Tents

Shelter and Sleep System

The quilt or sleeping bag I use depends on weather conditions. I often use a Katabatic Gear 22° Flex quilt. However, on AT where the weather was often damp and sometimes hot and humid, I carried a down sleeping bag and a synthetic quilt. These could be slept in individually or combined for extra warmth.

Some items listed here were used before switching to a newer item. I slept in a Zpacks Duplex on the AT and PCT. After two complete thru-hikes, it needed to be replaced, and I switched to a Tarptent Aeon Li. I am now using a Durston X-Mid Pro 2.

Items I Currently Use

ItemWeight (oz.)
Duston X-Mid Pro 2 tent19.0
Outdoor Research Lightweight Dry Sack durable stuff sack for tent1.9
Zpacks DCF groundsheet3.3
Easton tent stakes in stuff sack (5 short and 1 long)2.1
Katabatic Gear Flex 22 quilt25.0
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite sleeping pad12.0
Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Regular pillow3.0
Superior Wilderness Designs DCF stuff sack for quilt*1.6
Cocoon Silk mummy liner*3.6

Items Used in the Past

ItemWeight (oz.)
Tarptent Aeon Li tent (replaced after the Pinhoti Trail)16.5
Zpacks Duplex tent (replaced after the AT and PCT)19.4
Thermarest Xtherm sleep pad (sprung a leak after use on the AT and 3/4 of the PCT)16.0
Sea to Summit Ether Light XT insulated sleep pad (sprung slow leaks twice on the CDT)18.2

My descriptions of gear are not intended to be product endorsements. I have not been compensated for any product mentions, nor do I use affiliate links.

* = Item is carried when conditions warrant

Return to main gear page