Ryan Jordan's Backcountry: Wilderness Trekking Gear List and Photos

My Favorite Lightweight Gear

Cocoon Pant
No other piece in the Cocoon line has added to my cold weather comfort more than the "puffy pants" (don't repeat that phrase in a Montana tavern). Insulated pants are essential if you are going to lighten your sleep system, especially if you're quiltin' it.
TorsoLite Pad
I originally designed this pad for folks that were less hardcore than me - I've always been a foamie. But, man, the more I use this, the more difficulty I have in removing it from my pack. Yeah, it's totally worth the weight for a great night's sleep!
Alpacka Packrafts
Packrafts have revolutionized how I look at wilderness expeditions, and they give me an alternative and intense day hobby. Something about running an irrigation ditch or a city creek that is as appealing as steep-creeking. It's all super fun in an Alpacka.
FireLite Mini Firestarting Kit
I've carried this kit on every day and overnight hike for the past three years. Absolute reliability. Add an Esbit cube and you have a true four-season kit.
BubblePAKIT
No-brainer protection that I use primarily for two things: (1) to carry an expensive compact digicam (Ricoh GRD), and (2) to carry my cell phone, wallet, and car key on packrafting trips.
Bushbuddy Ultra Wood Stove
Practical, compact, fuel efficient, and terribly fun to fire up and use, especially on the trail for midday tea.
Fenix L0D Flashlight
A sub-one ounce single LED light @ 30 lumens. Don't run it full juice or it only lasts for an hour. Peak it up there here and there, and then run @ 12 lumens (4.5 hr) or even 4.5 lumens (8.5 hr) to give more than enough light for trail hiking and task lighting. The power here makes the +1 AAA extra battery no big deal.

Photo Albums

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Wilderness Trekking Gear List and Photos

I've posted an album of my photos from Wilderness Trekking III this evening.

Also, click the thumbnail at right to view a JPG of my gear list from the course.

Enjoy ~ rj

November 26, 2007 | Permalink

Comments

Thanks for putting the photo album together, Ryan. During the trek, I found myself not infrequently muttering curses at you for dropping us onto that thin-snow-covered talus terrain. But, as time passes, I look back more and more fondly on the experience and now regard it warmly. It has forever changed my perceptions about remote expedition trekking. Thank You.

Posted by: Mike Martin | November 27, 2007 at 02:34 PM

Ryan -

Thank you for putting captions with the photos. It really helps to paint out the story.

- Sam

Posted by: samh | November 27, 2007 at 04:23 PM

Thanks for the photos and captions. Looking forward to the podcasts on BPL. I will seriously consider signing up for WTS 1 when offered.

Posted by: roblee | November 28, 2007 at 01:33 PM

Great seeing photo's from your groups party. It really makes me miss Montana, nothing but great memories from WT3
Jim

Posted by: jim bailey | November 28, 2007 at 08:03 PM

What is Ryan Jordan's Backcountry?

BACKPACKING LIGHT MUSE: trends, bends, and mends focusing on the application of the "Backpacking Light" philosophy of simple backcountry living to practices in the wilderness - and beyond. Written by Backpacking Light Magazine co-founder and publisher Ryan Jordan.