Gear

Gear for me is an ongoing and fascinating part of back country travel.  It's all about the fine balance between weight, comfort, and price.  Over the years I have moved from ultra heavy-- at close to a 70 lb pack when starting the AT in the dead of winter (when light gear didn't exist) to ultralight at 9 pounds before food and water (taking all non-cook food, no stove, fuel or tent.)
Nowadays, I feel I have balanced those three competing factors pretty well.  There are things I enjoy going ultralight on..and there are comforts (a 19 oz chair) that are well worth the weight.

My gear list changes constantly based on weather conditions, the length of the trip, and switches I make thought trial and error.

Here is the latest incarnation:
​My Gear