All the Gear I Used & Switched Out on the Continental Divide Trail

[@durstongear]

Awesome hike! Thanks for the kind words. - Dan

[@nathankoenegstein3253]

Never know he’ll show…

[@dtaylor10chuckufarle]

You didn't mention this, but your adventure was a big endorsement of the Sawyer Squeeze. 2,800 miles without getting sick drinking "Dead Bird Water" and "Cattle Enhanced Water".

[@gd2232]

Agree on that filter.

[@dtaylor10chuckufarle]

@gd2232 I put it on my Amazon wish list.

[@jamesf4405]

Kelly, it's been a GREAT adventure! I've enjoyed following you so much! I can't wait to see what you do next! 😊 I'm an old man and I was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in February 2024. After several surgerys, and lots of radiation, I'm now finally Cancer free! I spent many days in a hospital bed, watching your videos and reading Pegs blog. You guys are the best! 😊

[@dannyjamison8337]

I like that Garmin unit with the SOS button. While we're on the topic, let's give a big shout out to those search and rescue teams that would be there if we need them!

[@gd2232]

I wasn’t completely sold on that water filter until Kelly’s impressive product testing. They should be a sponsor after this.

[@thetoppingfamilyy]

This is so awesome! I've followed your journey the whole way and I'm so glad I did. You're an inspiration!

[@RickINFJ]

Great gear rundown 9L. 👍 I like the idea of carrying 2 10,000 miliamp banks. Faster charge in town, and the redundancy in case one breaks. Your OM does take beautiful footage. 💯 CeraVe! Cetaphil and Aveeno are good too. Love your whole setup! Take care and congratulations once again on an incredible thru hike. 👏✌️

[@tonypowell]

Happy Thanksgiving Kelly ! Glad you are home safe and looking forward to what is next.😊

[@leedanielson7452]

Kelly you were absolutely amazing on this hike! And putting out incredible videos, as often as you did, was truly spectacular.... Thanks for taking us along on your incredible journey!!! Happy Thanksgiving to you, and all of your loved ones !!!🦃🥰👍👏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@MaureenLumb]

Congratulations Kelly! My husband and I watched your videos of the CDT thru hike. It was the video we watched together every night. We have been following you since the AT. Love your content. Love your personality, Keep rocking it. ☮️

[@tonymorris1571]

I'm so excited!! I didn't think I would see you again, so soon!!!!

[@mlmiller5572]

I followed you through your gigantic journey, you are an inspiration!!!!

[@ronbenjamin4351]

Wow!!!! Been missing you!!! Congratulations, you make a lot of down people feel better. Seems like forever since I’ve seen a video but Ive been sick the last 6 months!! Much better now!! Thank you for the video!!

[@CrossKnight]

Congratulations on completing the CDT! Thanks for documenting and sharing this amazing adventure with us! Looking forward to seeing your future Hikes!

[@TheBrothertimmy]

you do good work. thank you for letting all of us tag along 🙂

[@debbiepowell8172]

Thank you for sharing this series with us. I have loved watching every episode. Happy Thanksgiving 🦃 get some much needed rest and we will anxiously wait for the next series.

[@bigbranch1]

Thanks! Had a wonderful time following you.....Good Luck!

[@davidcox9115]

Congratulations on finishing your adventure ,truly in the ranks of a professional thru hikers.well seasoned on your gear, i enjoyed this video hope you are enjoyed being back home and yes not filtering water, keep on keepin on coolchick.

[@RickLeahigh]

Thank You Kelly for sharing your adventure with us. Looking forward to your next adventure....

[@richardross7219]

Good video. I was trying to remember how long that I've been following you. I started when you were in CA before the AT. You've come a long way. Try a Zippo Pocket Warmer that burns lighter fluid. They are warmer than the chemical warmers and weigh less for a weeks heating. Remember that they can be used to dry shoes and socks. Happy Thanksgiving. Show your Dad's progress on his old car sometime. Good Luck, Rick

[@JeremyMcGehee]

Super helpful gear tips thank you so much, I'm doing calendar triple crown '25 and you helped me replace 3 pieces. Thanks again, take care

[@amycook6219]

I bet your kitty was glad to have you back home! 🐈‍⬛ I'm the mom of a black cat too! 🥰

[@sammymartinez556]

Hi Kelly I loved watching u thru your CDT trip .. but I’m glad yr home and safe .. love ❤️ from New Mexico 😊

[@kristymoore7052]

Nice job. Thanks! I didn’t know there was a collapsible Nalgene. Just ordered through your link. The one thing I HATE about backpacking is getting out to pee, especially in rain or when around people. I’ve tried various contraptions and even have successfully dug a trench outside my opposite vestibule, but eh, I’ll give this Nalgene thing a try.

[@paddle_hike]

Awesome gear loadout (that I was waiting for). Congrats on your amazing adventure and accomplishment.

[@brucefarris4734]

Congratulations, Kelly‼️ Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family & friends✌🏼

[@cwesley2005]

Kelly congratulations on completing the CDT! You are awesome!

[@bwrscott1]

The dirt and holes give character to your pack. Keep on hiking.

[@jimscott2998]

I enjoyed your travail over the Winds, the absolute sere of the gray mtns 0:06 AND you magnificent traverse across the Red Basin with no sleep and minimal rest. I could feel the sacrifice your body’s made and the effect on your minds that fatigue took. 👍🏼🎉

[@forrestwhite8052]

Love watching your hikes. They are by far my favorite

[@martyprivate4373]

Thanks!

[@jesss.884]

Excited for your next big adventures! 🤗

[@huntertrapperdipper]

As a fellow hiker I agree I love the Sea to summit inflatable pillow

[@JNeff99]

I'm interested in charging time of the battery banks you carried. How long did it take to charge your battery banks? Often I hit a town and pick up my resupply box, grab a meal, and head back out.

[@kellyhays23]

My 10000 would charge in a few hours -the other took more like 5-6 hours but could prolly go faster with a higher watt block

[@dancoursey5447]

Excellent. You are very well thought out.

[@GoetheCronshaw]

I remember that time, I accidentally stepped into kislux . Since then, I have a few more pieces of art in my wardrobe and less anxiety about bills.

[@lisasescapades]

Hey Kelly I am trying to find a DJI microphone that will link to Bluetooth on my phone. I noticed you were holding a clip on microphone. Are you using it with your phone? If so can I please get the info. I ordered one but it was not what I was looking for. I appreciate it. Loving your content and following all your hikes. 😊

[@robertward6357]

Great Videos, very informative and entertaining. What about Bug spray? I didn't see that in your inventory.

[@kellyhays23]

Yeah I never used bug spray on this trip!

[@bird.1980]

Live rent free and thru hike half of the year. You've got it figured out!

[@Get_Some_Nature]

I thruhiked the PCT this year. 7 months and a week. My pack was a Hyperlite 3400 Southwest. Every day I had shoulder pain/ache on the top of my shoulders no matter how I adjusted the straps or waist belt. It did hold up to the trail fine. Kept my stuff dry. I always use a trash compactor bag liner. It never rained on my heavily on the trail. I thruhiked the AT two years ago with a ULA pack. I just got my new ULA Ultra Circuit. So much more comfortable and adjustable! I'm a ULA pack user for life now. I don't know why Hyperlite is so popular. Most uncomfortable pack I've ever owned!

[@gregeberhardt1711]

How much weight? Problem with 55ltrs + 10 (on the outside) is the weight....they only seem comfortable under 30lbs from what I see.....

[@Get_Some_Nature]

@gregeberhardt1711 the most I carried was 5 liters of water with about 3 days of food.

[@rungavagairun]

I like that Wazoo flint and striker necklace. I added it to my Xmas list. Thanks.

[@lindaleiker8643]

Thank you for doing a follow up. I hiked vicariously through you. I didn’t know what to do with myself. There was no hiking to watch. I saw my people that can do that thank you for taking me on your journey with you.

[@alaish360]

Me too. I had a hard Monday when I realized she is done

[@demonhunter-skydomeatlanti1746]

Congratulations Kelly from FL. 👍🙏👏

[@jasonmcgill3904]

I'm curious about your starting body weight vs. ending body weight. Was there a big change, or did it stay close because of muscle gain?

[@bassfan82]

really cool video, did I miss how the spreadsheet is created? super clutch

[@mikem.1220]

I would love to see you hike the French Alps. Crazy mountains and views, down to small villages. Food, wine hostels. Woman in the woods, in Canada did GR5 and is doing GR 10. How is your French? Love your vids. ❤❤

[@RiverbendlongbowsOutdoors]

Well done 👍

[@MikeR-ig5bw]

Hey Kelly - which dry bag did you use to keep your quilt and anything else that if not dry would be a disaster? Nice job once again on the videos

[@kellyhays23]

@@MikeR-ig5bw I realized I forgot to mention this after the video was posted! I apologize -I use a nylofume bag liner! Only went through 2 the whole trail so they hold up pretty well. Just noisy haha

[@MarmaladeOutdoors]

Where did you get your bag tag at the start? Especially because you were going sobo

[@kellyhays23]

You get the CDT tags at the backcountry rangers office in glacier

[@arkansasalex7288]

Are you planning on doing a video for your clothing? I wad trying to get information about the hoodie you picked up on the trail.. (not the Mele.. the one she got in a shipping container if anyone had any details i would greatly appreciate it!)

[@arkansasalex7288]

OK, my bad lol, she mentions she is going to do a clothes video in the future ...oops

[@Eric-i2g8u]

Happy thanks Gavin Kelly 🙏🕊️😇🙀🐾

[@johnnyy072]

For the past eight years, I used the ULA circuit pack. I liked it but I’m looking to upgrade to a lighter pack. Wondering your thoughts between the arc haul and unbound. New subscriber and really enjoying your content. Thanks

[@rockytopwrangler2069]

Always interesting to see what is preferred and what is deleted .. As you mentioned , time of year and conditions make the call ..

[@bwinter3169]

Very informative, Kelly. I was curious how you stayed on trail? Again, great adventure and for taking us along. Blessing to you and family. bw

[@ashrule2034]

love your content! i had two questions. one was is there an attachment needed to connect the gopro to the ultrapod? and the other was how do you go about taking your contacts out on trail? it’s such a pain for me. i try to wash my hands and then i have to try to use a mirror and get them out. but when you’re primitive camping it’s harder than it seems lol.

[@kellyhays23]

I can’t remember if the attachment came with the ultra pod or not. I believe I bought some go pro mount attachments on Amazon. For the contacts I just try to rinse my fingers and then just pop them in and out, I don’t use a mirror or anything.

[@Swearengen1980]

The 2nd KZbinr to openly endorse a knife (and the same one), which most KZbinrs seem to shit on for some reason. Good to see you gals picking a decent blade. that's a good price for magnacut, though their heat treatment might be a hair low. It's the perfect steel for the a thru hike. Great edge retention, virtually stainless.

[@jeremymcgehee3368]

I carry a buck knife, 4.5 oz, worth it imo

[@jeremymcgehee3368]

I carry a buck knife, 4.5 oz, worth it imo

[@Swearengen1980]

@@jeremymcgehee3368 I'm not an UL guy anyway. I carry an MKC and a 10mm. I've been charged by boars on trails twice, one I had to put it down. But I also go off trail, explore new areas, and I've carried for over 20 years. Weapons are a part of my natural weight at this point, not added weight. And as much as I love the South, there are plenty of areas to camp and hike where there are....less than savory characters around (and a lot of meth heads 😂)

[@sapoverde65]

You often mention your gear getting wet , was the tent ⛺️ not waterproof?

[@nam_hn]

Is your knife still sharp after going with you since the AT?

[@fitzcoyote]

Super helpful as I plan for next hear🎉

[@LibraChic107]

Awesome video! I would love if you made a video about food on trail... how you made sure you got enough calories, etc

[@mikehawk3152]

Super cute and a huge wish list!❤🎉

[@travissapp4961]

Awesome besafe outside

[@cynthiasmith4966]

Welcome home!

[@jeremymcgehee3368]

Tried to buy a coyote quilt but standard is sold out, custom doesn't fit my timeline. I really need a zero degree quilt suggestion if you have one please. I can't seem to find a good one

[@renoflames]

I have the same Garmin you do and I carried one in my Flight Bag always. BTW how much weight did you lose it looks like at least 20 LBS? You are a very good Woman.

[@thomasbrandon5111]

Happy Thanksgiving

[@brentashman3926]

What do you think about making a 2 hour movie showing the most epic parts of your adventure ?

[@JeremyChernan]

Love the content and helping me figure out what I can update with my through hikers/ SAR pack! Good luck on your next through hike kelly! Looking forward for more ideas what to and what not to add to my bag. 👊🏻🤙🏻✌🏻🥾🏕️

[@Greghikes1]

If I'm not mistaken that completes your triple crown? That's amazing Kelly! Congrats.

[@kellyhays23]

Still need the PCT!!!

[@Greghikes1]

@kellyhays23 oh! well at least you saved the prettiest till last! 🏔️ I'll look forward to your video series on it! ☺️

[@kyleyarn]

I saw where you used the Hoka Challenger 7s. Why did you pick those over the Speedgoats? Just curious.

[@ChillinInTheWoods]

What apps did you use to edit and post while on trail?

[@kellyhays23]

@@ChillinInTheWoods capcut

[@ChillinInTheWoods]

@ Hey thanks! For the reply.

[@SalPane1224]

Which place to eat you liked the most and hotel you stayed

[@JNeff99]

Was the rubber bandy thing called the Cross Band by Grifitity?

[@kellyhays23]

Yes!!

[@greg.jacobs]

What size was that cross band 4" or 6"

[@chrissaunders8284]

I don't think I've ever heard you mention this, but did you carry and put on makeup each morning? If so, would you still have if you weren't vlogging? How did you get the little scar on your chin? I might feel intrusive asking if I didn't already know so much about your pee habits and ovaries. 😊 I really enjoyed your trek. Thank you for sharing, and I hope you make it back out again soon. Happy Thanksgiving.

[@kellyhays23]

@chrissaunders8284 have you seen the bags under my eye in these videos? Lol no I don’t wear makeup on trail ever or hardly in person. Chin scar is from high school basketball, dove for a loose ball and a girl landed on my head and my chin smashed onto the court. Played the rest of the game and got stitches afterwards lol

[@chrissaunders8284]

@kellyhays23 You must have good coloring and lashes. My wife was certain you wear eyeliner, mascara, and occasional eye shadow. I will let her know so she can enjoy a bit of envy. That accident sounds very painful. It takes a lot of force for a flat surface to bust open skin, but you've got grit for sticking it out. Of course, the trails have shown that, too. (Ovary re-enters the conversation.)

[@leedanielson7452]

I was also wondering if she wore make up from time to time lol.... Kelly has beautiful skin!!! 😊

[@gracemccoy2874]

You are looking much more rested, good to see! This was a great video your pretty dialed in now in the gear dept. Question about quilts vs sleeping bags. I'm a bag girl and want to try a quilt but they don't have backs on them correct? Partial zippers but open on the back? I want to buy one but I'm just not sure they'd be warm enough. 😬

[@littlehouseadventures3426]

So after being off trail for a couple weeks now, how bored are you? haha. R&R must have been awesome, but I'm sure you're antsy for the next adventure. Ever thought of a kayak/canoe trip? If i was 20 years younger, I'd like to do the length of the Missouri and/or Mississippi River. Too much for me to handle now, but I am considering the Gasconade in Missouri or the Buffalo in Arkansas as well as a few others here in Missouri.

[@martyprivate4373]

What app were you using to navigate? How did you know where water caches were? I’ve never done a through hike so I’m very curious.

[@kellyhays23]

FarOut

[@GrimLime]

When you have QnA's, where do the questions come from? Comments like these? I want to know the general consensus of people bringing pets on the hike. Yeah, they are cute, vbut what does everyone say when they leave?

[@stephencanada1193]

I’m already missing checking in on your adventures every night. Any idea when the next adventure will begin?

[@littledoggiesadventures]

What size zpacks bag for quilt, I see its the dry sack no the stuff, is it the tall or rectangle..??

[@kellyhays23]

@@littledoggiesadventures it’s a big dry bag 8x13 that i used as both a stuff sack and dry bag

[@ebptube]

Write your name on that backPack and promote it for sale on your chanal. Bet people are willing to pay more than for a new! Seen other KZbinrs do that. Great way of supporting you, I think

[@maxrun934]

Have a great Thanksgiving

[@PATRICKHENRICKS]

What video editing app or program do you use on your phone?

[@kellyhays23]

@@PATRICKHENRICKS CapCut!

[@chrisallen2005]

I am a 67 year old male hiker. Started using a piss bottle a few years ago. Bloody amazing. It is real how your body changes as you age.

[@kevincrooks639]

Just started. I'm 70. No crawling out if the tent at night. What a relief.

[@GoetheCronshaw]

I have authentic Lv only one and then I bought from kislux , wait the twins one that are authentic , sounds better.

[@susansharp112]

Great info

[@nickfaw2840]

I can't believe waymark went out of business I got a backpack from them literally right before they went under I got lucky

[@MJG70]

You must be talking with your peeps about 2025. Are you considering the north country trail?

[@hope2someday691]

Something I’ve wondered is how many injuries you had and if any at still nagging you??? I guess you covered how your gear held up but how about your body?

[@madratter]

You are incredible ❤ congratulations on your hike. Best always Mad Rat

[@charlesdang4670]

I think you are ready to hike across Europe walkie-talkie.... bye-bye Appalachia and hello Europa!!! :)

[@Sfadventures2025]

hows it feel to be home kell

[@RootsLion]

dont understand why you dont use a solar usb powerbank with a torch on... charges itself while you hiking then.. and charging other stuff in day

[@kellyhays23]

@@RootsLion they are very inefficient. Don’t charge enough through the day to make it worth the weight

[@RootsLion]

@@kellyhays23 i got one off ebay , seems great so far.. each to thier own was just curious lol. an well done ,,great trip great vids thankyou..x

[@timtrain35]

Navigation? Assuming it was your phone with some type downloaded map

[@kellyhays23]

Yes FarOut app on iPhone e

[@crazyblade8991]

Did your friends that didn’t hike with you? The whole time do the whole thing

[@davidburdette9411]

Congrats on Illinois beating Arkansas

[@alaish360]

Did you try using satellite service on your iPhone? You have the model that Apple includes SOS satellite service for free. Why Garmin mini2 over iPhone? That’s the reason why I haven’t gone Garmin because I assume Apple has my back.

[@kellyhays23]

I think in order to communicate the other person has to have an iPhone, a certain model and update. My parents don’t ever update their phones and dad has android. Garmin is fail proof and works with every carrier/phone

[@AnbuMorale]

But the question is, is the real thing worth a few thousand dollars more than a kislux fake? To me, given the lack of lustre quality of modern luxury goods, it really isn't.

[@СергейКапатыч]

🤓👍

[@iggyrojano1978]

😍