In the second installment of this year’s Continental Divide Trail Thru-hiker Survey, we dive into CDT hikers’ gear. Continental Divide Trail gear lists vary wildly between hikers and (spoiler alert) it’s impossible to find a perfect CDT gear list. That said, we can try.
I’ve organized this post 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, most common gear, gear statistics based on different groups of hikers, hiker comments on gear, and finally, gear advice. The gear covered here includes backpacks, shelters, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, insulated jackets, rain jackets, stoves, water treatment, trekking poles, ice axes, traction systems, bear canisters, shoes, socks, fleeces, and PLBs.
I will be publishing separate posts breaking down the women-specific gear and the gear used by couples hiking the CDT. I am sure that some of you will come up with comparisons you would like to see that I have overlooked. I hope to make this a useful resource for CDT hikers, so if there’s anything that you think is missing, please leave a comment below.
That said, I hope you enjoy this year’s CDT Gear Guide brought to you by the CDT Class of 2021.
Notes on the data
- This year’s survey boasts the most-ever respondents with 216 completed surveys – a 23% increase vs the previous high.
- Some responses are sorted and colored to make the data friendlier (e.g. northbound vs. southbound).
- I ask that respondents do their best to accurately respond to the survey. Not every person answers every question and not every answer is guaranteed to be 100% accurate (e.g. someone may mistakenly report 11 instead of 12 zero days).
- 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.
- This survey does invoke some math. I suggest you familiarize yourself with the words average, median (M), and standard deviation (σ).
- For stats requiring the length of the CDT for a calculation (e.g. mileage/day), I use 3,100 mi / 4,280 km.
- More detailed posts focused on CDT Gear, CDT Resupply, CDT Horror Stories, and CDT Advice in the coming weeks. If you would like to be notified of new surveys, click here.
Labels differentiating hiker segments:
- THRU: Thru-hikers (all)
- THRU-0: Thru-hikers who did NOT complete the CDT
- THRU-1: Thru-hikers who completed the entire CDT
If no label has been appended to a data point, then I used all data collected (i.e. it also includes section hiker data).
Highest-Rated CDT Gear
In addition to asking each Continental Divide Trail hiker what gear they used, I ask 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 used the results to construct a top ten list for each of the categories surveyed.
NOTES ON THE DATA
- All weights (and for backpacks, capacity) for products below are for products in a size medium and/or regular unless otherwise noted. For ice axes, I used whichever available length was closest to 60 cm.
- I only included items here that were used by at least five hikers. Why five? Because that’s the number I decided on. If you’re interested in more common gear, you can find it below.
Highest-Rated CDT Gear List
Here’s what this year’s “Highest-Rated CDT Gear List” backpack had in it – and what that theoretical backpack was.
- Backpack: Hyperlite Mountain Gear Windrider (1.87 lbs | 848 g | $320)
- Shelter: Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 (2.69 lbs | 1.22 kg | $500)
- Sleeping bag: Katabatic Flex (22.8 oz / 646 g | $410)
- Sleeping pad: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm (17 oz / 482 g | $230)
- Insulated jacket: Montbell Alpine Light – Men’s/Women’s (12.1 oz / 342 g | $219)
- Shell: Montbell Versalite – Men’s/Women’s (6.4 oz / 182 g | $199)
- Fleece: Patagonia Capilene Air Hoody – Men’s/Women’s (6.9 oz / 196 g | $149)
- Shoes: Topo Ultraventure 2 – Men’s/Women’s (20.8 oz / 590 g | $135)
- Socks: Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Midweight – Men’s/Women’s ($19)
- Stove: SOTO WindMaster (2.3 oz / 65 g | $65)
- Water treatment: Aquamira (3 oz / 85 g | $15)
- Bear canister: Ursack AllMitey (9.5 oz / 269 g | $140)
- Trekking poles: Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork (18 oz / 510 g | $140)
- PLB: Garmin inReach Mini (3.5 oz / 99 g | $350)
- Ice axe: Black Diamond Raven Pro (14.2 oz / 406 g | $120)
- Traction: Hillsound Trail Crampons (15.7 oz / 445 g | $69)
Total weight – Big 3 (pack, shelter, sleeping bag): 6.26 lbs / 2.838 kg
Total weight – Big 4 (Big 3 + sleeping pad): 7.32 lbs / 3.320 kg
All gear (minus snow gear): 10.05 lbs / 4.559 kg
All gear^: 11.92 lbs / 5.406 kg
*This does not include ice axe, traction, poles, shoes, or socks
^This does not include poles, shoes, or socks
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 16.39 lbs / 7.434 kg. Note that the stove included in this list, the SOTO WindMaster, does not include the weight of a pot.
The total price of all this gear? $3,080 (this includes one pair of shoes and socks). The average hikers spent prior to beginning their hikes? $1,015 (M = $900 | σ = $782).
Now, a detailed look at the highest-rated gear in each of the following categories: backpacks, shelters, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, insulated jackets, shells, stoves, water treatments, fleeces, shoes, socks, bear canisters, trekking poles, PLBs, ice axes, and traction systems.
Highest-Rated CDT Backpacks
The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Windrider was the highest-rated pack on the CDT this year. It comes in 45, 55, and 65-liter capacities, in two colors (the black is slightly heavier), has mesh exterior pockets, and can comfortably carry a load of up to 40 lbs / 18 kg. Two similar packs from Hyperlite Mountain Gear, the Southwest and Junction, were the third and fifth highest respectively.
# | BACKPACK | RATING | PRICE | WEIGHT | LITERS | MAX LOAD |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Hyperlite Mountain Gear Windrider | 9.00/10 | $320 | 1.87 lbs | 848 g | 40 | 40 lbs | 18 kg |
2 | ULA Circuit | 8.80/10 | $280 | 2.29 lbs | 1.038 kg | 68 | 35 lbs | 16 kg |
3 | Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest | 8.74/10 | $320 | 1.88 lbs | 853 g | 40 | 40 lbs | 18 kg |
4 | Granite Gear Crown2 | 8.57/10 | $200 | 2.19 lbs | 992 g | 60 | 35 lbs | 16 kg |
5 | Hyperlite Mountain Gear Junction | 8.56/10 | $320 | 1.88 lbs | 853 g | 40 | 40 lbs | 18 kg |
6 | Gossamer Gear Mariposa | 8.41/10 | $270 | 1.79 lbs | 814 g | 60 | 35 lbs | 16 kg |
7 | Zpacks Arc Haul | 7.56/10 | $349 | 1.38 lbs | 624 g | 62 | 40 lbs | 18 kg |
8 | Zpacks Arc Blast | 6.63/10 | $375 | 1.24 lbs | 565 g | 55 | 35 lbs | 16 kg |
Highest-Rated CDT Shelters
The Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 was the highest-rated shelter on the CDT this year. It’s a two-person, side-entry, freestanding shelter that weighs 2.69 lbs | 1.22 kg. Despite it being a two-person shelter, it was used frequently by solo hikers.
# | SHELTER | RATING | PRICE | WEIGHT | FLOOR | FREESTANDING | CAPACITY |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 | 9.00/10 | $500 | 2.69 lbs | 1.22 kg | 29 ft² / 2.7 m² | Yes | 2 |
2 | Six Moon Designs Haven | 9.00/10 | $220 | 1.13 lbs | 510 g | 53 ft² / 4.9 m² | No | 2 |
3 | Zpacks Duplex | 8.75/10 | $699 | 1.19 lbs | 539 g | 28 ft² / 2.6 m² | No | 2 |
4 | Tarptent Aeon Li | 8.67/10 | $569 | 1.21 lbs | 549 g | 18 ft² / 1.7 m² | No | 1 |
5 | Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL1 | 8.63/10 | $400 | 1.79 lbs | 814 g | 20 ft² / 1.9 m² | Yes | 1 |
6 | Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 | 8.50/10 | $400 | 1.88 lbs | 853 g | 28 ft² / 2.6 m² | Semi | 2 |
7 | Gossamer Gear The One | 8.33/10 | $300 | 1.11 lbs | 503 g | 15.8 ft² / 1.5 m² | No | 1 |
8 | NEMO Hornet 2P | 8.14/10 | $400 | 2.38 lbs | 1.08 kg | 27.5 ft² / 2.6 m² | Semi | 2 |
9 | NEMO Hornet 1P | 8.00/10 | $360 | 2 lbs | 905 g | 23.3 ft² / 2.1 m² | Semi | 1 |
Highest-Rated CDT Sleeping Bags
The Katabatic Flex, which is a quilt, was the highest-rated sleeping bag on the CDT this year. It weighs 22.8 oz / 646 g, uses 14.3 oz / 405g of 900-fill goose down, is rated down to 22°F / -5.6°C, and retails for $410. It comes in three sizes, short, regular, and long, and comes in a wide version as well.
# | BAG/QUILT | RATING | PRICE | WEIGHT | TEMP | FILL | FILL WEIGHT |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Katabatic Flex | 9.55/10 | $410 | 22.8 oz / 646 g | 22°F / -5.6°C | 900 goose | 14.3 oz / 405 g |
2 | Western Mountaineering Versalite | 9.22/10 | $605 | 32 oz / 907 g | 10°F / -12°C | 850 goose | 20 oz / 565 g |
3 | REI Co-op Magma | 8.85/10 | $399 | 28.2 oz / 799 g | 16°F / -9°C | 850 goose | 15.9 oz / 451 g |
4 | Western Mountaineering Alpinlite | 8.67/10 | $585 | 31 oz / 879 g | 20°F / -6°C | 850 goose | 19 oz / 539 g |
5 | Enlightened Equipment Revelation | 8.41/10 | $280 | 20.9 oz / 593 g | 20°F / -6°C | 950 duck | 14.4 oz / 408 g |
6 | Zpacks Sleeping Bag | 8.25/10 | $409 | 18.8 oz / 533 g | 20°F / -6°C | 900 goose | 13.7 oz / 388 g |
7 | Enlightened Equipment Enigma | 8.23/10 | $315 | 19.3 oz / 547 g | 20°F / -6°C | 950 duck | 13.8 oz / 392 g |
Highest-Rated CDT Sleeping Pads
The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm sleeping pad was the highest-rated sleeping pad from the CDT this year. The 30D-nylon pad with a 70D bottom has an R-value of 6.9, is 2.5 in / 6.4 cm thick, weighs 17 oz / 482 g, and has a sticker price of $230.
# | PAD | RATING | PRICE | WEIGHT | R-VALUE | THICKNESS |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm | 9.25/10 | $230 | 17 oz / 482 g | 6.9 | 2.5 in / 6.4 cm |
2 | Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite - Women's | 8.41/10 | $200 | 12 oz / 340 g | 5.4 | 2.5 in / 6.4 cm |
3 | Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol | 8.40/10 | $55 | 14 oz / 397 g | 2 | 0.75 in / 1.9 cm |
4 | Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite | 8.39/10 | $200 | 12 oz / 340 g | 4.2 | 2.5 in / 6.4 cm |
5 | Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite, Small | 8.31/10 | $180 | 8.3 oz / 235 g | 4.2 | 2.5 in / 6.4 cm |
6 | NEMO Switchback | 8.07/10 | $55 | 14.5 oz / 415 g | 2 | 0.9 in / 2.3 cm |
7 | NEMO Tensor (Insulated) | 8.00/10 | $160 | 14 oz / 410 g | 3.5 | 3 in / 7.6 cm |
8 | Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol, Small | 7.90/10 | $40 | 10 oz / 284 g | 2 | 0.75 in / 1.9 cm |
9 | Sea to Summit UltraLight Insulated Mat | 7.67/10 | $149 | 16.9 oz / 480 g | 3.1 | 2 in / 5 cm |
10 | Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite | 6.09/10 | $220 | 8.8 oz / 250 g | 2.3 | 2.5 in / 6.4 cm |
Highest-Rated CDT Insulated Jackets
The Montbell Alpine Light (Men’s/Women’s) was the highest-rated jacket among CDT hikers this year. The jacket uses 800 Fill Power EX Down, has a nylon shell, and has 4 pockets (2 zippered fleece-lined pockets and 2 interior drop-in pockets). It weighs 12.1 oz / 342 g and retails for $219.
# | JACKET | RATING | PRICE | WEIGHT | HOOD | POCKETS |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Montbell Alpine Light (M/W) | 9.60/10 | $219 | 12.1 oz / 342 g | No | 2 hand | 2 drop |
2 | Arc'teryx Cerium LT Hoody (M/W) | 9.31/10 | $379 | 10.9 oz / 309 g | Yes | 2 hand |
3 | Enlightened Equipment Torrid Apex (M/W) | 8.96/10 | $175 | 8.4 oz / 238 g | Yes | 2 hand |
4 | Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 Hoody (M/W) | 8.86/10 | $325 | 8.8 oz / 249 g | Yes | 2 hand |
5 | REI Co-op 650 Down Jacket 2.0 (M/W) | 8.83/10 | $100 | 10.8 oz / 306 g | No | 2 hand |
6 | REI Co-op 650 Down Hoodie 2.0 | 8.80/10 | $120 | 13 oz / 369 g | Yes | 2 hand |
7 | Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer (M/W) | 8.40/10 | $300 | 8.3 oz / 235 g | No | 2 hand |
8 | Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody (M/W) | 8.11/10 | $299 | 9.3 oz /264 g | Yes | 2 hand | 2 drop |
9 | Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer UL (M/W) | 7.80/10 | $375 | 6.7 oz / 189 g | Yes | 2 hand |
10 | Patagonia Micro Puff Jacket (M/W) | 7.60/10 | $249 | 8.3 oz / 235 g | No | 2 hand | 2 drop |
Highest-Rated CDT Shells
The Montbell Versalite (Men’s/Women’s) was the highest-rated shell (that’s a fancy name for rain jackets) among Continental Divide Trail hikers this year. It’s a 6.4 oz / 182 g jacket made with 2-layer GORE-TEX Infinium Windstopper. It’s got pit zips, and there are two hand pockets.

Men’s/Women’s
# | SHELL | RATING | PRICE | WEIGHT | FABRIC | PIT ZIPS |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Montbell Versalite (M/W) | 8.70/10 | $199 | 6.4 oz / 182 g | 2-layer GORE-TEX Infinium Windstopper | Yes |
2 | Arc’teryx Zeta FL (M/W) | 8.70/10 | $299 | 10.9 oz / 309 g | N40r GORE-TEX + Paclite Plus | No |
3 | Arc’teryx Beta SL Hybrid (M/W) | 8.43/10 | $425 | 12.7 oz / 360 g | N40r GORE-TEX + Paclite Plus | Yes |
4 | Marmot PreCip (M/W) | 8.86/10 | $100 | 10.3 oz / 293 g | NanoPro 100% Nylon | Yes |
5 | Frogg Toggs Ultra-Lite 2 | 7.03/10 | $25 | 5.5 oz / 156 g | Three-layer polypropylene | No |
6 | REI Essential Rain Jacket (M/W) | 6.80/10 | N/A | 8.8 oz / 250 g | 2.5-layer Nylon | No |
7 | Zpacks Vertice (M/W) | 6.80/10 | $299 | 6.5 oz / 184 g | 3-layer w/ 7D Nylon | No |
8 | Outdoor Research Helium (M/W) | 6.73/10 | $159 | 6.3 oz / 179 g | 2.5-layer Pertex Shield (Nylon) | No |
Highest-Rated CDT Fleeces
The Patagonia Capilene Air Hoody was the highest-rated fleece this year – a hooded pullover with no pockets that runs $149 and weighs 6.9 oz / 196 g. That said, just 40% of people on the Continental Divide Trail this year brought a fleece.
# | FLEECE | RATING | PRICE | WEIGHT | FABRIC | ZIP |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Patagonia Capilene Air Hoody (M/W) | 9.50/10 | $149 | 6.9 oz / 196 g | 51% Merino Wool / 49% Recycled Polyester | None |
2 | Patagonia R1 Pullover (M/W) | 9.33/10 | $129 | 11.7 oz / 332 g | 93% Recycled Polyester / 7% Spandex | Quarter |
3 | Melanzana Microgrid Hoodie | 9.15/10 | $78 | 12.2 oz / 346 g (L) | Polyester | None |
4 | Kuiu Peloton 97 | 8.80/10 | $99 | 5 oz / 142 g | Toray Karuishi Fleece | Quarter |
Highest-Rated CDT Shoes
The Topo Ultraventure 2 (Men’s/Women’s) were the highest-rated shoes on the CDT this year. It is a trail runner with a 5 mm heel-toe drop that weighs 20.8 oz / 590 g per pair. On average, thru-hikers burned through just over five pairs of these on the trail.
# | SHOES | RATING | PRICE | WEIGHT | HEEL-TOE DROP | # USED |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Topo Ultraventure 2 (M/W) | 10/10 | $135 | 20.8 oz / 590 g | 5 mm | 5.20 |
2 | Altra Olympus 4 (M/W) | 8.83/10 | $170 | 21 oz / 595 g | 0 mm | 4.90 |
3 | HOKA ONE ONE Speedgoat 4 (M/W) | 8.22/10 | $145 | 21.6 oz / 612 g | 4 mm | 5.29 |
4 | Altra Lone Peak 5 (M/W) | 8.19/10 | $130 | 18.4 oz / 522 g | 0 mm | 4.51 |
5 | Altra Timp 3 (M/W) | 7.86/10 | $140 | 22 oz / 624 g | 0 mm | 4.40 |
6 | Brooks Cascadia 15 (M/W) | 7.50/10 | $130 | 22 oz / 624 g | 8 mm | 5.11 |
7 | Altra Lone Peak 4.5 (M/W) | 6.77/10 | N/A | 21 oz / 595 g | 0 mm | 5.10 |
Shoe Notes: Even if you knew for certain each pair of your shoes will last you 700 mi / 1,125 km, buying yourself four pairs of shoes at the start of the hike is risky – what if the shoes aren’t as comfortable as you thought? What if your feet swell? What if you die?
Remember, you can buy shoes using this thing called the internet and have them mailed ahead on the trail (to a post office, hotel, local outfitter, trail angel, etc.) once you know that you’re going to need a new pair. If you encounter an emergency situation, you can always buy locally or simply wait around for your shoes to show up in the mail.
Many shoe companies (Altra and Brooks, in particular) release a new version of their shoes on an annual basis. The current version, at the time of publication, of the Altra Lone Peak is the 6, the current version of the Altra Olympus is the 4, and the current version of the Brooks Cascadia is the 16.
Highest-Rated CDT Socks
The favorite sock among Continental Divide Trail hikers this year was the Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion (Men’s/Women’s). These have medium and are made of 61% merino wool, 36% nylon, and 3% Lycra spandex. The second-highest-rated sock was the Darn Tough Hiker Quarter Midweight
(Men’s/Women’s), a shorter version of the same sock.
# | SOCKS | RATING | PRICE | FABRIC | CUSHION | HEIGHT |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Midweight (M/W) | 9.50/10 | $24 | 61% merino wool / 36% nylon / 3% spandex | Medium | Crew |
2 | Darn Tough Hiker Quarter Midweight (M/W) | 9.37/10 | $19 | 60% merino wool / 38% nylon / 2% spandex | Medium | Ankle |
3 | Darn Tough Light Hiker Quarter (M/W) | 9.06/10 | $19 | 52% nylon / 44% merino wool / 4% spandex | Light | Ankle |
4 | Injinji Trail Midweight Mini-Crew (M/W) | 9.00/10 | $18 | 58% nylon / 39% polyester/ 3% spandex | Medium | Ankle |
5 | Darn Tough Micro Crew Lightweight Hiking (M/W) | 8.50/10 | $22 | 54% nylon / 43% merino wool / 3% spandex | Light | Crew |
Highest-Rated CDT Stoves
The SOTO WindMaster was the highest-rated stove on the CDT this year (for the second year in a row). It’s a 2.3 oz/ 66 g canister stove with a push-button start and optional pot support. The reported boil time for 2 cups / 473 ml of water is under 2.5 minutes.
# | STOVE | RATING | PRICE | WEIGHT | 1L BOIL TIME |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | SOTO Windmaster | 9.32/10 | $65 | 2.3 oz / 65 g | 4 min |
2 | MSR PocketRocket 2 | 9.02/10 | $50 | 2.6 oz. / 73 g | 3.5 min |
3 | MSR MicroRocket | 8.72/10 | N/A | 2.6 oz. / 73 g | N/A |
4 | SOTO Amicus | 8.56/10 | $45 | 2.9 oz / 81 g | 4 min |
5 | BRS-3000T | 7.64/10 | $17 | 0.9 oz / 25 g | 5 min |
Highest-Rated CDT Water Treatment
Aquamira was the highest-rated water treatment on the Continental Divide Trail this year. It’s a $15, two-piece kit that uses drops of chlorine dioxide to treat water. The good news? It treats water for and kills protozoa, bacteria, and viruses. The bad news? It won’t do anything to clean dirty or sediment-heavy water (good luck in New Mexico).
# | TREATMENT | RATING | PRICE | WEIGHT | MEDIUM | REMOVES |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Aquamira | 8.50/10 | $15 | 3 oz / 85 g | Chlorine dioxide | Protozoa / bacteria / viruses |
2 | Sawyer Squeeze | 8.48/10 | $39 | 3 oz / 85 g | Hollow fiber | Protozoa / bacteria |
3 | Platypus QuickDraw | 8.36/10 | $35 | 2.2 oz / 63 g | Hollow fiber | Protozoa / bacteria |
4 | Bleach | 8.23/10 | Cheap | N/A | Sodium hypochlorite | Protozoa / bacteria / viruses |
5 | Katadyn BeFree | 7.91/10 | $45 | 2.3 oz / 65 g | Hollow fiber | Protozoa / bacteria |
Highest-Rated CDT Food Storage
No, you are not legally required to carry a bear canister on the Continental Divide Trail. However, this doesn’t mean not carrying one is always the wisest decision. Of the 14% of hikers who carried protection for their food, the favorite was the Ursack AllMitey Bear and Critter Sack. A 10.7-liter bag made of spectra and kevlar that weighs 9.5 oz 269 g.
# | CANISTER | RATING | PRICE | WEIGHT | CAPACITY | MATERIAL |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Ursack AllMitey | 9.00/10 | $140 | 9.5 oz / 269 g | 10.7 L | Spectra (ballistic polyethylene), Kevlar |
2 | BearVault BV500 | 7.13/10 | $93 | 41 oz / 1.162 kg | 11.5 L | Polycarbonate |
Highest-Rated CDT Trekking Poles
The Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork were the highest-rated trekking poles on the CDT this year. They have an aluminum shaft, cork handles, an external level lock locking mechanism, weigh 18 oz / 510 g, and collapse down to 27 in / 69 cm. There is also a women’s version available.
# | POLES | RATING | PRICE | WEIGHT | HANDLE | SHAFT | COLLAPSED LENGTH |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork | 9.64/10 | $140 | 18 oz / 510 g | Cork | Aluminum | 27 in / 69 cm |
2 | Leki Micro Vario Carbon | 9.56/10 | $200 | 17 oz / 482 g | Foam | Carbon fiber | 15.7 in / 40 cm |
3 | REI Co-op Flash Carbon | 9.29/10 | $139 | 13.6 oz / 386 g | Foam | Carbon fiber | 25 in / 64 cm |
4 | Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork | 9.04/10 | $190 | 17.1 oz / 485 g | Cork | Carbon fiber | 24 in / 61 cm |
5 | Leki Makalu Lite Cor-Tec AS | 9.00/10 | $140 | 17.4 oz / 493 g | Cork | Aluminum | 26.8 in / 68 cm |
Highest-Rated CDT Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs)
The Garmin inReach Mini was the highest-rated personal locator beacon on the Continental Divide Trail this year. The smaller, lighter version of the Explorer+, the mini 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 and requires a monthly (or annual) subscription to function properly.
# | PLB | RATING | PRICE | WEIGHT | MESSAGING | MAPS |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Garmin inReach Mini | 8.96/10 | $350 | 3.5 oz / 99 g | Two-way | No |
2 | Garmin inReach Explorer+ | 8.50/10 | $450 | 7.5 oz / 213 g | Two-way | Yes |
3 | Spot Gen3 | 7.45/10 | $220 | 4 oz / 113 g | One-way (presets) | No |
4 | SPOT X | 6.33/10 | $250 | 7 oz / 198 g | Two-way | No |
Highest-Rated CDT Ice Axes
The Black Diamond Raven Pro was the highest-rated ice axe on the Continental Divide Trail this year. It’s a 13.1 oz / 371 g axe with a curved anodized aluminum shaft and a stainless steel adze. It comes in six sizes (50, 55, 60, 65, 70, and 75cm). That said, 40% of hikers did not carry an ice axe at any point during their thru-hikes.
# | AXE | RATING | PRICE | WEIGHT | MATERIAL | SHAFT SHAPE |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Black Diamond Raven Pro | 9.13/10 | $120 | 14.2 oz / 406 g | Aluminum, steel | Curved |
2 | CAMP USA Corsa Nanotech | 9.10/10 | $160 | 8.9 oz / 252 g | Aluminum, steel | Curved |
3 | CAMP USA Corsa | 8.78/10 | $120 | 8.2 oz / 232 g | Aluminum | Straight |
4 | Petzl Summit 2 | 8.44/10 | $120 | 13.4 oz / 380 g | Aluminum, steel | Curved |
5 | Black Diamond Raven | 7.74/10 | $90 | 15.7 oz / 445 g | Aluminum, steel | Straight |
Highest-Rated CDT Traction Systems
The Hillsound Trail Crampons were the highest-rated traction system on the Continental Divide Trail this year. It’s an over-the-shoe, spikes-on-the-bottom system that weighs 15.7 oz / 445 g with 11 points of contact. It comes in five sizes and has carbon steel spikes.
# | TRACTION | RATING | PRICE | WEIGHT | SPIKES |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Hillsound Trail Crampons | 9.14/10 | $69 | 15.7 oz / 445 g | 11 |
2 | Snowline Chainsen Light | 9.00/10 | $70 | 8.6 oz / 243 g | 12 |
3 | Kahtoola MICROspikes | 8.49/10 | $75 | 11 oz / 312 g | 12 |
4 | Hillsound Trail Crampon Ultra | 7.60/10 | $75 | 14.25 oz / 422 g | 18 |
The Most Common CDT Gear
Now that we’ve looked at which pieces of gear hikers liked best, let’s examine what gear was the most commonly used by Continental Divide Trail hikers. Remember, this is the most commonly used gear – simply because something was common, this does not necessarily translate to it automatically being the “best” (or even good). That said, it probably does translate into it being cool – so there’s that.
START
The Most Common CDT Gear List
- Backpack: Gossamer Gear Mariposa (1.79 lbs / 814 g | $270)
- Shelter: Zpacks Duplex (1.19 lbs / 539 g | $699)
- Sleeping bag: Enlightened Equipment Revelation (20.9 oz / 593 g | $280)
- Sleeping pad: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite (12.5 oz / 354 g | $200)
- Insulated jacket: Enlightened Equipment Torrid Apex (M/W) (8.4 oz / 238 g | $175)
- Shell: Outdoor Research Helium (M/W) (6.3 oz / 179 g | $159)
- Fleece: Melanzana Microgrid Hoodie (12.2 oz / 346 g | $78)
- Shoes: Altra Lone Peak 5 (M/W) (21 oz / 595 g | $130)
- Socks: Darn Tough Hiker Quarter Midweight (M/W) (2 oz / 57 g | $19)
- Stove: MSR PocketRocket 2 (2.4 oz / 68 g | $50)
- Water treatment: Sawyer Squeeze (3 oz / 85 g / $39)
- Bear canister: Ursack AllMitey Bear and Critter Sack (9.5 oz / 269 g | $140)
- Trekking poles: Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork (17.1 oz / 485 g / $190)
- PLB: Garmin inReach Mini (3.5 oz / 99 g | $350)
- Ice axe: CAMP USA Corsa (8.2 oz / 232 g | $120)
- Traction device: Kahtoola MICROspikes (11 oz / 312 g | $70)
Total weight – Big 3 (pack, shelter, sleeping bag): 4.29 lbs / 1.944 kg
Total weight – Big 4 (Big 3 + sleeping pad): 5.07 lbs / 2.3 kg
All gear (minus snow gear)*: 7.9 lbs / 3.584 kg
All gear^: 9.1 lbs / 4.128 kg
*This does not include ice axe, traction, bear canister, poles, shoes, or socks
^This does not include poles, shoes, or socks
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 16.39 lbs / 7.434 kg. Note that the stove included in this list, the MSR PocketRocket 2, does not include the weight of a pot.
The total price of all this gear? $2,969 (this includes one pair of shoes and socks). The average hikers spent prior to beginning their hikes? $1,015 (M = $900 | σ = $792).
Now, a detailed look at the most common pieces of gear in each of the following categories: backpacks, shelters, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, insulated jackets, shells, fleeces, shoes, socks, stoves, water treatments, bear canisters, trekking poles, PLBs, ice axes, and traction systems.
Most Common CDT Backpacks
The Gossamer Gear Mariposa was the most common backpack on the Continental Divide Trail this year – up from third last year. It is a 1.79 lbs / 814 g pack capable of carrying up to 60 L and 35 lbs / 16 kg of gear. The Mariposa was the fifth-highest-rated pack by CDT hikers this year.
# | BACKPACK | RATING | PRICE | WEIGHT | LITERS | MAX LOAD |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Gossamer Gear Mariposa | 8.41/10 | $270 | 1.79 lbs | 814 g | 60 | 35 lbs | 16 kg |
2 | ULA Circuit | 8.80/10 | $280 | 2.29 lbs | 1.038 kg | 68 | 35 lbs | 16 kg |
3 | Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest | 8.74/10 | $320 | 1.88 lbs | 853 g | 40 | 40 lbs | 18 kg |
4 | Osprey Exos | 7.86/10 | $220 | 2.71 lbs | 1.230 kg | 58 | 40 lbs | 18 kg |
5 | Hyperlite Mountain Gear Junction | 8.56/10 | $320 | 1.88 lbs | 853 g | 40 | 40 lbs | 18 kg |
6 | Hyperlite Mountain Gear Windrider | 9.00/10 | $320 | 1.87 lbs | 848 g | 40 | 40 lbs | 18 kg |
7 | Zpacks Arc Haul | 7.56/10 | $349 | 1.39 lbs | 627 g | 62 | 40 lbs | 18 kg |
8 | Zpacks Arc Blast | 6.63/10 | $375 | 1.25 lbs | 565 g | 55 | 35 lbs | 16 kg |
7 | Granite Gear Crown2 | 8.57/10 | $200 | 2.19 lbs | 992 g | 60 | 35 lbs | 16 kg |
Most Common CDT Shelters
The Zpacks Duplex was the most common shelter on the CDT this year. It’s a $700, two-person, side-entry, 19 oz / 539 g shelter that requires two trekking poles to set up. This was also the most common shelter on the CDT last year. It’s made from .51 oz/yd² Dyneema Composite Fabric and required eight stakes to be set up (not included in the $700 price tag).
# | SHELTER | RATING | PRICE | WEIGHT | FLOOR | FREESTANDING | CAPACITY |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Zpacks Duplex | 8.75/10 | $699 | 1.19 lbs | 539 g | 28 ft² / 2.6 m² | No | 2 |
2 | Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 | 9.00/10 | $500 | 2.69 lbs | 1.22 kg | 29 ft² / 2.7 m² | Yes | 2 |
3 | Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL1 | 8.63/10 | $400 | 1.79 lbs | 814 g | 20 ft² / 1.9 m² | Yes | 1 |
4 | Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 | 8.50/10 | $400 | 1.88 lbs | 853 g | 28 ft² / 2.6 m² | Semi | 2 |
5 | NEMO Hornet 2P | 8.14/10 | $400 | 2.38 lbs | 1.08 kg | 27.5 ft² / 2.6 m² | Semi | 2 |
6 | Tarptent Aeon Li | 8.67/10 | $569 | 1.21 lbs | 549 g | 18 ft² / 1.7 m² | No | 1 |
7 | Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL1 | 7.00/10 | $350 | 2 lb | 907 g | 20 ft² / 1.9 m² | Semi | 1 |
8 | Gossamer Gear The One | 8.33/10 | $300 | 1.11 lbs | 503 g | 15.8 ft² / 1.5 m² | No | 1 |
9 | Six Moon Designs Haven | 9.00/10 | $220 | 1.13 lbs | 510 g | 53 ft² / 4.9 m² | No | 2 |
10 | NEMO Hornet 1P | 8.00/10 | $360 | 2 lbs | 905 g | 23.3 ft² / 2.1 m² | Semi | 1 |
Most Common CDT Sleeping Bags
The Enlightened Equipment Revelation was the most common sleeping bag (quilt) on the CDT this year. The Revelation is highly customizable and comes in a variety of lengths, widths, temperature ratings, fill-powers, and colors. What’s the difference between the Revelation and the Enigma? The Enigma has a sewn footbox (i.e. the Revelation can be laid completely flat).
# | BAG/QUILT | RATING | PRICE | WEIGHT | TEMP | FILL | FILL WEIGHT |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Enlightened Equipment Revelation | 8.41/10 | $280 | 20.9 oz / 593 g | 20°F / -6°C | 950 duck | 14.4 oz / 408 g |
2 | Enlightened Equipment Enigma | 8.23/10 | $315 | 19.3 oz / 547 g | 20°F / -6°C | 950 duck | 13.8 oz / 392 g |
3 | REI Co-op Magma | 8.85/10 | $399 | 28.2 oz / 799 g | 16°F / -9°C | 850 goose | 15.9 oz / 451 g |
4 | Zpacks Sleeping Bag | 8.25/10 | $449 | 18.8 oz / 533 g | 20°F / -6°C | 900 goose | 13.7 oz / 388 g |
5 | Katabatic Flex | 9.55/10 | $410 | 22.8 oz / 646 g | 22°F / -5.6°C | 900 goose | 14.3 oz / 405g |
6 | Western Mountaineering Versalite | 9.22/10 | $605 | 32 oz / 907 g | 10°F / -12°C | 850 goose | 20 oz / 565 g |
7 | Western Mountaineering UltraLite | 8.67/10 | $525 | 30 oz / 850 g | 20°F / -6°C | 850 goose | 16 oz / 454 g |
Most Common CDT Sleeping Pads
The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite was the most common sleeping pad among Continental Divide Trail hikers this year. This air pad has an R-value of 4.2, weighs 12 oz / 340 g, packs down to 4.1 x 9 in / 10 x 23 cm, and is 2.5 in / 6.4 cm thick. The Women’s version was the second-most-common pad on the trail this year and the small version was the fifth-most-common.
# | PAD | RATING | PRICE | WEIGHT | R-VALUE | THICKNESS |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite | 8.41/10 | $200 | 12 oz / 340 g | 4.2 | 2.5 in / 6.4 cm |
2 | Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite - Women's | 8.39/10 | $200 | 12 oz / 340 g | 5.4 | 2.5 in / 6.4 cm |
3 | Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm | 9.25/10 | $230 | 17 oz / 482 g | 6.9 | 2.5 in / 6.4 cm |
4 | NEMO Switchback | 8.07/10 | $55 | 14.5 oz / 415 g | 2 | 0.9 in / 2.3 cm |
5 | Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite, Small | 8.31/10 | $180 | 8.3 oz / 235 g | 4.2 | 2.5 in / 6.4 cm |
6 | Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite | 6.09/10 | $220 | 8.8 oz / 250 g | 2.3 | 2.5 in / 6.4 cm |
7 | Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol | 8.40/10 | $55 | 14 oz / 397 g | 2 | 0.75 in / 1.9 cm |
8 | Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol, Small | 7.90/10 | $40 | 10 oz / 290 g | 2 | 0.75 in / 1.9 cm |
9 | NEMO Tensor (Insulated) | 8.00/10 | $160 | 14 oz / 410 g | 3.5 | 3 in / 7.6 cm |
10 | Sea to Summit UltraLight Insulated Mat | 7.67/10 | $149 | 16.9 oz / 480 g | 3.1 | 2 in / 5 cm |
Most Common CDT Insulated Jackets
The Enlightened Equipment Torrid APEX (Men’s/Women’s) was the most common jacket among Continental Divide Trail hikers this year. The 8.4 oz / 238 g hooded jacket uses 2oz/yd² CLIMASHIELD APEX synthetic insulation, a 10D nylon shell, and two zippered hand pockets. It’s also customizable if you would prefer one in a custom color or without a hood.
# | JACKET | RATING | PRICE | WEIGHT | HOOD | POCKETS |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Enlightened Equipment Torrid Apex (M/W) | 8.96/10 | $175 | 8.4 oz / 238 g | Yes | 2 hand |
2 | Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 Hoody (M/W) | 8.86/10 | $325 | 8.8 oz / 249 g | Yes | 2 hand |
3 | Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer 2 (M/W) | 8.40/10 | $300 | 8.3 oz / 235 g | No | 2 hand |
4 | Arc'teryx Cerium LT Hoody (M/W) | 9.31/10 | $379 | 10.9 oz / 309 g | Yes | 2 hand |
5 | Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody (M/W) | 8.11/10 | $299 | 9.3 oz / 264 g | Yes | 2 hand | 2 drop |
6 | REI Co-op 650 Down Jacket 2.0 (M/W) | 8.83/10 | $100 | 11 oz / 312 g | Yes | 2 hand |
7 | Montbell Alpine Light (M/W) | 9.60/10 | $219 | 12.1 oz / 342 g | Yes | 2 hand | 2 drop |
8 | REI 650 Down Hoodie 2.0 | 8.80/10 | $119 | 13 oz / 369 g | Yes | 2 hand |
9 | Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer UL (M/W) | 7.80/10 | $375 | 6.7 oz / 189 g | Yes | 2 hand |
10 | Patagonia Micro Puff Jacket (M/W) | 7.60/10 | $249 | 8.3 oz / 235 g | No | 2 hand | 2 drop |
Most Common CDT Shells
The Outdoor Research Helium (Men’s / Women’s) was the most common shell (i.e. rain jacket) on the Continental Divide Trail this year. It’s a 6.4 oz / 182 g jacket made with a 2.5-layer Pertex waterproof breathable laminate. There aren’t pit zips, and you have just a single zippered chest pocket. It was also the lowest-rated rain jacket besides the second-most-common shell, the Frogg Toggs Ultra-Lite2 which is hardly in the same league as the rest of the jackets. But hey, do what makes you happy.
# | SHELL | RATING | PRICE | WEIGHT | FABRIC | PIT ZIPS |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Outdoor Research Helium (M/W) | 7.27/10 | $159 | 6.3 oz / 179 g | 2.5-layer Pertex Shield (Nylon) | No |
2 | Frogg Toggs Ultra-Lite 2 | 7.09/10 | $25 | 5.5 oz / 156 g | Three-layer polypropylene | No |
3 | Montbell Versalite (M/W) | 8.88/10 | $199 | 6.4 oz / 182 g | 2-layer GORE-TEX Infinium Windstopper | Yes |
4 | Arc’teryx Zeta FL (M/W) | 9.18/10 | $299 | 10.9 oz / 309 g | N40r GORE-TEX + Paclite Plus | No |
5 | Arc’teryx Beta SL Hybrid (M/W) | 9.52/10 | $425 | 12.7 oz / 360 g | N40r GORE-TEX + Paclite Plus | Yes |
6 | Marmot PreCip (M/W) | 8.14/10 | $100 | 10.3 oz / 293 g | NanoPro 100% Nylon | Yes |
7 | REI Essential Rain Jacket (M/W) | 7.32/10 | N/A | 8.8 oz / 250 g | 2.5-layer Nylon | No |
8 | Zpacks Vertice (M/W) | 8.07/10 | $299 | 6.5 oz / 184 g | 3-layer w/ 7D Nylon | No |
Most Common 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.
# | FLEECE | RATING | PRICE | WEIGHT | FABRIC | ZIP |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Melanzana Microgrid Hoodie | 9.15/10 | $78 | 12.2 oz / 346 g (L) | Polyester | None |
2 | Patagonia R1 Pullover (M/W) | 9.33/10 | $129 | 11.7 oz / 332 g | 93% Recycled Polyester / 7% Spandex | Quarter |
3 | Kuiu Peloton 97 | 8.80/10 | $99 | 5 oz / 142 g | Toray Karuishi Fleece | Quarter |
4 | Patagonia Capilene Air Hoody (M/W) | 9.50/10 | $149 | 6.9 oz / 196 g | 51% Merino Wool / 49% Recycled Polyester | None |
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 21.2 oz / 601 g per pair. On average, thru-hikers burned through 4.51 of these on the trail.
# | SHOES | RATING | PRICE | WEIGHT | HEEL-TOE DROP | # USED |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Altra Lone Peak 5 (M/W) | 8.19/10 | $130 | 18.4 oz / 522 g | 0 mm | 4.58 |
2 | Altra Lone Peak 4.5 (M/W) | 6.77/10 | N/A | 21 oz / 595 g | 0 mm | 5.37 |
3 | HOKA ONE ONE Speedgoat 4 (M/W) | 8.22/10 | $145 | 21.6 oz / 612 g | 4 mm | 4.89 |
4 | Altra Olympus 4 (M/W) | 8.83/10 | $170 | 21 oz / 595 g | 0 mm | 4.66 |
5 | Brooks Cascadia 15 (M/W) | 7.50/10 | $130 | 22 oz / 624 g | 8 mm | 4.89 |
6 | Altra Timp 3 (M/W) | 7.86/10 | $140 | 22 oz / 624 g | 0 mm | 4.25 |
7 | Topo Ultraventure 2 (M/W) | 10/10 | $135 | 20.8 oz / 590 g | 5 mm | 4.57 |
Shoe Notes: Even if you knew for certain that each pair of your shoes would last you 700 mi / 1,125 km, buying yourself four pairs of shoes at the start of the hike would be a risky decision – what if the shoes aren’t as comfortable as you thought? What if your feet swell? What if you die?
Remember, you can buy shoes using this thing called the internet and have them mailed ahead on the trail (to a post office, hotel, local outfitter, trail angel, etc.) once you know that you’re going to need a new pair. If you encounter an emergency situation, you can always buy locally or simply wait around for your shoes to show up in the mail.
Many shoe companies (Altra and Brooks, in particular) release a new version of their shoes on an annual basis. The current version of the Altra Lone Peak is the 6, the current version of the Altra Olympus is the 4, and the current version of the Brooks Cascadia is the 16.
Most Common CDT Socks
Darn Tough dominated Continental Divide Trail hikers’ feet this year with the Darn Tough Hiker Quarter Midweight (Men’s/Women’s) being the most commonly used model. They are made of 60% merino wool, 38% nylon, 2% spandex, have a medium cushion, cost $19 a pair, and have an unconditional lifetime guarantee.
# | SOCKS | RATING | PRICE | FABRIC | CUSHION | HEIGHT |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Darn Tough Hiker Quarter Midweight (M/W) | 9.37/10 | $19 | 60% merino wool / 38% nylon / 2% spandex | Medium | Ankle |
2 | Darn Tough Light Hiker Quarter (M/W) | 9.06/10 | $19 | 52% nylon / 44% merino wool / 4% spandex | Light | Ankle |
3 | Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Midweight (M/W) | 9.50/10 | $24 | 61% merino wool / 36% nylon / 3% spandex | Medium | Crew |
4 | Darn Tough Micro Crew Lightweight Hiking (M/W) | 8.50/10 | $22 | 54% nylon / 43% merino wool / 3% spandex | Light | Crew |
5 | Injinji Trail Midweight Mini-Crew (M/W) | 9.00/10 | $18 | 58% nylon / 39% polyester/ 3% spandex | Medium | Ankle |
Most Common CDT Stoves
The MSR PocketRocket 2 was the most common stove on the Continental Divide Trail this year. It’s a 2.6 oz / 74 g canister stove that you need a lighter to ignite. The push-button start version, the MSR PocketRocket Deluxe, was the fourth-most-common stove. The reported boil time for one liter of water is 3.5 minutes.
# | STOVE | RATING | PRICE | WEIGHT | INCLUDED POT | 1L BOIL TIME |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | MSR PocketRocket 2 | 9.02/10 | $50 | 2.6 oz. / 73 g | No | 3.5 min |
2 | BRS 3000T | 7.64/10 | $17 | 0.9 oz / 25 g | No | 5 min |
3 | Snow Peak GigaPower 2.0 | 7.59/10 | $50 | 4.23 oz / 120 g | No | N/A |
4 | SOTO Windmaster | 9.32/10 | $65 | 2.3 oz / 65 g | No | 4 min |
5 | JetBoil Flash Lite | 6.72/10 | $80 | 1.25 lbs / 567 g | Yes | 5 min |
Most Common CDT Water Treatment
The Sawyer Squeeze was (by far) the most common Continental Divide Trail water filter this year – of the fourth year in a row. It’s a $39, 3 oz / 85 g hollow fiber filter that rids your drinking water of protozoa and bacteria (and floaties). It can be used with the Sawyer bags (included with the filter) or with compatible water bottles (Smartwater is the bottle of choice for many hikers). The Sawyer comes in two smaller sizes as well, the Sawyer Micro and the Sawyer MINI (I recommend sticking with the original for a thru-hike).
# | TREATMENT | RATING | PRICE | WEIGHT | MEDIUM | REMOVES |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Sawyer Squeeze | 8.48/10 | $39 | 3 oz / 85 g | Hollow fiber | Protozoa / bacteria |
2 | Platypus QuickDraw | 8.36/10 | $35 | 2.2 oz / 63 g | Hollow fiber | Protozoa / bacteria |
3 | Bleach | 8.23/10 | Cheap | N/A | Sodium hypochlorite | Protozoa / bacteria / viruses |
4 | Katadyn BeFree | 7.91/10 | $45 | 2.3 oz / 65 g | Hollow fiber | Protozoa / bacteria |
5 | Aquamira | 8.50/10 | $15 | 3 oz / 85 g | Chlorine dioxide | Protozoa / bacteria / viruses |
Most Common CDT Bear Canisters
Since only 14% of hikers carried bear-specific food protection with them on the CDT, our numbers for this category are the lowest of any piece of gear. This category is the only one of the survey (besides the PLBs) where the highest-rated and most-common are exactly the same in terms of ranking. Yes, there are only two pieces of gear that were widely enough used to make the list, but I felt it worth pointing out nonetheless. The most common food protection was the Ursack AllMitey Bear and Critter Sack. A 10.7-liter bag made of spectra and kevlar that weighs 9.5 oz 269 g.
# | CANISTER | RATING | PRICE | WEIGHT | CAPACITY | MATERIAL |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Ursack AllMitey | 9.00/10 | $140 | 9.5 oz / 269 g | 10.7 L | Spectra (ballistic polyethylene), Kevlar |
2 | BearVault BV500 | 7.13/10 | $93 | 41 oz / 1.162 kg | 11.5 L | Polycarbonate |
Most Common CDT Trekking Poles
The Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork was the most common trekking pole on the Continental Divide Trail this year. They have a carbon fiber shaft, cork grips, an external lever lock, weigh 17.1 oz / 485 g (per pair), and collapse down to 24 in / 61 cm.
# | POLES | RATING | PRICE | WEIGHT | HANDLE | SHAFT | COLLAPSED LENGTH |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork | 9.04/10 | $190 | 17.1 oz / 485 g | Cork | Carbon fiber | 24 in / 61 cm |
2 | Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon Fiber | 8.75/10 | $65 | 15.6 oz / 442 g | Cork | Carbon fiber | 26 in / 65 cm |
3 | Black Diamond Trail | 8.64/10 | $110 | 17 oz / 482 g | Foam | Aluminum | 25 in / 64 cm |
4 | Black Diamond Distance FLZ | 8.54/10 | $140 | 15.7 oz / 445 g | Foam | Aluminum | 16 in / 40 cm |
5 | Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork | 9.64/10 | $140 | 18 oz / 510 g | Cork | Aluminum | 27 in / 69 cm |
6 | Leki Corklite | 8.82/10 | $120 | 18.1 oz / 513 g | Foam | Aluminum | 24.4 in / 62 cm |
7 | Gossamer Gear LT5 | 8.55/10 | $195 | 9.8 oz / 278 g | Foam | Carbon fiber | 23.5 in / 60 cm |
8 | Leki Micro Vario Carbon | 9.56/10 | $200 | 17 oz / 482 g | Foam | Carbon fiber | 15.7 in / 40 cm |
9 | Leki Legacy Lite Cor-Tec | 8.63/10 | $100 | 17.2 oz / 488 g | Cork | Aluminum | 39.4 in / 100 cm |
10 | REI Co-op Flash Carbon | 9.29/10 | $139 | 13.6 oz / 386 g | Foam | Carbon fiber | 25 in / 64 cm |
Most Common CDT Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs)
The Garmin inReach Mini was the most common personal locator beacon on the Continental Divide Trail this year. The smaller, lighter version of the Explorer+, the mini 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 and requires a monthly (or annual) subscription to function at full capacity.
# | PLB | RATING | PRICE | WEIGHT | MESSAGING | MAPS |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Garmin inReach Mini | 8.69/10 | $350 | 3.5 oz / 99 g | Two-way | No |
2 | Garmin inReach Explorer+ | 8.99/10 | $450 | 7.5 oz / 213 g | Two-way | Yes |
3 | Spot Gen3 | 8.33/10 | $220 | 4 oz / 113 g | One-way (presets) | No |
4 | SPOT X | 4.86/10 | $250 | 7 oz / 198 g | Two-way | No |
Most Common CDT Ice Axes
The CAMP USA Corsa was the most-commonly found ice axe on the Continental Divide Trail this year. 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 lengths of 50, 60, and 70 cm.
# | AXE | RATING | PRICE | WEIGHT | MATERIAL | SHAFT SHAPE |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | CAMP USA Corsa | 8.78/10 | $120 | 8.2 oz / 232 g | Aluminum | Straight |
2 | Black Diamond Raven | 7.74/10 | $90 | 15.7 oz / 445 g | Aluminum, steel | Straight |
3 | CAMP USA Corsa Nanotech | 9.10/10 | $160 | 8.9 oz / 252 g | Aluminum, steel | Curved |
4 | Petzl Summit 2 | 8.44/10 | $120 | 13.4 oz / 380 g | Aluminum, steel | Curved |
5 | Black Diamond Raven Pro | 9.13/10 | $120 | 14.2 oz / 406 g | Aluminum, steel | Curved |
Most Common CDT Traction Systems
The Kahtoola MICROspikes Traction System was the most common traction system on the Continental Divide Trail this year (in addition to being the highest-rated). It’s an over-the-shoe, spikes-on-the-bottom system that weighs 13.1 oz / 371 g. It comes in four sizes and has stainless steel spikes.
[table “2021-CDT-traction-common” not found /]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 | $3,080 | $2,969 |
Total weight – Big 3 | 6.26 lbs / 2.838 kg | 4.29 lbs / 1.944 kg |
Total weight – Big 4 | 7.32 lbs / 3.320 kg | 5.07 lbs / 2.3 kg |
All CDT gear (minus show gear)* | 10.05 lbs / 4.559 kg | 7.9 lbs / 3.584 kg |
All CDT gear^ | 11.92 lbs / 5.406 kg | 9.1 lbs / 4.128 kg |
NOTE: The most common shelter requires two trekking poles and eight stakes to be set up (not included in the base weight). The highest-rated shelter is freestanding and does not require trekking poles.
*This does not include ice axe, traction, poles, shoes, or socks
^This does not include poles, shoes, or socks
GEAR | HIGHEST-RATED | MOST-COMMON |
---|---|---|
Backpack | Hyperlite Mountain Gear Windrider | Gossamer Gear Mariposa |
Shelter | Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 | Zpacks Duplex |
Sleeping Bag | Katabatic Flex | Enlightened Equipment Revelation |
Sleeping Pad | Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm | Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite |
Insulated Jacket | Montbell Alpine Light (M/W) | Enlightened Equipment Torrid Apex (M/W) |
Shell | Montbell Versalite (M/W) | Outdoor Research Helium (M/W) |
Fleece | Patagonia Capilene Air Hoody (M/W) | Melanzana Microgrid Hoodie |
Shoes | Topo Ultraventure 2 (M/W) | Altra Lone Peak 5 (M/W) |
Socks | Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Midweight (M/W) | Darn Tough Hiker Quarter Midweight (M/W) |
Stove | SOTO WindMaster | MSR PocketRocket 2 |
Water Treatment | Aquamira | Sawyer Squeeze |
Bear Canister | Ursack AllMitey | Ursack AllMitey |
Trekking Poles | Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork | Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork |
PLB | Garmin inReach Mini | Garmin inReach Mini |
Ice Axe | Black Diamond Raven Pro | CAMP USA Corsa |
Traction System | Hillsound Trail Crampons | Kahtoola MICROspikes |
Base Weights
Base weight. The thing that completely defines some hikers, that others have difficulty defining, and that others still don’t care about at all. Basically, how much your backpack weighs when fully loaded with your gear, minus food, water, and/or consumable weight (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, yes, carrying a lighter pack is more enjoyable than carrying a heavy pack. 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.
STOP HERE
BASE WEIGHTS | THRU | THRU-1 | THRU-0 |
---|---|---|---|
START | 16.07 lbs / 7.289 kg | 15.74 lbs / 7.14 kg | 17.41 lbs / 7.897 kg |
END | 15.08 lbs / 6.84 kg | 14.89 lbs / 6.754 kg | 15.84 lbs / 7.185 kg |
CHANGE | 0.99 lbs / 454 g | 0.85 lbs / 386 g | 1.57 lbs / 714 g |
% CHANGE | -6.16% | -5.4% | -9.01% |
Gear Stats
We’ve gone over the highest-rated gear, most-common gear, and the base weights of hikers on the Continental Divide Trail this year, and now we’re going to talk a bit about some gear specifics.
Average Backpack Size
First, a bit about backpacks. Hikers’ most common complaints when it came to backpacks this year? Packs were uncomfortable with heavy loads, packs were too heavy (as in the packs themselves), and chafing at the hips. How can you avoid these same woes on the trail? Probably the best advice you can give anyone preparing for a thru-hike – get out there with your pack on and hike (with a heavy load).
THRU
52.6
(M = 55 | σ = 10.2)
THRU-1
51.8
(M = 55 | σ = 11.1)
THRU-0
54.5
(M = 55 | σ = 9.1)
Hikers Using Fully Freestanding Shelter
What’s a freestanding shelter? It’s a shelter (i.e. tent) that needs only its poles to be set up – no stakes required. This year’s highest-rated shelter, the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2, is freestanding. What does that mean? It means it can stand on its own (without being staked down).
This year’s most common shelter, the Zpacks Duplex, is not freestanding. It requires two trekking poles and eight stakes to be set up correctly. Here’s the breakdown of which percentage of hikers were using a freestanding shelter (I counted semi-freestanding shelters as 0.5 in the calculation).
THRU
32%
THRU-1
33%
THRU-0
32%
Sleeping Bag Temperatures
All of the highest-rated and most common sleeping bags (and quilts) on the Continental Divide Trail this year were between 10°F and 22°F (-12.2°C to -5.6°C). Which bag will be best for you depends on a lot – how warm of a sleeper are you? Which sleeping pad do you have? Are you sleeping in your clothes? With another person? In a small tent? Big tent? With a dog? Sasquatch? Here’s what this year’s class had.
THRU
15.7°F
-9.1°C
(M = 15°F/-9.4°C | σ = 7.4)
THRU-1
15.6°F
-9.1°C
(M = 15°F/-9.4°C | σ = 7.9)
THRU-0
16°F
-8.9°C
(M = 15°F/-9.4°C | σ = 7.1)
Stoves on the CDT
It may come as a shock, but not all hikers on the trail carry stoves. Yes, cheese, tortilla, and Sriracha combinations may be all you need to power your hiking machine (yourself) on the trail. Here’s what hikers did as far as stoves this year.
- 77.7% Carried a stove
- 11.2% Stoveless the entire trail
- 5.1% Started with a stove but went stoveless at some point
- 5.1% Started stoveless but got stove on hike
- 0.9% Alternated

Luxury Items
Continental Divide Trail hikers obsess over their gear lists and what goes into their packs, but most everyone has something that could be considered a luxury item by someone else. 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. Here are the most popular “luxury items” on the trail this year.
- Battery pack 93.95%
- Pillow 47.44%
- Camp shoes 42.79%
- Sleeping bag liner 26.98%
- Journal 22.33%
- Towel 18.60%
- Massage ball 15.81%
- Town clothes 15.81%
- Deodorant 6.51%
- Book 6.05%
- Cards 4.65%
- Fishing pole 4.65%
- Down pants 3.26%
- Kindle 3.26%
- Harmonica 1.86%
- Ukulele 1.40%
- Frisbee 0.93%

Battery Packs
Since battery packs are brought by most hikers (this is the second year I’ve asked about them and the second year that 94% of hikers reported having one), I decided to delve a bit deeper into how big of battery packs hikers were bringing along.
THRU
13,802 mAh
Average battery pack size
(M = 10,600 | σ = 6,970)
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.
- Be sure and know how you run (hot, cold, hate being wet, etc) as this trail runs the gamut of weather and exposure. BRING WHAT YOU NEED!
- Bring what you want. If the weight is a problem, then cut down, but don’t let someone talk you out of bringing something you enjoy just because they think you don’t need it.
- The CDT destroyed most of my gear.
- I mailed unused gear home several times and had new socks and shoes in several of my resupply boxes, which worked out pretty well, but probably could have just gotten new items when in town. But it was really convenient that I didn’t have to worry about getting to an outfitter in town unnecessarily.
- Umbrella totally worth it for the sun and non-lightning rain when in New Mexico and the Basin (Wyoming).
- Though apparently considered a luxury item, my sleeping bag liner is the only equipment that Triple Crowned with me and I highly recommend one for comfort and cleanliness.
- There are two categories of essential pieces of gear: stuff you need every day (e.g. tent), and stuff you need occasionally but when you need it you REALLY need it (e.g. rain gear!). Don’t skimp on the second category – I guarantee that when you’re hiking over a pass in Colorado during an unexpected late June snowstorm, you’re going to be super happy you carried that wool buff or second pair of gloves. Also, planning some redundancy in your rain gear for Colorado (I opted for a rain jacket and a poncho) is not at all a bad idea.
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If there is anything you can think of that would make this information more useful (or any more gear-related cross-referencing you would like to see), then please leave a comment below and let me know.
Continental Divide Trail Survey Collection
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