My Favorite Gear from the Great Divide Trail (1,200km Canadian Rockies)

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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Пікірлер: 90

  • @JupiterHikes
    @JupiterHikes7 ай бұрын

    Thank you for watching!! Check out the links in the description for any of the gear mentioned throughout this video

  • @davidatlas8630
    @davidatlas86307 ай бұрын

    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.

  • @JupiterHikes

    @JupiterHikes

    7 ай бұрын

    Maybe you'll run into me on trail at some point :)

  • @tylernblaney
    @tylernblaney7 ай бұрын

    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 KZreadr with your following make a relevant video. 🙌🏼

  • @JupiterHikes

    @JupiterHikes

    7 ай бұрын

    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

  • @roselee_explores

    @roselee_explores

    7 ай бұрын

    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! 🤦‍♀️

  • @danolin8095
    @danolin80957 ай бұрын

    Great recommendations as always Jupiter, thanks!!

  • @matthewsamples790
    @matthewsamples7907 ай бұрын

    Glad you guys enjoyed yourselves and made it through the trail safely! Great gear picks!

  • @charltor6
    @charltor67 ай бұрын

    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.

  • @AndrewLevacy
    @AndrewLevacy7 ай бұрын

    Jupiter, You make the best videos- thank you!

  • @deliciousfewd
    @deliciousfewd7 ай бұрын

    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.

  • @Richard-wz9uh
    @Richard-wz9uh7 ай бұрын

    Love it! This trail looks amazing!!

  • @hpfax4
    @hpfax47 ай бұрын

    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.

  • @pimacanyon6208
    @pimacanyon62087 ай бұрын

    GREAT list. Many thanks!

  • @user-or3tk9ej5o
    @user-or3tk9ej5o7 ай бұрын

    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!!!

  • @billyblue689
    @billyblue6897 ай бұрын

    I recently got the Torrent Shell too, love it. Feels like a coat of armor.

  • @ervinslens
    @ervinslens7 ай бұрын

    Gorgeous filming as always bud, masterfully presented film!

  • @jphiking
    @jphiking7 ай бұрын

    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.

  • @josiebones1
    @josiebones17 ай бұрын

    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.

  • @jeffreycarman2185
    @jeffreycarman21857 ай бұрын

    Thanks for the video

  • @sheedove23
    @sheedove237 ай бұрын

    Love your videos. They are my favorite backpacking videos.

  • @JupiterHikes

    @JupiterHikes

    7 ай бұрын

    Thank you! I am glad you like them

  • @jhonyermo

    @jhonyermo

    7 ай бұрын

    Let me be the first to second that statement. YES

  • @keithstewart2639
    @keithstewart26397 ай бұрын

    Thanks a ton

  • @wolfeadventures
    @wolfeadventures7 ай бұрын

    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. 😉

  • @CanadianSkylights
    @CanadianSkylights7 ай бұрын

    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.

  • @colinhiebert2095
    @colinhiebert20957 ай бұрын

    Good suggestions 👍

  • @davidsixtwo
    @davidsixtwo7 ай бұрын

    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.

  • @peterjohnson6273
    @peterjohnson62737 ай бұрын

    Thanks.

  • @jayv.8298
    @jayv.82987 ай бұрын

    Love it. 🤘🏾🇨🇦

  • @skier4life1234
    @skier4life12347 ай бұрын

    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.

  • @JupiterHikes

    @JupiterHikes

    7 ай бұрын

    That's awesome! I was super worried about taking my van across, then they didn't even ask me anything, waving me through

  • @andyveres3982
    @andyveres39827 ай бұрын

    Yeah boyyyyyyy

  • @GavinCookie
    @GavinCookieКүн бұрын

    I love your videos! Canadian here... I've been actually super suprised to learn that people on the PCT and CDT don't carry bear spray with them.... Tbh, that's just crazy to me. Did you find the CDT in Canada to feel more remote and necessary to bring bear-spray than many American thru-hikes? (like PCT) Also, with no disrespect intended at all, but a determined Grizzly can 100% get through an Ursack... Still great to have though!

  • @texmexia49
    @texmexia497 ай бұрын

    Kudos to you. I’m way too scared of Grizzlies to attempt this hike. I’ll deal with Black Bears, Grizzlies nope.

  • @MaylesTrails
    @MaylesTrails7 ай бұрын

    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

  • @jimz987
    @jimz9874 ай бұрын

    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.

  • @gedasltu
    @gedasltu7 ай бұрын

    Thanks for sharing your amazing trip and your gear recommendations! How many days of food max can you fit in your palante desert pack?

  • @JupiterHikes

    @JupiterHikes

    7 ай бұрын

    I think the most we ever had to pack was 8 days. So depending on gear list that number could go up or down.

  • @HM-gk3rq
    @HM-gk3rq7 ай бұрын

    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.

  • @WALKITOFFDavidSmith
    @WALKITOFFDavidSmith7 ай бұрын

    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 🙏

  • @JupiterHikes

    @JupiterHikes

    7 ай бұрын

    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.

  • @WALKITOFFDavidSmith

    @WALKITOFFDavidSmith

    7 ай бұрын

    @@JupiterHikes Turkey basting bag sounds like a great light weight option. Thanks for the response Jupiter and congrats again on another successful Thru!!

  • @roselee_explores
    @roselee_explores7 ай бұрын

    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?

  • @JupiterHikes

    @JupiterHikes

    7 ай бұрын

    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.

  • @roselee_explores

    @roselee_explores

    7 ай бұрын

    @@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!

  • @2ddw
    @2ddw7 ай бұрын

    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...

  • @wanttogo1958

    @wanttogo1958

    7 ай бұрын

    They expire. Use the expired ones for practice. It will boost your confidence in their use. Always take note of wind direction too.

  • @CrowMagnumMan2024
    @CrowMagnumMan20247 ай бұрын

    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....!!!

  • @JupiterHikes

    @JupiterHikes

    7 ай бұрын

    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.

  • @CrowMagnumMan2024

    @CrowMagnumMan2024

    7 ай бұрын

    Thank you...@@JupiterHikes

  • @adriangriffin5151
    @adriangriffin51517 ай бұрын

    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.

  • @JupiterHikes

    @JupiterHikes

    7 ай бұрын

    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

  • @adriangriffin5151

    @adriangriffin5151

    7 ай бұрын

    Thanks, Jupiter!

  • @iskosalminen
    @iskosalminen7 ай бұрын

    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.

  • @JupiterHikes

    @JupiterHikes

    7 ай бұрын

    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.

  • @JupiterHikes

    @JupiterHikes

    7 ай бұрын

    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

  • @wanderingmagoo9028
    @wanderingmagoo90287 ай бұрын

    Video👍 I did wonder where your Kuiu 98 peloton fleece was?

  • @JupiterHikes

    @JupiterHikes

    7 ай бұрын

    It's in my gear bin still going strong, this year I've wanted to try new things

  • @Randophane
    @Randophane7 ай бұрын

    Hi, thanks for the video. Is the Ursac approved by the rangers for the PCT ?

  • @JupiterHikes

    @JupiterHikes

    7 ай бұрын

    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

  • @Randophane

    @Randophane

    7 ай бұрын

    Ok thanks a lot@@JupiterHikes

  • @AdventuressAli
    @AdventuressAli6 ай бұрын

    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.

  • @JupiterHikes

    @JupiterHikes

    6 ай бұрын

    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!

  • @AdventuressAli

    @AdventuressAli

    5 ай бұрын

    @@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.

  • @AdventuressAli

    @AdventuressAli

    5 ай бұрын

    And wowwwww, making her own backpacks and shelters! Awesome! Will she be doing tutorials by any chance?? @@JupiterHikes

  • @paisleyfamily5972
    @paisleyfamily59727 ай бұрын

    I feel like you had an EE Visp. Do you feel like that’s too light for this trail?

  • @JupiterHikes

    @JupiterHikes

    7 ай бұрын

    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

  • @outdoorshoesofficial
    @outdoorshoesofficial7 ай бұрын

    Great video! I'm considering doing a KZread video there next year and this really helped to understand what I'm getting into. Thanks my friend. We liked and subscribed.

  • @xAggressivex
    @xAggressivex6 ай бұрын

    Great video :) can i ask what pants you actually wearing on the end of the video ?

  • @JupiterHikes

    @JupiterHikes

    6 ай бұрын

    some fleece pants by roark

  • @xAggressivex

    @xAggressivex

    6 ай бұрын

    @@JupiterHikes thank you 🙏🙂

  • @tageaaker8475
    @tageaaker84757 ай бұрын

    What's that brown puffy jacket?

  • @JupiterHikes

    @JupiterHikes

    7 ай бұрын

    An enlightened equipment torrid pullover!

  • @carolin8645
    @carolin86457 ай бұрын

    how i could do this when im realy afraid of bears?

  • @JupiterHikes

    @JupiterHikes

    7 ай бұрын

    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

  • @woodyshepherd6904
    @woodyshepherd69047 ай бұрын

    God I hope Pa'lante puts this pack out with a larger/wide shoulder-vest option than the Joey!

  • @JupiterHikes

    @JupiterHikes

    7 ай бұрын

    I think they will at some point! I'm certainly pushing for it

  • @drytool
    @drytool7 ай бұрын

    No OP Sack to go in the Ursack? Animals tend not to find food they can't smell.

  • @JupiterHikes

    @JupiterHikes

    7 ай бұрын

    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

  • @drytool

    @drytool

    7 ай бұрын

    @@JupiterHikes, Hopefully, that means you didn't have any animals get in your food!!

  • @dovdougherty634
    @dovdougherty6347 ай бұрын

    Oi’! What are these blue knee padded pants you’re wearing in this video?

  • @JupiterHikes

    @JupiterHikes

    7 ай бұрын

    Made by Roark, some kind of fleece pants

  • @user-zo5pl4mh6i
    @user-zo5pl4mh6i6 ай бұрын

    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.

  • @JupiterHikes

    @JupiterHikes

    6 ай бұрын

    That's great to know!!

  • @stuartb9194
    @stuartb91947 ай бұрын

    No hiking frock?

  • @JupiterHikes

    @JupiterHikes

    7 ай бұрын

    That would probably be Sprockets top pick, though not specific to the GDT :)

  • @stuartb9194

    @stuartb9194

    7 ай бұрын

    @@JupiterHikes hey, I'm not judging 😂

  • @RAMtrails
    @RAMtrails7 ай бұрын

    Squirrels… yes squirrels ruined my ursack

  • @JupiterHikes

    @JupiterHikes

    7 ай бұрын

    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