2021 PCT Ultra-Awesome Gear List
My PCT Thru-hike Preparation
Here is a breakdown of how I spent my time preparing for my 2021 PCT NOBO thru-hike:
- 90% analyzing gear
- 9% watching vlogs of other people hiking the PCT
- 1% calculating food and water resupply
- 0% learning navigational skills and how to read a topographic map
So yes, you could say I am feeling very prepared for my thru-hike…if my thru-hike consisted of a multiple choice quiz on the weight, fabrics, and volume of the items on my gear list. However, this will not help me when I am wandering through the Mojave Desert in 100° temperatures, wondering how difficult it is to self-diagnose heat exhaustion after my phone died and I hope I am walking in the right direction before I run out of water.
I rest easy knowing I am not alone. My echo chamber of UL (Ultra Light) backpacking gear subreddits and YouTube videos has confirmed other thru-hikers love talking about gear as much as I do. I have made multiple gear lists and spreadsheets in search of the perfect, yet personal balance of the backpacker’s Holy Trinity of Comfort (or Quality), Weight, and Cost. My well-versed cousin and PCT alumnus shared with me while I was preparing for my 2018 SOBO JMT hike that you can pick 2 out of 3 attributes for any given piece of backpacking gear, but you can’t have all three.
My JMT gear list heavily favored cost and comfort. I suffered the weight consequence the entire 220 miles along the JMT. One of the thru-hiking sayings is that you pack your fears. As the raw skin turned to callouses on my shoulders and hips on the JMT, I told myself I’d make lightweight gear my priority next time. With that, I’d have to sacrifice cost or comfort. My PCT Big 3 (backpack, shelter, sleep system) weighs half of what they did for the JMT. I’m still not in the sub-10 pound UL Cool Kids Club because I am not yet willing to give up certain comforts, like my pillow, sleep clothes, and flip-flops. We’ll see what happens on the trail, how my starting gear varies, and what my finishing gear ends up being.
Continue exploring Daniel Gerken's complete gear list here.
October 24, 2024
Trek ya
Njia ya Appalachian, Njia ya Divide ya Bara, Njia ya Crest ya Pasifiki, na kila kitu katikati. Tumejitolea kutumikia backpackers ya umbali mrefu.
Sisi sote ni vitu vya nyuma vya umbali mrefu.
Njia ya Appalachian, Njia ya Divide ya Bara, Njia ya Crest ya Pasifiki, na kila kitu katikati. Tumejitolea kutumikia jamii ya thru-hiking na umbali mrefu wa backpacking.
KUMBUKA: Mjadala wa Cordial unaruhusiwa na kuhimizwa. Ikiwa wewe ni mkatili, hata hivyo, maoni yako yatafutwa. Ikiwa unafanya mashambulizi ya kibinafsi kwa mtoa maoni mwingine au Blogger ya Trek au Mwandishi, utapigwa marufuku kutoka ukurasa huu.
Chunguza Maudhui Zaidi
Majina ya Vyombo vya Habari
The Sawyer Mini is super lightweight, fits in your pocket, and filters up to 100,000 gallons of water.
Majina ya Vyombo vya Habari
Sawyer’s picaridin spray works up to 12 hours, and the company’s picaridin lotion is effective up to 14.
Majina ya Vyombo vya Habari
The Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter earns our top pick for its unbeatable mix of weight, longevity and versatility.
Kutoka kwa kikosi
Mazungumzo ya Campfire na jamii yetu, kutoka kwa Wanachama wa Squad na Mabalozi kwa Washirika wa Brand na timu ya Sawyer.
