Team of the Year: The Trek

A lot of people really get going, and for good reason. They use it and adjust it constantly, scrutinizing it down to the last ounce until their equipment is fitted to perfection.

I don’t. What I have works and I try not to get bogged down in all the details. However, that could change after this year, with the help of some further distance and knowing even more about what works and what doesn’t.

Having lightweight items like a quilt, tent, or even your backpack makes a big difference. Ounces do matter, but spending an extra hundred bucks on something a little more ultralight probably doesn’t make sense to me right now.

As long as it works and you know how to use it correctly, it’s probably the best approach.

My somewhat marked backpacking kit

The backpack

After using Six Moon Designs Swift X since 2022, this year it was time for a slight update. After a handful of day hikes with the Six Moon Designs Minimalist V2, I can safely say that this pack will see some use this year.

The oldest backpack was damaged and could not contain more than two days’ worth of food. It was a good package and will most likely still be used.

The Minimalist V2 is lightweight but sturdy, can hold a lot more, and is easy on my back. It still needs to be tweaked a little sooner, but so far it’s been a great choice.

the store

The Durston X Mid 1 is my pick for shelter. I have been using this tent for a few years and it is easy to set up, take down and transport. The trekking pole setup works great with my poles and stays very solid even in windy conditions. This was probably my best purchase in recent years and I enjoyed sleeping in it because it is comfortable.

The sleep system

There have been times when I decided to stay overnight after a day hike got too late. Too tired to drive home, my sleep system came in handy.

Enlightened Equipment has been an option with their Revelation quilt. Light, warm and fits perfectly in my backpack. To be honest, I like it better than my Marmot 20 degrees because it has kept me warm in temperatures of 35 degrees even though it is rated for 50 degrees. Nice!

Other equipment and needs

Food storage is also key and for that I am using a food bag, a bear bag to keep bugs large and small away. I’ve never really had any problems with animals getting into my food, but in case they try, it will be a little difficult to get to my bitter kids and oatmeal.

It has been a rainy spring so far and there is a chance of a rainy summer, even in the mountains. For both trails, I’ll wear my trusty Columbia rain jacket and rain pants if necessary. I’m pretty sure it will be needed at some point.

Extra socks, thermal tops and bottoms, and probably a hat for those cold nights in the mountains.

A small bag will also contain a headlamp with extra batteries, a water filter, and a power bank to charge my phone and smartwatch.

The trails await

I’m looking forward to getting back out on the Yampa Valley Trail one more time and then heading out to the Continental Divide Trail sometime after that. Yes, I switched from the Colorado Trail to the CDT for logistical reasons. It’s very difficult for me to find someone to help me get to and from the Colorado Trail, so after the Yampa Valley Trail I decided to head to the CDT. It’s much closer to me and doesn’t involve any transportation issues getting to and from the trail.

If I can get miles comparable to what I would do on the Colorado Trail, 485 or so, then that’s what I’m looking for. I know the section closest to me, so it could become something more, like a hiking section. Who knows, maybe more?

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