*Disclaimer, with all of this gear please try and find used first to keep the focus on reusing and sustainability. Links are provided for Amazon if you want new.
Coffee and Cooking Gear(Notice how coffee comes first?)
AeroPress for great coffee in a lightweight package.
MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe Stove is a great little stove that includes a built in ignitor and a pressure regulator. This is crucial for when it gets cold and/or you are starting to get low on fuel in the fuel canister it will keep the output level consistent. This means hot water for coffee faster when it’s cold or at higher altitudes.
GSI Outdoors Halulite Minimalist 2 System Cookset this paired with the MSR Pocket Rocket stove is my go to ultralight stove and cooking system. The stove and a single small fuel canister easily fits in the pot/mug and takes up much less room than a JetBoil.
Hario Skerton Pro coffee grinder adjustable ceramic burr and an easy to hold shape. What’s not to love for those before sunrise starts? This stays back at the truck though, for on the trail coffee it’s all about the Starbuck Via instant coffee life.
Outdoor Life
MPOWERED Luci Pro Solar Lantern this lantern is awesome in that is also functions as a battery pack for cell phones. I generally charge via USB on the drive then can keep it topped off with its built in solar panel. Then at night use it as a lantern but also to charge cell phones at night.
Camera and Tech
Nikon D750 it’s a beast and most of the time I regret how big it is, but it is what I have, and will continue to use it as long as I can. Honestly though it has been an amazing camera for me and they can be found for fairly cheap new and used. Incredibly rugged and durable it has never batted an eye at some of the miserable conditions I have used it in. Plus now with more people going mirrorless the lens selection on the used market is really good.
Nikon Nikkor 28-300mm is my go to lens. It seems like a lot of “pro” photographers don’t like this lens, but to me it’s shear versatility means it is often the only lens I carry. If for some reason I want to shoot wider than 28mm I will end up flipping vertically and doing a panorama in Lightroom since that is so easy now.
The Backpacks
Mountain Hardware South Col 70 is my go to backpack for pretty much everything. I bought this one used at Outdoor Adventures in Portland, OR. It had some minor wear and tear and one small rip on the sides. I patched that up and it has been phenomenal ever since. This thing can carry far more than it’s rated 70 liters, I’ve even been able to stuff entire other backpacks in it but still compress down to be able to use on alpine objectives. It doesn’t carry the 50lbs+ loads as well as some other backpacks I have had but that’s a minor annoyance. If you do happen to see one of these for sale used don’t hesitate to pick it up.
Black Diamond Cirque 35 is my go to daypack or fast and light backpack. Trying to be as minimalist as possible I also use it as my work backpack and even my light touring pack. The hip belt pocket is perfect for also fitting a small camera or snacks. I love how quick the drawstring closure is and overall just ease of use. The included helmet holder is clutch as well. I do feel like sometimes that this backpack runs smaller than the 35 liters it says but I am also usually packing extra camera gear.
What’s in my backpacks?
Patagonia R1 Jacket is one of my go to mid layers. I was able to find one of these used at Wonderland Gear Exchange here in Seattle and an extremely happy with my purchase. These do pop up fairly often on Patagonia’s Worn Wear used section as well so look there too.
For maintain energy in the mountains one of my favorite ways is with the Sea Salt Chocolate GU’s. Great for some sugar, caffeine, and electrolytes in one package to keep me moving. To cut down on the amount of trash I am going to be switching to buying the 15oz pouch and using a refillable dispenser once I find one that holds up to the wear and tear in the mountains.
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