I recently saw a YouTube video by Kyle Hates Hiking about gear and not falling into the trap of buying a lot of unnecessary stuff, esp. when first starting. It's cliche but "you get what you pay for" and "spending a little now, goes a long way". I'm just listing an inventory of the stuff I currently use and these aren't necessarily the best in class. A little repair (glue) and sewing can really extend the life of your gear. In one of Joey Coconato's gear run downs, you don't need the latest gizmos and what-nots advertised by influencers on social media or at your favorite sports store to enjoy the outdoors. A good pair of your own boots is crucial but you can borrow most other equipment. Or, checkout garage sales, community message boards, or resale places (REI, Next Adventure - in Portland).
Clothes
Lightweight Outer Layer Jacket
Marmot Soft Shell Jacket (L)
Pros
✔︎ Warm outer layer, esp. when paired with a mid-layer jacket
✔︎ 5 zippered outer pockets
✔︎ 1 zippered inner pocket
✔︎ Small mesh pocket for a snack, mini MP3 player, cash
✔︎ Drawstrings in hood & waist for snugger fit, as needed
Cons
✘ Good for dry or drizzle conditions but not great for heavier rain
✘ Needs water repellent treatment, esp after a few washes
✘ Lacks way to cinch cuffs like on newer styles (e.g. ROM 2.0 Hoodie and Velcro)
Item Discontinued
Mid Layer Jacket
Helly Hansen - Lifaloft Insulator Hooded Jacket (L)
Pros
✔︎ Warm and thin design
✔︎ Washable
✔︎ Windproof & water-resistent (outside)
✔︎ Stays warm even when wet (rain, sweat)
Cons
✘ It was saturated after a vigorous hike
✘ Not sure how quickly it would dry if I was on a through-hike
www.hellyhansen.com/en_us/lifaloft-hooded-insulator-jack-65604
Pants
KÜHL Klash™ Pants - 32/30
Pros
✔︎ Several zippered pockets
✔︎ Water and dirt repellent
✔︎ Soft waistband
✔︎ Boot hook and zippered bottoms
Cons
I wore leggings underneath without a belt on my MSH hike and they keep slipping off even though they fit correctly (32" waist). I forgot a belt (or suspenders). A size 30" would be uncomfortably tight. I have a pair of Teren pants that have a rubberized logo in the waistband that provides some grip. A rubber strip might be an interesting addition. Or, a built-in belt like my hiking shorts (Prana Zion)
www.kuhl.com/kuhl/mens/pants/ms-klash-pant/
Shorts
Stretch Zion Short - 32/12
Pros
✔︎ Comfortable, durable
✔︎ Built-in belt + belt loops
✔︎ Cargo pocket on left leg
Cons
✘ Open front (R/L) & back L pockets
✘ Front Pockets get turn inside out'
✘ Stuff could fall out
www.prana.com/p/stretch-zion-short/M3ST99117.html
Base Layers
32 Degrees Heat - Lightweight Baselayers (M/L)
Pros
✔︎ Lightweight
✔︎ Moisture wicking and still keeps you warm when wet (perspiration)
✔︎ A real bargain at about $6/each
Cons N/A
www.32degrees.com/products/mens-lightweight-baselayer-crew-top?variant=39368685977689
Accessories
Hat
American Apparel Unisex Cuffed Acrylic Lined Beanie
Pros
✔︎ It's a beanie. does the job
✔︎ Warm, stylish
Cons
Defunct company but still can buy online
www.amazon.com/American-Apparel/dp/B07WZ6X4SB
Ear Warmers
Columbia Trail Shaker Headring
Pros
✔︎ Great layer (keeps ears warm)
✔︎ Thermal reflective lining
✔︎ Holes for glasses on the side
Cons N/A
www.columbia.com/p/trail-shaker-headring-1862561.html
Gloves
Outdoor Research Flurry Gloves - Men's (M)
Pros
✔︎ Takes the chill off
✔︎ Good for dry weather
Cons
✘ Not good for wet weather
✘ Not touchscreen compatible
www.rei.com/product/753901/outdoor-research-flurry-gloves-mens
Seirus - All Weather Gloves - Men's (M)
Pros
✔︎ Takes the chill off/Decently warm
✔︎ Good anti-slip grip on fingers/palm for poles
✔︎ Protection when grabbing rocks (volcanic)
✔︎ Pretty good with capacitive touchscreens
Cons
✘ Seldom used but already had to repair a seam
✘ Some reviews about poor stitching, warmth factor
www.rei.com/used/p/seirus-all-weather-gloves-mens/745947
Bec-Tech Touchscreen Soft Shell Snowboard Glove (M)
Pros
✔︎ Pocket on top of hand
✔︎ Soft material on index and thumb for wiping nose (ew but nice)
✔︎ Touchscreen compatible on index and thumb
✔︎ Wrist strap with keeper
✔︎ Drawstring Gaiter (keep snow, etc out)
✔︎ Elastic band for arm (so you don't lose 'em on the trail or in the chairlift if you need to take 'em briefly)
Cons N/A
www.grandsierragloves.com/63365-bec-tech-soft-shell-snowboard-glove.html
Gear
Microspikes
Kahtoola MICROspikes® Footwear Traction
Pros
✔︎ Simple design
✔︎ Nothing to hook/unhook
✔︎ Perfect for icy trails
Cons N/A
www.kahtoola.com/product/microspikes
Gaiters
Kahtoola INSTA™gaiter Low (L/XL)
Pros
✔︎ Keeps debris (dust, twigs) and snow from getting in boot
✔︎ Drawstring at top for snug fit
✔︎ Extra layer; compliment to waterproof boots
Cons
✘ I keep forgetting how to put them on; red part goes over heel not the toe
✘ I wonder if rocks will damage the rubber/plastic part the goes under the foot
www.kahtoola.com/product/instagaiter-low/
Threshold Back Country Gaiter (XL)
Pros
✔︎ Durable and long for deep snow
✔︎ Pretty easy to put on in the field
✔︎ Elastic bottom and drawstring top for secure fit
Cons
✘ Like the Kahtoola gaiters, I wonder if the elastic cord under the foot will eventually be cut on mixed terrain, esp when paired with microspikes (inside or outside the chain)
✘ The middle seam is held together with Velcro; a zipper might be better but perhaps they're loose enough (XLs) so it won't be a problem.
www.sportrhino.com/products/threshold-back-country-gaiter
Hiking Poles
Cascade Mountain Tech - Aluminum Quick Lock Trekking Poles
Pros
✔︎ Inexpensive, durable hiking pole
✔︎ Soft, foam rubber handles for a variety of useful grip positions
✔︎ Adjustable wrist straps
✔︎ Assortment of rubber feet, works great without though
✔︎ Collapsible to 26"
Cons N/A
Notes
I've abused these poles by using them to whack branches creeping onto the trails and I have broken two segments. The hardware between two similar sets are incompatible but the poles segments interchange perfectly. It was a better deal to buy another full set for extra spare feet and poles than order replacements from the manufacturer. The replacement Leki Walking Tips from REI didn't really fit correctly. I originally used them with the tips and "boots" and noticed it added a tiny but noticeable amount of weight, almost like a ballast. It took some getting used to when I went without any tips. The broken poles and lost tips is 100% because I was careless "pruning the trail" (oops).
Ice Axe
Raven Ice Axe, 55 cm
Pros
✔︎ Aluminum, Stainless Steel Head & Spike
✔︎ Ergonomic design
Cons N/A
Notes
This is my first ice axe and I have not used it yet. When I was reading trail reports for MSH this summer, folks were giving updates about glissading from the summit. I hope to get some practice using it to self-arrest on an upcoming snow shoe adventure.
Pack
Osprey Stratos 24 Pack
Pros
✔︎ Many well-thought out pockets
✔︎ Ventilated mesh backpanel
✔︎ Innovative attachment system for hiking poles under left arm
✔︎ Ice tool loop with bungee tie-off
✔︎ Integrated raincover
✔︎ Hydration reservoir sleeve and tube routing loops
✔︎ Hip pockets are my favorite
Cons
✘ Top pocket placement makes it difficult to access the reservoir; it would be tricky refilling on-the-fly
✘ I always seem to get water in the pack when removing tube and bladder
✘ Still trying to get pack to fit just right (my back and hip get sore after about 8 miles)
www.rei.com/product/111298/osprey-stratos-24-pack-mens
Two-way Satellite Communicator
Garmin inReach® Mini
Pros
✔︎ Pretty straighforward setup
✔︎ Two way messaging, weather, location sharing
✔︎ Iridium Satellite Network (with Garmin-owned GEOS)
Cons
✘ Can take a long time to send messages even in open area
✘ Pricing is okay but occassional use can get costly
✘ Replies cost 1 credit, even emoji
Footwear
Hiking Boots
Keen Targhee III Waterproof Mid - (US10.5)
Pros
✔︎ Super comfortable from Day 1 (bought these and hiked Silver Star Mtn)
✔︎ Tops of shoe are solidly built (Nubuck)
✔︎ Heavy-duty rubber on the toes has saved me many, many times
✔︎ Waterproof (verified after being mostly submerged in a creek)
Cons
✘ OEM inner sole only lasted 200 miles
✘ A bunch of the rubber pieces on the bottoms came unglued
✘ I always double-knot but the outer one will usually come undone
✘ Need to adjust lacing and shoe thickness (can get a bit loose on descent ("The Back 9"))
www.keenfootwear.com/p/M-TARGHEE-III-MID-WP.html
Inner Sole Replacements
Superfeet® TRAILBLAZER Comfort insoles (E: Mens 9.5-11)
Pros
✔︎ Must-have upgrade for the inner soles on my Keen Targhee IIIs
✔︎ No sizing adjustment needed; insert & go
Cons
✘ No arch support like other other Superfeet models
✘ Kind of pricey ($50) on top of $180 boots
www.superfeet.com/en-us/trailblazer-comfort
Socks
Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Hiking Sock
Pros
✔︎ Padding in heel and toes
✔︎ Not too bulky for hiking
✔︎ Doesn't bunch up when lacing wasn't tight enough
✔︎ VT/US made - Lifetime warranty
Cons
✘ Not inexpensive
www.darntough.com/products/mens-merino-wool-hiker-micro-crew-midweight-hiking-socks
