Gear Not Stuff: Outdoor Gear

Apr 11, 2025

Get ready for an adventure as the host reveals essential gear for an 850-mile hike on the Hayduke Trail. Discover the philosophy behind choosing lightweight equipment, making it easier to manage food and water. Learn about the impressive lightweight rain jacket from Gore-Wear, designed for unpredictable weather. The discussion shifts to outdoor backpacks, featuring the ultra-light Z-Packs ARC Haul and a reliable backup, the Gossamer Gear backpack, both perfect for tackling any challenge on the trail.

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INSIGHT

Prioritize Lightweight Durable Gear

Carrying heavy food and water naturally adds weight to your pack on long hikes.
To move efficiently, choose hiking gear that is as light and durable as possible.

ADVICE

Choose Functional Rain Jackets

Always bring a waterproof rain jacket with Gore-Tex when hiking, even in desert regions.
Look for functional features like a magnetized hood to avoid wind interference and increase comfort.

ANECDOTE

Main and Backup Hiking Packs

Michael Easter uses a super lightweight Z-Packs ARC haul backpack as his main pack for a 850-mile desert hike.
He also carries a slightly heavier Gossamer Gear pack as a backup, stored in a cache in case the main pack breaks down from mileage wear.

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Post Summary

* We’re covering the gear I’m using on my 850-mile hike.

* The video above covers the gear I’ll be using along the way and my philosophy on outdoor gear.

* Below, I’ve also listed each item, a quick sentence or two on why I’m taking it, and linked to it.

Housekeeping

* Full access to this post and video is for Members of Two Percent.

* Members get access to all our Gear Not Stuff posts and videos and everything else Two Percent offers. Become a Member here:

* Thanks to our partners:

* Momentous Nutrition: The company that made me feel good about supplements again. They’re researched back and tested for purity because Momentous has contracts with most pro sports leagues and the US Military. My picks: Essential Plant Protein + Daily Multivitamin. Use discount code EASTER for 15% off.

* Maui Nui Venison harvests the healthiest meat on planet Earth. 100% wild, ethically-harvested, and delicious. Maui Nui is offering Two Percent readers a limited collection of my favorite cuts and products, like the Sugar-Free Peppered meat stick. Supply is limited because axis deer are wild. Head to mauinuivenison.com/EASTER to secure access.

* GOREWEAR. I’m using the hell out of GOREWEAR gear on the trail. Especially the Concurve LE3 Jacket. It’s light, weatherproof, and has a bunch of features that make it ideal for all outdoor runs, hikes, rides, and more. Check it out. EASTER gets you 30% off your first GOREWEAR purchase.

The post

Today is the second Friday of the month, which means it’s time for Gear Not Stuff.

Read more about the idea behind Gear Not Stuff here.

* In short: Gear Not Stuff is a framework that helps us make smarter purchasing decisions. Gear has a clear purpose of helping us achieve a higher purpose—a tool we can use to have better experiences.

Today’s Gear Not Stuff covers 12 pieces of essential gear I’ll be using on my hike.

Watch the video above to learn:

* My philosophy on gear for the hike (balancing gear that’s light but not “stupid light”). This is useful for anyone who spends time outdoors.

* A deep dive into each item.

* An explanation of why I’m using the item.

Below, I’ve also listed each item and a sentence or two about why I’m bringing it.

Rain jacket: GOREWEAR Concurve LE3

Super lightweight, weatherproof, and has brilliant features like a hood that snaps in place when you’re not wearing it (so the hood doesn’t whip about slapping you in the face on windy days).

It’s the perfect weatherproof shell for most outdoor excursions and workouts.

Link (code EASTER gets you 30% off.)

Backpack: ZPacks Arc Haul Ultra EPX 60L + Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60

Both packs weigh around two pounds or less. The ZPacks bag is light, durable, waterproof, and comfortable. It doesn’t have many pockets, but that saves weight.

The Mariposa will be my backup bag in case I break the ZPacks bag. (The downside of ultralight gear is that it’s more fragile!).

Link and link

Sleeping “bag”: Enlightened Equipment Revelation 10f quilt + Cumulus Equipment Aerial 330