As this is my first post, I wanted to share my basic gear list. This list will vary in it's content, depending on the time of year, but I'll discuss my choices as we go through it.
Backpacks:
I am a huge fan of Brain Frankle's ULA backpacks. I currently own the Conduit and the Amp. The Conduit is my go-to pack. I can easily get 5-7 days worth of gear and food in this pack and it remains comfortable. For late spring and early fall 2-3 day trips, the Amp will carry everything I need. I really hated to see Brian discontinue the Amp.
I'll be buying the Catalyst later this summer for my upcoming JMT thru-hike. The requirements of using a bear canister is making it necessary to purchase a larger pack.
Conduit - 21.5 oz.
Amp - 13.0 oz. (With optional front pocket)
Catalyst - 47.0 oz.
Sleeping Bags:
My 3-season down bag is a Marmot Atom (long). This bag is rated at 40 degrees and for me, it's comfortable down to the low 30s. The Atom has been a great bag, with plenty of room. I tend to turn a lot when sleeping and this bag gives me that extra room.
I use the Montbell Alpine #1 down bag for my winter hikes. It's rated at 15 degrees and I have slept in it down to the single digits, with only a mid-weight base layer on, along with a wool knit cap and stayed very warm. The Alpine has a stretch system in it, similar to Montbell's superstretch system, which gives you ample room to move around in the bag. You can even sit up in the bag and cook breakfast or dinner in it, with plenty of room.
Marmot Atom - 23.0 oz.
Montbell Alpine #1 - 38.75 oz.
Shelters:
Can we say Tarps! I use a tarp almost exclusively as my shelter. Tarps are extremely versatile in providing ample shelter, in almost any weather. I have 3 tarps that I choose from for my hikes.
The tarp that I use the most is a 9x9 silnylon flat tarp that was custom made for me by a great tarp maker in Arizona. I had him make it with extra tie-outs for greater versatility when pitching it.
I have a double-ridged catanary tarp that was also made by the guy in Arizona. It is 5 feet at the foot, 7 foot at the head, and 9 feet in length. This is a great lightweight solo tarp. It performs great in drier weather, but when coupled with my Mountain Laurel Designs superlight bivy, works fine in wet weather. The bivy also helps in the buggy time of the year.
My third tarp is also my primary rain gear. My Camp Inn poncho is 58x90 and does double duty as a shelter, primarily on those still, clear nights when the dew is going to soak everything by morning.
9x9 tarp - 14.12 oz.
Dual Ridge tarp - 8.5 oz.
PonchoTarp - 6.5 oz.
Kitchen:
If there's one part of my gear that I seem to tinker with the most, it's got to be my stove. I have tried canister stoves, wood burning stoves, and alcohol stoves, with varying degrees of success. Currently, my favorite stove has got to be the Caldera Cone system. I've got two. The one I use when I'm hiking with someone is the one that fits my 1.3 L Evernew Titanium pot. For my solo kit, I use the Caldera Keg. These have proven to be awesome little alcohol stoves. They may not be the absolute lightest, but they work great.
Caldera Cone w/Evernew Pot - 7.30 oz.
Caldera Keg - 7.25 oz.
Clothing:
Some of the clothing that I really like is listed below. I don't carry a lot of spare clothes when hiking, usually just a change or two of socks, an insulation layer or two (depending on the temps), and an outer layer.
Injinji socks. These are an answer to my prayers. I have suffered with toe pain on my right foot for years when backpacking and these little socks have almost completely cured the problem. They will always have a place in my pack. (2.12 oz.)
Columbia Nylon Shirt. This long-sleeve shirt has an SPF 30 rating and dries quickly. In a light rain, the water tends to bead up and just roll off. It is also vented in the back so it really keeps me cool when on the move.
Montbell UL Inner Down Jacket. This is a fantastic jacket. Extremely warm, yet unbelieveably light. I start looking for this when the hiking is done for the day and the cold night air is settling in. (9.6 oz.)
Montbell UL Thermawrap Jacket. I wear this synthetic jacket when I'm hiking in cold weather, especially when the wind is blowing. It dries quickly and washes easily when I get back home. (10.62 oz.)
Marmot Ion WindShirt. At 3.75 oz., this is a great hooded windshirt. It really sheds the wind and light rain.
Obviously, there are several little "ditty" items, along with a small 1 oz. foot care kit and a 2 oz. first aid kit, but the above list contains the majority of my pack items.
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Hey there! Do you think the Montbell Inner Down is warm enough for the John Muir Trail in September, when paired with a baselayer, a microfleece and a rain shell?
ReplyDeleteThanks!