HexaTrek Gear List – Getting Back to Basics

Packing for the HexaTrek has been a real exercise in stripping things down to the absolute essentials. Every ounce matters when you’re carrying life on your back for weeks on end, especially with ME/CFS and PoTS in the mix. The goal has been simple: stay as light as possible while still carrying the things that really improve comfort, recovery, and sleep.

Over the past few years I’ve learned that lighter doesn’t always mean better when it comes to the cost of recovery. So this setup strikes me as a good balance between ultralight and realistic.

Backpack

I switched to the Osprey Eja Pro 55, which is 1kg lighter than my previous Osprey backpack. It still comfortably supports weight, but the weight savings are significant.

Shelter and Sleep Settings

Our Durston X-Mid 2 tent is one of the most weight-saving tents. It weighs around 800g because it is launched with trekking poles instead of dedicated tent poles.

Sleep is something I absolutely cannot compromise with ME/CFS. Recovery matters too much. I traded in my old, bulky sleeping bag for a -2°C-rated Liteway Apex Sleeper duvet, which is about half the size and weight of my previous setup.

Underneath that, I’m using the Sea to Summit Comfort Light Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad. It’s technically a little heavier than my old inflatable mat, but it’s much more comfortable and much less squeaky thanks to the foam inside. It’s also designed specifically for women, which makes a difference on pressure points after long days of hiking.

I added a Thermarest Synergy Lite sheet to help keep the mat clean, plus the Sea to Summit Eros pillow because little luxuries become so important after weeks on the trail.

I also carry a small RestNature white noise machine. Before anyone judges the extra 50 grams, my husband snores. Sleep is a priority. So, along with headphones and an eye mask, this definitely earns its place in the pack. The charge is excellent; I probably only charge it every few months at home, with overnight use.

Hiking equipment

I’ll be hiking on my trusty Altra Lone Peak 6, which is still my favorite version they’ve ever made. I loved them so much that I accumulated pairs and sadly this is the last one.

For poles, I carry Trekology trekking poles. They are lightweight, sturdy, and fold up nicely when not in use.

One item I’m especially excited about is the Gossamer Gear Ultralight Umbrella with Hands-Free Kit. I used to think walking umbrellas looked ridiculous until I tried one. It keeps me much cooler in the sun, helps tremendously with heat intolerance and PoTS, and also serves as protection from the rain without turning me into a sweaty rain jacket sauna.

Clothes

Because of my PoTS, I will be hiking primarily in Skins compression tights, along with a lightweight vest, knee pads, and a hoodie for the sun.

Spare clothing is kept to a minimum:

• 1 light vest

• 2 light shorts

• Polar

• Rab Cirrus insulating jacket

• Undershirt and sleeping tights

• Bed socks

• 1 pair of spare socks

• 1 spare sports bra

• 2 pairs of spare pants

• Light gloves

• Sun hat

For waterproofing, I have completely stopped relying on a waterproof jacket. I’m using a Molfar poncho tent, which keeps me and my backpack dry, and also doubles as an emergency shelter. It offers much better coverage than my old Rab raincoat did, especially during long, humid days where everything eventually seems to get soaked.

Cooking and food

For cooking, we use the ultralight Jetboil Stash stove, along with a collapsible pot that doubles as overnight oats and noodles.

As for food, generally we will eat for three days in a row:

• Protein oats

• Couscous

• Noodles

• Lentil pancakes

• Dry peanut butter

• 3-in-1 coffee bags (dairy-free)

• Granola bars

Simple, light and easy to replace.

I’ll also bring a collapsible coffee cup because trail coffee still counts as a daily necessity.

Water and Health

To filter my water, I’m using a Water-to-Go bottle so we can filter while we walk, as well as a separate bottle for electrolytes because hydration is an important part of managing PoTS symptoms. For me, electrolyte pills are not negotiable at all during the trip.

I also bring a small cork massage ball for the foot physiotherapist at the end of the day, a tiny object that makes a big difference.

Toiletries

The toiletries are very combined:

• Sea to Summit Airlite Towel

• Salt of the Earth mini deodorant stick

• Toothbrush and toothpaste

• Small pot of coconut oil

• Baby wipes

• Bidet accessory for water bottle

• Drying cloth

• Pallette

• Sea to Summit Pocket Wash Sheets

Security and electronics

For navigation and safety we will carry the Garmin inReach Mini 2 with all our daily routes already downloaded.

Other electronic components include:

• Ledlenser Neo1R headlamp

• Multiple charging cable

• Adapter plug

First aid

Our first aid kit is lightweight but practical and includes:

• Blister dressings

• Tissue glue

• Steri-Strips

• Tick removers

Enough to deal with the inevitable problems on the road without having to carry an entire pharmacy.

Final thoughts

One thing that was really important to me when choosing gear was making sure everything was completely synthetic instead of down fill. I’m vegan and keeping my kit ethical is just as important to me as keeping it light.

Fortunately, outdoor gear has come a long way and there are now many good synthetic options that still pack small, keep you warm, and also work well in wet weather. For a route like the HexaTrek, where conditions can change constantly, synthetic insulation seems like the best fit anyway.

Each element of our packages has been questioned several times before earning its place. The HexaTrek is long enough that comfort, recovery and sustainability are as important as weight.

Over time, I realized that ultralight hiking isn’t really about suffering with less. It’s about taking the things that matter most and letting go of the things that don’t.

Now we just have to start walking!