Over the last few years, we've learned a lot about our hiking gear.
We don't consider ourselves ultra light hikers, our base weight is around 7 kg and the equipment is perfect for long distance hikes...
Below you find our most loved items, maybe this can give you an idea for new gear ;-)
Tent
The Triplex Tent from Zpacks has plenty of room for 2 person.
It's ultra light and the material is very robust.
You need hiking poles to set it up.
With large temperature differences between day and night, condensation can be a problem. In storms with strong winds, it get's to it's limit...
Not cheap, but all in all a great tent!
MOREIt's ultra light and the material is very robust.
You need hiking poles to set it up.
With large temperature differences between day and night, condensation can be a problem. In storms with strong winds, it get's to it's limit...
Not cheap, but all in all a great tent!
Sleeping Pad
Since years we have the Thermarest XLite and are super happy with it. The sleeping pad has a good thermal insulation, and the pack size is quite small.
We have the large size. It's 100g heavier than the regular, but you sleep like an angel on it :-)
MOREWe have the large size. It's 100g heavier than the regular, but you sleep like an angel on it :-)
Sleeping Bag
We love our sleeping bag from Zpacks. We have the "20F Full Zip Sleeping Bag". Not sure, if it's really -7°C, but still very warm and... ... super light!
The cool thing is, that the sleeping bag has no headboard. So you do not twist while sleeping. For the head we bought the hoody. You look like a stupid, but it's very comfortable!
MOREThe cool thing is, that the sleeping bag has no headboard. So you do not twist while sleeping. For the head we bought the hoody. You look like a stupid, but it's very comfortable!
Backpack
The Arc Blast 55L Backpack is the best backpack we ever had. Incredible how Zpacks manages the weight.
The backpack is comfortable and has a lot of storage space.
It's not as robust as a 3.5 kg Deuter, but that's not the goal.
We previously had the "Arc Zip Ultra 62L Backpack" and hiked around 7'000km with it.
MOREThe backpack is comfortable and has a lot of storage space.
It's not as robust as a 3.5 kg Deuter, but that's not the goal.
We previously had the "Arc Zip Ultra 62L Backpack" and hiked around 7'000km with it.
Jacket
The Ghost Whisperer UL Hoody is an expensive jacket, but it's one of our alltime favorites.
It's superlight, very comfortable and warm.
Not more to say!
MOREIt's superlight, very comfortable and warm.
Not more to say!
Shoes
Many people think that when you go to the mountains you should wear real hiking boots.
Since Te Araroa we do not share this view anymore.
We hike exclusively with trail running shoes and are particularly fond of the shoes from Saucony.
The shoes are lightweight, have good grip and are super comfortable.
Every year there is a new model "Peregrine XY". Not the "GTX", we don't like Gore-Tex...
MORESince Te Araroa we do not share this view anymore.
We hike exclusively with trail running shoes and are particularly fond of the shoes from Saucony.
The shoes are lightweight, have good grip and are super comfortable.
Every year there is a new model "Peregrine XY". Not the "GTX", we don't like Gore-Tex...
Toilet Bag
The "POOP-MOJI" from "Space Bear Bags" is simply constructed. But what do you need more?
Ultra light and waterproof with enough space for everything you need.
... and we like the "poop"-thing ;-)
MOREUltra light and waterproof with enough space for everything you need.
... and we like the "poop"-thing ;-)
Toothpaste
Actually no toothpaste...
The tabs from HYDROPHIL are great to pack and do what they are supposed to.
MOREThe tabs from HYDROPHIL are great to pack and do what they are supposed to.
Shower Towel
We love our lightloadtowels.
Perfect for drying off after washing/showering.
More robust than expected...
MOREPerfect for drying off after washing/showering.
More robust than expected...
Headlamp
After our old headlamp broke, we bought the "e+LITE" from Petzl. We were intrigued by the weight, but to be honest we have only used it once, too weak illumination.... maybe good in the tent but not for hiking in the dark.
We have then opted for the "ACTIK CORE" from Petzl. For us the perfect lamp. Enough bright and the rechargeable battery is great.
MOREWe have then opted for the "ACTIK CORE" from Petzl. For us the perfect lamp. Enough bright and the rechargeable battery is great.
Personal Locator Beacon
Above all, we need our PLB for tracking, so our friends can follow us.
We have long been fans of Spot.
Last time we used the "Spot X" but the tracking just isn't reliable. Many of the beacons sent did not go out, we often had to send them out manually.
We now use the inReach Mini from Garmin and are super happy with it.
Light and reliable, the tracking works as expected!
MOREWe have long been fans of Spot.
Last time we used the "Spot X" but the tracking just isn't reliable. Many of the beacons sent did not go out, we often had to send them out manually.
We now use the inReach Mini from Garmin and are super happy with it.
Light and reliable, the tracking works as expected!