Gear We Have Used
I get a lot of emails about the specific gear we carry on our hikes, so I have decided to post this info here. These are not recommendations, per se – this is just the gear that we have actually used on the Northville Placid and some comments about it.
Tents:
- Walrus Arch-Rival – This was a light 3 season hoop design tent. Required staking and some careful site selection, but it served us well. This tent is no longer available, in fact I’m not even sure if the brand Walrus is still around. You can see a photo of it here
- Big Agnes Seedhouse SL2
– Our current tent of choice. This is a super light, free standing tent that is very easy to setup and move. Lots of mesh for those clear summer nights.
Boots
- EMS – My hiking boot of choice was, for a long time, an old EMS model whose name I have long since forgotten, and that EMS has long since stopped making. They were your typical, rugged, heavy, mid height, leather hiking boot… and they had Norwegian Welt stitching, which I loved. I still have them, and still wear them around here in winter.
- Asolo FSN 95 GTX – Bought these when I decided I needed to go lighter on my feet. They are still ankle high, and provide solid support, but only weight 2lbs 13ounces and have Gore-Tex liners to help keep your feet dry. I only wore them for one summer before I decided to go even lighter.
- The North Face Ultras – This line of shoes introduced me to the joys of wearing trail runners as hiking boots. I will never go back to bulky, heavy boots again. I’ve owned several different versions of them over the years (although my favorites are still the first ones they made).
- (Here is a review of my new favorite boot. I haven’t worn these ones on the Northville Placid Trail yet, but you can be sure I will the next time I get out there.)
Sleeping Bags:
- The North Face Cat’s Meow +20 – The first backpacking bag I owned. This classic synthetic bag has a well deserved reputation as being a good all around 3 season option.
- Big Agnes Horse Thief SL +35 – In an attempt to save weight and try out a new bag/pad sleep system, I purchased the Horse Thief before our 2004 thru-hike. I liked it so much it became my main sleeping bag. The very next year Jess bought one as well.
- Read our review at Towns and Trails
Sleeping Pads:
- Therm-a-Rest Trail Lite – The classic self-inflating sleeping pad from Therm-a-Rest. This model served me well for years before I switched to the Big Agnes system.
- Big Agnes Insulated Air Core Pad – Combined with the Horse Thief this changed the way I sleep on the trail – and by that I mean, I actually get good, solid sleep now. This pad fits inside the bottom of the Horse Thief so that you never roll or slide off of it at night. The insulation and extra padding keep you warm and comfortable. Blowing it up at the end of each day is a bit of a drag, but I find it worth it.
- Read our review at Towns and Trails
Packs:
- Kelty – I can’t remember the name of the pack I carried on my solo hike for the life of me, but it was a large internal frame model that I used for several years. It carried a load comfortably and was sturdy as can be, however, it was just a bit too heavy for my needs. You can see a photo of it here.
- Granite Gear Nimbus Ozone
– This pack weighs 3 pounds and carries up to 40 perfectly on your back. Jess and I both picked this model after reading multiple reviews from AT thru-hikers… we have not been disappointed.
Stoves:
- MSR WhisperLite – – The first stove I ever owned. This is a workhorse with a great reputation.
- Jetboil – Simply put, one of the best pieces of gear I have ever purchased. The Jetboil is simple, compact, light, and “just works.” It is not for those who fancy themselves back country gourmets, but if you want something to quickly boil water for you without having to think much about it… this is the stove.
Water Filter:
- MSR MiniWorks – Water filters are my least favorite piece of gear. I’ve yet to find one that isn’t a hassle to use and keep clean. The MiniWorks is the best I’ve found, but that isn’t saying much. The model I’ve linked to here is a newer EX version which claims to have improved on the model I have.
Trail Guide
What each individual carries on a hike like this is largely a personal decision, but please do not cut corners when it comes to your safety. If you do not have experience gearing up for an extended back country hike you should seek assistance from your local outfitter.