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Mac’s Backpacking Gear List (Fall 2015)

By Mac 8 Comments

I’ve decided to continually update on my gear outfit since I have found it changing a bit over the summer.

I’ve highlighted in orange items that have changed since my last update, and any items that I have completely dropped from my pack are noted like this.

Before the photos, pros/cons, weights, prices, and links in the body of this post (after the text list that follows), I have detailed which items have been changed out, why the change was made, and what my impressions have been so far.

The gear described here is suitable for day hikes, weekends in the mountains, or even thru-hiking (in case you have separation anxiety with your gear).

If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions (I’m always looking to try new things), then leave a comment and let me know!

THE BIG STUFF

  • BACKPACK | Osprey Exos 58 (FULL REVIEW)
  • SHELTER | Mountain Hardwear SuperMegaUL 2
  • SLEEPING BAG | Mountain Hardwear Phantom 15 (R)
  • SLEEPING PAD | Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite Sleeping Pad
  • LINER | Sea to Summit Reactor Thermolite Liner
  • TREKKING POLES | Black Diamond Alpine Ergo Cork

THE KITCHEN

  • UTENSIL | Snow Peak Titanium Spork

I have converted to stoveless backpacking for reasons that can be found here.

THE CLOTHING

  • HEADWEAR | Los Angeles Dodgers New Era Fitted Baseball Hat
  • HEADWEAR | Mountain Hardwear Dome Perignon
  • SUNGLASSES | RayBan RB2140 Wayfarer (54mm)
  • JACKET | Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer Down Jacket
  • SHIRT | Columbia Freeze Degree Long Sleeve Shirt
  • SHORTS | Mountain Hardwear Chockstone Midweight Active Short
  • SHOES | New Balance MO989
  • INSOLES | Superfeet Wide Green Premium Insoles
  • SOCKS | Darn Tough Vermont Men’s 1/4 Merino Wool Cushion Hiking Socks (x 2)
  • UNDERWEAR | Under Armour Men’s HeatGear Sonic Compression Shorts (x 2)
  •  

    THE SMALLER STUFF

    • HEADLAMP | Princeton Tec Remix
    • MULTITOOL | Leatherman Skeletool CX
    • RAINCOVER | Osprey UL Raincover
    • WATER TREATMENT | SteriPEN Ultra
    • WATER BOTTLE | 2L plastic bottle (x2)
    • HYDRATION | Platypus Drinking Tube
    • STUFF SACKS | Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Stuff Sacks (2.5L, 9L)
    • SLEEPING BAG STUFF SACK | Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Nano Dry Sack (15L)

    THE ELECTRONICS

    • PHONE | LG Nexus 5
    • BATTERY | Anker 2nd Gen Astro3 12800mAh
    • CAMERA | GoPro HERO3: Black Edition
    • CAMERA | Canon 60D
    • LENS | Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM
    • TRIPOD | Joby Gorillapod
    • ACCESSORY | Peak Design Capture Camera Clip (x 2)
    • STRAP | Peak Design Camera Hand Clutch Strap
    • MISCELLANEOUS | Spare 60D battery, micro USB cord, mini USB cord

    THE MISCELLANEOUS

    Toothpaste, toothbrush, cards/cash, Mini Bic, rubber bands, notebook, pens, Ziplocs

    WHAT’S CHANGED?

    Since the summer I’ve made some big (and some small) changes – the most prominent being the upgrading of my tent from Mountain Hardwear’s SuperMegaUL 1, to the two person version, the SuperMegaUL 2.

    I also got myself an inflatable NeoAir XLite sleeping pad, a new pair of Mountain Hardwear shorts, a new hat (my earlier hat was eaten by a river), and some new shoes (that have already been discontinued). I’ve also ditched my fancy water bottles and gone back to plastic disposables without a hose.

    Here is my reasoning behind the changes and thoughts on the new setup thus far:

    Mountain Hardwear SuperMegaUL 2 Yari

    DROPPED: Mountain Hardwear SuperMegaUL 1

    ADDED: Mountain Hardwear SuperMegaUL 2

    WHY?
    I had been thinking about switching to a two-person tent for a while and finally decided to pull the trigger on the two-person version of my tent, Mountain Hardwear’s SuperMegaUL. The UL 2 weighs only 4 oz / 113 g more than the UL 1, but the footprint is much larger (I was surprised by how big it is).

    My primary reason for the change was to be more comfortable in adverse weather. The UL 1 doesn’t do the best job of keeping everything dry in a typhoon, and there is no room inside for my pack or extra gear (which can make getting in and out a pain since the gear ends up clogging the vestibule).

    So far I am happy with the performance, and that’s after having had the change to put it to use in some intense rain and wind. The tent is very spacious and could definitely accommodate one more should the need arise.

     
    NeoAir Xlite Tent

    DROPPED: Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol

    ADDED: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite

    WHY?
    Honestly, I love the Z Lite Sol (a foam mattress), but the bulk can be a huge con at times. At the suggestion of our trusted friend Mr. Appa, I decided to give the NeoAir Xlite a shot.

    I have found myself very comfortable sleeping on it, and pleasantly surprised that Cascade Designs has fixed the problem with the original Xlite; it sounded like someone crinkling a bag of chips every time the user moved.

    Admittedly, I miss the ability to quickly whip out my pad for a lunch break, and I am slightly afraid of puncturing the Xlite, but the compactness is so unbelievably awesome that I am willing to sideline these worries until they become real issues.

     
    New Balance Shoes Gear

    DROPPED: New Balance 889 Trail Runners

    ADDED: New Balance MO989 Multi-Sport

    WHY?
    Truthfully, I love the New Balance’s 889 series, but apparently, they don’t share my enthusiasm as they’ve decided to discontinue the shoe.

    The MO989 is a bit heavier and bulkier than the 889, but it is built with Gore-Tex and stands up to water and rain a lot better. I find the shoe equally comfortable and adequately wide (a big must for my fat feet).

    That being said, New Balance has already decided to take the MO989 the way of the 889 and have discontinued it’s production. Looks like I will be updating this section once again come next season.

     
    Mountain Hardwear Shorts Sugoroku

    DROPPED:

    ADDED: Mountain Hardwear Chockstone Midweight Active Short

    WHY?
    The pants/shorts department has given me some trouble over the years as I have had difficulty finding a pair of comfortable hiking bottoms. Many of my earlier endeavors, including my Mesa Convertibles, resulted in ripped crotches and saggy waistbands. The Chockstone Midweight Active Short may have solved my problems.

    I’ve always had convertible pants because, you know, one less thing to buy. However, I find myself using these products as pants very rarely. These are the first dedicated shorts I have used and I love them so far.

    The material is stretchy (no crotch rips), they are water-resistant (phone stayed completely dry in front zipper pocket in rain), and they are comfortable with a built-in belt. My only complaint so far is the lack of back pockets. Two pockets is something that will take me some getting used to.

     

    DETAILED VIEW

    OSPREY EXOS 58 (M)

    Osprey Exos 58 Backpack

    PROS
    Comfortable, lightweight, detachable hood, stretchy mesh pockets, wide enough for bear canister or winter sleeping bag, lifetime warranty

    CONS

    Not an ultralight pack, poorly designed sleeping pad attachment strap

    42 oz / 1.19 kg / $220 US

    CHECK IT OUT!

     

    MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR SUPERMEGAUL 2

    Mountain Hardwear SuperMegaUL 2 Yari

    PROS
    Freestanding, incredibly spacious, two mesh pockets, holds up in rain a lot better than the UL1, light for a two person tent

    CONS
    The footprint turns out to be a lot bigger than I imagined, expensive

    34 oz / 980 g / $450 US

    CHECK IT OUT!

     

    MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR PHANTOM 15 (R)

    Clouds Rest Morning Halfdome

    PROS
    Warm enough for summer months, compressible 800-fill down, lightweight, lots of room, built-in pocket, dries quickly (moisture due to condensation, not submersion)

    CONS
    Expensive

    33 oz / 935 g / $500 US

    DETAILED REVIEW

     

    THERM-A-REST NEOAIR XLITE

    NeoAir Xlite Tent

    PROS
    Surprisingly compact, 3.2 R-value, lighter than the Z Lite Sol, comfortable, made in the US

    CONS
    Inflating and deflating takes some getting used to, cannot be deployed quickly during breaks (like a foam pad), risk of puncture wounds

    12 oz / 350 g / $130 US

    CHECK IT OUT!

     

    SEA TO SUMMIT REACTOR THERMOLITE LINER

    Sea to Summit Liner and Gear

    PROS
    Adds warmth, can be used in lieu of sleeping bag on hot nights, makes bag more comfortable, keeps bag cleaner

    CONS
    Adds unnecessary weight

    8.1 oz / 229 g / $58 US

    CHECK IT OUT!

     

    BLACK DIAMOND ALPINE ERGO CORK TREKKING POLES

    Black Diamond Ergo Cork Trekking Poles

    PROS
    Cork grip prevented hands from becoming filthy (as happens with rubber grips), easily adjustable, locks never failed under stress

    CONS
    Never used for going downhill, I think I prefer poles with shocks (more fun to lean into whilst stopped)

    19.9 oz / 564 g / $140 US

    CHECK IT OUT!

    MORE ON TREKKING POLES

     

    MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR GHOST WHISPERER DOWN JACKET

    Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer-1

    PROS
    Awesome jacket – incredibly warm, lightweight, and compressible (and works wonders as a pillow), waistband drawstring, elastic cuffs, and turtleneck ensure maximum warmth

    CONS
    Mountain Hardwear’s sizing is not the best, expensive

    7.2 oz / 204 g / $300 US

    DETAILED REVIEW

     

    COLUMBIA OMNI-FREEZE SHIRT

    Columbia Omni-Freeze Zero Shirt

    PROS
    Comfortable, lightweight, quick-drying, convertible sleeves

    CONS
    Columbia’s “omni-freeze” gimmick does not actually keep you cooler in my opinion, eventually my pack wore holes in the back of the shirt, expensive for what it is

    9.6 oz / 272 g / $95 US

    CHECK IT OUT!

     

    DARN TOUGH 1/4 HIKING SOCKS

    Darn Tough Socks

    PROS
    Comfortable, wool, lifetime guarantee, great cushion

    CONS
    You will never want to buy another brand of socks

    7.2 oz / 204 g / $20 US

    CHECK THEM OUT!

    DETAILED REVIEW

     

    NEW BALANCE MO989 TRAIL RUNNERS

    New Balance Shoes Gear

    PROS
    Comfortable, water-resistant Gore-Tex, wide (come in 4E), great grip

    CONS
    Hard to find in stores or online

    13 oz / 369 g / $100 US

    CHECK THEM OUT!

     

    SUPERFEET WIDE GREEN PREMIUM INSOLES

    Green Superfeet

    PROS
    Offer more support than generic inserts (and arch support), don’t easily come up out of the shoe, comfortable

    CONS
    They don’t last forever, out of the box they need to be cut to fit your shoes

    0.42 oz / 12 g / $45 US

    CHECK IT OUT!

     

    UNDER ARMOR 9″ COMPRESSION SHORTS

    Kennedy Meadows Beers

    PROS
    Comfortable, effective at preventing chafe, rarely begin to smell, dry quickly, can be passed off as shorts

    CONS
    An inside seam on one pair tore (still usable, will replace)

    4 oz / 113 g / $30 US

    CHECK IT OUT!

     

    MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR CHOCKSTONE MIDWEIGHT ACTIVE SHORT

    Mountain Hardwear Shorts Sugoroku

    PROS
    Very comfortable, awesome stretchy material (no more crotch ripping), quite water resistant, two zipper pockets, built in belt that appears to work

    CONS
    No rear pockets, only two large zipper pockets in front (this can be good or bad depending on your needs)

    9.9 oz / 280 g / $75 US

    CHECK THEM OUT!

     

    MOUNTAIN HEARDWEAR DOME PERIGNON BEANIE

    Mountain Hardwear Dome Perignon Self

    PROS
    Warm, good at blocking the wind, comfortable for sleeping, can be worn multiple ways

    CONS
    A bit heavy for what it is, not entirely necessary

    2.8 oz / 80 g / $36 US

     

    PEAK DESIGN CAPTURE CLIP

    Peak Design Capture Clip

    PROS
    Makes carrying a DSLR incredibly comfortable and easy, it’s durable, lifetime warranty

    CONS
    Nothing, this thing is awesome.

    3.5 oz / 100 g / $60 US

    CHECK IT OUT!

    DETAILED REVIEW

     

    PRINCETON TEC REMIX HEADLAMP

    Princeton Tex Remix Headlamp

    PROS
    Bright, doesn’t eat through batteries, multiple settings, adjustable beam direction

    CONS
    No red light (didn’t realize then when purchasing), no strobe

    2.9 oz / 83 g / $30 US

    CHECK IT OUT!

     

    SteriPEN ULTRA

    SteriPEN Ultra

    PROS
    Kills protozoa, bacteria, and viruses, quick and easy to use, rechargeable (no heavy batteries)

    CONS
    Does not remove sediment, doesn’t work with murky/cloudy water, need container to fit, reliance on technology

    4.94 oz / 140 g / $100 US

    CHECK IT OUT!

     

    LEATHERMAN SKELETOOL CX

    Leatherman Skeletool CX Open

    PROS
    Sharp, locking blade, clip, changeable bit, externally accessible tools

    CONS
    Heavy, but I carry in a pocket, pliers have yet to be useful – I’d prefer scissors

    5 oz / 142 g / $90 US

    CHECK IT OUT!

     

    OSPREY UL RAINCOVER

    Osprey Atmos 65 Rain Cover Sweden

    PROS
    Packs into itself, drawstring and button to cinch, can protect bag in vestibule from puddles

    CONS
    Could be replaced by a trash compactor bag (which I may do soon)

    2.8 oz / 80 g / $30 US

    CHECK IT OUT!

    SEA TO SUMMIT ULTRA-SIL NANO DRY SACK (13L)

    Sea to Summit 13L Dry Sack

    PROS
    Waterproof, durable, roll top

    CONS
    Not necessary

    1 oz / 28g / $13 US

    CHECK IT OUT

    SEA TO SUMMIT ULTRA-SIL STUFF SACKS (2.5, 9L)

    Sea to Summit Stuff Sacks

    PROS
    Lightweight, drawstring closure, have never had one tear or break on me

    CONS
    Not completely necessary, expensive for what they are

    .4 oz, 11g / .7 oz, 20g / $9, $14 US

     

    Am I doing anything right? Something wrong? Did I miss anything? Do you have any suggestions? I will update this again next season and as things continue to change in my pack.

    Comment below and let me know what you think!

    Disclosure: Your trust is important to me and that’s why I only recommend products I love and personally use. 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 keep the site up and running.

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