There's always something I shouldn't have packed. I heard someone once say that you pack your fears. I've been trying to keep that in the forefront of my mind as I whittle away at my gear that I expect to carry with me at different points along the trail.

Here's the obligatory gear list. Everybody seems to be making these lists. In all honesty, I'm only cataloging this so my future-self can have a chuckle at the expense of my present naiveté. I think I'm so smart right now. It should be pretty funny when future-me smacks the smug off present-me.

Some of the gear is only used in certain areas, for example, I won't need the ice axe or the rain paints in the desert, but I'll likely need them both in the Sierras, and then only the rain paints in Washington (maybe Oregon?). So, the good news is that I don't have to carry all this stuff all the time. Phew.

The Big Three (plus one)

The Big Three are the things I have to take: a backpack, a sleep system, and a shelter. No getting around these requirements, so I'm trying to keep these as light as possible.

The "plus one" is the sleeping pad (which I consider to part of the sleep system, and thus a member of the Big Three).

Total weight: 84.2 oz (5.26 lbs) | 2,387 g.

Food and Water Gear

Total Weight: 6.45 - 7.75 oz | 183 - 220 g
Total Weight with Bear Canister: 47.45 - 48.75 oz | 1345 - 1382 g

Clothing

Regular Wear

Total weight: 22 oz | 624 g

Rain & Wind Gear

Total weight: 11.8 oz | 335 g

Cold Weather

Total weight: 25.1 | 711 g

Electronics

Total weight: 25.9 oz | 734 g

Hygiene & Knickknacks

  • Toothbrush (cut in half)
  • Mini-toothpaste
  • 2 oz sunscreen 50 SPF
  • Deuce of Spades trowel
  • Wet wipes
  • 2 oz hand-sanitizer
  • Ink pen
  • 1.75" folding knife

Other Stuff

Total weight: 49 oz | 1389 g

Wrap it Up!

That's pretty much it. I wonder if I'm missing anything?

Hmmm...

Many thanks to Rhodes and Rose, and especially Steve Climber for inspiring this gear list. I really couldn't have done this without being caught up in Steve's enthusiasm for the outdoors. Super inspirational guy.