What to pack for SOTA Hike? The "HQD" Load Out Equipment List Summits On The Air

In this video I show you exactly what goes in my bag for a SOTA or Summits On The Air hike. I've included a list of links for each item I use and will update the list until it's complete. Total weight is under 25 pounds with room to spare and items to ditch if necessary for more essential items depending on the hike equipment requirements.
Equipment List Links:
My Osprey Backpack: amzn.to/2FIWXdu
Platapus 3 liter bladder: amzn.to/2FOoYfw
GoPro Kit Choice: amzn.to/2pi1Gs9
Wasabit GoPro Battery Pack: amzn.to/2HBXU3q
Solar Charger Battery Bank: amzn.to/2G24e7y
Zoom H1 Audio Recorder: amzn.to/2Gz1jRq
Dead Cat Zoom for Zoom H1: amzn.to/2tV2kAA
Nikon D750 Camera: amzn.to/2GBaUHB
Nikon 16-35mm lens: amzn.to/2FNcyED
Nikon 24-70mm lens: amzn.to/2phrkx7
Joby GorillaPod: amzn.to/2piayhv
Mountain House Freeze Dried Meals: amzn.to/2phjrac
MSR Ultra Light Stove: amzn.to/2FNxprf
Titanium 450ml Cup: amzn.to/2pjQE53
Titanium long handle spoon: amzn.to/2FI8Eko
Flint Fire Starter Tool: amzn.to/2FM8mVz
Fuel Canister for Stove: amzn.to/2FGMEqh
My boonie hat: amzn.to/2HI1SYG
My tan US Flag ball cap: amzn.to/2FW8NjH
Neck Gaiter: amzn.to/2DxUOek
Carhart Beanie: amzn.to/2HE2UEN
Wool Gloves: amzn.to/2pnltXp
Darn Tough Socks: amzn.to/2GyKYvY
Solomon Trail Runner Hiking Shoes: amzn.to/2DymFeC
Leki Trekking Poles: amzn.to/2HHf53P
Therm-a-rest Sleeping Pad(small): amzn.to/2FPramY
Laptop Mini-Microphone: amzn.to/2phHVks
Guy Line / Cordage: amzn.to/2FNC2S9
5.4m Telescoping Fishing Pole: amzn.to/2phNNu6
Gear Snake Wire Ties: amzn.to/2FOS4eF
Yaesu VX-8DR from Gigaparts: bit.ly/2HHDCFT
Yaesu VX-8DR Handmic: amzn.to/2HI47v4
Diamond BNC VHF/UHF HT Antenna: amzn.to/2HCaYWw
Elecraft KX2 & accessories: bit.ly/2tTYCqR

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

What's the one creature comfort item you just can't leave home?

[@djd8058]

KG6HQD Jerry a stool

[@djd8058]

A stool, for sure

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

Amen to that!

[@powellr3]

Many thanks for this presentation! I’m headed to Southern California in the fall and want to try SOTA while I’m there. Now I know what I’ll need. Great stuff.

[@glennarrant3743]

You have helped me to get out there more than you will ever know. Thank you

[@K6ARK]

Great video, Jerry, thanks for sharing. You can always find more to leave behind. I did an overnight Sierra trip to bag 4 SOTA summits in the Kearsarge Pass area a couple of years ago and used just a 17 liter pack weighing under 13 lbs fully loaded, including the 2 lbs of radio gear. It's all about trade-offs. Your chosen load-out will definitely result in a much more fun and comfortable excursion than my bare-bones pack did 😀

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

Agreed on lighter being more comfortable on knees and the money spent on lighter gear is worth it to me but gets expensive. I recommend buying what you can when you can for sure and evolve.

[@K6ARK]

KG6HQD Jerry, I meant to express that your pack would make for a more comfortable trip. Reworded the comment for clarity. It'so worth recognizing the other trade-offs of lighter gear - most notably, durability. Your load-out is a great balance of being light, but with some creature comforts to make your summit time more enjoyable. Keep doing what you're doing. You're crushing it. Hope to catch you on a summit soon.

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

Thanks man! True that everybody has to find that sweet spot of comfort mixed with sensibility. You really don't need to bring as much as you think you do, and you won't realize that until you leave it behind. I have a rule that if I haven't used an item on the last three trips, barring emergency items, then it gets left behind until I realize I needed it. Forces me to always evaluate what it is I'm doing. Example, Steve mentioned a poncho or tarp. I've carried one when I "thought" I'd need it and I'd still employ that rule today, but where I'm at it's infrequent and if it did rain well, after 8 years as an Infantryman and the last 20 in law enforcement I've been wet and functioned before so I'd suck it up to get out. I've spent many nights traversing swamps in the pitch black nights in the South and across the mountains of Germany and I feel comfortable in what my outdoor skillset limitations and capabilities are. That doesn't mean one should do whatever, but you need to evaluate these things based on your own experiences and some common sense for sure. Steve's words are very wise.

[@phildurall7466]

Nice job Jerry!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Awesome load out, you may want to consider a first aid kit.

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

I have a small zip lock baggie with my 1st aid essentials. I probably should’ve shown that as well. Thanks for checking out the video and the comment. I totally agree on the kit 👍🏻

[@merlin47129]

Great video Jerry. I recently got interested in SOTA. Love the attention to detail you have in all your videos. Thanks for sharing your awesome journeys! I hope to get some of my own videos up in the near future.

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

Hey Jeff, that’d be cool to see more people doing SOTA & making videos man. We can use more attention to the niche and hams can always stand for a bit more exercise hi hi 👍🏻. Thanks for checking out my channel & stay in touch.

[@tankrust1]

Great video Jerry. It helps out a lot in giving me an idea of what to pack for a SOTA trip.

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

Thanks Tim, glad it helped.

[@KB1HQS]

Another Osprey fan! I use the same pack and find it pretty decent, though I don't care for the lid or straps. I may go back to my UL pack at some point as I like the simplicity of it all. I guess one can never have too many backpacks!

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

Too funny, and so true. Packs can be like antennas or radios as they just seem to fornicate on their own 😜. Love the Osprey though and I agree on the lid kind of just flopping around but it does cover things well and offer two fairly deep useable pockets. The UL's are rather spendy if I recall?

[@KB1HQS]

Cost wise they are pretty similar. The one I have is from Six Moon Designs and while they no longer make it, it is similar to this one: www.sixmoondesigns.com/collections/backpacks/products/minimalist

[@arayboomer]

I collect packs like women collect purses. It's sad really.

[@Swoop180]

T/P abounds, wherever I'm around... What the hell were those leaves!???

[@Swoop180]

I once knew a very great man, he was my scout master. His name was Dr. Baine In a day far, far and away. He had sons named Greg and Damon. These folks ,along with a few cousins played a role in my life that to this day I'll never have a full grasp on. To my last day, I can only say... Look forward to seeing you again. I sure miss those days...

[@_tony_m]

Awesome video!! Thanks for sharing Jerry.

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

You're welcome Tony and thank you for watching. Let me know if you would like to see similar videos on related topics.

[@TXLorenzo]

I would add a survival blanket, knife and fire starter and some type of poncho

[@gabrielguzmann1ufo905]

Great video! Great gear!

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

Thank you Gabriel. In the beginning it's almost a moving target as you figure things out. I hope this helps some consider ideas that hadn't thought of yet and help save some people some money if they can understand why I use what I use. If there are any questions on any piece of gear I have or use please let me know I'd be happy to elaborate.

[@MrLaserdave]

Great video as usual

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

Thank you!

[@hencal71]

I ALWAYS CARRY SHELTER, WATER, AND FOOD !! EVEN ON DAY HIKES !! ENOUGH FOR THREE DAYS. MY 72 HOUR PACK WAYS ABOUT 35 POUNDS. LOTS OF EXTRAS TOO. THANKS I'M GONNA SET UP FOR SOTA TOO. VERY HELPFUL. AND LASTLY ALWAYS HAVE SAFETY GLASSES AND A HELMET WHEN OUT ALONE ON HIKES . SAFETY FIRST !!! AND THEN OF COARSE A HAND GUN PEPPER SPRAY, AND SOUND GRENADES, AND A DOG !!

[@goathiker]

GREAT video, Jerry! 3-things: #1 Always carry a light source...be it your iPhone 6, your headlamp or cheap LED key light (I guarantee you someday you will unexpectedly have to hike or limp out in the dark for whatever reason! It's no fun without a full moon or LED light especially when Mr Cougar is tracking his next meal and you're hearing weird noises in the darkness! ...just saying) FYI- cavers carry 3-lights minimum their motto is "Your light is YOUR life"! #2 is carry some kind tarp, poncho, tent or even a sturdy trash (which doesn't weigh much and also can be used for cleaning up other uneducated (I didn't say dumb!) peep's trash) plus some dental floss for guying a makeshift tarp-tent. If you have to spend a (unplanned) night out you'll have another layer of protection from Ma Nature which is priceless ...trust me! #3 file a 'flight plan' with a loved one (aka someone who cares and knows where to send SAR! when you're a no show!) ...15-years in SAR I've seen a few things and where a light or trash bag and where to look for your warm body would have saved a life!! Sorry one last thing ...Practice, putting up your tent, tarp, radio/antenna better yet every item in pack in the backyard first before you're on the windy freezing summit using you bare hands and talking like a sailor wondering WTH why am I doing this? ...Most of all have FUN but be safe! ...good stuff, Jerry!

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

Good stuff Steve and thanks for the extra input. You are so right about the flight plan. I have a white board on my wall under my radio that I leave my planned peaks on, parking spots etc to include sending my planned routes to my wife via the GAIA.com app. She's a ham as well and on my overnights checks in with me which is nice. Great tip on the dental floss too, hadn't thought of that one. I have used a trash bag as a liner for my pack and emergency item, but didn't include it here probably because it hardly ever rains or snows here in our neck of the woods. All great info from you so thanks for adding to the list of essentials.

[@TheHamNinja]

Yup. Had some unexpected dark descents. I pack a super light weight sleeping bag in case of unexpected blown out ankle, knee, etc. (Wait... nobody “expects” that).

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

Decisions we all must make.

[@stevecook7279]

I would add a chair & table. Love my Kelty Linger low-back chair and table, together about 5 lbs

[@justinmoyers1179]

Jeezzzz Jerry you planning an apocalypse or what haha? Good stuff. Gives me alot to think about for my pack.

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

Haha, apocalypse? Nah, only carry what I need other than camera gear, all that stuff is for sure optional (drone too) but then you wouldn’t have these videos though so 🤔

[@09keller]

Very interesting Jerry, thanks!

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

Thanks Tim! Depending on weather or location with expected weather (extreme heat or cold) I would of course modify this a bit. However, this is my basic kit that I do use on nearly every outing.

[@TheHamNinja]

Given our last conversation, I had a big smile when I saw this video pop-up. You got to < 25 lbs. you're the boss. I can get down to 30 lbs pretty easy. Any less than that and I have to trade in my stupid military style pack for a Osprey or Gregory pack and switch to the 817. I like the scale :)

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

Hey Chris - I'd highly recommend making a speaker wire antenna so you can drop the co-ax as that stuff is heavy. I have my full size rucksack from my Army days and it's not too far off from my Osprey. How much does your pack weigh?

[@TheHamNinja]

KG6HQD Jerry 5.4 lbs. www.n1clc.com/2018/03/why-is-my-loadout-so-heavy.html?m=1

[@radiok2ua]

Thanks for another great video, Jerry. I have an Osprey Kestrel 38. Today I went to the local REI Co-Op store to look at the Osprey Daylite Plus day packs. They're nice--takes the full 11-lb test load that Osprey supplies the stores for fitting packs. However, it is disappointing that the Daylite Plus doesn't attach to the Kestrel packs the way it does with some of Osprey's other packs. Also considering a crammable day pack to go inside the Kestrel but I'd prefer one that actually fits the Kestrel because it would be so nice to just pop it off the main pack for day hikes during camping trips. Know of anything like that?

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

Hi Rus, If I understand you correctly you are looking for something like this system: amzn.to/2A7MK7O so maybe consider an option such as this: amzn.to/2mD5se2 and modify it to fit your rig or use it as a stand alone. I do recall having something that looked like this: amzn.to/2NIAzAa (notice how the small attached sack is along the back) but I can't seem to find the day pack that sat on the top of the backpack that you could remove for a day hike while on a multi-day outing. Might just call for a little ingenuity.

[@bradleyjohnson452]

Nice video. I wish the lighting was better

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

Thanks for feedback Brad, it’s a work in progress shooting in my makeshift garage “studio” but lighting is high on my list. Any recommendations on good ring lights? I was thinking of running a couple vertical strips of fluorescent lights but not sure how to mount them yet. Hope you were able to see enough to get the idea.

[@RViscara]

Hey Jerry that was me who told you about the “Dyneema” line which is super strong and hard shell so it’s not “Sticky” like had before. Dyneema is also super strong for its size. The Clips are what is known a “S” Biners and those strings you attach to your poles are called “guylines” and guyline flange. Thanks for mentioning me

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

Thanks for the tip. Putting that new cordage to use today. I decided to use the Dyneema for the guylines I may buy another length of it for the dipole ends but we shall see.

[@RViscara]

If you are choosing to not use the Dyneema line for the guylines instead of the throw line to hang your antennas because its expensive you can use EMMAKITES kit string on amazon its very slick and wont snag either but is cheaper then Dyneema. 100 ft 100lbs test line is 10 bucks. Great video by the way.

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

Used the new cordage today and great stuff.

[@djd8058]

Great video Jerry. Do you ever SOTA overnight? Is so what do you use for that, hammock? Tent? What additional stuff for that? More water and food, but still all under 30 lbs, I suppose.

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

Hey Dennis, I do and have. My gear load out will totally depend on location and season. I much prefer my hammock, but if above the tree line that obviously make it harder. If interested I can do a video on all my gear options and when I would elect to deploy one option over another in a given situation...

[@thorhilda]

When you do a SOTA and bring that pack, how many days do you hike?

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

Usually most of my hikes are just for a day but I’ve gone three days with that pack once you learn how to pack carefully.

[@SpyridonMouroutsos]

:)