On the Gear List section of my website, I list all of the gear and their respective weights for each thru-hike I’ve done. I don’t go into much depth there for those that just want the cut and dry information. In this post however, I’ll be exploring in expanded detail what worked, what didn’t, and my reasoning behind switching out certain items.

I hiked the Arizona Trail in 2019, which was an unseasonably wet year. I also started late February, in order to try to finish in time for a friend's wedding in April. This meant a much colder and snowier thru-hike than would be ideal or average for a Spring Northbound AZT hiker. Keep in mind when looking at my cold-weather gear that if you plan on starting in March or April conditions will likely be very different and your gear needs will likely skew towards needing less cold weather options.

BIG 3+

Backpack: Gossamer Gear Mariposa 32.4 oz

I used this pack the entirety of the Appalachian Trail and continued to use it on the AZT. Besides looking very dirty and sad, it has mostly held together. The mesh holding the sit pad in place (the part of the pack your back touches), has started to disintegrate due to friction and sweat. Besides this and some small tears in the bottom of the taller side pocket, this workhorse is still going strong. With the amount of cold-weather gear I carried on this trip, I definitely needed the 60L capacity.

I think this is a great pack for anyone interested in starting out more on the Lightweight side of things or lightening up their gear in the future, but isn’t quite there yet.

WOULD I BUY AGAIN? Probably not. It felt too boxy and it doesn’t seem to comfortably carry weight as easily as something like the ULA Circuit or any other pack meant for carrying heavier loads.

Tent: Gossamer Gear The One 23.4 oz, switched to Big Agnes Copper Spur UL 1 35.6 oz

an example of poor campsite selection (with a great view)

This tent breaks ground by being one of the lighter tents out there for a much more affordable price than usually seen in this weight bracket. I had the misfortune of buying this tent before they lightened it up by another 5.7 ounces, so now it comes in at 17.7 oz for only $299. I started out with this tent, but found that I couldn’t rely on the stakes holding in the sandy soil and high winds of Arizona, so I switched out to the Big Agnes Copper Spur that I’d brought on the AT.

PROS: Lightweight, on the more affordable spectrum for the weight (especially if you get it on sale), extremely roomy (I can do downward facing dog in this tent, what!?), trekking poles are your support, so no extra tent poles to carry.

CONS: Reduced flexibility in campsite selection. Doesn’t hold up especially well in wind, particularly if the soil makes it impossible to secure stakes effectively. It’s single-walled so condensation will be an issue.

The Copper Spur is a great freestanding tent. It removed all of the frustration I was having with The One of it collapsing in high wind, having excessive condensation and needing to be exceedingly careful about where I pitched it. The weight was worth it for me this trip, but I’d like to think I’ve learned more about properly pitching The One and adequately choosing campsites. There are lighter freestanding tents out there too, if freestanding is your jam. The AZT is the trail for it, if you are on the fence and think you’ll miss your freestanding tent.

If you’re not into tents at all, the AZT is definitely the trail for cowboy camping with a tarp backup.

Sleeping Pad: Thermarest NeoAir X-lite Women’s 11.6 oz , switched to Thermarest Z-Lite 14 oz

Less than 100 miles in, my NeoAir stopped staying inflated through the night. I don’t know exactly what caused the leak, but after walking past countless iterations of spiky plants and over similarly spiky rocks, I realized that this wasn’t the right trail for me to bring an inflatable mattress. I’m sure it’s doable, and I know it’s been done…but the amount of extra care I would have to take to protect an air mattress coupled with the fact that it would probably still pop anyways, just wasn’t worth it to me.

At the Tucson REI, I bought the Thermarest Z-Lite and have never looked back at finicky inflatable pads. I was scared that I wouldn’t be comfortable on the Z-Lite, but I actually slept BETTER, and I removed a waste of time and extra effort.

Sleeping Bag: Enlightened Equipment Revelation 20 degree 19.39 oz, switched to Western Mountaineering 10 degree in compression sack: 36.5 oz

As mentioned before, I started the trail quite early. Almost the entire length of my thru-hike was quite cold. In the South, the trail is punctuated by frequent Sky Islands (basically huge mountains in the middle of the desert). These Sky Islands were still covered with snow and although the desert floor before was quite balmy, I knew the next climb would return me to colder weather yet again. The same time that I switched out my sleeping pad, I also switched from the EE Revelation to the Western Mountaineering Versalite. I had spent each night in my tent shivering, fantasizing about a normal zip-up sleeping bag with a hood I could cinch around my head. I was in heaven once I had the Versalite, my nights were transformed from uncomfortable to cozy-warm. The only downside was that now I had to use a compression sack to fit the plush bag into my pack, and it added considerable weight. I would use the Versalite again if I were winter camping, but the weight deters me from using it more often. I will probably go with a warmer quilt in the future rather than this bag, despite its very high quality.

WORN

Hiking Shirt: Patagonia A/C L/S 4.6 oz switched to Brooks T-shirt (similar) 3.6 oz

The Patagonia A/C Long Sleeve is a nice cotton button-up for desert hiking. It’s lightweight and breathable (though it’s cotton so it stays wet longer than synthetic materials). When I was hiking in the warmer sections of trail, I enjoyed that when this shirt became sweat-soaked, it helped to cool me down. That’s also the reason I switched out to the synthetic Brooks T-shirt after I hopped up onto the much cooler Mogollon Rim. I was hiking through snow and the shade of pines, so I wanted something that wouldn’t sap all of my heat, but still breathe when I was sweating. If I were to hike the AZT later in the season, I would probably stick with something like the Patagonia, or a long sleeve sun hoodie.

Running Shorts: Oiselle 4 oz

These shorts are SHORT. But they’re also really comfortable, breathable and have a fun pattern. The short inseam doesn’t leave any protection for chafing (this wasn’t an issue for me because the AZT is so dry), so I would probably bring longer shorts if I was hiking somewhere with more humidity.

Bra: Patagonia Barely Bra 1.6 oz

The band of this becomes loose and rides up over time, so I no longer own this. Otherwise, the material is great and comfortable, if it fits to your liking.

Underwear: Ibex Balance Brief 1 oz

Merino underwear is always the way to go on thru-hikes, if you decide to bring underwear, that is. Wicking, odor-resistant and just way better than synthetic.

Sun Hat: Pistil (similar) 3.8 oz

I call this my farmer hat. It’s been with me through a lot, so now it’s more sentimental than anything. A traditional hiking sun hat would provide more coverage.

Socks: Farm to Feet 2 oz

On the AT, I had both Darn Tough and Farm to Feet. FTF won out because after a few wears, they are way less crusty than Darn Tough. This resulted in being able to wear them for longer more comfortably. Injinji’s are about on par with FTF with this ability, but they lack the durability and lifetime warranty of FTF.

Gaiters: Dirty Girl 1 oz

I started out with some hardcore OR Gaiters because I’d forgotten my Dirty Girls at home. I was actually glad I had the intense gaiters because my first day up to Miller Peak had many miles of deep snow. Eventually I switched to the Dirty Girls. It’s a great company, local to AZ, and they make great lightweight gaiters. I’ve since stopped wearing gaiters because I’m not sure they’re worth the hassle, but this is a great brand if you are so inclined.

Trekking Poles: Black Diamond ERGO CORK 16.6 oz

My hiking partner on the AT had these poles and loved them, and I wanted to try out the ergonomic design of the handles. I really like hiking with these, but on this trail I was trying to focus on my walking form and would often leave both or just one of these in my pack. These are too heavy to just be carried on my back, so I’ve since switched to the Fizan poles so that if I decide I don’t feel like walking with poles, I’m not carrying as much weight.

CLOTHING

Windbreaker: Montbell Tachyon Parka 2.4 oz

Growing up here and knowing how infrequent rain can be, I jumped on the opportunity to save some weight and leave my rain jacket behind. I replaced it with the uber-lite Montbell Tachyon Parka. I absolutely loved this and wore it all the time, especially when it was extremely windy or if I needed another layer of warmth. It is surprisingly warm for how thin and light it is. There aren’t many trails where I would recommend ditching the rain jacket, but if you’re brave enough, the AZT could be the one.

Puffy: Montbell Superior Down Parka 7.4 oz

My tried and true puffy since the Appalachian Trail. It has seemed to keep its loft pretty well even after a year or more of combined use. I use it as my pillow in the Hyperlite stuff sack, unless it’s really cold and I need to wear it. It packs down a lot more than my Enlightened Equipment Torrid Pullover, which is synthetic and comes in at the same weight.

Thermal Leggings: Terramar (similar) 4.8 oz

I got these super cheap on sale and they’ve lasted forever. I haven’t found a reason to replace them and just keep using them! I don’t love sleeping in shorts, so I pretty much always want to bring these along.

Warm Sleep Socks: Point 6 3.2 oz

I got these on clearance on an outdoor gear website and they were my warmest socks, so I just kept bringing them on trips to keep my chronically cold feet from turning to icicles. These are quite heavy for something only used during sleeping hours, so I’ve since switched to the EE Torrid Booties (1.8 oz)

Stuff Sack/Pillow: Hyperlite Mountain Gear 1.2 oz

Something I’ve carried since the AT. The fleece and the DCF completely delaminated, so I’ve since replaced it with a new version that is somehow 0.2 oz lighter. I could probably get rid of this, since if I’m using my puffy stuffed into this sack as a pillow, doesn’t it mean I’m not efficiently using all of my layers? But oh well, I have tried the inflatable pillows and they’ve sprung leaks on me, so I’d rather have this or just use my food bag or whatever I’m not wearing.

that time I got caught in a hailstorm on top of Mt. Lemmon

Beanie: Carhartt 2.8 oz

Cozy warm. I could’ve found something lighter, but didn’t.

Buff: 1.2 oz

I enjoyed having this for added sun protection around my neck, as well as extra warmth when it was windy and cold. Can also be used as an all-purpose rag, helping to wipe condensation off of the tent in the morning.

Gloves: Patagonia Fleece 1 oz

I got these at a Patagonia Outlet store in Maine, I’ve never been able to find them online. I’ve since replaced these with the Montbell Chameece Gloves which are essentially the same, but with the stitching on the thumb and forefingers so that you can (sort of) use your phone while wearing.

KITCHEN

Stove: MSR Pocket Rocket 3 oz

This got me through all of the AT and AZT. Certainly more fuel efficient and reliable than the BSR-3000 which I’ve switched to, but I haven’t gone back to it unless I’m car camping.

Pot: MSR Titan Tea Kettle 4.8 oz

This thing is enormous! I thought it looked tiny when I first got it, but eventually I realized there was no way I could consume enough food to fill it. I switched to the smaller Toaks 650mL and that suits my needs much better.

Lighter: Bic Mini

Always have, always will.

Spork: Toaks Long-handled 0.7 oz

The long handle can be nice if you’re eating a lot of Mountain House’s. I eventually realized sporks suck because you can’t fully clean out a pot, a Mountain House, anything, and I switched to Team Spoon.

Water Filter: Sawyer Squeeze 3.2 oz

one of the few times I used my full water carrying capacity

The most reliable compact filter at that point in time. There are some promising new models out there nowadays, but it will be hard to stray from this standby.

Water Bladder: Platypus 1L 0.8 oz

Careful with this, I don’t think the Sawyer works with Platypus fittings anymore, but I just used it as extra carrying capacity. I wanted reassurance for my water anxiety on really long water carries, but I think I only used my full capacity once or twice.

Dirty Water Bag: Evernew 1.5L 1.2 oz

I’ve been very happy with my Evernew Bags. The one I used on the AT just now got a little tear near the top, but that took 4 years. I also think the 1.5L size is perfect. 2L is too big, and 1L is too small.

Water Bottles: Smart Water 1.4 oz x 2

TECH

Headlamp: Petzl Actik 3.2 oz

Big, takes batteries, and not excessively bright. I switched to the Nitecore NU25 and never looked back.

Battery Pack: Anker 6.6 oz

Pretty reliable, but charge definitely diminished over time. I’ve switched to the lighter Nitecore NB1000.

Phone Charging Cord: 1 oz

Micro USB Charging Cord: 0.8 oz

Phone: Google Pixel 3XL w/ Moment Case 8 oz

Phone Lens: Moment Wide Angle 3 oz

It was actually fun to play around with this little lens, but now my phone has a built-in wide angle so it’s not necessary to carry an external lens.

GPS: Garmin inReach 7 oz

I was borrowing this from a friend and really enjoyed knowing that the people close to me were following along on my journey. Also gives peace of mind. I have since purchased the inReach mini (3.5 oz) and will be bringing that on my longer or more remote hikes.

HEALTH/FIRST AID/ HYGIENE

Trowel: QiWiz 15 g

Zero weight advantage over the Deuce of Spades, but somehow more difficult to use.

Toothbrush: no handle w/ Steripod 0.6 oz

I like the Steripod to have some reassurance that my toothbrush isn’t teeming with filth, but it’s bulky and I no longer use it (yay filth).

Sunscreens: Face and body 1.8 oz

I really only bring face sunscreen nowadays.

Tampons: 1.6 oz

Please don’t tell me I should use a menstrual cup—mind your own uterus. (I’m talking to you random guy on YouTube who told me to use a menstrual cup)

Mirror: 0.6 oz

In case you need to pluck your unibrow on trail.

First Aid Kit/Repair Kit: Tweezers, needle & thread, tenacious tape, lip balm 1.8 oz

I’ve been pretty happy with my minimal first aid setup over the years.

Multi-Tool: Leatherman Micra 1.8 oz

This is bulkier and beefier than necessary, but the big scissors are really nice. I now bring the smaller Swiss Army Classic.

MISC.

Camp Shoes: Xero Sandals 9.4 oz

I couldn’t give up camp shoes quite yet, so I brought these awesome Xero’s. They are fabulous for town days, but lighter options are out there (including not bringing any).

Pee Rag: Bandana 0.7 oz

I switch back and forth from a really light bandana to the Kula Cloth. Both work, but sometimes the larger surface area of the bandana is nice.

Okay, we did it! If you made it this far, I’m impressed. Thank you for reading, and let me know if this was helpful with your gear planning for the AZT or any adventure.

Arizona Trail In Depth Gear Breakdown (Early Spring, Cold Weather)