Essential CDT Gear: Pack Like a Pro for the Trail

Rethinking Gear for the Continental Divide Trail

When preparing for a thru-hike like the Continental Divide Trail, your gear list becomes your lifeline. Over the years, my approach to packing has evolved significantly.

While the ultralight mindset dominates much of the backpacking community, I’ve found myself gravitating toward heavier items that offer greater comfort and durability. This shift didn’t happen overnight—it came from experience and understanding the demands of long-distance trails.

On my third thru-hike, I realized that sacrificing essential items for the sake of weight wasn’t always practical. The Continental Divide Trail, with its unpredictable weather and rugged terrain, taught me the value of balancing weight with functionality.

While some may argue for a minimalist approach, I’ve learned that a well-thought-out gear list can make or break your journey. It’s not just about carrying less; it’s about carrying smart.

Continental Divide Trail Gear List: A Balanced Approach

When preparing for the Continental Divide Trail, your gear list is more than just a checklist—it’s a reflection of your priorities as a hiker. While many opt for light setups to minimize base weight, I’ve found that a few luxury items can make a world of difference over months on the trail.

For instance, during my thru-hike on the Colorado Trail, I kept my base weight under 10 pounds, but on the John Muir Trail, I allowed myself a bit more comfort by adding a few extra items.

Now, facing the Continental Divide Trail, I’m balancing weight with happiness and sanity, ensuring my back and shoulders don’t bear the brunt of unnecessary bulk.

My gear philosophy revolves around weighing the joy each item brings against its inconvenience or discomfort. For example, a sleeping pad like the NEMO Tensor adds a bit of weight, but the comfort it provides is worth every ounce.

Similarly, a puffy jacket like the Mountain Hardware Ghost Whisper Hoodie might seem like a non-essential, but it’s a lifesaver during chilly nights. Whether it’s a sleeping bag liner for extra warmth or a Gossamer Gear umbrella for sun protection, every piece of gear serves a purpose.

Shelter & Sleep System

• Tent: Durston Gear X-Mid Pro 1 (17.1 oz)
• Sleeping Pad: NEMO Tensor Regular/Wide (17.55 oz)
• Quilt: 10-degree Hammock Gear Down Burrow UL (22.1 oz)
• Ground cloth: Tyvek (4.9 oz)
• Trekking Poles: Cascade Mountain Tech, Foam Grips (11.15 oz)
• Sleeping Pad Pump: FLEXTAIL Zero Pump (2.1 oz)

Clothes & Worn Weight

• Sun Hoodie: Mountain Hardware Men’s Crater Lake (5.6 oz)
• Rain Jacket: Marmot PreCip Eco (9.3 oz)
• Shoes: HOKA Speedgoat 5 Trail Runners (20.8 oz)
• Microgrid Fleece: SAMBOB Hoodie (8.95 oz)
• Camp Shoes: JOYBEES Dance Sandals (8.3 oz)

First Aid & Essentials

• Blisters: Leukotape, Safety Pin, Lighter
• Trauma & Injury: Antiseptic Wipes, ACE Bandage, Gauze
• Gear Repair: Dyneema Repair Patches, Needle, Thread

Cook System & Water Filtration

• Stove: Jetboil Stash (7.95 oz)
• Food Storage: BearVault 450 (33.15 oz)
• Water Filtration: Sawyer Squeeze (2.55 oz)
• Cold Soak Jar: Talenti Gelato Container (1.9 oz)

Electronics & Extras

• Satellite Phone: Garmin InReach Mini (4 oz)
• Headlamp: Nitecore Rechargeable (1.95 oz)
• Power Bank: Nitecore 10,000mA (5.29 oz)

By carefully selecting each item, I’ve created a gear list that balances weight, comfort, and functionality, ensuring a smoother journey on the Continental Divide Trail.

Extra Items: Small Luxuries That Make a Big Difference

When preparing for the Continental Divide Trail, it’s the extra items that often bring the most joy. These small additions might add a bit of weight, but they’re worth every ounce for the comfort, entertainment, and safety they provide. Here’s a breakdown of my extra items:

Entertainment & Personal Touches

• Deck of Cards: At 3.3 oz, this lightweight entertainment option is perfect for relaxing at camp.
• Stuffed Animal: Meet Bean Dip, my trusty marmot companion. While its weight is undisclosed (it’s rude to ask!), it adds a personal touch to my pack.

Practical Extras

• Wallet: A simple Ziploc bag (1 oz) keeps my essentials organized and waterproof.

Location-Specific Gear

• Southern Colorado:
  • Camp Corsa Ice Axe: Essential for snowy sections (7.1 oz).
  • Kahtoola Microspikes: Provides traction on icy terrain (11.9 oz).
• Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana:
  • Counter Assault Bear Spray: A must-have in grizzly territory (11 oz). While some suggest a gun, studies show bear spray is more effective for protection and safer for the bears.

These extra items might seem non-essential, but they enhance my thru-hike experience, balancing comfort and practicality.

Gear Statistics: The Breakdown for the Continental Divide Trail

Justifying My Heavy, Non-Essential Gear Choices

Let’s be honest: not every piece of gear is essential, but that doesn’t mean it’s unnecessary. My heavy, non-essential choices—like a camera, a fleece, and a puffy jacket—are all about comfort and happiness on the trail. While the ultralight community might raise an eyebrow, I’ve learned that confidence in my abilities matters more than fitting into a specific mold.

Whether it’s a gear hack that works for me or a miserable experience I’d rather avoid, my pack weight reflects what makes my journey enjoyable. After all, thru-hiking is as much about joy as it is about endurance.

Being Ultralight Means Nothing

When I started thru-hiking, I thought ultralight was the only way to earn credibility in the community. Now, I realize that confidence in my abilities is what truly matters.

Sure, I carry a camera, a fleece, and a puffy jacket, but these items bring me happiness on the trail. My advice? Don’t let anyone minimize your abilities because of your pack weight. Whether it’s a gear hack or a miserable experience, your journey is yours alone.

Total Base Weight: Balancing Comfort and Practicality

My base weight for the Continental Divide Trail is 281 oz (17.6 lbs), a far cry from my 9.2 lbs on the Colorado Trail and 11.3 lbs on the John Muir Trail. While I’ve proven I can go without luxury items in the backcountry, the CDT has me questioning if saving a few pounds is worth sacrificing comfort.

With a total everything weight of 370 oz (23 lbs), I’ll need to be strategic about what goes in my pack, on my body, and in my fanny pack. After all, thru-hiking is about finding the balance between joy and practicality.