Over the years, I have switched up my thru hiking gear as I learn what works and what doesn’t. I’ve documented the gear I took on my John Muir Trail hike and Long Trail hike, but I’m most excited about what I’ll be taking on the Pacific Crest Trail. I never thought I’d be concerned with lightening my load more and more with every hike, but here we are.

My gear list changed during the summer on the PCT to a super light kit, you can check it out here.

Less weight on the feet and back is important to me, so why not? If I don’t use it, I’m not bringing it. Items are linked in the title, including affiliate links where I may receive a very small commission. Here we go:

Pack

HMG 2400 Southwest
28 oz

Initially I thought I was going to try a new frameless pack, but I decided that with disc issues in my back, it is safest for me to stick with a hipbelt pack that takes pressure off my low back. I loved my HMG 3400 on the Long Trail, but I hardly ever filled the pack more than halfway. I decided to size down and get the 2400, at 40L I think it will be just the right size for the Pacific Crest Trail.

Quilt

Katabatic Gear ALSEK 22°F
21 oz

My UGQ 0° quilt treated me well on the JMT and was much too warm on the LT, so I decided to try out a new brand and get a better all-rounder quilt in the temperature department. Well made and lightweight, I have a good feeling about this piece of gear.

Sleeping Pad

Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite Women's
12 oz

This will be the third thru hike my trusty Neo Air has been on. I love this sleeping pad. It is comfortable, doesn’t lose air and has held up when put to the test. Would buy again.

Shelter

Zpacks Hexamid Solo w/bathtub
16 oz

I had intended to start my PCT thru hike solo, but as it stands, my partner will be joining me on this adventure. He may only hike a month or two, so this is my backup 1 person shelter if or when he decides to get off trail. While hiking together, we will use a Zpacks Duplex. I know, I know, these tents are expensive. I found my Hexamid Solo on Ebay and the Duplex was generously loaned to us by a friend. Buying used is always worth it. I have purchased many big ticket items used and been very happy.

Trekking Pole

Leki Micro Vario
9.5 oz

I have used these trekking poles on the JMT, LT and multiple other hikes. They are built to last. Since I’m headed out with less weight, I’m only taking 1 trekking pole to set up the shelter.

My point and shoot camera is standing in for my X-T2 (used to take this image)

Sleep/Baselayers

Mid Layer/Thermal Top - Senchi Hoody 4 oz

Thermal/Active Bottoms - Senchi Leggings 3 oz

Sleep Socks - Smartwool Socks 1.7 oz

Pillow - Cocoon HyperLight Air Core (no cover) 1.6 oz

Packed Clothing

Rain Jacket - OR Helium II Jacket 5.36 oz, Mens- OR Helium Jacket

Wind Pants- EE Copperfield Wind Pants 1.25 oz, Mens- EE Copperfield Wind Pants

Gloves- Zpacks Possum Down 1.4 oz

Beanie- Northface or Coal 2.4 oz

Puffy Jacket- Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer 6 oz, Mens- MH Ghost Whisperer

Undies- Exofficio Bikini 0.78 oz

Socks - Injinji Midweight Trail 1.94 oz

Worn

Socks - Injinji Midweight Trail 1.94 oz

Shorts- The Northface Quick Dry Shorts 2.82 oz or Patagonia Strider Shorts

Short Sleeve- Icebreaker Cool Lite 3.03 oz

Shoes- La Sportiva Bushido w/Superfeet, Mens- La Sportiva Bushido 16 oz

Bandana- Cotton Bandana 1 oz

Bra - Patagonia Barely Bra 1.9 oz

LS Sun Shirt - Kuhl Ezra or Sun Hoodie 5.6 oz

Hat - Baseball Cap Target - 2.5 oz

Sunglasses - Sunski - .74 oz

Kitchen

Lighter - Mini Bic 0.4 oz

Utensil - Toaks Titanium Spoon 0.6 oz

Water Bottle - 2 1L Smart Water Bottle 1.5 oz ea

Knife - Victorinox Swiss Army w/mini carabiner 0.85 oz

Pot - Snow Peak Titanium set w/lid (for 2) OR Toaks 550ml Pot 3 oz

Stove - BRS 3000T 0.88 oz

Fuel - MSR Small 3.5 oz

Food Bag - Zpacks Big Food Bag or Reusable Grocery bag 1.2 oz

Water Filter - Sawyer Squeeze 3 oz

Electronics

iPhone X - w/casePhone 7.3 oz

Charging Cables/ Block - Rav Power 30W Charger 2.5 oz

Headphones - Iphone 0.3 oz

Dry Bag - Osprey 6L 1 oz

External Battery Pack - Anker 15000mAh or Anker 13000Mah 9.5 oz

Emergency Beacon - Garmin In-Reach Mini 4 oz

Headlamp - Nite Core Nu25 1.2 oz

Camera Gear

My camera gear is my main luxury item. It is heavier than a point and shoot, but I love the quality of mirrorless cameras. I also bring an additional lens for those occasional wide angle landscape shots like below. If I didn’t have my Fuji 14mm f2.8, this image wouldn’t have been as grand. I was actually missing my even wider 10-24mm lens in this scene, as there would be more room for the sky and foreground.