CLOTHING
KUIU Yukon rain gear tops and bottoms is what I exclusively used as my external layer on Alone and it proved to be durable, waterproof, and breathable. The Yukon set is heavy duty. The Northridge is their ultralight rain gear, which will suffice for my trips and won’t add too much weight. Please use the link here to purchase so that they know I sent you! (different colors available)
These are 3/4 length merino wool long johns. They have really grown on me. The 3/4 length allows you to hike when its cold with long johns on, and when you get hot you dont have to take your boots/etc off to remove them: they just zip off. Helps in regulating your temperature while hiking.
I have an affiliate link to KUIU here, but that does not mean that other companies (Sitka, Kryptek, Born Primitive etc) dont make great gear also. Feel free to shop around!
DUCKWORTH WOOL
Duckworth is made in the USA from Montana grown sheep! Nice folks and a cool family farm. Good company to support.
I like the woolcloud line. Like down, but not afraid to get wet!
I prefer light wool T shirts in the summer (like this Vapor T) as opposed to cotton
PACKS
Kifaru International makes the best packs out there. Made in USA with ingenious features and extensively tested by people who put tons of time in outdoors, including myself. This is affiliate link so if you purchase through here it helps me! A company and gear I really appreciate and support! They also provide synthetic sleeping bags, shelters, and more. Their 8 man tipi is a great family shelter (we fit 5)!
LEATHERMAN BOOTS HEADLAMP
I like the Wave or the Arc. No other multitool will perform as well, and I don’t recommend getting one of the cheap knock-offs
The boots I’ve currently been wearing in the mountains. Schnees have proven to be great boots and are a Montana company.
What I used on Alone. Rechargeable, durable, and bright - I still use it.
FERRO ROD AXE
SLEEPING PAD OPTIONS WATER PURIFICATION
Some of the most popular and highly rated sleeping pads. Lightweight and comfortable.
These are reliable, effective, though a bit spendy. Worth the investment if you think you’ll use it a lot.
SHOVEL MED KIT
PARACORD
(Provided in our standard courses)
Not necessary on the courses, but a good small shovel
Handy Little First Aid Kit from VSSL! Covers a lot of bases (compass, flashlight, container, etc…
SLEEPING BAGS
I like a 0 degree bag for versatility in cool (around freezing) environments.
A 20 degree bag will be lighter, not as hot, and still warm enough on my summer courses. This Kifaru bag is synthetic so offers some advantages in wet conditions.
My wife and I use a Feathered Friends double sleeping bag in Siberia and on camping trips and we love it!