Gear Lists

The Gossamer Gear RikSak is a wonderful piece of gear for day-hikes. Despite its minuscule weight, the pack is perfectly capable of carrying everything Ramius and I need for an outing in the Flatirons or up a 14er. 

Weight: 2.2 oz

Capacity: 15 L

Good for early morning starts and easily compressible within one's pack, this jacket also provides a fair amount of wind protection when necessary.

Weight: 8.3 oz

A versatile sweater that has managed to keep me warm on thru-hikes as well as on day-hikes. It is warm and dries quickly in the event of water exposure. The sleeves also have thumb loops that warm the hands when not wearing gloves/glove liners.

Weight: 16.0 oz

A brilliant baselayer that keeps you cool when it's warm and keeps you warm when it's cool. This shirt provides a fair amount of sun protection. 

Weight: 4.6 oz

A single pair of these pants have lasted me over 1,000 trail miles and are still going strong. They feature articulated knees and a gusseted crotch that allow for high performance when performing any of the actions associated with hiking or climbing. 

Weight: 14.0 oz

Designed to maximize movement, these antimicrobial briefs haven't ever left me unsatisfied.

Weight: 3.0

A primary goal when hiking up a 14er is to avoid getting caught in a rain/thunder storm. Thus, this lightweight shell that can double as a windbreaker does a wonderful job of barely weighing down a pack whilst protecting you as you jog down the mountain to avoid whatever storm is rolling in.

Weight: 2.5 oz

These glove liners do a great job of keeping your hands warm in the early morning, though they won't stand up to the elements very well. 

Weight: 1.0 oz

These wool socks wick moisture, are naturally antimicrobial, and have an unconditional lifetime guarantee. Simply: they're great. 

Weight: 1.6 oz

I'm a great fan of trailrunners as hiking shoes - one only needs to check the gear lists from my Colorado Trail and Long Trail trips to see this. These shoes mesh the best aspects of trailrunners (minimal weight) with those of approach shoes (durability and traction). 

Weight: 30.0 oz

Inexpensive, but not cheap, a Boonie hat provides excellent sun and rain protection.

Weight: 3.0 oz

These sunglasses are built for use in extreme conditions at altitude. They're equipped with removable side-shields and are great for minimizing intense sunlight's effects on your eyes.

Weight: 4.0 oz

For Ramius and myself, 2.0 liters of water will typically get us through a single 14er. For anything beyond that, I add an additional 1.0 liter Platypus. Platypus soft bottles are lightweight, durable, and don't take up extra room within your pack once you've consumed their contents. They also make models with hydration hoses.

Weight: 1.3 oz

I use this little guy to write down a given 14ers basic route, including any landmarks or distances I think important to know on the mountain. I'll occasionally fold up a printed map and place it in the notebook's back pocket.

Weight: 5.0 oz

This durable little camera has been with me on trips to the Great Lakes, Vermont's Long Trail, and along the Colorado and Continental Divide trails - it's withstood some serious abuse. It's great for high altitudes and extreme conditions. If you want to judge its photo-quality, all you need to do is browse this site.

Weight: 5.2 oz

Tiny, but able to get the job done, this headlamp works perfectly fine for early morning approaches.

Weight: 1.0 oz

Cell-phones don't always get great service in the backcountry, but it's worth having one on you just in case.

Weight: 5.1

107.8 ounces (~6.75 pounds)

22.3 ounces (~1.4 pounds)

47.6 ounces (~3 pounds)

                                  Winter Baseline Gear List

A durable pack that represented Mountain Hardwear's first attempt at a moderately ultralight pack. It has served me well when backpacking and offers the necessary space to hold most cold-weather gear. Also has loops for any necessary mountaineering tools.

Weight: 45.0 oz

Capacity: 48 liters

Lightweight, warm, and durable. This jacket works well in the morning when you're just starting out and as an insulator when you're taking a break. Also has some great technical features.

Weight: 13.0 oz

This wool shirt performs excellently in winter conditions. It's quick to wick moisture and does a good job of releasing it. Additionally, its hood and thumb loops are great for preventing wind from becoming an issue. It's my go-to winter baselayer.

Weight: 16.64 oz

Warm and quick to dry, this wool cap accompanies me whenever I head into the high country.

Weight: 2.0 oz

I've strayed from glacier glasses in the winter due to what I perceive as an inverse relationship between sun protection and fogging up. These goggles take care of this problem and feature oversize optics to increase my peripheral vision. 

Weight: 6.5

Easily put on and removed, these insulating pants keep me warm throughout the day. They also provide a fair amount of protection from the wind that my thermal tights don't. 

Weight: 7.8 oz

Thermal tights are the way to go in winter - they essential combine the warmth of long underwear and the durability of pants. I'm a huge fan.

Weight: 8.0 oz

Designed to maximize movement, these antimicrobial briefs haven't ever left me unsatisfied.

Weight: 3.0 oz

The best winter handwear I've ever come across. Have kept my hands warms in every condition encountered. 

Weight: 9.0 oz

This glove liner keeps your hands warm as you're moving and doesn't wear out as quickly as typical glove liners. 

Weight: 2.25 oz

Protects neck and face from harsh conditions (e.g., snow, wind, sun). 

Weight: 2.0 oz

Has thermometer, barometer, and altimeter - a great addition to any trek at altitude.

Weight: 12.0 oz

Warm, thin, and durable. 

Weight: 1.6 oz

These boots are durable and have taken on all of the terrain I've thrown at them. They are a bit narrow, however (am considering altering my footwear system).

Weight: 38.5 oz

These gaiters will last you a lifetime and can be used in just about any conditions. They do a great job of protecting my down pants from hazards.

Weight: 10.2 oz

These snowshoes have two features that make them ideal for climbing 14ers: first, they have an aggressive tread/crampon system that will keep your feet from slipping. Second, they have a bar that will reduce energy expenditure on steep slopes by elevating your heel. Well worth the weight.

Weight: 63.0 oz

My go-to hiking poles, modified with snow baskets. 

Weight: 7.0 oz

The wide mouth prevents freezing that would prevent me from drinking. Also has a slightly larger capacity than what I carry in 3-season conditions - good because dehydration reduces your core temperature. 

Weight: 2.25 oz

I use this little guy to write down a given 14ers basic route, including any landmarks or distances I think important to know on the mountain. I'll occasionally fold up a printed map and place it in the notebook's back pocket.

Weight: 5.0 oz

This durable little camera has been with me on trips to the Great Lakes, Vermont's Long Trail, and along the Colorado and Continental Divide trails - it's withstood some serious abuse. It's great for high altitudes and extreme conditions. If you want to judge its photo-quality, all you need to do is browse this site.

Weight: 5.2 oz

Tiny, but able to get the job done, this headlamp works perfectly fine for early morning approaches.

Weight: 1.0 oz

Cell-phones don't always get great service in the backcountry, but it's worth having one on you just in case.

Weight: 5.1

266.04 ounces (~16.62 pounds)

Highly Variable

Highly Variable