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CDT Hiking Gear List

CDT Hiking Gear List

By Brad McCartney
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CDT gear list

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Here is a comfortable and lightweight CDT gear list. I used most of these items on my thru hike of the Continental Divide Trail.  Some other items are additions that will be perfect for the CDT gear list.

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CDT Gear List

Shelter + Pack + Sleep System

Cooking Gear

Electronics and Camera

Clothing for the CDT


Rain Gear for the CDT

Trekking Poles and Snow Gear for the CDT

The CDT Gear List will also include winter to deal with the super cold temperatures. The Continental Divide Trail is the coldest of the 3 Triple Crown Thru Hiking Trails. So be prepared for the cold.

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First Aid, Toiletries and Misc

  • Plastic zip lock bags
  • Money / ID / Credit Cards
  • Permits
  • Blister pads
  • Strapping Tape
  • Giardia anti-biotic
  • Foot infection anti-biotic
  • Ibuprofen
  • tweezers
  • Toothpaste
  • Toothbrush
  • Safety Pin
  • Needle
  • Deet insect repellant
  • Sunscreen
  • Lip Balm
  • Toilet tissue
  • Trail town info
  • Total = 375 Grams

Total weight of backpack = 6.6 kilograms / 14.5 pounds.

Food will weight approximately 1kg per day.
Water will weight 1kg per litre.
I’m very happy with my CDT hiking gear list, but of money was no object I would change a couple of things.

How much does you gear list weight? What gear would you change?
Let me know in the comments section below

More of the Best info on Thru Hiking the CDT:
Complete Guide to Thru Hiking the CDT
Continental Divide Trail Resupply Guide
CDT Gear Review

Continental Divide Trail Gear List

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Brad McCartney
Brad is an Australian who has completed the hiking Triple Crown after he hiked the Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail and Appalachian Trail. He has hiked on every continent (except Antarctica) and has cycled from Alaska to Ecuador. He is an expert on outdoor gear currently living in Sydney, Australia.

13 Comments

  1. Hi Brad :) so great that you are able to do the CDT. Good luck with it :) Can’t wait for all the posts.
    I was wondering if you are using any tracking devices (like for GPS or so) or any specific Apps during the hiking days on the PCT or now also on the CDT?
    Thanks and take care :) Yvonne

    Reply

    1. Thanks Yvonne, my iPhone is my GPS. I use the guthook app for trail navigation and I use pocket earth pro for side trails and town navigation. They both work great. So I don’t carry any paper maps.

      Reply

  2. Hey Brad, I was thinking of you this past Wednesday – I live about 90 minutes from the Paradise Valley Cafe on the PCT (mile 152) where it crosses Hwy 74 in So Cal. I was up there for a day hike and saw about a dozen thru-hikers hitching a ride to Idyllwild (to bypass the closed section and for weather concerns). I also saw a few on the patio at the Cafe. Hope you have good memories of that section. I’m looking forward to your CDT journey. Soon!

    God bless you, mate. Be well.

    Mike M, Riverside, CA

    Reply

    1. Nice hiking around there, and please tell me you stopped for a burger at Paradise Cafe, the best burgers on the PCT. I guess you have hundreds of miles of the pct all within a short distance of your place. I’ve heard there are slightly more hikers this year than last. I have fond memories of the pct and could easily hike it again.

      Reply

  3. I see you changed your tent from copper spur to hornet. Did the old one break or any other particular reason besides the weight? I’m considering about getting the copper spur and I’d like to hear your “long term” impressions :)

    Reply

    1. The BA Copper Spur is a great tent and I’m sure it will serve you well. I hiked with many people who used one on the PCT. Of the many that were on the PCT, I only heard of 1 that had a problem with a broken zip. The tent was replaced, I think, free of charge. So that’s good to know. I have used it extensively on the second half of the PCT and for the last several months cycle touring. It has several small holes which would be fair wear and tear. I have patched them. The tent did develop a tear on the mesh where it joins the zipper. It has proved difficult for me to repair without stitching material over it. It could also be attributed to wear and tear, possibly. I haven’t heard of other people with that problem. Apart from that it is a great tent, it will serve you well should you choose to buy one. I suspect you should be able to do at least 2 long distance through hikes (5000 miles) with the Copper Spur, maybe more.

      After the PCT hike I started searching for a tent to take on the CDT. I had several things that were important in my choice. First, it had to be a tent, not a tarp. Second, easy to erect in bad weather. Thirdly, side entrance. Finally, lightweight. The Nemo hornet is 1 pound lighter than my previous tent. I hiked with several people on the PCT that used the Nemo Hornet. They all had great things to say about it. So I did some research and decided that I would buy that tent. Prior to buying the tent I approached Nemo and they supplied me with the tent to use in the CDT. I’m very thankful for their support and I’m sure the tent will serve me well.

      So, I wasn’t unhappy with the Copper Spur and I think it is a good ‘long term’ tent. I just like the Specifications of the Nemo better. It also has good long term reports from other hikers I know and trust.

      I hope that helps.

      Reply

      1. Cool, thanks for the assesment! The Hornet sure sounds interesting too but availability “out here” is not that good.

    1. I used them in the PCT. They were a great show. Vasque have been kind to supply me with their Vasque Inhaler Low hiking shoe for the CDT. I hope to get great service out of this shoe. I will let you know.

      Reply

    1. Yes I do. They are listed in the items I will only use in cold weather. When hiking the pct last year I had sleeping clothes but rarely used them. Only if my hiking clothes were wet or it was very cold. So I will only take them when I expect very cold weather. I spent most of the time sleeping in my hiking clothes. This will mean I will need to wash my sleeping bag to keep it clean and retain its warmth and loft. On the PCT I washed my bag twice while on trail, as well as before and after the trail. I suspect I will start carrying my sleeping clothes at some time after the first 600 miles. But I will let the weather dictate when I will start carrying them.

      Reply

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