My Equipment

Backpacking gear is a very personal thing. Some want to go “ultra light,” while others carry more weight for creature comfort when they camp, although they pay for every ounce of “comfort” on the way to the next campsite. I try to hit a happy medium, neither ultra light nor ridiculously heavy. My base weight, before food and water, is approximately 24 pounds, and when loaded to the max with food is approximately 35–40 pounds, although that obviously shrinks as I eat my food. I carry a bit more in the way of electronics because I write extensively, take quality photographs, and communicate my daily position to those who follow me on the internet.

Every decision on specific pieces of equipment is based upon weight versus cost versus my experience with the reliability of each individual piece of gear. Countless hours of research, talking to other backpackers in person and online, and way too much money went into formulating my final equipment list. It is right for me but would differ for any other person, and they would be just as right about their own decisions.

The two most common questions I get from folks about equipment concern personal safety.

Do I take a gun? No, emphatically no. The question shocks and surprises me, for I would not even consider it necessary or desirable. I am a visitor in the woods; most of the wildlife is going to be more scared of me than I of them. For the record, there has never been a mountain lion attack/death reported on the JMT. And the bears? Well, as long as my food is properly handled and stored, they are not a problem. I have more problems with the smaller animals, marmots and such, who think my lunch looks interesting. So, no — no firearms. Some will disagree, but that is my position.

What if I have an emergency? Do I take a phone? Yes, but only for those rare instances when I might get a bit of coverage (there are a couple of places, including the Mt. Whitney summit). At those times, it will be fun to communicate with friends and loved ones. Most of the time, it will be a bit of useless weight in the bag. That said, I do carry a satellite tracker and messenger which allows those who are interested to know where I am along the way, and in the case of an emergency enables me to signal for assistance. And yes, I have been trained in Wilderness First Aid, so I can handle the normal small things that happen. 

For those who are interested here is a list of my major pieces of equipment:

  • Osprey AG 65 backpack

  • Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 tent w/ footprint

  • Sierra Designs Mobile Mummy 800 sleeping bag w/ foam sleeping pad

  • Black Diamond Distance Z trekking poles

  • MSR Pocket Rocket stove

  • Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter

  • One extra pair socks, ExOfficio underwear, Merino wool shirt, fleece vest, gloves, stocking cap

  • Marmot rain shell & rain pants

  • Teva water shoes

  • Benchmade 556 Mini-Griptillian Knife

  • Black Diamond headlamp

  • First Aid kit, compass, mirror, whistle, waterproof matches, duct tape, maps, sunscreen

  • Delorme inReach Explorer Satellite Messenger

  • Electronics include iPad Mini, iPhone, Olympus TG-3 Digital Camera, solar charger