Gear

Having been an avid backpacker for a fair number of years, I already have all the gear that will be needed to complete this walk. On the other hand though, I find myself going away from my normal backpacking habits. I've always been the type who enjoys the comfortable things in a hiking life. I really enjoy sleeping in a two person tent, a Big Agnes sleeping pad, 0 degree bags in the summer, and a GSR cookset that will cook just about anything. The weight has never been an issue with me. I find the comfort level versus the weight is worth the extra effort. This trip planning has me rethinking my strategy, my gear is already at an optimal set up for myself. So, I have decided to change out only my big three. (shelter,cook,sleep)



First, I will need to switch out my REI half dome HC, which weighs 5 lbs and 11 oz. I love this tent and fear I will miss it the most. I've found a tent that I hope will do a good enough job. I choose it because its vestibule size is the same as the half dome, plus it weighs in at 3 lbs 6 oz packed. Next will be the sleeping bag. I don't hold any favors towards any bag but I tend to be a cold sleeper. I will go with a 30 deg bag. This will help with weight and the amount of space it will take up inside my pack. Last, the cook set. This was an easy choice. I have decided to use butane fuel for the entire trip and I'm going to go with a JetBoil set up. Again, this will save on weight and pack space.


With these three items I will be cutting close to 6 pounds off the weight of my pack but more importantly to me is the space I will save. This will allow me to use my 60L bag as opposed to having to go out and buy a 65 or 70L pack.


Later on this year I will make a spreadsheet with all the gear from head to toe.