• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Halfway Anywhere

Halfway Anywhere

  • About
  • Blog
  • PCT
  • CDT
  • Hikes
    • Arizona
      • Arizona Trail
      • Buckskin Gulch/Paria Canyon
      • Royal Arch Loop
    • Australia
      • Outback Bicycle Tour
      • New South Wales
        • The Coast Track
      • Tasmania
        • Federation Peak
        • Frenchmans Cap
        • Mount Anne Circuit
        • Overland Track
        • Western Arthurs Traverse
    • California
      • Cactus to Clouds
      • Kings Canyon High Basin Route
      • Southern Sierra High Route
      • Trans-Catalina Trail
    • Brazil
    • Japan
      • Alps Traverse
      • Fuji Area
      • Hokkaido
      • Hokuriku
      • Kansai
      • Kita Alps
      • Kyushu
    • Nepal
      • Everest Base Camp
      • Three Passes Trek
    • New Zealand
      • Ball Pass Route
    • Oregon
      • Timberline Trail
    • Washington
      • Wonderland Trail
  • Gear
    • Current Gear List
    • Gear Reviews
    • Gear Lists
    • PCT Gear
    • Best Ultralight Backpacking Quilts
    • Best Satellite Messengers
    • Best Sun Hoodies
    • Best Thru-Hiking Shoes
    • Best Thru-Hiking Socks
    • Best Ultralight Freestanding 1-Person Tents
    • Deals & Discounts
  • Surveys
    • PCT Survey
      • PCT Survey Results
      • PCT Gear Guide
      • PCT Resupply Guide
      • Women’s Gear Guide
      • Couples’ Gear Guide
      • Demographic Breakdown
      • PCT Horror Stories
      • PCT Hiker Advice
      • PCT Social Issues
      • All PCT Survey Articles
      • PCT Survey Sign-Up
    • CDT Survey
      • CDT Survey Results
      • CDT Gear Guide
      • CDT Resupply Guide
      • CDT Horror Stories
      • CDT Hiker Advice
      • All CDT Survey Articles
      • CDT Survey Sign-Up
    • JMT Survey
      • JMT Survey Results
      • JMT Gear Guide
      • All JMT Survey Articles
      • JMT Survey Sign-Up
  • Contact
    • Say Hello!
    • Support

Mac’s Backpacking Gear List 2018 (v2.0)

By Mac 7 Comments

We’re not even halfway into the year and I’m already making some dramatic additions to my current gear outfit. I’ve got my first non-freestanding shelter (Hyperlite Mountain Gear Ultamid 2), my first bivy (Enlightened Equipment Recon), and my first quilt (Enlightened Equipment Revelation).

Although the pre-PCT version of myself (who had never before been overnight backpacking) would likely be terribly confused by this gear list, I am excited to be putting my new toys (a shelter and a quilt are kind of like toys, right?) to use.

I’m coming to accept that I will not one day assemble a pack that will be suited for all adventures across all environments. Fortunately, I have discovered that the mail is an excellent (but sometimes risky) way to ensure that I have the proper gear waiting for me when I arrive in a given place.

NOTE: This list reflects my 3-season gear and not the gear I have been using above 16,000 ft / 5,000 m (which is the same exact gear, but with some layers added). This gear list will be published separately in a subsequent post.


THE BIG STUFF

  • BACKPACK | Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Southwest (Medium, Black)
  • SHELTER | Hyperlite Mountain Gear Ultamid 2 (Spruce Green)
  • POLE | Ruta Locura .600 Pole (56″ with Shockcord and Adjuster)
  • BIVY | Enlightened Equipment Recon (Regular)
  • QUILT | Enlightened Equipment Revelation (950, 10°F/-12°C, Regular, Wide)
  • SLEEPING PAD | Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite (Regular)

CLOTHING (WORN)

  • HEADWEAR | Awesome Trucker Hat
  • SUNGLASSES | RayBan RB2140 Wayfarer (54 mm)
  • TOP | Bluffworks Meridian Dress Shirt (Slim Fit, Large)
  • SHORTS | Patagonia Strider Pro (5″ Inseam)
  • GAITERS | Outdoor Research Sparkplug
  • SOCKS | Darn Tough Uncle Buck Boot Cushion (Large) (Review)
  • SHOES | Merrell Moab 2 Low (US 12, Wide)

CLOTHING (PACKED)

  • HEADWEAR | Outdoor Research Crest Hat
  • HEADWEAR | Icebreaker Flexi Chute Neck Gaiter
  • RAIN JACKET | Arc’teryx Beta SL Hybrid (Meduim)
  • DOWN JACKET | Plasma 1000 Alpine Down Parka (Large) (Review)
  • GOLVES | Marmot Power Stretch
  • RAIN PANTS | Montbell Versalite
  • SOCKS | Darn Tough Hiker 1/4 Cushion (Large) (Review)
  • BUG PROTECTION | Sea to Summit Head Net
  • SANDALS | Cheap, lightweight, flip-flops

CARRIED/ON BODY

  • FANNY PACK | Thrupack Summit Bum
  • FANNY PACK STRAP | Thrupack Galaxy Comfy Strap
  • PHONE | Pixel 2 XL (64GB, Black)
  • HEADPHONES | Anker SoundBuds Curve
  • CASE | Lifeproof Fre

THE KITCHEN

  • UTENSIL | Snow Peak Titanium Spork
  • FIRE | Mini Bic

THE OTHER STUFF

  • HEADLAMP | Petzl Tikka XP
  • WATER TREATMENT | SteriPEN Ultra
  • WATER BOTTLE | 1L Smart Water bottle
  • STAKES | Vargo Titanium x 4
  • STAKES | MSR Groundhog x 8
  • GROUNDSHEET | Hyperlite Mountain Gear Ground Cloth

THE ELECTRONICS

  • POWER | Anker PowerCore+ 20100 USB-C
  • PERSONAL LOCATOR BEACON | SPOT Gen3
  • CABLE | USB-C
  • CABLE | Micro USB
  • CHARGER | Tronsmart USB Type C Wall Charger

THE CAMERA GEAR

  • CAMERA | Sony Alpha a6500
  • LENS | Sony Vario-Tessar T E 16-70mm F4 ZA OSS
  • CAMERA | GoPro HERO6
  • TRIPOD | Joby GorillaPod Action Tripod
  • EXTRA BATTERIES | Wasabi Power Battery x 2
  • MEMORY | Sandisk MicroSDHC V30 32GB Extreme Pro
  • MEMORY | SanDisk Extreme 16GB SDHC UHS-I Card x 2
  • ACCESSORY | Peak Design Capture Clip (Review)
  • ACCESSORY | DAISO (aka dollar store) Selfie Stick (aka ACTION CAM POLE!)
  • COVER | Peak Design Shell (Review)

THE BATHROOM

  • Toilet paper, wet wipes, toothbrush, toothpaste, hand sanitizer, sunscreen

THE OFFICE

  • Credit/debit card, rubber bands, duct tape, notebook, pen, dice (for Yahtzee!)

DETAILED VIEW

Hyperlite-Mountain-Gear-3400-Southwest-Black

Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Southwest

THE GOOD: Lightweight, waterproof, durable, comfortable, can accommodate extra gear like snowshoes and an ice axe

THE BAD: Hip belt pockets could be improved, tricky getting things in/out of side pockets with pack on

34.04 oz (965 g) – $360 US

FIND IT AT: Hyperlite Mountain Gear | Backcountry


Hyperlite-Mountain-Gear-Ultamid-2-Spruce-Green-500x500

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Ultamid 2

THE GOOD: Lightweight, two-person pyramid shelter, packable, doesn’t hold water, storm-worthy

THE BAD: Large footprint, no floor or bug netting, stupid expensive, pole straps (for setting up with trekking poles) are sold separately for some reason

18.84 oz (534 g) – $780 US

FIND IT AT: Hyperlite Mountain Gear | Backcountry


Enlightened-Equipment-Revelation-Black-Yellow-500x500

Enlightened Equipment Revelation 10°F/-12°C

THE GOOD: Lightweight, opens flat, (relatively) inexpensive, tons of customization options, comfortable

THE BAD: Haven’t used it down to 10°F/-12°C yet, don’t know how it will compare to my Western Mountaineering Versalite

22.18 oz (629 g) – $395 US

FIND IT AT: Enlightened Equipment


Enlightened-Equipment-Recon-Bivy-500x500

Enlightened Equipment Recon

THE GOOD: Center zip, large mesh area on top (I prefer this), lightweight

THE BAD: Doesn’t provide much livable space

6.35 oz (180 g) – $150 US

FIND IT AT: Enlightened Equipment


Therm-a-Rest-NeoAir-XLite-Horizontal-500x500

Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite (Regular)

THE GOOD: The warmest weight to warmth ratio of any pad in its weightclass, available in three sizes, excellent customer service

THE BAD: Takes 15-20 breaths to blow up, one-way valve can be a pain when reaching max fill

12 oz (340g) – $170 US

FIND IT AT: REI | Backcountry | Amazon


Outdoor-Research-Crest-Hat-500x500

Outdoor Research Crest Hat

THE GOOD: The L/XL size fits my fat head, blocks the wind, warm

THE BAD: Have to wear my glasses over the outside, smashes my headphones into my ears (tight fit)

3 oz (85 g) – $25 US

FIND IT AT: REI


Icebreaker-Flexi-Chute-Nexk-Gaiter-500x500

Icebreaker Flexi Chute Neck Gaiter

THE GOOD: Warm, wool, striped, stretchy, lightweight, versatile

THE BAD: I only just now discovered this

3 oz (85 g) – $25 US

FIND IT AT: Backcountry | Amazon


Bluffworks-Meridian-Dress-Shirt-500x500

Bluffworks Meridian Dress Shirt

THE GOOD: Look good on and off the trail, keeps me warm in cooler weather and warm in cooler weather, anti-microbial, wrinkle-free, chest pocket

THE BAD: Starts to stink after three or four days of sweaty and continued use (rinse to solve this)

$125 US – Detailed Review

FIND IT AT: Bluffworks


Patagonia-Strider-Pro-Shorts-500x500

Patagonia Strider Pro 5″

THE GOOD: Four stretchy pockets (big enough for my Pixel 2 XL with a case), one zippered pocket in back, built-in liner

THE BAD: You’ll have to use more sunscreen to cover up those sexy legs

$65 US

FIND THEM AT: Patagonia | REI | Backcountry


OR-Sparkplug-Gaiters-500x500

Outdoor Research Sparkplug Gaiters

THE GOOD: Keep rocks/sand/spiders/etc. out of your shoes (also when fording rivers), keep socks/feet cleaner, excellent customer service (OR will replace them)

THE BAD: Lightweight material is prone to holes

1.2 oz (34 g) – $20 US

FIND THEM AT: Outdoor Research | REI | Backcountry | Amazon


Darn-Tough-Socks

Darn Tough 1/4 Hiking Socks

THE GOOD: Comfortable, merino, cushioned underfoot, lifetime guarantee means you can have them replaced

THE BAD: Nothing

2.2 oz (62 g) – $20 US – Detailed Review

FIND THEM AT: Darn Tough | REI | Backcountry | Amazon


Merrell-Moab-Ventilators

Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator Low

THE GOOD: Come in wide sizes, durable, comfortable, insoles actually offer support

THE BAD: I’m still not blister-proof

13 oz (369 g) – $120 US

FIND THEM AT: REI | Backcountry | Amazon


Arcteryx-Beta-SL-Hybrid-500x500

Arc’teryx Beta SL Hybrid

THE GOOD: Two different Gore-Tex fabrics, pit zips, adjustable hem, love the color

THE BAD: Heavier than other rain jackets I’ve owned

12.3 oz (350 g) – $399 US

FIND IT AT: REI | Backcountry


Montbell-Alpine-Plasma-Parka-1000

Montbell Plasma 1000 Alpine Down Parka

THE GOOD: Warm (3.4 oz / 96 g of 1000 fill power down), DWR treatment, elastic cuffs, hem and hood adjustments, lightweight

THE BAD: Expensive, long and annoying name

8.4 oz (237 g) – $439 US – Detailed Review

FIND IT AT: Montbell


Marmot-Power-Stretch-Glove-500x500

Marmot Power Stretch Gloves

THE GOOD: Lightweight, touchscreen compatible, can be connected to each other with small plastic clip (lose both or lose none)

THE BAD: Haven’t found them to dry incredibly quickly (why am I getting them wet?), touchscreens can sometimes be finicky

$30 US

FIND THEM AT: Backcountry | Amazon


Montbell-Versalite-Pants-500x500

Montbell Versalite Pants

THE GOOD: Incredibly lightweight, elastic waist, pack down small

THE BAD: No ankle zippers

3.6 oz (103 g) – $99 US

FIND THEM AT: Montbell


Sea-to-Summit-Head-Net-500x500

Sea to Summit Head Net

THE GOOD: Does not obscure vision as badly as some other head nets I’ve used, drawstring adjustment around neck

THE BAD: Mosquitoes can bite through this if it’s against your skin, you look like a dummy wearing a head net

0.8 oz (23 g) – $10 US

FIND IT AT: REI | Amazon


Snowpeak-Spork-500x500

Snow Peak Titanium Spork

THE GOOD: It’s a titanium spork – like a spoon AND a fork, lightweight

THE BAD: You’ll probably lose it, the spoon is a little shallow for eating soup efficiently

0.3 oz (8.5 g) – $10 US

FIND IT AT: REI | Backcountry | Amazon


Thru-Pack-Fanny-Orange-500x500

Thrupack Summit Bum

THE GOOD: An awesome amount of space for such a lightweight fanny pack, one exterior pocket large enough for a large cell phone, two interior pockets, water-resistant, huge sex appeal

THE BAD: I wish there was a way to affix the waist strap to the pack (I guess I could use a safety pin)

2.5 oz (71 g) – $39 US

FIND IT AT: Thru.


petzl-tikka-xp-500x500

Petzl Tikka XP

THE GOOD: Bright, great battery life, red light, three brightness levels

THE BAD: Not the smallest option available

4.2 oz (119 g) – $50 US

FIND IT AT: REI | Amazon


SteriPEN-Ultra-500x500

SteriPen Ultra

THE GOOD: Treats for bacteria, protozoa, and viruses, filters 1 liter in 90 seconds (.5 L in 60 seconds)

THE BAD: Electronic, only works with clear water

4.94 oz (140 g) – $99

FIND IT AT: REI | Amazon

Google-Pixel-2-XL-500x500

Pixel 2 XL

THE GOOD: Excellent camera, quick charge via USB-C, water-resistant, awesome fingerprint reader

THE BAD: No expandable storage, no headphone jack

6.17 oz (175 g) – $850 US

FIND IT ON: Amazon


Anker-Soundbuds-Curve-500x500

Anker SoundBuds Curve

THE GOOD: Great sound quality, comfortable, no wires to get in the way of your straps

THE BAD: Have to be recharged, can block out nearly all ambient noise, get tangled with my eyewear retainer (fancy, huh?)

0.6 oz (17 g) – $99 US

FIND THEM ON: Amazon


Lifeproof-Fre-Case-500x500

Lifeproof Fre Case

THE GOOD: Excellent camera, quick charge via USB-C, water-resistant, awesome fingerprint reader

THE BAD: Some people report not being able to hear me well when talking with handset, expensive for a case

1.3 oz (35 g) – $90 US

FIND IT AT: Lifeproof | Amazon


Anker-PowerCore+-20100

Anker PowerCore+ 20100 USB-C

THE GOOD: Has USB-C, can quick charge itself and other devices, durable, two USB outputs, large capacity

THE BAD: Heavy

16 oz (454 g) – $69 US

FIND IT ON: Amazon


Spot-Gen3

Spot Gen3

THE GOOD: Can be used to send Check-in Messages (includes GPS coordinates), can send custom messages (must be programmed from a computer with internet), can track your location at fixed intervals, can be used to call for help in an emergency

THE BAD: Send rate for Check-in Messages don’t have a 100% success rate being sent, customer service is garbage

4.2 oz ( g) – $150 US

FIND IT AT: REI


Tronsmart-USB-Type-C-Wall-Charger

Tronsmart USB Type C Wall Charger

THE GOOD: Two USB inputs (one USB-A and one USB-C), folding plug, quick charge compatible

THE BAD: A little bulky

2.4 oz (68 g) – $15 US

FIND IT ON: Amazon


Sony-a6300-500x500

Sony Alpha a6500

THE GOOD: Awesome camera, lightweight (for the quality of its images and range of featured), compact (fits in my jacket pocket), in-body stabilization, 4K movie recording

THE BAD: Expensive, limited lens selection

14.25 oz (404 g) – $1400 US

FIND IT ON: Amazon


Sony-16-70mm-500x500

Vario-Tessar T* E 16-70mm F4 ZA OSS

THE GOOD: Love the focal length range for travel and hiking, takes beautiful photos, lightweight compared to other options available (but still no pancake lens)

THE BAD: Not full-frame compatible (if I ever have the money and desire to upgrade), sometimes get some vignetting at wider focal lengths, not the best performer in low light

10.9 oz (308 g) – $999 US

FIND IT ON: Amazon


GoPro-Hero6-Black

GoPro HERO6 Black

THE GOOD: Takes fantastic photos, the video stabilization is great, touchscreen works well, USB-C

THE BAD: The battery could always be bigger (buy a spare if you’re going to be filming a lot)

4.13 oz (117 g) – $400 US

FIND IT AT: REI | Backcountry | Amazon


Peak-Design-Capture-v3-500x500

Peak Design Capture Clip

THE GOOD: Makes camera accessible, easy to secure and remove camera, can lock camera in place, can be placed on any strap

THE BAD: Can sometimes be fickle when putting camera back in

3 oz (84 g) – $70 US

FIND IT AT: Peak Design


Peak-Design-Shell

Peak Design Shell (Small)

THE GOOD: Keeps camera protected in the rain when using the Capture Clip

THE BAD: I always take it off to shoot photos since it makes adjusting the zoom/focus rings tricky

2.4 oz (68 g) – $40 US

FIND IT AT: Peak Design | REI | Amazon


As always, if you have any comments, questions, or (best of all) suggestions, be sure to leave a comment or get in touch.

Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links which means at no additional cost to you, I may receive small commissions for purchases made via these links. This helps to pay the bills and keep the site up and running.

You'll Like These Too:

Share this post:

Share on Facebook Share on X (Twitter) Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share on WhatsApp Share on Email

Gear Lists Seasonal Gear Lists

Subscribe
Notify of
guest
guest
7 Comments
Most Voted
Newest Oldest
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Primary Sidebar

Most Recent Posts

  • Pacific Crest Trail Side Quests: The Desert
  • The Most Difficult Sections of the Hayduke Trail
  • Hayduke Trail Resupply: A Complete Guide
  • NOW OPEN: The 2023 John Muir Trail Hiker Survey
  • Must-Have Gear for the Wind River High Route
Backpacking Gear Pacific Crest Trail Continental Divide Trail Mac's Backpack

Footer

STAY IN TOUCH

You've made it this far, you're either into this site or you're still looking for something. Either way, best to sign up for my newsletter, yeah?

NAVIGATION

  • Recent Posts
  • Backpacking Gear
  • Continental Divide Trail
  • Pacific Crest Trail
  • Brazil Trekking
  • Japan Trekking
  • Nepal Trekking
  • New Zealand Trekking
  • Tasmania Trekking

LEGALESE

  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Terms and Conditions

Copyright © 2023 · Halfway Anywhere