CDT Starting Pack Shake Down

It’s the last few days before I start the CDT and while most of my gear has been nailed down for over a year, I’ve been adding or dropping a few items here and there. While moving out of my apartment, I laid out every item I plan to take on the CDT in a loosely organized pile and instructed the movers to leave that pile alone as they hauled out mattresses, dressers and shelves.

Each item went through a final weigh-in and mug-shot. Using that information to calculate my final pack weight, I realized that carrying 5 liters of water would exceed my pack’s recommended weight capacity by a few pounds. That’s more water than would be necessary for most of the hike, but in New Mexico it might not be enough. I toyed with the gear weight list to see what I could lose in order to get my pack weight down, but ultimately decided to drop only one item: a tripod for my iPhone. My pack max weight is still a little high, but as soon as I drink a liter of water it will be within range.

The full list can be found below.

The Big 3: Pack, Tent, Sleep System

Cooking and Water

Electronics and Gadgets

Miscellaneous Gear

Clothes and Footwear