Continental Divide Trail Gear List

Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Southwest

Hyperlite Mountain Gear’s 3400 Southwest is a lightweight 55-liter pack made from waterproof Dyneema Composite Fabrics. I got the Southwest instead of the Windrider (the same pack but with mesh outside pockets) because of what Tasmania ended up doing to the mesh pockets on my Osprey Exos 58 (it destroyed them). The Southwest has Dyneema Hardline pockets instead of mesh (more durable). I still love my Exos (which is being repaired), but I figured I would give something new a shot on the CDT.

32.4 oz (918 g) – $340 US

FIND IT AT: Hyperlite Mountain Gear

Big Agnes Copper Spur 2 Platinum

After braving the Pacific Crest Trail in a one-person tent, I’m officially converted to a two-person tent. And I still want something freestanding. The Copper Spur 2 Platinum is one of the lightest freestanding tents on the market and I trust that Big Agnes has made a product that will hold up to the rigors of a thru-hike. If it doesn’t, you’ll certainly be hearing about it in my post-CDT gear list (or beforehand).

37 oz (1.05 kg) – $599 US

FIND IT AT: REI | Backcountry.com | Amazon

Western Mountaineering Versalite

I’ve waited a long time to upgrade my sleeping bag, and I could not be happier with Western Mountaineering’s Versalite. This 10°F / -12°C bag is incredibly well built and very warm for how little it weighs. I am not a fan of having to sleep in my clothes, and I’m confident that this bag will keep me warm during cold nights in the desert and in the Rockies. Have I mentioned it’s incredibly sexy?

32 oz (907 g) – $575 US

FIND IT ON: Backcountry.com | Amazon

Sea to Summit UltraLight

The Sea to Summit Ultralight is not the warmest pad available (R-Value 0.7), but it is one of the lightest (12 oz / 350 g). In my opinion, it’s also one of the most comfortable. I don’t think the low R-Value will be an issue because the Versalite is a very warm sleeping bag at 10°F / -12°C. If things get cold and I’m camping on snow a lof I might trade for the warmer NeoAir XLite in Colorado. Time will tell.

12 oz (350 g) – $99 US

FIND IT AT: REI | Backcountry.com | Amazon

Icebreaker Cool-Lite Sphere Long Sleeve Hood

For me, the Icebreaker Cool-Lite Sphere is the perfect hiking top. It’s made of a wool, tencel, nylon blend which keeps the material cool on the skin while also insulating. It dries three times faster than Icebreaker’s standard wool blend. I can roll up the sleeves easily or hike with them down for sun protection or warmth. The same goes for the hood. I really just want to avoid having to apply and reapply sunscreen.

9.7 oz (275 g) – $120 US

FIND IT ON: | Amazon

Prana Ansa

I’ve struggled to find a comfortable pair of hiking shorts for a while now, but I am currently very happy with the Prana Ansa shorts. They’re stretchy, they dry quickly, they can help you to blend in while sneaking around town, and they have back pockets (my last pair did not, a mistake).

6.8 oz (193 g) – $69 US

FIND THEM ON: Backcountry.com | Amazon

Icebreaker Anatomica Long Boxers

I’ve said it before, but I’m intent on converting my wardrobe to merino and after wearing compressing shorts for the past four years I’ve finally upgraded myself to the Icebreaker Anatomica Long Boxers. They’re comfortable, 83% merino, and everything in its place while I’m hiking. They also make a great swimsuit (if you’re at the motel – because everyone knows it’s swimsuit optional in the mountains).

2.5 oz (71 g) – $50 US

FIND THEM AT: REI | Backcountry.com | Amazon

Outdoor Research Sparkplug Gaiters

I go back and forth on gaiters a lot, but for thru-hikes I think they’re a good idea. I don’t know if I’ll end up replacing these when they ultimately begin to fall apart further up the trail (hopefully Outdoor Research will replace them under warranty?), but at least in the desert I will be happy with some Sparkplug Gaiters keeping debris out of my shoes. I’ll try to take good care of them, but who knows how long they’ll last.

1.2 oz (34 g) – $20 US

FIND THEM ON: Backcountry.com | Amazon

Darn Tough 1/4 Hiking Socks

By the end of my Pacific Crest Trail thru-hike nearly everyone was wearing Darn Tough socks. I expect the Continental Divide Trail will be much the same. These socks are comfortable, made with merino wool, have a lifetime guarantee, and offer great cushion. You will never want to buy another brand of socks. Read my full review here.

2.2 oz (62 g) – $20 US

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

Merrell Moab 2 Vent Low

The Moab Vent 2 Low hiking shoes are my favorite shoes for trekking. They’re wide enough for my fat-ass foot, water-resistant (but still breathable), and have awesome tread/laces. There’s a Goretex version available, but I am sticking with the standard shoes since they’re far cheaper and breathe a bit better.

13 oz (369 g) – $100 US

FIND THEM AT: REI | Backcountry.com | Amazon

Superfeet Wide Green Premium Insoles

I started using the Superfeet Wide Green Premium Insoles early in my first thru-hike when I was having foot, toe, and blister problems – and I’ve been using them ever since. I can’t say 100% whether or not they’re responsible for increasing my comfort, but I’m happy to have them along.

1.6 oz (45 g) – $50 US

FIND THEM AT: REI | Backcountry.com | Amazon

Icebreaker Apex Hat

The Apex Hat is a one-size-fits-all beanie capable of fitting over my 7 5/8 head. It’s lightweight, warm, stretchy, and best of all, merino.

2.33 oz (66 g) – $30 US

FIND IT ON: Amazon

Montbell Torrent Flier

The Torrent Flier is an awesome sub nine ounce (255 g) Gore-Tex rain jacket. It has one chest pocket, pit zips, an adjustable hem, and adjustable hood. I expect to encounter a lot of weather on the CDT so I am going with the Gore-Tex Torrent Flier instead of a slightly lighter non-Gore-Tex jacket. Let’s hope the extra bit of weight does well to keep me confortable.

8.6 oz (243 g) – $269 US

FIND IT AT: Montbell

Montbell Plasma 1000 Alpine Down Parka

Sure, Montbell’s Plasma 1000 Alpine Down Parka may have an obnoxiously long name, but it makes up for it by being incredibly warm and comfortable. It literally feels like the jacket is hugging me (and no, not because it’s too small). It has two zippered hand warmer pockets, elastic cuffs, and an adjustable hem. It’s also a little crinkly (like a bag of potato chips), but hopefully that eases with time (and so long as it’s warm, I don’t mind).

8.4 oz (237 g) – $379 US

FIND IT AT: Montbell

Montbell Tachyon Jacket

I’ve never carried a wind jacket before, but at only 1.6 oz (45 g) Montbell’s Tachyon Jacket deserves a chance (it weighs half of what my beanie weighs). I hope it will prove useful in light rain as well as shielding me from the wind, but that might be asking too much. It packs down to basically nothing and breathes acceptably from what I’ve experienced so far.

1.6 oz (45 g) – $99 US

FIND IT AT: Montbell

Montbell Dynamo Wind Pants

I used to have a pair of heavy rain pants that just made me sweat and question why I was wearing them in the first place. For the CDT I’m going with Montbell’s Dynamo Wind Pants to fight the cold and (sometimes) the rain. They aren’t designed to be worn as rain pants, but I think they’ll handle the occasional cold drizzle (or maybe freezing downpour). I don’t know if I’ll have these at the end of the trail, but they’re coming along for the first bit (and probably through Colorado).

2.6 oz (75 g) – $79 US

FIND THEM AT: Montbell

Sea to Summit Head Net

Basically a must, the Sea to Summit Head Net is a small, lightweight, and basic piece of equipment with a very important job – to keep insects off your head and out of your face holes. I’ve had the same one for years and usually just keep it stuffed into my pocket and ready to deploy.

0.8 oz (23 g) – $10 US

FIND IT AT: REI | Amazon

Outdoor Research Crocodile Gaiters

After a terrible experience with some garbage Sea to Summit gaiters in Tasmania, I’ve decided to go with the recommendation of a friend and go with Outdoor Research’s Crocodile Gaiters for the CDT. They’re made with Gore-Tex have gotten excellent reviews. I’m not entirely sure they will be necessary, but if I get to Northern New Mexico/Colorado and there’s a ton of snow, then these are the gaiters I’ll have.

10.2 oz (289 g) – $79 US

FIND THEM AT: REI | Backcountry.com | Amazon

MSR Revo Ascent Snowshoes

My god. Something that weighs nearly a third of everything else in my pack? Apparently, hiking in the snow without snowshoes can be a very miserable experience – one that I do not intend to endure. Ideally, the entire time I have these with me (if I end up needing them), they’ll be on my feet. I’m going with the MSR Revo Ascent Snowshoes because they were recommended to me by an experienced snow walker. I’ll let you know how they work out.

4 lbs 4 oz (1.928 kg) – $240 US

FIND THEM AT: REI | Backcountry.com | Amazon

Black Diamond Raven Pro Ice Axe (65 cm)

I’ll be needing some practice with this guy before I get somewhere that I’m going to need it, but I’ve decided on a 65 cm Black Diamond Raven Pro Ice Axe for trekking over the snow-covered passes of the CDT. It’s (relatively) lightweight, has a flat head, and a straight aluminum shaft. None of these things (except the weight) mean much to me now, but we’ll find out in time whether I made a good choice.

14 oz (407 g) – $99 US

FIND IT AT: REI | Backcountry.com | Amazon

Kahtoola MICROspikes (Large)

I’ve used Kahtoola MICROspikes for trekking over snow and ice before in Nepal, and it would appear that I’ll need to be using them again for some sections on the CDT. So snowshoes AND MICROspikes? Yeah, I guess so, but worse-case scenario I end up carrying these for a bit and not needing them. Then, they get sent back to CA and put back in a box.

11.9 oz (407 g) – $69 US

FIND THEM AT: REI | Backcountry.com | Amazon

SEALSKINZ Waterproof Hiking Mid Length Sock

Did you know there’s suck a thing as waterproof socks? Neither did I, but now I own some! Yes, I have a pair of SEALSKINZ Waterproof Hiking Mid Length Sock to (hopefully) keep my feet from becoming wet and freezing in the snowy mountains expected on the CDT. I did a lot of research in deciding which waterproof socks to go with and eventually landed with SEALSKINZ. Hopefully, they live up to the hype.

4.9 oz (139 g) – $35 US

FIND THEM ON: Amazon

Jetboil MiniMo

The Jetboil MiniMo is the stove you want if you’re into making everyone else jealous. Incredibly quick boiling times, a simmering function, a built-in strainer, an attached cup, a low-profile pot that the stove packs into – the MiniMo has it all.

14 oz (400 g) – $135 US

FIND IT AT: REI | Backcountry.com | Amazon

Snow Peak Titanium Spork

Sure, you could get a plastic spoon from McDonalds, but if you want a utensil that’s going to last forever (so long as you don’t lose it), then get a Snow Peak Titanium Spork. It won’t melt, it’s easy to clean, and it’s mother fucking titanium. Eat your trail meal like the champion you are.

0.3 oz (8.5 g) – $10 US

FIND IT AT: REI | Backcountry.com | Amazon

Black Diamond Ergo Cork Trekking Poles

I’ve had the Black Diamond Ergo Cork Trekking Poles since halfway through the Pacific Crest Trail (my other poles were left in a hitch’s car) and they’re still holding up quite nicely to the rigors of the trail. I’ve gone back and forth on what I think about hiking with trekking poles, but I think it would be wise of me to begin the CDT with a pair.

18 oz / 510 g – $120 US

FIND THEM AT: REI | Backcountry.com | Amazon

Petzl Tikka XP

The weather-resistant, 180 lumen Tikka XP has a wide beam, a focused beam (they can be used separately or together), and a red light (with flashing modes for all lights). It takes 3 AAA batteries and because of “constant lighting technology”, the beam does not weaken as the batteries are used up.

4.2 oz / 119 g – $50 US

FIND IT ON: Amazon

Sawyer Squeeze

The Sawyer Squeeze has been around a while now, and despite it not being my favorite filter, it makes the most sense for thru-hiking (unless you’re into bleach or just not ever filtering). It’s definitely better than the Sawyer MINI for a long-distance hike, and it does a good job of removing all the awful disgustingness (usually cow poo) from sketchy water sources. You can screw it onto a water bottle and just squeeze water out into another (clean) container. It’s that easy – and it’s lightweight and compact.

3 oz (85 g) – $39

FIND IT AT: REI | Amazon

Petzl Spatha Knife

Some people may like bringing multi-tools, but the only thing I ever used on mine was my knife. I have since converted to carrying a Petzl Spatha Knife and I have been very happy with its cheese-cutting performance (and price). It might not be completely necessary, but it’s definitely useful and I enjoy having a knife with me on the trail (bear fights etc.).

1.4 oz (40 g) – $40 US

FIND IT AT: REI | Backcountry.com | Amazon

Frontiersman Bear Spray

I’m not sure if carrying bear spray is exciting or terrifying, but in Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana, I will have with me a canister of Frontiersman Bear Spray. This bear spray comes with a holster (others do not) which is nice because what good is bear spray if it’s inside of your pack? Hopefully, having this makes me at least feel safer, but even more hopefully, I hope I never have to use it.

12.5 oz (354 g) – $35 US

FIND IT AT: Amazon

Ursack S29.3 AllWhite Bear Bag

So what’s an Ursack S29.3 AllWhite Bear Bag? Well, it’s basically a bear-proof (and rodent-proof) food sack. It’s not approved for use in Yosemite which means it’s no good on the PCT, but on the CDT there aren’t any requirements for bear canisters so the Ursack is fair game. I have it mostly for rodents, but I guess it may come in handy to keep bears out of my food too? They will still be able to crush my food, but they won’t be able to get to it (if the Ursack is properly secured to something – like a tree).

7.7 oz (218 g) – $79 US

FIND IT AT: REI

Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Stuff Sack (9L)

I am a fan or organization, and the lightweight Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Stuff Sack is what I use to carry my clothing (I used to have other ones for my food and electronics as well). It’s water-resistant and durable (so long as you keep sharp/pointy objects away from it) and it turns into my pillow at night.

.7 oz (20g) – $18 US

FIND IT AT: REI | Backcountry.com | Amazon

Nexus 6P

Most of you probably have your phone situation sorted, but that doesn’t mean I can’t still plug my current (and favorite) phone, the Nexus 6P. This phone takes spectacular photos (it could easily be your camera replacement on the trail), has a decent battery life (especially on airplane mode), and allows me to do all the Halfway Anywhere updating I need to do (when I get service/wifi). The only thing is that it’s huge.

6.31 oz (179 g) – $500 US

FIND IT ON: Amazon

Anker PowerCore+ 20100 USB-C

I know, the Anker PowerCore+ 20100 USB-C is incredibly heavy and a lot of you may have trouble with the justification of such a large power bank. However, I do have my reasons. One, I am charging my camera via this powerbank and my camera’s battery only lasts around 350 shots. Two, this power bank supports USB-C which means it will charge from the wall 20% faster. Three, it supports rapid charging for my phone (full in under two hours). Hopefully, I don’t regret bringing this beastly (but awesome) battery.

16 oz (454 g) – $69 US

FIND IT ON: Amazon

Kestrel Drop D2

When I first saw the Kestrel Drop D2, I thought to myself, “Hey, that’s neat” and so I bought one. What does it do? It’s this small device that attaches to your backpack (or wherever) and takes note of the temperature, humidity, heat index, and dew point at a set interval (2s, 5s, 10s, 20s, 30s, 1min, 2min, 5min, 10min, 20min, 30min, 1hr, 2hr, 6hr, or 12hr). I just like data and want to be able to see how the weather changes over the course of the trail. There’s an iOS/Android app so that you can get information and view trends in real time. Should be neat.

1.2 oz (34 g) – $99 US

FIND IT ON: Amazon

Yes, carrying a personal locator beacon (PLB) goes against all the ultralighters out there, but fortunately, I’m not one of them (yet). I am mostly carrying a Spot to track my progress along the CDT and to be able to look back at data from the hike (and so that my grandmother can sleep at night). The company that makes Spot apparently has egregious customer service, but I’ll give them a shot. Review to come.

4.2 oz ( g) – $150 US

FIND IT AT: REI

Bose SoundSport In-ear

The Bose SoundSport In-ear headphones are my current go-to pair of headphones for hiking. The may look a bit strange at first because of the way they fit into your ear, but I’ve come to really enjoy them. They don’t have to be jammed deep into your ear canal to deliver great audio quality and they still allow me to hear enough of what’s going on around me when the volume is down lower. The attached microphone works well and I have yet to hear any complaints from people on the other end of the phone.

0.6 oz (17 g) – $99 US

FIND THEM ON: Amazon

Tronsmart USB Type C Wall Charger

Maybe I’m going too far, but yes, I think about the wall charger that I bring with me when I travel or am thru-hiking and my current charger of choice is the Tronsmart USB Type C Wall Charger. It has one USB port and one USB C port which enables fast charging for both my phone and my (giant) power bank. It also has a foldable plug which is nice.

2.4 oz (68 g) – $15 US

Sony Alpha a6500

It’s been a long time coming, but I finally sold my bulky DSLR and got myself a mirrorless camera. The Sony Alpha a6500 body weighs in at just over 14 oz (400 g) and packs an impressive amount of photo/video quality into quite a small package. It takes Sony E-mount lenses and has a 24.2MP APS-C senson with 5-axis in-body image stabilization. It shoots 4k video and boasts 11fps continuous shooting to 269 frames. Now it’s time to put this thing to work.

14.25 oz (404 g) – $1400 US

FIND IT ON: Amazon

Sony E-Mount 20mm F2.8 Prime

As much as I would love to have an awesome zoom lens for the CDT, I just can’t justify the weight. Instead, I’ve gone with the Sony E-Mount 20mm F2.8 Prime. It’s incredibly compact and almost puts the a6500 on par with the size of a point-and-shoot camera. I expect its low-light performance to be good and will hopefully be able to capture some beautiful images of the trail to share with you all.

2.4 oz (69 g) – $349 US

FIND IT ON: Amazon

JOBY GorillaPod Original

Yet another affront to all that is preached about bringing as little as possible, I am bringing a JOBY GorillaPod Original out on the trail. It’s designed for use with a point-and-shoot, but it will work with my current setup. I hope to be using it frequently (and to produce some videos of the trail). If I end up never using it, then it will be sent back to storage.

1.7 oz (48 g) – $20 US

FIND IT ON: Amazon

Peak Design Capture Clip

I love Peak Design’s Capture Clip. It lets me attach my camera to my shoulder strap and easily access it at any time. It’s a far cry from having to put down my pack and take out my camera or carrying it on a strap around my neck. Read my full Capture Clip review here.

3.5 oz (100 g) – $60 US

FIND IT AT: Peak Design | Amazon

Peak Design Shell (Small)

Using the Peak Design Capture Clip in the backcountry, I basically consider having the Shell a requirement. It protects the camera from dirt, water, airborne cow poop particles, and anything else nature has to throw at your expensive piece of photography equipment. I’ve never had any problems with a camera being damaged by the elements while using the Shell and Capture Clip – even in heavy rain.

2.4 oz (68 g) – $40 US

FIND IT AT: Peak Design | Amazon