My GDT Gear List – Living in Luxury

Who doesn’t love nerding out over gear and what other people are bringing? Check out the list of things I plan to bring first and then a rationale behind my gear selection. Want a cool idea for a lightweight mug that fits in a titanium pot? Scroll down to the Kitchen section.

The Big Three

Sleeping System – Sleeping Bag, Sleeping Pad, Pillow

Sleeping Bag – Western Mountaineering Ultralite

This is easily one of the coziest sleeping bags I’ve owned. When I hiked the PCT in 2018, I had a Sea to Summit Spark which, for the model I bought, was only 1/4 zip. It was light AF, but there were times where I wish I could’ve unzipped it a bit further to let my legs breathe (like in Oregon). Not only does the Ultralite unzip most of the way, but it is also only 40g heavier than my Sea to Summit Spark.

Sleeping Pad – Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite Sleeping Pad

I’m a side sleeper and if I can’t get a comfortable sleep on my side then I won’t feel as rested and I won’t be able to hike as efficiently. I need a good sleep, and a good sleeping pad is a necessary piece of gear to get you there.

Pillow – MEC Deluxe Pillow

Is this a luxury item? Some people (like my partner) would say so. Here’s the thing: clothes crumpled under your head are not as comfy as a pillow. Period.

I sleep with two pillows at home; I can’t go from two pillows to a pile of clothes and expect to have a quality sleep night after night. My neck needs support; a pillow (with my clothes piled under it) does the job.

Weight – 1255g (44.27 oz.).

Shelter – Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL 2 w/ Footprint

I hiked the PCT in the previous model and it lasted several more hikes before I sent it in to have the fly zipper replaced due to coil damage; Big Agnes sent me the new model to replace the older model and I haven’t looked back since. For one person, this is quite a spacious tent. You have more than enough room for yourself and your gear. It’s pretty easy to change in there once you get used to it. For two people, it is on the small side; doable for a few nights, but not very feasible for a longer thru-hike.

Weight – 1134.5g (40.02 oz.).

Pack – Osprey Exos 58

I dislike hiking with an overly sweaty back (weird, right?) so any packs I use during the warmer months (late spring-early fall) need to have a ventilated back. The Osprey Exos has been my go-to overnight bag for 7 years. It’s light, breezy, and comfortable; whatever gear you have in it, you can just cruise and forget about it.

Weight – 1145g (40.39 oz.).

Find the complete list of GDT gear written by Josh Brown.