Hey y’all! Here is the lighterpack link for the gear I’ll be carrying on the CDT this year. It is (of course) subject to change as I go along and make adjustments in the desert. I will also swap out for different pieces of gear in various sections like the San Juans, for example–but I’ll be posting a list for each section. I’ll let you know how it all works out!
**Click here to see my basic gear list**
I can already tell you for this section I don’t think I need the warmer jammies I’m using and the rain gear also seems unnecessary. I’ll make final corrections as I finish each section so they all reflect the gear I actually carried.
I know some of you are wondering where the camera equipment is for the videos, so I included a separate list for that gear. My friend Aaron (the fella who edits the videos) is actually joining Perk and I on this adventure, so he and I will be rotating out this gear. Here is what we plan to use:
**Click here for camera/recording gear**
I’ll also update this list as we go along and see what actually works and what doesn’t.
Well, it’s game time–be on the lookout for my first CDT blog coming soon! Thank y’all for following my (hopefully) final leg of the Triple Crown.
Happy Trails!
-Dixie
Hey Dixie,
Thanks for the gear list. Pretty impressive camera/video equip. list, can’t wait to see the next series of videos and photos. Good luck and have fun.
can’t wait to follow along while your churnin’ butter
Hahahahaha thank you!
Your churning butter description cracked me up.
Dixie
When you get to the San Juans and Wolf Creek Pass you can stay in South Fork or Pagosa Springs. If you go to Pagosa, make sure you eat at Kips and the Sushi place at the end of time. There’s not much food in South Fork although I know many people in the town since I lived and worked there several years.
Check out the Rio Grande Pyramid and the Eye of the Soul in the Weimeinuchee Wilderness. Look them up on a map. Wonderful place to visit. Right on the CDT
Benjamin Wiles
Congratulations on the start of another successful, I’m certain, adventure. Be safe, all of you. And have a blast. Look forward to hearing from you “from the trail.”
Good luck on the CDT adventure!
Can’t wait to see the first video!????????
Hi Dixie,
Thank you so much for sharing. I’ve really enjoyed your videos and feel like I am getting a great education in modern hiking and ultralight backpacking while vicariously “walking along”! I grew up backpacking and canoe camping (long ago) with very heavy gear compared to today. I know you like to cook many of your meals. Could you talk at some point about fuel usage, how much to carry, how to conserve and judge your remaining supply and any new food favorites? Best wishes for an amazing CDT! Looking forward to following your journey. Drew
Those are great ideas, Drew! I’ll see if I can’t incorporate some of that 🙂 Thanks!
Thank you! (I did research/notice MSR canisters have a side marking system that allows you to judge remaining fuel by floating the canister in water)
Thank you for all of the inspiration, Dixie! I hope you enjoy NM as much as I do. I hope you have many great experiences on the CDT to share! Dare I say, What’s next???
Thank you! Not sure yet. Maybe something international?! Happy Trails!
Just stumbled on your site through REI e-mail & I’m hooked! My sister & I have been backpacking for a # of years now, but our bi-annual trips are limited to 10 day thru-hikes at the most…so far! Interested in attempting the AT~even section hiking it~ sometime. We’re both from PA~her from Western Pa, me Central Pa, which offers us some great backpacking trails. I was wondering if you’ve considered the NCT (North Country Trail)?!!! It’s the longest trail in the National Trail System~4,600 miles~crossing 7 states from ND-NY! We’re considering doing the Pa section through the Allegheny National Forrest. Thank you for all the videos & helpful info!
Hey there! Awesome, thanks for reaching out. So, REI mentioned my page or channel in an email?! Sweet. I have considered the NCT, but not in depth. Maybe someday in the future! The AT in PA is great! I hope y’all enjoy 🙂
Hi Dixie,
I am excited to see your upcoming adventure. Thank you for your new gear list and amazing content. Best of luck completing your final leg of the Triple Crown!
Hi Dixie
I know you’re on the trail now and I wish you all the luck on your journey.
I was wondering, since your editor friend is there with you how will he manage editing your videos, which I greatly enjoy.
Happy trails
We will definitely eventually mention that in videos. Still working out the details 🙂
Thank you for the speedy reply. I honestly didn’t expect it. It will be very interesting to learn how you work out those details. The two of you have put out such great videos so far. They’ve been a joy to watch.
Another question. I also have plantar fasciitis and was curious if you still need to have the insoles with the new shoes you’ve chosen for this thus hike. I’m planning a section hike on the JMT this summer, the only section where I can have my dog along.
I still use the insoles for PF. I could try to start weaning off, but I haven’t yet.
Harmonica??? !!! Waiting for a youtube performance!
Haha, haven’t fooled with it much so far. Don’t get too excited lol.
Dixie,
Congrats on deciding to do the CDT! Haven’t watched the video…but will in a bit. The triple crown is a HUGE accomplishment that not alot of people attempt. I for one am glad you are, if anything…so I can follow along. 🙂 I hope you have FUN!
K
Hi Dixie,
You are such an inspiration. I’m so jealous. Every time I watch your videos I get all excited and have to go on a trip. Last week after a video I packed my gear and did a short three day trip threw Zion National Park. I live in Denver and if you need any support threw CO just let me know. Keep up the great work and good luck on your triple crown.
Thank you!!
well Jessica, you inspire a lot of people, not least – ME.. I was an avid backpacker until an illness in the early 90’s (mainly Kings Canyon/Sequoia area) anyway 16 months ago I had a widow maker heart attach and now have a few inches of titanium in there. enough of the morose, everything there is going well, and well, I decided to start hiking again. I searched a few you tube channels and found yours. I have watched everything you have posted! You are inspiring like a flair at night! I have set a goal, I will be hiking the PCT next year baring health issues. That gives me a year to prep.. no pressure but your my fuel.. 🙂 . I cannot wait to watch your progress on the CDT! be well be safe and keep doing what your doing. Your growing a Dixie army.. again be well. 🙂
Shawn! I’m so happy to hear your plans. Wishing you good health and a wonderful hike. Thank you for your support!
thanks! you reminded me to live life, not watch it..i’ll be following along. be well.
Hi Jessica, last April I said I was hiking the PCT. UPDATE.. I have one more item to get , I have been cleared by all my doctors and have a tentative date of April 10 (lottery willing). I viewed your CDT efforts and was a proud bystander for you.. I could also see to disappointment at using the alternate route to finish.. you know what? with that weather- that’s OK… I have friends in Australia heard about my PCT effort and they want me to do the TA Aurora!!! told them I needed to actually DO the PCT first 🙂 Anyway thought it was funny. livin life is soo much better! be well, I’ll continue to cheer oyu on.
Hey Dixie I live not far from Etna ca and was sorry I didn’t meet you when you hiked the PCT. my grandpa took me on my first backpack in 1955 at when I was 7. Love your videos
Just found your page and your vids on youtube. Great job and I look forward to seeing you on the trail sometime!
“Go, walk through the length and breadth of the land, for I am giving it to you.” Genesis 13 Sending prayers and best wishes to all.
Good luck Dixie. I can’t wait to see your updates, scenery and small views on this big adventure.
Dixie, I’m waiting with bated breath for your first CDT video installment. I’ve really enjoyed watching you on the AT and PCT. Makes me want to get out and hit the trail. I’m planning an AT section hike this summer and I’ll be thinking of you. Good luck on your adventure!
I am so excited for you! Can’t wait for the first video? I think I missed it, when did you start this trail? Have a GREAT time!! I have seen ALL of your videos and can’t wait for these!
The first one should be out in a week 🙂
YAY! I can’t wait!!!
I am excited to start watching your video from the CDT! When I was watching one of your gear video’s I noticed your electronics. Your powerbanks are capable of being charged at a higher amperage (faster) than your charger blocks and cables are capable of delivering. It may not always make any difference to you, but I am sure that there are times when you find yourself waiting around for your devices to achieve full charge.
Yessss! Thank you. This is an issue I should probably address. I appreciate you pointing that out and I’ve noticed how slow they charge :/
Hi Dixie,
My sister and I love watching your videos. So far we’ve completed Section A of California as day hikes.
Can you tell me why you changed your sleep wear from Smart Wool to Arcteryx?
Thanks!
No good reason, honestly. I like how long the Arcteryx is…it’s warmer too. Although I think the smart wool leggings are longer. I have already used both a smart wool top and arcteryx top out here. Started with the arcteryx, it was warm so I swapped to the thinner, lighter smart wool.
Glad you’ve enjoyed the videos! That’s AWESOME about getting one section done—congrats 🙂
Hey, I’m from Scotland and feeling inspired from your videos about trying one of the hikes in the future! Just wondered how you pack your Mavic pro for the thru hike and keep it protected from the elements? Thanks and good luck on the CDT!
I wrap it in a bandana, put it in a dry sack and then I’m just careful about how I lay my pack down. Hope that helps! Thank you for the support and hellloooo back way over there in Scotland 🙂
Hey Dixie,
You mentioned in the last video the extra weight in water you carried. Does the Arch Haul comfortably carry that extra weight comfortably? Granted it’s extra weight. Thanks soo much for sharing. I always look forward to the videos
Good question. It doesn’t carry as well as my Osprey would, but the pack is so light it is less weight overall on my joints. The ArcHaul being highly water resistant is a big selling point for me. Don’t have to deal with rain covers and saturated material. So, I take the trade-offs for comfort, I suppose!
Hope to see you on the CDT this summer. I’ll be spending time in the South San Juans and the Collegiate Peaks areas backpacking, fly fishing and volunteering with the Colorado Trail Foundation for an eighth season. Be sure to give the CTF a shout out when you get to Colorado. Be safe! And War Eagle!
Everything you do is top notch. Thanks for sharing. You’re truly an inspiration.
My girlfriend and I are gearing up for an AT thru hike next year. I thru hiked in 2012, but she’s never really been backpacking before now. Your videos are tremendously helpful, and I wish they had been around before my hike.
I carried a harmonica on the AT for about 100 or so miles until my group decided that I wasn’t allowed to play it anymore.
Also, even on the AT, my umbrella was consistently one of my favorite pieces of gear.
Hey Dixie, Much gratitude for the gear list – it’s helping me get everything together to get back on the trail for the first time in years. It would be great to hear your thoughts on the Garmin inReach Explorer+ if you ever feel so inclined. Thanks!
Always loving what you do. I’m Italian thus I wonder if I’ll ever be able to do a thru hike in the US, hope so!
Thanks for sharing your videos with us. I absolutely love watching and the scenery is beautiful. Good luck to you and be safe!!!
Currently living in the PNW, but moving home to Western NC. Watching your videos has inspired me to start hiking the AT since it runs right through my small home town (you featured it in one of your videos 🙂 )
I have enjoyed the CDT videos. Really great visual quality.
I’m looking forward to watching you tackle Colorado!
I love the tent you use, it sucks that I can’t seem to find it in the UK or any other pole-less tents about.
Good luck completing your thru hike 🙂
I’ve been following on the CDT and was working about your gear specifics. Thanks
Love your channel!! NICHOLAS SHOSTAK
Your videos are such a treat for hikers. I get my backpacking fix from you, which keeps me sane until my next trip (5 days in Yosemite’s back country this Sept).
I’ve been following you for over a year now. Your channel is one of my favorites.
You inspire me!
Thanks for sharing your gear list. Curious how you’ll feel about your gear closer to the end of your trail!
Wonderful!
Hey Dixie! Your posts have inspired me to plan my first major hiking trip on the East Coast of Canada! Keep on hiking on!!
Hi Dixie,
I see your CDT gear list for the desert section. I was wondering if you could also post your CDT gear list for the Mountain sections.
Thanks
Hi Dixie,
I see your CDT gear list for the desert section. I was wondering if you could also post your CDT gear list for the Mountain sections.
Thanks
Hey Dixie, Thanks so much for sharing your gear list. I’m getting ready to do the PCT with a llama and your list is very helpful! A couple of squestion for you: I notice you don’t list all of your photo gear in your pack/weight lift. Is someone else carrying the cameras, drone, gimbals, etc? Also, any idea how much it all weighs? Thanks so very much for your help, and all of your videos, blogs, etc. You rock!
Hey Jess
Come to Australia and do the Bibbulumn Trail or the Alpine trail with me then we can get married lol
Thanks for sharing. The filming was incredible and very beautiful. Wow. I hope you keep traveling, hiking and sharing. Thought about Big Bend in TX? That would be something different for you. It is the only Nat’l Park in the USA with its own self-contained mountain range.
Hi Dixie. I’m looking at two tents. The Durston X Mid Pro 2 and the BA Copperspur UL 2.
I am not a thru hiker. I backpack and do occasional section hikes. The price difference between the two is not really and issue. I think you have had experience with both tents. Which one would you pick in my situation? Thanks, Michael