The Colorado CDT

“Hey guys,
A friend and I just decieded to hike the Colorado Contental Divide Next summer. And I was wondering about gear recomendations, this is a 763 mile hike and I dont want to head out with a stove that breaks on me or a backback that wont cut it. Let me know what gear you guys like best. Thanks!”

“The Optimus SVEA 123 stove seems to be about as trouble free and dependable as they come as far as stoves go. They are simple construction, no pump to worry about. White gas fuel, which is good for higher altitudes. They are extremely economical in fuel usage also but they take a while longer to boil water.
As far as a pack goes there are some reputable manufacturers out there and I would stick with one of them (Internal frame: Osprey, Gregory, Dana Design, Arc'teryx, Vortex External Frame: Kelty, K2 Dana Design are some manufacturers that are going to give you a high quality product). Go try them on, see what is comfortable to you and whatever you do, get your new pack well before your trip and use it. Make sure it is as comfortable after a few days on the trail as it was in the store.”

“Have tried other stoves.There are even some for which you need to carry a veritable arsenal of parts. So when I finally overtightened the orifice on my 25-year-old Svea, stripping it, I immediately replaced it w/ same (ok... I know that I coulda replaced the whole vaporizer shaft, but what the hell?). Only $65.00. I also purchased the mini-pump and find that it's too heavy for its usefulness: It's still necessary to prime. Don't waste 11 bucks on the pump!”