A man hiking on a mountain with a backpack full of gear.
A man hiking on a mountain with a backpack full of gear.

PCT Southbound Gear List & Strategy 2025

Mike Unger is one of few people in the world to thru-hike the PCT northbound (NOBO) twice and once southbound (SOBO). Together, with input from editors Naomi Hudetz and Liz Thomas, this PCT gear list explains differences between northbound and southbound PCT thru-hikes and section-hikes, what gear to carry, and how to prepare for each section of a southbound PCT hike.

Our goal is to set you up for success on your hike from Canada to Mexico using what we’ve learned from our southbound thru-hikes, including 7 PCT thru-hikes, and more than 50,000 miles of trail experience.

Continue reading to learn more about hiking the PCT, written by Mike Unger & Liz Thomas & Naomi Hudetz.

Majina ya Vyombo vya Habari

This spray protects you from tick-borne illnesses and is essential for outdoor adventure.

Hook & Barrel Staff
Tovuti

Majina ya Vyombo vya Habari

Streams, waterfalls, and rivers can quench your thirst in the wild, but they may carry dirt and impurities.

Dinal Jain
Mwandishi

Majina ya Vyombo vya Habari

Sawyer Squeeze is the longer lasting and more reliable filter, which should affect the choices of thru-hikers.

Jaeger Shaw
Owner & Managing Editor