Remember: The trade-off between weight, cost and comfort is going to be different for all…

Hiking Gear Checklists

This was originally a blog I wrote in 2019, but it became outdated. I’ve updated a lot of the content to what I currently use (Oct 2022). I’ve been thinking of making some videos in the future about gear.

Lighterpack

When planning for a hike, it’s a great idea to have hiking gear checklists to ensure you don’t forget important items. I know I’ve been lazy a few times and I forget something (usually tooth brush/paste, cup or knife). Lighterpack is a great tool for organising your gear and determining your weights.

The Lighterpack lists below show my current hiking gear checklists for four different styles of hiking. You will see I run similar gear throughout each, but there are notable differences when comparing due to seasonal change.

Before reading the lists, consider the following…

• It’s worth noting that comfortable weight limits will vary from person to person. I’m a large male and my gear is often heavier, and I require more food, larger clothes, etc. However, this usually means I can carry more weight too. I’d consider myself a midweight hiker.
• I run a lot of both lightweight gear AND some mid-heavyweight comfort gear. Also consider my gear is a mixture of what I use for thru-hiking (long distance), multi-day or overnight hikes. My gear would change slightly for different circumstances.
• The ‘total weights’ in these lists are often not what I run, as this weight includes the most extreme and heavy gear list I can make. The yellow stars mark items that are situational – that is, I only would take them if conditions suited (e.g. overnight hike vs multi-day, marked trail vs backcountry, snow conditions, high elevation, amount of sun in the day, etc). These have NOT been included in the base weights (marked as consumables).
• Clicking each item will like you to a page to purchase if you’re interested

My Lists (click to view the lists)

~ Summer Hiking Gear List (2022) ~

The lightest list – where extra layers aren’t needed (but the towel is!)

~ Winter Hiking Gear List (2022) ~

Where warmer layers and safety gear become paramount to survival

~ Thru-hiking Gear List (2017) ~

Similar to a basic summer list, but more essentials are used with the long distances travelled

~ Packrafting Gear List (2022) ~

The heaviest list, but at least you don’t have to carry it the whole way! (note: this list would be way lighter for a day trip packraft mission)

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How My Gear has Changed Over the Years

2015-2016

Between 2015 and 2019, my gear has changed up considerably as well as my personal preferences.

In late 2015 and early 2016, my focus was on generally just acquiring more hiking gear in general, as I only had some basics. I ended up a big mix of good quality and average quality gear.

Late 2016

In late 2016, I began the hunt for more lightweight gear to hike the 4200km/2650mile Pacific Crest Trail (as well as Patagonia). I ended up with fairly lightweight gear overall, but still have a few notable heavier items for comfort.

Patagonia taught me that I wanted a lighter pack. There, I used a Gregory Baltaro 75L, which I rarely use now as it’s too big and heavy and also has too many pockets. I also realised then that I needed a more insulated sleeping pad – the ground air from Patagonia was freezing at times! Those were changed out prior to hiking the PCT.

2018-2019

In 2018-19, I’ve mostly kept a similar gear list – this time with notable omissions and additions. Since moving to New Zealand in 2018, I’ve added a few essential items (e.g. PLB for off trail backcountry hiking, and a thermal liner for sleeping bag) and replaced some gear as well. For example, I now use either a large lightweight dry bag or a garbage bag as a liner in my pack (instead of a pack cover) if I know there’s heavy rain forecast.

2020 – onwards

During the past few years, my gear has diversified to cover year-round hiking. I generally have a summer and winter version of most core gear. In regard to the tent, I decided to replace my old MSR Hubba Hubba (v6) as it was pretty beat up. After research, the only model I was interested in was the One Planet Goondie 2, with the replaceable winter/summer inner.

However, it was out of stock at the time, and I ended up getting the same MSR tent but the v8 model. I know it well, and how to make it strong for high winds. The only gripe I have is the newer models alternate the doors, so you can never change the door entry location with alternate orientations.

My packrafting gear changed dramatically – I changed almost all my gear out and currently own two rafts.

Replacements, Additions and Changes to Make

It’s nearing the end of 2022 as I update this post. This section was previously filled with content about upgrading and diversifying my gear, which has been achieved over the years.

I’m fairly content with most of my gear. The only gear I feel I’m lacking now are a decent pair of winter alpine boots, combined with snow gaiters, and perhaps a new stove (my Jetboil is a bit beat up with no clicker). I’d like to get a second winter tent, but it’s not super important due to the limited winter trips I’m currently attempting, and can currently make do with the MSR.

At the end of the day, we all have different preferences and hiking abilities. Hike your own hike, and make it work for you! 😊

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