My PCT Gear List: The Things I Swear I Need (Until I Don’t)

I’ve spent way too many hours obsessing over my gear list for the PCT—like, way too many. But that’s part of the fun, right? Choosing the right setup feels like crafting a survival kit for the adventure of a lifetime—because, well, it kinda is.

So here it is: my starting gear. Will it change? Absolutely. Will I regret some choices? Probably. But that’s the beauty of a long trail—learning, adapting, and embracing the unexpected.

Continue reading to learn more about what to pack for the PCT, written by Myllene Madlena.

Majina ya Vyombo vya Habari

Sawyer’s picaridin lotion lasts a long time, stores well in survival kits and cars, and doesn’t have the laundry-list poison control label like DEET sprays.

Sean Gold
Founder & Lead Writer

Majina ya Vyombo vya Habari

Secure a small loop of cord to a trekking pole to create a convenient place to hang a water bladder and filter water.

Nathan Pipenberg
Mwandishi

Majina ya Vyombo vya Habari

It contains 20 percent picaridin, a powerful insect repellent that will make nights around the campfire much more enjoyable.

Liz Provencher
Freelane Writer