30 YEARS hiking experience in 30 minutes | Overnight Backpacking Gear list 2024 | What's in my pack

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My PDF GEAR GUIDE
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EEL t- shirt
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SHELTER
Z-packs Duplex 613g USA bit.ly/3MJn0B0
Mont Moondance 1340g bit.ly/KATETENT
Big Agnes Tiger wall 1017g bit.ly/3S2908M
Mont tarp 3.15 x 2.6m 429g bit.ly/4fSPPbH
Titanium Pegs 6g bit.ly/KATEPEGS
V Pegs 11g bit.ly/KATEVPEGS
Pack Atom Pulse custom 40L 703g bit.ly/3HGxkZ5
Front pouch: Z-packs utility 80g bit.ly/3lkOhvN
Hiking Poles Fizan compact 328g amzn.to/3XU7YPX
Sit pad Thermarest 58g bit.ly/KATESIT cheaper option 24g bit.ly/KATEARS...
SLEEP SYSTEM
Sleeping Mat Thermarest 350g bit.ly/4dQLzHU
Big Agnes zoom UL 402g bit.ly/3XXmgiw
Air pump 69g bit.ly/3XTmx6g
UL Sleeping Bag 2deg Mont 433g bit.ly/KATEBAG
Quilt NEVE -12deg 892g with straps nevegear.com.a...
Comfy pillow Nemo 235g bit.ly/4dQNnka
Old Pillow 82g bit.ly/KATEPILLOW
WATER TREATMENT
Sawyer Squeeze 86g bit.ly/KATEH2O...
Sawyer Backwash clean coupler 5.4g bit.ly/KATEBAC...
CNOC Bladder 2L (79g) and 3L (95g) 28mm Thread bit.ly/4duUdfB
CNOC water bottle x2 62g bit.ly/KATEWAT...
COOKING
SOTO Windmaster Stove 87g (67g with triflex support) bit.ly/KATESTOVE
Soto triflex support 7g bit.ly/3yEZCBB
TOAKS 900ml pot 91g (lid 26g, bag 18g) bit.ly/KATEPOT
TOAKS 550ml mug 54g (lid 18g, bag 14g) bit.ly/KATEMUG
Titanium Spoon 19g bit.ly/KATESPOON
Pocket knife 86g bit.ly/3XVGzNz
SAFETY GEAR
First aid kit 237g (mine 295g) bit.ly/460bLgC
Snake bandages x2 bit.ly/3LjABhR
Headlamp - Nitecore NU25 37g amzn.to/2S3WvO5 new version 45g bit.ly/3yQmKx2
Zoleo satellite message/Emergency Beacon 160g amzn.to/3U9Z8uW
Suunto Compass 32g bit.ly/47eyS7T
UL rope bit.ly/3AwZBjI
PERSONAL GEAR
Trowel 16g bit.ly/KATEPOO
Travel Bidet bit.ly/3WXrby7
Toilet paper 28g bit.ly/3P5WdRy
Hand sanitizer 46g bit.ly/KATESANI
Govee temp gage 23g amzn.to/4d4Zc62
Bamboo toothbrush 8.5g bit.ly/4czLO9X
Toothpaste tablets bit.ly/3zOc41N
Travel Containers bit.ly/4dX0noB
Travel Towel bit.ly/3WYYQam
Sunscreen bit.ly/3LkdVOt
Massage ball 36g bit.ly/4dQtmdy
Ear plug bit.ly/3Mf7Fbd
CLOTHING
Akubra bit.ly/3V3bC51
Sunnies REACTIV 20g bit.ly/KATESUN...
Shirt MONT bit.ly/KATESHIRT
Pants MONT bit.ly/46VO2yo
Pants Fjällräven bit.ly/3z6IBdG
Jumper MONT bit.ly/KATEJUMPER
Down Jacket MONT Zero Ultralight S14 Women 226g bit.ly/4dBm7qi
UL Raincoat Frogg Toggs 168g amzn.to/3CEpmtE
LIGHTSPEED JACKET 167g Women s14 bit.ly/3yPywYj
Long raincoat Mont sz14 333g bit.ly/KATERAI...
Rain skirt 90g bit.ly/3Axk9Zg
Wool Buff bit.ly/4eqMrDA
Merino beanie bit.ly/3XVGbP7
Ultralight base layer top bit.ly/KATEULTOP
Ultralight base layer bottom bit.ly/KATEULB...
Merino Thermal Top thick 300gsm bit.ly/KATEMER...
Merino Thermal pants thick 300gsm bit.ly/KATEMER...
Merino light hiking socks bit.ly/KATEMER...
Wright socks Blister free wrightsock.com...
Gators: Outdoor Research 229g amzn.to/35u9Zpw
VIVOBAREFOOT PRIMUS TRAIL(15% off KATEHIKE) bit.ly/4bEwfwz or here bit.ly/3S5WBAJ
VIVOBAREFOOT TRACKER FOREST ESC (15% off KATEHIKE) bit.ly/3S6cG9n or here bit.ly/4cWAPY5
FOOD
Radix dehydrated meals bit.ly/KATEFOOD 10% Code KATEHIKE
Campers pantry bit.ly/3T1hxJp 10% code KATEGRAROCK
On Track Meals bit.ly/KATEONT... 10% code KATE10OFF
Laughing Pug Coffee bit.ly/3BxqwZA get 10% with KATE10
TECH GEAR
Power Bank small 150g bit.ly/4fXUKYM
Battery 20000 Bank: amzn.to/3eh1oxX
Osmo phone gymbal amzn.to/478GeIi
iPhone 15 PRO MAX amzn.to/3v5PyiT
GOPRO bit.ly/3XbtU8m
RODE on camera mic amzn.to/3RRmogm
Rode wireless pro amzn.to/3NB15wG
Memory card amzn.to/3pjwsTV
Tall UL Tripod bit.ly/3tiIrTI
GoPro quick mount/release bit.ly/3tiIsXM
Dry Bag 8L 62g bit.ly/3WRorCe
Lounge bit.ly/47tIrjg
Some of the above links are affiliate links, which means that if you choose to purchase something from these links I may earn a small commission, at no cost to you. This money goes straight back into making content, and allows me to keep making videos for all of you! Thanks

[@KateGrarock]

Thanks for watching I hope it helps here is a link to the gear guide I talk about in this vid or view it on my website kategrarock.com/products/hiking-gear-guide

[@Rachel-h3n]

Thankyou!!!❤

[@tangoduck01]

I moved my snake bandage out of my first aid kit and put it in my zipper pouch in my belt. I was worried when someone needed one and it took a bunch of us a minute or two to grab ours from inside packs/dry bags. I have mine now in a vacuum sealed bag (like the ones you use for vacuum sealing food) with really big tear triangles to open. The bags are super resistant and due to being able to squeeze the bag when it is being vacuum sealed, it is about a half the size of it normally and the packaging is super robust. Great video and I love your Canberra Mont love - no one outside of the ACT gets Mont and why we love it. I love the fact that Mont is getting into UL slowly but surely.

[@KateGrarock]

Oh that’s so good to know thanks. Love the vacuum seal idea. Scary you needed one. Hope everything was ok in the end. Yeah Mont is cool hey. I’m so excited watching the evolution. Happy hiking

[@ervinslens]

Outstanding title but overall presentation as well! Some truly useful information and tips! 👏

[@KateGrarock]

thanks a lot mate. I really appreciate it.

[@rastan49]

Thanks Kate for pointing me towards Avenza maps. This is exactly what I have been looking for and its great to see all the areas around Canberra are pretty much covered. Often I just use Google Maps in Offline mode with saved maps and imagery or All Trail/Farout/Garmin But to have a proper topo like that is brilliant. Wright Socks you say, no blisters you say. I've been using Injinji Toe socks and they have been good. But you sold me on ordering some Wright socks!

[@KateGrarock]

No worries thanks for watching. Love Avenza. There tends to be a free and a paid map for all the spots in nsw/act. The free map are still good. Happy hiking

[@markharwood]

Impressive range of gear - own quite a lot of the same but still learnt a lot!

[@KateGrarock]

Thanks Mark. Really appreciate it. I’m always learning too. Love tinkering with new gear and seeing what others do. Happy hiking

[@BushKayakersCampingAustralia]

nice one Kate a nice rundown of your gear , why , how and when . When I was a guide it was great to get all the best gear and claim it on tax . Now I just make do with what's practical and affordable . I can't justify $400 on 1 item these days . that's where kayak camping comes in great , we dont have to worry to much about weight and space saving . Happy camping

[@KateGrarock]

Thanks a lot mate. Yeah I hear ya re gear. I love a good kayak. I’ll have to get back on the water now it’s warming up. Happy hiking

[@raykinit4701]

I am with you on the comment of going as ultralight as possible so you can take the comfortable luxuries, sometimes that includes a few beers. Every time i crack a cold one on the trail I give thanks to Zpacks, Thermarest, Nitecore etc. Thank you for another great video, Ray.

[@KateGrarock]

Haha absolutely. That $1000 tent is totally worth a few beers in the pack.

[@michelstronguin6974]

Tyvek should be used by tent manufacturers as a tent floor, otherwise people just use a groundsheet underneath, which normally is tyvek anyway.

[@KateGrarock]

Totally I’ve been trying to scam a bit off my mate who is building a house. Amazing stuff.

[@Hotelroomwalkthroughs]

I use a Swiss Army knife card.. it has scissors, knife, tweezers, toothpick and tiny pen.

[@KateGrarock]

Oh cool. I’ll check it out. Thanks

[@swirlytwirl1089]

Have a look at the Whippa range made in Katoomba, Blue Mountains by the Summit Gear company...

[@KateGrarock]

Thanks will do. Happy hiking

[@motchev]

You have some lovely gear and have put a lot of thought into choosing and explaining it. Nice to be able to swap different bits in and out for different trips depending on expected conditions or how you want to balance weight vs comfort.

[@KateGrarock]

Thank you kindly! Appreciate your support. Hope you are well

[@Alex-and-Joker-Hikes]

Vivobarefoot have been not just a backpacking game changer but a life changer. You are very much right about gradually transitioning to minimalist shoes but my old traditional hikeing shoes (Obos, Keen,Merrell and even Topos) feel foreign and clunky. Although, a warning Vivos are expensive and ADDICTIVE! I have 9 pair a dreaming of their new jungle tracker. I also have a couple Xero but not as impressed with the ground feel of them. Their fine and have a more traditional look but just a bit more ridged, stiff sole. Great video,great tips and love your obvious passion for outdoor adventure.

[@KateGrarock]

Thanks so much Alex appreciate it. Yeah I struggle to use anything else now I’m on the vivo train. Will be keeping my eye on sales. I have a 15% discount thing though www.solemechanics.com.au they were also great on a return I had to make sent a free return post and everything. Katehike is the code but they have limited numbers

[@marcowolfart1977]

That's so true. I've worn a Merrell after almost a year only on barefoot shoes, (but the Saguaro ones) and almost got blisters in my toes and felt like stepping in concrete in the Merrell's, ok they're a bit old and may have garden a bit, but it doesn't compare with barefoot shoes at all.

[@KateGrarock]

Oh yeah totally. How do you find the Saguaro. They look more affordable

[@jonathonpalmer2540]

Kate, i just got a Mont Helium sleeping bag, if you are working with Mont, could you ask them to put ykk anti-snag zipper cover on their zips.

[@KateGrarock]

Oh so cool. I just screenshotted this comment will send / ask what’s the thinking behind what they currently use. Probably weight I’d say. It’s a hard balance.

[@ERIKOFFTRACK]

Haha we have some of the same items in our pack. Love the Mont sleeping bags (so comfy), have a Moondance 1 (also have a Big Agnes - still working out if I love it or hate it). The WindMaster is such a great stove and I use the triflex most of the time too, (I have actually replaced the piezo on mine - which is cool that it's user repairable). The Huntsman is just about the perfect SAK!

[@KateGrarock]

So good Erik. Yeah I’m the same with the big Agnes. I think it would be great on a hike with proper campsites with lawn. I just get so worried about the floor when I’m off track hiking. I love the gear loft and weight. I might need to look into replacing my piezo. I think too many sandy campsites have impacted mine. Gotta love the Swiss Army knife. I’m still on the hunt for a sexy bushcraft knife (with ferro rod) so recommendations would be great.

[@ERIKOFFTRACK]

@@KateGrarock now that's a rabbit hole I can go down. Have a look at the Victorinox Venture Pro and a lot of the Classroom knives come with Ferro rods. I've not used either, but heard good things about both

[@KateGrarock]

Amazing thanks will do.

[@ShazBookOwl]

Hiya, great video. I also love my Zpacks Duplex - I will be checking out the pillow you mentioned, comfortable sleep is definitely important. I'll also take a look at the thermals you mentioned. Mine are getting a bit, lets say, worn out. Thanks for sharing, always nice to watch a gear video, from someone who's actually using the gear. Cheers Mate

[@KateGrarock]

Thanks a lot. Yeah I’m getting into the comfort a bit more especially for the 2-5 days hiking I tend to do now. If I do another epic long hike I might look to shave some weight but wow it’s nice to sleep well on trail. Happy hiking

[@RainandGiraffes]

I have wide and high feet and find that Xero fit me waaaaay better. I couldn’t get the last pair of vivo I tried on my feet at all. But I also think it depends on what model you use. I’ve had vivos before that fit but they were a few sizes too big. I use my Xero Denver for hiking =)

[@KateGrarock]

Yeah so interesting. Annoying that there just isn’t any shops round to try them on. I spent about 2 hours trying to make sure my size was correct in the vivo.

[@RainandGiraffes]

@@KateGrarock it would be sooo handy if one could just go somewhere to try barefoot shoes on! I live in rural Sweden and there’s no place like that nearby. I have to order barefoot shoes online which is expensive when you have to send them back =(

[@KateGrarock]

Totally agree. Hopefully they will get more popular so we can have them a little closer to try on one day.

[@RainandGiraffes]

@@KateGrarock That would be so handy!

[@lampertmorton8068]

thank you mate big help😁

[@KateGrarock]

No problem 👍 thanks for watching and the lovely comment

[@texmexia49]

Good, detailed video. Love your setup. I have a Durston Solid 1 p and thinking seriously about getting a Pro. What’s your total weight for 5 days with food and water? Suggest you leave first aid kit and torch on outside or near the top in case you need either one in a hurry.👌

[@KateGrarock]

I could probably do 10.5kg with water and food for 5 days in warmer weather. But could also be way heavier if I took the comfort items. And let’s not forget beer and camera stuff. Yeah head torch and first aid can be good to access quickly. I do battle with where they go in the pack. Cheers

[@texmexia49]

@@KateGrarock that’s great! I’m at 11.34kg for winter, maybe 10.65;in summer. I feel good about my kit, but always willing to look at lighter options if I don’t sacrifice comfort or safety. That’s why I love looking at kit videos. 👌

[@KateGrarock]

Nice work. Sounds like you have it dialled in. Yeah always great to get a few new ideas hey. Happy hiking

[@timmo971]

The problem with 1000 loft down is moisture. Not just like any down but extremely. Morning fog will wet it out. I’ll be sticking to a synthetic puffy from now on.

[@KateGrarock]

Interesting to hear. I haven’t had a problem so far. I’ve been keen to try synthetic. What are your favourites

[@Alex-and-Joker-Hikes]

​@KateGrarock the Outdoor Vitals Loftek jacket has been good for me. Not quite the warmth of a comparable down jacket (ghostwhisperer) but still lofts and holds warmth if wet. Half the price too.

[@user-ul5yu5hk9k]

Primaloft is a pretty amazing synthetic insulation. Nemo uses some of this. I think enlightened equipment uses this in some of their products as well

[@motchev]

Mont do a primaloft hoodie jacket. Heavier than your current options, >400g. It's warm, fits nice. Waterproof but not seam sealed shell so it goes okay in light rain and the insulation doesn't mind if it gets wet (and barely does). I've had one for a couple of winters and like it.

[@KateGrarock]

Oh cool. Thanks. Could be good. It looks cool too.

[@KirstySutherland-u5o]

Gear load out vids 🤤

[@KateGrarock]

So fun hey.

[@lisamchutchison6572]

I llloooove mont gear! Wish they had a dedicated store in Melbourne! Every time we go to Sydney I always shop there. Took a mont rain jacket to London, Scotland, Ireland. Sadly in 5 weeks in the UK only wore it 3 times. Hello Global warming!

[@KateGrarock]

It’s pretty amazing hey. It certainly kept me dry in winter in Tasmania for 22 days of good rain.

[@tfrtrouble]

Really interesting video! I'm always disappointed to see these innovative tent designs from outside Europe but then realize they are inner-pitch first. I don't understand this design unless you live in a desert and regularly want to sleep under just a bug net. These are just miserable to put up/take down in the pouring rain. In really yucky weather, it's such a game changer to be able quickly put up the outer and throw your pack inside and then take your time setting every thing else up under its shelter. Or to take down the inner, fold it up and pack all your stuff nicely while protected under the outer, and then just quickly collapse the outer and strap it with the poles to the outside of your pack.

[@KateGrarock]

Yeah it can be horrible in the hectic rain. The Big Agnes tent can be pitched fly first. The zpacks is great as you say, you can open tent throw pack in then pitch it. What’s your favourite tent/s

[@tfrtrouble]

@@KateGrarock There is a Swedish company Hilleberg that makes amazing tents, including a few pretty light ones. But they are eye-wateringly expensive. I have the Niak model and it is by far the most expensive item I own (to be fair I don't own a car, or a house, obviously). But for when I don't need something freestanding, I also have a much cheaper little Vango Nevis, which has served me loyally. Both are heavier than yours I think but I hike in Scandinavia, where it can be really wet, so my requirements are outer-first and bombproof and not too cramped if if I'm going to be stuck in there all evening. And I definitely agree with you on wanting something simple to pitch when you've had a long day's march and potentially a tricky/space-limited pitching situation.

[@KateGrarock]

Amazing thanks for that. Wow sounds like an incredible place you hike. Thanks for sharing. I’ll check them out

[@tfrtrouble]

@@KateGrarock Just a note on the Vango tent I mentioned . I'm not specifically recommending the Nevis from the Vango collection. I bought mine some years ago; I was on a much tighter budget when I got it and they also have launched quite a few newer (and lighter) models in the past few years, including some very light freestanding ones, so there are probably better ones than the Nevis. The do make pretty good-value tents though.

[@GeorgieMulcahy]

i’ve just finished hiking for 4 weeks in the swedish mountains…hilleberg tents everywhere and i 100% understand why! the guy ropes of my big agnes copper spur were never going to hold up in some of the wind on the open fells.

[@bearcatracing007]

Random question: Can you do a backflip? 😂

[@KateGrarock]

Na haha

[@bearcatracing007]

@KateGrarock be cooler if you could 🤣

[@KateGrarock]

Haha

[@IOSALive]

Kate Grarock, We share similar interests, wanna be friends?

[@KateGrarock]

Haha I never get sick of talking gear