Introduction
The layout of a Durston Kakwa is perfect for a thru hiker. Not so much for someone doing occasional overnight camping.
For shorter distances pack weight doesn’t matter as much. For longer distances the lighter weight makes a difference.
How I organize my pack
With that preface, this is my pack organization:
I start with a pack liner at the bottom of the pack (a Nylofume sack). Inside the liner is my sleeping bag that fills out the very bottom. Then my sleeping pad & pump sack.
Next my spare clothes bag/pillow. I carry a base layer, spare socks, shorts, alpha direct fleece, spare underwear. The bag they are in is also my pillow.
If I have a puffy it is around here in my bag.
Next the dry sack with my electronics (charger, battery pack, hearing aid charger) and medical (vitamins). Medical includes toothpaste and toothbrush.
Next is my food bag. On top of that is my tent. The tent is folded up around the tent pegs. I use MSR ground hogs though any DAC aluminum pegs would be good.
One hip belt pocket has my headlamp and water treatment pills (Aqua Mira). The other my gloves and mosquito head net.
One side pocket has my kit with trowel and paper. The back pouch has my rain gear/wind shirt and extra water bottles. Sometimes I’ll have a bear canister in the pack and might put my tent here.
Water bottles include one CORE bottle for the cap I use as a scoop some times. One bottle with a push-pull cap for drinking out of.
The other (smaller) pocket has my night bottle and my sit pad.
The pad is just a small square sheet of waterproof craft paper.
Zipper pouch has my inReach and any permits (in a large zip lock). That way they are safe but readily available.
One shoulder has a water bottle. In bear spray country the other has bear spray.
My other gear
I wear my built cool hat (I know, I waffle on hats). Ombraz sunglasses and reading glasses on tethers.
Mesh underwear.
Long pants. Buff in one pocket, phone in the other, wallet in zipper pocket. Belt.
Jolly Gear shirt (though I also like Mountain Hardware Crater Lake).
Socks. Compression calf sleeves. Gaiters. Topos.
Fishing sun gloves. Trekking poles.
New gear
With socks I’m looking at Darn Tough Socks again—they now have a full cushion sock. I’m going to try them and I’ve ordered some.
For reference, I’ve used:
- Classic Darn Toughs. I now prefer more cushion.
- Kirkland hiking socks—I like them. Great cushion.
- Smartwool PhD socks. Ok socks. Nice cushion.
- Merino Tech socks (I was given a pair). They are Ok. Great for casual wear.
- Farm to Feet (given a couple pair). My wife likes them. They are her sock of choice.
- Weatherproof socks from Costco. They are nice but I prefer a more cushioned sock. Worth looking at for casual wear or if you don’t like heavy or full cushion socks.
- Wrightsocks. Great around town. On trail, for me, they trapped too much sand, dirt, dust and ash. Some people love them. Depends on your trail and your shoes.
- REI merino socks. I really like them. They are perfect for Ultraventure shoes, for some reason not as good for Terraventure shoes. I’m wearing a pair of them now.
Socks are very personal because issues of compression, fit, and cushion are not the same for everyone or for every shoe.
I’m hoping the new Darn Toughs will be great with the shoes I’m currently using. I’m looking for just a little less compression but full cushion.
With sun hoodies I’m looking at possible changes. But probably sticking with Jolly Gear —but in a medium, not a large.
https://jollygear.com/products/triple-crown-button-down-long-sleeve-evergreen has my attention—I keep thinking of getting one more Jolly Gear hoodie but this time in a medium.
If they had it in a mild blue I’d be sold.
As much as I liked Crater Lake hoodies I’m probably not going to switch back. They are really neat though. Perfect weight. Perfect fit with a ball cap.
Sun gloves are next. I liked my Glacier gloves, but lost one and got what was available on trail. I’m just not sure about the replacements.
https://www.rei.com/product/203636/rei-co-op-active-pursuits-sun-gloves look very similar to Glacier (I found one on trail. I now have two identical right handed gloves and don’t have a left).
So I’m waiting for the color I like to come back in stock and looking at REI’s gloves as an alternative.
Pole tips. The Cascade Mountain Tech poles seem good enough with new tips. I have some around the house I will install as soon as I find them.
Current Affairs
I’m not going to discuss the current EE issues. But those are gone over at length at the link.