Years ago I had a Karrimor Jaguar 65 backpack, a synthetic sleeping bag, leather boots, a 2.2 k tent etc.
The gear I carried got me over the Coast to Coast - three times, up the Pennine Way - twice, and from one end of the UK to the other. And on other trips.
So lightweight gear is not essential.
But, MY gear has changed over the years.
In the USA, gear lists on eg Backpackinglight.com are plentiful.
I got many ideas from them over the years.
In this country, gear lists are harder (to me) to come by.
When I did my first TGO Challenge I was so curious as to what other people were carrying. Seeing what they were using, on that first Challenge, also gave me ideas.
For what it's worth, this is my gear list for the TGOC - 2013.
If it gives any ideas to anyone - fine. If it seems bonkers - fine. I enjoyed putting it together.
No two lists of gear that people prefer will be the same
My simple approach to backpacking is to carry what is necessary to ensure that I will be comfortable in all the conditions that I can anticipate.
Now that I've completed 3 TGO Challenges - the last 2 being particularly weather-full - I have honed down my gear to that which will work - for me.
This is the gear I plan to take on the 2013 TGO Challenge
Shelter
Grms
MLD Trailstar 550
Oookworks door 30
MSR Groudhogs + pins 190
Wickes secondary glazing film 90
Ti-Goat bivy bag - with head net 200
Cut down Ridgerest 200
Radiator insulation 45
PHD Minim 300 - long 700
Various dry bags 200
Total shelter 2205
Wearing
Lowe Alpine trousers 400
Integral Designs short gaiters 60
Rohan pants 50
Smartwool socks 60
Keen Targee 11 Mids 1050 (La Sportiva Wildcat II 800)
Marmot Dri-clime vest 190
Arcteryx LS merino zip base 320
Total worn 2130 (1880)
Carrying
Terra Nova Quasar 45 pack 600
Extremities fleece gloves 50
Extremities Tuff Bags 90
Black Rock down hat 15
PHD Alpamayo smock 435
Berghaus Paclites 220
Waterproof Cap 80
Bed socks (liner socks) 15
PHD Drishell windshirt 120
PHD Ultra pullover 290
PHD Minim down trousers 250
SS Merino base 160
Spare Rohan pants 50
Spare Smartwool socks 60
Crocs 410 (No Crocs 0)
PHD down socks 110
Compass 15
Maps (cut down) 150
MSR Blizzard stake toilet trowel 20
Kitchen roll - as toilet paper 20
Tissues 20
Petzl e-lite 35
Pen and paper 50
Camera 200
Tool card 10
Bank/Credit cards 10
Reading glasses in case 90
Ist aid kit - homemade 60
Pama charger + leads + plug + mobile 370
Toothbrush 15
Dr Bronners soap 50
Small towel 15
Black Diamond poles 495
GPS - Garmin E-Trex 150
Evernew DX Stove + stand in Myti-mug 280
Kitchen roll 20
Windshield 10
Pouch to keep food warm 15
Fuel bottles x 3 300
Platypus 2l bottle 10
Total carried
Shelter and sleeping 2205 (2205)
All else in the pack 5365 (4955)
Total carried 7570 (7160)
Total weight worn 2130 (1880)
Total weight worn and carried 9700 (9040)
So, there is what I'll be taking.
Food and water are extra. Water is Nirvana's finest - until nearer the lower ground in the East.
The oldest stuff is the Lowe Alpine trousers - at least 14 years old.
The newest is the TN Quasar 45 pack. ( 17/04/13 - Anyone who is sharp eyed will spot that I reduced the weight of the Quasar. Previous weigh-ins were with stuff still inside the inner hydration pocket!! .......and I've taken off the pole attachment bits)
The MLD Trailstar has proved itself on two TGO Challenges and many other trips. It spent a long time under the radar, but, is currently flavour of the month. Deservedly!
The Keen Targee 11 Mids started to have bits hanging off soon after I bought them. But, I glued these down and they've proved very comfortable and remained durable. They are not waterproof, but dry quickly.
(24/04/13 - After taking me for a couple of proper walks, I've decided to go with trail shoes for the first time. The Crocs are not necessary, so the weights - in brackets above - are reduced. Moi, counting grams? Sacre bler!!)
The stuff for sleeping in is a mix and match system that can be added to or subracted from depending on conditions. I have been comfortably down to minus 5C with these items.
With the mix and match combination of base + vest + windshirt + waterproof and the head and hands taken care of, I have not yet been cold when on the move.
The MSR Blizzard stake toilet trowel also can be used for the most-in-to-the-wind-anchor point for the Trailstar
This is personal.
It is my choice which I find works.
I've done this because I like looking at other people's gear lists and thought I'd share mine too.
