Marrying the Trail: A Gear Story

I don’t like to go into too much detail about weight, materials and cost etc. of the team. These are obviously the main considerations, but I don’t go to the extreme. The relationships I have with my team are tried and true. Some of my equipment has survived from my first hike 19 years ago.

something old

I was lucky to find a cooking system that worked for me from the beginning and I never went off track: an MSR Pocket Rocket stove, an isobutane fuel canister, and Titanium pot with koozie bubble heat wrap. The pot is my original and the stove has been replaced only once over the years.

Another thing I don’t mind starting with in the previous category is my used and lightly used Altra Lone Peak model 4.5 trail running shoes. I can usually find my favorite shoes on various online forums, including Poshmark, for 1/3 the price of a new pair. I’m not a fan of the model either. I have used Lone Peak models 1.5, 4.5, 7 and 8 and have been happy with all models so far. I pre-purchased 4 pairs in my favorite color, red, but once they are «sold out» I will probably try them in the recently released model 9.

something new

This was a difficult decision. I replaced my beloved and amazing REI Mojave 10⁰ sleeping bag with a new tangerine one. Feathered Friends Petrel UL 10⁰ sleeping bag. With that change alone I am saving 6 ounces. Since I plan to hike over 4,400 miles this year, I thought it was a good time to upgrade my bag. The jury is still out on whether I’ll like it or not, but I did a lot of research to find a lighter bag that looks similar to the old one.

Another new element that I am going to bet everything on is my COROS Pace 4 smart watch. I’m a low-tech person and have used my TIMEX Ironman Indiglo digital watch for years. But I was missing a way to track my workouts without draining my phone’s battery. I also decided to track my activities to apply for the FKT for a supported Yoyo walk. FKT requires a digital navigation route trace to demonstrate through GPS tracking that your claim is legitimate. Another obvious improvement.

something borrowed

I don’t borrow many items, so this one is a bit of a stretch, but when I’m running out of gas, I borrow my boyfriend’s. Fuel transfer device with Flip Fuel brand canister. It’s an easy way to burn fuel until the end. In the long run, you save money and peace of mind.

something blue

This item is something old, new and blue! is he Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60L Backpack in Tropical Mist color. I used the same package 2 years ago on the CDT. Knowing I had many miles to go before I slept, I decided to replace it prematurely. The beautiful color was a big boost for this update. It’s lightweight, but roomy, so I won’t have trouble finding a place for the many bags of popcorn and chips I plan to pack.

One piece of gear that I carry with me every time I go out is my Guyot Designs 9oz. Soft bowl. I’ve had a blue one for years, but recently upgraded to red, so this is a reverse «something blue.» My trusty trail pup, Potato, has taken over the old man for his water needs around camp when a stream isn’t available. It collapses into nothing, the silicone does not impart strange odors and is easy to clean. I use it for my morning coffee, for mixing hummus, for collecting snacks from other hikers, and for after-dinner cocoa. If you asked me what my favorite team is, this would definitely be in the top five.

There you have it. I’m leaving for Georgia in less than two weeks and I still don’t have a full team list. I hope you enjoyed the post about the recent changes to my team setup. See you next time!

SNIPER! Nobo Sobo Yoyo AT ’26

This website contains affiliate links, which means The Trek may receive a percentage of any products or services you purchase using links in articles or advertisements. The buyer pays the same price they would otherwise pay, and their purchase helps support The Trek’s ongoing goal of bringing you quality backpacking information and advice. Thank you for your support!

For more information, visit the About page of this site.