From mid-May to mid-September of 2026, I spent 30 nights sleeping in tents, plus another 17 days trail running in the mountains of Alaska. Most of my time in the field was for work, collecting water samples and data for climate research in the western Arctic.

The majority of my time in the backcountry was spent in remote, off-trail terrain where lightweight + durable gear is all but required. When you’re carrying a packraft, 10 water sampling kits, and 8 days of food, you need the rest of your gear to be as light as possible, while still inspiring confidence that it won’t fail.

This is the gear that kept me fed, dry, clothed, and happy through it all.

This post contains affiliate links, which may earn me a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Sleep System

• Nemo Fillo Elite Pillow (30 nights)
• Nemo Tensor Elite Sleeping Pad (30 nights)
• Durston X-mid Pro 1 Tent (26 nights)
• Nemo Pulse Quilt (18 nights)
• Big Agnes Greystone 20 Sleeping Bag (12 nights)

Camp Kitchen

• TOAKS Long-handle spoon (60 meals)
• TOAKS 450mL Titanium Mug (56 hot drinks)
• TOAKS 700mL Titanium Pot (52 meals)
• SOTO WindMaster Stove w/ tri-flex pot support (51 boils)
• BRS 3000t stove (32 boils)
• Ursack Major 2XL (26 days of food protected)

Shoes

• Darn Tough micro crew hiker socks (all day every day, on and off trail)
• HOKA Speedgoat 7 (300 miles since April)
• Altra Lone Peak 9+ (196 miles since June)

Clothing

• Paradis Sport Natural Fiber Bikini (30+ days)
• LEVE Alpha 90 Fleece (26 days)
• Ibex Springbok Sun Hoody (22 days)
• PrAna Stretch Zion Cargo Pants (16 days)
• Kuhl Freeflex Move Pants (14 days)

Packrafting

• Sockdolager Bow Bag (214.6 miles)
• Alpacka Raft Refuge (154.9 miles)
• AquaBound Whiskey 4-piece paddle (154.9 miles)
• Sockdolager Ultralight Poagies (154.9 miles)
• Astral YTV 2.0 PFD (154.9 miles)
• Kokatat Hydrus Swift Entry Dry Suit (85.93 miles)

Packs

• Hyperlite Porter 85L (23 days) – for packrafting and fieldwork trips
• Salomon ADV Skin 5 running vest (17 days)
• Hyperlite Junction 55L (7 days) – for 1-10 day backpacking trips

Misc

• Coros Apex 4 GPS watch (all day every day)
• Gossamer Gear LT5 Trekking Poles (30 days)
• Ombraz Armless Sunglasses (22 days)

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