7,400 Mile Hike Gear List & Review | CYTC Appalachian, Pacific Crest, and Continental Divide Trails

Full gear list and review writeup: www.couchtotrail.com/blog/cal...
Follow for live updates on Instagram @Quadzillahikes at: / jackjoneshg
The best way to get ahold of me is via messages on Instagram.
Check out my website for tons more fitness, nutrition, and gaming content: www.thehealthygamer.com

[@QuadzillaHikes]

Link to the detailed writeup www.couchtotrail.com/blog/calendar-year-triple-crown-gear-list-and-reviewand-how-the-gear-changed-along-the-at-pct-and-cdt

[@Truth-Seeker75]

You don’t need to blame the fabric on your pants, just go ahead and acknowledge you are QUADZILLA!!!!!

[@jackwilder463]

Thought no one else noticed. Shit is distracting low key

[@KingBostwick]

I’m pretty sure Quadzilla is his trail name. 😂

[@joe1071]

For real, and he lives true to, “skies out thighs out” mentality with those short shorts. As a guy with thick thighs, I also embrace the short shorts

[@tanimowo]

came for the quads stayed for the proper narration

[@Our_Patterns]

Lol

[@mtadams2009]

This is very impressive in so many ways, emotionally, physically and mentally. I have met my share of triple crowners but never anyone who did them all in one calendar year. I am older so I know my body could not pull this off but to by honest I am pretty sure my mind would also fail me. Thanks for taking the time to film, edit and share share this magical experience with us. Much respect, take care

[@xmetal280]

While my quads will never compare to a calendar year triple crowner, I can take some comfort in the fact that my own gear choices were the same in a few places. 😄 Congrats on such an accomplishment and thanks for sharing your gear thoughts.

[@user-bv6bq1iy3i]

Good content! Extremely substantive and thorough- not to mention overall great video/editing quality. This was a breath of fresh air from a lot of the talking heads you see in the backpacking sphere that are trying to game the algorithm and generate clicks. Keep up the great work!

[@db.mc2]

AWESOME! Thank you Jack! 🙂 Always great to hear from you, appreciate you my friend, stay safe and take care 🙏 👑👑👑

[@TedProtasiewicz]

It has been a relief to watch your video compared to other backpacking channels. Your website is well organized. Simple and interesting to watch.

[@Thisthat1234]

This guy is putting things to the real test!!!!! Thanks for sharing your insight !

[@earthhorse5127]

Great review on your gear! Straight to the point....I trust your judgment, You really tried and tested them to the limit.

[@brandonseavey4265]

Love to learn from you mr.quad!

[@djlukestein]

Thank you for sharing... This was very informative and I picked up a few tips like keeping the Sawyer from freezing. We use a lot of the same equipment so I could real know why you choose to keep using it. keep up the amazing content.

[@biffburley1]

Great video Quadzilla; I appreciate the short and long versions!

[@fastneataverage]

Incredibly helpful and cleared up so many questions I had about gear. Thank you very much.

[@jeffreycarman2185]

I have to say I see a lot of through hikers and backpackers on KZbin who have that clip for a camera on their backpack, and this is the first video that can recall where any footage taken by a camera in this shoulder mount was used. Great video! Amazing that you did the triple crown in one calendar year.

[@QuadzillaHikes]

Peak design capture clip! Must have if you're carrying a camera.

[@Elizabeth-pt4bv]

Congratulations on getting to the point with your mileage bank. That was a huge gap, and you did it.👏👏 So awesome.

[@ToblerX]

Saw this preview in my feed and the gravity of those Quads moved my finger towards the video.

[@DanielOutdoors]

I live in Norway, and hike alot during winter conditions, i do too recommend the waterproof socks, however i have both Seal Skinz, and Randy Sun Socks recently i find the last one a bit better fitted.

[@martinjcamp]

Thank You for the very good presentation. Wishing you the Best of luck and safety in the future.

[@RickINFJ]

Love the rundown! You explain why you use it and how it held up. Great information Jack. ✌️

[@Banana8359]

Thank you for this video. Very interesting to see what you used and how it held up. Also I loved the ai photos. Haha the socks and the robot. Great job

[@1024Pete]

Thank you. This was very helpful.

[@SuperdutyExplorer]

Dude nice job!! Those are some crazy miles and drive!! Love seeing the beast mode hiking!! Im 34 with past injuries, i go slower/shoeter hikes but happy im able to get out! Only been hiking since 2019!...

[@guitarhiker4449]

WHAT??? You did the triple crown in one year??? You are a monster!!! Not being weird but you can see it in your legs. Looks like you became a thoroughbred!! Lol... Congrat's man what a feat!!! Hike on!!

[@Micloren]

Used a lot of similar gear during my AT thru in 2013 for mostly the same reasons. Most of it worked very well on my great divide bike ride.

[@rogerc7972]

Good stuff, logical choices.

[@kellycarlen9605]

Great video. I heard your interview on Backpacker Radio so when I came across your video I was like, “I know who this guy is!”

[@1attempting2bkind52]

This is awesome! Thank you brother.

[@Richard-wz9uh]

Waterproof socks! Brilliant. I also use the Altra Olympus and like them. I've been looking for a waterproof option for colder wet days and goes above my ankle. I was considering the Altra Olympus Mid but now I think I'll try the Sealskinz socks. Thanks!

[@Andy-Mesa]

I found some Gossamer Gear rain chaps made out of spinnaker cloth in a hiker box and I've been using those to great effect. Because there's no crotch it doesn't wear there and since most of your heat is generated in the crotch it also doesn't retain heat. Unfortunately they don't make them anymore, but I think chaps are the way to go if you want to try to make some yourself.

[@Get_Some_Nature]

Rain wrap/skirt is 1000 times better than rain pants. Acquire a heavy duty contractor bag and cut off the bottom to make a tube. Slit one side to open it into a wrap. Wrap it around your waist with the slit behind you. Tuck into your pants or shorts waistband. You want it's the length to be right at your socks. Now your legs won't sweat. It's truly waterproof and more packable and light weight than rain pants.

[@Onnitfan1]

Great video. I took notes. Thank you!

[@joro8604]

Great video. Tested. Good insight.

[@fish1269]

Vapor barrier with waterproof sock has been my preferred method as well to keep feet warm.

[@joshuasmith6928]

My only 2 quilts as well. 1oz. Overfill in my 15°. Love Katabatic!

[@QuadzillaHikes]

Such good quilts!

[@robertcarpenter7890]

I have a recommendation, mountain equipment switch pro and the lumiko hoodie for winter conditions, the warmth to weight ratio is insane, the standard switch is fab due to the mix of microgrid ans polartech alpha, they also stuff into their own pockets and weight practically nothing

[@paulkiefer3893]

Thanks for the honest information man

[@QuadzillaHikes]

Any time!

[@jaybutera3353]

Thanks for sharing your helpful insights.

[@QuadzillaHikes]

My pleasure!

[@corleyoutdoors2887]

Informative and beneficial video

[@tangofoxtrot40]

Those quads just slow mo shaking in the wind

[@rubenwolff6661]

hell yes to waterproof socks, got them the first time in Scotland.

[@WholesomeVince]

14:20 that river crossing was no joke.

[@nerd4tw]

From Brit Bank to the back country, I love to see it

[@placeholder23]

fffffff Calendar year triple crown. I've got 5 thru hikes under my belt 3 x AT ,PCT, CDT ..But a calendar year triple is not one of them..Kudos to you my friend. that's a crazy year. That Stream crossing around Mt Hood at the end is soooo sketch....I remember that.

[@kevngu7256]

I would love to see how you pack all of those things.

[@FrankOldfield]

Great video.😊

[@Andy-Mesa]

All well and good, but you should mention your were sponsored by HMG and how that affected your gear choices.

[@ned1177]

great video thank you!

[@melatonin6811]

Damn those quads crush me

[@dirtywizard898]

Amazingly produced video, thank you so much! I'm curious as to what trail navigation app you use?

[@QuadzillaHikes]

I use far-out mainly, a little bit of Gaia on the CDT

[@dirtywizard898]

@@QuadzillaHikes Thank you! I hope to complete the CDT one day. Wishing you clear skies and beautiful views

[@Mako2-1]

This guy’s quads are epic😂😂

[@QuadzillaHikes]

Thanks lol.

[@Mark-ro3gx]

Good work

[@craigivison2951]

legit info, thank you

[@robertrota6347]

Good video. Smart.

[@QuadzillaHikes]

Thanks!

[@squirreltamer2548]

Take a couple of contractor trash bags with you, you can stuff them with foliage and make a bed with it. And in a pinch you can use it as a poncho.

[@SpencerRoberg]

Those Ps B Poppin.

[@ispenttoomuchongear]

Yeah right on your gear review, where can i get those monstrous legs you got? Any special brand i should look out for?

[@timgutzmer1550]

Congratulations! Very impressive! How much of your gear was sponsored 🤔

[@jacksondaly7297]

Im tired of watching videos from skinny hikers, glad i found someone that hikes and is jacked

[@QuadzillaHikes]

Haha thank you.

[@dillonaelliott]

You rock!

[@clarkansas6590]

Good job

[@hoser7706]

Darn Toughs seem to have more nylons in them vs Merino, hrnce the durability. Yet so many ppl use them and blister in them. For me they do not moisture well enough compared to higher blend Merino socks. Maybe they make some w more wool, I do not know. But Injinji are great for blister reduction, wool or Coolmax versions. Ever usecthem?

[@pringerx]

Awesome video man. Did you find the 30 deg warm enough for the PCT? I'm trying to decide whether to save some weight and go with the 30 deg instead of 20 deg. thanks!

[@QuadzillaHikes]

It was but I had a very late start and early finish

[@Greghikes1]

Amazing channel, thankyou for sharing! I completed the PCT during your cytc!. I'm now planning to do the GDT 2024 & thinking to do some CDT right before it OR after the GDT Aug/sept. as you're so qualified I'd love your suggestion as to which side of the GDT I should do just a month of the CDT and if you think the weather would be conducive? I'd love at least to Cherry pick the Winds and Yellowstone if nothing else... Anyway any advice would be great, thanks! Greg aka 'Sausage'😂

[@QuadzillaHikes]

Hmm fitting in cdt before or after aug/sept is tough cause whichever direction you go you want to be hiking Montana and Wyoming during that time frame.

[@milesgroff1138]

The gear list doesn’t mention the tights you are wearing under your shorts while hiking. What tights are these? Thanks

[@blackfin10]

great video

[@QuadzillaHikes]

Thank you!

[@davef5916]

Do you ever use the quilt straps in colder weather? Or do you just use it like a blanket? really impressive dude, thanks for sharing.

[@QuadzillaHikes]

Yep use the quilt straps whenever temp is close to the quilts rating.

[@hagakuru]

Where did you buy the thigh muscles from? I need a set of those ASAP!

[@fearfeasog]

Did you hang your food ever or no? Still watching through the AT vids and haven't run across any mention. Amazing achievement btw! 🎉🎉🎉

[@QuadzillaHikes]

I didn't, too early in the season for problem bears cause no one else was out on the AT. The bears exit hibernation march-april too so not too many around yet

[@williamhecht984]

Thanks for all the details, did you find a multitool, knife or scissors useful?

[@QuadzillaHikes]

Very tiny knife for cutting open packages and cheese. You won't use a multitool or scissors enough to justify the weight

[@manisdogfish]

those are the most gigachad gamer legs I have ever seen

[@JohnDoe-eo1op]

To be honest, a tip for keeping your feet dry from snow & water. I do this when working construction & plumbing jobs where it really wet. Wrap you feet in plastic, your socks will thank you.. Thicker plastic bags work fine too, you can always make 'em more custom! IE cutting excess or making your own contraption. simple, cheap & more importantly reliable & easy to replace!

[@QuadzillaHikes]

Definitely lots of hikers do that for random cold snaps, imo if you're heading out in winter hiking it's way more convenient just to have a pair of neoprene socks rather than go through a buncha bags, cause they'll tear and break

[@JohnDoe-eo1op]

@@QuadzillaHikes i'm cheap :/ ill try the socks.. I can 200% imagine the ease but.. not saying ur rich, but im poor HAHA

[@robduncan7409]

Do you bring any repair or first aid items?

[@PRETTINGTON]

I mean this in a very respectful, not sexually harassing way: damn, your legs are crazy impressive! Congratulations on the calendar year triple crown. That’s a hell of an accomplishment.

[@eggnog7079]

I'm so curious about your food choices. I don't know how bodybuilders would be able to maintain their macros.

[@QuadzillaHikes]

I just focus on getting whatever good protein I can in towns from rotisserie chickens, steaks, pre mixed protein shakes from gas stations, and then eating as many calories as I can.

[@_siegemcsheen_9401]

I plan on doing the Trip in 1 year too. Just to get it all knocked out. Did you find you were still able to appreciate everything moving at that fast a clip? Also, can you make a video explaining how you got around to different Trails. I’m intending on going PCT Nobo, CDT Sobo and AT Nobo in that order! Thank you!

[@QuadzillaHikes]

That order of trails won't work, if you want to do AT nobo you'll have to do it first. . And doing a cytc is not that enjoyable, you can't stop to appreciate or take in many of the sights, I don't think getting the 3 out of the way will be a good motivation or strong enough motivation to keep you going on a cytc.

[@_siegemcsheen_9401]

@@QuadzillaHikes Thank you so much for messaging me back! I just realized it may have sounded like I was being passive about the work required to complete this. I've done nothing but think about this challenge for years and want to get everything perfect for the simple fact that I can't feasibly be gone for more than a year with my responsibilities. I apologize if my comment came off too ignorant.

[@sandrawarner2551]

Hello Quadzilla, I was wondering what weight is the FarPointe Alpha top 90 or 120 gsm Thanks for the gear review! Samurai

[@QuadzillaHikes]

Not sure, I'd guess the 120gsm.

[@hunterrud454]

Great video. What shorts did you wear?

[@QuadzillaHikes]

Soffe ranger panties, these printed ones come from Valhalla wear.

[@user-zq4zr5hs6j]

Too all hikers, try thermarest xtherm. 3 inchs thick, warmer more durable, not crunchy, more durable?😊

[@AndyAdventuring]

Yo I need that leg routine sans the walking 1,000s of miles part

[@juliejohnson928]

I saw you recommended farpoint OG direct aloha hoody. I don’t think they carry that anymore. Farpoint is awesome. Do you recommend the Alpha Cruiser?

[@QuadzillaHikes]

Yep the alpha cruisers are made from that same material!

[@fabcotechnologies489]

Do you refer to degrees as celsius or farenheight ?

[@HorizonHikes]

The AI images are kinda iconic actually 😂

[@BlackStar-vt4hf]

Could you please tell me did you do some kind of workout routine before going on a true hike ? Or maybe some exercises?

[@QuadzillaHikes]

Yes, lots of weight lifting, got deadlift up to 465lbs

[@aarondavis7764]

Thank you for the video. Did you use any type of ground sheet under the HMG tent?

[@QuadzillaHikes]

I did not. Haven't found a need for a ground sheet on any thru that I've done, even in the deserts with cacti, just be mindful of what's on the ground and clear out anything that might be sharp.

[@jayrichardson221]

Ok so the real question is how to you keep such juicy quads with all that trekking?! Workout routine video incoming?

[@QuadzillaHikes]

Just weight lifting for years, and as long as you eat enough calories there's not too much muscle mass loss.

[@robertsanders8866]

Great video how tall are you? Curious for the tent. Ty sir

[@QuadzillaHikes]

I am 6'1"

[@lilianlee535]

Would you please test dukuseek heated hunting vest? Looking forward to prepare one for the coming hunting season.

[@steventhaw3765]

My experience: Neo air should only be half inflated for plenty of support! Otherwise, the baffles will eventually collapse!

[@richardbergin]

I appreciate vids from so much experience. I have the zpacks arc blast 55l, i've only been using it for 9 days and it's already showing bad wear and the frame pops out the wrong way. Too light, too weak. I might try your pack. When this one dies, and i think it will be dead in less than a month:($375usd)

[@QuadzillaHikes]

Unfortunately I've met loads of people who have had issues with Zpacks packs, and getting them warrantied seems to be a pain in the butt. Their tents seem to be pretty good, packs not so much. HMG packs really do hold up well. I think I could have taken mine through all 3 trails, but didn't want to risk the outside pocket tearing when I'd have to stuff it super full of crap with all my extra winter gear.

[@mtadams2009]

I own the Arc Blast and I have two Long Trial hiker and a bunch of other trips on it and it’s pretty much like new. I did have an issue early on with the taping inside the bag and Zpacks resolved the issue very quickly. I must add I don’t carry much weight, my base weight is about eight pounds so that may be a factor. Pretty much all my gear is Zpacks and it’s all worked great. It’s funny I have heard lots of people on the trial complain about Hyperlite packs. I think the more people pay the more they expect. I think UL packs are generally not as durable as my older gear. Everything comes at a cost. I can see where using a more robust back could be very beneficial, bear cans, water carrying etc I am thinking of trying something like the Hyperlite because I often hike with my dog and she goes pack less. Which means I am always carrying a lot of food and additional weight. Take care

[@XxXJayleneXxX]

Did you get to try out the Altra Olympus 6 shoes prior to their release date or did you mean Altra Olympus 5?

[@QuadzillaHikes]

I wore the olympus 5s, got them confused with the lone peak 6s

[@JrNichols5]

Quads for days!

[@palestalemale8831]

Bobby Quadcakes over here.

[@JustinBaker2567]

I highly recommend the rocky goretex socks. They are superior to any other waterproof sock on the market.

[@hanskloss1331]

Alpaca

[@heartattackhiker3527]

Is that the Suiattle river crossing on the PCT. The shortcut?

[@QuadzillaHikes]

No, that was just a regular crossing. Would avoid that shortcut seems like it'd be very dangerous plus it'd be way overgrown

[@seanb6986]

I can't comprehend how you managed to travel in nearly full winter conditions for weeks at a time with what is essentially a slightly beefed up 3-season setup. I would probably get everything soaked and frozen two days into the hike. Did you stop at motels/hostels regularly at resupplies, or is your metabolism somehow able to shrug off sub-freezing conditions? I don't think I've ever seen someone else do this sort of thing with so minimal protection. I'm both impressed and worried for anyone that will try to recreate a similar odyssey.

[@QuadzillaHikes]

I think full on winter is actually easier to deal with than that 40 degree range. Mostly because snow is not going to make your gear wet, where freezing rain will. Important to keep your gear in waterproof containers no matter the conditions. Hiking in the winter really isn't that bad, just need more layers and a beefier sleep system. Same town routine as a regular hike, which is just going into the next town when you hit it, definitely more strategic about towns though for example took a day off in Salida waiting out a snow storm, and took 2 days off in Chama, NM waiting out another storm. That's really key, you don't want to be up in the mountains during the storms, wait em out, see what the conditions on the ground are - if it's too bad, don't head up in there.

[@gumbi8989]

How bad are the ticks on the AT? Here in the Midwest ticks can get pretty bad, but from what it sounds, the further east you get, the worst Lymes disease gets.

[@elliemay3147]

I live on the NY/CT border very close to the AT. Ticks are horrible here. It's a must to check clothing frequently and do a tick body check everyday.

[@QuadzillaHikes]

It's pretty bad. I'd definitely treat socks and pants with permethrin. I picked up Lyme on my first AT hike. During the summers too I think it's important to keep the pack out of your tent, as think about all the times you set you pack down in the grass not thinking about it and how many ticks probably get on them.

[@moses1007]

@thehealthygamer I am curious which ear buds you used during these hikes?

[@moses1007]

Also, can you list the camera gear including the microphone used? Thank you

[@QuadzillaHikes]

Used $20 jlab or some such earbuds off Amazon. Camera gear is listed in my link, microphone is a rode mini shotgun

[@TheAdirondacker]

What shorts do you wear?

[@teddylimauro6525]

where are you @10:56 ? the purple flowers and endless mountains. Thanks

[@QuadzillaHikes]

That's in Washington, north of Snoqualmie.