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

Halfway Anywhere

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

Continental Divide Trail Gear List (Post-Trail)

By Mac 4 Comments

As was to be expected, my Continental Divide Trail gear list at the end of the trail did not match up exactly with my pre-departure CDT gear list.

There’s no better way to test gear than to take it thru-hiking, and there’s no better thru-hike to test gear on than the CDT. I’ve divided this post into three parts: a list of my CDT gear, detailed descriptions of the gear, and explanations as to why I dropped or changed out pieces of gear.

A quick explanation of the post that follows: items highlighted in orange are new to the post-trail CDT gear list while items that are grayed out (like so), are items that I had at the beginning but that I dropped from my pack somewhere along the way.


BASE WEIGHTS

  • BASE WEIGHT: 14 lbs 5.14 oz / 6.495 kg
  • BASE WEIGHT (SAN JUANS): 20 lbs 15.14 oz / 9.501 kg
  • BASE WEIGHT (LANDER, WY to CANADA): 15 lbs 1.64 oz / 6.849 kg

THE BIG STUFF

  • BACKPACK | Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Southwest (Medium, White)
  • SHELTER | Big Agnes Copper Spur 2 Platinum
  • SLEEPING BAG | Western Mountaineering Veraslite (Review)
  • SLEEPING PAD | Sea to Summit UltraLight (Regular)

TOTAL WEIGHT (BIG 3): 6 lbs 5.4 oz / 2.875 kg
TOTAL WEIGHT (BIG 3 + SLEEPING PAD): 7 lbs 3.3 oz / 3.268 kg


CLOTHING (WORN)

  • HEADWEAR | Double Mountain Fitted Baseball Cap
  • HEADWEAR | “Make America Gay Again” Trucker Hat
  • SUNGLASSES | RayBan RB2140 Wayfarer (54 mm)
  • TOP | Icebreaker Cool-Lite Sphere Long Sleeve Hood (Medium)
  • SHORTS | Prana Ansa
  • SHORTS | $5 Walmart Shorts
  • UNDERWEAR | Icebreaker Anatomica Long
  • UNDERWEAR | ExOfficio Give-n-Go Sport Mesh 6″ Boxer Brief x2
  • GAITERS | Outdoor Research Sparkplug
  • SOCKS | Darn Tough 1/4 Hiking (Review)
  • SHOES | Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator Low Hiking Shoes
  • INSOLES | Superfeet Wide Green

TOTAL WEIGHT (CLOTHING WORN): 2 lb 1.6 oz / 953 g


CLOTHING (PACKED)

  • HEADWEAR | Icebreaker Apex Hat
  • RAIN JACKET | Montbell Torrent Flier (Review)
  • DOWN JACKET | Plasma 1000 Alpine Down Parka (Review)
  • WIND JACKET | Montbell Tachyon (Review)
  • WIND PANTS | Montbell Dynamo
  • UNDERWEAR | Icebreaker Anatomica Long
  • UNDERWEAR | ExOfficio Give-n-Go Sport Mesh 6″ Boxer Brief
  • SOCKS | Darn Tough 1/4 Hiking (Review)
  • BUG PROTECTION | Sea to Summit Head Net

TOTAL WEIGHT (PACKED CLOTHING): 1 lb 13 oz / 823 g


CARRIED/ON BODY

  • TREKKING POLES | Black Diamond Ergo Cork
  • TREKKING POLES | Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork
  • PHONE | Nexus 6P
  • HEADPHONES | Bose SoundSport In-ear

TOTAL WEIGHT (GEAR CARRIED/ON BODY): 1 lb 7.9 oz / 678 g


SNOW GEAR

  • GAITERS | Outdoor Research Crocodiles
  • SNOWSHOES | MSR Revo Ascent
  • ICE AXE | Black Diamond Raven Pro (65 cm)
  • MICROSPIKES | Kahtoola MICROspikes (Large)
  • SOCKS | Sealskinz Waterproof Hiking Mid Length Sock

TOTAL WEIGHT (SNOW GEAR): 6 lbs 10 oz / 2.977 kg


THE KITCHEN

  • STOVE | Jetboil MiniMo
  • UTENSIL | Snow Peak Titanium Spork
  • FIRE | Mini Bic
  • STORAGE | Assorted Ziplocs

TOTAL WEIGHT (KITCHEN): 15.3 oz / 434 g


THE OTHER STUFF

  • HEADLAMP | Petzl Tikka XP
  • WATER TREATMENT | Sawyer Squeeze
  • WATER TREATMENT | Katadyn BeFree
  • WATER BOTTLE | 1L Smart Water bottle x2
  • KNIFE | Petzl Spatha Knife (Review)
  • BEAR SPRAY | Frontiersman Bear Spray
  • FOOD BAG | Ursack S29.3 AllWhite Bear Bag
  • STUFF SACK | Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Stuff Sack (9L)
  • STAKES | Vargo Titanium x6
  • STAKES | MSR Groundhog x2
  • GROUNDSHEET | Polycryo
  • GROUNDSHEET | Big Agnes Copper Spur 2 Platinum Footprint

TOTAL WEIGHT (OTHER STUFF): 1 lb 10.4 oz / 748 g
BEAR SPRAY: 12.5 oz / 354 g


THE ELECTRONICS

  • POWER | Anker PowerCore+ 20100 USB-C
  • DATA LOGGER | Kestrel Drop D2
  • PLB | SPOT Gen3
  • CABLE | USB-C
  • CABLE | Micro USB
  • CHARGER | Tronsmart USB Type C Wall Charger

TOTAL WEIGHT (ELECTRONICS): 1 lb 9.3 oz / 717 g


THE CAMERA GEAR

  • CAMERA | Sony Alpha a6500
  • LENS | Sony E-Mount 20mm F2.8 Prime
  • TRIPOD | JOBY GorillaPod Original
  • EXTRA BATTERIES | Wasabi Power Battery x2
  • MEMORY | SanDisk Extreme 16GB SDHC UHS-I Card x2
  • ACCESSORY | Peak Design Capture Clip (Review)
  • COVER | Peak Design Shell (Review)

TOTAL WEIGHT (CAMERA GEAR): 1 lb 6.5 oz / 638 g


THE BATHROOM

  • TOILET PAPER | Make it soft
  • TOOTHBRUSH | Travel size
  • TOOTHPASTE | Travel size
  • HAND SANITIZER | Travel size
  • SUNSCREEN | Travel size

THE OFFICE

  • CARDS | Credit/Debit
  • RUBBER BANDS | Quite useful
  • DUCT TAPE | Basically first aid
  • NOTEBOOK | Write stuff down!
  • PEN | Pilot G2 0.7
  • DICE| 5 for Yahtzee!

DETAILED VIEW

HMG-Southwest-3300-500x500

Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Southwest

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

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

WOULD USE AGAIN? Yes

32.4 oz (918 g) – $340 US

FIND IT AT: Hyperlite Mountain Gear | Backcountry


Big-Agnes-Copper-Spur-2-Platinum-Tent-500x500

Big Agnes Copper Spur 2 Platinum

THE GOOD: Easy to set up, tons of floor space, two vestibules, one of the lightest fully freestanding two-person tents available, great weather protection

THE BAD: It needs to be treated nicely (thin fabric), the $70 footprint is stupid expensive

WOULD USE AGAIN? Yes

37 oz (1.05 kg) – $599 US

FIND IT AT: REI | Backcountry | Amazon


WM-Versalite-500x500

Western Mountaineering Versalite

THE GOOD: Very warm, incredible zipper, lightweight, compressible

THE BAD: It’s expensive (but definitely worth it)

WOULD USE AGAIN? Absolutely

32 oz (907 g) – $575 US – Detailed Review

FIND IT ON: Backcountry | Amazon


Sea-to-Summit-Ultralight-Mat

Sea to Summit UltraLight

THE GOOD: Two-way valve = awesomesauce, egg carton construction is comfortable, lightweight, durable

THE BAD: Towards the end of the hike it became incredibly loud (when moving around on it)

WOULD USE AGAIN? Probably

13.9 oz (395g) – $99 US

FIND IT AT: REI | Backcountry | Amazon

icebreaker-hood-500x500

Icebreaker Cool-Lite Sphere Long Sleeve Hood

THE GOOD: Versatile, comfortable, antimicrobial, offers sun protection, great customer service

THE BAD: Will probably end up with some holes

WOULD USE AGAIN? Absolutely

9.7 oz (275 g) – $120 US

FIND IT ON: Amazon


ExOfficio-Give-N-Go-Boxer-Brief

ExOfficio Give-n-Go Sport Mesh 6″ Boxer Brief

THE GOOD: Held up fantastically, no holes, can be worn as shorts around town, lots of color options

THE BAD: I didn’t buy them sooner

WOULD USE AGAIN? Absolutely

2.5 oz (71 g) – $50 US

FIND THEM AT: ExOfficio | REI | Backcountry | Amazon


OR-Sparkplug-Gaiters-500x500

Outdoor Research Sparkplug Gaiters

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

THE BAD: Lightweight material is prone to holes (particularly in the desert)

WOULD USE AGAIN? Yes

1.2 oz (34 g) – $20 US

FIND THEM ON: Backcountry | Amazon


Darn-Tough-Socks

Darn Tough 1/4 Hiking Socks

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

THE BAD: Nothing

WOULD USE AGAIN? Absolutely

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

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


Merrell-Moab-Ventilators

Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator Low

THE GOOD: Come in wide sizes, more durable than a lot of shoes on the trail, comfortable, insoles actually offer support, Merrell does a one-time shoe replacement for thru-hikers

THE BAD: I still got blisters at the beginning of the trail

WOULD USE AGAIN? Yes

13 oz (369 g) – $100 US

FIND THEM AT: REI | Backcountry | Amazon


Icebreaker-Apex-Hat

Icebreaker Apex Hat

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

THE BAD: It’s a “one size fits all” which is slightly too small for my massive dome

WOULD USE AGAIN? Maybe

2.33 oz (66 g) – $30 US

FIND IT ON: Amazon


Montbell-Torrent-Flier-Rain-Jacket-500x500

Montbell Torrent Flier

THE GOOD: 2.5-layer Gore-Tex, chest pocket, pit zips, draw cord in hem and hood, weather resistant zippers

THE BAD: Breathes about as well as you would expect a rain jacket to

WOULD USE AGAIN? Yes

8.6 oz (243 g) – $269 US – Detailed Review

FIND IT AT: Montbell


Montbell-Alpine-Plasma-Parka-1000

Montbell Plasma 1000 Alpine Down Parka

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

THE BAD: Very expensive, long and annoying name

WOULD USE AGAIN? Yes

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

FIND IT AT: Montbell


Montbell-Tachyon-Jacket

Montbell Tachyon Jacket

THE GOOD: Incredibly lightweight, elastic cuffs, mesh underarms, packs super small

THE BAD: In direct sunlight it does not breathe at all (I even got sweaty using it as my town shirt)

WOULD USE AGAIN? Maybe

1.6 oz (45 g) – $99 US – Detailed Review

FIND IT AT: Montbell


Montbell-Dynamo-Wind-Pants-500x500

Montbell Dynamo Wind Pants

THE GOOD: Incredibly lightweight, elastic waist, 11-inch ankle zippers, pack down very small

THE BAD: Thin material can be very easily ripped and punctured (my pants were mostly duct tape by the end of the CDT)

WOULD USE AGAIN? Maybe

2.6 oz (75 g) – $79 US

FIND THEM AT: Montbell


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

Sea to Summit Head Net

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

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

WOULD USE AGAIN? Yes

0.8 oz (23 g) – $10 US

FIND IT AT: REI | Amazon

OR-Crocodiles-500x500

Outdoor Research Crocodile Gaiters

THE GOOD: Waterproof (3-layer Gore-Tex), very tough, the straps that go under your feet are durable (not like the garbage Sea to Summit gaiters – stay away), easy to adjust

THE BAD: They’re heavy if you’re not wearing them, can be difficult to fit them when you’re first starting out (which means snow is going to sneak in the bottom)

WOULD USE AGAIN? Yes

10.2 oz (289 g) – $79 US

FIND THEM AT: REI | Backcountry | Amazon


MSR-Revo-Ascent-Snowshoes-500x500

MSR Revo Ascent Snowshoes

ABOUT MY SNOWSHOES: I carried these snowshoes through a couple hundred miles of the San Juan Mountains in Southern Colorado. I never once put them on. Therefore, I can’t offer much in the way of pros and cons, but based on my research these are pretty sweet. I’ll keep them around and hopefully get a chance to use them one day.

WOULD USE AGAIN? Possibly

4 lbs 4 oz (1.928 kg) – $240 US

FIND THEM AT: REI | Backcountry | Amazon


Black-Diamond-Raven-Pro-Ice-Axe

Black Diamond Raven Pro Ice Axe (65 cm)

THE GOOD: Lightweight, comfortable grip

THE BAD: Hole in adze (part opposite the pick – not the spike) means it’s not a great shovel

WOULD USE AGAIN? Yes

14 oz (407 g) – $99 US

FIND IT AT: REI | Backcountry | Amazon


Kahtoola-MICROspikes

Kahtoola MICROspikes (Large)

THE GOOD: Easy to put on and remove, offer excellent traction, compact

THE BAD: Can collect snow if hiking in warmer temperatures, heavy (but light for what they are)

WOULD USE AGAIN? Yes

11.9 oz (407 g) – $69 US

FIND THEM AT: REI | Backcountry | Amazon


SEALSKINZ-Waterproof-Hiking-Sock

SEALSKINZ Waterproof Hiking Mid Length Sock

THE GOOD: Waterproof, keep my feet dry and happy, comfortable inner lining

THE BAD: Once they’re dirty they really need to be washed in a washing machine to get them clean (river washing will only help so much), difficult to dry when on the trail, there are a lot of different models/styles and it’s difficult to tell the difference between them all

WOULD USE AGAIN? Yes

4.9 oz (139 g) – $35 US

FIND THEM ON: Amazon


jetboil-minimo-500x500

Jetboil MiniMo

THE GOOD: Simmer control, boils water incredibly quickly, stove and (small) gas can conveniently pack into pot

THE BAD: It’s not technically necessary, the plastic cup on the bottom will break

WOULD USE AGAIN? Yes

14 oz (400 g) – $135 US

FIND IT AT: REI | Backcountry | Amazon


Snowpeak-Spork-500x500

Snow Peak Titanium Spork

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

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

WOULD USE AGAIN? Yes

0.3 oz (8.5 g) – $10 US

FIND IT AT: REI | Backcountry | Amazon


Black Diamond Cork Alpine Trekking Poles

Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Trekking Poles

THE GOOD: Excellent locking mechanism, very comfortable grips (love cork), they didn’t break

THE BAD: Not super compact (but still smaller than other poles I’ve used)

WOULD USE AGAIN? Yes

17 oz (482 g) – $170 US

FIND THEM AT: REI | Backcountry | Amazon


petzl-tikka-xp-500x500

Petzl Tikka XP

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

THE BAD: Not the smallest option available

WOULD USE AGAIN? Yes

4.2 oz (119 g) – $50 US

FIND IT AT: Amazon


Katadyn-BeFree-1L-500x500

Katadyn BeFree

THE GOOD: When new it filters water like a champ, lightweight

THE BAD: Clogs up over time and is difficult to clean, can only be used with HydraPak bottles

WOULD USE AGAIN? Maybe

2.3 oz (65 g) – $45

FIND IT AT: REI |Amazon


Petzl-Spatha-Knife-500x500

Petzl Spatha Knife

THE GOOD: Lightweight, sharp (excellent at cutting cheese)

THE BAD: Deosn’t lock closed, cheese gets stuck in hole in back of knife, you really don’t need a knife

WOULD USE AGAIN? Maybe

1.4 oz (40 g) – $40 US – Detailed Review

FIND IT AT: REI | Backcountry | Amazon


Bear-Spray

Bear Spray

THE GOOD: Makes me feel slightly more safe in bear country (and especially around people’s unleashed dogs), all bear spray is the same so just buy the least expensive one

THE BAD: Probably a waste of money because chances are you won’t use it, can’t mail it home (legally)

WOULD USE AGAIN? Yes

12.5 oz (354 g) – $35 US

FIND IT AT: REI | Amazon


Ursack-Minor

Ursack S29.3 AllWhite Bear Bag

THE GOOD: Bearproof food protection, compact, approved for use in all areas of the CDT

THE BAD: Heavy for a food bag (but lightweight for bear protection), gets incredibly dirty (why is it white!?)

WOULD USE AGAIN? Yes

7.7 oz (218 g) – $79 US

FIND IT AT: REI


Nexus-6P-500x500

Nexus 6P

THE GOOD: Excellent camera, quick charge via USB-C

THE BAD: The GPS is not very reliable (will be getting a Pixel 2)

WOULD USE AGAIN? Maybe

6.31 oz (179 g) – $500 US

FIND IT ON: Amazon


Anker-PowerCore+-20100

Anker PowerCore+ 20100 USB-C

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

THE BAD: Heavy

WOULD USE AGAIN? Yes

16 oz (454 g) – $69 US

FIND IT ON: Amazon


Kestrel-Drop-D2

Kestrel Drop D2

THE GOOD: Lightweight, records temperature/humidity/heat stress index/dew point, accurate (as far as I can tell), lots of options for recording intervals

THE BAD: Battery will need to be replaced (and they’re difficult to find), absolutely not necessary

WOULD USE AGAIN? Possibly

1.2 oz (34 g) – $99 US

FIND IT ON: Amazon


Spot-Gen3

Spot Gen3

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

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

WOULD USE AGAIN? Probably

4.2 oz ( g) – $150 US

FIND IT AT: REI


Bose-Sport-Headphones-500x500

Bose SoundSport In-ear

THE GOOD: Great sound quality, incredibly comfortable (I literally forget I am wearing them), don’t make you deaf to ambient sound

THE BAD: Poor warranty

WOULD USE AGAIN? Yes

0.6 oz (17 g) – $99 US

FIND THEM ON: Amazon


Tronsmart-USB-Type-C-Wall-Charger

Tronsmart USB Type C Wall Charger

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

THE BAD: A little bulky

WOULD USE AGAIN? Absolutely

2.4 oz (68 g) – $15 US


Sony-a6300-500x500

Sony Alpha a6500

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

THE BAD: Expensive, limited lens selection

WOULD USE AGAIN? Yes

14.25 oz (404 g) – $1400 US

FIND IT ON: Amazon


Sony-E-Mount-20mm-f2.8-Prime

THE GOOD: Lightweight, low profile, sharp photos, great for landscapes

THE BAD: No zoom (bad for wildlife)

WOULD USE AGAIN? Yes

2.4 oz (69 g) – $349 US

FIND IT ON: Amazon


Peak-Design-Capture-Clip-500x500

Peak Design Capture Clip

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

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

WOULD USE AGAIN? Absolutely

3.5 oz (100 g) – $60 US

FIND IT AT: Peak Design | Amazon


Peak-Design-Shell

Peak Design Shell (Small)

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

THE BAD: Needs to be removed for use with my camera/lens combination

WOULD USE AGAIN? Absolutely

2.4 oz (68 g) – $40 US

FIND IT AT: Peak Design | Amazon


WHY THINGS CHANGED

Make-America-Gay-Again-Trucker-HatDROPPED: Double Mountain Fitted Baseball Cap
ADDED: “Make America Gay Again” Trucker Hat
WHY? Because you need to stand up for what you believe in.


Walmart-ShortsDROPPED: prAna Ansa Shorts
ADDED: $5 Walmart Shorts
WHY? The prAna shorts are garbage and fell apart after a couple of weeks of hiking. I got some cheap shorts from Walmart meant to be temporary replacements and they ended up lasting the entire hike. Your gear doesn’t have to be expensive.


ExOfficio-Give-N-Go-Boxer-BriefDROPPED: Icebreaker Anatomica Long Boxer Briefs x2
ADDED: ExOfficio Give-n-Go Sport Mesh 6″ Boxer Briefs x2
WHY? I liked the Icebreaker Anatomica Long Boxer Briefs, but after about a month, both pairs I had holes worn in the crotch. When this happened, I replaced them with ExOfficio Give-n-Go Sport Mesh 6″ Boxer Briefs which lasted the rest of the hike (and in great condition).


Merrell-Moab-VentilatorsDROPPED: Superfeet Wide Green Insoles
ADDED: Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator Low Hiking Shoe Insoles
WHY? I have nothing against the Superfeet Wide Green Insoles except their price. The new Merrell Moab 2 Ventilators have insoles with some actual support and are not just flat pieces of useless foam so I decided they were acceptable for hiking in.


Black-Diamond-Alpine-Carbon-CorkDROPPED: Black Diamond Ergo Cork Trekking Poles
ADDED: Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Trekking Poles
WHY? There was nothing wrong with my Black Diamond Ergo Cork Trekking Poles except that I lost them. To replace them I ordered a pair of Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Trekking Poles because they are slightly lighter and (more importantly) they pack down smaller. Also, they’re carbon fiber, and carbon fiber is sexy (like thru-hiking).


Katadyn-BeFree-1L-500x500DROPPED: Sawyer Squeeze
ADDED: Katadyn BeFree
WHY? The Sawyer Squeeze may be the standard thru-hiking water filter, but it’s far from perfect and so when I saw the Katadyn BeFree, I decided to try it out (because my Sawyer had reached the point in its life when it slows down significantly). The Katadyn BeFree did great, but it too suffers from slowing flow over time. On my next thru-hike, I have no idea what I will be bringing.


Big-Agnes-Copper-Spur-2-Platinum-FootprintDROPPED: Polycryo (groundsheet)
ADDED: Big Agnes Copper Spur 2 Platinum Footprint
WHY? I didn’t have a problem with my polycryo groundsheet and it actually held up very well. I got the footprint for my tent in anticipation for the snow in the San Juans and although it is stupidly expensive, it was nice to have (especially for being able to set up only my fly with the footprint).


FINAL THOUGHTS

The Continental Divide Trail will is capable of doing serious damage to your gear (and your soul). There’s no “perfect CDT gear list” and everyone’s decisions as to what to bring will be different, but there are definitely winners and losers when it comes to gear.

The best advice you can get during the planning stages of a CDT thru-hike is to not worry about getting your gear dialed in perfectly – because it will probably change. Focus on your big three (backpack, shelter, and sleeping bag) and don’t stress about the rest.

If you have any comments or questions about the gear list, then be sure to leave a comment or get in touch!

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

You'll Like These Too:

Share this post:

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share on WhatsApp Share on Email

Continental Divide Trail,  Gear Lists CDT Gear,  CDT Planning,  Post-CDT

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

Primary Sidebar

Most Recent Posts

  • Continental Divide Trail Gear Guide: Class of 2022 Survey
  • Continental Divide Trail Hiker Survey (2022)
  • Pacific Crest Trail Resupply Guide (2022 Survey)
  • The Pacific Crest Trail Gear Guide: Class of 2022 Survey
  • Pacific Crest Trail Hiker Survey (2022)
Backpacking Gear Pacific Crest Trail Continental Divide Trail Mac's Backpack

Footer

STAY IN TOUCH

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

NAVIGATION

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

LEGALESE

  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Terms and Conditions

Copyright © 2023 · Halfway Anywhere