I am minimalist and a low tech one at that – not at all like Tim. For the casual observer, this is really obvious when it comes to my recreational activities; hiking is no different. I know what I like and I know what’s important to me. I also expect my gear to last and I will hang on to gear as long as it is functional and isn’t looking too bad through wear.
My gear choices have been quite stable over the last few years. The gear has lasted the distance and is still looking OK. Having said that I am always on the look out for something new but often fail to find anything that captures my eye!
My 2021 multi-day hiking gear list reflects all the above. I was surprised at the few changes I’ve made since the last update in 2020. I know our COVID world has contributed to some extent but still, the changes were minimal with the big ones being new shoes and warmer but lighter weight sleeping bag.
So here is my multi-day gear list based of course, on my particular needs and circumstances. Please note that I’m not a solo hiker so there are a number of items here that I share with Tim; some of which I carry and some he carries. My list may or may not suit you however I hope it will be useful in helping you to develop your own gear kit. You can download a PDF version of this list here Gill’s Multi-Day Hiking Gear Checklist June 2021.
List updated June 2021
If you want a downloadable PDF version of my 2021 Multi-Day Hiking Gear Checklist go to the following link
It is super lightweight and allows lots of free movement
The trampoline style suspension frame provides airflow across my back – very welcome on hot days and doesn’t saturate my back even in the hottest weather
All my gear fits into this pack including four days of food for two people
It will carry up to 18kg in weight if necessary but I rarely ever carry that much
Its big so I can get a good fold down happening to keep everything dry and secure
Having wet or damp clothes or sleeping bag would be a disaster in my eyes
A 70 litre dry bag is doable but I can put the 90 litre size on the outside of my pack at night when I need to protect everything from dust, moisture or small curious animals
Ever since I started using Jetboil stoves I have used their fuel as well if its available
The 100g is the smallest Jetboil canister available
In rehydrating a commercial meal each day for dinner and two hot drinks a day, two people can comfortably get eight days of use out of a single 100g canister
Buffs are very versatile with the obvious use being to keep your head warmer
I wear mine to keep my neck covered either because its cold or because I need protection from the sun – I have also worn my Buff on one arm to protect it from the sun’s rays
A bit of water on your Buff will cool you instantly
This bit of technology has taken pride of place in my hiking kit for so many reasons and has replaced my Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) and GPS
The two way communication option is a huge bonus on remote trips providing family with the ability to track how I’m going in real time and to communicate even when there is no phone signal
The smallest size in the range carries all my little bits and pieces including all those little accessories that are otherwise hard to locate when you need them
Toiletries
Toothbrush:
Why I chose this:
You have to clean your teeth but its OK to be a minimalist
Use a short handled toothbrush if you can find one (try the airlines on overseas flights) or cut the handle down on a longer brush (to reduce the size not the weight)
The small size is lightweight and reasonably waterproof
Colour coded so I can tell by sight in minimal light which packing cell I am after
Shared item
Lip Balm
Why I chose this:
For those conditions where cracked or sunburnt lips is a potential issue
Wash cloth: Chux
Why I chose this:
Cheap, lightweight and very easy to rinse out
A good lightweight option for cleaning yourself
Just cut it down to size before you leave home!
Shared item
Tea Tree Oil
Why I chose this:
Part of my wash kit
Helps remove much (not all) of the smell that builds up on multi-day hikes
Shared item
First Aid Equipment
I have never had a serious accident or needed to treat one. In most cases the first aid kit is for blisters, splinters or ticks. Having said that, I still carry basic first aid equipment just in case. My first aid supplies go into the same packing cell as my toiletries. Shared item.
Tweezers
Why I chose this:
Can be used for splinters as well as removing ticks
Don’t stint on the quality here as most cheap tweezers just won’t pick out the small stuff as they don’t have the stiffness and/or fineness at the tip
Shared Item
Splinter Pick
Why I chose this:
Sometimes you get splinters so I will always carry a decent splinter pick
Shared item
Crepe Bandage x 1
Why I chose this:
Another part of my first aid kit
It is suitable for use as a dressing retention, stemming bleeding and providing light compression
Shared item
Compression Bandage x 2
Why I chose this:
For immobilising limbs in the case of snake bite or physical injury
Shared item
Triangular Bandage x 1
Why I chose this:
Just in case!
I have never had to use this in real life but its a versatile piece of safety gear
Shared item
Safety Pins x 5:
Why I chose this:
Always handy to have and not just for first aid use
Ever split your pants or broken a strap?
Shared item
Pain Killers: Nurofen x 6
Why I chose this:
The only time I use Nurofen is when I’m hiking
In addition to dealing with the rare headache it also aids with inflammation that can arise from doing extra long days
I rarely use Nurofen and only when absolutely necessary
Shared item
Go: Laxatives
Why I chose this:
I’ll always carry a few tablets just in case things aren’t moving the way they should
Shared item
Stop: Imodium
Why I chose this:
Also just in case
There is nothing worse than having diarrhoea on a hike!
Shared item
Band-Aids: Various waterproof x 15
Why I chose this:
I use Band-Aids on nearly every extended trip, mainly for my toes at the start of the trip while the skin is hardening up
My Injinji Trail Toesocks have almost eliminated the need for Band-Aids but I still carry them for other needs
Shared item
Swap Outs
I carry most of the equipment above year round but there are some pieces I change over (swap out) depending on the weather, physical conditions of the hike, or the numbers of hikers. The following equipment is what I will carry as the conditions dictate.
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