Update: Click here for our complete, post-trail gear list. Or, continue reading for our pre-trail gear list.
Below are photos and descriptions of the items in our packs at the start of the CDT. At the bottom of this post is a Google Sheet with our exhaustive gear list. Here is a short video of us unpacking.
Backpacks
We are both using a Zpacks Arc Air 50L pack. This is a very light (19 oz) framed pack. We considered going frameless, but this pack is almost as light as a frameless pack.
Shelter
We have done a lot of tarp and cowboy camping since moving to Germany and we enjoy it. We are going to try the tarp out on the CDT, but we have our Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 standing by to be mailed if we decide to switch. Our 9’ x 10’ tarp is made by Borah Gear.
Sleeping bags
On the PCT Renee had a Feathered Friends mummy bag and it was amazing (see full review here). For the CDT we both upgraded to the lightest 20°F Feathered Friends bags available. Tim is using the Feathered Friends Hummingbird UL 20°F Sleeping Bag on the CDT. Renee is using the Feathered Friends Egret UL 20°F Women’s Sleeping Bag on the CDT.
Sleeping pads
We always use closed foam pads. Thermarest ZLites in the short size were sold out almost everywhere when it was time for us to buy them, so we are giving Nemo Switchbacks a try. They seem about the same.
Cookset
The Olicamp XTS has a heat sync, which we like for shorter boil times and saving fuel. We have no extra dishes because we both eat straight out of the pot. The pot is also our coffee cup and cold soak jar. Our MSR Pocket Rocket stove broke after 14 years of use, and when we emailed MSR to see if it is repairable they sent us a brand new MSR Pocket Rocket 2!
Food storage
There are bears on most of the CDT, so food storage is important. We are using Ursack Major bear proof bags to protect our food from bears (and to protect bears from our food).
Power strategy
We are each carrying a phone, GPS watch (for Strava), headlamp, and 10,000 mAh power bank. To go with these we have quick-charging plugs and cables.
Clothing
At the start of the CDT, we’re both going with zip-off pants, Merino wool T-shirts, and Altra trail runners. Renee’s SRAM hat is from a hiker box on the PCT. We are also each bringing a long sleeve layer, an extra pair of socks and underwear, rain gear, and a puffy jacket. We may add layers or swap when we get to the Rockies.
Swapping out gear during the trail
On the PCT we learned that the gear you start with doesn’t have to remain your gear for the entire hike. When we hit the Rockies in Colorado, we are having bug nets, micro spikes, and rain pants sent to us. If it ever gets unexpectedly colder, hotter, rainier, or snowier than expected, we can quickly change which clothes we carry by buying alternatives in town. We also have a pile of gear standing at the ready in Wisconsin that we’ll have sent to us if needed. Our “on call” items include a tent and different pots. 4-5 months is a long time to hike and includes multiple seasons, so it makes sense to adapt as conditions vary.
CDT vs PCT gear
We were generally happy with the gear we used on the PCT. However, we decided to make several changes for the CDT. Most of the changes we made were part of an effort to get our pack weights even lower — hiking with a lighter pack is more fun. We swapped a few items for lighter-weight options and eliminated some items altogether. We did increase weight in some areas though — for instance, this time we are carrying two phones (we shared a phone on the PCT). This is the gear we used on the PCT.
Complete gear list
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Awesome. Thanks for sharing and good luck!