SHT Gear List

I will begin my Superior Hiking Trail (SHT) thru-hike in precisely seven days. As of June 1, the SHT Association recommends that SHT users #RecreateResponsibly.

 

This hike intends to raise money and awareness for PGM ONE, People of the Global Majority in the Outdoors, Nature, and Environment. I don’t work for PGM One.

 

By hiking the SHT, I am choosing to speak out against racial injustice in the United States—brought to light by the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

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Gear is necessary for a thru-hike (historically, my ancestors traveled the trails with less, but the gear is vital nowadays).

I want to use reliable, lightweight products from trusted brands for this hike. In the past, I purchased solely on reputation. I read hundreds of my fellow Trek bloggers’ posts, devoured review after review, and bought gear accordingly. 

As I began hiking, I shared my likes and dislikes over time. It makes sense. When you spend a great deal of time backpacking, your knowledge about gear, quality, and product attributes becomes somewhat second nature. 

 

Pack: Keeping it real, I didn’t know that L.L. Bean made hiking packs. I was a skeptic accepting this pack as there aren’t a lot of reviews. To my surprise, the AT 38, weighing 2 pounds, 12 ounces, is comfortable, providing excellent back support. I haven’t put many miles on this pack yet, but I’m looking forward to seeing how it holds up on the trail. I received this item for free.

For this hike, I wanted a shoe that provided the boots’ support with the comfort of sneakers. I chose L.L. Bean’s Alpine waterproof hiking boots (1.93 pounds). I’ve found these boots easy to break in—like most of my gear, these boots haven’t seen much use. I’ve got high hopes for these! I received this item for free.

Navigation: I am an advocate of maps. Please give me a paper map over a GPS any day. I’ll take the SHTA pocket map (the approximate map for each segment). I received these items for free.

For my safety and so that the people I love won’t worry, I’ll be carrying a SPOT Gen 3!

Headlamp: The Black Diamond ReVolt Headlamp. 

Sun protection: On the PCT, I opted for bug spray over sunscreen. I was sunburned, leaving the trail. I will be using sunscreen, a bug net hat, and permethrin-treated clothing. I want to share–I hate ticks!

First aid: I had to get stitches around mile 66 of my PCT hike. I have since gone through WEMT school. I’m prepared and will be bringing a first aid kit (a modified version of items I wouldn’t be able to replicate using materials found in the natural world). 

Knife: I spent the summer of 2019 traveling the Northwest. I became a fan of wilding. I’m bringing a whittling knife. 

Fire: Bic lighter or I will start a fire using a rock and a stick. Knowledge is power! 

Cookset: MSR Pocket Rocket 2 2.6 GSI Halulite Minimalist 0.39 pounds

Shelter: I have come to understand that a tent is like a home. I’ve gone through so much in my Marmot EOS 1P (39 ounces)—sections of the AT, PCT, CDT, Yellowstone, the Tetons, and various places in between. 

I’d love a new tent, though. 

In a sense, wanting to upgrade but being unable to do so is a daily reality for many people. 

I am lucky that I can choose to be homeless (a hiker) for a while and return to my apartment’s comforts upon completion of this hike.

And yes, I would love a $600 tent; however, I’d also like to pay rent when this thru-hike is over.

My sleeping system: Big Agnes Sleeping Bag Hazel SL 15° 41 ounces Klymit Sleeping Pad 19.6 ounces

Food: On the PCT, I brought a variety of meals, all with varying weights. I’m packing the same meals each day for better weight distribution for this hike. 

Water: I will use my Sawyer Mini and Katahdin purification tablets as a backup. Three 1-litter bladders, with one marked “dirty.” 

Clothes: Diversity and visibility are essential. That also goes for the companies I will be representing on the trail: L.L. Bean, Patagonia, Arc’teryx, which donated gear to me.

Miscellaneous: L.L. Bean Hikelite 4 Season Carbon Hiking Poles 13.6 ounces. I received this item for free.

With recent protests denouncing police brutality against the Black community—and systemic racism in general— individuals, companies, and organizations across various industries have declared support of the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement.

While social media posts and various hashtags are a fantastic opportunity to increase the visibility of Black Lives, I want to recognize the focused efforts of L.L. Bean, The Superior Hiking Trail Association, Patagonia, Arc’teryx, and Granite Gear. Through tangible support and donations, they contribute to diversity and inclusion in the outdoors. 

Each has not only pledged to make the outdoors more inclusive for all but has actively taken steps toward making change.

Photos Cred Instagram dk09 except for the bug hat selfie 🙂

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