Grand Enchantment Trail Ultralight (Ultra Comfort?) Gear List

I think if you've done the PCT and want to do something a bit more remote with a bit more challenge this hike could be for you! Similarly if you've done the Arizona Trail and enjoyed that, maybe a thru hike of the GET could be a logical step up. As for you CDT hikers, I think you would know if this hike is for you.
This is my Gear List - My base weight is 9.5lbs (or 4.3kg)
Shorts - amzn.to/36VWUJV
Sun Shirt - amzn.to/3FgUXpu
Shoes - amzn.to/3u6FMKm
Shoes 2 - amzn.to/41WOA4e
Smart Watch - amzn.to/3mz7ePp
Hat - amzn.to/3yBmI8c
Sunglasses - tinyurl.com/mrx785s6
Backpack - tinyurl.com/ykhnu4fh
Pack Liner - tinyurl.com/2p8uvn7w
Quilt 20* - tinyurl.com/yc2h5d54
Sleeping Pad - amzn.to/3Jx85cB
Tent - tinyurl.com/yc8kdj35
Tent Stakes - amzn.to/3bKgoRq
Rain Jacket - tinyurl.com/yb3wpawk
Fleece - tinyurl.com/ym7y8hn5
Socks - amzn.to/3DDlk73
Beanie - amzn.to/3n5XpZJ
Spoon - amzn.to/3LwH76l
Food Bag - amzn.to/3rOVfeu
Water Filter - amzn.to/42pAIQ7
Stove - amzn.to/3LkAd3Q
Cook Pot (650ml) - amzn.to/3LgqVWr
Yoyo - amzn.to/3TqMWEi
Toothbrush - amzn.to/3tkN4GY
Floss - amzn.to/3FnONTa
Lighter - amzn.to/3zLQkyD
Knife - amzn.to/3r3psb7
Trowel - amzn.to/3u6VIMr
Blister Tape - amzn.to/3qZ55f9
Chaffe Cream - amzn.to/3bNorNu
Lip Balm - amzn.to/35Gs1Zk
Sunscreen - amzn.to/3wadTRt
Umbrella - tinyurl.com/33zm6psr
Trekking Pole - tinyurl.com/yc2xbnpr
Headphones - amzn.to/3KhEPVi
Flashlight - amzn.to/3tmjRM6
Camera - amzn.to/3uMp7MW
Memory Card - amzn.to/3vrBOdZ
Micro Fiber Cloth - amzn.to/38FIyLh
External Battery - Ravpower PD Pioneer 20,000mAh 60w
Wall Charger - Ravpower PD Pioneer 30w 2-Port
Some things of note:
- This has been a wet winter, so water may be less of an issue for me than it may be for future or past GET thru hikers
- Starting April 1st in Phoenix heading eastbound to Albuquerque
- I expect temperatures into the low 30s at night, and well into the 90s in the day.
- The route is 770 miles or so, and I think it will take me less than 40 days to complete
- This trail shares a little bit of tread with the Arizona Trail, and a little bit with the continental Divide Trail but mostly is cross country, dirt roads, and using smaller trails
- Founded by Brett Tucker, who is also known for creating the Lowest To Highest Route, the Northern New Mexico Loop, the Mogollon Rim Trail, the Sky Islands Traverse, and the Winter Desert Trail.
This is a hike where you could go significantly lighter but hey I want to try some new gear, so I'm going a bit heavier than I normally would. If you wish to go lighter than me I think you could save weight in these places.
- Swapping my air mattress for a foam pad cut to torso length
- Using a tarp instead of a tent
- Carrying a lighter weight fleece than my Pa'lante
- Carrying a smaller backpack
- Leave the camera at home
- Leave the umbrella at home
Hiking Essentials Shirt! jupiterhikes.com/product/hikin...
THE BACKPACKING GEAR I USE:
www.jupiterhikes.com/gear/
If you would like to get access to content I create about this type of stuff I don't share anywhere else join me on my Patreon!
/ jupiterhikes
If you'd like more info about me, my hiking, or painting:
www.jupiterhikes.com
/ jupiterhikes
/ jupiterhikes

[@JupiterHikes]

Some notes having been on the trail now for a bit, I am extremely comfortable. Check out the video description for some thoughts on how you could lighten this load and go more minimal.

[@gratefulhikes]

What yo-yo and string are you using?

[@JupiterHikes]

@@gratefulhikes yoyofactory loop900, can't remember the string but just some poly

[@MrRealyzer]

Is your matress holding togehter? And no Tyvek?

[@kongkongha]

cool list. pyt put the gas upside down in the tokas to get more space for nesting :)

[@RAINSMAN79]

This more my style of hike. I could shave 2 lbs off my base but the extra comfort is worth every ounce to me. I explained it to a friend how it’s not just comfort but probably also a safety thing. If I’m more rested and relaxed I’m probably making better/safer decisions too. Maybe not, just an opinion.

[@RAINSMAN79]

I second your recommendation for rain jacket and liner. If you plan on something never going to happen then you have guaranteed it will.

[@kristianlouwerscastano8692]

Thanks for referring to grams as well. Much appreciated!

[@jbenn4379]

Interested to see a video recapping this trail: how well the gear worked for you, and was the extra weight worth it. Hike on bud.

[@matjobin]

Thanks for sharing your gear list. Excited for you and wish you the best on the GET!

[@jeffreycarman2185]

Great gear. Thanks for the update. I hope the trip goes well and exceeds your expectations.

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

Thanks for sharing your gear load out. Amazing choices. Best of luck on this trail. Crow✌️

[@sydbrockyo5788]

You are my biggest inspiration Jupiter!!! Keep doing what you love!

[@jonathanbarber213]

Im glad I’m not the only one who stores his long handled spoon in his Pa’lante stake pouch AND delights in it as well. Bravo sir

[@najman2741]

I don’t get out much anymore but your pre trip vids get me pumped up

[@stevestadler4634]

Thanks for carrying extra weight for us! I love watching these videos

[@umuti5ik]

Excited for you for this trip. I am glad you are documenting a less popular trail.

[@russhay422]

Right on! Looking forward to seeing the bits you share from trail! Hike on, mate!

[@MrRealyzer]

Love that you put the weights in g. Ty for the extra effort :)

[@pleasepleasethebees]

So excited to see your wrap-up video. You'll pass through my town!

[@vannemocilac274]

Ooh, I am nervously excited for you starting! No reflection on your abilities, I know you’re solidly skilled! It’s just me and it’s as if I’m starting I guess! Go GET it haha❤

[@landerh]

It was really nice meeting you in Morenci! I'm looking forward to hearing what you thought about the hike.

[@IDFSurvival]

Bro love your channel! Thanks for this content.

[@sisyphusatrest5703]

I love that you're transitioning to a more "audience-friendly gear" (is that even a thing). Love your content so far. Watched the Arizona hike a few months back too. Wish you all the luck, dude!

[@jeremiah1528]

😂 he patted the toaks cup and called it a cute little thing haha.... I don't think he likes it though lol.... too heavy.

[@plaguepandemic5651]

I definitely popped my inflatable mat on a desert hike before. There were all these tiny thorns that had fallen off of thornbushes and cacti all over the ground, some inevitably wound up inside my tent and that was it for that mat.

[@marc.8100]

beautiful first shot

[@Marche_Nco]

👍Hi from France and thanks for the video ! Very nice and very light 🙂

[@andyveres3982]

Yeah boyyyyyy

[@bertnerny]

Happy Trails!

[@didz6330]

hiya Jup ! I know tis hasn't got much to do with luck but anyway, good luck for that new trip. Lookin forward to read feedbacks from new pieces of gear ! see ya

[@deerkiller6p]

I’ve used the little stove for three years. It’s awesome. No issues

[@viatori5566]

That's incredible.

[@tatooine_dream]

well that's for sure the coolest trail name in existence

[@aleksandrakingo5850]

Good luck mate!

[@alantraceyoutdoors3572]

I'm really looking forward to your take on this trail, I was actually sat on my bed at the General Kearny Inn when i watched your video of you about to start the GET and remember thinking 'He will probably blow past me before I get to Socorro' 😂😂😂but having seen the water report I think I finished 2 days before you, mind you I did start on the 16th March!! Keep up the good work, fella and good luck for the future. 'Thunderbird'

[@tommyslavic898]

I'm glad you carry an umbrella.

[@rodoutdoors]

Nice. Good luck!

[@clintwesly]

i appreciate the attempt to appeal to a wider audience with the more comfortable gear, but i enjoy and am amazed that you can hike with such a minimal setup normally. and, wow, that fleece is heavy. my shoulders hurt just thinking about having it in my pack! ;-)

[@jonahking5566]

enjoy the GET! Should be a blast and hopefully you don't have to use the umbrella too much!

[@michaelcarter382]

Good Luck!!!!

[@jayv.8298]

Have fun man🤙🏾

[@MatthewRMacKinnon]

Good luck Jupiter!

[@toejamr1]

I always put a thin rag or even a paper towel over my cook pot and then set the canister in. That keeps them from rubbing metal on metal and keeps the noise down as well. Possibly keep the metal ingested down as well.

[@TheBleistift123]

I'm using one of these small nylon one-time-socks, u somtimes get when shoping shoes. Just use a fresh one :D it can be used as a pre sediment filter for cleaning water aswell. Just slip it over the fuel cannister inside your pot. :)

[@markgreen6437]

love it! I noticed some rust on your fuel can bottom. you flip your fuel can upside down and put the plastic cap down i think it’ll help with the rust. The brs stove should still fit on top of it!

[@SectionHikingTheAT]

Agreed-and you’ll have more space for your mini bic and a Bandana inside the toaks.

[@carolineray2155]

Could also cut a small piece of Tyvek to fit on the bottom of fuel can.

[@davidcooper8241]

i have a drawstring coffee filter bag that fits my titanium pot and its perfect for separating the gas canister and the pot - stops rattling too

[@pauletteskalko5909]

Sometimes it’s easier to pull fine (annoying) cactus from your feet or hand with tape of any kind. Faster than trying to locate it and remove with tweezers.. The cacti splinters get on your shoes and transfer. The bigger pieces are easy, but the fine ones are much more difficult to find

[@reecealeck8314]

A video of you packing your new pack would be awesome !

[@RangerJay904]

Jupiter's using a water filter, inflatable pad, fully enclosed shelter AND a stove?? I'm shook. Lol we have the same exact gear for all of those items down to the color of the Altapex!

[@BruceRLewis]

Hi Jupiter, Is the Hayduke Trail on your bucket list of upcoming trails ? I would love to see you VLOG that trail in detail!!! If you do end up hiking the Hayduke Trail, try to show all your water stops and also how to get over those really steep drops and steep climbs when bushwhacking thru those canyons.... It seems like a REALLY cool hike! thanks!!

[@jakob2367]

Great list - thank you! How do you like the material of the bottom pocket compared to all the other palante packs? :) It seems so rigid and not flexible at all.

[@jeffreycarman2185]

3:32 I need me a pair of those sunglasses!

[@user-yo5kz4od3z]

Enjoyed PCT. When will posts be made of the actual trip?

[@nickgerstenlauer4111]

Love it

[@dmn3773]

When you’re In Aravaipa make sure you take a short side trip into Deer Creek/Hell Hole. It’s not a huge time sink, maybe an hour or two round trip from and back to the GET.

[@jeffreyrule8143]

Best of luck.

[@deimudder1274]

Have fun :)

[@CaptainCamp]

Great! 😎👍

[@HitTheTrailJack]

that BRS stove is solid. Ive used mine for about 1000 miles and it's still going strong

[@dougieranger]

Mine broke. It sheared off when I was boiling water. I’m back to using my Pocket Rocket.

[@the_ultra_robot6884]

​@dougieranger what broke?

[@heartattackhiker3527]

I've stripped the threads twice on the brs stove. Hopefully my third one works out better 😉

[@wio2189]

Great gear list! I think for ultra comfort you're missing a siesta pad made of some ccf. ;-)

[@drewclark1525]

Hey Jupiter haven’t seen a post hike video yet, hope it went well! Was curious how the pack did. Which do you like more the desert or the V2?

[@Handy75]

Nice thing about the yo-yo string, can be dual purposed to repair broken gear. Like maybe sew a broken pack strap back on. 😊

[@nonservitium]

Suzanne's adventure journal is doing the trail, too. And I thunk she started around the same time.

[@Nightlight7]

How are you liking the z packs quilt? Also for your enigma you used on the pct what fabric denier did you use?

[@dominicniemeijer2948]

thanks for the detailed vid! was wondering if i could get an opinion on this?> Nero Ultra 38L Backpack 496g>292g BeFree 68g> 34g 1x Saka 1.5L +1 befree 136g> 23g+31g spark zero 567g>279g Omm fleece+hood 340g>125g nitecore nb20000 362g>324g

[@jamesreinking4341]

You seem like a numbers guy base on the hike stats you share. How many imbedded ticks have you had to pull off? What do you do for prevention? I have never seen anything in your gear lists.

[@JShim12]

How did you like the Pa'Lante Desert pack for the GET? I saw online that the Desert pack has a max torso size of 19" and you are 6'2. Do you mind sharing your torso length and how you found the fit? Looking to pick one up based off your rec!

[@DerekHardwick]

There is a COROS adapter you can buy for USB-C to your watch so you don't need to carry a cable (small thing, I know). I carry one little USB-C cable, and a few adapters from C->Garmin, C->micro (for headlamp), and A->C (so I can use the cable on a plane, car, or other situation). I've even played with a C->Lightning but I find they get hot and become unreliable, so I carry a separate cable for my phone since it's a safety issue.

[@mtnbound2764]

cool!

[@wolfeadventures]

Any issues stuffing the DCF tent instead or rolling?

[@melloncollie5401]

how do you managed to get the 43l palante pack down to 17,5 oz? the website says it weights 20,1 oz.

[@brianwilson8088]

The BRS works well. I do have to stay next to mine though because sometimes it slowly turns itself up, so watch out for that.

[@brianwilson8088]

You are gonna be so much more comfortable in trail with these changes. Also, I only use the thermarest xlite on the Arizona Trail and it does great.

[@FrostyHiker]

No ledge to dangle off from this time?

[@Will-zs6ln]

Love the gear, but I would really consider getting a larger medkit than just Ibuprofin. I've never used mine in 3 years, but this year I got a huge gash in my leg from sitting cross legged on a piece of metal at camp. Saved my ass for sure.

[@carolineray2155]

I agree!!!

[@kevinsbacon932]

Is there a reason you dont have a map and compass as backup? The odds of device failure are slim but same logic as carrying any other "just in case" gear

[@grantderozea7646]

Clothing list has you back into your barefoot shoes, Merrell and xero. A review on footwear ( you wore sandals last hike) and which shoes you prefer of the 2

[@MrRoman0629]

Don’t know if you said but are you doing this solo?

[@dirtbagoutside]

Cool hat. What is it?? The one u wearing in video.

[@Blacksheep40actual]

What paper maps do you carry and where do you get them?

[@T33wh7]

I love that you are going more luxury or comfortability but you still seem very reluctant of it😂

[@JupiterHikes]

You should hear me daily while actually using the stuff!

[@T33wh7]

@@JupiterHikes 😂 I would assume initially it would be like wow this is nice. But watching for for a couple years now I’m assuming it’s more of well what’s the point of this I coulda saved a couple grams and slept with a rock in my spine 😂

[@JupiterHikes]

@@T33wh7 4lbs* 😉

[@T33wh7]

@@JupiterHikes ❤️ thanks for the videos I know it’s probably a lot of effort especially the hikes I was thinking about it the other day like he hiked past the camera that involves him walking to put camera down. Walking back then Walking past the camera for the shot and then walking back to pick it up and hopefully it only takes one take😂.

[@Greghikes1]

I have a similar pot but I have ditched the lid & use thick tin foil to save weight! Worked perfectly all last year on the PCT! Speaking of which, Jupiter I missed out on meeting you last year but I did get to spend a little bit of time with sprocket! My girlfriend and I walked with her briefly in norcal. What dates are you guys doing the gdt? I'm thinking about doing it solo this summer also! 😁 Greg🇦🇺

[@JupiterHikes]

Starting mid July! You've maybe missed out on the permit process 😬 a convoluted thing it was

[@Greghikes1]

@@JupiterHikes hey! yeah I'm definitely late to the permit party... Thinking to get a front country season pass and maybe doing some stealth camping 🤔 Nothing is confirmed yet but I would love to do something there while it is supposedly such a low snow year! P.s. thanks for all your content it is really fun!

[@harimix6309]

Awesome to see another hiker with a yoyo addiction. I'm more of a 1A guy but looping sounds fun for the trail!

[@JupiterHikes]

Same, 1a forever but it just isn't conducive for while hiking!

[@jaymacpherson8167]

Nice James. Maybe take a bit of granular activated carbon for water that tastes bad even after filtration. GAC is very light and can be very effective for foul tastes.

[@T33wh7]

Platypus makes a carbon filter I put inline with my sawyer but I’m interested in your more minimal method so you just drop a little in the water or filter it thru?

[@jaymacpherson8167]

@@T33wh7 putting it in the water would require time, and some mixing (which hiking might induce). Use it like coffee grounds would be better (single or multiple pass). GAC will leave some black dust in the water, which may look unappealing tho it is safe to drink.

[@T33wh7]

@@jaymacpherson8167 Thankyou!!🙌

[@notvisible8200]

I hate desert hiking. I can't afford a lightweight sleeping bag, especial when going Ultra light. Can you recommend something affordable?

[@Sochmo18]

Pretty sure that spoon was lost by @thehungryhiker lol

[@dougieranger]

I’m not sure about those BRS3000t stoves any more. I’ve had mine for, probably, twelve years or something but it sheared apart last week, on trail, when I was boiling water. It literally is in three different parts now. I want to order another but I no longer trust them.

[@wolfeadventures]

Any issues stuffing the dcf tent vs rolling or folding?

[@JupiterHikes]

I don't think so, I've always done this with my dcf tarp and Duplex

[@csn583]

Garmin watch users: search for USB-C to Garmin adapters! They are tiny little things so you don't need a whole single-purpose cord. The kind I got even has a tether hole so you don't lose it. No NB20000? The Rav Power is nearly as light for a 20Ah.

[@whereisthemessiah]

What microphone do you use for your camera?

[@JupiterHikes]

It is the onboard mic and the little wind block that comes with the ZV1. So nothing special

[@whereisthemessiah]

@@JupiterHikes Nice, not bad for an on-board mic!

[@christopherch7307]

👍🐿👍

[@_lowpoke700]

Light comfort. Do you think the contrast from the super minimal gear makes the difference?

[@JupiterHikes]

I just been dreaming about the super minimal gear instead. This is *definitely* more comfortable, and less thought needed to use. But slower and heavier. It is what most people are more likely to carry and what most people would be most happy with, so I wanted to try that. But I miss the speed and efficiency

[@leighfy]

Don’t do it if it’s not in your heart. Your heart is inspiring.

[@davidrobinson5180]

You listed your pack liner at 10oz - 28g. Did you mean 1.0oz?

[@JupiterHikes]

Yes

[@misemuschel8549]

No TP / Bidet?

[@MDubNM]

I live in Albuquerque, if you run into any issues from about segment 30 on, let me know and should be able to assist. I can also hook you up with a place to stay and a hot meal (restaurant ;-) ) when you make it to town.

[@frogturtle]

I don’t think that’s just any spoon…the handle is long, it appears to be made of titanium, and it has a polished bowl…could it really be…the legendary Toaks titanium long handle spoon with polished bowl?

[@toejamr1]

5:10 talking about sleeping temp of bag and clothing.. I think maybe you said that backwards? Unless I’m misunderstanding you?

[@JupiterHikes]

Not sure what you mean. Normally (not this trip) I carry more clothes and a lighter more minimal sleep system and shelter, since I spend way more time hiking and way less time in camp. The clothes and layering is typically more valuable to me. So this trip I've done the opposite, since I am bringing a much more robust sleep system I don't need the clothes to offset it. It's also slower to pack up, so I'm not walking as early in the mornings. I think most backpackers would take it a step further with camp comfort and bring a puffy and tights. I am hiking solo, so while I'm at camp I don't need such things. I'm in my quilt and tent as soon as I stop for the day.

[@denismoreau3646]

What’s your base weight 😊Good luck Enjoy.

[@JupiterHikes]

9.5lbs or like 4kg

[@jakejohnson2428]

Do you stuff or roll your altaplex?

[@JupiterHikes]

I've been stuffing it

[@Thoth_al_Khem]

@@JupiterHikes ROLL IT.......FOLD IN 4 THEN ROLL THE REST AMIGO

[@highalpine7321]

is floss lighter than toothpicks?

[@kellycarlen9605]

Depends if you carry the floss in the plastic container most floss comes in. Also will probably get multiple uses from the picks whereas floss isn’t really that multi use, especially if it shreds. So good call on the pick flossers.

[@dutchnicky]

For those who don’t do social media do you have an e-mail that we could use? Do you do personal consultations, via phone, FaceTime etc. For a fee of course. With thanks.

[@pimacanyon6208]

umbrella without silver coating. Looks like it's black. Seems like it would absorb solar radiation and then radiate that heat down to you. Have you tried it in sunny conditions? If so, did you feel like it was offering any heat protection? Thanks! All the best for a great adventure for you!

[@kellycarlen9605]

Shows 43L pack, says he’ll appreciate all the extra room. That’s going light! 😂 Never would have put you at 6’2”.

[@oacy16]

My suggestion. Take a 1/8” pad with as a backup. You may use it underneath of an inflatable pad in a denser cacti area for protection against cacti needles. Or on colder nights you can put on top of inflatable mat to bolster an r-value. In helps fight a cold air draw from an inflatable mat…

[@barondavis5692]

I agree, plus if your pad pops, the 1/8 will provide some R on a chilly night.

[@jimrob27]

hey! that may be Darwin's spoon. i think he lost his on the pct a while back

[@JupiterHikes]

He hiked in 2018 and I found it on a rock in 2022, so probably not his! Though that would be funny

[@jimrob27]

HAHAHA! I was just being silly! But you made my day by responding! Have a great day!@@JupiterHikes

[@randyholloway920]

Interesting, no long pants or leg coverings