I don’t change my gear very often. After 10 years of thru-hiking, I am pretty content with what I have—it all seems to work well enough. The items in my pack rarely change, and my training gear has been with me for years, but this year I stepped out and tried a few different items. The change in the landscape of adventure travel, the adoption of shorter projects, and the rise in car camping with Maggie all contributed to the new products.
Therm-a-Rest Neo-Air XTherm
I have always used a foam pad. I don’t like hiking until 9 p.m. only to have to spend my last bit of energy blowing up a sleeping pad. But in March we started car camping more and a foam pad just wouldn’t cut it. I tried the inflatable NeoAir and realized it was a lot less painful than the terror of inflation I had remembered. I continued to hike with the NeoAir all year with the exception of only the most intense projects when I reverted to foam.
Coros Vertix Watch
I got this watch right at the beginning of 2020 and while the fitness tracker market has exploded in recent years this has been my favorite. The battery life is simply amazing and the detailed metrics offer anything a hiker, training athlete, or parent simply trying to stay active would need. The detailed GPS tracking, vertical gain assessment, and training load assessment have been great in this year of running close to home.
Appalachian Gear Company All-Paca Fleece Hoodie
I got this alpaca hoodie at the Grand Canyon and then continued to wear it every day on the Ouachita Trail, even jogging in it once we returned to Montana. The thing still doesn’t smell. I am now a firm believer in alpaca wool for its comfort and aversion to stench. 10/10 would recommend.
HOKA ONE ONE Speedgoats
I switched shoes this year, after many suggestions to switch to HOKA from my previous trail runners. There are a couple of different models that I enjoy, but for overall hiking and trail running the Speedgoat has proven to be the most versatile.
Ultimate Direction Adventure Vest
The single-day adventures got longer this year and I needed a vest that could carry enough for a full day out there. I got this vest initially for the Barkley Marathons, but when those were canceled it became my go-to pack for long runs in the mountains. It easily stows a rain jacket, gloves, and enough food and water to be comfortably uncomfortable running all day.
Rawlogy Cork Massage Balls
Balls Balls Balls Balls. I spent the first quarter of 2020 training for the Barkley Marathons. Now I am full circle and training for it again. The training is not easy and little discomforts present themselves daily. Simply rolling out with these cork balls has really helped, especially my hips and hamstrings.
Swiftwick Socks
I have this wonderful pair of rainbow national park-themed socks that I wear with floral running tights to really blow the fashion game out of the water. I tried these socks for the first time this year and I have only positive things to say. A new pair of socks is my favorite gift and putting a new pair on is a small slice of heaven.
Peak Refuel Meals
These are the best dehydrated meals that I have ever had. They require less water than the bigger brands and they use higher-quality ingredients. The taste is very similar to what you would get in a restaurant, not a dehydrated meal. While expensive, these meals also have about 25% more calories than comparable meals. Jump on board with one of the best meal companies.
LiteAF Tiger Pack
I have been using a LiteAF pack off and on for the last two years, but this year I was so dependent on a custom tiger-print 35L pack for the Colorado Trail FKT that it took the relationship to another level. The record was an unsupported 486 miles, and the pack held up perfectly. I doubt there is a better way to put a pack through the wringer than on an unsupported FKT.
Oiselle Tights
Simply because women’s tights are more comfortable than any tights I have found for men! Floral pattern is an added bonus.