GEAR List

It's official: I'm attempting a 2019 thru-hike on the Continental Divide Trail. Next step: dial-in the gear list. Here's a list of what I'm bringing on my hike:

The Big Four

Tent: Tarptent Notch Li
Sleeping Bag: Western Mountaineering Versalite
Sleeping Pad: Thermarest Xtherm
Backpack: ULA Ohm 2.0

The Wardrobe

Day: Columbia PFG long-sleeve shirt and REI Active Pursuit Shorts and Lively bra
Night: Appalachian Gear Co. Hoodie and REI Co-op Midweight Base Layer Tights
Jacket: Cotopaxi Fuego Down Jacket
Rain Gear: Outdoor Research Helium II Rain Jacket and Outdoor Research Helium Rain Pants
Gloves: Outdoor Research Backstop Sensor Gloves and Outdoor Research Shuck Mitts
Hat: prAna Journeyman Trucker Cap and Appalachian Gear Co. beanie
Sunglasses: Pepper's Breakers Polarized Sunglasses
Socks: Darn Tough socks (3 pair)
Shoes: Altra Lone Peak 3.5 and Teva Universal Slide (camp shoe)
Extra: Appalachian Gear Co. neck buff and bandanas (2-3)

Accessories

Trekking poles: Leki Makalu
Umbrella: Six Moon Designs Carbon Shadow
Water filtration: Sawyer Squeeze, 2L Cnoc Water Container and Sawyer Coupling Piece
Headlamp: Petzl Reactik+ Headlamp
Compass: SUUNTO A-10 Recreational Field Compass
Fanny pack
Tyvek groundsheet

Personal/Self-care

Toothbrush and toothpaste
Creative Solutions hairbrush
Sunscreen
Blossom Menstrual Cup

Phone & Phone Accessories

iPhone Xs with ORDTBY Waterproof Case
Anker Powerline Lightning Cable (4-inch)
Anker 20100
Anker Dual USB Wall Charger with Foldable Plug

Stoveless Cook System

Talenti jar
Snow Peak Trek 700 Titanium Cooker
Optimus long-handled spoon

Snow Travel

Kahtoola MICROspikes Traction System
Petzl Glacier Ice Axe

GEAR TALK

I may swap any of the items listed above but I'll have to see how things perform once on the trail. For one thing, I'm not sure my Marmot Phase 30, a 30-degree sleeping bag, will be warm enough. I have my sights set on a Western Mountaineering Versalite 10-degree sleeping bag when I'm ready to upgrade.

On the Appalachian Trail, I used a hammock and tarp set-up. Unlike the AT, the CDT is way more exposed and has fewer trees to hang a hammock. Sections like the bootheel in New Mexico or the Great Divide Basin in Wyoming are barren and treeless. From hammock hanger to ultralight ground-dweller, I've chosen the Tarptent Notch Li. I'm buying it used from a buddy that I hiked with on the AT. I like the removable bug net option and I can use my trekking poles as the tent infrastructure. I'll add a Tyvek groundsheet beneath the shelter to protect against rocks or if I choose to cowboy camp. I highly recommend looking at Reddit or Facebook Marketplace for used ultralight tents. Pro-tip: ask your hiking buddies for a gear trade!

I was stoveless for most of the AT and I plan to start stoveless on the CDT as well. I'll bring my favorite Snow Peak titanium cook pot in case I have a fire then I can make hot instant potatoes instead of cold.

For this hike, I decided to upgrade my rain gear and cold-weather items with Outdoor Research. I heard such good reviews from hikers who wore the brand on the AT and I observed durability and utility lasting the entire thru-hike. I'm going with a glove liner and mitt combo. I'm also upgrading to more durable rain gear with the Helium II rain jacket and Helium rain pants. There's something about the assurance of good rain gear in the backcountry that is worth the investment.

In March, Bubbles and I went to the Appalachian Trail Kick-Off Weekend hosted by Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge. On our way to the event, we stopped in Dawsonville, Georgia to check out the factory stores. If I was hiking the CDT, I knew I needed a long-sleeve sun shirt and I found the perfect one: a $19 hot pink shirt from Columbia Factory. It was the first item I bought with the CDT in mind. I like to have fun with color in the backcountry so this was perfect. Speaking of color, I still love my retro blue and red Cotopaxi Fuego Down Jacket and it still performs great as a lightweight trail puffy.

In regards to footwear, I'm going with the classic Altra trail runner. However, this time I'm adding Superfeet insoles for better support of my high arches. Plus, I think using insoles prolongs the life of Altras and makes them more comfortable. The Teva Universal slide is still my favorite camp shoe but grab them before they're gone! Sadly, it looks like Teva is discontinuing this style.

I'll be using the same headlamp I used on the Appalachian Trail, the rechargeable Petzl Reactik+. It's an older model and a tad heavier considering comparable headlamps on the market but it still works great. If it ain't broke, don't fix it, right? If you're embarking on a 2nd or 3rd thru-hike, you don't necessarily need a whole new kit. Be creative and use what you have and see how it performs. If I want to shave a few more ounces, I'll go for the rechargeable Petzl Actik Core. I like the locking feature, red light, and reliable 450 lumens.

I think this is a good start to prepping for the CDT. Next on my to-do list will be researching permits along the trail as well as a resupply strategy. Feel free to leave a comment with questions or tips!

Happy trails!
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