TA – Equipment List – What I’m Starting With!

I feel like all Trek bloggers are almost always obligated to post a gear list, so this will be my attempt.

Now I’m not an ultra lite – I’ve acquired good quality, lightweight gear, but I recognize that I’ll probably overpack, so I feel like I’ll start the hike with the gear I think I need and then remove or add gear as needed.

The big 3

1 – Package – Gossamer Gear Butterfly.

I have a blue and black Mariposa, and I think it’s the 2023 version, which I actually bought in New Zealand. There’s an update to the Mariposa, so I’m a little behind, but so far so good – it’s got a frame I prefer for support and sturdy but lightweight fabric, along with a decent amount of pockets for gear.

Butterfly in the Peak District, England, with sheep

2- Tent- Durston X Mid 2

I’ve become a big fan of the Durston team (see posts below), and not just because it’s based in Canada (a Commonwealth member country that’s sometimes seen as its next-door neighbor’s little brother…)

First attempt to install Durston in the summer. I have improved.

After carefully reading Trek 2024 and 2025 reviews of the best tents, I finally chose Durston over zpacks. It’s light, roomy, and from what I’ve heard so far on the TA, a popular choice. So much so that when I was doing a test walk for a few days in August on the South Downs path in the UK, I set up the tent at the back of a small fishing pond center in the middle of nowhere and a fellow hiker was setting up the exact same tent, which makes me think we had both chosen wisely. An even bigger coincidence was that he was going to found Te Araroa at a similar time to me: the world sometimes seems small.

Definite improvement behind fishing cottage on the South Downs. Two Durstons here that night.

3 – Quilt – Illuminated Team Reveal

I had heard about this brand over and over again on Trek, and since the truth is that side sleepers probably prefer quilts, I made the investment. It’s warm, it’s light, what more could you ask for?

Cross shoes/trainers

Solitary Altra Peak.

I have wide feet and what would probably be called a ski jump or hobbit (seems to be from New Zealand), so I definitely need a wider fitting shoe. When I tried on my first Altras (the Lone Peak 6), I didn’t look back.

When I started walking longer distances again, the Altras were in fashion – they seem to have been replaced lately by Topos, which I tried but the fit didn’t suit me. The same thing happened with Hoka, I personally didn’t like the drop. So Altra, I’m staying with you. My only criticism is that Altra keeps making small changes when updating, why? Overall, though, I like the wide toe box and they don’t squeeze me like most shoes; suffice it to say that I am Lone Peaks for life.

I’ve stocked up on several pairs for the TA – I think I probably bought the last pair of Lone Peak 8s in size 9.5 in the entire UK; I found a pair of Lone Peak 7s that may have been forgotten in a store, and I have a new Lone Peak 9+ as a backup, to go with the current lightly worn 9+ I’m starting with.

Finally, gaiters that you can buy that match the Altras are a great addition to wearing the shoes.

I’m looking forward to hitting the trails of Lone Peaks and will update their performance as we go, so I hope these folks don’t disappoint.

Other sleeping equipment

Sleeping mat – Exped Ultra 3R

I re-read Trek reviews, but I finally found a deal with local European company Exped and used their 3R Ultra. It’s comfortable so far, and fingers crossed I can keep it hole-free.

Sleeping liner and pillow, both from Sea to Summit, which I consider a little luxury, the liner to keep the quilt clean and a little warm when I get to the Southern Alps.

trekking poles

Durston Ice Line.

There are many types and brands, but when I bought my tent, I added them to the order. I was intrigued by the fact that they are so lightweight with a single adjuster and quick connect, which makes them stronger since the mid and bottom sections are the same width. Did I mention they are lightweight? So that’s a win, let’s just hope the TA is nice to them.

Mariposa and the Durston Poles

Various clothing

I have a Frogg Toggs poncho, as well as a Mac Pac raincoat and waterproof pants; At this first stage I won’t be wearing both, but at some point I’ll decide if I’ll keep the poncho or the coat and pants.

Padded Jacket – Patagonia Nano Puff – bright lime yellow, so I will be visible from space, but it seems light enough that I chose a size larger to have room.

Socks: I’m a total convert to toe socks and have picked up a lot of the Kiwi brand’s Creepers, which come in some funky colors and various sizes and lengths. They are wool/merino and extremely comfortable, and so far in all the hikes I’ve done in them, they haven’t had any blisters.

Shirts: Backpacker Radio talked about Jolly Gear enough. I have a short sleeve pink/blue hoodie and a long sleeve hoodie that I’ll take on and off for a while for the first few weeks to see what works best, but I think I’ll probably go with the short sleeve long term. I also have an Icebreaker Merino T-shirt (again, sunny yellow) to wear in the evenings or around town.

Undershirts: – Long sleeve – A little more merino, as there is never enough, I have opted for a great Welsh company, Howies, elegant and soft. Long Johns, I have chosen Icebreaker again.

Miscellaneous

iPhone SE 3rd generation: Yes, I’m retro (aka old) and prefer a smaller phone and a home button.

Garmin Instinct 3 Solar – Watch

Chargers – Inui – North Island I can only carry one, but I can add another for the South Island.

Stove – Jetboil.

Spork – From sea to summit

Cup – Snow and Peak.

Pallet – Deuce tent.

Water filter: Sawyer mini, an incredible kit.

Clothesline Rope – for hanging clothes and food (should be kept away from critters, especially opossums).

Yes, I have the emergency locator beacon, first aid kit, basic toiletries (no, I’m not cutting my toothbrush in half), dental floss for repairs, pocket knife.

Basic weight

I’ve been debating whether to calculate all of this, but I really think I’m going to keep feeling. I don’t think I packed too much, but there are definitely some things that at some point I will get rid of or won’t need. The backpack feels comfortable and I don’t feel like an overweight turtle either.

The next posts will be from the trail.

until then.

pt