Sierra High Route Gear List
The gear required for a hike of the Sierra High Route (SHR) needs to strike a balance of functional and lightweight. Typically, I am happy to tell people that “if you’re happy carrying it, then carry it”, but since the SHR calls for a lot of scrambling up loose talus and/or boulder fields, it’s nice to pay attention to how much weight you’ve got swinging around on your back.
One piece of gear that’s not coming with me on the hike but that was very much a part of my pre-hike plans was Steve Roper’s book, Sierra High Route: Traversing Timberline Country. If you’re thinking about hiking the SHR, then it’s probably worth the investment. That said, it’s certainly not a necessity should you find yourself a GPS track to follow (just made sure that said track is actually following the high route and not doing some variation that skips the most challenging passes).
For this gear list, I’ve included a breakdown of the various weights as well as a description of what I carry in my fanny pack (because fanny pack weight doesn’t count as base weight).
In This Post
The Big Stuff
Worn Clothing
The Clothing
The Backpacking Gear
Stuff Sack (Clothes/Electronics)
0.4 oz / 11 g
Detailed View
The Bathroom
Carried/On-body
The Electronics
The Camera Gear
The Rest
Fanny Pack Gear
The Thrupack Summit Bum (my fanny pack) serves a higher purpose than simply being my snack drawer (that said, it is a most glorious drawer of snacks); it also carries some of my most frequently used gear. Bonus? It cuts down on my base weight. Fanny pack weight doesn’t count toward base weight, right?
- Head Net: Sea to Summit Head Net
- Utensil: Snow Peak Titanium Spork
- Knife: Opinel No. 6 Stainless Steel Pocket Knife
- Lighter: Mini Bic
- Anti-chafe Balm: Bodyglide for Her
- Lip balm: Burt’s Bees SPF 15 Lip Balm
- Sunscreen: Coppertone SPORT SPF 50
- Hand sanitizer: Dr. Bronner’s Organic Hand Sanitizer
- Phone: Google Pixel 3 XL
- Phone case: OtterBox Defender Series
- Headphones: Samsung Galaxy Buds+
- Camera: GoPro HERO7 Black
- Lens Cap: GoPro HERO7 Lens Cap
- Spare battery: Sony NP-FW50 1020mAh
- Pen: Pilot G2
- Marker: Sharpie
That’s a total of 35.39 oz / 1.003 kg (including the Summit Bum and Comfy Strap).
Base Weights
Your base weight is the weight of your entire pack, minus consumables. Generally, consumables include your food, water, and fuel (if you’re using a stove), but this can also include things like toothpaste, sunscreen, toilet paper, and repellent (basically, anything you can use up or consume whilst out in the wildernesses).
- Big 3 (backpack + shelter + sleeping bag): 5 lbs 12 oz / 2.608 kg
- Big 4 (backpack + shelter + sleeping bag + sleeping pad): 6 lbs 8 oz / 2.948 kg
- Clothing (in pack): 2 lbs 2.6 oz / 981 g
- Camera gear: 2 lbs 8.6 oz / 1.150 kg
- Gear in pack (minus Big 4, camera gear, and clothing): 4 lbs 14 oz / 2.211 kg
- Gear in fanny pack: 2 lbs 3.39 oz / 1.003 kg
- Total base weight (minus camera gear): 13 lbs 8.16 oz / 6.14 kg
- Total base weight: 16 lbs 1.04 oz / 7.29 kg
- Total weight (including fanny pack): 18 lbs 4.5 oz / 8.293 kg
Detailed View
Atom Packs Mo (50 L)
I got an Atom Packs Mo while in England’s Lake District and am a very happy customer. I’ve put over 2,000 mi / 3,200 km on it across a dozen countries and it’s going strong. Atom Packs does all sorts of customizations and I’m likely going to order a new one with new tweaks to make an already great pack even better.
32 oz / 900 g
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Nemo Hornet Elite 2
The NEMO Hornet Elite piqued my interest after the brand gained popularity on the PCT Survey. The Hornet Elite 2 is one of the lightest two-person, semi-freestanding tents on the market and since I gave up using trekking poles, I need a tent shelter that doesn’t require them to be set up.
33 oz / 936 g
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Western Mountaineering UltraLite (Regular)
The Western Mountaineering UltraLite is my go-to 20°F / -7°C sleeping bag. It will actually keep you warm, not just alive, as temperatures slide down closer to 20°F / -7°C. I also use a Rab Silk Neutrino Sleeping Bag Liner with this bag which adds a bit of warmth and (more importantly) protects my bag from my filth.
29 oz / 822 g
Find out more | Detailed Review
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite (Regular)
The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite has a redesigned valve and a recalibrated R-value of 4.2. The new one-way valve is amazing – it solves all the problems of the old valve (if that means anything to you – if it doesn’t, just know that the new one is great). Now the only question you need for your three-season pad is whether you want the short one (or some minimalist foam pad).
12 oz / 340 g
Find out more | Detailed Review
Ridge Merino Solstice Lightweight Hoodie (Medium)
Hoodies are my go-to top for backpacking; if you’re not already wearing a hoodie, seriously reconsider your life choices. I recently started wearing the Ridge Merino Solstice Lightweight Hoodie and it’s quickly become my new favorite. I’m interested to see how it holds up in the long-term.
Patagonia Strider Pro (Medium)
I’ve tried other shorts in recent years, but the Patagonia Strider Pro have yet to be eclipsed. They have a built-in liner, four stretch pockets (large enough for my large phone plus its case) and an additional zippered pocket in the back. Best of all? They supply a full range of flexibility for the hiking.
3.9 oz / 111 g
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Darn Tough Quarter Cushion (XL)
I can still remember when I first discovered Darn Tough socks – just a few weeks into my first thru-hike. Since then, Darn Tough has been the only brand of socks that have graced my feet. If there’s only one thing you take away from this gear list, let it be these socks.
2 oz / 57 g
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Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator (Wide)
The Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator are my go-to shoes for hiking in tough terrain – they’re so hard to kill. On the Sierra High Route, I’m taking these because I need something that’s going to hold up with all the scrambles and rock hopping.
21.6 oz / 612 g
Find out more | Detailed Review
Altra Trail Gaiters (L)
I’m a huge proponent of gaiters and the Altra Trail Gaiters are the latest one to be put through the wringer. Gaiters hugely lessen the amount of debris that makes its way into your shoes which means happier feet, happier socks, and happier life. There is a lot of scree and talus on the Sierra High Route. Do yourself a favor and get some gaiters.
1.73 oz / 49 g
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Sunday Afternoons Trucker
If you’re just getting into hiking, you might think you need a full-brimmed hat, but all you really need is something to keep the sun out of your eyes. I feel like I mostly change my hat so that I can glimpse a photo of myself and know what era it’s from – my Sunday Afternoons Trucker is simply the next step in a long line of hats I will destroy backpacking.
7.4 oz / 210 g
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Ray-Ban Wayfarer
As was the case with the hat, sunglasses are a personal choice. We’re talking backpacking here, not mountaineering. There’s not a “best” pair of sunglasses. However, there are good sunglasses and bad sunglasses. I’ve got Ray-Ban Wayfarers because, in addition to not looking too small for my big head (they come in a large size), I want polarized glasses for the desert sun, the hiking at altitude, and the snow.
1.6 oz / 45 g
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Chums Original Cotton
Fun fact, the official name for this thing is an “eyewear retainer”, but we all know that just makes it sound lamer than it already is. However, for backpacking, Chums are incredibly useful. I have tried a couple of different eyewear retainers and have found this one to be the most durable (the ones with prints on a piece of neoprene eventually break apart and the print falls off).
0.6 oz / 17 g
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Arc’teryx Zeta FL (Medium)
The Arc’teryx Zeta FL is made of Gore-Tex Paclite Plus and is a lightweight, packable shell. The hood isn’t helmet-compatible which is a good thing because it means it’s not going to fly off your head in the wind when you cinch it down. It’s also got two zippered hand pockets. I think I probably should have gotten a large, but other than that, I’m happy with the jacket.
7.8 oz / 221 g
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Arc’teryx Cerium LT Hooded Jacket (Medium)
The Arc’teryx Cerium LT Hooded Jacket is probably a jacket I should have gotten in a large (I guess I just can’t get any bulkier), but I have enjoyed the medium. The cuffs close tightly around my wrists, there are three pockets (one chest and two hand-warmer), and it (sometimes) comes in awesome colors. Perfect for lightweight backpacking.
10.4 oz / 295 g
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Outdoor Research Flurry Sensor (Large)
Gloves, as with tights, are a necessary part of my early-morning backpacking kit. The Outdoor Research Flurry Sensor Gloves do a good job keeping my hands warm but only an OK job working my phone’s touchscreen. I’ve said this before, but I am still looking for a new pair.
2.8 oz / 79 g
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Buff CoolNet UV+
I use a polar buff as a beanie/eye mast at night, but I use a Buff CoolNet UV+ on my neck/head/face/wrist during the mornings/evenings/cold parts of the day when the polar would be too warm. This buff is designed to be used in the sun and apparently doesn’t heat up as much as an original buff, but I have trouble keeping it on an entire day (I run hot).
1.2 oz / 34 g
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Polar Buff
The polar buff is the original buff, but with 9 in / 22.8 cm of fleece at the end making it a bit warmer and more versatile. I ditched my beanie and just use this instead. Folded over on itself, it does a good job of blocking out the wind (or of being an eye mask to stop the pesky moon from waking me up).
2.29 oz / 65 g
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Sea to Summit Head Net
I know that wearing a head net makes you look like a tool, but deep in mosquito country, nobody cares about how dumb they look – only about how many mosquitoes are not currently in and/or on their face. The Sea to Summit Head Net is a lightweight solution with an adjustable hem that it’s probably worth bringing two because you’ll be able to sell one for ten times the price to some sucker without one.
1.2 oz / 34 g
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Batman Sandals
Camp shoes are not an essential piece of gear. However, the amount of utility and happiness having something easy to wear around camp far outweighs the cost of carrying extra weight. I found these Batman Sandals at a Walmart on the Continental Divide Trail and have had them for over three years now. Camp shoes do not need to be fancy. Just get something cheap, light, and somewhat durable (you probably want something that won’t disintegrate if it gets wet).
6 oz / 170 g
MSR PocketRocket 2
I’ve been back and forth on bringing a stove, but I’m currently on the wagon and have been happy with the MSR PocketRocket 2. That said, I don’t feel as comfortable cooking in my tent as I did with my Jetboil MiniMo (note: do NOT cook inside your tent – real fire hazard you have there).
3 oz / 85 g
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MSR Titan Tea Kettle
The MSR Titan Tea Kettle is nice because I can fit both a small can of gas and the MSR PocketRocket 2 inside it (and close the lid). The rubber-covered handle on the lid can be locked in place while cooking which makes removing the lid without burning yourself easy. Plus, it’s titanium which makes it super-duper cool and uber-mega-ultralight. The only bad news is that there are no measurement lines inside the pot. Lame.
4.2 oz / 119 g
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Snow Peak Titanium Spork
Sure, you could get a plastic spoon from McDonald’s, 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 (which means that you can use it to fight off wild animals). With this spork, I can eat my trail meal like the champion while also looking like a total loser because I have a titanium spork – win-win.
0.6 oz / 17 g
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Sawyer Squeeze
I’ve tried my luck now with both the Sawyer MINI and the Sawyer Micro, but after extensive use of each, I’ve returned to the original Sawyer Squeeze. It’s much better than the two smaller versions and is definitely worth the small amount of extra weight.
3 oz / 85 g
Find out more | Detailed Review
BioLite HeadLamp 200
I somehow lost my BioLite HeadLamp 330, which I loved, and so instead of buying a new one, I decided I would try their newer (and lighter) HeadLamp 200. The only drawback is that it’s not quite as bright as the 330, but it’s plenty bright for backpacking (I just need to get over my fear of the woods at night).
1.76 oz / 50 g
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Garmin inReach Mini
I didn’t use to carry a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), but the Garmin inReach Mini only weighs 3.5 oz / 99 g – so why not be a little (lot?) safer? It has 2-way texting (which works well), tracking (also works well), and SOS capabilities (fortunately, haven’t had to test this). The only catch is that it requires a (paid) monthly plan.
3.5 oz / 99 g
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Rab Silk Neutrino Sleeping Bag Liner
A sleeping bag liner isn’t necessary, but I am taking a Rab Silk Neutrino Sleeping Bag Liner for a couple of reasons: 1) to keep my Western Mountaineering UltraLite Sleeping Bag clean (because having and eventually washing a dirty sleeping bag is no fun), and 2) because most of the time I’m too warm for my bag and just sleep on top of it (with a liner).
3.6 oz / 102 g
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Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight (Large)
After seeing how popular pillows were with Pacific Crest Trail hikers last year, I’ve decided to try one out for myself. Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight Pillow is what I’ve decided to go with. Honestly, I don’t like the large – way too big. I will probably end up buying a regular-sized one and see how I go with that instead.
2.5 oz / 70 g
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Bearikade Scout
A bear can is required on the SHR – no way of getting around it. Yes, at $275 the Bearikade Scout is a stupidly expensive piece of gear. However, when you consider how often I use a bear canister (a few times a year) and how much people pay to shave just a couple of ounces off their shelter or sleep system, the extra money invested in a Bearikade doesn’t seem too crazy (especially since you could argue this is a better bear can – opposed to other gear which oftentimes gets compromised when it gets lighter).
28 oz / 794 g
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Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Dry Sack (8 L)
Even with a pack liner, it’s a good idea to keep your sleeping bag in a dry sack (because your sleeping bag literally keeps you alive at night). A Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Dry Sack does the trick. It’s not designed for submersion, but using one inside your pack will keep your sleeping bag dry. It has a roll-top and comes in six different sizes.
1.4 oz / 40 g
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Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Stuff Sack (2.5 L)
I use a Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Stuff Sack to keep my cables and electronic-related things organized inside my pack. Sometimes, I use a Ziploc bag for this, but they always end up breaking – also, plastic, etc. If I didn’t carry so many electronics, this wouldn’t be necessary, but I need to take photos and to charge things.
0.5 oz / 14 g
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Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Pack Liner (50 L)
For a long time, I was using a trash compactor bag as my pack liner, but then I realized that the Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Pack Liner only weighs 0.2 oz / 6 g more than the bag I was using. It has a roll-top closure and is more durable than a trash compactor bag.
2.6 oz / 74 g
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Sea to Summit TPU Accessory Case
Keeping my phone dry (and functioning) in the rain is a pain in the ass, so I have a Sea to Summit TPU Accessory Case to help with this problem. I’ve had a phone break on me before, so it’s worth it for me to carry this. It’s easy to open and I can still use my phone’s touchscreen through the plastic. However, it is difficult to dry the inside out should you get it wet.
1.2 oz / 34 g
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Opinel No. 6 Stainless Steel Pocket Knife
Unless I’m traveling (and not checking a bag), I carry an Opinel No. 6 Stainless Steel Pocket Knife. I need something to cut my cheese – and fight off woodland creatures. You can even get one of these in different colors. And they’re French. Very exciting, I know.
1 oz / 28 g
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RAWLOGY Cork Massage Ball (Mini)
Is a RAWLOGY Cork Massage Ball a luxury item? Is caring about my tortured feet a luxury? Does it matter? The (regular) cork balls measure 2.5 in / 6.35 cm across and weigh 1.4 oz / 40 g each. Not light enough for you? There is also a 1.9 in / 4.82 cm version that weighs 0.9 oz / 25 g. Best to bring the pair so that you can give one to a new best friend on the trail.
1.4 oz / 40 g
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Mini Bic
Since I use an MSR PocketRocket 2, I need to carry a lighter (I should probably carry one regardless). I carry a Mini Bic. It is like a regular Bic, but mini. You know, because ULTRALIGHT. I guess I could just carry like five matches instead and that would be even more ultralight, but I’ll stick with the lighter. Be responsible with fire, friends.
0.39 oz / 11 g
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Hyperlite Mountain Gear Stake Kit
These are tent stakes. These stakes are made from aluminum, they are lightweight, and are 8 in / 20.3 cm long. The heads are drilled to give you the option of attaching a cord to each of the stakes (I did this). Having special tent stakes will not make your hikes any better (unless you’re camping in snow). They are just tent stakes.
0.4 oz / 12g (per stake)
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Noso Puffy Patch
I discovered Noso Puffy Patches and they’re pretty sweet. Ripped your puffy, sleeping bag, or just want to decorate your gear? Instead of some duct tape, why not fix things up with a cat? A bird? A colored ‘X’? They’re a lightweight solution to hemorrhaging feathers from your gear. That said, they’re stupid expensive for what they are – maybe just get some tape. Make a good gift?
0.35 oz / 10 g
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Gorilla Tape
Tape. An often overlooked, but incredibly useful thing to have with you on a thru-hike. Tear your down jacket? Tape! Rip your tent? Tape! Need to shut up your hiking partner? Tape! Just don’t bring an entire roll. I like Gorilla Tape. It’s incredibly sticky, waterproof, and thick. I’ve used this to patch a hole in my shorts before and the tape didn’t come off even after multiple washes. That said, get whatever tape you want – just bring some (because you can’t have any of mine).
1 oz / 28 g
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Smartwater 1L Bottle
You just use a store-bought plastic water bottle? Yes. And you use it over and over again until the label has fallen off and it’s practically turned into a sock before you replace it? Also yes. Smartwater (and LIFEWATR) bottles are quite structurally sound compared to something like collapsable Arrowhead bottles and they slide easily in and out of backpack pockets (trust me, this is important). You can also put a Sawyer Squeeze on the top and filter from one bottle to another. That said, I’m using a plastic bottle so I’m going to hell.
1.4 oz / 40 g
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TheTentLab The Deuce #2 UL
I’ve talked a lot about pooping in the woods and packing out your toilet paper in the past, and I will probably continue to do so. Backcountry poops aren’t glamorous, but they are a reality of trail life. A lot of people don’t bring a trowel saying that a shoe, a rock, a trekking pole or whatever will substitute. Sometimes this will be the case, but other times you are not going to be able to dig a proper cat hole (that’s a hole for your poop). The TheTentLab The Deuce #2 UL is an acceptable solution to the trowel question.
0.6 oz / 17 g
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Proven Insect Repellent Lotion (3 oz)
Proven Picaridin Insect Repellent is odorless and it works to keep the mosquitoes at bay. The active ingredient is picaridin and, unlike DEET, it doesn’t smell, melt plastics, or make you want to gag. It’s also available in a spray. I’m not sure which I like best yet. So long as it keeps the bugs away, I’m happy.
3.2 oz / 91 g
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Sawyer Permethrin Pump Spray (24 oz)
I really hate bugs. Even gazing at a beautiful photo of your hike can be tormented by memories of mosquito swarms. That’s why, in addition to carrying repellent, I treat my clothing with Sawyer Permethrin before hitting the trail. One treatment lasts up to six washings or six weeks. Just don’t use it to insect-proof your cat (it’s toxic to cats in its liquid form – but safe after it dries and binds to your clothing).
Bodyglide for Her (0.35 oz)
The worst thing on the trail is chafe (and more specifically, ass chafe). Thankfully, there is Bodyglide for Her to alleviate the suffering. It’s the same thing as Bodyglide Anti-Chafe Balm but it’s also “rich in vitamins A, B, E, and F”. What? Do only “hers” need vitamins? I want some, too. Just remember to apply before the chafe parade starts (i.e. all over your ass every morning).
2 oz / 57 g
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Coppertone SPORT SPF 50
Sunscreen should be broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB), it should be designed to not run off when you sweat, and it should ideally be SPF 50 (above SPF 50 provides only marginal additional protection at an often much more expensive price). I like the consistency of Coppertone SPORT SPF 50 (I don’t really like Banana Boat). What do you like? Not being sunburned? Excellent.
3.2 oz / 91 g
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Dr. Bronner’s Organic Hand Sanitizer
If there’s one thing I can say my hiking partner Mr. Appa taught me, it’s that he taught me about Dr. Bronner’s Organic Hand Sanitizer. It’s a spray-on hand sanitizer that makes my hands smell lavender-y and (hopefully) cleans them.
2 oz / 57 g
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Neosporin Ointment
A lot of people don’t talk about (or don’t bring) any kind of first aid into the backcountry, but it’s a good thing to have some antibiotic ointment around for when you slice your hand open whilst cutting off some of that sweet and delicious cheese. I carry a small tube of Neosporin Ointment to fight off the infections. Have I used it? Yes. Is it worth carrying? Sure.
1 oz / 28 g
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Burt’s Bees SPF 15 Lip Balm
When EXTREME WALKING, you want a lip balm with SPF. I use Burt’s Bees SPF 15 Lip Balm. The elements will ravage your beautiful lips if you aren’t careful to take care of them. It doesn’t really matter which lip balm you get – just get one with SPF.
0.8 oz / 23 g
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3M Medical Tape
Carrying a bit of 3M Medical Tape won’t cost a lot in terms of weight, but it can be very helpful should you slice something open and have a need for more than just a Band-Aid. I guess I can just rely on my Gorilla Tape, but I don’t really want to rip all my hair (and skin) off.
0.6 oz / 17 g
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GUM Folding Travel Toothbrush
I like the GUM Travel Toothbrush because it folds into itself for storage and packs away easily. However, once the bristles start to wear they get stuck in the brush when closing it. Still, I typically use one of these on the trail since they can fit easily in my pocket, fanny pack, or backpack.
0.8 oz / 23 g
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Travel Toothpaste
In case you are unaware, there are small versions of toothpaste available. You do not need to bring a huge tube of toothpaste whilst hiking. Get a travel-size toothpaste. Or you can just do the super-uber-duper-mega ultralight savage thing and not brush your teeth.
1 oz / 28 g
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Band-Aid Bandages
It’s not a bad idea to have a couple of Band-Aid Bandages tucked away somewhere in your pack for stopping the bleeding that will inevitably occur out of somewhere on your body during your hike.
0.2 oz / 6 g
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Sea to Summit Wilderness Wipes
It took me a while to come around, but damn, having some Sea to Summit Wilderness Wet Wipes (or really any wet wipes) can be life-saving in the backcountry. In addition to ensuring the cleanest of bums following a backcountry waste disposal, they can be used to clean your disgusting feet to help keep them blister-free. But as with toilet paper, just remember to pack them out.
3 oz / 85 g
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Charmin Ultra Soft
Oftentimes I have to take what I can get in terms of toilet paper on the trail, but if I ever get the choice, it’s Charmin Ultra Soft for the win. Keeping clean will minimize butt chafe and maximize your poo-free-ness. I usually pack out an entire roll – definitely way too much (remember to pack out your used toilet paper).
1 oz / 28 g
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Thrupack Summit Bum
The Thrupack Summit Bum has become an essential piece of my hiking kit (and my not-hiking kit – I shamelessly use it off the trail and receive nothing but complimentary stares from everyone). This lightweight fanny pack revolutionized my hiking and is now where I keep all of my snacks for the day, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, lighter, etc. It has an exterior pocket that can fit a large cell phone, two interior pockets, and it’s water-resistant. Not to mention its huge sex appeal.
2.5 oz / 71 g
Find out more | Detailed Review
Thrupack Comfy Strap
The Thrupack Summit Bum comes with a strap, but if you want an upgrade on both your comfort and your awesomeness, then a Comfy Strap is worth the investment. This strap comes in a variety of prints, but most importantly it is stretchy (and comfy). It’s totally unnecessary, but I am happy I have one.
2.2 oz / 62 g
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Charmast Slim 26800 Power Bank
I am going to be doing some big sections between resupplies on the Sierra High Route and so I am bringing a Charmast Slim 26800 Power Bank. It weighs almost a pound, but it is necessary if I expect to be able to charge my phone, camera, headphones, and headlamp for the entirety of each section. There are three USB ports and a USB-C port (used to both charge the battery pack and a device). It also has pass-through charging which means you can charge devices while you also charge the battery.
15 oz / 425 g
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Samsung Galaxy Buds+
It took me a while to finally get earbuds without a wire. I liked being able to drape my headphones around my neck when I wasn’t using them. I also feared dropping and forever losing an expensive earbud down the side of a mountain. But now I’m a big fan of the Samsung Galaxy Buds+. As a bonus, they have their own little battery pack case which means more juice in my large battery pack for my phone and camera.
1 oz / 28 g
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Google Pixel 3 XL
You’re probably not looking at this gear list in hopes of finding yourself a new phone, but I get asked which phone I am using often enough that I’ve decided to include the Google Pixel 3 XL here. I’m not an iPhone fan, so I stick with the Google.
6.49 oz / 184 g
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OtterBox Defender Series
I don’t use a cellphone case to make my phone more aesthetically pleasing; I use a cellphone case to protect my phone. The OtterBox Defender Series does exactly that. It’s not waterproof, but my phone is apparently water-resistant? This is why I got the Sea to Summit TPU Accessory Case as well. The OtterBox does a great job protecting against drops and the elements.
3 oz / 85 g
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Sony a6500
I’ve been using a Sony a6500 for a few years now and I am very happy with it. It’s relatively lightweight, compact (fits in my jacket pocket), has in-body stabilization, 4K movie recording, and (maybe best of all) it can be recharged via USB (i.e. with my battery pack).
14.25 oz / 404 g
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Sony Vario-Tessar 16-70mm F4
I got the Vario-Tessar T* E 16-70mm F4 ZA OSS so I would have something with a bit of a focal length range. This lens takes beautiful photos and is relatively lightweight (not full-frame compatible), but it’s still not my ideal lens. Perhaps one day I’ll have enough money to upgrade (or just switch to something heavier).
10.9 oz / 308 g
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Peak Design Capture 3.0
The Peak Design Capture Clip is practically part of my backpack, I never take it off. It makes carrying my camera incredibly easy and saves me from having to open my pack to access my camera or having it hang annoyingly from a strap around my neck. There’s also an attachment for a GoPro if I decide I want some POV video (or if I need a dashcam for my inevitable fight with a bear).
3 oz / 85 g
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Peak Design Shell (Small)
To me, the Peak Design Shell is an essential piece of equipment with the Peak Design Capture. The Shell comes in three sizes and is designed to keep your camera dry in the rain (in addition to protecting it from the sun, dust, would-be robbers, and snow should you be so (un?lucky). It can be tricky to adjust the zoom and focus with the Shell on and I usually remove it each time I take a photo. It’s made from a stretchy fabric that will also help to prevent nicks or abrasion when you inevitably bash your camera against a rock.
4 oz / 113 g
Find out more | Detailed Review
MINICO Silicone Camera Case
In addition to the Peak Design Shell, the MINICO Silicone Camera Case provides my camera with an extra layer of protection. I am fairly reckless with my camera while hiking and oftentimes hold it in my hand while scrambling up or down rock faces. An extra layer of protection keeps me from having to worry (too much) about flailing my camera hand around.
1.6 oz / 45 g
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GoPro HERO7 Black
I go back and forth between bringing and not bringing my GoPro. For the Sierra High Route, I’m bringing it. Not only do I carry it in my fanny pack (free weight), but I don’t want to have to deplete. my phone’s battery should something happen to my camera. On top of that, I’m sure there will be some dramatic landscape to capture with the super-wide lens.
4.1 oz / 116 g
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What do we think? Do you have any suggestions, critiques, or questions on the gear? I’m always happy to talk gear – though I’m often hesitant to admit it. Leave a comment below and let me know your thoughts.
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