Gear list

I've been backpacking for a few years and I already have the basics. The following items are my new purchases as well as other important items I already have. I've taken advantage of the winter blowout sales and have been getting lots of this stuff for 30-50% off, making this costly trip much more affordable.

I've been purchasing much of my new gear from C & C Outdoor Store in Waterbury, VT. It's a small store with knowledgeable staff that seem to personally own much of the gear they sell. Their site, along with their online store, can be found here.

Microspikes: These are great, they cling to ice extraordinarily well and are easy to put on and remove. They aren't uncomfortable on normal terrain so they don't need to be removed when transitioning from snow to ice to dirt frequently.

Leki Trekking Poles: These are the toughest trekking poles I've ever used. I rely on them heavily during descents and I don't want to take any chances with weak poles. Cork grips with vents are a nice addition too. Big price tag, but I think they'll be worth it.

Darn Tough Socks: After blowing through a pair of full cushion Smart Wool socks in 8 months, it's time to switch brands. I've heard that Darn Toughs greatly outlast Smart Wool so it seemed like a no brainer for this trip. They're also made in VT! I got a good bulk deal so I went with 6 pairs to start. Some will stay home and get shipped out when necessary.

Seirus Hyperlite All Weather Gloves: I tested these gloves snowboarding on a pretty chilly day (15 degrees with lots of wind). To be clear, these are definitely not winter gloves. I chose to test them in  conditions much worse than I will be facing on the trail. Considering that, they passed with flying colors. They claim to be waterproof and after a full day snowboarding my hands were bone dry. The gloves breath well enough to dissipate sweat and they're waterproof enough to protect me from moisture. To be sure, my hands were pretty cold at times, but the only time I'll be seeing temperatures that low on the trail is at night when I'll be in my sleeping bag anyway. 

Black Diamond Gaiters and Vasque Velocity Gortex Shoes - This is a photo from a recent training hike. It was about 50 degrees and sunny so I strapped the new shoes into my snow shoes and hit the Long Trail. This was my first time using gaiters and I'll never go back. My snow shoes were kicking snow at my calfs all day and none got in my shoes. The shoes were excellent - they were barraged with wet snow all day and they kept my feet relatively dry while allowing them to breath. They just earned themselves the job of getting me through the High Sierras.

Outer Layer System: A Mountain Equipment Co-op Primaloft for insulation and a Patagonia wind shirt for wind protection. I'm blown away by the wind shirt (PUN!?). I used it snowboarding on very cold, windy days and it let in absolutely nothing. I was surrounded by folks in giant winter jackets complaining about the bitter wind and I was completely content.

The Primaloft jacket was given to me by a co-worker who didn't need it anymore - thanks Micah! The wind shirt was on consignment at a local outdoors store.