PACK & SHELTER

Item

Brand

Reason

What I Used Last Time

Pack

Pa’lante Packs V2 or (possibly some other even more amazing pack if it existed at that time.)

No Change.

No Change.

Both my Palante V2 pack and TarpTent ProTrail Li were amazing. I wouldn’t switch either of them out unless something much better came along. Neither item had any significant drawbacks or pitfalls, that would warrant a change.

The V2 pack was the perfect size for my pace. At no point did I feel I needed more room to carry more food or gear. The bottom stash pocket was one of the big reasons I wanted to try the pack in the first place, and it didn’t disappoint. I used it daily for both my trash and to store my rain/wind mitts, as well as my beanie on cold days. The only thing I missed were hip belt pockets, but I managed without them. A fanny pack might be the answer here.

The TarpTent ProTrail Li was another item I had my eye on for a while. It is the improved cousin of the Contrail by Tarptent which I used on the PCT. The biggest difference between them is the ridge line and rear window on the ProTail. The ProTrail is a snap to put up, has amazing ventilation, plenty of room, and a smallish foot print. Because of these factors I would definitely use it again.

SLEEP SYSTEM

Item

Brand

Reason

What I Used Last Time

No Change.

Air Chamber Pad

Added comfort.

Big Agnes TwiterCane Bio Foam Seeping Pad

Pillow

Big Agnes AXL Air Pillow

No Change.

Big Agnes AXL Air Pillow

As far as temperature rating goes my Big Agnes Flume 30 was the right bag for my hike. I was only cold on a few nights but with that said, I made an effort to camp high to avoid condensation. A pair of tights and sleep socks might be the answer next time over a warmer bag. They tights could be worn on cold mornings or in camp, making them more versatile.

I have used closed cell foam pads on multiple long distance hikes and I was comfortable enough, but with almost being 50 I wasn’t as comfortable this time. I will be biting the built and adding an air chamber pad to my pack in the future. My biggest gripe with air chamber pads is their weight and amount of time it takes to use them. I’m ready to let this slide, and get a good nights sleep.

My Big Agnes AXL Air Pillow is one luxury item I will continue to use. When combined with my buff (used as pillow case to keep my pillow clean and for a softer feel) I sleep wonderfully.

Clothing Worn

Item

Brand

Reason

What I Used Last Time

Hat

Trucker Hat

No Change.

Trucker Hat

Sunglasses

Something with side eye protection.

With light sensitivity, I would find glasses with more coverage.

Julbo Renegade

Eyewear Retainer

Chums Upcycled Cotton Eyewear Retainer

No Change.

Chums Upcycled Cotton Eyewear Retainer

Hiking Top

Montbell Cool Hoodie

Loved this shirt but if I can find a similar style in wool and in a light color I would use that.

Montbell Cool Hoodie

Shorts/Pants

Montbell Canyon Shorts

No Change.

Montbell Canyon Shorts

Socks

Wool crew sock (above the ankle)

The Ibex were great, but something taller next time (The velcro on my gaiters rubbed my shins, hence the taller sock).

Ibex Low Lite Wool Crew Sock

Gaiters

SimBLISSity LevaGaiter

Simple, they work, and they’re durable.

SimBLISSity LevaGaiter

Shoes

La Sportiva Ultra Raptors

No Change.

La Sportiva Ultra Raptors

Insoles

SuperFeet Green

After 20 years of using them, why would I change (I tried once and hated the result).

SuperFeet Green

Transition Pieces

Item

Brand

Reason

What I Used Last Time

Rain Jacket

Montbell Versalite Rain Jacket

No Change.

Montbell Versalite Rain Jacket

Rain Pants

Montbell Versalite Rain Pants

No Change.

Montbell Versalite Rain Pants

Gloves

Outdoor Research Helium Rain Mitts

No Change, or maybe add a pair of polypro liners.

Outdoor Research Helium Rain Mitts

Wind Jacket

Montbell Tachyon Parka

No Change.

Montbell Tachyon Parka

Head Net

SimBLISSity Ultralite Mosquito

or

Nothing at all.

I never used my head net once last time.

SimBLISSity Ultralite Mosquito

Buff

Probably whatever I had at the time.

Super useful item to keep warm with, protection from sun or bugs, washing, or used as a pillow case.

Buff

Arm Coverings

N/A

Only bring them if I went with a short sleeve shirt.

N/A

Camp Clothes

Item

Brand

Reason

What I Used Last Time

Jacket

Montbell Superior Down Parka

Montbell just makes great stuff and it’s light than almost all other brands.

Outdoor Research Verismo Hooded Down

Hat

Outdoor Research Beanie

No Change.

Outdoor Research Beanie

Socks

Wool crew sock (above the ankle)

The Ibex were great, but something taller next time (The velcro on my gaiters rubbed my shins, hence the taller sock).

Ibex Low Lite Wool Crew Sock

Camp Shoes

N/A

Unneeded extra weight.

N/A

Sleep Top

Ibex Indie Hoody

Sleeping in the hoody means a warm neck and you don’t have to manage you hat.

Ibex Indie Hoody

Sleep Bottoms

Ibex Woolies Boxer Briefs

No Change, or maybe add some tights.

Ibex Woolies Boxer Briefs

I was quite happy with my clothing selection. As I mentioned earlier in the Sleeping Bag section, I was cold few nights. As a result I wore my down hoodie and socks to bed. I did make an attempt to get taller socks and some tights on the one zero day I took, but couldn’t find any. My hands were cold most mornings during the San Juans, but I was only cold for a short time and it was manageable.

Bringing my Montbell Tachyon Parka was a last minute decision and such a great one. I wore this jacket everyday (Morning and night). It was better than wearing my rain jacket while on the move, as I sweat less. Speaking of my rain jacket, I only wore it once or twice for actual rain. Most rain showers were just a light sprinkle. I wore my rain gear more for warmth in camp than for rain.

The only other issues I had were small ones. My sunglasses lacked any kind of side protection from the sun and the velcro on my gaiters rubbed my shins. These are small fixes for next time. One last thing, I wish my sun hoody was made of wool. It got pretty stinky.

Hydration

Item

Brand

Reason

What I Used Last Time

Bladder

(1) 1L QuickDraw Reservoir

No Change.

(1) 1L QuickDraw Reservoir

Water Bottles

(2) 1L SmartWater Bottles

(1 with a squirt top)

No Change.

(2) 1L SmartWater Bottles

(1 with a squirt top)

Filter / Drops

Platypus QuickDraw Microfilter System

No Change.

Platypus QuickDraw Microfilter System

My Hydration System was flawless, expect one thing. I’m pretty sure it was my fault too. I put too much pressure on my QuickDraw Reservoir and a seam blew out. I felt like most water sources were pretty clean and only back flushed a few times. Next time I would back flush more and have some more patience when filtering so not to blow out another seam.

I also cut a soda bottle up to make a scoop a few days into the trip and used it twice. With only a few long dry stretches and multiple options for water I don’t think I needed more capacity or the scoop.

Cooking

Item

Brand

Reason

What I Used Last Time

Stove

Snowpeak LiteMax Stove

No Change.

Snowpeak LiteMax Stove

No Change.

Sea to Summit Alpha Light Spork – Long

No Change or try to find a long handled spork with a large cradle.

Sea to Summit Alpha Light Spork – Long

Lighter

Bic Mini

No change.

Bic Mini

Knife

Swift Army Classic

or

Leatherman Mirca

No Change or Mirca.

Swift Army Classic

Cooking Oil

N/A

No change.

N/A

Cleaning

Bandana

No Change.

Bandana

This was my first trip since the Appalachian Trail in 2001 where I used an ISO butane type stove. I loved how quickly my water boiled and the simplicity of the set up. No wind screen meant picking your spot to eat critical and I learned many different ways to block the wind.

I went with the Sea to Summit Alpha Light Spork – Long since some of my meals were going to be from Peak Refuel, and I wanted the longer length for eating from a bag. I just wish the spoon held more food, so a spoon with a larger cradle is needed.

I still would like to try using a smaller ti mug and cook my meals in bags, but I seem to be set in my ways. So far my attempts at this have resulted in meals that are under cooked because I haven’t mastered water amounts yet.

Health/First Aid

Item

Brand

Reason

What I Used Last Time

First Aid

Custom First Aid Kit

Over the counter kits have items I don’t use or know how to use. Building my own with things I use and know just makes sense.

Custom First Aid Kit

Pain Relief

Advil

No change.

Advil

Medicine

Imodium AD

No change.

Imodium AD

Bug Protection

None

I would simply cover up or keep moving over using Deet.

None

Sun Screen

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer

No Change.

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer

Oral Care

Tooth brush, flosser & paste

No Change.

Tooth brush, flosser & paste

Toiletries

Dude Wipes & hand sanitizer

No Change.

Dude Wipes & hand sanitizer

Vision

Disposable Contacts

I would love Lasik but the cost is a barrier to getting get for me. The daily wears are much better for my eyes.

Disposable Contacts

Lip Buam

Cherry Chapstick

No Change.

Cherry Chapstick

Tape

KT Tape

No Change.

KT Tape

I only used a few advil for soreness in the first week, sunscreen, and the lip balm. I hiked smart, used my head, and avoided dangerous situations best I could. My small first aid kit was enough, but it wasn’t always this small. It’s changed over the years as I have gained Trail Confidence. By accepting that I’m carrying a limited amount of first aid, I’m basically gambling, but I’ve also learned I can’t control every thing and don’t try to. With that in mind, I try to constantly monitor my situation, use my good judgement, and make smart decisions when in the backcountry.

Odds/Ends

Item

Brand

Reason

What I Used Last Time

Hiking Poles

Pacer Poles (full carbon)

No Change.

Pacer Poles (full carbon)

Maps

Use iPhone with Guthook App

No Change.

Use iPhone with Guthook App

Bandana

Generic

One item to do multiple things.

Bandana

Towel

N/A

Didn’t bring one.

N/A

Sunglass Wipe

Whatever I had at the time.

Keep it simple.

Julbo sunglass bag/wipe

The amount of Odds and Ends has grown and shrunk over the years. Like most, I seem to acquire extra stuff while on trail, then I cut back again. I try my best to minimize my Odds and Ends to the absolute bare minimum. I’m not a fan of clutter. The less I have, the better. It’s also easier to find what I need when I have less.

For this hike, the biggest change were my hiking poles in this category. I used a pair of Gossamer Gear LT5 poles for my JMT thru-hike in 2019. They’re crazy light, but I felt they lacked the comfort I was used to. This is why I went back to Pacer Poles, with their crazy, but super comfortable handles. Since owning my first pair, they now have carbon versions which are much lighter. My only wish is that they offered cork handles.

Electronics

Brand

Reason

Item

What I Used Last Time

Headlamp

Latest Petzl

They make the best lights and their rechargeable.

Petzl Swift RL

Batteries

Ravpower battery

No Change except possibly upgrade to new technology.

Ravpower battery

Phone/Camera/Navigation/Journal

Latest iPhone

One item to do multiple things. Camera, maps, phone, journal, compass, and more.

iPhone 12 Max

Camera

Phone

One item to do multiple things.

N/A

Phone Case

A Lifeproof or similar waterproof case.

Phone safety is a top priority, as it does so many things while on the trail. Breaking it would be very bad.

Spigen Mag Armor Compatible with MagSafe

USB Block

Qualcomm QC 3.0 Wall Charger

Has multiple ports and allows for quick charging.

Qualcomm QC 3.0 Wall Charger

Cords

One to fit both Ravpower and Petzl

iPhone charging cord

One item to do multiple things.

One to fit both Ravpower and Petzl

iPhone charging cord

Solar

N/A

Don’t Use It.

N/A

Music

Use Phone

No Change.

Use Phone

Speaker/Air Buds

Apple (cord version)

or

Wireless

No Change or possibly a cordless set if I think I have enough battery capacity.

Apple (cord version)

Like for most, electronics have become a big part of my gear list (at least in terms of weight). Though I do my best to limit the amount of electronics and their weight. This is not only to save on bulk and weight but also to limit my time in town recharging.

My phone serves many uses. It’s my camera, journal, navigation, and phone. This allows me to combine four things into one. As mentioned above this means less weight and bulk but also less cords to carry and manage.

I’m not a fan of solar, as it’s too hard to manage while hiking. As a result I use external batteries or varying size depending on the hike.

Conclusion

When I hit the trail for this Colorado Trail thru-hike it was essentially the third time doing most of the trail. I completed the section from Georgia Pass to the middle of the San Juans when I did the Continental Divide Trail, and I rode all but the wilderness sections during my run at the Colorado Trail Race in 2017.

Since it was my third go of it, I had a really good idea of what I needed and should bring. Essentially I had done two shakedown hikes/bike rides already. This is why there are very few changes to what I would take in this Gear Review – If I hiked the Colorado Trail Again post. My past experience on the trail gave me plenty of what I call trail confidence.

It’s my hope that this Gear Review – If I Hiked the Colorado Trail Again post will help others considering doing the CT for the first time understand what one veteran hiker would pack when it comes to gear and assist them in putting together their own gear list for a successful thru-hike.