My Favorite Gear from the Great Divide Trail (1,200km Canadian Rockies)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 1 ก.ค. 2024
- The Great Divide Trail is a 1,200km (or 750mi) thru hike across the Canadian Rockies. Passing through spectacular national parks like Waterton Lakes, Banff, and Jasper. It is reminiscent of the Continental Divide Trail in the US because it follows the same chain of mountains and is similarly as rugged, if not more. In the end it took us 42 days to complete and has proven to be one of the most amazing things I have ever experienced or done. Starting July 21st and ending sept 1st.
The GDT has a unique set of challenges.
- Grizzly bear and moose are present in this environment from start to finish
- Unpredictable weather at high elevations above tree line
- Extreme remoteness, far away from any help, civilization, or cell service
- Off trail travel and bushwhacking is common in nearly every section
- The list goes on! But all of this can be alleviated with just a few special choices in gear!
My BEST GEAR recommendations for the GDT:
Rain Jacket - tinyurl.com/msksre8k
Fleece Sweater - tinyurl.com/ucd7ypdr
Fleece (Warmer) - tinyurl.com/3mzhxk6z
Fleece (Different Brands) - tinyurl.com/24e86z5n or tinyurl.com/msdu6dh2
Bear Proof Food Bag - tinyurl.com/yxt9ctz2
Bug Head Net - tinyurl.com/2vrwsd26
Synthetic Puffy - tinyurl.com/29966jbw
Bear Spray - amzn.to/47PArIK
Rain Pants - tinyurl.com/y5pz5jvm
Rain Pants 2 - amzn.to/47PAmVs
Satellite Communicator - tinyurl.com/2cnhbnnk
Satellite Communicator 2 - tinyurl.com/4dw4rah4
Satellite Communicator 3 - tinyurl.com/mbk46zb5
Our FULL Gear List from the GDT:
www.jupiterhikes.com/gear/
00:00 - Intro
00:54 - Challenges
02:15 - Rain Jacket
04:29 - Head Net
05:11 - Bear Spray
06:00 - Bear Bag
07:35 - Fleece
08:40 - Puffy
09:23 - PLB
11:00 - Pants
11:58 - Outro
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Thank you for watching!! Check out the links in the description for any of the gear mentioned throughout this video
No words. Although I’ve never met you, I watched enough of your videos to somehow feel proud of you for your approach to this latest adventure and its completion.
Maybe you'll run into me on trail at some point :)
Jupiter, thanks for your thoughtful video. So many thruhikers make videos that aren't really relevant to our climate and conditions. I also have and used the Patagonia Torrent Shell, amazing jacket. The matching Torrent Shell pants are equally as awesome! BTW, its nice to see a TH-camr with your following make a relevant video. 🙌🏼
That's great to know! I hadn't even heard of the pants before but will check them out now. In all my research of rain jackets over the years I've somewhat neglected the same attention to pants, hence wearing shorts endlessly even when told not to (the GET & GDT). I appreciate the suggestion. Also the Canadian Rockies are awesome! I hope more thru hikers get out there to see it
Oh that’s good to know about the pants! I just got the jacket (after 3 others failed me miserably) and my current rain pants have holes from a campfire! 🤦♀️
I really appreciate you talking through you choices here. It's definitely different hearing you warrant the additional weight of something since your usual approach is so ultralight but it makes each gram that much more meaningful. Great video.
In September I panic-bought a Torrent Shell jacket in Mammoth for my final PCT miles, after my Frogg Toggs wetted through. The peace of mind was priceless, and it came in handy for a few squalls over the high Sierra passes.
Good recommendations. I have all that stuff already because the Canadian Rockies west of Calgary are basically my home, year-round turf.. I seal my smellables (food, etc) in Opsacks, then put the Opsacks into the Ursack before tying it to a tree though. Thanks for taking us on your journey.
Great tips! It's wonderful to see recommendations for a Canadian Rockies climate since it's very different than hiking in the Sierra or other popular spots in the lower 48.
I recently got the Torrent Shell too, love it. Feels like a coat of armor.
GREAT list. Many thanks!
I brought a shakedry jacket on the GDT this summer and my dad had a frogtoggs. My jacket was excellent (Montbell). My dad's jacket had him soaked in the wind driven rain.
Bugnet and bug lotion we brought and were a week behind Jupiter and didn't use it. But for two ounces it's worth it.
Love it! This trail looks amazing!!
Thanks for the video
Gorgeous filming as always bud, masterfully presented film!
I picked up the Torrentshell jacket and pnts for the exact reasons you mention. I do have much lighter raingear but some times you need something more robust for circumstances when your life depends on it not failing or tearing apart. The Torrentshell is also such a great value. I've seen the jacket on sale for as low as $90! As far as Senchi Designs goes I now use a top and bottom as my base layers. I think Alpha Direct pieces are much warmer for a similar weight of a traditional base layer top or bottom.
Great recommendations as always Jupiter, thanks!!
Your gear reviews are the best. I know you are conservative but you consider the rest of us who could only wish to be at your level. 😉
Glad you guys enjoyed yourselves and made it through the trail safely! Great gear picks!
Haha definitely enjoy your content! Welcome to Canada!You’re my fave man. I’m definitely a light fast explorer but not aways on trail. Mostly riding ridges in alpine and really out there, so on many things I just couldn’t totally relate with the constant ‘well worn paths’ and some of the clothing. But on this, your spot on guys. I dig the reality check for this land. A lot of people get into trouble here going tooo ultralight from influence down south, Always keep it up…. Hike on!!!
Jupiter, You make the best videos- thank you!
For a remote trail like this with fickle weather, it's also nice to have a puffy for in camp that stays dry, and a fleece like your alpha direct that can go under a rain jacket in a pinch and get wet if need be. In places where it rains all the time and nights are cold, dry camp clothes are huge.
Good suggestions 👍
Love it. 🤘🏾🇨🇦
Thanks a ton
Love your videos. They are my favorite backpacking videos.
Thank you! I am glad you like them
Let me be the first to second that statement. YES
Thanks.
Hey Jupiter! Awesome tips. I had no issues taking bearspray across to the border to and from Canada. I even disclosed that I had it in the vehicle when they asked and they said thats ok.
That's awesome! I was super worried about taking my van across, then they didn't even ask me anything, waving me through
thanks for the video jupiter. how were the joey straps on the desert pack? were they more or less comfortable than the standard palante pack straps with bigger carries? Been hoping to see palante desert and v2's adopt the joey straps.
Kudos to you. I’m way too scared of Grizzlies to attempt this hike. I’ll deal with Black Bears, Grizzlies nope.
I really like my Torrentshell too... But the pockets tend to pool water in persistent, heavy rain. Hopefully Patagonia fix that, because otherwise it's a perfect jacket for my needs
Thanks for sharing your amazing trip and your gear recommendations! How many days of food max can you fit in your palante desert pack?
I think the most we ever had to pack was 8 days. So depending on gear list that number could go up or down.
Yeah boyyyyyyy
Hi Jupiter.....love your videos been following you for the last year since I got back into backpacking....curious what happen to the Peloton hoodie for that layer to hike in......I see you were using the Alpha direct...just wanted your advice between the two items.......once again thank you so much for your videos its been an education and a delight....!!!
The peloton is great! At some point I'd like to do a whole video on all the fleeces I've used as I think they're such a sweet peice of gear. The peloton is durable, super light weight, warm and breathable. I've been using one since 2019 and it's still in incredible shape. The Senchi is even lighter, more breathable, and slightly less warm. I really don't think you could go wrong with either and both are at the very top of my list when it comes to all the fleeces I've tried.
Thank you...@@JupiterHikes
Video👍 I did wonder where your Kuiu 98 peloton fleece was?
It's in my gear bin still going strong, this year I've wanted to try new things
I always love your “pre and post hike” gear reviews. I like how several people in the comments asked about the Peloton b/c I was curious too (I’m wearing mine now as I type this comment lol). I had a question about the Ursack. Is it waterproof or do you need to put your food in a typical hang bag or plastic bag and then put that inside the ursack for weatherproofing? Thanks 🙏
That's a great question and one I did not think about addressing! They are highly water resistant, if you want a solution which will also add to the overall effectiveness of the system... use a turkey basting bag inside your usack to make it both near waterproof, and near smell/odor proof.
As for the Kuiu, it is still at the top of my list when it comes to fleeces and am currently wrangling with an overall what makes one better than the other in the fleece world. I've tried a lot this year, something like 5 or 6 different brands and styles.
@@JupiterHikes Turkey basting bag sounds like a great light weight option. Thanks for the response Jupiter and congrats again on another successful Thru!!
WRT Bear Spray. Also gotta know how to use it. Preferably shoot it at least once if possible. And carry it where you can *easily* reach it; no good deep in your pack...
They expire. Use the expired ones for practice. It will boost your confidence in their use. Always take note of wind direction too.
Interesting… I regularly carry bear spray across the border since I live in Canada but often hike in Washington. Never been an issue. Also, I haven’t seen bear spray in gas stations… but maybe closer to the Rockies it’s more prevalent.
Great video! I love the alpha pullovers ... just like you said fantastic for warmth while hiking! Plus, they dry super quick too. Did you find the Torrid pullover to be windproof or just wind resistant? Also, did you have any issues with the Torrentshell wetting out?
I did not ever have an issue with the torrentshell wetting out. It was great to me and I hope to use it on any future hikes in wetter climates. The Torrid I would say is wind resistant, it only has a 10D face and inner fabric. I am not sure I would want it to be wind proof though, as it's nice to have some breathability. Also, lighter weight than it would be if it were windproof.
@@JupiterHikes that’s fantastic to know about the rain jacket being reliable! I’ll definitely do more research on the torrid pullover! Thank you for your response & awesome videos … happy trails!
I'd love to see Sprocket's gear! And hear from her on her experiences!! I had awful cramps yesterday and could not imagine hiking all day. Women are the toughest.
I notice ya'll don't seem to have tp or a small squirt wash. lets get real, WHAT did ya'll do? leaves only go so far.
On my website under the "Gear" tab you can see what Sprocket used on the GDT in particular. There's definitely a few differences between what we use but overall fairly similar. She makes a lot of her own gear, ie backpack and shelters in the past, mittens and sleep socks. It's fun for her and maybe saves some money!
@@JupiterHikes Oh great! I did find your website finally and had a great read but I didn't yet look thru the gear tab. I will. I've also been wondering what you do about the sun, esp on your legs.
And wowwwww, making her own backpacks and shelters! Awesome! Will she be doing tutorials by any chance?? @@JupiterHikes
What weight is your Senchi hoody? 60, 90, or 120? I use an Enlightened Equipment Torrid, but it's not quite warm enough for fall evenings in the Sierra. I'm looking for something to wear under it to add a bit of warmth. BTW, the Body Wrappers dance warmup pants you recommended in an earlier video are great. I like to hike in shorts, but my legs get cold in the evening. The Body Wrappers are light and just what's needed to trap a bit of heat. Cheap too. Ultralight stuff doesn't have to be expensive.
Mine is the 60 and it's wonderful for that extra layer. I brought it as my sole warmth on on a 100 mile Washington PCT section in July, and am even considering just having it as my only layer for most summer thru hikes but that's untested so far. Definitely recommend as it's just 4oz
Thanks, Jupiter!
Great video :) can i ask what pants you actually wearing on the end of the video ?
some fleece pants by roark
@@JupiterHikes thank you 🙏🙂
Wondering about your thoughts on the Senchi versus Kuiu Peloton 97? Do you find the Kuiu too warm to hike in? I personally would've thought the Kuiu would work better with any kind of bushwhacking on GTD compared to any Alpha fleeces.
I think originally that's why I didn't bring it. worried about durability, but after she used it for over 1,000 miles I am happy to see it still doing great! So if sprocket had a problem with hers, or if my other friends using them did, I would definitely be saying something different. But I like the senchi for it's weight, and because the majority of people are going to be pairing it with a puffy as an extra layer that weight is a great thing.
In the end they're both great fleeces and I'll likely soon do a giant comparison of all the fleeces I've tried hiking. From melanzana, kuiu, senchi, patagonia, palante, etc. the top of my list would be senchi and kuiu tho
Hi, thanks for the video.
Is the Ursac approved by the rangers for the PCT ?
No a bear can is specifically required for the PCT, which is kind of funny considering grizzly bears are much more serious and these are fine for even them. The problem the rangers of the PCT are trying to avoid is people improperly using an ursack, while a bear can is so stupid simple it can't be done wrong. And thus, they require a bear can
Ok thanks a lot@@JupiterHikes
Great video! I'm considering doing a TH-cam video there next year and this really helped to understand what I'm getting into. Thanks my friend. We liked and subscribed.
God I hope Pa'lante puts this pack out with a larger/wide shoulder-vest option than the Joey!
I think they will at some point! I'm certainly pushing for it
I feel like you had an EE Visp. Do you feel like that’s too light for this trail?
I do yes, really great for a lot of US trails but I think it's a little too minimal for this one, and would rather have something like the torrentshell
What's that brown puffy jacket?
An enlightened equipment torrid pullover!
Oi’! What are these blue knee padded pants you’re wearing in this video?
Made by Roark, some kind of fleece pants
how i could do this when im realy afraid of bears?
Hike with a friend! I literally don't think I would have done this hike without sprocket, and we stayed together much more on trail than we would have otherwise because of the though of bears. If you don't have a friend that wants to hike it, join the GDT facebook group and try to start at the same time as a group. About 100 people attempted this trail this year, so they are out there! Hiking with others will significantly decrease your concerns, and we've heard from park rangers that groups of two or three significantly reduce your chances of a bear encounter overall
No OP Sack to go in the Ursack? Animals tend not to find food they can't smell.
We used turkey basting bags, which are also smell proof according to my friend who looks like cheech and chong. I didn't mention it because I am not sure how much it matters
@@JupiterHikes, Hopefully, that means you didn't have any animals get in your food!!
I have driven over the border with bear spray like 14 times and no one has cared. I informed Canadian and US customs every time. As long as it is labeled bear spray you are gtg.
That's great to know!!
No hiking frock?
That would probably be Sprockets top pick, though not specific to the GDT :)
@@JupiterHikes hey, I'm not judging 😂
Squirrels… yes squirrels ruined my ursack
The ground squirrels? We loved them and fortunately didn't have a problem. It's an issue with the campsites you often must stay at, as they are accustomed to finding food there! Ursack does make an "Allmitey" version which is also rodent proof but in the end I guess it's luck if one decides to go for a nibble or not