All Of The Things On Our Backs

Written By Jeff Calvillo

We have been slowly accumulating our gear over the last 6 years. We would also try to field test as much as we could to make sure this something we wanted to commit to using for 3+ months. Also, we made very good use of REI’s membership return policy. :) If you are reading this, you probably already know, but REI has the best customer service. It is well worth paying a little extra to get their professional opinions on gear and to have the ability to return anything that we are not satisfied with.

With backpacking, it is always hard to balance budget, comfort, and light weight gear. We have had many long conversations and debates on exactly what we should be bringing to New Zealand. Only time will tell if we struck a balance and are completely satisfied with the gear we chose to bring. We will definitely have a follow-up blog to update what was great and not so great about our gear.

Gear that we ended up using by the end of the trail.

JeffSarahPost Trail Comments
The Big Three   
BackpackFiordland Packs 55L PackFiordland Packs 45L PackTraded our packs for lighter/more compact packs in Te Anau (Fiordland Packs is amazing!)
TentNEMO Hornet 2 Tent Loved our tent!
ShoesBrooks Cascadia 16 Trail-Running ShoesSaucony Endorphin Edge Trail-RunningWill now wear Brooks until I die. Unfortunately Saucony discontinued Sarah's shoe in her size.
    
Sleeping System   
Sleeping BagSea to Summit Cinder Down Quilt 50F / 10CMacpac Standard Firefly 200 Down Sleeping Bag 37.5F / 3CJeff is a very warm sleeper and gambled with the super light 50F quilt. For him, it was the right decision.
Sleeping PadSea to Summit Ether Light XTBig Agnes Insulated Q-Core SLX Sleeping Pad 
Sleeping Bag LinerSea to Summit Premium Blend Silk/Cotton LinerSea to Summit Premium Blend Silk/Cotton LinerGreat for keeping for bag clean and modular for cold/warm nights
PillowcaseRumpl Stuffable PillowcaseRumpl Stuffable PillowcaseStuffed with a fleece makes a nice pillow.
    
Water and Cooking   
Water PurificationKatadyn Steripen Ultra UV Water Purifier Great for disinfecting water in bulk, especially for two people.
StoveMSR WindBurner Duo Stove System  
KettleMSR Windburner Kettle 1.8L  
Backup Water PurificationSawyer Squeeze Water Filter System Good for a backup. Do NOT use the mini Sawyer
Emergency Water PurificationKatadyn Micropur Purification Tablets - Package of 30  
Utensilhumangear GoBites Uno Sporkhumangear GoBites Uno Spork 
CupTOAKS Titanium 375ml CupSea to Summit Cool Grip X-TumblerSkip Enamel cups if you can, they are more breakable than I thought.
Water Storage  Only used our big bag of water once or twice. It is only maybe needed south of Te Anau. North of that, water is plentiful
SoapCampsuds Biodegradable Concentrated Soap - 2 oz  
Dish Cleaning2"x2" Brillo Pad  
    
Clothes   
Shorts/Pants 1Patagonia Baggies ShortsBALEAF Bermuda Hiking ShortIf I did this again, I would probably just have one stinky pair of clothes and my sleeping clothes.
Shorts/Pants 2REI Co-op Sahara Roll-Up PantsREI Co-op Screeline Hybrid Pants - Women's 
Shorts/Pants 3 Columbia Saturday Trail Pants - Women's 
Shirt 1REI Co-op Sahara Plaid Long-Sleeve ShirtIcebreaker Motion Seamless Crewe T-Shirt - Women'sMostly wore this with pants. Great for not having to put sunscreen everywhere.
Shirt 2Smartwool Everyday Exploration Pocket T-ShirtSmartwool Everyday Exploration Slub T-Shirt - Women's 
Shirt 3 REI Co-op Sahara Button-Up Long-Sleeve Shirt - Women's 
Base layer (bottoms) Odlo Naturals Merino Warm Base Layer Bottoms - Women's 
Sleep/Hut Shirt (base layer)Smartwool NTS 250 Pattern Crew Long Underwear TopSmartwool Classic Thermal Merino Pattern Crew Base Layer Top - Women's 
VestREI Co-op Revelcloud VestREI Co-op Revelcloud Vest - Women'sNeeded for cold nights if you have a warm weather sleeping bag
JacketMountain Warehouse Fleece JacketPatagonia Nano Puff Jacket 
Underwear 1Smartwool Merino 150 Print Boxer BriefsIcebreaker Siren Hipkini Briefs - Women's 
Underwear 2Smartwool Merino 150 Print Boxer BriefsIcebreaker Siren Hipkini Briefs - Women's 
Underwear 3 Icebreaker Siren Hipkini Briefs - Women's 
Socks 1Smartwool Performance Hike Light Cushion Pattern Ankle SocksDarn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Socks - Women'sAll of the socks survived the trek and are still wearable today!
Socks 2Smartwool Performance Hike Light Cushion Pattern Ankle SocksSmartwool Performance Hike Light Cushion Margarita Ankle Socks - Women's 
Socks 3Darn Tough Hiker Quarter Cushion SocksDarn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Socks - Women's 
Sleep/Hut SocksMacpac Heavy Merino Wool Hiking Crew SocksColumbia Cushion SocksNeeded warmer socks later in the trail
Sports Bra 1 prAna Momento Bra 
Sports Bra 2 Exhale Bra Athleta 
Sleep/Hut UnderwearSmartwool Merino 150 BoxersSmartwool Merino 150 Printed Boxer Briefs - Men's 
SandalsTeva Original Universal SandalKEEN Newport H2 Sandals 
InsolesCURREX HikePRO InsoleCURREX HikePRO InsoleWill never use anything else
Glove LinersOld pair I've had for a whileGiro Riv'ette CS Cycling Gloves 
Ski GlovesOld pair I've had for a whileMarmot Moraine Insulated Mittens 
BeanieGeneric CottonOutdoor Research Melody Beanie 
HatTexas Rangers Cap w/ buffOutdoor Research Equinox Cape Cap 
    
Rain Gear   
Rain Pants REI Co-op Essential Rain Pants - Women's Petite SizesJeff ditched the rain pants and embraced the wetness.
Rain JacketMarmot Knife Edge Rain JacketMarmot Knife Edge Rain Jacket 
Gaiters Outdoor Research Rocky Mountain Low GaitersYour feet will get wet. There is no way to avoid it. Gaiters are not needed.
    
Electronics   
Battery Pack 1Goal Zero Venture 35 Power BankGoal Zero Flip 36 Power Bank 
BooksKindleKindle 
Headphones 1Bose SoundSport FreePlantronics BackBeat Fit 
CameraSony Alpha a7R III Mirrorless  
MicrophoneRode VideoMicro Compact  
Camera Shoulder ClipPeak Design Capture Clip  
PhoneSamsung Galaxy S 22 UltraSamsung Galaxy S 21 
Phone Gimbal   
Electric AdaptorTravel Adapter, JOOMFEEN WorldwideTravel Adapter, JOOMFEEN Worldwide 
Camera LensSony FE 28-70mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS Full-Frame Autofocus Lens  
Phone CaseSPIDERCASETemdan 
GPS WatchCOROS APEX 2 GPS Outdoor WatchCOROS PACE 1 GPS Sport WatchWe loved our Coros watches, but beware, if you are the only one in your group with a gps watch, you will have to answer the question of how far you have gone 100 times a day.
    
Misc.   
Emergency Fire StarterUCO Survival Matches  
WhistleVargo Titanium Emergency WhistleVargo Titanium Emergency Whistle 
Hiking PolesLeki (they are very old but trusty, no idea what model)Leki (they are very old but trusty, no idea what model) 
Emergency Beacon ACR Electronics rescueME PLB1 Personal Locator Beacon 
Camp TowelPackTowl Personal Hand TowelPackTowl Personal Hand Towel 
SunglassesPrescription Maui Jim Haleakala Wrap SunglassesRay-Ban Aviator 
KnifeLeatherman Skeletool Multi-ToolUltralight blade only knife that we found in a hut 
HeadlampBlack Diamond Cosmo 225 HeadlampBlack Diamond Spot 350 Headlamp 
CompassBrunton TruArc 3 Compass  
Pee Rag Kula Cloth Reusable Antimicrobial Pee Cloth 
Troweliunio Hiking Trowel  
Hand Sanitizer    
First Aid Kit + Prescriptions   
Packliners   
Waterproof stuff sacksSea to Summit x 3Sea to Summit x 3For electronics, first aid, etc.
 

What we started the trail with…

JeffSarah
The Big Three  
BackpackOsprey Atmos AG LT 65 Pack - Men'sGregory Deva 60 Pack - Egyptian Blue - Women's w/ A3 Air Shoulder Harness
TentNEMO Hornet 2 Tent 
ShoesBrooks Cascadia 16 Trail-Running ShoesSaucony Endorphin Edge Trail-Running
   
Sleeping System  
Sleeping BagNEMO Forte 35 Sleeping Bag - Men'sNEMO Viola 35 Sleeping Bag - Women's
Sleeping PadREI Co-op Stratus Insulated AirBig Agnes Insulated Q-Core SLX Sleeping Pad
Sleeping Bag LinerSea to Summit Premium Blend Silk/Cotton LinerSea to Summit Premium Blend Silk/Cotton Liner
PillowcaseRumpl Stuffable PillowcaseRumpl Stuffable Pillowcase
   
Water and Cooking  
Water PurificationKatadyn Steripen Ultra UV Water Purifier 
StoveMSR WindBurner Duo Stove System 
KettleMSR Windburner Kettle 1.8L 
Backup Water PurificationSawyer Squeeze Water Filter System 
Emergency Water PurificationKatadyn Micropur Purification Tablets - Package of 30 
Utensilhumangear GoBites Uno Sporkhumangear GoBites Uno Spork
CupSwag Brewery 16 Enamel CupSwag Brewery 16 Enamel Cup
Collapsible Cup Sea to Summit Cool Grip X-Tumbler
Water StorageMSR Dromedary Bag - 6 Liters 
SoapCampsuds Biodegradable Concentrated Soap - 2 oz 
Dish Cleaning2"x2" Brillo Pad 
   
Clothes  
Shorts/Pants 1REI Co-op Sahara Cargo Shorts - Men'sBALEAF Bermuda Hiking Short
Shorts/Pants 2Patagonia Baggies ShortsREI Co-op Screeline Hybrid Pants - Women's
Shorts/Pants 3REI Co-op Sahara Roll-Up PantsColumbia Saturday Trail Pants - Women's
Shirt 1REI Co-op Sahara Plaid Long-Sleeve ShirtIcebreaker Motion Seamless Crewe T-Shirt - Women's
Shirt 2Smartwool Everyday Exploration Pocket T-ShirtSmartwool Everyday Exploration Slub T-Shirt - Women's
Shirt 3REI Co-op Sahara Plaid Long-Sleeve ShirtREI Co-op Sahara Button-Up Long-Sleeve Shirt - Women's
Base layer (bottoms) Odlo Naturals Merino Warm Base Layer Bottoms - Women's
Sleep/Hut Shirt (base layer)Smartwool NTS 250 Pattern Crew Long Underwear TopSmartwool Classic Thermal Merino Pattern Crew Base Layer Top - Women's
VestREI Co-op Revelcloud VestREI Co-op Revelcloud Vest - Women's
JacketREI Co-op Mt. Goode Fleece JacketPatagonia Nano Puff Jacket
Underwear 1Smartwool Merino 150 Print Boxer BriefsIcebreaker Siren Hipkini Briefs - Women's
Underwear 2Smartwool Merino 150 Print Boxer BriefsIcebreaker Siren Hipkini Briefs - Women's
Underwear 3Smartwool Merino 150 Print Boxer BriefsIcebreaker Siren Hipkini Briefs - Women's
Socks 1Smartwool Performance Hike Light Cushion Pattern Ankle SocksDarn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Socks - Women's
Socks 2Smartwool Performance Hike Light Cushion Pattern Ankle SocksSmartwool Performance Hike Light Cushion Margarita Ankle Socks - Women's
Socks 3Darn Tough Hiker Quarter Cushion SocksDarn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Socks - Women's
Sleep/Hut SocksREI Co-op Lightweight Merino Wool Hiking Crew SocksColumbia Cushion Socks
Sports Bra 1 prAna Momento Bra
Sports Bra 2 Exhale Bra Athleta
Sleep/Hut UnderwearSmartwool Merino 150 BoxersSmartwool Merino 150 Printed Boxer Briefs - Men's
SandalsTeva Original Universal SandalKEEN Newport H2 Sandals
InsolesCURREX HikePRO InsoleCURREX HikePRO Insole
Glove LinersOld pair I've had for a whileGiro Riv'ette CS Cycling Gloves
Ski GlovesOld pair I've had for a whileMarmot Moraine Insulated Mittens
BeanieGeneric CottonOutdoor Research Melody Beanie
HatTexas Rangers Cap w/ bandana and buffOutdoor Research Equinox Cape Cap
   
Rain Gear  
Rain PantsColumbia Rebel Roamer Rain Pants - Men's REI Co-op Essential Rain Pants - Women's Petite Sizes
Rain JacketMarmot Knife Edge Rain JacketMarmot Knife Edge Rain Jacket
GaitersOutdoor Research Rocky Mountain Low GaitersOutdoor Research Rocky Mountain Low Gaiters
   
Electronics  
Battery Pack 1Goal Zero Flip 36 Power BankGoal Zero Flip 36 Power Bank
Battery Pack 2Goal Zero Flip 24 Power BankGoal Zero Flip 24 Power Bank
BooksKindleKindle
Headphones 1Bose SoundSport FreePlantronics BackBeat Fit
Headphones 2Plantronics BackBeat FitPlantronics BackBeat Fit
CameraSony Alpha a7R III Mirrorless 
MicrophoneRode VideoMicro Compact 
Camera Shoulder ClipPeak Design Capture Clip 
PhoneSamsung Galaxy S 22 UltraSamsung Galaxy S 21
Phone GimbalZhiyun Smooth Q4 Gimbal Stabilizer 
Electric AdaptorTravel Adapter, JOOMFEEN WorldwideTravel Adapter, JOOMFEEN Worldwide
Camera LensSony FE 28-70mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS Full-Frame Autofocus Lens 
Phone CaseSPIDERCASETemdan
   
Misc.  
Emergency Fire StarterUCO Survival Matches 
WhistleVargo Titanium Emergency WhistleVargo Titanium Emergency Whistle
Hiking PolesLeki (they are very old but trusty, no idea what model)Leki (they are very old but trusty, no idea what model)
Emergency BeaconACR Electronics rescueME PLB1 Personal Locator Beacon 
Camp TowelPackTowl Personal Hand TowelPackTowl Personal Hand Towel
SunglassesPrescription Maui Jim Haleakala Wrap SunglassesRay-Ban Aviator
KnifeLeatherman Skeletool Multi-ToolJeff's Old Boy Scout Knife
HeadlampBlack Diamond Cosmo 225 HeadlampBlack Diamond Spot 350 Headlamp
CompassBrunton TruArc 3 Compass 
Pee Rag Kula Cloth Reusable Antimicrobial Pee Cloth
Troweliunio Hiking Trowel 
Hand Sanitizer   
First Aid Kit + Prescriptions 
Jeff Calvillo
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