Colorado Trail Thru-Hike | 6.5lb Gear List

After walking 500 miles across the state of Colorado, here is my Colorado Trail Ultralight gear list. Coming in at 6.5lbs, I believe my gear list is of course ultralight but not ultra-uncomfortable... It took me all the way eh :)
Even though it was summer in Colorado, the temps still gets to 35 degrees at that high elevation the state is known for, meaning the cold is definitely something to take into consideration when packing. Although it's cold up there, another battle is the sun, so much of the trail is above treeline meaning you have to pack proper sun protection - the higher you are the closer you are to the sun.
Take from the list what you will, this is what worked for me and there are totally some cheaper alternatives I will link below. This could be if you are on a tight budget or are looking to get into backpacking.
Anyways the hike was a total success and is something I will treasure forever, I can't wait to complete more thru-hikes and meet more incredible people!
Find the most current gear I use right here:
lighterpack.com/r/lkdo2f
Budget Gear Alternatives:
Tent: Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo ($250) www.sixmoondesigns.com/collec...
Backpack: ULA CDT
www.ula-equipment.com/product...
Sleeping Bag: Hammock Gear Economy Burrow
hammockgear.com/economy-burro...
Sleeping Pad: Thermarest Z-Lite Closed Cell Foam Pad
www.thermarest.com/sleeping-p...
My Instagram:
@camapel
/ camapel

[@ronmccarville256]

Nice set up!! And great video too! Thanks for sharing your insights with us. Looking forward to your next post.

[@MiyagiontheTrail]

Fantastic production quality! You’ve got a new subscriber. Thanks for taking us through your ultralight gear list

[@wesleywade8363]

Smart man on the sun protection. It's scary how many people I know with skin cancer. Something I didn't take seriously when I was younger. Very nice video, glad it got recommended to me.

[@camapel]

I’m so happy you enjoyed it! Yeah that sun is a killer I also know many people with skin cancer and it runs in my family, so yes sun protection is serious.

[@stoicodysseys6352]

Just an FYI sun block is a carcinogenic. The stata of skin cancer increased after it's introduction. The sun is good for you, just don't get burnt

[@TomCashTV]

This was super useful cheers! Your Cnoc Vecto recommendation was particularly helpful.

[@user-ck4gl2yr9f]

Prepping for a CT thru hike myself. Was happy to see many of my gear choices matched yours. Maybe I’m doing something right after all. 😂 You certainly gained a subscriber!

[@TruShine]

Great job! Looking forward to more vids!

[@erickjuarez5044]

I’ve watched A LOT of gear videos and I think you have it down the best 💪🏽 I’ll definitely be referencing your gear for my next thruhike 🤙🏽

[@TheUltralightMindset]

Great loadout, and attention to detail. Well done homie.

[@stoicodysseys6352]

Great video young man. Good gear and good job on the trail.

[@bobpratt3717]

Excellent presentation Great job of relaying information

[@apocsurvival916]

I tell you what, I thought this would be just another video, I am impressed! You really have your gear dialed in, bravo missio! I will subscribe my friend.

[@frenchCount]

V awesome. Loving the style

[@Pseudophilic]

Great stuff!🤌

[@jhonyermo]

Thanks! Great good stuff. You really did a good job. You have another subscriber

[@clarkansas6590]

Great information

[@Gusssugs]

Well done young man

[@OutsideComfortZone]

This is great. I love the way you edit it together, and I’m pretty jealous of how nicely assembled your gear setup is. Thanks, Cam!

[@camapel]

Thanks so much man, your videos helped a lot for planning and made me take the sun threat of the trail more seriously than I was originally going to!

[@thomgizziz]

@@camapel Total shelter weight, huh? That pole looks mighty hefty to be included in that weight.

[@solarhikes7778]

Very well made. Nice work.

[@camapel]

Thanks Solar, loved your CT video.

[@AlsleumMusic]

Super insightful, I really enjoy this! I want to work on lighter gear as I continue my backpacking journey. I'll definitely be checking out some of your gear!

[@TheMidnightModder]

This video just makes sense to me. I don't know how to explain it, but it goes into my eyes and ears and stays very comfortably. You did a great job with this gear list! I'm getting ideas! And apparently we're the same age. 17. Nice. You've got a head start, though! I'm not going to be doing my first thru-hike until 2023 which will be on the AT. I'm excited!

[@camapel]

Sick dude. I’ll be on the PCT when you’re out in the AT. Best of luck.

[@hope2someday691]

Nice video. I'm always looking for new ideas on how to improve/lighten the load out. You've got a good setup there.

[@camapel]

I appreciate it! I hope you found something useful.

[@EventyrsorenDenmark]

Very Nice.Enjoyed it Very Much. Cool setup. Looking foreward for more from your Channel soon.Atb Søren.

[@anne-mariewirth4396]

I usually get bored with these gear videos, but you’ve done a great job with this. It helps that you’re cute and personable. I watched til the end and learned a lot. Thank you!

[@camapel]

Aww thank you so much, one of the sweetest comments I’ve gotten!

[@DrCh0ngo]

I would love to hear about the food you eat for the cold soak. I picked up some great ideas from your video. Thanks for sharing!

[@eddiemendoza9448]

excellent set up. very dialed in.

[@backpackingtrips4100]

Great Vid.

[@kelvinperez2702]

Efficiency! Boom!

[@NEEZY69]

Loved the vid!! Possible video on trail food soon?

[@speckofdust272]

impressive 👍👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@shan.kiiiii]

Loved this video thanks! I’ve gotten used to pounds vs grams for weight, but it would be helpful to have grams for us using the metric system 🙈 great work, really useful info thanks

[@camapel]

Thanks! Happy it helped.

[@BURZUM__]

Damn you! I see you got your hands on a Senchi ;) Great video dude.

[@camapel]

I got it back in september 2020 when you could just dm the guy on instagram. I really want to upgrade to the "lark" or the "waxwing" but now they are impossible to get. :( :(

[@eaferstl]

Quality list, jealous of ur alpha hoody and borah jacket 👀

[@camapel]

Yeah, I really love them both!

[@goodpools]

Here before 1000!

[@3nighthawk5]

Another tip I came across to shave down the parts/weight is to use the either the smart water flip cap or the newer sawyer squeeze flip top to back flush the filter … then you have one more multi-use part and don’t need the coupler… I’ve used this method exclusively and it works great! I like how realistic your ultralight gear list is!

[@camapel]

Yeah I actually do use the sport cap, I guess it just wasn’t on in this video. Great tip should’ve mentioned it.

[@LuckyTown77]

No argument with this...you proved it works.

[@M4ttj0nes]

Fantastic stuff. Love to see more from you. Cheers

[@camapel]

Thanks, I got a couple more CT videos lined up!

[@tonymallia5142]

I notice you switched to a liteheartgear rain jacket. How do you like it ? I was considering this as well . Great videos!!

[@darylthomas9095]

The Garment messenger is in my opinion the most important equipment in that pack. I wish more would invest in one or a personal beeper

[@janefreeman995]

Hi. I agree about the frogg toggs, I've gone thru two spiffy, expensive, ultralight rain jackets (patagonia and montbelle) and even tho the toggs tear easily they dont wet out nearly as fast. I tried out the enlightened equip $30 visp mitts and that was a joke so I'm sure the rain jacket will wet out as quickly. I think the fts are just as warm if not warmer. :)

[@camapel]

Yes i loved my frogg togg, i've since switched to a lightheart gear rain jacket and am excited to try it out over some summer trips i have planned. It's like the froog togg it that it's strictly waterproof and not breatable at all, so it takes very very long to wet out. It seems to be a less ugly more durable frogg togg. I hope to make a gear review on it after the summer.

[@laurasponaugle7314]

@@camapel Did that new rain jacket end up making the cut? Which one was it?

[@pedallinraw]

Anker power banks are super reliable 👌🏻

[@baitontrail7485]

What pieces of clothing are you including in your base weight? Plus, are you carrying a food bag / stuff sacks for puffy, quilt, etc. are these included too? Just wondering where some weight is coming / going from

[@camapel]

Everything but my shorts and baleaf sun hoody since it’s on me, as for bags I guess I did forget to mention my op sack at 1.3oz. I don’t use stuff sacks, i find it much easier to just stuff them in my pack on their own. My pack liner offers plenty of protection.

[@Arthur-Silva]

There’s a filter named versa flow or something, small and light, I used it on my PCT and it never clogged once.

[@ScrublandTV]

Question: On your Lighterpack you list the Z-light cut down, but here you're talking about the Neoair for your sleep system, so isn't your base weight heavier by 6 oz and change? 7 lbs is still really good though! Nice video and congrats on finishing the CT!! Cheers, Blue Beard

[@camapel]

Ok, so I actually recorded most of this video before I hiked the CT and 100 miles in I switched to the cut down z-lite and actually liked it so that's why it's in the lighterpack. I will say I do need to redo it and reweigh some of my items.

[@theabacus20]

There are a lot of discrepancies with the video and lighter pack. Lighter pack does not include the Inreach, cold soak jar, various electronics (charging stuff mentioned), and phone (assuming one is brought). Oddly enough, the lighter pack includes a fuel canister, but no stove and uses the filter he highly discouraged using. No ursack or method to hang food? No wallet? I estimate the actual base weight after discrepancies is probably closer to 8-8.5 lbs, discounting camera weight. Still a nice setup, but title is a bit misleading.

[@gadblatz4841]

​@@theabacus20 This is correct. There's a lot missing, or marked as worn.

[@Z1MWOODS]

I smell a kraig Adam’s inspired kit. Nice job .

[@ScrublandTV]

Kraig Adams is actually much heavier than a thru hiking set up, I'd wager he's easily twice the weight around 12 lbs base if not heavier. He carries a full sized tripod and is only hiking ~100ish miles at a go, so being über light isn't as big of a deal.

[@Z1MWOODS]

@@ScrublandTV your probably right there mate , We all learn from each other and find what works best for our self . Nothing wrong with using information and experience of some else . At the end of the day it more about find peace for the soul weather that come from ultralight or Uber light as long have fun .

[@ScrublandTV]

@@Z1MWOODS Oh, I couldn't agree more, trying to go überlight to fit into some category or impress someone w/e is a recipe for not having a good time. I've hiked with people on long trails with triple the weight of folks who bailed after the first 300 miles or so. Base weight is not the end all be all. It's about enjoying oneself and having an experience.

[@camapel]

Yes!!! Ultralight is just a simple guidance, the most important thing, no matter the weight, is just getting out on trail and enjoying yourself. If you enjoy yourself with a 50lb pack then awesome! If you enjoy yourself with a 10lb pack, awesome! Also yeah kraigs kit is much higher in terms of base weight, like I brought “some” heavy camera equipment but kraig brings some incredibly heavy camera equipment, and in turn his videos are fantastic. We all have different reasons for being out there.

[@mighthike4729]

Did you weigh your kumo on a scale? I have the camo kumo in a size small it’s 23 oz, with nothing removed. The camo kumo is heavier due to a thicker material, also more durable. I love the pack have had it for years.

[@camapel]

I did not, which I know is not very "ultralight" of me, lol. I don't actually have a scale because I feel weird buying a scale just to weigh backpacking gear. It's one of those "am I really this ridiculous about my weight" kinda things. I didn't expect this video to get 7k views though, so I kinda wish I would have now. I did cut straps and take compression straps off though if that counts for much!

[@mighthike4729]

@@camapel I absolutely wouldn’t buy one either to just weigh gear. Please don’t think I was being UL jerk on you. Mostly just love the pack. Was the first kumo you could get in a small, which is a must for me. Also compared to many other kumos that I have seen, the material is way more durable. Perfect mix of ul and durable for me. You deserve the 7000 views. The video is excellent.

[@camapel]

Thank you so much, also I didn’t think you were going ul jerk lol! I didn’t actually know that about the material on the kumo was heavier and more water resistant, that second part is what makes me love the pack so much like I honestly don’t even need a liner. I’ve been meaning to switch to a Nashville cutaway to get the best of all worlds: weight, comfort, and durability.

[@baebaebrandon]

Where did you get that back pad insert? Looking for one!

[@camapel]

It actually comes with the gossamer gear kumo. I believe gossamer gear makes that back pad insert for sale individually but it is not the same. I’ll link it 👇🏻 www.gossamergear.com/collections/shelters-sleeping-pads/products/sitlight-camp-seat?variant=30497164876 Out of stock but there are other option on the site!

[@mmitchell1727]

Is the picture before the Vecto in Wyoming or Colorado?

[@Jiwtt]

Promise that you will, sing, about me

[@donnydread7631]

Dude that’s insane, my empty pack is 6.5lbs.

[@1from31]

Those lil bootie are my fave thing I need them !!! 💕🥺

[@jakemartin2150]

Our setups are so similar it’s weird! Lol. I have always wanted to try the kumo because of the hip belt but I currently use a Dandee 35 and a Dandee Fanny instead. I use the altaplex instead because I’m about 6’2 and I use an x therm instead of the x lite. Still haven’t gotten my hands on a senchi so I’m still rocking the cap air Patagucci steez (which btw was my trail name on PCT “pattagucci or “Gucci”) other than that we’re basically the same down to the amazon brand bamboo tooth brush! Nice kit, nice vid!

[@camapel]

Thanks for watching and Dang a x therm you must be one cold sleeper, you ought to get your hands on a senchi, they are incredible. Make sure you get the 4ozish or the 6ozish one. Mine could be a little warmer. Very similar to those Patagonia air hoody’s.

[@BackcountryRenegade]

Nice vid, I’m utilizing some of the same gear. That pack does look neat. I like how it has hip belt pockets. My way mark evlv doesn’t have them

[@camapel]

Yeah the kumo is a great fit and is incredibly comfortable, however i'd love to try out the Nashville Cutaway. If you're worried about pockets that thing has pockets for days.

[@1z1zmike]

Did you have a food bag or canister …any bears along the way?🙂🙏

[@stevebiggs1822]

Kendrick Lamar sample is dope

[@Brettmlyons]

You should switch that gauze to quick clot gauze..

[@mattiaslarsson5425]

i am 17 as well and I was wondering if how you afford all your gear and trips to go backpacking? im broke

[@camapel]

It’s really all about strict savings, I worked at a minimum wage job for 9 months and saved over 70% of my income from it. I used those savings to buy all my gear and put away $800 for the trip. You can begin by checking on r/ulgeartrade. Another way I like to think about saving is every $1 not spent is $1 that could go towards gear or savings. Also I think you might have given me a video idea :)

[@gabrielthiego1611]

hello, could you tell me one more about your tent? I'm interested in this model, I'm from Brazil and I don't want to buy the wrong equipment.

[@MikeHacker]

Never had problems with my mini water filter...

[@camapel]

Then I would call you lucky!

[@heartattackhiker3527]

Kinda think your baseweight is a little higher. I have nearly all the same gear including the kumo which is the first pack I ever did a ultralight trip with. It comes in at over 20 ounces with pad and liner. Loved the video though, oh and also the phone.

[@replicators]

The small size Kumo is the weight he has listed.

[@camapel]

Thanks for watching, also I made this video before I hiked the trail and after talking to a lot of other people with similar gear I think your right. I think my base weight is more in the low 7’s, or just barely under 7. I want to buy a scale but I don’t want to live with the fact that I bought a scale to measure chapstick, it’s a sad fact. 🥲anyways next gear list video I’ll get weights proper. Edit: I do have the small size lump doesn’t make massive difference tho

[@Mujirama]

Well you can wash underweae more easily i think, so you are a bit more clean ^^ but nice video

[@ajmodesto]

Did you hang or sleep with your food?

[@camapel]

Slept with an odor proof sack. No where to hang on the CT, it’s also not really necessary, if you’re very worried about it you can always get an ursack!

[@ajmodesto]

@@camapel Thank you!

[@braydencash9764]

Some one likes Darwin on the trail

[@camapel]

Hey, can you blame me, mans format is immaculate.

[@aidanfrisby7213]

I don’t appreciate that nalgene comment, we both know who that was meant for

[@camapel]

1.3oz vs 4oz... just sayin

[@kierenkd]

Wow - I'm locked into this video from 30s in. For the non-Americans, would you add text overlays in YT for metric measures?

[@gadblatz4841]

Lol. Hack two pounds off your base weight the easy way, mark half your kit as worn weight 😂

[@krattsignup]

A lot of popular influencers do this and i think its incredibly dangerous misinformation

[@livableincome]

Your pack doesnt look like it fits you well. Big gap up around the shoulders where it should be closer to you for better weight distribution.

[@camapel]

Yeah it was the wrong torso size(too short) but it still carried really well suprisingly. I've since switched to a nashville cutaway and got the proper torso size and it's been great!

[@21trips]

Check spelling on your thumbnail

[@camapel]

Woah, this video has been up for nearly a year and I can’t believe I just noticed that what the hell!

[@21trips]

@@camapel lol

[@pulex73]

no deodorant?

[@camapel]

I stay stinky, but fr no I’m already dirty and putting on deodorant doesn’t make me feel less dirty so for me it’s just a waste. However For some people it does make them feel better, so do what works for you!

[@willgriesmer105]

attracts bears

[@805gregg]

You can lose more weight get, get a haircut

[@paisley8519]

What? No, way! Kid’s got cool hair. You don’t ditch good hair.

[@Y2J3469]

Your electronics and camera gear are probably half your base weight, lol. Another purported UL trekker that carries a copious amount of excessive and unnecessary camera gear that effectively undermines the whole UL notion in the first place.

[@camapel]

Damn you really got me, I’m 😢. To be fair tho it makes carrying all that camera gear a lot more bearable and that peak designs strap really distributes the weight.

[@Y2J3469]

@@camapel I am not trying to be mean or be a hater; however, I just find it vexatious when people claim to be true and hardcore ultralight backpackers by bragging about their base weight and then carry multiple articles of luxury cameras and related electronics. Indeed, it is trite to say that ultralight backpacking is not just about weight but also about the amount of space items take up and luxury items that are not necessities or otherwise do not related to improving health and safety on the trial. The new iPhone 13 pro has a camera every bit as good (likely better) than all the excessive camera gear you're taking and also multifunctional use. A good cell phone camera like that and maybe a GoPro too is all you need. If you want to take really good photography and want to blog, then no problem as that is totally cool. Just don't brag about base weight and claiming to be a true ultralight backpacker.

[@camapel]

My bad, I knew I shouldn't have brought a tent, or a sleeping bag for that matter.

[@Y2J3469]

@@camapel See, I take a different view. I would have taken the tent and sleeping bag but ditched the unnecessary luxury items, which is, inter alia, almost two pounds of camera equipment.

[@hudson8074]

Take your dogmatism somewhere else