material |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 8.06 | Ursack Major XL | $125 | 8.8 oz | 250 g | 15 L | Spectra |
2 | 8.15 | Ursack Major | $110 | 7.6 oz | 216 g | 10 L | Spectra |
3 | 8.25 | Ursack AllMitey 20L | $230 | 13.8 oz | 392 g | 20 L | High-performance UHMWPE fabric/Kevlar |
4 | 7.17 | BV500 | $95 | 41 oz | 1.162 kg | 11.5 L | Polycarbonate |
5 | -- | Ursack Major 2XL | $145 | 10.9 oz | 309 g | 20 L | High-performance UHMWPE fabric |
6 | -- | Ursack AllMitey 10L | $170 | 9.5 oz | 268 g | 10 L | Spectra (ballistic polyethylene), Kevlar |
Trekking Poles
Not all hikers carry trekking poles and not all hikers who carry them do so for the entirety of the trail (careful not to leave your trekking poles behind – especially in a hitch).
93.5% of Continental Divide Trail hikers used trekking poles this year.
If you’ve never used trekking poles before, they may be worth considering if you plan to thru-hike. Here are the most common and highest-rated from this year’s CDT class.
Most Common CDT Trekking Poles
This year, the Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork was the most common trekking pole on the Continental Divide Trail. It’s a 100% carbon fiber set of poles that cost $200, weighs 17.1 oz / 485 g (per pair), has cork grips, an external lever lock, and collapses to 24 in / 61 cm.
Highest-Rated CDT Trekking Poles
This year, the Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork was the highest-rated trekking pole on the Continental Divide Trail. It’s an aluminum set of poles that cost $140 and appears to either be now discontinued or going through a refresh. The version from this year’s class weighs 18 oz / 510 g (per pair), has cork grips and an external lever lock, and collapses to 27 in / 69 cm.
CDT Trekking Pole Breakdown
[table “2023-cdt-trekking-poles” not found /]Satellite Messengers/PLBs
I am a huge proponent of carrying a satellite messenger or PLB in the backcountry. Honestly, recreating – at least thru-hiking – without one is borderline irresponsible (at best). Fortunately, these devices are becoming more popular; 90.1% of CDT hikers carried a satellite messenger or PLB on the trail.
What’s the difference between a PLB and a satellite messenger? A PLB is a device (generally) without a subscription and with a singular function – to send an SOS. PLBs generally use different satellite networks than satellite messengers and are (at least widely thought to be) more reliable. However, this is not to say that satellite messengers are unreliable.
A satellite messenger (generally) offers two-way communication and additional features such as real-time tracking or maps. Satellite messengers usually require a subscription to function (this typically includes the ability to send an SOS).
For more on satellite messengers and PLBs, check out the Best Satellite Messengers for Thru-Hiking.
Most Common CDT Satellite Messengers/PLBs
This year, the inReach Mini was the most common satellite messenger on the Continental Divide Trail, but since it’s now been replaced by the second most common, the inReach Mini 2, I’ll describe the newer model here. It is an awesome piece of equipment that can be used for two-way messaging, navigation, tracking, and as an SOS device. It weighs 3.5 oz / 99 g, has an easy-to-use mobile app, is USB-C, and requires a monthly (or annual) subscription to function.
Highest-Rated CDT Satellite Messengers/PLBs
The Garmin inReach Explorer+ was the highest-rated satellite messenger on the Continental Divide Trail this year, but it has been discontinued and essentially replaced by the Garmin inReach Mini 2 and accompanying app. The Mini 2, described in the most common satellite messenger above, has an easy-to-use mobile app, two-way messaging, tracking features, uses USB-C, and weighs 3.5 oz / 100 g. It requires a subscription that can be paid monthly or annually.
CDT Satellite Messengers/PLB Breakdown
Popularity | Rating | Device | Price | Weight | Messaging | Charging |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 8.94 | Garmin inReach Mini | Discontinued | 3.5 oz | 99 g | Two-way | Micro USB |
2 | 8.77 | Garmin inReach Mini 2 | $400 | 3.5 oz | 99 g | Two-way | USB-C |
3 | 9.21 | Garmin inReach Explorer+ | Discontinued | 7.5 oz | 213 g | Two-way | Micro USB |
4 | -- | Spot Gen3 | Discontinued | 4 oz | 113 g | One-way (presets) | Micro USB |
5 | -- | ZOLEO Satellite Communicator | $200 | 5.3 oz | 150 g | Two-way | Micro USB |
Ice Axes
Ice axes are not something all Continental Divide Trail hikers will use. How much snow a hiker encounters depends on the year, the hike’s direction, and the hiker’s start date. Typically, the San Juan Mountains in Colorado, the Wind River Range in Wyoming, or Glacier National Park in Montana are the places hikers need to concern themselves with snow.
Perhaps the most important thing to do when choosing an ice axe for the trail is to ensure you know how to use it. An ice axe is not a magical amulet of protection that you strap to your pack or carry through the mountains to ward off the ills of snow travel. It’s a tool that can assist you with snow travel and a tool that has the potential to save your life. If you don’t know what self-arresting is (or how to self-arrest), that’s a good place to start.
This year, 50.2% of Continental Divide Trail hikers carried an ice axe.
Most Common/Highest Rated CDT Ice Axes
This year, the C.A.M.P. Corsa was the most commonly found ice axe on the Continental Divide Trail. It’s the lightest ice axe on the list at 7.2 oz / 204 g and has an all-aluminum construction. The $120 axe has a straight shaft and comes in 50, 60, and 70 cm lengths.
The C.A.M.P. Corsa and the Black Diamond Raven were the only two ice axes used by enough hikers to earn a rating. The C.A.M.P. Corsa was the highest rated, with the Black Diamond Raven in second.
CDT Ice Axe Breakdown
Popularity | Rating | Ice Axe | Price | Weight | Material(s) | Shaft Shape |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 8.66 | C.A.M.P. USA Corsa | $120 | 8.2 oz | 232 g | Aluminum | Straight |
2 | 8.55 | Black Diamond Raven | $100 | 15.7 oz | 445 g | Aluminum, steel | Straight |
3 | -- | Grivel G1 | $85 | 15.8 oz | 448 g | Aluminum, steel | Straight |
4 | -- | Grivel Ghost | $120 | 9.5 oz | 269 g | Steel, light alloy | Curved |
5 | -- | Black Diamond Raven Pro | $130 | 14.2 oz | 406 g | Aluminum, steel | Curved |
6 | -- | C.A.M.P. USA Corsa Nanotech | $160 | 8.9 oz | 252 g | Aluminum, steel | Curved |
Traction Systems
Like ice axes, traction systems are not something every Continental Divide Trail hiker will need. If you’re unfamiliar with these, they’re essentially the younger sibling to a crampon – spikes on your feet to make travel across snow and ice easier. Most attach to your shoes via a stretchy harness and have spikes on the bottom below your heel and forefoot for traction.
This year, just over 57% of hikers carried a traction device.
Most Common CDT Traction Systems
This year, the Kahtoola MICROspikes Traction System was the most common traction system on the Continental Divide Trail, with 39.2% of hikers using it. It’s an over-the-shoe, spikes-on-the-bottom system that weighs 11 oz / 312 g. It comes in four sizes and has stainless steel spikes.
The Kahtoola MICROspikes Traction System was also the only traction system used by more than ten hikers, making it the only one eligible for a rating. Hikers rated it 8.14 on a ten-point scale.
CDT Traction System Breakdown
Popularity | Rating | Traction Device | Price | Weight | Type |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 8.14 | Kahtoola MICROspikes | $75 | 11 oz | 312 g | Spikes |
2 | -- | Snowline Chainsen Light | $70 | 8.6 oz | 243 g | Spikes |
3 | -- | Black Diamond Contact Strap Crampons | $170 | 28.5 oz | 808 g | Crampon |
4 | -- | Hillsound Trail Crampons | $85 | 15.7 oz | 445 g | Spikes |
Smartwatches/Fitness Trackers
Watches and fitness trackers are not something every hiker uses and are typically overlooked as a piece of thru-hiking gear, but they can be useful on the trail. 38.8% of CDT hikers had a smartwatch or fitness tracker with them on their hikers to collect that sweet hiking data (or maybe just tell them the time). Here are the most common and highest-rated (yes, the lists are the same).
CDT Fitness Trackers
This year, the Garmin fenix was the most common smartwatch/fitness tracker on the Continental Divide Trail this year. The Garmin fenix is a full-featured tracker that can provide speed, altitude, heart rate, weather, sunrise and sunset, storm warnings, maps, and more. It can also be loaded with music, paired via Bluetooth, and is water-resistant to 100 meters.
The Garmin fenix and the Garmin Instinct were the only two watches used by enough hikers to earn a rating. The Instinct was the highest rated with a rating of 9.31, and the fenix was the second highest with a rating of 9.00.
CDT Smartwatch/Fitness Tracker Breakdown
Popularity | Rating | Device | Price | Battery | Altimeter |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 9.00 | Garmin Fenix | $650 | Smartwatch: 18 days GPS: 57 hrs Expedition: 40 days | Pressure-based |
2 | 9.31 | Garmin Instinct | $400 | Smartwatch: 28 days GPS: 30 hrs (48 with solar) | Pressure-based |
3 | -- | Garmin Forerunner | $600 | Smartwatch: 2 weeks GPS (w/out music): 36 hrs | Pressure-based |
4 | -- | Apple Watch | $389 | Standard: 18 hrs Low Power: 32 hrs | Pressure-based |
Highest-Rated vs. Most Common Gear
How do the highest-rated and most common Continental Divide Trail gear lists stack up? As with previous years, it appears most hikers opted for lighter gear, but those who carried heavier gear were often happy with their choices. The eternal struggle between comfort and weight in the world of thru-hiking marches forward.
CDT Gear | Highest Rated | Most Common |
---|---|---|
Total cost* | $3,271 | $3,371 |
Total weight – Big 3 | 5.00 lbs / 2.266 kg | 4.46 lbs / 2.025 kg |
Total weight – Big 4 | 5.81 lbs / 2.635 kg | 5.28 lbs / 2.394 kg |
All CDT gear** | 10.39 lbs / 4.713 kg | 9.26 lbs / 4.198 kg |
*This does not include the price of a fitness tracker
**This does not include poles, shoes, socks, or a fitness tracker
Base Weights
Base weight. The thing that completely defines some hikers, that others have difficulty defining, and that others don’t care about at all. Simply put, it’s how much your backpack weighs when fully loaded with your gear, minus the weight of food, water, and/or consumables (like your poopy paper).
Some hikers will tell you the best gear is the lightest gear and that there’s no benefit to carrying any “unnecessary” weight in your pack. Others will tell you ultralight gear is little better than badly-sewn-together garbage and that having quality gear (without regard to weight) is the only way to live your best trail life. They’re both right, and they’re both wrong. The “right gear” is the gear that works for you (and that you’re happy with).
Ultimately, carrying a lighter pack is more enjoyable than carrying a heavy one. However, not having the proper gear if/when you need it can quickly eliminate any benefit realized from having a lighter pack. The base weight for you is the one you’re the happiest carrying. Anyone who tries to tell you otherwise has no business telling you so.
Base Weights | Thru-Hikers | Thru-Hikers (1) | Thru-Hikers (0) |
---|---|---|---|
Start | 15.29 lb / 6.935 kg | 15.1 lb / 6.849 kg | 16.8 lb / 7.620 kg |
End | 14.6 lb / 6.622 kg | 14.44 lb / 6.550 kg | 15.4 lb / 6.985 kg |
Change | -0.69 lb / -313 g | -0.66 lb / -299 g | -1.4 lb / -635 g |
% Change | -4.6% | -4.5% | -8.7% |
Other Gear Carried
The items detailed above are not the only items in CDT hiker backpacks. There’s a lot of gear that, while not completely necessary (shoes, for example), is still carried by many CDT hikers. If you think any of these should be added to the detailed breakdown, please let me know (headlamps are one I’m considering including in the future).
- 91.9% – Gloves
- 80.9% – Trowel
- 77.5% – First-aid kit
- 73.4% – Bottom baselayer
- 61.8% – Neck gaiter (aka Buff)
- 61.8% – Rain pants
- 58.4% – Top baselayer
- 55.5% – Pillow
- 39.3% – Gaiters (shoes)
- 31.2% – Sleeping bag liner
- 29.5% – Wind jacket
- 21.4% – Wind pants
Luxury Items
Continental Divide Trail hikers obsess over their gear lists and what goes into their packs, but most everyone has something that someone else could consider a luxury item. Some people believe their phone to be an essential and multifunctional piece of gear, while others may scoff at the idea of using one to take photos, listen to music, and use GPS in the wilderness.
In the thru-hiking community, the term “luxury item” can mean many different things depending on who you’re talking to. Essentially, it’s anything not necessary for your trip. However, what’s considered necessary can change greatly depending on who you’re talking to. I will move battery packs out of the luxury item category next year.
Here are the most popular “luxury items” on the trail this year.
- 96% – Battery pack
- 38.2% – Camp shoes
- 24.3% – Towel
- 20.8% – Journal
- 19.7% – Massage ball
- 17.9% – Town clothes
- 11.0% – Kindle
- 9.2% – Down booties
- 8.1% – Deodorant
- 4.6% – Book
- 4.0% – Cards/game
- 2.9% – Fishing pole
- 1.2% – Down pants
- 1.2% – Instrument
Battery Packs
It should be noted that many hikers yelled at me about including battery packs in the “luxury item” category. Perhaps they’ve now officially become a standard piece of backpacking equipment? Feel free to yell at me in the comments and let me know if battery packs should have their detailed item breakdown in future surveys.
Thru-Hikers
14,319 mAh
Average battery pack size
(M = 11,000 | σ = 7,215)
Gear Advice
To wrap up this portion of the gear breakdown (posts on couples’ gear and gear broken down by gender are on the way), I have advice from this year’s CDT Class on gear choices and gear lists for future CDT hikers.
- I wore knee-high, insulated, Sealskinz waterproof socks through the San Juans and West Collegiates and seriously don’t think I could have gone through the extensive Colorado snow this year without them. They kept my feet warm and dry through hundreds of miles of snow. They also came in handy again in Montana when cold rain (and sometimes snow) returned in the fall.
- There is a thin line between ultralight and stupid. People have died because they didn’t want to carry a few ounces (like a GPS tracker). After a month of hiking, you won’t notice a few ounces difference anyway. Pack fewer, really good items. If you carry more, get a pack designed for more weight with a hip belt. No one…not one single person on the planet cares about your base weight.
- Don´t take too small a backpack; resupplies in some towns are difficult, and you may only find spacious food. For example, 1 lb of cookies for $4 might be better than 2 oz of M&M’s for $2.50, but it needs more space.
- I started out with a solar charger but dumped it in favor of a battery pack when I got to Grants, New Mexico.
- An umbrella was a big plus – it gave more miles on the hot days, far less suffering on the wet and cold ones (also makes nav a lot easier, i.e., not getting your phone wet), and worth the weight.
Support the Survey
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Continental Divide Trail Survey Collection
If you can think of anything that would make this information more useful (or any more gear-related cross-referencing you would like to see), please leave a comment below and let me know.
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