ITEM
WT. (OZ)
SUB (oz)
SUB (kg)
COMMENTS
BACKPACK
Six Moon Designs Swift X
38
Review: https://www.thehikinglife.com/2023/02/review-six-moon-designs-swift-x-backpack/
Pack Liner (Trash Compactor Bag)
2
Cheap & effective
40
1.13
SHELTER
MLD Duomid (with Solo Inner & Pole Jack)
27
Over two months in the Nordic region, the DuoMid held up like a champ in testing conditions. I’ve been using Mid-style shelters from MLD—namely the SoloMid and DuoMid—for over a decade. I like the no-fuss design and the stormworthiness-to-weight ratio.
Stakes—Combination of different models, including MSR Groundhogs, Easton “Nails,” and shepherd’s hooks.
2.6
29.6
0.84
SLEEPING SYSTEM
Pad – Thermarest NeoAir XTherm NXT
15
Review: https://www.thehikinglife.com/2017/10/review-therm-a-rest-neoair-xtherm-sleeping-pad/
Quilt – Katabatic Sawatch (Long / 900fp)
24
Conservatively rated at 15°F (-9°C) / I picked up the Sawatch in 2011, and after hundreds of nights, it’s still going strong. Review of Katabatic Quilts
39
1.11
KITCHEN
LokSak 20×12 (Food Bag)
1.2
Food storage bag of choice since the 2000s. Opinions vary, but I’ve always found them to be fairly durable (4 to 6 weeks of daily use) if you don’t overfill them.
Toaks 700ml Titanium Pot
3.1
Stove – SOTO Windmaster
3
Light, stable, compact, and reliable. The Windmaster was recommended to me a few years ago by Naomi and Mike from Treeline Review, and it’s been a staple of my cold/wet-weather kit ever since.
Titanium Long-handled spoon
0.7
SmartWater Bottles 1 LT (2)
2.6
10.6
0.3
FIRST AID / HYGIENE
Sunscreen (repackaged in tiny bottle)
Hand Sanitizer (repackaged in dropper bottle)
Aquamira (repackaged in dropper bottles)
Mini Toothbrush
Toothpaste (mini tube)
Dental Floss
Doubles as sewing thread
Antiseptic Wipes (2)
Gauze
Triple Antibiotic Cream (tiny tube)
3M Micropore Medical Tape
Breathable, paper tape / Adheres well.
Ibuprofen (6)
Sewing Needle
Tenacious Tape, Mini Tube Super Glue (repairs)
To compensate for lack of sewing skills.
4
0.11
CLOTHES
Rain Pants – Montbell Versalite
3.2
Thermal Underwear – Montbell Super Merino Middle Weight Tights
5.8
Rain Jacket – Montbell Peak Dry Shell (discontinued)
7
Current equivalent – Montbell Super-Dry Peak Shell Jacket
Insulation – Montane Allez Micro Hoodie (Discontinued)
6.8
Uber-light grid fleece with hood and a quarter zip. One of my favourite active layers in recent years. Has been replaced with the slightly heavier Protium Lite.
Insulation – Montbell Plasma 1000 Alpine Down Parka
9.1
Great warmth-to-weight ratio.
Extra Socks – Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew
2.6
Buff (Original Polyester)
1.4
Beanie, neck/face protection, condensation wipe, convenience store holdups if low on cash.
Montbell Chameece Liner gloves
0.9
Almost five years of regular use and still going strong / The best liner gloves I’ve used.
Mountain Laurel Designs Rain Mitts
1.2
38.3
1.09
MISCELLANEOUS
Phone – iPhone 13
6.5
Phone Case – Otterbox Commuter for iPhone 13
1.6
Power Bank – 10,000 Nitecore
5.3
Camera – Sony A6400 (w.18-135mm lens) + Mega Neoprene Case
28
Satellite Messenger – Garmin inReach Mini
3.5
Amazing battery life – about a month between charges (Note: I don’t use the tracking feature and tend to limit messages mostly to the “In Camp” note at day’s end).
Tripod – Pedco Ultrapod Lightweight/Mini
1.5
Stuff sacks – HMG Cuben Fiber (2)
2.4
Headlamp – Nitecore NU25
1.8
Excellent rechargeable headlamp. Most of the time I tend to use the low red setting to preserve night vision.
Montbell Slim Wallet
0.9
Love this little wallet. Use it both on trail and off.
Swiss Army Classic
0.7
Compass – Suunto M-3G Global Pro
1.6
Adjustable declination and globally balanced needle
Deuce of Spades potty trowel
0.6
Map Bag – Quart Size Ziploc
0.2
Keeps maps clean, dry & organized.
Trekking pole – Montbell Alpine Carbon Pole Cam Lock
6.7
61.3
1.74
BASE WEIGHT
13.8 lbs
6.3 kg
ITEMS WORN
Shorts – Patagonia Baggies 7″
6.7
Hiking shorts of choice since 2014/15. See Review.
Base layer – Patagonia Tropic Comfort Hoody 2 (Discontinued)
7
Light, airy, and good sun protection when combined with the cap. Patagonia Cool Daily Hoody is similar, just without the thumb loops and button.
Hat – CDT Baseball Cap
3
Shoes – La Sportiva Ultra Raptors
25
Trail runners of choice in rugged terrain since 2020. Impressively durable……..600 miles plus (1,000 km) per pair in testing conditions. Double thumbs up
Socks – REI Merino Wool liners
1.6
Dirty Girl Gaiters
1.2
Handy for keeping out dirt and mud. I’ve been using DG’s since 2007.
Watch – Suunto Ambit 3 (discontinued)
3
Sunglasses
0.8
Polarized lenses, 100% UV protection, wrap-around.
48.5
1.37
TOTAL WEIGHT
16.8 lbs
7.6 kg
