Full gear reviewRefer to previous posts or lighter pack link for gear list and weights. This is written in order of the gear list from lighter pack.
My gear list found here:
https://lighterpack.com/r/rhpx03Mon’s gear list found here:
https://lighterpack.com/r/5u0p17CarriagePack: osprey exos 58L (old version, no pack brain). Great pack, the hip and shoulder pouches are great. I wish I had the 48L version, but it can also be nice to have the extra space if needed.
Pack liner: gossamer gear pack liner. Performed well, was nice and light and kept everything dry. Would probably need to replace it every 1500-2000km or so. Or every 40 or 50 days.
Coles water bottles: light, cheap and reliable.
1L sawyer bladder: both of ours failed! Don’t use these! We purchased cnoc vargo’s as replacements.
Shelter and sleep systemTarp: We love tarping! However we would like to replace this DWR nylon one with a cuben fibre (DCF) one to prevent stretch and so it doesn’t soak up water.
Pegs: the ebay alloy Y shape pegs are great. The Ti sheppard hooks were good for mid tie outs (not structural)
Polycro ground sheet: worked well! Cheap, light. Got no rips.
Sea to summit nano mosquito nets: didn’t use them down to Collie (not quite half way) so we sent them home! We had one night with bad mozzies further south and then bought mozzie coils. Mozzie coils worked well.
Quilts: My -1 Enlightened equipment climashield apex quilt was fantastic! Never cold even at close to 0 deg. Mons -6 was adequate. She wasn’t toasty some nights, but was always able to get good sleep.
Sleeping mats: our ½ z-lite and ½ thin mats worked well. We did have to move and roll, but we got good sleep.
Pillow: my ebay inflatable was too thin! Sent it home and replaced with S2S aeros like Mons. Worked well! Mons failed on the 2nd last night.
Clothing carriedInsulated Jackets: probably our favourite piece of gear on the trip! So warm, so versatile! EE Torrid Apex
Rain jackets: the frog togs were great! Water proof even through a section of over 100mm of rain in 4 days. No rips despite some mild scrub bashing. Can’t beat them for $50!
Balaclavas: EE Hoodlums. Mon loved hers when in bed. I found mine too hot and also a pain when not in bed. I sent it home and bought a beanie
Socks: injinji were great!
Underwear: exoficio sucked! I sent mine home and so did Mon. I just wore shorts with inner mesh .
Wind pants: good and bad. Worked well for cold weather to keep wind off bare legs. Gets sweaty when wearing them to bed
KitsEmergency first aid kit: didn’t need to use it thankfully!
Repairs kit: had to use some patches to fix Mon’s pack after a rat ate holes in it!
Personal first aid: only used the ibuprofen for a back problem I had half way through
Toiletries: I sent home the chafing cream. I used the rest
Toilet Kit: used it all regularly
ElectronicsPhone: used guthook guides as maps worked flawlessly
PLB: didn’t have to use it thankfully
Battery Bank: only needed to use it a couple of times. Could have gone without it
Wall charger: fast charge was a good thing
Cables: short but worked
CookingCooking pot: toaks 750 TI: works great, all we needed for boiling water for dehydrated meals, coffee in the morning etc
BRS Stove: worked flawlessly as always
MiscWatch: I liked the cut down pocked watch
Head torch: cheap one from somewhere. worked fine but mon’s is nicer
Water filter: sawyer squeeze. We started off filtering but stopped after the 2nd week
Knife: gerber mini thing. Was good, all that’s needed
Mini deck of cards: didn’t use, sent them home
Wallet: plastic sleeve great on trail not great afterwards
FRED: didn’t use it, but good to have in case you need to eat canned food
S2S head net: worked well when mozzies attacked
Clothing wornPatagonia shirt: long sleeves, button up, vented. Was a good shirt
UA shorts: I liked the shorts and having mesh undies. Great for warm weather not bad in cold weather. Good in wet weather too!
Hat: broad brim – worked
Hiking stick: we used 1 each and that worked well. I liked having a hand free and often walked without it.
Pocket compass: more for emergency use and never used it.