Continental Divide Trail Southbound Thru-Hike | Post-Trail Gear List

[@abrahamlewis6604]

Thumbs up for putting the cat weight.

[@peterjohnson6273]

Post hike gear load outs are always more informative than pre-hike ones. Congrat's. :>)

[@CastawayHikes]

Your cat is definitely my favorite part of this video 😍

[@tessmullaney]

Ezra is the star of the show ❤️

[@BucolicAholic]

You don't need an extender for trekking pole tents that require longer poles. If you use flick lock trekking poles you can flip the tip end and slot it into the mid section and then take the mid section from your other pole and couple it with the pole you flipped. I made a six foot trekking pole Frankenstein with this configuration. Still super sturdy.

[@NadineHill-gw4gq]

So in AWWW of those who can be in the wilderness and seem to make it effortless. I can imagen it is all about the equipment, mindset and motivation!! Congrats on your trip!!

[@tessmullaney]

Appreciate it!

[@phucyouse5316]

I've gotten into making my own gear because its neat. Last year I hiked 500 miles of the AT with a pack made from a planter box stuft in and duct taped to an empty miracle gro 40l soil bag. It weighed in the oz's and could carry 30days of food and only weigh 20lbs. Thanks for inspiring me to get back I of it, sometimes you know what your looking for that no one is providing

[@rigbyUnbound]

one of the best pack explosions i've ever seen.. thankyou. i hope that the inclusion of the video camera means we'll get to see your hike at some point (i plan doing it south as well).. that would be amazing but i noes it takes a while to edit down

[@JootBird]

I hate when they gas up the material then don't tell you what kind it is. Very helpful thank you

[@jhonyermo]

You know, everytime YT pops up w/ one of your videos I know it is going to be great. I always learn a lot but so dang interesting. I am sure I am going to be watching at least twice more. Lots info and advice to pick up on -- even tho I consider myself a dirt-bag day hiker. Tess, it was just a great video. You can Ezra did a wonderful job. Thank y'all.

[@tessmullaney]

Thanks for always being so supportive Jhon! And special thanks for including Ezra in your praise :)

[@fieldshore4422]

I'm glad you're alive and that you made a post-hike video. Hope you have some on-trail footage videos released this year to detail your trip (really interested in seeing how you handled that Sony camera setup). I'm glad you're well and I hope to see much more content from you. (PS shout out to Ezra)

[@michaellundphotography]

I love that you added the cat weight

[@joelpaul7001]

I was totally going to buy Montbell Versalite rain pants so thanks for the review. I will look for something better.

[@maragoodman7485]

Great video, love a good Ezra cameo!! The information you provided was super helpful and clear, I like knowing what worked and what didn’t. The leftover snacks 💯 💯

[@nickname6747]

Good to see you back! Great video, thanks for uploading. Hope to see some CDT videos soon.

[@tessmullaney]

Thanks for watching! CDT videos upcoming.

[@hoser7706]

Btw, brilliant gear pics. Will look at some of that gear myself thx.

[@janefreeman995]

Hi I had the very same Montbelle jacket in the same color on the pct. It hardly ever rained but wore it for added warmth sometimes. The zipper broke after relatively little use, so I was pretty disappointed since it was expensive. Plus, it wetted out pretty quickly in the rain. But I did like the pit zips. I made myself a hoodie from alpha fabric from Timmermade. Love it, but my design ended up looking like a "Knight who says Ni!" (Monty Python). Your post has inspired me to plan a new thru.

[@morevananything]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on your gear! We love our Senchi hoodies. It's our favorite midlayers. Glad to see the SWD Movement was great too. Has us wondering how much we'd love a floating hipbelt.

[@tessmullaney]

I think the Movement has converted me to the floating hipbelt! From now on I can probably only do floating or no hipbelt at all. Otherwise it just feels too constricting!

[@DanielOutdoors]

Congrats, i was actually wondering on Jupiters video if that girl was you. But i guess not? Such great gear, you are def experienced. Even though Iswear to zero drop shoes, you will eventually find out why i guess.

[@paulmcfarlane8752]

NIce video. I'm soboing the CDT this year and was just surfing. I sobo'd the PCT in 19 and have lots of the same gear you do--including the rain pants. I used Montbell Dynamo rain pants on the PCT but that's a dryer trail. I heard pretty good reviews on the versalite pants so I'm curious how it will turn out. After I get through the bob if they suck I'll just get my windpants sent to me. I also just bought a versalite jacket, I used Frogg Toggs on the PCT but again, the CDT is a wetter trail. Happy trails!

[@jungleperry]

Thanks for the circle back post CDT. Are we going to see any trail videos of CDT from you? I am an addict. Will be section hiking 2023 and thru hiking 2024.

[@tessmullaney]

Yes, trail videos will be made! Can't say when however, as I have a lot on my plate right now... But definitely something I want to try and get out in the next few months!

[@jungleperry]

@@tessmullaney looking forward not only to your personal story experience but also to see what you did photographically speaking. That's a high quality video/camera and I liked that photo in the 2023 CDTC calendar in the Bob Marshall Wilderness.

[@WALKITOFFDavidSmith]

Good stuff. Congrulations on your Thru!!

[@tessmullaney]

I appreciate it!

[@heyjude16ify]

For future CDT hikers….could you talk a little about why you decided to go SOBO? I have been looking at the pros and cons of NOBO and SOBO and assuming no constraints in availability for start date, why did you pick SOBO and what do you think of SOBO now that you did it? Thanks!

[@Andy-Mesa]

I'm always excited to see new content from you. Thanks for the update.

[@tessmullaney]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@6foot8jesuspilledpureblood82]

just get a cheap ritz black dye for like 3 dollars and re dye your shorts. Oh and be sure to get the synthetic dye if they are synthetic

[@hoser7706]

Yes!! I love that your shoes are not zero drop. Lol. 10mm forever. 🤟🏻😬. Prob w Injinji is no eool that I have seen. Does anyone else make toe socks? Thx for sharing.

[@vincentleuga8135]

Congratulation for your Thru Hike, and thank you for the sharing ! The Montbell Versalite jacket is the recent version with GoreTex Wind Stopper, or the old version ?

[@rhondajamison8342]

The numbmiss your feeling is is from your thur hiking It’s called Christmas toes by Christmas you’ll start to get the feeling back FYI❤ That’s what I was tolled 🤭🤣😂😃I have been thur hiking for 7 years now

[@tessmullaney]

Unfortunately I've had Christmas toes for 7 years straight!

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

Great gear choices. Well done. That is an awesome backpack. New follower here. Crow

[@tessmullaney]

Thank you!!

[@CharmingGecko]

I was wondering if you were back. I am going to try a CCF pad this year at least once, I don’t think I’ll like it, but going to give it a shot. Looking forward to more videos!

[@tessmullaney]

You never know! I didn't think I would like it, but now it's my favorite!

[@wio2189]

Thanks for the video. The numbness in the toes is called Christmas toes because the feeling usually comes back then.😄 Super glue is definitely worth it. You can also use it for first aid to close a wound. I call the non sleep over town visits Hero (after Near-O and it's heroic) and In and Out sounds like In'n'Out Burger which is bad when you're starving. Great gear by the way and I appreciate the feedback on the Versalite pants. Love the jacket, too so I was contemplating. I think I would do wind pants and a DCF rain skirt knowing that.

[@tessmullaney]

My problem is that the numbness has been permanent since the AT, and now it's spreading to additional toes, yikes! Uh oh, now I want some In n Out. Thanks so much for watching!

[@wio2189]

@@tessmullaney Ugh that sucks. Nerve damage is a bitch. I am sure you did some research into it but maybe Morgan from Blaze Physio has some ideas. She is great. I had numbness for longer after the PCT than the AT. I think it might depend how fast one does them after another. In'n'Out is a 15hr flight away from me! Noooo

[@dianesoini]

My Montbell jacket drenched me on the inside in one of the first heavy rain storms in Montana. I tested it again in my neighborhood. It kept me dry for about 1 minute before water was running down my body. I kind of wonder if the gear shop on the trail in Montana sells seconds because that's where I got it.

[@SugarHikes726]

Your pack still looks like it's in great shape after all that wear and tear! Also I've never heard someone call letting the air refill in a smart water bottle "burping it" but i absolutely love the idea of treating my water bottle like a baby 👶😂

[@tessmullaney]

LOL, yes filtering out of a smart water bottle needs almost as much constant attention as a baby 😂

[@alexb2315]

Thanks for your video. I am really thinking about getting the movement pack. Did you ever try to put your foam 6 panels folded against your back? like other folks do with gosamer gear packs or nashville packs?

[@tessmullaney]

I didn't because the included foam back pad was plenty of structural support. Also, the inside is quite narrow so I don't think a foam pad would fit well.

[@Stickit2daman]

Used Ritz dye on the shorts to get them black again? :)

[@Oklahomahiker405]

Awesome vids 👌

[@hermeticallysealed]

trekking pole makes best cat toy

[@matthewkenny2344]

The 2.5 oz diff between those quilts🤔. One of the ratings has gotta be off. How much of a logistical challenge was it to swap. Given the minimal diff in weight I'd imagine it'd be easier to just stick with the 0F and stick a foot out as needed to vent.

[@centonuovimattini]

Thanks for the videos on the equipment. Did you make any videos with your camera (sony)? will you upload them to the channel?

[@tessmullaney]

I did and I'm starting to sift through the footage now! Hopefully some videos in the next few months :)

[@centonuovimattini]

@@tessmullaney ok thank you. Have a nice day...

[@footlockershikingadventure3440]

Nice video! I'm looking around for a camera. How do you like the Sony? I'm looking forward to some CDT vids when you get to them.

[@tessmullaney]

The Sony is great! The smaller size motivates me to actually bring it.

[@LynxOutdoors686]

Thanks for making this! It was very helpful as I'm giving the CDT a go starting this upcoming early May. I also have a SWD pack and love the floating hipbelt. You mentioned the bear hangs being a pain. Was this due to lack of good options to hang it or more so the time needed to set them up and take them down? Did you or anyone you met have issues with mice or other critters chewing up the Ursacks? I know they make that Allmighty one to help with rodent teeth, but it weighs so much more. I'm back and forth between a dcf food bag or just using an ursack xl the whole time. I hope your transition back to home life was nice and smooth. I've had some issues getting back to "normal" life after longer trips. I'm looking forward to more of your videos. Thanks again!

[@tessmullaney]

Hooray on starting the CDT this year, best of luck! It was both issues with bear hanging. Most of Montana/Idaho trees are conifers that don't have many horizontal branches, a lot of them are small and there are tons of dead trees due to pine beetles and fires. That meant that most hangs weren't ideal. I never had an issue with rodents or anything getting into the ursack major. I have only encountered rodents at very popular sites/campground type sites so that's something to keep in mind with campsite selection. Wishing you luck!

[@mars_hikes967]

Great gear. Somehow it shows that somebody didn't just raid an REI. My Hightaildesigns Fanny got roasted by the sun in the dessert on the PCT so I had to trash it. Also the Hightaildesigns alpha hoodies were a little bit unfortunate. They had problems with the cuffs and their hoods. I am too poor for EE, had to settle with Katabatic. Hope to be back on the CDT next year, later this year I hope to be able to do AT SoBo.

[@tessmullaney]

Katabtic isn't settling- that's what I want the next time I'm in the market for a quilt! Hell yeah- enjoy the AT!!

[@MeowHikes]

I'll give you another of those cold soaking jars haha I have plenty of them still.

[@tessmullaney]

LOL, thank you. I was sooo upset when I lost it.

[@vickirogerson179]

Always interesting and articulate- you’re a natural. Mr. Fluffy Pants looks well!

[@MoosebearAdventures]

Great vid.

[@katieoutdoors]

Love all the sun hoodies + senchi! What size were you in each & how tall are you? looking for a sun hoodie and mid layer myself

[@tessmullaney]

Small in Montbell, M in Fjallraven and M in Patagonia. I'm 5'6"

[@chrislowe5611]

Great review. I'm new to Inreach mini, I have the mini2. What subscription plan did you have? and can you communicate with other Inreach thru hikers with it?

[@tessmullaney]

I had the middle of the road version and that was perfect. You can communicate with other thru-hikers, yes. You just need to get their garmin email and can message them that way. It was a very fun way to stay in touch with other hikers and update/get updated on trail conditions.

[@ben_b5]

Appreciate the video! What was the longest food carry and how was it w/ the 35L Movement?

[@tessmullaney]

Hmmm maybe 5-6 days. Definitely wasn't comfortable the first few days, but not terrible or unmanageable.

[@heyjude16ify]

@@tessmullaney That is helpful to hear. I am debating between the Movement and Long Haul. On those days with a full food carry when you said that pack was uncomfortable the first few days, how much weight do you think you were carrying? Did you consider the Long Haul? The Movement feels like a great option for many reasons but the added comfort from the Long Haul is appealing, even with a weight under 25 all in.

[@tessmullaney]

@@heyjude16ify @Nick Creadon probably close to 30 lbs on those days. Never lasted long though. The long haul is great, but I fell in love with the floating hipbelt and the comfort of that would cause me to stick with that from now on.

[@heyjude16ify]

@@tessmullaney Thanks, that is helpful to know. Yeah I want the floating hip belt also. I emailed SWD and they told me they can do sewn in or floating hip belt on the Long Haul, just need to specify on order. Maybe wasn’t an option when you got yours??….but for future reference

[@henrywoods52]

Any ideas for your next hike

[@tessmullaney]

I'm thinking the Superior Hiking Trail in Minnesota, and of course the PCT, but that may not be in the cards for this year.

[@katieoutdoors]

What hip belt pockets do you have on your pack? I’m ordering a SWD pack soon and haven’t decided which to add

[@tessmullaney]

SWD made some Ultra hip belt pockets for me, but I didn't end up using them on the pack because I prefer the fanny pack!

[@Clifford_C]

I have a SWD LH and added 1 Large zipper-less hipbelt pocket in Ultra. Used it in the AZT trail this past fall and really loved it. No zipper is great, and never felt like anything was going to bounce out. I’m thinking about getting another because I come not to like wearing a Fanny along with a hip-belt. 😊