Why don’t I check for updates?

If you’re like me, you love teams. I love the latest and greatest gear, the best of the best. But I also recognize that I already have equipment that I really love. Equipment that has worked for years and still has a lot of life left to give.

As I finalize my gear for the Appalachian Trail, I realize that I already have everything I need to get started. Of course, there are gaps in which I could upgrade for convenience or marginal improvements, but why replace something that still does its job well? Why not use it until it no longer serves its purpose?

This is not a complete list of equipment

I mentioned in my last post that I would be sharing a full equipment list. This is not that post.

Instead, this is a look at the gear I really love and will be bringing with me, along with some pieces I’ve considered upgrading. But I probably won’t replace them until they’re ready to retire.

A reality check on waste

As backpackers and hikers, we already generate a lot of waste: processed snack wrappers, the cardboard and plastic packaging they come in, and the amount of runners we burn along the way. Then there are the clothes. The sheer amount of outdoor clothing already out there is staggering, enough to clothe hikers for years.

So why are we constantly forced to buy more?

I admit it: I am a clothing designer and I love trends. I’ve spent a lot of money on hiking gear and even now find myself looking forward to spring releases from my favorite brands. But the truth is that I already have everything I need. Why spend more money just to get them dirty and destroyed on the road ahead?

So instead of looking for what’s new, I’m going to start with what I already have, and these are some of the gear and clothing I’ll be bringing with me.

A look at the tried and trusted gear I’ll be carrying on my AT hike.

Clothes and equipment I bring

Puffy Jacket: Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer – I’ve had this swollen since 2018. It’s my favorite gear and comes on every hike, even summer hikes in New England. It weighs almost nothing and has proven itself time and time again. After years of abuse, I finally took a hit last winter when my snowshoes burned a hole in my arm. I patched it, it works, it’s reliable and it comes with me. I’ll give it a wash before my hike to restore the loft a bit.

Shorts: Mountain Hardwear Trail Sender (purchased in 2023) – I love these shorts so much that I bought two pairs. The design has since changed, but this version has a flat elastic waistband, deep side pockets, and a wide thigh opening that doesn’t ride up. They are comfortable, practical and difficult to replace.

Socks: Darn Tough Vermont Micro Crew Lightweight Cushioned Socks – This is complicated. I design for DTV and have an overflowing sock drawer; Most of those socks still have a lot of life left in them. That said, while designing for the S26 collection, we created a new bug club style I wanted to wear on the road, so I bought a new pair. I’ll be wearing three pairs total: two for hiking and one for camping. The other two pairs were already in my drawer.

One of the DTV socks I already had in my sock drawer and will be wearing on the AT.

Gloves: Outdoor Research Vigor Heavyweight Sensor Gloves (purchased in 2022) – OR has been my go-to for gloves and mittens since 2017. I purchased this pair in 2022 and, despite some torn seams, they have been my everyday winter hiking gloves for the past three years. They may look ready to retire, but with a little sewing, they’re still warm and useful.

Store: Zpacks Duplex (purchased in 2017) – One of my big 3. I considered purchasing a single tent, but spending another $500+ on gear I don’t really need didn’t make sense. The decision fell on my Zpacks Duplex or Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2, both solid options with their own trade-offs.

Weight and interior space are most important to me, especially having room to hang wet clothes after a long day. After much thought, I bring you the Duplex. It’s almost ten years old and is probably on its final tour. If I miss the convenience of a freestanding tent, I can always mail myself the Tiger Wall or flip it on the go.

My UL2 tiger wall. I’ve spent the last two years setting up this tent solo and it’s been a solid performer that ticks a lot of boxes.

Power Bank: Nitecore NB10000 Gen 2 USB/USB-C Fast Charging – This is the only item I have seriously debated updating. It works perfectly, but all my electronic devices now use USB-C. Ideally, you should switch to a portable charger with two USB-C ports so you can carry two cables instead of three. That said, the Nitecore has been reliable and an extra cable is not a deal breaker. If it starts to bother me, I can always update.

Hydration: One Bottle Hydration System – This is a luxury item. I’m prone to dehydration-related migraines, so constantly sipping on hot days or on steep climbs is non-negotiable. This system allows me to skip a full tank, save space, and drink on the go. I’ve used it with a Smartwater bottle since 2023 and I swear by it.

Pillow: Nemo Fillo Pillow (purchased in 2020) – Another luxury item because sleeping well is important! I have tried several pillows and the Nemo Fillo works best for me. I considered switching to the lighter Fillo Elite since my version is bulky and weighs 9.6 oz due to the foam insert, but after some testing, I found a solution. I removed the foam and case, used a polisher as a cover, and tied it to my mat with an elastic so it wouldn’t slide: same comfort, less bulk, less weight.

What this approach means in the future

This approach isn’t about completely avoiding new equipment or saving money. It’s about respecting what has already been proven. If something stops working, I will replace it. If an update really improves my experience, I’ll consider it. But I don’t need everything to be new for it to be effective.

For now, I’m starting the journey with gear I trust and gear that has earned its place through years of use. The Appalachian Trail will take care of the rest.

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