My Gearlist
Base Weight = 17 lbs
Can confidently take down to 10℉ at night, typically used from 50℉ - 30℉ in the Southwest U.S , NM and AZ
The Big 4
Hyperlite Mountain Gear - Southwest 3400 (Black)
2.18 lbs / 34.88 oz
Durable. Waterproof Dyneema material. Lightweight, yet can handle loads up to 40 lbs comfortably. Simple design. Insures the gear within (sleeping bag/clothes/food/electronics/kits) stays dry. I have a Large, I’m 6’ and it fits well.
Z-Packs - Duplex Tent (Dirt) 27.7 oz INCLUDING 9 Titanium Stakes + Stick-On Loops I’ve added to tent
Ultralight Dyneema tent. Bug net and waterproof tent floor. Dual-vesibule and dual-entrance. Easy to pitch. I use the Zpacks carbon fiber trekking poles to set up.
Feathered Friends - Raven 10℉ YF (Regular) 36.5 oz
This is such a warm bag, I have never once gotten cold using it at night. I’ve used in 8℉ in mountains of Southern New Mexico and it worked incredibly well. Slightly heavier than other options but for the warmth it provides it is worth it to me. In the Sonoran desert it can drop to below freezing at night so I use this bag to ensure I’ll always sleep warm. With my sleep system, I carry the extra weight for colder weather so I know I’ll never be cold at night sleeping in the mountains. For me it’s worth it, the weight doesn’t bother me, it comforts me. I could go lighter though.
NeoAir XTherm - Regular 15 oz
The warmest, highest rated R-value (6.9) sleeping pad on the market. I use it year round and it performs excellently. Never has leaked air at all throughout the night, has not had any punctures using it on the Arizona desert ground, ontop of the thin yet durable duplex tent’s dyneema floor and it is easy to adjust (deflate) air while laying on it to find most comfortable inflation level. And it is not “noisy” like I see many people’s reviews complain about with NeoAir sleeping pads.
My Cook Kit
TOAKS - 900 ml Titanium pot
I can fit a good size dinner in this pot and I like that it is shallow, making it easier to stir all the way to the bottom to prevent pasta getting burned to it. I keep it in the orange carry sack it comes with it and inside I can fit a fuel can and my stove and a copper sponge and a bandana for cleaning.
Optimus Crux Lite Stove
It’s been working good for me for the 3 years I’ve had it. Important to keep it clean and free from collecting dirt where the burner is. Flame is adjustable, allowing easier cooking.
ATiAP Titanium 8.85” Long Handle Spoon - 18 g / 0.63 oz $9.99 (amazon)
A classic beautiful spoon to eat my beloved meals out in the wild.
Scotch-Brite Copper Coated Scrubbers - 6 g (each) / 0.2 oz
$3 (walmart)
These work good to clean the pot out. I only carry one within my cook kit.
Granite Gear Air Zipsack Ultralight Zippered Pouch 16 L - 7 g / 0.2 oz
$26.95 (amazon)
My food bag. Not waterproof. See-thru Sil-Nylon fabric allows you to see what's inside. I store my food in this, also my cook kit inside the orange toaks carrying pouch if it fits. I can fit about 4-5 days of food in here.
Zippered access allows fast loading and secure storage
Convenient haul loops for grabbing and hanging
Square shape stacks great inside your pack
14 x 8 x 7"
Clothing
For sizing comparison - I’m 6 feet tall, 165 lbs, slim
During the warmer months Spring, Summer, Early Fall
Hit the thrift store, they gon rip!
I usually just wear one of the pairs of shorts I have, all are lightweight, I have some North Face ones that dry out well, more of a swim-trunk, this works well for me so i can swim in them if there’s enough water somewhere, or just to do a full body dunk into the creek to stay cool, obviously wearing sandals (yes I hike in Teva sandals in the desert with cactus) so no socks are getting wet.
For a top, I like the button up long sleeve shirts, something that it light and dries well and can withstand some bushes, branches, thorns trying to tear it. Very versatile, I wear it all the way unbuttoned to be free and feel the breeze. I’ve tried on the Columbia Silver Ridge at a Summit Hut in Tucson and it’s super lightweight, but for the cost, I can see it getting stained and tore as soon as I put it on. Aside from button ups I also wear those polyester UV hoodies. They work good in the sun, dry fast if they get wet, usually feels good on the skin, especially when soaked in cold water. Only bad side of those is that they can get a lil stanky after a few months of really using it.
For colder weather, Fall, Winter, Spring 15℉-50℉
Fox - Defend Thermo Hoodie - Large $159.95
I really love this hoodie during the colder seasons, fall and winter and early spring. It’s expensive but it is high quality, it’s made with Polartec grid fleece which keeps me nice and warm. I wanted a technical fleece and did so much research and bought this, and I have been very satisfied. The zipper is off-center and diagonal, which is cool, kinda looks weird but when its zipped up and hooded up it’s very awesome. Fits around my face so that only my eyes and big ol nose are exposed, mouth is covered. Also has a back pocket on the back right, that I hardly use, but it is super big and handy to have. I purchased the Large size, Im 6 foot, 165 lbs, skinny and it fit me exactly perfect, if you’re taller than 6 foot I would size up. It’s great for active use, I do also wear it while mountain biking and it performs excelente.
Fox - Defend Fire Pant - 32 - $160
Recently purchased these and I’ve been really enjoying wearing them. They have Polartec Alpha lined from the knees up, which is pretty nice, it works to keep me warm. The outer material works well as a windproof waterproof layer. The tightening waist buckle is cool too, however I ordered these in size 34 the first time and I had to return because even when tightened all the way it was still just a little loose, too loose for the price tag, I need em to fit perfect. The 32 size fit just right. Glad I exchanged and didn’t give up on the product. The ankle cuff is nice and tight, not too tight for when they’re on, but taking them off can be difficult, stretching them off under the heel. Zippered pockets are really nice and big, the zipper is in the middle so there is room inside above the zipper line.
High-Quality Gear Brands I Use and Highly Recommend
Quality backpacks and shelters made out of Dyneema
Very well made, warm and ultralight sleeping bags and quilts
Ultralight backpacking gear, I use the Duplex shelter, made out of Dyneema
Excellent ultralight sleeping pads and great sleeping bags.
Very Warm and Lightweight Sleeping Bags and Quilts. And warm down jackets.
High-quality and ultralight insulating gear, sleeping bags, down booties, down jackets.
Merino wool baselayers (sleep clothes)👌
High quality, warm, ultralight sleeping bags.
Well made and affordable backpacking gear and excellent return policy on products and REI member benefits.
I own the Chair Zero and Lite Cot and they are both excelente
Great site to buy gear and they are starting to make clothing products for the outdoors.
Excellent winter backpacking shelters and other products.
Ultralight backpacking gear, excellent shelters and backpacks at a reasonable price.