equipment introduction
When choosing camping gear and other equipment for long distance walking think durable, versatile and lightweight. Consider every item carefully. Is it a necessity or a luxury? The heavier the ‘carry weight’, the slower the pace will be and the more wear and tear on the body will occur. How much is too much, or too little?
Some ultra light thru-hikers carry minimal gear to shave their ‘base weight’. But is this safe? We regularly investigate gear reviews and with this information, we personalise our own gear list. We come from a mountaineering background. We always aim to be self-sufficient and plan for the worst-case scenario. For this reason, we carry a bit more than other thru-hikers. We debate the accessories constantly, ultimately our decision will hinge on our ability to get out of a bind.
We use the terms ‘base weight’ and ‘carry weight’. These are two recognisable terms in the thru-hiking community. Carry Weight is the total weight of the entire backpack at any given point, it includes consumables. Base Weight is the total weight of the entire gear, excluding consumables which are food, water, and fuel. Accessories include navigation, repair kit, electronics, illumination, first aid, toiletries, and miscellaneous items.
Some ultra light thru-hikers carry minimal gear to shave their ‘base weight’. But is this safe? We regularly investigate gear reviews and with this information, we personalise our own gear list. We come from a mountaineering background. We always aim to be self-sufficient and plan for the worst-case scenario. For this reason, we carry a bit more than other thru-hikers. We debate the accessories constantly, ultimately our decision will hinge on our ability to get out of a bind.
We use the terms ‘base weight’ and ‘carry weight’. These are two recognisable terms in the thru-hiking community. Carry Weight is the total weight of the entire backpack at any given point, it includes consumables. Base Weight is the total weight of the entire gear, excluding consumables which are food, water, and fuel. Accessories include navigation, repair kit, electronics, illumination, first aid, toiletries, and miscellaneous items.
Hiking in the coastal mountains in BC, Julie cut her shin on a sharp rock. The slice went deep to the bone. Luckily, we had a complete first aid kit. Julie sat down and got help from a fellow hiker, thanks Garth! She used Steri-strips sutures and a compression bandage to stop the bleeding. Thanks to our first aid kit and a good base knowledge, she was able to walk out and get to the hospital to get stitches.
factors
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We explore the following factors which influence equipment selection: Landscape, Skills, Finance, Style of Trek, Time Commitment, and Health & Safety.
Landscape - A well trodden path through Europe, a desert trek, or a foray into the mountains require different gear.
Weather and climate also affect gear selection. Research the range of temperatures and have gear that is suitable for it, plan for the extremes. Selecting the right shelter, sleeping system, and clothing are key to staying comfortable and safe. This factor also affects what food preparation approach is best suited for the environment. (See Nutrition Pages) |
Factors to consider for a thru-hiking adventure
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We met Max at a camp on the Arizona Trail. He wore shorts, a T-shirt, and a rain shell. But the weather in the mountains was abnormally cold that year, it was well below zero. He was freezing at night. He had been sleeping in an outhouse wrapped in his tarp, his feet tucked into his pack. Not Fun!
Skills - Understanding how to use the equipment saves time and frustration out on the trail. Make sure each member of the party understands how to set up the tent, use the water filter, and stove. Participating in a camping orientation or accompanying an experienced hiker on a short adventure may be very useful. Take advantage of the available expertise to assist in selecting the right equipment for your needs. Visit a few different stores to hear different points of view. But remember that their chief aim is to sell gear. Not all new gadgets are necessary. We always have our gear list in hand when we go shopping. Remember to think ultra-light and multi-use.
Finance - Gear can be expensive. Can some gear be borrowed (from a trusted friend), or rented (from a local outdoor store)? If renting or borrowing, have an experienced and trusted hiker come along to check the condition and fit of the gear. Renting or borrowing the wrong equipment will not save any money.
Finance - Gear can be expensive. Can some gear be borrowed (from a trusted friend), or rented (from a local outdoor store)? If renting or borrowing, have an experienced and trusted hiker come along to check the condition and fit of the gear. Renting or borrowing the wrong equipment will not save any money.
Irina joined us for a mountaineering trek. She was a novice hiker and borrowed most of her gear from various people. Her boots were too worn and soon needed repair. Her pack was too small for her body and caused some blisters at the shoulders and hips. Because of this, she did not enjoy her first foray into the mountains.
Given plenty of advanced notice, research the gear needed, check out the options in the outdoor stores and online, and wait for end-of-season sales. Buying second hand may be okay but be vigilant about checking for wear. Safety gear such as ropes and harness should never be purchased second hand. We ask a lot of questions of the seller, and inspect each piece for mildew, small tears, seam conditions, etc. Ultimately, we have found that buying good gear is costly, but well taken care of, it will last many walking seasons.
While shopping for a new tent, the vendor showed us some ultra-light tents that seemed at first innovative. But for our needs, we would need a footprint, a tarp, and an added vestibule attachment. All in, this new tent was heavier that our old four-season tent. Don’t be seduced by new products… think before you buy!
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Trail Style - Hostel treks offer an opportunity to experience distance-walking without the camping component. These treks offer communal lodging, where beds and possibly some bedding, are supplied. In some countries these treks discourage camping all together as the trails cross private lands. Read books and blogs to understand what is allowed on the trek. What are the current conditions in the hostels? Is bedding required? During high density/popular seasons, consider bringing a pad and sleeping bag, just in case the establishment lacks sufficient beds.
As well, some popular hostel treks offer cab service to transport gear from hostel to hostel. This may allow a few more luxuries such as city clothing, and toiletries. Note: with more hikers using hostels, bed bugs have become a world-wide concern. Some hostels now have strict protocols for packs and gear to minimise the transfer of these nasty creatures from hostel to hostel. We recommend checking recent blogs and chat-rooms to see where problem hostels are located and then avoid them! |
In Southern France we kind of splurged on a private hostel - WOW, this one was beautiful!
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Camping near an alpine hut on the GR20 - no bed bugs!!
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At the time of our research on the Corsica’s GR20, the hostels were infested with bedbugs. The hosts were allowing camping near the hostels and so we decided to bring our tent and sleeping bags. We were glad we did when we saw other unfortunate hikers red and raw from bed-bug bites every morning!
Guided tours will supply some communal equipment such as tents, sleeping bags or cots, cooking gear, etc. It is important to understand what gear is required for each participant, and what is supplied by the company. Do they hire porters or are the participants expected to carry their personal gear? Either way, remember to keep it light.
When it comes to wilderness treks, a fair amount of equipment is needed. Cooking, water purification, shelter, clothing, and first aid are all important categories to consider. Weight, comfort, and safety play significant roles in decision making. |
Time Commitment - Use the preparation time to research the equipment needed on the trek. If items need to be purchased, look for sales as described above. Technical courses and camping orientation should also be done prior to leaving on the adventure.
Some gear will wear-out during a thru-hike, this needs to be considered. An example of this is footwear. Hiking shoes typically last about eight hundred kilometers (500 mi). If the trek is longer than that, there needs to be a replacement strategy. Is the new footwear part of a re-supply drop, or simply purchased in the next community?
Some gear will wear-out during a thru-hike, this needs to be considered. An example of this is footwear. Hiking shoes typically last about eight hundred kilometers (500 mi). If the trek is longer than that, there needs to be a replacement strategy. Is the new footwear part of a re-supply drop, or simply purchased in the next community?
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After walking 800 km on the T'Railway Trail in Newfoundland, Simon’s running shoes were worn out. But we still had to walk 100 km, or so, to reach the next community. Simon endured painful blisters until we were able to purchase new shoes.
Health and Safety - Researching the trail can lead to a better understanding of the potential risks and inform us as to what health and safety gear and knowledge may be useful. Understanding the proper technique to deal with some natural hazards is a must to stay safe. Carrying an extensive first aid kit without the knowledge of how to use it seems pointless. Taking a wilderness first aid course or taking a lesson on how to use aids and administering medications is imperative if a member of the group requires special care.
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Tough trail conditions will wear-out your footwear sooner than expected!
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Abbie joined us for a section walk on the Trans Canada Trail. She unfortunately got a tic bite. Luckily, we had a tic extractor, some antiseptic wipes that helped remove the offending bug, and clean the wound. She received medical attention as soon as we crossed a community. All this helped minimise the symptoms of the Lyme disease she contracted.
equipment selection
It is interesting to review what other thru-hikers carry on their treks. Be critical of what is said. There is no steadfast rule. Use judgement and build a personalised gear list. Identify must-have components and luxuries. We are fortunate that we are two. The accessories we carry are divided between us. If a hiker is alone, their decision must consider what is feasible for one person to carry.
Our gear list is divided into base weight, accessories, food, and water. Each piece of gear has an average weight assigned to it. These weights are a rough estimate, as each item’s weight will vary depending on the size, fabric, and brand.
Our gear list is divided into base weight, accessories, food, and water. Each piece of gear has an average weight assigned to it. These weights are a rough estimate, as each item’s weight will vary depending on the size, fabric, and brand.
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Base weight - An ultralight thru-hiker will try to keep his/her base weight below 4.5 kilograms (10 lbs). These hikers are typically very experienced and can handle more hardship (AKA less comfort) than mere humans. For the rest of us, keeping the base weight below eight kilos (~18 lbs) is reasonable. These are the bulkier items that, put together, add up to the ‘bare-bones’ of ‘must haves’ when hiking:
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In the desert - light and compact with our bivis!
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The accessories include those items that support self-sufficiency and safety. There are never-ending discussions amongst thru-hikers about accessories. Are they extras or essentials for a given trek? They are not needed every day, but if lost, injured, sick, or in a jam, we will depend on these items to get us to safety. Their cumulative weight is small and may be worth adding to the above base weight list, creating a more comprehensive list. The accessories include:
- Navigation system
- Repair Kit
- Electronics/communication systems
- Illumination
- First Aid & Toiletries
- Miscellaneous
For an in-depth discussion on each component (food prep system, hydration, shelter, etc.), click here.
For a discussion on clothing and the layering system of sports clothing, please click here.
Food and water are not mentioned in these lists. Keep in mind that food and water will raise the carry weight quickly. For more information on food caching and meal prep, see the Nutrition section.
Here is our gear check list (this one for the GDT). It is our quick reference of basic gear we might carry on any given trek.
For a discussion on clothing and the layering system of sports clothing, please click here.
Food and water are not mentioned in these lists. Keep in mind that food and water will raise the carry weight quickly. For more information on food caching and meal prep, see the Nutrition section.
Here is our gear check list (this one for the GDT). It is our quick reference of basic gear we might carry on any given trek.
