White Mountains Direttissima FKT Gear List
Because I had to average over 40 miles and 13,000 feet of elevation gain per day, the White Mountains Direttissima was the first time that I made a concerted effort to shave as many ounces as possible. Much of my weight savings came from the unique way that I went about getting nutrition, which is vastly different from what I normally do on backpacking trips.
The Big Stuff
- Backpack – Hyperlite Mountain Gear (HMG) 3400 Windrider (frame removed)
- Hydration Pack – Salomon Adv Skin 12 Set (w/ 2 liter hydration bladder)
- Tent – Gossamer Gear “The One” (w/polycryo footprint)
- Quilt – Hammock Gear Economy 20° Down Quilt (w/ drybag)
- Sleeping Pad – 2/3 of a Thermarest zlite
- Trekking Poles – Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork
The frame of my HMG Windrider broke at about mile 1,800 of my Appalachian Trail thru-hike last year. HMG worked with me to get new stays as quickly as possible, but I covered a couple hundred miles prior to receiving them. During that time, I realized that for me the pack is more comfortable without the stays, provided the weight is kept relatively low. I have not used the aluminum stays since then.
May 6, 2022
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LIFE OUTDOORS
MEDIA MENTIONS
Fresh drinking water is essential. This water filtration system ensures you will never run out as long as there is a nearby natural water source. It can filter out bacteria, protozoa and microplastics.
MEDIA MENTIONS
Faster and more efficient than pumping or waiting for chemical treatments, the Sawyer Squeeze System offers on-the-go hydration at a good flow. This product is long-lasting, affordable, reliable, cleanable, and very user-friendly.
MEDIA MENTIONS
But Sawyer was way ahead of me — 15 years ahead, to be precise. In 2008, the brand started its Clean Water for All initiative, which provides Sawyer filters to developing countries around the world. And the company spends 90% of its profits funding it.
