Shoes and Socks
HOKA Speedgoat 4
The Speedgoat series from Hoka has been a part of my kit quite often over the last few years. The cushion is acceptable, and the fit works well with my foot. This gear list aspect is difficult to recommend and review since I believe everyone’s feet are different.
Hoka Speedgoat Specs
Darn Tough Socks
What are the separators when choosing a functional backpacking and hiking sock? Well, since they inevitably wear out, a guarantee is always a nice addition. The Darn Tough Guarantee simply makes their socks the most dependable on the trail. I have been a customer for years.
Clothes
Custom Sewed Tiger Sweatshirt
Tiger Sweatshirt – Custom cut and sewed seems to allow breathability. The drawstring was also removed to save weight. More great animal print technical hiking shirts can be found here
Marmot Precip Rain Jacket
While I wouldn’t take this jacket in times of heavy expected rain, it worked perfectly as a layer and a barrier against the frequent short storms on the Colorado Trail. It dries out very quickly and also is extremely light. The patented Marmot NanoPro™ fabric is waterproof, windproof and highly breathable for weather protection and comfort
Big Agnes Shovelhead – Switched to this warmer hooded down jacket when the weather grew colder in Colorado
Trek Super Light, Red Fox – A wind jacket I used in place of a rain jacket for crossing the desert and the first 700 miles of the PCT
Cheap lightweight gloves – Used these and added winter gloves to them at the end of the trip.
Homemade rain skirt – Highly recommend making one, they are super light. Google a pattern
Lightweight Beanie – Switched to a heavier one around flagstaff
Hat – because obviously
Poles
Three Piece Carbon, Gossamer Gear – these worked well, although in real rugged and snowy areas I broke a few pairs
Pack
Gorilla 40, Gossamer Gear – Worked great, and was able to carry enough water for a 70 mile waterless stretch!
Tent
The One, Gossamer Gear – Big fan of the weight to functionality ratio. Because it is a single walled tent, there were mornings of significant condensation.
Sleeping Bags
Flex 22, Katabatic – This worked really well in the backcountry through 3 seasons. I have nearly worn mine out after 7,000 miles so it is time for another one.
Sleeping Pad
Nightlight Pad, Gossamer Gear – Used this most of the way and it folded up to fit in the back of my pack
Miscellaneous Items
Anker PowerCore II 10000 – Power bank (external battery) that would charge my phone 4 times over