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The Continental Divide Trail Gear Guide: Class of 2021 Survey

By Mac

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.

Table of Contents
1 Notes on the data
2 Highest-Rated CDT Gear
2.1 Highest-Rated CDT Gear List
3 The Most Common CDT Gear
3.1 The Most Common CDT Gear List
4 Highest-rated vs. Most Common Gear
5 Base Weights
6 Gear Stats
7 Luxury Items
8 Gear Advice
9 Support the Survey
10 Continental Divide Trail Survey Collection

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.

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Windrider
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Windrider
ULA Circuit
ULA Circuit
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest
Granite Gear Crown2 60
Granite Gear Crown2
Hyperlite Mountain Gear 2400 Junction
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Junction
#BACKPACKRATINGPRICEWEIGHTLITERSMAX LOAD
1Hyperlite Mountain Gear Windrider9.00/10$3201.87 lbs | 848 g4040 lbs | 18 kg
2ULA Circuit8.80/10$2802.29 lbs | 1.038 kg6835 lbs | 16 kg
3Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest8.74/10$3201.88 lbs | 853 g4040 lbs | 18 kg
4Granite Gear Crown28.57/10$2002.19 lbs | 992 g6035 lbs | 16 kg
5Hyperlite Mountain Gear Junction8.56/10$3201.88 lbs | 853 g4040 lbs | 18 kg
6Gossamer Gear Mariposa8.41/10$2701.79 lbs | 814 g6035 lbs | 16 kg
7Zpacks Arc Haul7.56/10$3491.38 lbs | 624 g6240 lbs | 18 kg
8Zpacks Arc Blast6.63/10$3751.24 lbs | 565 g5535 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.

Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2
Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2
Six Moon Designs Haven
Six Moon Designs Haven
Zpacks Duplex
Zpacks Duplex
Tarptent Aeon Li
Tarptent Aeon Li
Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL1
Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL1
#SHELTERRATINGPRICEWEIGHTFLOORFREESTANDINGCAPACITY
1Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL29.00/10$5002.69 lbs | 1.22 kg29 ft² / 2.7 m²Yes2
2Six Moon Designs Haven9.00/10$2201.13 lbs | 510 g53 ft² / 4.9 m²No2
3Zpacks Duplex8.75/10$6991.19 lbs | 539 g28 ft² / 2.6 m²No2
4Tarptent Aeon Li8.67/10$5691.21 lbs | 549 g18 ft² / 1.7 m²No1
5Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL18.63/10$4001.79 lbs | 814 g20 ft² / 1.9 m²Yes1
6Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL28.50/10$4001.88 lbs | 853 g28 ft² / 2.6 m²Semi2
7Gossamer Gear The One8.33/10$3001.11 lbs | 503 g15.8 ft² / 1.5 m²No1
8NEMO Hornet 2P8.14/10$4002.38 lbs | 1.08 kg27.5 ft² / 2.6 m²Semi2
9NEMO Hornet 1P8.00/10$3602 lbs | 905 g23.3 ft² / 2.1 m²Semi1
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.

Katabatic Flex
Katabatic Flex
Western Mountaineering Versalite
Western Mountaineering Versalite
REI Co-op Magma 15
REI Co-op Magma
Western Mountaineering Alpinlite
Western Mountaineering Alpinlite
Enlightened Equipment Revelation 20
Enlightened Equipment Revelation
#BAG/QUILTRATINGPRICEWEIGHTTEMPFILLFILL WEIGHT
1Katabatic Flex9.55/10$41022.8 oz / 646 g22°F / -5.6°C900 goose14.3 oz / 405 g
2Western Mountaineering Versalite9.22/10$60532 oz / 907 g10°F / -12°C850 goose20 oz / 565 g
3REI Co-op Magma8.85/10$39928.2 oz / 799 g16°F / -9°C850 goose15.9 oz / 451 g
4Western Mountaineering Alpinlite8.67/10$58531 oz / 879 g20°F / -6°C850 goose19 oz / 539 g
5Enlightened Equipment Revelation8.41/10$28020.9 oz / 593 g20°F / -6°C950 duck14.4 oz / 408 g
6Zpacks Sleeping Bag8.25/10$40918.8 oz / 533 g20°F / -6°C900 goose13.7 oz / 388 g
7Enlightened Equipment Enigma8.23/10$31519.3 oz / 547 g20°F / -6°C950 duck13.8 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.

Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite (Women’s)
Sea to Summit UltraLight Insulated
Sea to Summit UltraLight Insulated
Exped SynMat HL Sleeping Pad
Exped SynMat HL
Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol
Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol
#PADRATINGPRICEWEIGHTR-VALUETHICKNESS
1Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm9.25/10$23017 oz / 482 g6.92.5 in / 6.4 cm
2Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite - Women's8.41/10$20012 oz / 340 g5.42.5 in / 6.4 cm
3Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol8.40/10$5514 oz / 397 g20.75 in / 1.9 cm
4Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite8.39/10$20012 oz / 340 g4.22.5 in / 6.4 cm
5Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite, Small8.31/10$1808.3 oz / 235 g4.22.5 in / 6.4 cm
6NEMO Switchback8.07/10$5514.5 oz / 415 g20.9 in / 2.3 cm
7NEMO Tensor (Insulated)8.00/10$16014 oz / 410 g3.53 in / 7.6 cm
8Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol, Small7.90/10$4010 oz / 284 g20.75 in / 1.9 cm
9Sea to Summit UltraLight Insulated Mat7.67/10$14916.9 oz / 480 g3.12 in / 5 cm
10Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite6.09/10$2208.8 oz / 250 g2.32.5 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.

Montbell Alpine Light
Montbell Alpine Light
Men’s/Women’s
Arc'teryx Cerium LT Down Hoodie
Arc’teryx Cerium LT Down Hoodie
Men’s/Women’s
Enlightened Equipment Torrid APEX Jacket
Enlightened Equipment Torrid APEX
Men’s/Women’s
Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer (Hooded)
Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer 2 Hoody
Men’s/Women’s
REI Co-op 650 Down Jacket 2.0
REI Co-op 650 Down Jacket 2.0
Men’s/Women’s
#JACKETRATINGPRICEWEIGHTHOODPOCKETS
1Montbell Alpine Light (M/W)9.60/10$21912.1 oz / 342 gNo2 hand | 2 drop
2Arc'teryx Cerium LT Hoody (M/W)9.31/10$37910.9 oz / 309 gYes2 hand
3Enlightened Equipment Torrid Apex (M/W)8.96/10$1758.4 oz / 238 gYes2 hand
4Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 Hoody (M/W)8.86/10$3258.8 oz / 249 gYes2 hand
5REI Co-op 650 Down Jacket 2.0 (M/W)8.83/10$10010.8 oz / 306 gNo2 hand
6REI Co-op 650 Down Hoodie 2.08.80/10$12013 oz / 369 gYes2 hand
7Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer (M/W)8.40/10$3008.3 oz / 235 gNo2 hand
8Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody (M/W)8.11/10$2999.3 oz /264 gYes2 hand | 2 drop
9Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer UL (M/W)7.80/10$3756.7 oz / 189 gYes2 hand
10Patagonia Micro Puff Jacket (M/W)7.60/10$2498.3 oz / 235 gNo2 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.

Montbell Versalite
Montbell Versalite
Men’s/Women’s
Arc'teryx Zeta FL
Arc’teryx Zeta SL
Men’s/Women’s
Arc'teryx Beta SL Hybrid
Arc’teryx Beta SL Hybrid
Men’s/Women’s
Marmot PreCip Jacket
Marmot PreCip
Men’s/Women’s
Frogg Toggs Ultra-Lite2 Rain Jacket
Frogg Toggs Ultra-Lite2
#SHELLRATINGPRICEWEIGHTFABRICPIT ZIPS
1Montbell Versalite (M/W)8.70/10$1996.4 oz / 182 g2-layer GORE-TEX Infinium WindstopperYes
2Arc’teryx Zeta FL (M/W)8.70/10$29910.9 oz / 309 gN40r GORE-TEX + Paclite PlusNo
3Arc’teryx Beta SL Hybrid (M/W)8.43/10$42512.7 oz / 360 gN40r GORE-TEX + Paclite PlusYes
4Marmot PreCip (M/W)8.86/10$10010.3 oz / 293 gNanoPro 100% NylonYes
5Frogg Toggs Ultra-Lite 27.03/10$255.5 oz / 156 gThree-layer polypropyleneNo
6REI Essential Rain Jacket (M/W)6.80/10N/A8.8 oz / 250 g2.5-layer NylonNo
7Zpacks Vertice (M/W)6.80/10$2996.5 oz / 184 g3-layer w/ 7D NylonNo
8Outdoor Research Helium (M/W)6.73/10$1596.3 oz / 179 g2.5-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.

Patagonia Capilene Air Hoody
Patagonia Capilene Air Hoody
Men’s/Women’s
Patagonia R1 Pullover
Patagonia R1 Pullover
Men’s/Women’s
Melanzana Microgrid Hoodie
Melanzana Microgrid Hoodie
Kuiu Peloton 97
Kuiu Peloton 97
#FLEECERATINGPRICEWEIGHTFABRICZIP
1Patagonia Capilene Air Hoody (M/W)9.50/10$1496.9 oz / 196 g51% Merino Wool / 49% Recycled PolyesterNone
2Patagonia R1 Pullover (M/W)9.33/10$12911.7 oz / 332 g93% Recycled Polyester / 7% SpandexQuarter
3Melanzana Microgrid Hoodie9.15/10$7812.2 oz / 346 g (L)PolyesterNone
4Kuiu Peloton 978.80/10$995 oz / 142 gToray Karuishi FleeceQuarter
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.

Topo Ultraventure 2
Topo Ultraventure 2
Men’s/Women’s
Altra Olympus
Altra Olympus 4
Men’s/Women’s
HOKA ONE ONE Speedgoat 4
HOKA ONE ONE Speedgoat 4
Men’s/Women’s
Altra Lone Peak 5
Altra Lone Peak 5
Men’s/Women’s
Altra Timp 3 Trail-Running Shoes
Altra Timp 3
Men’s/Women’s
#SHOESRATINGPRICEWEIGHTHEEL-TOE DROP# USED
1Topo Ultraventure 2 (M/W)10/10$13520.8 oz / 590 g5 mm5.20
2Altra Olympus 4 (M/W)8.83/10$17021 oz / 595 g0 mm4.90
3HOKA ONE ONE Speedgoat 4 (M/W)8.22/10$14521.6 oz / 612 g4 mm5.29
4Altra Lone Peak 5 (M/W)8.19/10$13018.4 oz / 522 g0 mm4.51
5Altra Timp 3 (M/W)7.86/10$14022 oz / 624 g0 mm4.40
6Brooks Cascadia 15 (M/W)7.50/10$13022 oz / 624 g8 mm5.11
7Altra Lone Peak 4.5 (M/W)6.77/10N/A21 oz / 595 g0 mm5.10

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.

Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Socks
Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion
Men’s/Women’s
Darn Tough Hiker Quarter Midweight
Darn Tough Hiker Quarter Midweight
Men’s/Women’s
Darn Tough Light Hiker Quarter Lightweight Hiking
Darn Tough Light Hiker Quarter
Men’s/Women’s
Injinji Trail Midweight Mini-Crew Socks
Injinji Trail Midweight Mini-Crew
Men’s/Women’s
Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Socks
Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew
Men’s/Women’s
#SOCKSRATINGPRICEFABRICCUSHIONHEIGHT
1Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Midweight (M/W)9.50/10$2461% merino wool / 36% nylon / 3% spandexMediumCrew
2Darn Tough Hiker Quarter Midweight (M/W)9.37/10$1960% merino wool / 38% nylon / 2% spandexMediumAnkle
3Darn Tough Light Hiker Quarter (M/W)9.06/10$1952% nylon / 44% merino wool / 4% spandexLightAnkle
4Injinji Trail Midweight Mini-Crew (M/W)9.00/10$1858% nylon / 39% polyester/ 3% spandexMediumAnkle
5Darn Tough Micro Crew Lightweight Hiking (M/W)8.50/10$2254% nylon / 43% merino wool / 3% spandexLightCrew
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.

SOTO WindMaster
SOTO WindMaster
MSR PocketRocket 2
MSR PocketRocket 2
MSR-MicroRocket-500x500
MSR MicroRocket
SOTO Amicus
SOTO Amicus
BRS-3000T
BRS-3000T
#STOVERATINGPRICEWEIGHT1L BOIL TIME
1SOTO Windmaster9.32/10$652.3 oz / 65 g4 min
2MSR PocketRocket 29.02/10$502.6 oz. / 73 g3.5 min
3MSR MicroRocket8.72/10N/A2.6 oz. / 73 gN/A
4SOTO Amicus8.56/10$452.9 oz / 81 g4 min
5BRS-3000T7.64/10$170.9 oz / 25 g5 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).

Aquamira
Aquamira
Sawyer Squeeze
Sawyer Squeeze
Platypus QuickDraw Microfilter
Platypus QuickDraw
Bleach
Bleach
Katadyn BeFree
Katadyn BeFree
#TREATMENTRATINGPRICEWEIGHTMEDIUMREMOVES
1Aquamira8.50/10$153 oz / 85 gChlorine dioxideProtozoa / bacteria / viruses
2Sawyer Squeeze8.48/10$393 oz / 85 gHollow fiberProtozoa / bacteria
3Platypus QuickDraw8.36/10$352.2 oz / 63 gHollow fiberProtozoa / bacteria
4Bleach8.23/10CheapN/ASodium hypochloriteProtozoa / bacteria / viruses
5Katadyn BeFree7.91/10$452.3 oz / 65 gHollow fiberProtozoa / 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.

Ursack AllMitey Bear and Critter Sack
Ursack AllMitey Bear and Critter Sack
BearVault BV500
BearVault BV500
#CANISTERRATINGPRICEWEIGHTCAPACITYMATERIAL
1Ursack AllMitey9.00/10$1409.5 oz / 269 g10.7 LSpectra (ballistic polyethylene), Kevlar
2BearVault BV5007.13/10$9341 oz / 1.162 kg11.5 LPolycarbonate
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.

Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork
Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork
Leki Micro Vario Carbon
Leki Micro Vario Carbon
REI Co-op Flash Carbon Trekking Poles
REI Co-op Flash Carbon
Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork
Leki Makalu Lite Cor-Tec AS
Leki Makalu Lite Cor-Tec AS
#POLESRATINGPRICEWEIGHTHANDLESHAFTCOLLAPSED LENGTH
1Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork9.64/10$14018 oz / 510 gCorkAluminum27 in / 69 cm
2Leki Micro Vario Carbon9.56/10$20017 oz / 482 gFoamCarbon fiber15.7 in / 40 cm
3REI Co-op Flash Carbon9.29/10$13913.6 oz / 386 gFoamCarbon fiber25 in / 64 cm
4Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork9.04/10$19017.1 oz / 485 gCorkCarbon fiber24 in / 61 cm
5Leki Makalu Lite Cor-Tec AS9.00/10$14017.4 oz / 493 gCorkAluminum26.8 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.

Garmin inReach Mini 2-Way Satellite Communicator
Garmin inReach Mini
Garmin inReach Explorer+
Garmin inReach Explorer+
Spot Gen3
Spot Gen3
SPOT Gen X
SPOT Gen X
#PLBRATINGPRICEWEIGHTMESSAGINGMAPS
1Garmin inReach Mini8.96/10$3503.5 oz / 99 gTwo-wayNo
2Garmin inReach Explorer+8.50/10$4507.5 oz / 213 gTwo-wayYes
3Spot Gen37.45/10$2204 oz / 113 gOne-way (presets)No
4SPOT X6.33/10$2507 oz / 198 gTwo-wayNo
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.

Black Diamond Raven Pro Ice Axe
Black Diamond Raven Pro
CAMP USA Corsa Nanotech Ice Axe
CAMP USA Corsa Nanotech
CAMP USA Corsa Ice Axe
CAMP USA Corsa
Petzl Summit 2
Petzl Summit 2
Black Diamond Raven Ice Axe
Black Diamond Raven
#AXERATINGPRICEWEIGHTMATERIALSHAFT SHAPE
1Black Diamond Raven Pro9.13/10$12014.2 oz / 406 gAluminum, steelCurved
2CAMP USA Corsa Nanotech9.10/10$1608.9 oz / 252 gAluminum, steelCurved
3CAMP USA Corsa8.78/10$1208.2 oz / 232 gAluminumStraight
4Petzl Summit 28.44/10$12013.4 oz / 380 gAluminum, steelCurved
5Black Diamond Raven7.74/10$9015.7 oz / 445 gAluminum, steelStraight
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.

Hillsound Trail Crampons
Hillsound Trail Crampons
Snowline Light Chainsen Crampon
Snowline Chainsen Light
Kahtoola MICROspikes Traction System
Kahtoola MICROspikes
Hillsound Trail Crampon Ultra
Hillsound Trail Crampon Ultra
#TRACTIONRATINGPRICEWEIGHTSPIKES
1Hillsound Trail Crampons9.14/10$6915.7 oz / 445 g11
2Snowline Chainsen Light9.00/10$708.6 oz / 243 g12
3Kahtoola MICROspikes8.49/10$7511 oz / 312 g12
4Hillsound Trail Crampon Ultra7.60/10$7514.25 oz / 422 g18

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.

Gossamer Gear Mariposa
Gossamer Gear Mariposa
ULA Circuit
ULA Circuit
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest
Osprey Exos
Osprey Exos
Hyperlite Mountain Gear 2400 Junction
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Junction
#BACKPACKRATINGPRICEWEIGHTLITERSMAX LOAD
1Gossamer Gear Mariposa8.41/10$2701.79 lbs | 814 g6035 lbs | 16 kg
2ULA Circuit8.80/10$2802.29 lbs | 1.038 kg6835 lbs | 16 kg
3Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest8.74/10$3201.88 lbs | 853 g4040 lbs | 18 kg
4Osprey Exos7.86/10$2202.71 lbs | 1.230 kg5840 lbs | 18 kg
5Hyperlite Mountain Gear Junction8.56/10$3201.88 lbs | 853 g4040 lbs | 18 kg
6Hyperlite Mountain Gear Windrider9.00/10$3201.87 lbs | 848 g4040 lbs | 18 kg
7Zpacks Arc Haul7.56/10$3491.39 lbs | 627 g6240 lbs | 18 kg
8Zpacks Arc Blast6.63/10$3751.25 lbs | 565 g5535 lbs | 16 kg
7Granite Gear Crown28.57/10$2002.19 lbs | 992 g6035 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).

Zpacks Duplex
Zpacks Duplex
Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2
Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2
Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL1
Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL1
Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2
Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2
NEMO Hornet 2
NEMO Hornet 2P
#SHELTERRATINGPRICEWEIGHTFLOORFREESTANDINGCAPACITY
1Zpacks Duplex8.75/10$6991.19 lbs | 539 g28 ft² / 2.6 m²No2
2Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL29.00/10$5002.69 lbs | 1.22 kg29 ft² / 2.7 m²Yes2
3Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL18.63/10$4001.79 lbs | 814 g20 ft² / 1.9 m²Yes1
4Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL28.50/10$4001.88 lbs | 853 g28 ft² / 2.6 m²Semi2
5NEMO Hornet 2P8.14/10$4002.38 lbs | 1.08 kg27.5 ft² / 2.6 m²Semi2
6Tarptent Aeon Li8.67/10$5691.21 lbs | 549 g18 ft² / 1.7 m²No1
7Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL17.00/10$3502 lb | 907 g20 ft² / 1.9 m²Semi1
8Gossamer Gear The One8.33/10$3001.11 lbs | 503 g15.8 ft² / 1.5 m²No1
9Six Moon Designs Haven9.00/10$2201.13 lbs | 510 g53 ft² / 4.9 m²No2
10NEMO Hornet 1P8.00/10$3602 lbs | 905 g23.3 ft² / 2.1 m²Semi1
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).

Enlightened Equipment Revelation 20
Enlightened Equipment Revelation
Enlightened Equipment Enigma 10
Enlightened Equipment Enigma
REI Co-op Magma 15
REI Co-op Magma 15
Zpacks Sleeping Bag
Zpacks Sleeping Bag
Katabatic Flex
Katabatic Flex
#BAG/QUILTRATINGPRICEWEIGHTTEMPFILLFILL WEIGHT
1Enlightened Equipment Revelation8.41/10$28020.9 oz / 593 g20°F / -6°C950 duck14.4 oz / 408 g
2Enlightened Equipment Enigma8.23/10$31519.3 oz / 547 g20°F / -6°C950 duck13.8 oz / 392 g
3REI Co-op Magma8.85/10$39928.2 oz / 799 g16°F / -9°C850 goose15.9 oz / 451 g
4Zpacks Sleeping Bag8.25/10$44918.8 oz / 533 g20°F / -6°C900 goose13.7 oz / 388 g
5Katabatic Flex9.55/10$41022.8 oz / 646 g22°F / -5.6°C900 goose14.3 oz / 405g
6Western Mountaineering Versalite9.22/10$60532 oz / 907 g10°F / -12°C850 goose20 oz / 565 g
7Western Mountaineering UltraLite8.67/10$52530 oz / 850 g20°F / -6°C850 goose16 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.

Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite (Women’s)
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm
NEMO Switchback
NEMO Switchback
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite (Small)
#PADRATINGPRICEWEIGHTR-VALUETHICKNESS
1Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite8.41/10$20012 oz / 340 g4.22.5 in / 6.4 cm
2Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite - Women's8.39/10$20012 oz / 340 g5.42.5 in / 6.4 cm
3Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm9.25/10$23017 oz / 482 g6.92.5 in / 6.4 cm
4NEMO Switchback8.07/10$5514.5 oz / 415 g20.9 in / 2.3 cm
5Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite, Small8.31/10$1808.3 oz / 235 g4.22.5 in / 6.4 cm
6Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite6.09/10$2208.8 oz / 250 g2.32.5 in / 6.4 cm
7Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol8.40/10$5514 oz / 397 g20.75 in / 1.9 cm
8Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol, Small7.90/10$4010 oz / 290 g20.75 in / 1.9 cm
9NEMO Tensor (Insulated)8.00/10$16014 oz / 410 g3.53 in / 7.6 cm
10Sea to Summit UltraLight Insulated Mat7.67/10$14916.9 oz / 480 g3.12 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.

Enlightened Equipment Torrid APEX Jacket
Enlightened Equipment Torrid APEX
Men’s/Women’s
Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer (Hooded)
Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer 2 (Hooded)
Men’s/Women’s
Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer
Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer 2
Men’s/Women’s
Arc'teryx Cerium LT Hoody
Arc’teryx Cerium LT Hoody
Men’s/Women’s
Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody
Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody
Men’s/Women’s
#JACKETRATINGPRICEWEIGHTHOODPOCKETS
1Enlightened Equipment Torrid Apex (M/W)8.96/10$1758.4 oz / 238 gYes2 hand
2Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 Hoody (M/W)8.86/10$3258.8 oz / 249 gYes2 hand
3Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer 2 (M/W)8.40/10$3008.3 oz / 235 gNo2 hand
4Arc'teryx Cerium LT Hoody (M/W)9.31/10$37910.9 oz / 309 gYes2 hand
5Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody (M/W)8.11/10$2999.3 oz / 264 gYes2 hand | 2 drop
6REI Co-op 650 Down Jacket 2.0 (M/W)8.83/10$10011 oz / 312 gYes2 hand
7Montbell Alpine Light (M/W)9.60/10$21912.1 oz / 342 gYes2 hand | 2 drop
8REI 650 Down Hoodie 2.08.80/10$11913 oz / 369 gYes2 hand
9 Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer UL (M/W)7.80/10$3756.7 oz / 189 gYes2 hand
10Patagonia Micro Puff Jacket (M/W)7.60/10$2498.3 oz / 235 gNo2 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.

Outdoor Research Helium II
Outdoor Research Helium
Men’s/Women’s
Frogg Toggs Ultra-Lite2 Rain Jacket
Frogg Toggs Ultra-Lite2
Montbell Versalite
Montbell Versalite
Men’s/Women’s
Arc'teryx Zeta FL
Arc’teryx Zeta FL
Men’s/Women’s
Arc'teryx Beta SL Hybrid
Arc’teryx Beta SL Hybrid
Men’s/Women’s
#SHELLRATINGPRICEWEIGHTFABRICPIT ZIPS
1Outdoor Research Helium (M/W)7.27/10$1596.3 oz / 179 g2.5-layer Pertex Shield (Nylon)No
2Frogg Toggs Ultra-Lite 27.09/10$255.5 oz / 156 gThree-layer polypropyleneNo
3Montbell Versalite (M/W)8.88/10$1996.4 oz / 182 g2-layer GORE-TEX Infinium WindstopperYes
4Arc’teryx Zeta FL (M/W)9.18/10$29910.9 oz / 309 gN40r GORE-TEX + Paclite PlusNo
5Arc’teryx Beta SL Hybrid (M/W)9.52/10$42512.7 oz / 360 gN40r GORE-TEX + Paclite PlusYes
6Marmot PreCip (M/W)8.14/10$10010.3 oz / 293 gNanoPro 100% NylonYes
7REI Essential Rain Jacket (M/W)7.32/10N/A8.8 oz / 250 g2.5-layer NylonNo
8Zpacks Vertice (M/W)8.07/10$2996.5 oz / 184 g3-layer w/ 7D NylonNo
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.

Melanzana Microgrid Hoodie
Melanzana Microgrid Hoodie
Patagonia R1 Pullover
Patagonia R1 Pullover
Men’s/Women’s
Kuiu Peloton 97
Kuiu Peloton 97
Patagonia Capilene Air Hoody
Patagonia Capilene Air Hoody
Men’s/Women’s
#FLEECERATINGPRICEWEIGHTFABRICZIP
1Melanzana Microgrid Hoodie9.15/10$7812.2 oz / 346 g (L)PolyesterNone
2Patagonia R1 Pullover (M/W)9.33/10$12911.7 oz / 332 g93% Recycled Polyester / 7% SpandexQuarter
3Kuiu Peloton 978.80/10$995 oz / 142 gToray Karuishi FleeceQuarter
4Patagonia Capilene Air Hoody (M/W)9.50/10$1496.9 oz / 196 g51% Merino Wool / 49% Recycled PolyesterNone
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.

Altra Lone Peak 5
Altra Lone Peak 5
Men’s/Women’s
Altra Lone Peak
Altra Lone Peak 4.5
Men’s/Women’s
HOKA ONE ONE Speedgoat 4
HOKA ONE ONE Speedgoat 4
Men’s/Women’s
Altra Olympus
Altra Olympus 4
Men’s/Women’s
Brooks Cascadia 15
Brooks Cascadia 15
Men’s/Women’s
#SHOESRATINGPRICEWEIGHTHEEL-TOE DROP# USED
1Altra Lone Peak 5 (M/W)8.19/10$13018.4 oz / 522 g0 mm4.58
2Altra Lone Peak 4.5 (M/W)6.77/10N/A21 oz / 595 g0 mm5.37
3HOKA ONE ONE Speedgoat 4 (M/W)8.22/10$14521.6 oz / 612 g4 mm4.89
4Altra Olympus 4 (M/W)8.83/10$17021 oz / 595 g0 mm4.66
5Brooks Cascadia 15 (M/W)7.50/10$13022 oz / 624 g8 mm4.89
6Altra Timp 3 (M/W)7.86/10$14022 oz / 624 g0 mm4.25
7Topo Ultraventure 2 (M/W)10/10$13520.8 oz / 590 g5 mm4.57

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.

Darn Tough Hiker Quarter Midweight
Darn Tough Hiker Quarter Midweight
Men’s/Women’s
Darn Tough Light Hiker Quarter Lightweight Hiking
Darn Tough Light Hiker Quarter
Men’s/Women’s
Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Socks
Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion
Men’s/Women’s
Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Socks
Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew
Men’s/Women’s
Injinji Trail Midweight Mini-Crew Socks
Injinji Trail Midweight Mini-Crew
Men’s/Women’s
#SOCKSRATINGPRICEFABRICCUSHIONHEIGHT
1Darn Tough Hiker Quarter Midweight (M/W)9.37/10$1960% merino wool / 38% nylon / 2% spandexMediumAnkle
2Darn Tough Light Hiker Quarter (M/W)9.06/10$1952% nylon / 44% merino wool / 4% spandexLightAnkle
3Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Midweight (M/W)9.50/10$2461% merino wool / 36% nylon / 3% spandexMediumCrew
4Darn Tough Micro Crew Lightweight Hiking (M/W)8.50/10$2254% nylon / 43% merino wool / 3% spandexLightCrew
5Injinji Trail Midweight Mini-Crew (M/W)9.00/10$1858% nylon / 39% polyester/ 3% spandexMediumAnkle
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.

MSR PocketRocket 2
MSR PocketRocket 2
BRS-3000T
BRS-3000T
Snow Peak GigaPower 2.0
Snow Peak GigaPower 2.0
SOTO WindMaster
SOTO WindMaster
Jetboil Flash
Jetboil Flash
#STOVERATINGPRICEWEIGHTINCLUDED POT1L BOIL TIME
1MSR PocketRocket 29.02/10$502.6 oz. / 73 gNo3.5 min
2BRS 3000T7.64/10$170.9 oz / 25 gNo5 min
3Snow Peak GigaPower 2.07.59/10$504.23 oz / 120 gNoN/A
4SOTO Windmaster9.32/10$652.3 oz / 65 gNo4 min
5JetBoil Flash Lite6.72/10$801.25 lbs / 567 gYes5 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).

Sawyer Squeeze
Sawyer Squeeze
Platypus QuickDraw Microfilter
Platypus QuickDraw
Bleach
Bleach
Katadyn BeFree
Katadyn BeFree
Aquamira
Aquamira
#TREATMENTRATINGPRICEWEIGHTMEDIUMREMOVES
1Sawyer Squeeze8.48/10$393 oz / 85 gHollow fiberProtozoa / bacteria
2Platypus QuickDraw8.36/10$352.2 oz / 63 gHollow fiberProtozoa / bacteria
3Bleach8.23/10CheapN/ASodium hypochloriteProtozoa / bacteria / viruses
4Katadyn BeFree7.91/10$452.3 oz / 65 gHollow fiberProtozoa / bacteria
5Aquamira8.50/10$153 oz / 85 gChlorine dioxideProtozoa / 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.

Ursack AllMitey Bear and Critter Sack
Ursack AllMitey Bear and Critter Sack
BearVault BV500
BearVault BV500
#CANISTERRATINGPRICEWEIGHTCAPACITYMATERIAL
1Ursack AllMitey9.00/10$1409.5 oz / 269 g10.7 LSpectra (ballistic polyethylene), Kevlar
2BearVault BV5007.13/10$9341 oz / 1.162 kg11.5 LPolycarbonate
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.

Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork
Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork
Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon Fiber
Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon Fiber
Black Diamond Trail Trekking Poles
Black Diamond Trail
Black Diamond Distance FLZ Trekking Poles
Black Diamond Distance FLZ
Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork
Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork
#POLESRATINGPRICEWEIGHTHANDLESHAFTCOLLAPSED LENGTH
1Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork9.04/10$19017.1 oz / 485 gCorkCarbon fiber24 in / 61 cm
2Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon Fiber8.75/10$6515.6 oz / 442 gCorkCarbon fiber26 in / 65 cm
3Black Diamond Trail8.64/10$11017 oz / 482 gFoamAluminum25 in / 64 cm
4Black Diamond Distance FLZ8.54/10$14015.7 oz / 445 gFoamAluminum16 in / 40 cm
5Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork9.64/10$14018 oz / 510 gCorkAluminum27 in / 69 cm
6Leki Corklite8.82/10$12018.1 oz / 513 gFoamAluminum24.4 in / 62 cm
7Gossamer Gear LT58.55/10$1959.8 oz / 278 gFoamCarbon fiber23.5 in / 60 cm
8Leki Micro Vario Carbon9.56/10$20017 oz / 482 gFoamCarbon fiber15.7 in / 40 cm
9Leki Legacy Lite Cor-Tec8.63/10$10017.2 oz / 488 gCorkAluminum39.4 in / 100 cm
10REI Co-op Flash Carbon9.29/10$13913.6 oz / 386 gFoamCarbon fiber25 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.

Garmin inReach Mini 2-Way Satellite Communicator
Garmin inReach Mini
Garmin inReach Explorer+
Garmin inReach Explorer+
Spot Gen3
Spot Gen3
SPOT Gen X
SPOT Gen X
#PLBRATINGPRICEWEIGHTMESSAGINGMAPS
1Garmin inReach Mini8.69/10$3503.5 oz / 99 gTwo-wayNo
2Garmin inReach Explorer+8.99/10$4507.5 oz / 213 gTwo-wayYes
3Spot Gen38.33/10$2204 oz / 113 gOne-way (presets)No
4SPOT X4.86/10$2507 oz / 198 gTwo-wayNo
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.

CAMP USA Corsa Ice Axe
CAMP USA Corsa
Black Diamond Raven Ice Axe
Black Diamond Raven
CAMP USA Corsa Nanotech Ice Axe
CAMP USA Corsa Nanotech
Petzl Summit 2
Petzl Summit 2
Black Diamond Raven Pro Ice Axe
Black Diamond Raven Pro
#AXERATINGPRICEWEIGHTMATERIALSHAFT SHAPE
1CAMP USA Corsa8.78/10$1208.2 oz / 232 gAluminumStraight
2Black Diamond Raven7.74/10$9015.7 oz / 445 gAluminum, steelStraight
3CAMP USA Corsa Nanotech9.10/10$1608.9 oz / 252 gAluminum, steelCurved
4Petzl Summit 28.44/10$12013.4 oz / 380 gAluminum, steelCurved
5Black Diamond Raven Pro9.13/10$12014.2 oz / 406 gAluminum, steelCurved
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.

Kahtoola MICROspikes Traction System
Kahtoola MICROspikes
Snowline Light Chainsen Crampon
Snowline Chainsen Light
Hillsound Trail Crampons
Hillsound Trail Crampons
Hillsound Trail Crampon Ultra
Hillsound Trail Crampon Ultra
[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 GEARHIGHEST-RATEDMOST COMMON
Total cost$3,080$2,969
Total weight – Big 36.26 lbs / 2.838 kg4.29 lbs / 1.944 kg
Total weight – Big 47.32 lbs / 3.320 kg5.07 lbs / 2.3 kg
All CDT gear (minus show gear)*10.05 lbs / 4.559 kg7.9 lbs / 3.584 kg
All CDT gear^11.92 lbs / 5.406 kg9.1 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

GEARHIGHEST-RATEDMOST-COMMON
BackpackHyperlite Mountain Gear WindriderGossamer Gear Mariposa 
ShelterBig Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2Zpacks Duplex
Sleeping BagKatabatic FlexEnlightened Equipment Revelation
Sleeping PadTherm-a-Rest NeoAir XThermTherm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite
Insulated JacketMontbell Alpine Light (M/W)Enlightened Equipment Torrid Apex (M/W)
ShellMontbell Versalite (M/W)Outdoor Research Helium (M/W)
FleecePatagonia Capilene Air Hoody (M/W)Melanzana Microgrid Hoodie
ShoesTopo Ultraventure 2 (M/W)Altra Lone Peak 5 (M/W)
SocksDarn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Midweight (M/W)Darn Tough Hiker Quarter Midweight (M/W)
StoveSOTO WindMasterMSR PocketRocket 2
Water TreatmentAquamira Sawyer Squeeze
Bear CanisterUrsack AllMitey Ursack AllMitey
Trekking PolesBlack Diamond Trail Ergo CorkBlack Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork
PLBGarmin inReach MiniGarmin inReach Mini
Ice AxeBlack Diamond Raven ProCAMP USA Corsa
Traction SystemHillsound Trail CramponsKahtoola 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 WEIGHTSTHRUTHRU-1THRU-0
START16.07 lbs / 7.289 kg15.74 lbs / 7.14 kg17.41 lbs / 7.897 kg
END15.08 lbs / 6.84 kg14.89 lbs / 6.754 kg15.84 lbs / 7.185 kg
CHANGE0.99 lbs / 454 g0.85 lbs / 386 g1.57 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
CDT Hiker Survey 2021 Stoveless Hikers Graph

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%
CDT Hiker Survey 2021 Luxury Items Graph
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.

Support the Survey

I get a lot of people asking every year how to support the surveys and beyond sharing them with your close-knit bubble of weird hiker friends, the best way to support the survey is to contribute via Patreon. You’ll get access to exclusive posts, discount codes, live streams, and super extra cool stickers so that everyone will know how cool you are.

If you’re not into Patreon, that’s cool, you can instead Venmo @halfwayanywhere, Cash app $halfwayanywhere, or PayPal [email protected]

This is not expected. The data collected in the survey will always be free and accessible to everyone who wants/needs it. That said, your support is very much appreciated and helps to pay the website (and survey) bills.

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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

  • CDT Survey Results
  • Gear Guide
  • Thru-Hike Resupply Guide
  • Hiker Horror Stories
  • Advice for Future Hikers
  • Discrimination on the Trail
  • All CDT Survey Posts

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. Thank you for your support!

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