This look at gear started taking in when I began thru-hiking with my first steps on Vermont’s storied Long Trail and my gear evolving to a more minimalist list.
Part 2 of an ongoing series looking at gear, techniques, and related Joan and I still use over the years.
- Balaclava: First used – 1996, First mentioned – 2013, Used by – Both of us.
It has been one of my mainstays for a long time because I find it versatile. The green polypro one below was used on my thru-hike on the Pacific Crest Trail in 2002 until I tested some (no longer made) NxN balaclavas in 2020.
In recent years, I’ve started using neck gaiters (buffs) of various lengths and thicknesses, as I find them even more versatile for different activities.
I still wear a heavy balaclava for deep winter backpacking or camping, and Joan wears a down balaclava she made when she (briefly) worked for Nunatak as an adjunct to her warm, thick, hoodless down coat for winter car camping.
On a section hike of the Arizona Trail.
- Painters drop cloth: First used – 1996, First Mentioned – 2012, Used by – Both of us.
The utility of ground cloths for shelters is often debated, and I rarely use them in wooded or mountain environments.
But in the desert, I’ll use one for solo camping “under the stars,” and the CEO of the organization (Joan) insists on one for our backpacking shelter of choice to help protect her inflatable pads from the many “pokey” things that can pierce the tent bottom.
A painter’s drop cloth comes in different thicknesses and weights, is readily available, and is inexpensive. We have enough different shelters, including ones we loan out, that a simple ground cloth we can buy in bulk works best vs other options.
- Discount store running shorts: First used – 1999, First mentioned – 2019, Used by – Me
I rarely wear shorts for backpacking, especially since my routes are off-designated trails, but I often use them for day hikes when on trail.
Before I moved to Colorado, I wore swimsuits like a good Rhode Island boy. I found myself at the beach more than running. Functionally, this is not very different.
But then I started wearing running shorts. Various ones; it doesn’t matter too much.
These shorts have worked well enough for the past couple of seasons. You can also purchase the shorts in different colors rather than basic black. They have zippered pockets. You can “go commando” or wear it with the underwear of your choice.
On the CDT in 2006.
- Alcohol stoves : First used – 1999, First mentioned – 2003, Used by – Me
Once the darling of the ultralight backpacking world, alcohol stoves have gone out of favor as we enter a hotter and drier climate. Be it by experienced backpackers, people new to the pursuit, or land management agencies.
I still use them for solo backpacking trips where I do one meal a day when allowed, but now I take a canister stove for Joan and me, with friends for shorter trips, or go cold.
From Google Image Search long ago
- Kitchen Scale : First used – 1999, First Mentioned – 2023 , Used by – Both
When starting to shift to lightweight backpacking, I weighed everything religiously (if less so now). For new gear, I still weigh it, and it helps to keep me honest. I like an analog scale as I don’t have to worry about batteries, and it works well enough.
- Surplus wool glove liners: First used – 2000, First Mentioned – 2012 – Used by – Both
It is a four-season staple for Joan and me and serves as the base for our cold-weather strategy for the hands. It is light, durable, inexpensive, and a key part of our kit.
- Timex Indiglo watch : First used – 2000, First Mentioned – 2014, Used by – Both
An analog watch makes dead reckoning quicker and more straightforward than a phone. It is a key tool for wilderness medicine and is simpler to use when telling time.
It is a helpful tool that still has its place compared to digital solutions.
- Christmas tree disposal bag : First used – 2003, First Mentioned – 2014, Used by – Me.
In 2003, I went to the long-gone Boulder, CO Eastern Mountian Sports and attended an introduction to avalanche training workshop. The presenter suggested a Christmas tree disposal bag as an inexpensive, effective, and light emergency shelter.
Later that week, I purchased one from the local hardware store and stashed it in my ski tour pack kit. Thankfully, I have never had to use it, but I was always glad to have it.
- MSR Simmerlite , First used – 2003, First mentioned – 2017 , Used by – Both
The no longer-made MSR Simmerlite replaced my Whisperlite. The Simmerlite is a white gas stove marketed poorly. It does not simmer but is a solid 6 oz/ 170 oz lighter than its more well-known stalwart stove.
Hikin’ Jim has an excellent overview of the stove for more technical details.
As I wrote earlier –
The problem? THE SIMMERLITE DOES NOT SIMMER! Look at the old Amazon or REI reviews. The number one complaint is that the stove did not simmer. As Hikin’ Jim alluded to, the stove engineers probably did not design it to simmer. Originally intended as a white gas stove that was lighter, quieter, and more compact than existing options. But if you label something that simmers, it better well damn simmer. And since it did not simmer easily, the consumers were PO’d.
I rarely use this stove now that I live in Utah and don’t go on overnight ski tours with Joan, but once in a while, I need to melt snow, and it still works well for that use.
Off to the right of the vestibule.
- Swiss Army Classic , First used – 2003, First Mentioned – 2004 , Used by – Both.
It’s under $25 and includes handy scissors and a knife good enough for most backpacking needs. I’ll take a different knife for general camping, and some group backpacking, but the humble Swiss Army Knife works well for most of my needs.
Pair it with the P51 can opener and a small light, and you get a surprisingly helpful, light, and inexpensive basic tool kit for many different needs.
- Six Moon Designs Wild Oasis : First Used – 2005, First Mentioned – 2006, Used by – Me
I’ve used a variation of this shelter in one form or another for two decades. A (pyra) mid-tarp makes a highly versatile shelter for solo use. I enjoy its quick setup, weatherworthiness, and small footprint. In 2020, I received a DCF version as a birthday gift. The Wild Oasis lives on as the Deschutes.
- Tyvek “stuff sack” envelope: First used – 2005, First mentioned – 2022, Used by – Both
It’s light, water resistant, and holds my general items. It’s also one of the few stuff sacks I still use for backpacking!
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This article is the second in a series of longer-term reviews of some gear we’ve used over the years and still use today.
You can read all the articles currently published.
Stay tuned for more articles in the weeks (months?) ahead.