Pacific Crest Trail Gear List
We are section hiking the Pacific Crest Trail in large sections, so our gear list has changed based on season, weather, and section. However, the core of our list has remained the same. We hope that it helps you consider what you want to take with you on your next hike!
A few notes:
- One benefit of being a thru-hiking couple is that we get to share carrying essential items like tents and stoves. Some people like to carry all of their own gear, but we’ve developed as backpackers together and prefer to share.
- We are section hiking the Pacific Crest Trail in very long sections, which means we have more flexibility regarding when we hike and what we need to carry.
- Backpacking is not cheap. We have slowly built up this gear list over the years and use many items on all of our backpacking trips. So don’t feel like you need everything all at once.
- These are just our lists and recommendations. We know everyone is different and has varying needs and preferences. Hike your own hike!
For reference, Kevin is a 6’2, 165lb male. Kathy is a 5’1 and 120lb female.
Kevin’s items and base weight (not including food, fuel, or water)
- For the Sierra Section that requires BearVault: 17.5 lbs
- For other sections that we used the Ursack: 15 lbs
Kathy’s items and base weight (not including food, fuel, or water):
- For the Sierra Section that requires BearVault: ~13.5 lbs
- For other sections that we used the Ursack: 11 lbs
Backpacks
Notes and Reflections:
- Shout out to Hyperlite. Lotus did a little bit of modeling for them and they sent us two of their new 40L Unbound backs for us to try and we absolutely loved them. They both held up super well and were a great size for us as lightweight hikers. The black pack is a little bit heavier, but is super sleek and doesn’t show dirt like the white pack. A dirty white pack does give some cred, though! Both are great, just pick your style.
- What we loved: there is a little shove pocket at the bottom of the pack to hang shirts or towels to dry as you hike. The front pouch has a ton of room for snacks. The side pockets are big, include a cinch, and are positioned well for easy water bottle access.
- Don’t forget to bring a compactor bag or pack liner for the rain. Hyperlite Mountain Gear packs are not fully waterproof.
Shelter and Sleep System
Kevin
Item | Wt. (oz) |
|---|---|
Hyperlite Unbound 2P Tent | 26 |
2.9 | |
Tyvek Ground Sheet | 5.6 |
26.2 | |
Thermarest NeoAir Xlite, Reg (REI | Backcountry) | 12.2 |
Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Pillow, Reg. (REI | Backcountry) | 2.6 |
NeoAir Repair Kit | 0.2 |
Total Weight | 75.7 |
Kathy
Item | Wt. (oz) |
|---|---|
Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilt, 20 Degrees, Short/Regular | 21 |
Thermarest NeoAir Xlite, Reg (REI | Backcountry) | 12.2 |
1.7 | |
Total Weight | 34.9 |
Notes and Reflections:
- Our Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilts were ideal! We both used 20 degree quilts, which we feel is a good sweet spot for insulation if you’re looking for a one and done option. It got a little warm in hot weather (but with a quilt you can stick out a leg or fling it off when needed) so other hikers might choose to use a summer weight bag for part of the trail.
- We believe pillows are not luxury items; they help you sleep and sleep is so important. We differ, as Stretch has a more plush inflatable Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Pillow and Lotus opts for a dual-purpose stuff sack pillow for clothes storage and pillow.
- Thermarest NeoAir XLites are the best all around sleeping pad. They are pretty reliable, very comfortable, and super warm. The new versions are a little quieter, too!
- One of the benefits of thru-hiking as a couple: we only need 1 tent and Stretch carries that.
Food, Water, Cooking System
Kevin
Item | Wt. (oz) |
|---|---|
3.2 | |
0.5 | |
3 | |
1.2 | |
Ursack Major XL Bear Sack (REI | Backcountry) | 8.2 |
1.5 | |
Smart Water Bottle | 1.3 |
BearVault 500 Bear Canister | 41 |
Total Weight | 18.9 (Ursack) or 50.2 (BearVault) |
Kathy
Item | Wt. (oz) |
|---|---|
3.6 | |
0.5 | |
2.1 | |
1 | |
2 Smart Water Bottles | 2.6 |
8.8 | |
36 | |
MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe (REI | Backcountry) and towel | 3.4 |
Bic Mini Lighter | 0.4 |
Total Weight | 22.4 (Ursack) or 49.6 (BearVault) |
Notes and Reflections:
- We prefer Ursacks to a bear barrel if we have a choice, but there are sections of the PCT that require a bear barrel. We included both the Ursack and the BearVault in the list above. Stretch carries a slightly larger bag or barrel because he needs more calories.
- 700-750ml titanium mugs are the ideal size for 1 person. We were able to cook everything we wanted and almost never felt limited by these cooking vessels.
- Both of our Humangear GoBites Uno Sporks lasted the entire trail! That was actually remarkable as we are used to plastic sporks like the Light My Fire breaking pretty frequently. And neither of us can stand the scraping sounds of titanium sporks, so those were never an option for us.
- Stretch upgraded to the full size Sawyer Squeeze for the faster flow rate. The Micro Squeeze is plenty fine for a few days to a week on trail, but beyond that its slower flow started to feel limiting. So we’d recommend the larger filter for thru-hikers. It’s less than an ounce heavier and totally worth it.
- One of the benefits of thru-hiking as a couple: we only need one stove and Lotus carries that.
Electronics, Accessories, Toiletries, and Extras
Kevin
Item | Wt. (oz) |
|---|---|
Black Diamond Spot 350 Headlamp with batteries (REI | Backcountry) | 2.9 |
Apple Earpods | 0.5 |
9.2 | |
1.2 | |
Lightning Cable | 0.6 |
USB-C Cable | 0.4 |
Cribbage Board with Cards | 3 |
1.1 | |
0.2 | |
First Aid | 1.2 |
Leatherman Squirt Multitool | 2 |
Bandanas (2) | 0.8 |
Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, earplugs, sunscreen, floss, gold bond) | 6.7 |
Total Weight | 29.8 |
Kathy
Item | Wt. (oz) |
|---|---|
Black Diamond Spot 350 Headlamp with batteries (REI | Backcountry) | 2.9 |
Apple Earpods with Dongle Converter | 1 |
2.2 | |
0.3 | |
9.2 | |
Moleskin Sketchbook and 2 Pens | 2 |
0.2 | |
First Aid Kit | 3 |
Hair Brush | 2.5 |
Toiletries (contact lenses - 1 month, nightguard, pill box, glasses, lotion, toothbrush) | 12 |
Bug spray | 3 |
Bandanas (2) | 1 |
Trowel kit | 3.8 |
1.7 | |
Total Weight | 44.8 |
Notes and Reflections:
- Power banks were essential for us to keep devices charged for navigation and documentation. The Nitecore NB10000 proved to be durable and reliable and is what we recommend for all backpackers.
Carried Clothing and Sleepwear
Kevin
11.9 | |
Marmot Precip Rain Pants (for rainy WA state) | 11 |
Patagonia Houdini Jacket (wind shirt for the Sierras) | 3.7 |
Patagonia Joggers (REI | Backcountry) | 5.9 |
Patagonia Capilene Cool Lightweight Shirt (REI | Backcountry) | 2.8 |
Jolly Gear Triple Crown Button Down | 8 |
Exofficio Give n Go Boxer Briefs (REI | Backcountry) | 2.9 |
Darn Tough Hiker MIcro Crew Cushion Socks (REI | Backcountry) | 2.4 |
Darn Tough Hiker Quarter Cushion Socks (REI | Backcountry) | 2.1 |
1 | |
1.3 | |
5.9 | |
Enlightened Equipment Torrid Jacket, Medium
| 9.2 |
Total Weight | 68.1 |
Kathy
Item | Wt. (oz) |
|---|---|
8.4 | |
6.2 | |
1.7 | |
Patagonia Barely Bra (REI | Backcountry) | 1.2 |
2.4 | |
Patagonia Capilene Cool Trail Shirt (REI | Backcountry) | 3.8 |
Patagonia Barely Bikini Underwear (REI | Backcountry) | 1 |
10 | |
Injinji Compression Toe Socks, XS/S (discontinued) | 2.6 |
8.3 | |
1.3 | |
Total Weight | 48.7 |
Notes and Reflections:
- Xero Z-Trail sandals were the best camp footwear for us and we highly recommend them. They are super light, very packable, comfortable around camp and town, and serve as great shower shoes.
- Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew socks are the best, provided you don’t need toe socks for blister prevention like Lotus. Stretch brings 2 pairs and they last the entire trail. And they are backed up by Darn Tough’s lifetime warranty so if they ever get holes, you can get a free replacement pair!
- Lotus hardly wore her Patagonia Capilene Cool Trail short-sleeved shirt. Anytime she would have worn a short-sleeve shirt, she opted to wear her crop. This is definitely a personal decision and she kept carrying the Capilene just in case.
- Stretch loved his Enlightened Equipment Torrid Jacket. It looks like you’re wearing a trash bag, but that is actually part of the hiker trash draw. This jacket is very warm, light, and durable – perfect for a thru-hike!
Worn Items and Clothes
Kevin
Item |
|---|
Hat |
Patagonia Nine Trails Shorts (REI | Backcountry) |
Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Socks (REI | Backcountry) |
HOKA Speedgoat Trail Running Shoes (REI | Backcountry) |
Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Trekking Poles |
Notes and Reflections:
- Our clothes held up better than we expected. We’re actually still wearing our shorts!
- I just got a new Stio Hylas pullover to wear instead of my hold REI Sahara. It has 50 UPF and is really stylish.
- Altra Lone Peaks lasted up to 500 mi per pair for Lotus, which is about what we’ve heard to expect from other hikers.
Specialized Gear
Kevin
Item
| Wt. (oz) |
|---|---|
7.8
| |
CAMP Corsa Alpine Ice Axe (45 cm) | 8.5
|
Kathy
Item
| Wt. (oz) |
|---|---|
6.6 | |
CAMP Corsa Alpine Ice Axe (45 cm) | 8.5
|
Notes and Reflections:
- We plan to carry spikes and ice axes for the Sierra section. It is a low snow year so we might not have to use them, but better safe than sorry! We will mail them home if they aren’t needed.
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