Australian Hiker

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

Gill’s Multi-Day Hiking Gear Checklist (PDF)

Pack System

Pack: Osprey Eja 58

Why I chose this pack:

• 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

Pack Liner: Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Pack Cover 50-70Litre Pack Cover (medium)

Why I chose this pack cover:

• Provides additional protection for gear inside the pack
• I use this in conjunction with the pack liner and dry sacks

Pack Liner: Sea to Summit 90 Litre Dry Bag

Why I chose this pack liner:

• 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

Dry Bag: Sea to Summit 13 Litre Ultra-Sil Dry Sack

Why I chose this dry bag:

• Great for keeping electronics dry and protected
• Keeps your bits together in one place

Shelter System

Shelter: Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 Platinum Tent

Why I chose this tent:

• This two person tent weighs 1.19 kg including pegs and poles which makes it a very light double skin tent
• I’m not a solo hiker so if I’m camping it’s as a couple – I carry the poles, pegs and groundsheet, and Tim takes the tent and fly
• This tent is big enough for two adults and can also accommodate most of your gear inside the tent
• Each person has their own side entry – a great feature when you have to answer the call of nature in the middle of the night
• Shared item

Tent Pegs: MSR Groundhog Tent Stakes

Why I chose these tent pegs:

• These tent pegs weigh 13 grams each and are an all purpose tent stake
• I carry at two of these stakes unless I’m hiking in sandy soils or snow
• Shared item

Hydration System

Hydration Bladder: Osprey Hydraulics 3 Litre Bladder

Why I chose this bladder:

• While I’m not a fan of bladders, they are the most convenient way to get water quickly and regularly
• I don’t usually fill up this 3 litre bladder but on long and/or hot days I will
• This bigger capacity is also helpful when water may be hard to find
• I really like the magnetic chest clip that keeps the drinking nozzle in place so its easy to access

Water filter: Katadyn BeFree 600ml filter bottle

Why I chose this filter bottle:

• I insist on filtering my water and the Katadyn BeFree is fast and easy to use
• It’s lightweight
• This bottle acts as an additional small water bottle when you need it
• Shared item

Sleep System

Sleeping bag: Sea to Summit Flame FMIV Sleeping Bag Regular

Why I chose this sleeping bag:

• I am a cold sleeper
• This sleeping bag keeps me toasty without taking up too much room in the tent!
• It will keep you warm down to -1o degrees
• It packs down relatively small in its compression sack so is not bulky and weighs only 890 grams providing warmth and convenient packing

Sleeping bag liner: Sea to Summit Silk Liner

Why I chose this sleeping bag liner:

• Keeps the sleeping bag clean which helps to extend the bag life
• Can be used as a sleeping bag when its really hot
• I often slip it over my Therm-a-rest NeoAir XLite to keep the sleeping mat from sliding away from me

Pillow: Spare clothing inside a soft top

Why I chose this pillow:

• I can tailor the amount of filling to be ‘just right’
• It minimises my load by not having to carry a dedicated pillow

Sleeping Mat: Thermarest Neo Air Xlite Womens

Why I chose this sleeping mat:

• I use the women’s version which is a little wider at the hips and has a bit more cushioning
• I’m a side sleeper so I also need a sleeping mat that keeps my hips supported
• This mat packs down to a tiny package and weighs very little

Cooking System

Two person stove: Jetboil MiniMo stove

• We only boil water when hiking for rehydrating food and a hot drink
• The MiniMo is very compact but suits two people just right
• Very fast boiling
• Shared item

Stove Fuel: Jetboil Jetpower 100g gas canister

Why I chose this fuel:

• 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
• Shared item

Spoon: Sea to Summit Alpha Light Spoon 

Why I chose this spoon:

• I like long handled spoons – I end up with food all over my hands when using short handled implements!

Mug: Sea to Summit X-Mug

Why I chose this cup:

• The X-Mug folds down flat
• Weighs very little
• Holds a good sized drink
• If you have small hands, the X-Cup may be a better option

Stove bag: Osprey 6 Litre Stuff Sack

Why I chose this stuff sack:

• Keeps the stove bits and pieces all in one place and out of the environment

Knife: Deejo Tattoo Naked Topography Knife

Why I chose this knife:

• This is used to cut cheese and other food
• This knife is extremely lightweight and is a joy to use as well as being a beautiful work of art
• Shared item

Fire Starter: Light My Fire FireSteel 2.0 Army

Why I chose this:

• Means I’m not reliant on a fuel source
• Lasts for years
• Works in all weather
• Shared item

Food container: Empty 500g Peanut Butter Jar

Why I chose this:

• Kraft/Bega brand jars use a heavier grade of plastic than other brands and are almost bullet proof
• I use this jar to rehydrate foods such as Overnight Oates or dips

Footwear

Footwear: Altra Olympus 4.0 Women’s Shoe

Why I chose this:

• I have wide feet and this is one of the widest hiking shoes I have found
• It’s made for women’s feet
• Its zero drop with super extra cushioning so you don’t feel the impact
• A little hard to find in the hiking stores but freely available online

Socks: Injinji Trail 2.0 Women’s Mid Weight Mini Crew Toesocks

Why I chose this:

• I love toe socks – they keep my toes separated which reduces rubbing and the incidence of blisters
• Provide cushioning and warmth where I need
• Hard wearing

Gaiters: Dirty Girl Gaiters

Why I chose this:

• I love these gaiters – they are fun, coloured and lightweight
• They keep debris out of my shoes are just right for low cut hiking shoes
• These gaiters are available in a range of sizes and colours through some hiking stores and are also available online
• If you need protection from snakes, you’ll need a traditional and more heavy duty pair of gaiters

Layering System

Bra and knickers: Icebreaker Sprite Racerback Bra and Hot Pants

Why I chose this:

• Firstly, everyday bras and sports bras are uncomfortable at the best of times
• Secondly, when you sweat, they stay wet for a long time
• This bra and pants set fit well, don’t ride around (the pants stay put for hours!) and when you sweat, they dry in no time
• I wear a set to bed which means I can still look half decent for that midnight wee break!
• And they are also presentable enough to wear as swimmers
• I have been wearing the same bra and pants set for years – and not just when hiking

Pants:  Kuhl Freeflex Roll-Up Women’s Pants (pictured above) or The North Face Women’s Hybrid Hiker Tights

Why I chose these:

• I wear these depending on where I am going and the expected weather conditions
• They are durable will stand up to the on-trail beating I give them
• They stretch when/where needed
• Have good pockets in just the right places
• They look good even after some dirty hiking

Pants: Arcade Belt

Why I chose this belt:

• I have the Adventure Belt – Ranger Slim version
• Its a great adjustable and very confirmable belt
• Keeps my pants up particularly during multi week hikes
• Flexible so it doesn’t interfere with my pack hip belt
• And mine’s purple although its called Heather Wine!

Singlet: Wilderness Wear COOL MERINO Tencel 155 Singlet

Why I chose this singlet:

• Worn separately or as great base layer
• Soft and comfy
• Wicks away moisture
• 70% Merino and 30 Eucalyptus fibre

Tee: Wilderness Wear COOL MERINO Tencel 155 Short Sleeve Scoop Tee

Why I chose this Tee:

• Wicks away moisture
• Super soft and lightweight
• Tailored fit and styling
• Washes well and doesn’t smell after many days’ wear

Warm Top: Wilderness Wear PolyPro+190 Women’s Long Sleeved Crew Neck Top

Why I chose this top:

• Very warm and soft against your skin
• Durable and doesn’t retain odours
• Washes well

Leggings: Wilderness Wear Merino Mid 195 Women’s Leggings

Why I chose these leggings:

• I wear them as an under layer in extremely cold weather
• They form part of my sleeping attire when it’s extra cold

Puffer Jacket: The North Face Women’s Thermoball Full Zip Jacket

Why I chose this:

• I wanted a synthetic jacket that would cope with expected wet conditions over a long period
• This jacket is snug and will take me from cool to cold conditions depending on the layers underneath
• The fit is really good
• I also bundle this jacket up at night and place it inside my Wilderness Wear PolyPro+190 Women’s Long Sleeved Crew Neck Top to form a soft and comfy pillow

Rain Jacket: Marmot PreCip Jacket

Why I chose this:

• This jacket keeps me dry in all but torrential rain conditions
• It also forms part of my layering system – cutting out the wind if I need a bit more warmth on top of my The North Face Women’s Thermoball Full Zip Jacket

Rain Pants: Rainbird Waterproof Pants

Why I chose this:

• The legs zips mean you can get them on and off without removing boots
• They are very economical!

Buff: Buff Original

Why I chose this:

• 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

Neck warmer: Wilderness Wear Merino Neck/Face Gaiter

Why I chose this neck warmer:

• Very versatile – can be worn in many different ways including as a beanie or neck warmer
• Merino and so its super soft

Hat: Sunday Afternoons Ultra-Adventure Hat

Why I chose this:

• I use a few different hats and this one if my current go-to hat
• Its great for when its really hot and I need very good sun protection
• Its also great when there’s a lot of wind – it won’t blow away on you
• And its purple – actually I think its ‘fuchsia’ but that’s close enough!

Gloves: Thinsulate Gloves

Why I chose these:

• I usually wear a range of gloves depending on the conditions
• These lightweight merino gloves form my base layer and still provide the ability to feel
• In cold weather, I usually have another two pairs of increasingly thicker gloves to wear on top

Clothing pack: Exped Zip Pack-Large

Why I chose this:

• This lightweight dry bag keeps all my clothing dry and in one spot
• I can tell by the colour in low light which bag is which

Safety/Navigation Equipment

Emergency Beacon / GPS: Garmin InReach Explorer+

Why I chose this device:

• 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
• Shard item

Compass: Suunto A30 Compass

Why I chose this:

• A simple no nonsense compass that performs all the basics
• Shared item

Miscellaneous Equipment

Sunglasses: Liive The Edge Sunglasses

Why I chose this:

• They fit my face which is the main consideration when choosing a pair of sunglasses
• I tend to update my sunglasses every few years and have been very happy with this pair
• They are a great price – you don’t have to pay a fortune to get good eye protection

Trekking Poles: Black Diamond Ultra Mountain FL Trekking Poles 130cm

Why I chose this:

• They’re purple! No really, they are adjustable to just the right height
• The hand grips are comfy and the straps mean you don’t have to grip hard to keep the poles with you
• Best of all, they fold down and fit neatly in the side pockets of my pack

Head Light: Petzl Actik Core Headlamp

Why I chose this:

• The ‘Core’ rechargeable battery is standard
• Small and reasonably lightweight at 75 grams
• 450 lumens
• A range of lighting options which means it is a great all-round headlamp

Reading Glasses: SOOLALA Lightweight Compact Reading Glasses

Why I chose this glasses:

• I lost a good pair!
• A cheap pair in a small protective case is an inexpensive solution to losing another expensive pair
• This works for me but might not be an option for for everyone

Charging cables: 

• USB-C to Lightening cable for iPhone/iPad
• Mini USB for GPS, Camera, iPhone battery case, battery pack
• Fitbit charging cable
• Tim and I share this load!
  • Shared items

Charging Adaptor: Cygnett Dual USB Wall Charger

Why I chose this:

• Compact, lightweight and robust
• Allows me to charge two devices at once
• Oh for a life without technology!
• Shared item

Powerbank: Goal Zero Sherpa 40 X 1

Why I chose this:

• • For the minimal charging I do I share this with Tim
    • Fitbit and phone
  • Readily available in many outdoor stores
• Shared item

Wallet: Sea to Summit See Pouch

Why I chose this:

• It keeps all my valuables in one place including my phone, cash and cards as well as my pencil and small notebook
• I can see what’s there at a glance
• Provides a degree of moisture and dirt protection

Phone: iPhone 8

Why I chose this:

• I have had an iPhone of some kind since they became a thing
• It’s easy to use and relatively secure
• Takes great pictures and videos of the trail

Foldback Clip 19mm

Why I chose this:

• This is one of the ‘hacks’ in our hiking kit
• The clip holds my rain jacket hood to my hat when its raining and windy
• It also creates a porch that keeps most of the water away from my face
• It’s well worth the few extra grams of weight

Clothing pack: Exped Zip Pack-XS

Why I chose this:

• What can I say, I like order!
• 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)

Toothpaste: Lush Toothy Tabs

Why I chose this:

• Convenient and lightweight

Floss: 25 metres

Why I chose this:

• Oral hygiene, particularly on longer hikes is just as important as it is at home

Toilet Trowel: GSI Cathole Trowel

Why I chose this:

• This lightweight trowel will dig through hard rocky soil better than lighter metal options
• Always bury your poop!
• Shared item

Toilet paper: 10 sheets per day

Why I chose this:

• I never rely on toilet paper being available
• You may also need when you’re away from provided facilities, or if the on-trail facilities have run out
• I fold each day’s worth and put it in a zip lock back to keep it clean and dry
• Place the fold facing the edge of the bag – that way you just grab the top fold

Hand Sanitiser: Hand Sanitiser 50ml

Why I chose this:

• The biggest cause of digestive distress on hikes is due poor sanitation after going to the toilet
• You wash your hands with soap and water at home, and you should clean your hands on a hike as well
• Hand sanitiser is a convenient option for hiking – make sure you rub it around

Towel: Sea to Summit Airlite Towel

Why I chose this:

• Ultralight towel option
• Takes up almost no space in my pack

Nail Clippers

Why I chose this:

• Keeping your toe nails trimmed to the correct length is important to minimise blisters
• Not really necessary on a short hike but very important on longer multi-day hikes when toenail growth becomes an issue
• Shared item

First Aid Supplies: Exped Zip Pack-Small

Why I chose this:

• 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.

Insect protection: Sea to Summit Head Net

Why I chose this:

• Sometimes the flies just drive you mad
• This net keeps them off your head and out of your mouth!
• Mosquito proofing at night
• I have only used my net a couple of times but it has been very worthwhile when needed

Gaiters: Sea to Summit Quagmire Gaiters

Why I chose this:

• I usually don’t worry about wearing heavy gaiters but when I’m going into a snake infested area, I up the leg protection with a serious gaiter

Lightweight Pack: Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack

Why I chose this:

• When travelling on an extended overseas/interstate trip I will use this as my carry on luggage
• During extended hikes, I will sometimes send this back home by mail and other times I will keep it with me depending on what I will be doing

Sleeping Mat: Therm-a-rest Z Lite Sol Sleeping Pad

Why I chose this:

• No inflation needed
• Sits on the outside of my pack so I more room inside
• Doesn’t move about during the night

PDF version of Gill's current gear list

The following link is a downloadable version of my 2021 multi-day hiking gear list. This list will be updated on an annual basis.

Gill’s Multi-day Gear Checklist June 2021

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