The Colorado Trail: Equipment List

I strongly believe in the lightweight philosophy of backpacking. Carrying light gear doesn't mean compromising comfort or safety. In fact, it can enhance both of these while in the backcountry. I find it is more comfortable to walk along a trail with 15-25 pounds in my backpack than 40+ pounds. Carrying a light bag lets you avoid the plods and staring three feet in front of your feet the whole time. It really can be enjoyable to walk trails with a backpack that has 5+ days worth of food and supplies. Knowing how to use gear for multiple purposes (sleeping pad doubles as a seat, backpack under your legs at night to avoid carrying a full length pad, using your sleeping bag as a warm layer in the evening rather than bringing a heavy fleece jacket, etc.) can make you more self-sufficient and confident in the outdoors. You don't need the whole kitchen sink!

Morgan's Gear List

Clothing:

Brooks Running Shorts

REI Convertible Pants

Smartwool socks (2 pair)

Patagonia Midweight Long Underwear Bottoms

REI Midweight Long Underwear Top

Patagonia Lightweight Wicking Tee

REI Midweight Fleece Hoodie

GoLite Poncho/Tarp

REI Boxer Briefs

Baseball style Breathable Cap

REI Fleece Gloves

Beanie

Nike Air Pegasus Running Shoes w/Superfeet Insoles

Sleeping:

GoLite 20 degree Quilt

Black closed-cell ensolite half-pad

Backpack/Water Storage:

GoLite Infinity Pack (old model, straps and lid trimmed)

Deuter 3-liter Water bladder & one 20-oz plastic water bottle

Cooking/Water Purifying:

Tuna Can Alcohol Stove

16 oz Denatured Alcohol (lasts 6 days)

1-liter MSR Stainless Steel Pot w/Lid

Aqua Mira Water Purifying Drops (Part A and B)

Miscelaneous:

Sony DCR-SX40 Video Camcorder w/8GB memomry card

Extra 4GB Memory Card

Mountainsmith Flash Camera Case (size M)

REI 2-Person Ultralight Tent (carried fly and poles, Robyn carried the tent body)

Leki Titan Trekking Poles

Homemade First Aid Kit

Credit Card/Driver's License/$40 cash

Princeton Tec 4-Mode Headlamp

Sunglasses

Colorado Trail Databook

Colorado Trail Maps (only the pages for the section we were hiking)