THE APPROACH
Gotta get there somehow
Backpacking bags
The carry-all for ridge walks and multi-day approaches.
I’ve used Osprey packs for as long as I can remember, not just in the field, but in my everyday life. When it comes to backpacking and hauling gear, every one of my bags has been made by them. Their durability and smart design make them my go-to whether I’m trekking to a ridge or loading up for a multi-week expedition. Getting to the entrance of a cave is often half the battle, and Osprey packs have always delivered.
Osprey packs
Hiking Shoes
The right shoes make or break your approach
I’ve been using these game changers on long approaches. The built-in gaiter collar keeps dirt and debris out when I’m slogging through brush or scrambling on scree, and the comfort holds up even under a fully loaded pack. I’ve pushed these shoes hard over uneven terrain without a single blister, and the Continental rubber soles grip whether the ground is wet or dry.
Adidas Men’s Terrex Free Hiker 2.0
Layers
01
Your first line of defense. Thermals and socks keep you warm, dry, and moving when conditions get rough.
Base layer
I keep it simple: rotating between merino wool and synthetic depending on the trip and climate. Merino is my go-to for warmth and odor resistance, though synthetics hold up better in wet, active conditions. For socks, I swap between Injinii, Darn Tough, or Hollow, depending on what’s needed
The flexible comfort zone. Sun hoodies and zip-offs that adapt as you gain elevation or hit the heat.
Mid layer
02
I’m a big fan of sun hoodies; whether it’s a Patagonia or a cheap find, they breathe well and dry out fast. For pants, I go with zip-offs when I need options, though cheap finds work well without worrying about tearing up something expensive.
Your weather armor. Puffies and rain shells keep the cold and wet where it belongs, outside.
Outer shell
03
I use the Patagonia Houdini and Terrebonne Joggers for most conditions. They’re light, windproof/water resistant, and pack down to nothing. For colder trips or cave camps, I bring a puffy and puffy pants, which add warmth without bulk. Mountain Hardwear’s Stretchdown is my go-to.
Trekking poles
Takes the weight off and adds extra support.
For years I didn’t use trekking poles, then I started using only one, and now I use two! It doesn’t have to be anything fancy, but I do enjoy the ones I got from REI. They come with mud baskets, tips for areas that require them, and sometimes snow baskets. Take advantage of these simple tools because your knees and stamina will feel the difference when carrying a heavy pack, espically traveling uphill.
Pick your sticks
Packrafts
A packraft turns water into a highway.
I’ve been using the Kokopelli Rogue-Lite, and it’s become one of the most useful tools in my kit. Whether I’m crossing a lake to reach a remote cave entrance, floating through a subterranean river, or skipping the hike and floating a river, they make the journey possible. It packs down small, weighs almost nothing, and is way easier to manage than a full-sized kayak. Kokopelli has a whole line of rafts, so make sure you grab the one rated for what you need.
Kokopelli packrafts