The CDT represented the penultimate hike of the 12 Long Walks series. I began my journey at Waterton Lake on the US/Canadian border on August 3. I reached Mexico 74 days later on October 15. In regard to conditions, I had a relatively mellow run with the weather all the way down to Colorado, where not surprisingly I encountered some late-season storms in the Rockies. The gear I carried was almost identical to the kit I packed on the Pacific Crest Trail.
Waterton Lake – Northern Terminus of the CDT | Glacier National Park, Montana.
If I was to hike the CDT again in 2016, what would I change?
Nothing too much. Tweaks, rather than seismic shifts:
- Shelter: I’d upgrade to a lighter cuben version of the poncho tarp.
- Camera: Panasonic Lumix DMC ZS25 – I’ve carried this 6.9 oz point-and-shoot model since early 2014.
- Shoes: The latest Brooks Cascadia’s (10) haven’t been up to scratch. Hopefully the upcoming 11’s will be of a similar quality to previous models.
- Headlamp: Black Diamond Spot – I’ve used this 3.2 oz headlamp since the Appalachian Trail in the fall/winter of 2012.
If I was heading northbound in an average snow year, I would also consider adding Kahtoola microspikes and/or a CAMP Corsa ice axe for the San Juans section in Colorado.