Final day of the trip on top of volcano Magni. Carrying all I needed for the trip. No less, no more.
So now with some time to reflect after the trip it’s time to do a gear rundown. In general I am very pleased with the kit I carried for this hike. I used more or less all the items carried, never felt that anything was missing and managed to be fully self sustainable during the whole trip.
Here is a quick walk through of the gear I brought on the trip. I have kept the information very short. If you have any more questions, don’t hesitate to ask!
Big three:
Arc Blast Haul Cuben fibeR version
The suspension of this pack is totally fantastic. After five days and 100 km + of walking I felt like I hadn’t even worn a backpack. No problems with aching shoulders, no sore hips after the belt and the vented back actually helps a bit to get the sweat of my back.
The only downside is that the mesh on the front pocket got ripped in a couple of places. I don’t have any good ideas how to fix this so i guess I’ll have to live with it. A bit disappointing for 400 dollar backpack to.
Striking a pose above Skogafoss. My shoulder pouch well visible. Also note the dyneema shoulder straps and roll top that clips down to the side of my pack.
The shoulder pouch is worth mentioning. Used this for my camera and sunglasses. And it got used all the time. A perfect way to store these items that are a little bit fragile and good to have close by. If now someone could make a version with padding…
Sleeping Bag
RAB Neutrino 200
Kept the temperature really well. I love the waterproof dry/stuff bag that comes with it. Considering getting either lighter version, possibly a WM Hi Lite to save some weight.
Sleeping pad
Therm-a-rest Z-lite
One of the few items I’m not satisfied with. To sleep better during longer trips I have now realized i need a wider and full length sleeping pad. Considering getting a Klymit pad for this.
Shelter
HMG Ultamid 2
Superb! Nothing more to add.
Bearpawwd inner tent.
Besides the weight the only problem with this inner tent was that its lack of solid walls made it quite chilly inside the tent when the winds got stronger. For future trips in these kind of conditions a similar version with solid fabric for the lower part of the walls seems like a good idea.
Clothing
Houdini Motion Light Pants
Light weight and dry up fast, an important ability when doing lots of river fording. On the downside these pants are starting to get worn out. Seems are loosing and I got a couple of small holes in them. I think I will look for a new set of pants for next season. Hopefully I can find a model with zippers on at least one of the front pockets.
RAB Helium T-shirt
Sheds away sweat like a champ. Dries up fast. It’s a keeper.
State of my shoes after one day in the lavasand!
Salomon Fellraiser
These shoes fits me perfectly. The toe box is a bit larger than usually and gives good room for my toes. Inner soles were completely finished after this trip, so when i found them at a discount in a nice green color at Wiggle i ordered directly.
Haglöfs Lite Webbing Belt
I don’t know why I didn’t switch this piece of crap out after last year. Loosens up all the time and forces me to stop and adjust both pants and belt. Combined with Andrés bad experience with Haglöfs products I am now starting seriously to question the quality of their products. Needs a replacement asap.
One of the few moments I didn’t wear the wind shirt, only my Icebreaker Merino. Sunglasses neatly stuffed in my shoulder pocket.
Icebreaker GT Merino long sleeve
Used more or less all the time. Combined with an outer shell this gives enough warmth for all but the coldest weather. Used by itself it ventilate good enough to be worn almost all of the time. I actually think this shirt was worn 99% of the time I was on trail.
Microfiber boxer shorts
Dries up to slow. I need to get a pair of merino boxers.
Inov 8 Mudsoc Mid
Wearing regular pants there is no need to have longer socks than this. Combined with a pair of 10 denier ankle socks I managed to keep my feet in perfect condition. Despite walking for over 20 km in snow, crossing dozens of rivers and in general walking with wet feet.
Houdini Airborn Hat
I love this little beanie. One of my favourite pieces of kit. The merino/silk combo works wonderful. Keeps me warm in the breeze and stays cool when my body builds up heat. Also dries up fast, an ability that’s important for me if you haven’t noticed…
Woolpower liner socks
Extra socks I wear to warm my feet when sleeping. Keeps me warm and gets my feet dry.
Sealskinz
These started to get wet after a couple of days. I only use these at camp to let my wet feet rest and get warm. So these socks don’t get used much. Have heard good things about Rocky GoreTex socks so I’ll maybe give them a try.
Arc’teryx Konseal Fleece
Didn’t use this much at all. But it fills a niche when I need an extra layer and is to sweaty or wet from rain to use my down jacket. Stays for future trips.
Icebreaker Long Johns
Only needed this for cold nights in the tent. Did the job well. Only alternative I could see is a pair of down pants but im a bit sceptical about those.
RAB Pulse Rainjacket
Incredibly we had only lighter rain showers so I only used this jacket once! It’s lightweight and keeps away rain showers reasonably. But I have noticed that the Pertex fabric is starting to peel of at the shoulders. I guess the wear from the shoulder pads is to much for this fabric. Think I will keep my eyes open for a eVent jacket.
Montbell Versalite Rain Pants
Didn’t need to use these. Light weight though.
RAB eVent Gaiters
Didn’t use.
Montbell Ex Light Wind Parka. 65 gr of wind proof magic, straight from Japan.
Montbell Ex Light Wind Parka
MVP of this trip. Used this ridiculously light wind jacket so much. It breaks wind perfectly and is quick to adjust when you get warm. Even the super flimsy hood does a good job of keeping my head warm in the chilly winds of Iceland.
Montbell Plasma 1000
Super light down jacket. I downgraded from my thicker Arc’teryx hoodie that was overkill for these conditions. Used as insulation for shorter stops and at camp.
Outdoor Research Versaliner
These gloves still hold up and suits me perfectly. Didn’t need to use the waterproof shell but it’s a nice insurance to have if the weather gets really bad.
Vans Spicoli Sunglasses
Cheap and durable Wayfarer style shades. For hikes in more sunny environments I would probably go for something with more cover.
Tools
A quick stop on the way up Mount Gathilur. On ascents like these hiking poles are a great help.
Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork
These trekking poles are perfect. The flick lock system doesn’t compress a single millimeter. I used them almost all the time and at night they double as support for the shelter. The fact that these poles are not at a fixed length also makes it possible to pitch the shelter at different heights depending on how much airflow you want.
I have yet not needed to use the snow baskets for these so I think they will have to stay in the gear box for now.
GoPro Camera
Didn’t use this one very much as André stood for most of the filming. I’ll leave this one at home next time.
Canon IXUS 240HS
This one was ready in my shoulder pouch and I took loads of pictures. Of course not a high end tool but ok for my needs.
A long spoon for your freeze bag meals. Some times it’s just that easy!
Sea to Summit, Long Spoon
Perfect to dig up that last bit of mashed potatoes out of the bottom of your freeze bag.
Platypus flasks
Ditched the push pull cap for a normal screw on version. Does it’s job, lightweight and still holds up.
Zpacks dry bag and stuff sack
A dry bag for my dry clothes and a lighter stuff sack for my food. I have learned that one dry bag is enough for me. Use a 3 L Zip lock as extra storage for wet clothes that i don’t want to put in the dry bag.
Trail Designs Sidewinder + Inferno Cone w. Evernew Titanium Ultra Light .9L Pot
Used this only with alcohol this time as wood is quite sparse on Iceland. Worked well but takes its time to get water boiling.
27 g
Deejo 27 folding knife
Used this for cutting cord, opening food bags and so on. Does what it’s intended for but don’t expect more from such a small blade.
So, for the future I can see some room for improvement. Of course some of these are depending on where we I will be going next. But there still are some smaller items I wan’t to switch. But in general I feel that I now have nailed down a very good UL-kit that I can depend on in tough conditions!
Lighter Packs 