CDT Gear: What I'm Carrying and What I'm Wearing on Trail

I intend to hike the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) in 2024 and will vlog my experience. Follow me under "Old Man and the CDT."
I am Mike Current, 61-years-old, and retired military. I served for over 30 years in the US Army.
After retirement, I opened two small businesses. But after a few years, I sold both businesses because they were taking time away from pursuing personal goals, like hiking and sailing.
I hiked the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) in 2020 and Appalachian Trail (AT) in 2022. I vlogged (video journaled) my experiences under "Old Man and the PCT" and "Old Man and the AT", respectively.
I sailed around the Chesapeake Bay in my Tayana 37 sailboat over the summer of 2023 and vlogged the experience under the KZbin channel "Old Man and the Sea."
I do not monetize my videos in any manner. However, if you would like to contribute to helping veterans thru-hike as a form of therapy for PTSD, please consider donating to Warrior Expeditions at warriorexpeditions.org/

[@pauliedavis49]

Looking forward! Thanks!

[@Philobeddoe12]

So glad to be able to follow you again on another trail. I love your positive attitude and the way you describe things along the way. You help see the beauty of America and we live vicariously through you.

[@oldmanandtheat3093]

I appreciate that!.

[@galaxyfanfan2938]

The blooper at the end was so cute ^^ Nice that your wife is supporting your journey. Best of luck!! :D

[@galeclay8866]

Amazing information!!

[@TheHikingChick1]

Straight to the point as usual! Super efficient kit!👍

[@meriwethersayan]

Excellent Video! Looking forward to following your journey and preparing myself for the CDT. Thanks for all your great information.

[@ijblessjourney]

Hey brother I’m loving watching your preparation and previous videos. I will be starting the AT on Wednesday,

[@oldmanandtheat3093]

Fantastic!! You are going to have an incredible time.

[@robd.9481]

Great video. Very comprehensive and well explained. I think you could shed a few ounces if you made a DCF groundsheet. 1 yard of DCF (54"x36") cut in half and taped (27x72) would weigh a little over an ounce. I'm not sure what your tyvek weighs, but you could probably drop a few ozs. Good luck on your hike!

[@MarmaladeOutdoors]

Hey Energizer, I finished the PCT last year and plan on doing the CDT next year and then my triple crown. I also vlog every day on trail so I appreciate the effort you make to bring the trail to everyone. I also appreciate the time you put into sharing diet, gear and exercise and what you do. I’m 61 but have stayed in pretty good shape my entire life which has really helped in my later years. Good luck on the CDT and look forward to following you. Marmalade

[@shanksmare]

Hey, I know you. How you doing. I watched all of the "Old Man and the xxx" videos. He does a good job. Often has very insightful comments. If you have not already, I recommend you check out all his videos. ~S

[@oldmanandtheat3093]

Marmalade. Thank you for the kind words. I followed your PCT journey. I also think your channel does a really good job depicting the southern section of the trail and what aspiring thru-hikers can expect. Indeed, I watched one of your latest videos just last week. I hope my upcoming videos can be helpful in your preparation for the CDT.

[@MarmaladeOutdoors]

@@oldmanandtheat3093 hey great hearing from you and humbled you’ve watched some of my videos. Since I live in San Diego I get on the trail in section A all the time so just got out to do the terminus to lake Moreno for a little training but to use my new pack and some other new gear. Saw a lot of hikers out there. I’ll definitely be following along on your journey. Wishing you nothing but the best, a great experience and good health on the trail. Cheers…

[@TheHikingChick1]

Yes Marmalade!

[@MarmaladeOutdoors]

@@TheHikingChick1 hey there! What were you saying yes too? Lol

[@anitasimmons3599]

Thank you for another great video. I love the way you filmed this. It is a great reference. Thank you again for taking us along on your journey. 😊

[@oldmanandtheat3093]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@michaelbutterworth6382]

Dear Energizer, You are an inspiration! Best wishes, Grandpa Mike Asheville

[@oldmanandtheat3093]

Thank you so much for the kind words!

[@judithpearson3968]

Hi Mike, it was interesting to see what you'll have along with you on the CDT. I've recently seen reports that Ursacks have had a recent history of losing the battle with bears. Just thought I'd pass that on for your information. Less than a month to go. I'm excited for you to get started. Take care. Stay safe. See you next week.

[@anitasimmons3599]

You have to be able to tie 2 simple knots correctly to use the Ursack properly. Unfortunately a lot of users do not tie them right. I use the Ursack everywhere a hard side bear canisters is not required and have never had a bear or rodents get into my food.... I don't think there is much chance the Ursack will be approved in NPs.

[@oldmanandtheat3093]

Ursacks are definitely a mixed bag (pun intended). On the positive side, they are far more comfortable carrying inside the rucksack than a bear cannister. On the negative side, even if the bear doesn't get the food, it is all ruined from the gnawing. I will have 1700 miles on trail to figure out which way I want to go.

[@douglasmihalik867]

Mike, I get the feeling you should have been in the Navy!

[@oldmanandtheat3093]

😃😃😄😄

[@glengullickson6538]

HYOH, but IMHO, going without a heat source is risky. Safe travels, looking forward to following your journey.

[@oldmanandtheat3093]

Thank you. Glad to take you along.

[@jeevjagostudios]

The countdown to 1 May continues . . .

[@jimclark2599]

Links to specific sun hoodie and Gortex socks please

[@oldmanandtheat3093]

The socks are over four years old, so I don't know the specific model, but the hoodie is from Ridge Merino. www.ridgemerino.com/collections/merino-wool-mens-clothing/products/mens-solstice-lightweight-pullover-hoodie?variant=41190542016621