Gill’s Multi-Day Hiking Gear List 2023
Gear List
I’m a 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 very 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 2023 multi-day hiking gear list reflects all the above. Again this year, I was surprised at the small changes I’ve made since the last update in mid 2022. I know our COVID world has contributed to some extent but still, the changes were minimal with the big one being new shoes.
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.
List updated May 2023
If you want a downloadable PDF version of my 2023 Multi-Day Hiking Gear Checklist go to the following link
Gill’s Multi-Day Hiking Gear Checklist 2023 (PDF)
Pack System
Pack: Osprey Eja 48
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 18 kg in weight if necessary but I rarely ever carry that much preferring around the 12-13 kg mark
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 a pack liner and dry sacks
Pack Liner: Macpac 70 Litre Ultralight Pack Liner
Why I chose this pack liner:
- Its big enough that 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
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: MSR FreeLite 2 Ultralight Tent
Why we chose this tent:
- This two person tent weighs a tiny 0.91 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 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 600 ml 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 me warm down to -1o degrees Celcius
- 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 Women’s
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
Camp Kitchen
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 100 gram 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 100 gram 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 six days of use out of a single 100 gram 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 Cool Grip X-Mug
Why I chose this cup:
- The Cool Grip X-Mug folds down flat
- Weighs very little
- Holds a good sized drink
- If you have small hands, the Cool Grip 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 Swedish FireSteel 2.0 Scout
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 500 gram 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
- I can get many, many re-uses out of one jar
Footwear
Footwear: Altra Lone Peak 7 Women’s Trail Running Shoe
Why I chose this:
- I have wide feet and this is one of the widest hiking shoes I have found
- Altra makes shoes for women’s feet
- They’re 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 – the same pair of socks have lasted me for years!
Gaiters: Dirty Girl Gaiters
Why I chose this:
- I love these gaiters – they are fun, colourful 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 heavier duty pair of gaiters
Layering System
Bra: Icebreaker Sprite Racerback Bra
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 fits well, and when you sweat, it dries in no time
- I wear this bra and the matching pants as 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 wore my original bra for many years – and not just when hiking – and just recently purchased a new upgrade
Knickers: Icebreaker Sprite Hot Pants
Why I chose this:
- These knickers fit well, don’t ride around, and stay put for hours!
- When you sweat, they dry in no time
- I wear a set (bra and pants) 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 wore my original bra and pants set for many years – and not just when hiking – and just recently purchased a new set
Pants: Kuhl Freeflex Roll-Up Women’s Pants
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 when weight loss is an issue
- 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 (Tencel)
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 comfortable
- 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
- To keep it in top waterproof condition, once a year I use Nikwax TX.Direct Wash-In
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 is 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 me
- And its purple – actually I think its ‘fuchsia’ but that’s close enough!
Clothing pack: Sea to Summit 13 Litre Ultra-Sil Dry Sack
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
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!
Safety/Navigation Equipment
Emergency Beacon / GPS: Garmin GPSMAP 66i Handheld Hiking GPS & Satellite
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
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
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 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 PowerPlus 32W USB-C 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: Cygnett ChargeUp Boost 2nd Generation 10,000 mAh Power Bank
Why I chose this:
- For the minimal charging of my 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 14 Pro
Why I chose this:
- I’ve 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
- A recent update from my previous iPhone 8
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: Sea to Summit 13 Litre Ultra-Sil Dry Sack
Why I chose this:
- What can I say, I like order!
- These packs are great for grouping your gear so you can access the smallest of items quickly
- 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 a supply when you’re away from facilities, or if the on-trail facilities have run out
- I fold each day’s worth and put them in a zip lock back to keep them clean and dry
- Place the fold facing the edge of the bag – that way you just grab the top fold each day
Hand Sanitiser: Hand Sanitiser 50 ml
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
Lip Balm
Why I chose this:
- For those conditions where cracked or sunburnt lips is a potential issue
Travel Tissues
Why I chose this:
- Multiple uses
- I do my best to only use one tissues per day
Wash cloth: Chux
Why I chose this:
- Cheap, lightweight and very easy to rinse out
- A good lightweight option for cleaning yourself
- Just cut a square 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
- A few drops in a small zip lock bag with your square of Chux plus a small amount of water is all you need for a great freshen up!
- 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
First Aid Supplies: Sea to Summit First Aid Dry Sack 3 Litre
Why I chose this:
- The small size is lightweight and reasonably water resistant
- Colour coded so I can tell by sight in minimal light this is what I’m after
- 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
- Shared item
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 have 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 2022 multi-day hiking gear list. This list is updated on an annual basis.
Gill’s Multi-day Gear Checklist May 2023